Bluetooth speakers continue to improve each year, with an ever increasing number of well-designed models that offer impressive sound for their compact size. A few at the top of our list are the Soundcore by Anker Boom 2, Bose SoundLink Max and Tribit StormBox Micro 2.

Best new Bluetooth speaker: Soundcore by Anker Boom 2

We liked the original Soundcore Motion Boom, which made our best Bluetooth speakers list and was one of the better mini boom box Bluetooth speaker values over the past few years, selling for around $80. The 3.75-pound Boom 2 costs more but sounds substantially better. It has more than double the power rating of the original, so it not only plays louder but kicks out more bass and offers better clarity at higher volumes (it’s equipped with two tweeters and one subwoofer). It also has a couple of built-in LED lights to help create that party vibe. It’s an impressive-sounding speaker for its size and good value.

Waterproof (IPX7-rated) with a floatable design, the speaker’s battery life is rated at up to 24 hours at moderate volume levels (it charges via USB-C) and you can tweak the sound and customize the lighting with the Soundcore app for iOS and Android. There’s also a USB-out port to charge your devices.

Best-sounding mini boom box Bluetooth speaker: Bose SoundLink Max

When we first heard about the SoundLink Max, we were a little surprised Bose would put out a $399 Bluetooth speaker after the $149 SoundLink Flex speaker did so well. The Flex was so successful because it not only sounds good for its compact size, but it doesn’t cost that much — at least not for a Bose product. Not surprisingly, the 4.89-pound Max also sounds impressive — it may just be the best-sounding for its size — and has a premium design with a built-in rope handle that’s replaceable (the Max is fully waterproof and dust-proof). It’s a great Bluetooth speaker, but at $400, its high price tag may turn some folks off.

Best value micro Bluetooth speaker: Tribit StormBox Micro 2

Back in 2020, Tribit released the StormBox Micro, a budget version of Bose’s excellent SoundLink Micro speaker that delivered surprisingly good sound for its size and modest price. The second-gen StormBox Micro 2 offers improved sound and battery life, along with a charge-out feature that turns the speaker into a power bank for devices such as smartphones and tablets. An integrated strap allows you to clip it to your backpack or your bike’s handlebars.

Like the original, it’s an excellent value and easy to recommend if you’re looking for a super-compact portable wireless speaker. It does cost $60 but sometimes can be found for closer to $50.

For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.