speakers are introducing the idea of raving anywhere to a whole new generation who may have missed the classic block-party boom box of the 1980s. These new speakers look like compact PA systems, and often sound just as loud, with bold and brash looks and bass-heavy profiles. They’re honestly a huge amount of fun.
The rising popularity of party speakers coincides with a broader shift toward entertaining at home rather than in bars and nightclubs, particularly among younger consumers. A July 2026
found that 68 percent of US Gen Z adults say going out is just too expensive, while
found that 64 percent now drink primarily at home, up from 42 percent a year earlier.
Where people socialize may be changing, but the need for good atmosphere certainly isn’t. Traditional Bluetooth speakers are convenient and sound great, but they struggle to bring the party. Party speakers, with their serious volume, portability, and LED lights, don’t have that problem.
For more audio guidance, check out WIRED’s guides to the
Party speakers are large, high-output Bluetooth speakers designed for social gatherings, sitting somewhere between a conventional wireless speaker and a portable PA. Current battery-powered models range from around 100 to 800 watts of power, with most offering between 12 to 25 hours of battery life, if not more. Expect large drivers, bass-boost modes, LED lighting, handles, wheels, and even replaceable batteries to keep the party going. Microphone and instrument inputs, karaoke controls, and the ability to link multiple speakers are also common, as are partner apps that give you the chance to play DJ, curate the lighting, and alter the sound.
I’ve tested party speakers indoors and out, and at background, party, and ear-bleeding volumes. Sound quality is still important, but it’s party time, so bass, vocal clarity, and minimal distortion are key, as is how well the sound can travel (especially outdoors). Karaoke testing was dutifully undertaken by a gaggle of excitable but discerning tweenagers.
As well as playing rave classics at top volume (sorry, neighbors), I’ve analyzed the various EQ and control apps, AI features, digital signal processing (DSP) modes, and the speaker’s ability to pair with DJ equipment, separate sources, and musical instruments.
Party speakers range from boxes one person can comfortably carry to 60-pound-plus towers on wheels. Power varies, but I’ve tested designs from 100 to 800-plus watts. As a general rule, the more watts it can output, the louder it will be, but clever DSP means brands like JBL and Sony can often make more noise with less watts than you might think.
Your needs will again depend on how you party, but between 12 to 25 hours is common. Remember, though, high volume and lighting can cut that number down. Soundboks, for example, quotes 40 hours at mid volume but only six to eight hours at maximum, depending on the speaker.
As well as Bluetooth for wireless convenience, 3.5-mm or other line inputs are useful for DJ controllers, mixers, and sources beyond your phone, while some models add RCA, quarter-inch, or XLR connections. Outdoor users should look for an IP rating. Replaceable batteries, wheels, sturdy handles, and physical controls become considerably more important once a speaker leaves the living room.
Yes, provided it has a suitable wired input. DJ controllers and mixers typically have a line-out option, commonly through RCA, quarter-inch, or XLR connections, although a 3.5-mm aux input can also work with the right cable.
If you are mixing, use a cable where possible, as Bluetooth introduces enough latency between moving a control and hearing the result to make accurate cueing and beat-matching difficult. Some specialist DJ systems like the
use proprietary low-latency wireless connections to get around this, but ordinary Bluetooth isn’t designed for the job.
There’s plenty of crossover between party speakers and karaoke machines, but they’re not always the same thing. Some party speakers include one or two microphone inputs, while better-equipped models add wireless mics, separate vocal volume, echo or reverb, ample controls, and even vocal removal. The $350
, for example, includes two wireless microphones and real-time vocal removal.
A dedicated karaoke setup puts singing rather than music playback first, and may offer more extensive microphone controls, song management, and accessories. WIRED’s
How Do I Connect Multiple Phones to the Same Bluetooth Speaker?
Bluetooth multipoint lets two phones stay connected simultaneously, although switching between them varies by speaker. For larger groups,
let guests choose music from their own phones while one device stays connected to the speaker.
also supports collaborative playlists, enabling several people to add songs in advance or during the party.
Bluetooth 6.1 with multipoint, Auracast, USB-C audio, USB-A, 3.5-mm aux input, two 6.3-mm mic inputs
AI karaoke, AI lighting, app EQ and DJ effects, repl