Bose SoundLink ($299)

Sound Quality:

Below full volume, the box pumped out rich vocals, deep sound, and subtleties like rattling snares and high-hat-cymbal echoes. Bass distorted at high volumes, but four drivers kicked out notable decibels.

Portability:

The Bose rocks steady, with a projected 8-hour battery life. But it's bulky at 5 x 2 x 9.5 inches and almost 3 pounds.

Ease of Connection:

Not intuitive to connect. We had to, of all things, read the instructions. The key: Hold down the speaker's Bluetooth button.

Collision Test:

The SoundLink's removable case suffered an unsightly dent, but the speaker continued to function after a spill.

The Bottom Line:

To gain portability and battery life, these all compromise sound quality. Small drivers and speakers can push only so much air. (Bluetooth compression did not harm the sound, defying our expectation.) For a picnic or a party in a tent, the Bose model is the best of the bunch. But for $300, audiophiles may prefer a rechargeable dock.


Read more: Wireless Speakers: Abusive Lab Test - Popular Mechanics