Best cheap speakers for bass testing music

Looking for speakers that can really make your bass-heavy music thump? You've come to the right place. Finding speakers that handle low frequencies well without costing a fortune can be a bit of a quest. We've checked out a bunch of options to help you find the best speakers for your bass testing needs, so you can feel the music.

Key Takeaways

• The Electrotec Stage One is noted for its groundbreaking bass performance and long battery life.
• JBL Boombox 3 offers serious bass energy with a waterproof design, perfect for parties.
• Sony SRS-XG500 provides balanced sound with deep lows, featuring X-Balanced speaker units.
• Ultimate Ears Hyperboom is built for parties, with adaptive EQ and a rugged build.
• Tribit StormBox Mini+ is highlighted as a great-sounding, inexpensive option for bass.

1. Electrotec Stage One

When you're really trying to feel the bass in your music, the Electrotec Stage One is a speaker you'll want to check out. It’s built with some serious low-end power in mind, using custom drivers and a big subwoofer to get that deep sound. You know, the kind that you can feel as much as hear.

This speaker is designed to handle both indoor listening sessions and outdoor parties. It’s got a massive battery life – we’re talking 120 hours, which is pretty wild. So, you can probably get through a whole weekend of music without needing to plug it in. Plus, it’s weather-proof with an IPX6 rating, meaning a little rain or splash won’t hurt it.

The Electrotec Stage One is engineered to deliver powerful, resonant bass without getting all distorted, even when you crank it up. It’s a solid choice if deep, impactful lows are your main priority.

Here’s a quick look at what makes it stand out:

• Massive Battery Life: Up to 120 hours on a single charge.
• Robust Build: IPX6 weatherproofing for durability.
• Deep Bass Performance: Features custom drivers and a large subwoofer.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments.

If you’re someone who loves to feel the rumble and wants a speaker that can keep up with long listening sessions and various conditions, the Stage One is definitely worth considering for your bass testing needs.

2. JBL Boombox 3

When you want to feel the music in your chest, the JBL Boombox 3 is a solid choice. This speaker is all about bringing that big, booming sound, especially when it comes to the low end. It’s built to be tough and can handle getting a little wet, making it great for outdoor hangouts or poolside parties.

You get serious bass power with this one. It’s designed with dual subwoofers that really push out those deep notes, so if you’re testing tracks with heavy basslines, the Boombox 3 lets you hear and feel them.

Here’s a quick look at what makes it stand out:

• IPX7 Waterproof Rating: Don't sweat it if it gets splashed or caught in a light shower. It’s built to keep playing.
• 24-Hour Battery Life: This thing just keeps going. You can have music for a whole day and then some without needing to find an outlet.
• Rugged Design: It’s made to be taken places, so it can handle being moved around and used in different environments.

If you're someone who loves that deep, rumbling bass and wants a speaker that can keep up with your adventures, the JBL Boombox 3 is definitely worth checking out. It’s not just loud; it’s got that oomph that makes bass-heavy music truly come alive.

3. Sony SRS-XG500

When you're looking for a speaker that can really make your bass-heavy tracks thump without losing clarity in the rest of the music, the Sony SRS-XG500 is a solid contender. It’s designed to give you that deep low-end punch you crave, but it doesn't forget about the mids and highs. You get a really well-rounded sound that makes music feel alive.

This speaker uses Sony's special X-Balanced speaker units. Basically, these are shaped differently than typical round speakers, which helps them move more air and reduce distortion. That means cleaner sound, especially when you're pushing the volume. Plus, it has passive radiators that work with the main speakers to make the bass even more noticeable. You can really feel those low notes.

Here's a quick look at what makes it stand out:

• X-Balanced Speaker Units: For clearer sound and less distortion.
• Passive Radiators: Boosts that bass response.
• Water-Resistant Design: Don't sweat it if a little water splashes on it.
• Built-in LED Lighting: Adds a bit of atmosphere to your listening sessions.

While it's great for bass, you'll find it offers a balanced audio experience across the board, making it a good all-rounder for different kinds of music.

It’s also built to be portable, so you can easily move it from your living room to the backyard or take it to a friend's place. The battery life is pretty decent too, so you won't be scrambling for a charger halfway through your playlist.

4. Ultimate Ears Hyperboom

When you need a speaker that can really fill a space with sound, especially for bass-heavy tracks, the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom is a solid choice. It’s built to handle parties and loud gatherings, so you know it’s got some serious power behind it.

This speaker uses something called adaptive EQ, which basically means it listens to its surroundings and adjusts the sound automatically. This helps make sure the bass hits just right, no matter where you put it or what kind of music you’re playing. It’s also pretty tough, designed to handle spills and bumps, making it great for outdoor use or just general rowdiness.

Here’s what makes the Hyperboom stand out:

• Rugged Build: Don't worry too much about accidents; it's shockproof and spill-proof.
• Multi-Device Pairing: You can connect multiple devices and easily switch between them, which is handy if you and your friends want to take turns playing DJ.
• Dynamic Volume Control: This feature helps keep the bass sounding punchy and strong, even when you turn the volume up high.

The Hyperboom is a fantastic option if you want a speaker that can bring the party and handle your bass testing music with gusto. It’s not the smallest speaker out there, but its size contributes to its big sound. If you're looking for a speaker that can truly make your music felt, this one is definitely worth considering.

5. Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II

Alright, let's talk about the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II. If you're looking for a speaker that can fill a room with sound and has a pretty solid bass response for its size, this one's worth a look. It's not the cheapest option out there, but Bose usually packs some good tech into their gear.

One of the cool things about this speaker is its 360-degree sound. You can place it pretty much anywhere, and it'll sound good no matter where you're sitting. This is great for parties or just chilling in your living room because everyone gets the same audio experience. For bass testing, this means you can really hear how the low frequencies spread out.

Here's a quick rundown of what you get:

• Sound Quality: It's known for clear highs and mids, and while it might not shake the house with bass like a massive subwoofer, it provides a surprisingly full sound for its compact design. You'll definitely hear the punch in your bass-heavy tracks.
• Portability: It's designed to be moved around easily, with a handle on top. Plus, it's got some water resistance, so you don't have to freak out if you spill a little drink or it gets splashed.
• Battery Life: You can expect a decent amount of playtime, usually around 16-17 hours on a single charge, which is pretty good for a whole day of listening.
• Connectivity: It uses Bluetooth, so pairing your phone or tablet is straightforward. It also has an auxiliary input if you prefer a wired connection.

While it might not be the absolute king of deep, rumbling bass compared to some larger, more specialized speakers, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II offers a really balanced and enjoyable listening experience. It's a great all-rounder that handles bass well enough for most people's needs, especially if you value clarity and a wide soundstage.

When you're testing bass, pay attention to how the speaker handles the lower notes. Does it sound muddy, or is it tight and controlled? The Revolve+ II generally does a good job of keeping things clear, even when the music gets intense. It's a solid choice if you want a speaker that sounds good and looks pretty slick too.

6. Marshall Woburn III

If you're looking for a speaker that brings serious bass into your home, the Marshall Woburn III is a solid choice. It really lives up to the Marshall name with its classic, amp-inspired look that just adds a cool vibe to any room. You get these neat analog-style controls right on top, which let you tweak the sound exactly how you like it. It feels really well-built, like something that's going to last you a long time.

When it comes to sound, the Woburn III doesn't mess around. It's designed to give you that deep, powerful bass that you can really feel, but it doesn't forget about the rest of the music. You'll find that the mids and highs are clear too, so your music sounds full and balanced, not just a muddy mess of low frequencies. It's the kind of speaker that makes you want to turn it up and just enjoy the sound.

Here's a quick look at what makes it stand out:

• Iconic Marshall Design: It looks like a vintage guitar amp, which is pretty cool.
• Analog Controls: You get physical knobs for volume, bass, and treble, giving you hands-on control.
• Powerful Bass: Designed to deliver a deep and impactful low-end.
• Room-Filling Sound: It's built to sound great in a home environment.

This speaker is a great pick if you want that classic Marshall aesthetic combined with a sound that's got plenty of punch, especially in the bass department. It’s not really a portable speaker, more of a stay-at-home powerhouse.

7. Sonos Move

When you're looking for a speaker that can do a bit of everything, the Sonos Move is a solid choice. It's not just about blasting tunes; it's about smart features and good sound quality, including a decent punch in the bass department. You get a really well-rounded audio experience that works great for testing out the low-end frequencies in your music.

One of the cool things about the Move is how it fits into your existing Sonos setup if you have one. It also has this neat feature called Trueplay, which basically tunes the speaker to the room it's in. It's pretty clever and helps make sure you're getting the best sound possible, no matter where you place it. You can even connect it to a home stereo system to get a powerful bass experience beyond a typical musical instrument accessory.

Here's a quick look at what makes it stand out:

• Smart Connectivity: Works with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you have options.
• Room Tuning: Trueplay automatically adjusts the sound to your space.
• Durability: It's built tough and can handle a bit of outdoor use.
• Sound Profile: Offers clear mids and highs, with enough bass to feel it without being overwhelming.

While it might not have the absolute deepest bass on the market, especially compared to some larger, dedicated party speakers, the Sonos Move provides a balanced sound that lets you hear the details in your bass-heavy tracks. It's a great option if you want a speaker that's smart, sounds good, and can handle your bass testing needs without breaking the bank.

The Sonos Move is a good middle-ground speaker. It's not the cheapest, but it offers a lot of features and good sound for the price. You'll appreciate its ability to adapt to different environments and its solid bass response for casual listening and testing.

8. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4

When you're looking for a speaker that can handle a bit of rough and tumble while still putting out some decent bass, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is a solid choice. It's a small, round speaker that's surprisingly tough. You can drop it, get it wet, and it even floats, which is pretty cool if you're planning on using it near a pool or at the beach.

For its size, the Wonderboom 4 packs a punch. While it might not have the deepest sub-bass you can find, it does a good job of making basslines feel present and impactful in your music. It's a great option if you want to feel the rhythm without breaking the bank. You get a clear, spacious sound that works well for a variety of music genres. Plus, it's easy to carry around, making it a good companion for outdoor adventures or just moving from room to room.

Here's what you can expect:

• Durability: It's IP67 rated, meaning it's dustproof and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. It can also survive a 5-foot drop.
• Sound: Offers a clear sound with noticeable bass impact, though audiophiles might want more nuance.
• Portability: Small and lightweight, making it easy to take anywhere.
• Battery Life: You can expect around 11 hours of playtime on a single charge.

If you're curious about how different audio components affect sound, understanding amplifiers can be helpful. They play a big role in how loud and clear your music sounds, and you can find more details about them here.

The Wonderboom 4 is a straightforward speaker that focuses on being durable and easy to use. It's not trying to be the most sophisticated piece of audio gear, but it gets the job done for casual listening and bass testing on the go.

9. Tribit StormBox Mini+

Looking for a small speaker that doesn't skimp on bass? You might want to check out the Tribit StormBox Mini+. It's a pretty neat little package that punches above its weight when it comes to low-end sound. You'll be surprised how much boom you can get from something this size.

This speaker is a great option if you want something portable but still crave that satisfying bass response for your music. It's not going to shake the room like a massive party speaker, but for personal listening or filling a small space, it does a really good job.

Here's a quick look at what makes it stand out:

• Surprisingly Full Sound: For its compact dimensions, the StormBox Mini+ manages to produce a sound that feels complete, especially in the bass frequencies. You won't feel like you're missing out on the low notes.
• App Control: This updated version comes with an app that lets you tweak the sound. You can choose different sound modes or even use a nine-band equalizer to get things just right for your ears.
• Durable Design: It's built to handle a bit of life's adventures. With an IPX7 rating, it can handle being submerged in water for a while, which is handy if you're taking it to the beach or by the pool.

While it might not get as loud as some bigger speakers, and the clarity isn't always top-tier when you push the volume, the StormBox Mini+ offers a really solid bass experience for its price point. It's a good choice if you're on a budget and want to hear your bass-heavy tracks with some real impact.

10. Dali Kupid

Alright, let's talk about the Dali Kupid. These little guys are pretty neat if you're short on space. They're not huge, so you can probably tuck them onto a shelf or a desk without them taking over the whole room. Plus, they're not super picky about where you put them, which is nice.

When it comes to sound, the Kupids are surprisingly lively. They don't exactly shake the house with booming bass, but they make up for it with a really clear and energetic midrange. You know, the part of the music that really carries the melody and vocals? They do a good job there. They're also pretty good at keeping up with fast-paced music, giving it a real sense of rhythm.

Here's a quick look at what they offer:

• Compact size: Easy to place in most rooms.
• Lively sound: Great for rhythmic music and clear vocals.
• Affordable: A good option if you're watching your wallet.

They're not going to give you earth-shattering bass, but for their size and price, you get a really engaging sound.

While they might not be the best choice if you're looking for deep, rumbling bass that you can feel in your chest, the Dali Kupid speakers do a fantastic job of bringing music to life with their energetic and detailed sound. They're a solid pick for anyone who appreciates clarity and a good sense of rhythm in their audio.

Wrapping It Up

So, finding speakers that really make your music thump doesn't have to cost a fortune. You've seen a few options here that can bring that deep bass sound without emptying your wallet. Whether you're looking for something to blast tunes in the backyard or just want to feel the music more at home, there's a speaker out there for you. Don't forget to think about where you'll use it most and what features are important, like battery life or if it needs to be tough enough for outdoor adventures. Happy listening!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a speaker good for bass?

For great bass, you want speakers with bigger drivers, like woofers or subwoofers, which are designed to push more air and create those deep sounds. Also, look for passive radiators, which help smaller speakers sound fuller. Good tuning by the manufacturer is key too, ensuring the bass sounds rich and not muddy.

Do I need a big speaker for good bass?

Not always! While bigger speakers often have an advantage, clever engineering like using passive radiators or specialized drivers can help smaller speakers deliver surprisingly deep bass. It's more about how the speaker is designed than just its size.

Can cheap speakers really handle bass testing?

Yes, you can definitely find affordable speakers that do a good job with bass. While they might not reach the deepest lows of high-end models, many budget options are designed to provide a satisfying bass response for casual listening or testing. You just need to know what to look for.

What does "weatherproof" mean for a speaker?

Weatherproof, often shown as an IP rating like IPX6 or IPX7, means the speaker can handle things like rain, splashes, or even being submerged in water for a short time. This is great if you plan to use your speaker outdoors or near a pool.

How long should the battery last on a portable speaker?

Battery life varies a lot. Some smaller speakers might offer around 10-15 hours, while larger, more powerful ones can last 24 hours or even more – some up to 120 hours! Think about how long you'll be listening away from a power source when choosing.

What's the difference between a smart speaker and a regular Bluetooth speaker?

A smart speaker, like the Sonos Move, usually connects to Wi-Fi and can be controlled with your voice using assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. It can also connect to other smart devices. A regular Bluetooth speaker primarily connects to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth for music playback.