Short answer: the Klipsch Austin. It ranks #15 of 62 small speakers by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $54.95. The Monster Bluetooth Speaker ranks #39, rated 3.0/5, at $19.99, $34.96 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Monster Bluetooth Speaker is the lighter option. A very cheap, light waterproof travel speaker with USB-C charging, aux and microSD playback, and stereo pairing. At 0.4 lbs (185 g) it weighs much less than the Klipsch Austin at 0.9 lbs (397 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the Klipsch Austin lacks. The tradeoff: Its tiny 36mm driver has very limited bass (about 95Hz at -10dB), elevated mids and rolled-off highs.
The Klipsch Austin is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. A rugged waterproof mini speaker with dual passive radiators, a metal grille, and stereo pairing with a second unit. Its bass reaches about 70Hz before falling 10dB, against 95Hz for the Monster Bluetooth Speaker. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 6.5 for the Monster Bluetooth Speaker. It links with other speakers (Broadcast Mode), which the Monster Bluetooth Speaker cannot. Watch for: Not as deep bass as higher ranked speakers.
Buy the Klipsch Austin. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $34.96 with the Monster Bluetooth Speaker does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A very cheap, light waterproof travel speaker with USB-C charging, aux and microSD playback, and stereo pairing.
A rugged waterproof mini speaker with dual passive radiators, a metal grille, and stereo pairing with a second unit.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Monster Bluetooth Speaker | Klipsch Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 | $54.95 |
| Ranked | #39 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #15 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 95Hz | ~70Hz |
| Battery Life | 6.5 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (10W reverse USB-C charging) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (185 g) | 0.9 lbs (397 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 5W | 10W RMS |
| Dimensions | Specifications vary by model | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.7” (109 x 109 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.4” (36mm) full-range driver | 1.5” (38mm) full-range with dual passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (carabiner hook, suction cup) | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Charging Time | - | 2 hours |
| Maximum SPL | - | 89dB (Manufacturer specified) |
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