9 Best Portable Speakers With AUX Input (All Budgets)

• With the rise of Bluetooth, portable speaker AUX inputs are on their way out.
• But many still want the ability to connect their non-Bluetooth devices like turntables, old TVs, PCs etc
• We compile 9 best portable speakers on the market with AUX input
• If you’re after pure power, check out our roundup of the  7 Loudest Bluetooth Speakers

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It seems like just about every speaker company has followed Apple’s lead – they’re letting go of the aux input! Yikes!

The good news is that, while fewer and fewer portable speakers with aux inputs are available on the market, reputable audio manufacturers like Bose, JBL, and Ultimate Ears still offer plenty of speakers with an aux input.

Each of the wireless portable speakers with aux inputs have been chosen based on the following:

1. How they sound and performed. We looked at their overall frequency response, and how well they performed when turned up loud.
2. Battery life. Nobody wants a portable speaker that runs out of juice in just a couple of hours.
3. Connectivity. Ensuring Bluetooth range is ample and free from connection issues.
4. Other features. A mixed bag of things like IPX ratings, durability and their ability to interlink with multiple speakers.

What Are The Best Portable Speakers With Aux Input?

The market’s best portable (and wireless) speakers with AUX input are:

1. JBL Charge 4 (Best Overall Portable Speaker With Aux Input)
2. JBL Flip 4
3. UE Megaboom 2 
4. Sony SRS-XB43 
5. Anker SoundCore 2 (Best Budget Portable Speaker With Aux Input)
6. JBL Xtreme 3 (Loudest Portable Speaker with AUX Input)
7. OontZ Angle Solo
8. DOSS SoundBox Touch Portable Wireless Speaker 
9. Anker Soundcore Mini

 1. JBL Charge 4 (Best Overall Portable Speaker)

Key Features:

• IPX7 rating for water resistance certifies it to be immersed in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes.
• Supports up to 20 hours of playtime and charges your device via a USB port
• Ability to wirelessly connect more than 100 JBL Connect plus enabled speakers.
• Wirelessly connect up to 2 smartphones or tablets to the speaker 

Unfortunately, JBL stopped adding aux inputs to their portable speakers a few years ago, so the newest JBL Charge 5 only carries Bluetooth.

Luckily, the JBL Charge 4 is still a great quality speaker and comes at a lower price than the newer version.

Overall, I chose this model as my top pick due to the extended battery life (up to 20 hours off a full charge), aux input option (duh), and the quite impressive volume boost, as compared to many other low-profile Bluetooth speakers of similar size on the market.

All in all, an excellent all-around portable Bluetooth speaker with a reasonable price tag, and plenty of color options.

It’s one I’ve personally taken around with me traveling, and the aux input has come in handy for connecting up old hotel TVs to.

2. JBL Flip 4

Key Features:

• Up to 12 hours of continuous playtime 
• Wirelessly connect up to 2 smartphones or tablets 
• Completely waterproof 
• Can link over 100 JBL-approved speakers together
• Can activate Siri or Google Now
• Bluetooth 4.2 

Available in six different colors, the JBL Flip 4 is a small footprint and lightweight device that hasn’t given me any issues in the several years I have owned it.

While the sound may be a little lackluster compared to the newer Charge 4, I still think they are a decent bang-for-buck speaker that gets the job done, like a faithful hound.

For those looking for some extra flavor of the spoken kind, the Flip 4 features a built-in noise and echo-canceling speakerphone for crystal clear conference calls. Not something I ever tried, but it does sound cool.

The one lingering negative of the JBL Flip 4, (and the JBL Charge 4) is that it features Bluetooth 4.2 which is only one-fourth the range of the new Bluetooth 5.1.

This may or may not be an issue to some people as the range still offered under 4.2 is pretty solid.

3. UE Megaboom 2 (Best Overall Sound)

Key Features:

• Waterproof (IPX7) means you can completely submerge it in water for up to 30 minutes 
• Shockproof
• 100 ft. Bluetooth wireless range (Bluetooth 5) 
• Up to 15 hours of battery life 
• 360-degree omnidirectional sound 
• PartyUp feature allows you to wirelessly connect more than 50 UE speakers

 
Unfortunately, the UE Megaboom is a little harder to find brand new as they stopped manufacturing these after Ultimate Ears made the UE Megaboom 3, but the fact that I still have this speaker at #3 is saying something.

This one is definitely the overall best-sounding speaker in terms of frequency response and directional sound.

With omnidirectional sound, this thing is best placed in the center of a kick-back or social gathering. Its frequency response outperforms all of the others on this list, too. On top of that, it’s one of the most durable speakers on this list.

There are many things to like with the UE Megaboom and if an aux input isn’t too much of an issue, the UE Megaboom 3 is even better.

4. Sony SRS-XB43

Key Features:

• Extra bass-boost feature 
• The IP67 is waterproof, rustproof, and dustproof. Can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, and floats 
• Comes with a carrying box 
• Up to 24 hours of battery life 
• Ability to stand or lay on its side 

The Sony SRS-XB43 comes in three colors: black, blue, and beige. While the exterior design is a little corny, this speaker gets louder than some of the top picks on this list and offers up to 24 hours of battery life off a single charge – oh the huge manatee!

Ahem. The SRS-XB43 has all the features of other speakers in its class, including Bluetooth capabilities, waterproof and dustproof ratings, and its own bass-boost feature for more festive environments.

Additionally, it comes with a free, high-quality, highly durable traveling case to really sweeten the deal.

5. Anker SoundCore 2 (Best Budget Portable Speaker)

Key Features:

• 12W of audio power 
• IPX7 rating means waterproof, dustproof, snowproof, and splashproof
• Up to 24 hours of battery life 
• Bass boost feature 
• Bluetooth 5 
• Wireless stereo pairing 

The Anker SoundCore 2 lacks the punch of others on this list, but for under $40, it is a great budget speaker with AUX input. It has all the capabilities as the others mentioned.

The bass leans on the lighter side, but midrange and highs are detailed enough for light use (you won’t be using this to power any large parties).

That said, if you do want more volume — you can pair two SoundCore 2 speakers via a single device for stereo sound and (you guessed it) double the volume.

In regards to build quality, the Soundcore 2 is pretty rugged. Thick, durable silicone skin that makes it weatherproof. Good to know for any outdoor abuse that may get thrown its way.

Lastly, on connection – you can either pair this device with Bluetooth or plug it in with a 3.5mm aux cable directly to your device. 

 6. JBL Xtreme 3 (Loudest Portable Speaker With Aux Input)

Key Features: 

• 15 Hours of Playtime
• USB-C charging 
• 53.5Hz-20kHz frequency response
• P67 rating meaning it is fully waterproof and dustproof
• Bluetooth 5.1 
• 4 drivers and 2 bass radiators 
• Comes with a carrying strap with a built-in bottle opener 

The JBL Xtreme is the biggest speaker on this list and offers an extremely loud sound that could easily power a kickback party.

While it isn’t your “party speaker” and can’t deliver those low party frequencies, it’s a good mix between a party speaker and a portable speaker.

PartyBoost allows you to connect multiple devices to the JBL Xtreme and multiple JBL Speakers in either stereo or party mode (twice the loudness in mono or twice the loudness in stereo).

With three different color options, two 25W woofers, and two 25W tweeters inside, this thing is a big, stylish, and the most powerful speaker on this list. 

7. Oontz Angle Solo

Key Features:

• 100-foot Bluetooth range (Bluetooth 5) 
• Up to 10 hours of playtime at 2/3 volume
• Built-in microphone for personal handsfree speakerphone calls from a smartphone 
• IP55 Rating: Dust and water-resistant, so it will stand up to splashes by the pool 

The Oontz Angle Solo comes in 4 colors: black, red, blue, and white. It comes at a surprisingly low price, which almost doesn’t make sense for a speaker with this design.

While naturally not as high quality as the others on this list, it does have its place as a low-budget shower speaker or as an additional everyday carry speaker that you can easily take on the go with you hiking or traveling.

While not completely waterproof, it is splashproof and dustproof. At only 8 ounces, this thing delivers louder than expected volume with 5W output and comes equipped with Bluetooth 5 and an auxiliary input.

8. Doss SoundBox Touch Portable Wireless Speaker

Key Features:

• IPX4 water resistance (gentle splashproof)
• Up to 20 hours of playtime at 50% volume
• 12W of power 
• Built-in microphone 
• Stereo sound
• Bluetooth 4.0 

The SoundBox comes in 9 basic colors, and its design is elegant, simple, and easy on the eyes. It’s shaped like an alarm clock and has a built-in microphone – what’s not to love?

While it is missing the full waterproof capabilities and enhanced connectivity that the other speakers in this review have, the SoundBox is the only speaker on this list that features stereo sound without pairing two of them together.

The connectivity range of the Doss SoundBox is also limited by Bluetooth 4.0, which has only one-fourth the range of the newer Bluetooth 5.1. – once again, no biggie in my experience.

Ooo, and before I forget. What makes this speaker unique is that there are no buttons! Only touch pads. Some may love it, some not so much. You do have to agree it looks pretty sleek!

 9. Anker Soundcore Mini

Key Features:

• Micro SD support and AUX capability
• Bluetooth 4.0
• 15 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge
• 18-month warranty
• 5W driver and passive subwoofer

The Anker Soundcore Mini is different than all of the other speakers on this list because of its size. It’s tiny! While it only supports Bluetooth 4.0 instead of the newer 5.1, it’s got a surprising amount of battery life and loudness for its size.

This thing is a perfect addition for a car ride or a camping trip to give you that extra portability for listening to music without the hassle of carrying an expensive piece of gear. 

FAQs

What Is Aux Mode On a Speaker?

Aux mode means a wired connection to your speaker. The alternative is to use Bluetooth, which is wireless.

Also called auxiliary, aux mode will use a 3.5mm cable to connect from the aux input jacks of your playback device to your speaker.

Do Bluetooth Speakers Have Aux Input?

While many Bluetooth speakers in 2022 have begun to phase out AUX, many still have auxiliary inputs. Some major brands such as JBL and Ultimate Ears only offer AUX inputs in some of their older products or some of their “party” products.

Overall, only about 50% of portable speakers on the market have an aux input as of 2022.

Which JBL has AUX?

JBL Xtreme 3, JBL Charge 4, JBL Flip 4, JBL PartyBoxes, and JBL Pulse 4 have aux inputs.

JBL, like Apple, began moving towards exclusive wireless devices in recent years, but their PartyBoxes will always have an aux input because of their size and niche.

Can You Use The JBL Xtreme For Phone Calls?

No, the JBL Xtreme does not have a built-in microphone, so you cannot use it for a phone call.

Is Aux Quality Better Than Bluetooth?

Yes, auxiliary quality is better than Bluetooth. Wired connections are lossless and are better at recreating the sound than wireless.

Most people won’t be able to notice the difference between the two.

Do Bose Speakers Have Aux Inputs?

It depends on which Bose Speaker you buy. The SoundLink II and SoundLink Revolve II have auxiliary inputs, but many Bose portable speakers do not.

How Do I Connect My Aux To My Wireless Speaker?

You will need a 3.5mm cable to connect between your device (such as your phone) and your wireless speakers AUX INPUT. Ensure that you have the suitable cable and that your wireless speaker has a 3.5mm auxiliary input.

If you have a newer version of iPad or iPhone (past iPhone 6), you will also have to purchase a 3.5mm-to-lightning cable adapter.

Before you head off, check out our guide to the 9 Best Bluetooth Speakers For Parties!