At Engadget, we’ve tested a lot of audio equipment. In our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers and smart speakers, we’ll give you a detailed look at which ones out of thousands are worth your money. Not surprisingly, many of these picks come from solid brands like Bose, JBL, Ultimate Ears, and Marshall, but there are very few cheap picks.
Amazon’s October Prime Day is here, and many of these speakers are currently discounted, and some are cheaper than ever. Here are the best Prime Day speaker deals we’ve found on the models we recommend.
Best Prime Day Bluetooth Speaker Deals in October
Photo by John Tuli/Engadget
Our guide to Bluetooth speakers has portable speakers for almost any situation. Whether you just want some tunes to hang out at home or need to entertain your co-workers with a musical dance experience, you’ll find something here for you. Best of all, these are on sale!
Tribit StormBox Micro 2 $48 ($32 off): This is the smallest music box on our list, and we like it because it packs some serious sound for its size. The audio isn’t the highest fidelity, but the rubber straps are great for attaching to packs, bike handlebars, etc.
JBL Flip 6 $80 ($50 off): After reading the guide, this is the speaker I purchased. We love that this cowler-sized device has great sound quality, is durable, and sounds great even when laid down. Or do a handstand.
Marshall Emberton II $100 ($70 off): This clutchable model has two 10-watt drivers and a passive radiator for 360-degree sound. Although not very loud, I found the output to be balanced. It offers up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge and has an IP67 water and dust resistance rating.
Marshall Middleton $250 ($50 off): This is the flagship of Marshall’s waterproof/portable line. We love the excellent sound quality and impressive output from the dual woofers, front and rear tweeters, and passive radiators on each side.
Ultimate Ears Hyperboom for $320 ($130 off): At 13 pounds, this UE speaker pushes the boundaries of portableness and approaches shelf speaker territory. It was featured in our guide thanks to its great looks, high power output, and plenty of port options. If you charge it, you can play it for 24 hours.
Best Smart Speaker Deals on Prime Day in October
Photo by Amy Skolheim/Engadget
I never thought I’d own a smart speaker, but now it can turn on my smart lights, set my noodle timer, remind me about Saturday’s group FaceTime, and most importantly, tell me what the weather is like today. I ask Alexa to do everything for me, including giving me things. It’s always a good idea to get these devices on sale, so take advantage of Prime Day prices whenever possible.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th generation) $23 ($27 off): The Dot is the most popular model in Amazon’s family of smart speakers. Although it is small, the volume is sufficient and you can hear pretty good music from the speakers. But where it really shines is in acting as an everyday smart home assistant.
Amazon Echo (4th generation) for $50 ($50 off): If you plan on using your Echo regularly as a music source, the full-size model is probably a better option. Naturally, the larger the size, the louder the sound, and the more you pair the two together. Recommended smart speakers under $100.
Amazon Echo Spot (2nd generation) for $45 ($35 off): Half-softball with a small display, the Spot has been discontinued for a while, but it’s back with a new look and a half-moon screen that can show the time. I’m here. The weather and the song that’s playing.
Amazon Echo Pop $18 ($22 off): The smallest Echo device is perfect for tight spaces where Alexa assistance comes in handy. Although it’s not made for playing high-fidelity music, you can play tunes while getting ready or making dinner.
Best October Prime Day Soundbar Deals
Nathan Ingraham/Engadget
You’re not alone. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to hear dialogue on TV shows. Soundbars have made a huge difference in my home. Of course, these long speakers and sets also make the movie more immersive. Engadget’s Billy Steele tested them and published his favorites in our Soundbar Guide. Good news for those ready to turn off subtitles, the Prime Day sale also applies to many of these features.
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