At just $19.99, the Insignia Rugged Portable Bluetooth Speaker is the most affordable device on this list, yet it still delivers what you need. It’s Bluetooth 4.2, so it’s compatible with most smartphone models. Furthermore, it has an auxiliary input, making it perfect for users who want to use it with devices that do not have a wireless Bluetooth connection.
This small speaker has a couple of things primarily going for it: its price, which makes it the most affordable speaker you can get, and its water resistance. Although it doesn’t have an IP rating, it can still handle a few splashes here and there, and its thick rubber case protects it from minor bumps, scratches, and falls. It also comes with a strap, so you can easily hang it anywhere in your bathroom or workshop. A robust rubber flap also protects its aux and charging ports, preventing dust and water ingress at these locations.
However, many users complain that it’s not as loud as they expected, and its battery life is lacking. Nevertheless, it should be good enough for a small group of people who want to listen to music or audio in a relatively quiet place. It also still uses a micro USB port for charging, so you’ll likely need to dig out an old phone cable to power this speaker.
Given its cheap price, this is already good enough for what it is — a basic speaker for personal use. But if you can spare a little bit more, we recommend getting a speaker that can deliver a better experience with a longer battery life.
