The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air outperforms all other portable AirPlay speakers in professional tests. Reviewers praise its full, rich sound, as well as its futuristic design. However, its large size and dependence on Wi-Fi keep it from being truly portable.

The Sony SRS-BTX500 offers the best combination of all the features you’d want in a wireless speaker: well-balanced sound, portability, decent (though not outstanding) battery life and a sleek design. Reviewers say it pairs easily with all types of Bluetooth devices. It also includes a speakerphone function that users find very handy.

No other portable speaker of any size gets as many recommendations as the Bose SoundLink Mini. Both professionals and users say it produces amazing sound for its size, and it’s also very solidly built. Many users even think its sound quality surpasses that of pricier full-sized speakers. However, it lacks a speakerphone function and its battery life is only so-so.

The TDK Life on Record Wireless Weatherproof Speaker A33 features a sturdy, splashproof design that makes it ideal for outdoor use. Both professionals and user reviewers say it delivers good sound, with a surprising amount of bass for its small size. Its weakest point is its battery life: only five to six hours per charge.