Thanks to modern technology, most of us carry our music
around on a mobile device or keep it in the cloud.  Seriously, besides maybe in your car, when’s
the last time you actually listened to a CD?

But what about when you want to play music out loud? Whether
you want to set the mood for a special dinner, put on some fun background noise
during a party or just relax and unwind at home, portable speakers are a great
way to plug and play from your phone or iPod.

With so many different brands and models available, choosing
the right one for your lifestyle can be tricky. But don’t panic! We’ve got some
great portable speaker options that will get the job done without costing you a
fortune.

1. MINI BOOM from Ultimate Ears

Don’t judge these little speakers by their looks! The MINI
Boom (pictured above) packs a surprisingly loud punch for its small size, and with five fun
different color combinations, there’s at least one to fit your style. The powerful speaker plays can wirelessly stream music from
Bluetooth-enabled devices up to 50 feet away and can also be paired with two
devices at once. UE MINI BOOM offers 10 hours of continuous play from a single
charge and can be conveniently recharged on the-go- with a micro USB cable. Price: $99.99, Available from UltimateEars

2. Eton Rugged Rukus

Looking for something more eco-friendly? These efficient speakers are solar-powered! Stream music wirelessly from any Bluetooth enabled smartphone, tablet or computer and charge your smartphone at the same time!  Perfect for hiking, camping or at the beach – the speaker’s solar power generates enough power to play your music all day long and into the night. The Eton Rugged Rukus really lives up to its name with an IPX-4 splashproof rating and a drop-proof from a height of 3.3 ft. Price: $99.99, Available from Eton

3. The Public Zoo
Collection from b?m wireless

Tap into your creative
side with these sleek, modern looking speakers featuring The Public Zoo designs
from pop artist Han Lee, who channels fanciful images inspired by Korean and
Japanese art. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, these portable
speakers connect wirelessly with any Bluetooth-enabled device up to 25 feet
away. No cords, rich sound and cute graphics – what could be better? Bonus: the
speaker comes with an adorable artsy charm and keychain. Price: $69.99, Available from www.bemwireless.com

4. Chant
Portable Audio System from House of Marley

Looking for some
earth-friendly speakers? These are the ones for you! Made with natural bamboo
and durable canvas, these speakers play for up to 6 hours, thanks to the
built-in rechargeable battery.  The Chant
comes in a protective canvas carry bag that features a carabiner and storage
pocket for the auxiliary cable and best of all, even the packaging is made out
of recycled materials. Love. Price: $59.99, Available from House of Marley

5. Lyrix
PowerBall from Digital Treasures

These speakers aren’t called treasures for nothing! The
diamond-cut dome shape of the Lyrix Powerball is eye-catching in any room.
These speakers offer 12 hours of continuous play and work with any
Bluetooth-enabled device up to 33 feet away.  We’re big fans of the fun colors – the
Powerball is available in blue, green, pink, black, red and purple. Price: $49.95, Available from Digital Treasures

6. Canz Speakers

They might be small, but the Canz speakers still offer 5-6
hours of battery life and great sound. These ultra-portable little gadgets get
the job done and look good while doing it. Price: $34.99, Available from 808 Audio