Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers for Kids & Active People (NZ 2025)
Portable Bluetooth speakers have become must-have companions for music lovers on the go — perfect for kids, students, and anyone who lives an active lifestyle.
In this article, we’ll look at what makes a great portable speaker, compare some of the best options available in New Zealand, and explain why our favourite is the JBL Go 4.
First up - in amongst all the advertising jargon how do you know what’s important? We’ve put together a handy table so you’ll know just what to look for.
This table should help you know exactly what to be looking for in any portable speaker.
Next, we looked at the features of two well-known portable bluetooth speaker models.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 charges via USB-C, has a 14-hour battery life, and is pairable.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4
Price (NZ): From $148
Pros:
360° sound and strong bass for outdoor play
Fully waterproof and rugged design (‘drop-proof’, and it floats)
Great battery life (~14 hours)
Cons:
More expensive than some models
No wired option so if your player doesn’t support Bluetooth you’ll need to upgrade it
Heavier than other models at 420g
We think this is a fantastic choice for families wanting higher volume and durability for outdoor adventures together.
JBL Go 4
The JBL Go 4 is super small but still packs a punch.
JBL Go 4
Price (NZ): From $48–$67
Pros:
Incredibly compact and lightweight (~ 190 g), this is the smallest speaker that JBL make
Clear, balanced sound with JBL’s signature Pro Sound
Dustproof + waterproof and rugged for poolside or classroom use (this one also floats!)
Simple Bluetooth (5.3) pairing to connect to multiple player devices simultaneously plus Auracast multi-speaker link to connect multiple Go 4’s for stereo or surround sound
Eco-friendly materials and charges via USB-C
Adjust the EQ via JBL’s app
Cons:
While advertised and reviewed as ‘rugged’, it’s not labelled ‘drop-proof’ like some other models
The small size is offset with a shorter battery life of 7 hours. Still enough for most outings, but will need charging on multi-day trips.
The superior sound quality is offset with directional drivers so it will sound very different for those standing behind the speaker.
In short this is a small speaker with big personality that’s nearly indestructible. It’s also affordable, which makes it perfect for kids (and families who would like their kids to be able to take their music elsewhere).
Other Notable Mentions:
UE (Ultimate Ears) Boom 2 – This one is a great all-rounder with strong Bluetooth range and waterproofing. Comes in at around $150
Sony SRS-XB100 – Excellent clarity and durable cylindrical design, often under $100.
Generic rugged “kids / waterproof speakers”: Many cheaper models are marketed for kids or outdoor use (e.g. splashproof, rugged cases, fluffy, unicorn horns…) exist — but often compromise in sound quality, Bluetooth reliability, or build quality. We prefer trusted brands so you know you’re making an investment rather than a throwaway purchase with limited brand reliability.
Why the JBL Go 4 is Our Favourite Portable Bluetooth Speaker
After comparing models on portability, durability, sound, and user-friendly features, the JBL Go 4 stands out for these reasons:
It offers an excellent balance between compactness and performance — light and small enough for students and active users, yet able to deliver clear, usable audio output.
Its IP67 waterproof/dustproof rating and robust build make it resilient in varied environments (outdoor, near water, travel).
The battery life (7 h + boost) is sufficient for most practice sessions, bus trips, or outdoor use.
Features like Playtime Boost and multi-unit pairing (Auracast) make it versatile.
It’s built with some recycled materials, contributing small steps toward sustainability.
It’s credible — JBL’s brand reputation gives assurance in reliability, service, and compatibility.
It’s super affordable, and one of the cheaper options on the market - in line with many of the budget brands
In short: for everyday use, student environments, and general portability without extreme audio demands, it’s one of the best options the market. It’s small size does mean bass response is a little more limited, but most non-audiophile listeners won’t find this problematic.
The JBL Go 4 comes in a range of fun colours and is something you can (finally!) trust your kids with.
