What are the best portable PA systems and speakers on the market?
There are a plethora of reasons why someone may need a PA speaker that is portable and compact. Parties, events, weddings, performing music, and classrooms are a few reasons, to say the least. However, there are also a variety of different types of PA systems and speakers. Depending on your situation, some portable PA systems may be a better fit for you than others.
Here are a few examples. (1) Some below have Bluetooth pairing while others don’t. (2) A few below have the ability to be completely wireless without being plugged into a power outlet. (3) Most below have a built-in mixer, while others are a stand-alone speaker.
To say the least, at least one of the portable PA systems and speakers below will be the perfect fit for you and your needs. After extensive research, personal experience, and help from a few buddies in the audio industry; We put together a list of the 9 absolute best portable PA systems and speakers.
Before getting started, keep in mind that the systems with “wireless” next to the name have the option to go completely wireless.
All of these Portable PA systems can be used for the following
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Events
- Parties
- Classrooms
- Presentations
- Exercise classes
- Acoustic performances (besides SOUNDBOKS 2)
- Small DJ gigs
- Corporate events
1. Powerwerks PW50
The Powerwerks PW50 is an incredible portable PA speaker that packs a powerful punch. Running below $100 on Amazon, this system is an outstanding bang for the buck. It is very compact and well-built with a nice design. However, with 50 watts, it is surprisingly loud.
The two separate EQ settings to adjust the highs and lows work very well. This is a great feature to use since some people prefer more of a boomy bass than others. There are claims that this PA was able to fill a 20,000 square foot building with the volume at only 60%. On the backside, it has an XLR to plug in a microphone and a quarter inch for guitar, bass, other high impedance sources.
The aux-in located on the backside can be used to blast music with your phone for parties and events. Something I find unique is the subwoofer output designed to connect the PW112-S that is sold separately.
The 3-channel mixer makes it an excellent tool for a variety of applications. For example, A singer who also plays acoustic guitar can plug both the microphone and acoustic directly into the PA.
They can both be used at the same time, and they will still produce excellent quality of sound. You are also able to EQ and adjust the volume for each channel separately. With its twin 4.5 inch drivers, the audio is very clear and well balanced between the lows, mids, and highs.
Pros
- Affordable (Below $100)
- Compact design
- Very loud for the size
- Quarter-inch for loud instruments
- 3-channel
Cons
- Only 2 EQ settings
- Not loud enough for outdoor events
Details and Tech Specs
- 3-channel mixer
- Able to connect multiple PA systems of the sam PW brand
- Very loud for compact size, 50 watts
- 2 EQ settings to adjust highs and lows
- Great sound quality
- Twin 4.5 drivers and a horn
- 1/8 Mini Input
- XLR input for microphone
- Back up speakers for larger events
2. Behringer Europort PPA500BT
The Behringer Europort PPA500BT is a portable but high-quality PA system that comes with two speakers, one mixer, and a microphone. It can compact into a suitcase design. You can now carry your entire PA system with one hand on one trip. It has six different channels to use.
With each channel, you can adjust the treble, bass, FX, pan, and volume. The first 2 channels are designed for wired or wireless microphones. Channels 3-6 are stereo audio inputs in which channels 5 and 6 can be used for Bluetooth connection. One feature I find very beneficial with this system is the feedback rejection feature. On the middle left-hand side is a button labeled FBQ. Once it’s turned on, the chances of getting feedback significantly reduces.
The sound quality is incredibly loud and clear. With 5oo watts, you will most definitely be shocked by how loud these compact speakers get. Regardless of the event, the volume will not be an issue. The 1.35” aluminum-diaphragm compression drivers give the Behringer Europort PPA500BT ability for excellent clarity.
Not only do the speakers produce great sound, but the microphone coming with the purchase is another thing that surprised me about this system. It is a much higher quality microphone than you would expect and produces great clarity.
While the Behringer Europort PPA500BT is one of the higher-priced systems on this list, it is also one of the highest-rated. With its easy setup, 500 watts for the loud volume, clear sound, compact design, lightweight, built-in features, six channels, Bluetooth abilities, feedback rejection feature, and a good microphones with the purchase; The Behringer Europort PPA500BT is an incredible choice for anyone in need of a portable PA system. I strongly recommend it.
Pros
- Incredible sound quality
- 500 watts
- Foldable into suitcase
- Great feedback rejection feature labeled (FBQ)
- Very lightweight
Cons
- No output to add an additional subwoofer
- Pocket for cords gets unattached at times while traveling
Details and Tech Specs
- Able to compact into a suitcase design
- Bluetooth technology (channels 5 and 6)
- 2 speakers
- 1 mixer
- 1 wired microphone
- 6 channels
- Multi-FX processor
- Built-in 5 band equalizer
3. Bose S1 Pro (wireless)
The Bose S1 is a top-of-the-line portable speaker with Bluetooth capabilities. This unit is a bit pricey but extremely high-quality with near-flawless reviews. If you’re looking for a top-tier portable PA system that has wireless capabilities, the Bose S1 is the system for you.
You have the option to either plug this speaker directly into a power outlet or use it as a wireless speaker with its built-in rechargeable battery. On a full charge, it gives you up to 11 hours of playtime while it is not plugged in. The Bluetooth range gives you up to 30 feet.
It’s incredibly light and compact, weighing 15 pounds. However, the sound quality and volume level is much louder than it looks. Something I find interesting about this speaker is its exceptional versatility with four positions of sound. The best way to describe the 4 positions for sound is in the picture below.
As you can see, it can be used for musicians, speakers to a sitting audience, speakers to a sitting audience, or as a monitor for musicians. Each setup varies on the audience for optimal performance.
To sum up the sound quality in a few short words, a crystal clear response with an immense amount of volume. Bose hit a grand slam with this portable PA system. The rich and high-quality sound it produces with such a little speaker will genuinely blow your mind. It provides more than enough volume for most indoor or outdoor venues leaving headroom for more.
The thing that surprised me the most was the unique ToneMatch feature. In short, it automatically EQ’s the sound depending on the location or room you are at. After I use the ToneMatch, I generally need to adjust a few things very subtle or none at all. This feature plays a vital benefit to musicians or speakers who do not know much about EQ.
Overall, if you’re looking for the highest quality wireless PA system without a budget, do not look any further than the Bose S1 Pro.
Pros
- Very compact and portable
- Battery operated with a built-in rechargeable battery
- 2-year warranty
- 3-channel mixer
- ToneMatch feature automatically adjust the sound depending on your location
Cons
- Few people receive defective units (be sure to purchase from respected online stores)
Details and Tech Specs
- Built-in lithium-ion battery rechargeable battery
- Great for portable DJ’s at smaller events
- 2-year Bose warranty included with the purchase
- 30 feet of Bluetooth range
- Easy Bluetooth pairing
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Wireless capabilities with up to 11 hours of battery life
- Auto EQ feature
- 3 channel mixer
- Built-in sensors and multiple aiming positions
- Three 2 1/4″ drivers and a 6″ woofer inside the S1.
4. LyxPro SPA-8
Next up, the 100-watt LyxPro SPA-8 is an affordable PA speaker with two channels. It is incredibly compact and portable, weighing at only 14.7 pounds. On the back is a built-in mixer with more than enough features to use. An easy Bluetooth setup, the system gives you 30 feet of wireless Bluetooth range.
It can be used as either a monitor for more significant events or the main speaker for smaller events. As a matter of fact, one of my bands uses this lightweight speaker as a monitor and a backup just in case our bigger speakers don’t work. For us, it works great every single time. Like most compact speakers on this list, the loud volume for its small size will undoubtedly surprise you.
In terms of sound quality, the mids and highs are incredibly clear without any distortion. In my opinion, the lows slightly lack. However, on the back of the speaker is an equalizer to get the sound you prefer. When we are not using it as a monitor, I generally give a bit more of a boost to the low end.
The Bluetooth connectivity is relatively easy to connect. First, you hit the button labeled “BT” on the back of the speaker. After that, you scan your phone on the reader located directly above the “BT’ button. However, if you don’t need to use Bluetooth, there is a USB port you can use for direct connectivity.
Lastly, the LyxPro SPA-8 is relatively durable and well-built. I have not had any issues with it so far since my band has used it in the summer of 2017. This portable speaker is a great choice at the price.
The only downside to the LyxPro SPA-8 is the many claims of people getting a defective unit. However, considering my band does not have a defective unit, I can confirm this speaker is a great value for the low-price.
Pros
- Very compact and portable
- Can be used as a monitor or speaker
- Easy Bluetooth connection
- Good sound quality for low-price
Cons
- Few claims of the fuse breaking easily
- Lows (bass) slightly lack
- Claims of people getting a defective unit
Details and Tech Specs
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Extremely compact
- 100-Watt
- 2 channel mixer
- Auxiliary port
- USB port located on the back of the speaker
- 30 feet of wireless Bluetooth range
- SD card input
- Mixer on the back of the speaker
- Able to link multiple speakers at once with an XLR
5. Pyle PPHP8MBA (Wireless)
Another highly rated portable PA speaker, the Pyle PPHP8MBA is an excellent value. This unit has the ability to be entirely wireless with its built-in 12.1V lead acid 3000mAh rechargeable battery. You can now throw parties deep in the woods without any source of power!
Better yet, it has a built-in extendable carry handles and wheels just like a suitcase. The 360-watt speaker is compact and portable. It’s only 19 inches tall, 10.4 inches wide, and 13.4 inches deep. The built-in mixer on the backside of the speaker has many different controls. It has two inputs for two separate microphones, a USB port, auxiliary port, a 15V DC input, an SD card slot, and an equalizer.
The sound quality is clear and enjoyable. While this speaker may not be very loud, it gets the job done for most smaller events. In terms of how loud it gets, I recommend this system for parties, smaller events, band practice, or other purposes for music in a wireless situation that does not need extreme volume.
For those who wish to use this with a microphone, it does an excellent job for smaller events, classrooms, or conferences. It does not feedback, and the sound quality is clear without distortion. Overall, the Pyle PPHP8MBA is the perfect wireless portable PA system for those in need of a wireless speaker below $100.
Pros
- Great for small events
- Extendable carry handles and wheels for easy travel
- Built-in rechargeable battery for wireless abilities
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not very loud
Details and Tech Specs
- 360 Watts
- Wireless abilities with built-in 12.1V lead acid 3000mAh rechargeable battery
- Bluetooth capabilities
- Relatively durable with ABS plastic housing
6. The New SOUNDBOKS (Wireless)
If the loudest possible wireless PA speaker is what you need, the The New SOUNDBOKS is possibly the one for you. This speaker is yet another unit that’s top-of-the-class that’s designed for high quality across the board. I give it a 10 out of 10 for convenience, sound quality, Bluetooth connectivity, volume, fully wireless abilities, portability, durability, and longevity.
It is not a surprise to me that The New SOUNDBOKS has the highest ratings of any portable PA system or speaker on the market. Coming with the purchase is the BATTERYBOKS rechargeable battery that easily inserts in the back of the speaker.
Wireless or not, the sound quality is out of this world for any speaker this size. It reaches up to 119dB in volume, which is more than enough for just about any application you will need a wireless PA speaker for. On the back of the speaker is a control knob for three separate settings; Off, indoor, and outdoor. The indoor environment is a bit lower in volume while the outdoor setting is more expansive, crisp, and has a boost in the high end.
If you’re planning on starting an instant party wherever you go, this is the portable wireless Bluetooth speaker for you. Think about it, instant parties at a beach, tailgate, lake, or anywhere of up to 50 people.
Let’s talk about the durability and longevity for a moment. Believe it or not, the Soundboks 2 is weatherproof, liquid-proof, and shockproof. I’m not saying you should throw the speaker in a pool and expect it to work. However, if someone spills a drink on it at a party or if it’s rained on, it will withstand those conditions. You will notice the flawless build quality the second you pull it out of the box. The bumpers on each corner help protect it from falls and help it slide easier.
After 5 hours of charging, The New SOUNDBOKS provides roughly 40 hours of wireless playtime. You can charge this once for a 4-day beach trip. That’s if you plan on staying on the beach for 10 hours a day! Overall, I highly recommend this portable Bluetooth speaker for anyone looking for loud volume and wireless capabilities. Unfortunately, it does not have a mixer or XLR.
Pros
- Very loud for compact design
- Great sound quality
- 40 hours of wireless playtime after full charge
- Built-in rechargeable batteries
- Weatherproof, liquid-proof, and shockproof
- Great Bluetooth
Cons
- Expensive
- No mixer or XLR
Details and Tech Specs
- 33 pounds
- Comes with a BATTERYBOKS battery
- Bluetooth 3.0
- Volume up to 119dB (AKA very loud)
- 3 separate controls on the back (off, indoor, outdoor)
- Auxiliary jack
- Roughly 40 hours of battery life per full charge (wireless mode)
7. BEHRINGER MPA40BTPRO (Wireless)
Created in Germany, the BEHRINGER (MPA40BTPRO) is the only wireless PA system on this list that comes with a microphone. With two separate channels, each with an XLR and standard 1/4″ jack, you can plug-in just about any instrument or microphone.
Considering the two channels, a singer/songwriter can hook up a mic and instrument to perform just about anywhere. Street performers will significantly benefit from the BEHRINGER (MPA40BTPRO) wireless PA system. With a full charge, you get 12 hours of battery life. In case you prefer to plug the unit in, you can plug it into a wall with the included 6-foot power cord. With a metal grill, it is well-built while maintaining its lightweight of 20 pounds.
The speaker and microphone are rather straightforward to use. You will not need a manual to set it up. This is yet another highly rated portable system with 40-watts. The foldable transport handle and wheels make it much more convenient to travel with. However, the compact design and lightweight make it as portable and convenient as it is.
Besides the portability, another convenient factor is the easy Bluetooth pairing. All you have to do is press the button labeled pairing on the back of the speaker. After that, click BEHRINGER MPA40BTPRO on your phone to connect it.
In terms of sound quality, the BEHRINGER MPA40BTPRO is precise and detailed for its compact size. In my experience, it’s best to bring the treble up to about 75% for the best sound. The low-end is decent but can be better. A downside to this unit is the poor build quality of the microphone that comes with the purchase. You must be very careful and not drop it! However, the sound quality the microphone produces is clear and does the job.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- 12-hour wireless battery life
- Comes with a wired microphones
Cons
- Few claim longevity issues (charge stops working, speaker blows)
Details and Tech Specs
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Mountable speaker with the 35 mm socket
- Built-in D class amplifier allows it to be lightweight
- 40-Watt
- 8-inch woofer
- 1-inch tweeter
- Does not have phantom power
- Easy setup
- Rechargeable 12V led acid battery
- 12-hour battery life
- Treble and bass EQ knobs
- Battery life LED indicators on the back of the speaker
- Comes with a wired microphones
- 20 pounds
8. Yamaha STAGEPAS 600I
The Yamaha STAGEPAS 600I is a dual pair of speakers that are compact and portable. It is very popular and very highly rated. This system is unique in its way, considering the massive built-in mixer on the back of one speaker. The mixer can be taken out of the speaker and placed back in. It has 10-channels with basically everything you need for most situations. Thus, a 2 in 1 product for added convenience and portability.
For channels 1-4, it offers XLR ports and adjustable settings for the reverb, lows, mids, and highs. Channels 5-10 provide a line-in with adjustable settings of lows, mids, and highs. Unfortunately, channels 5-10 do not have a reverb. Channels 5-10 can either be run as stereo or mono. Channel 4 has a Hi-Z that works great for electric guitar. The picture below shows you what the built-in mixer looks like.
Something I really like about this system is the main EQ green knob at the bottom right. For speeches, it’s best to turn it to the left. If you want more bass, turn the knob to the far right. Another feature that most people use quite often is the feedback suppressor located near the master volume. It works exceptionally well and puts feedback to a minimum.
The Yamaha STAGEPAS 600I sound quality is very bright. It is possibly one of the louder and more professional portable PA systems on the market. It can be used for just about any professional applications for outdoor use, small venues, and medium-sized venues. This system is best for DJs, musicians, and bands that prefer a lighter load to carry. In my opinion, it produces the same high-quality sound as most PA systems twice the price.
Keep in mind that this system must be plugged into a power outlet. It does not have wireless capabilities. Also, if you want Bluetooth, you must purchase a separate Bluetooth receiver. Unfortunately, it does not have built-in Bluetooth. Overall, I highly recommend the Yamaha STAGEPAS 600I as a convenient and portable solution for professional settings up to 200 people audience.
Details and Tech Specs
- 10-channel
- Can be used for DJ’s, bands, musicians, and speakers to an audience of 200 people
- Does not have built-in Bluetooth
- Subwoofer output
- 3.5 mm input
- Phantom power button
- Feedback suppressor feature
- Built-in mixing board on the back of one of the speakers
- Channels 1-4 offers the following; XLR inputs, Reverb, lows, mids, and highs
- Channels 5-10 offers the following; Line-in for instruments, lows, mids, and highs
- Channels 4 has a Hi-Z designed for electric guitar
- Channel 5-10 can be ran as stereo or mono
9. Fender Passport Conference
Last but not least, the Fender Passport Conference Portable PA system comes with two speakers and one mixer. Conveniently, you are able to attach all three units together and carry it like a suitcase. The suitcase design also decreases overall hassle by a substantial degree.
It has three separate mono channels with XLR and quarter-inch inputs and two extra channels with stereo input. Each of these three channels has a volume and tone knob. Unfortunately, it does not have Bluetooth pairing.
The sound quality is excellent. It is very clear and gets incredibly loud without distortion. In my opinion, it can use a bit more bass. However, if your a speaker or performing low key gigs, the Fender Passport Conference is an excellent choice for you.
It is an overall great bang for the buck portable PA system that has incredibly high ratings. Overall, if you’re looking for a portable and affordable PA system for performing or speaking at low-key gigs or events, I highly recommend Fender Passport Conference.
Details and Tech Specs
- 175-watt mixer
- No Bluetooth
- Weight total: 40 pounds
- Each speaker has a 5 1/4 inch driver
- Each speaker consists of two tweeters
- 5 -channel mixer
- 3-channels each have an XLR and quarter-inch inputs
- Each channel has a volume and tone knob
- Able to compact into a suitcase design
Quick Recap
Here Are The 9 Best Portable PA Systems On The Market
- Powerwerks (PW50)
- Behringer Europort PPA500BT
- Bose S1
- LyxPro SPA-8
- Pyle PPHP8MBA
- SOUNDBOKS 2
- BEHRINGER (MPA40BTPRO)
- Yamaha STAGEPAS 600I
- Fender Passport Conference
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