Best 2024 Speakers for On-device controls

#1 Marshall Willen II
4.8

On-device controls were a clear strength, especially the Marshall joystick for playback, volume, and track changes.

Pros: Status indicators, Bluetooth connectivity

Cons: Wired input, Power bank function

#2 Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Speaker
4.5

On-device controls were praised as simple, obvious, and satisfying, especially the large volume buttons and straightforward playback controls.

Pros: Google, Dust resistance rating

Cons: Wired input, Remote control usability

#3 Tribit StormBox 2 Bluetooth Speaker
4.5

Physical controls were a highlight, with reviewers praising simple, large, visible, and easy-to-use buttons.

Pros: Cohesive presentation, Stereo imaging accuracy

Cons: Surround sound simulation, App reliability

#4 Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar
4.5

On-device controls received positive but limited evidence as useful when the remote is unavailable.

Pros: Soundstage height, Surround sound simulation

Cons: Chromecast compatibility, Google

#5 Sonos Roam 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
4.4

On-device controls were praised for tactile playback, volume and grouping functions, especially because they remain usable around water or without relying on the app.

Pros: Voice assistant responsiveness, Wi-Fi streaming reliability

Cons: Wired input, Float capability

#6 JBL Clip 5 Bluetooth Speaker
4.3

On-device controls are generally easy and intuitive, though one review criticizes missing previous/next track control.

Pros: Setup simplicity, Latency with TV (lip sync)

Cons: Speakerphone quality, Microphone

#7 Soundcore Boom 2 Plus Portable Speaker
4.3

On-device controls were praised because key functions could be accessed manually without relying on the app.

Pros: Setup simplicity, Water resistance rating

Cons: Smart assistant integration (Alexa, Microphone

#8 Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker
4.2

On-device controls were generally good, with praise for responsiveness and positive feel, though one reviewer missed backlighting.

Pros: Dust resistance rating, Low-volume performance

Cons: Charging time, Microphone

#9 Tribit XSound Plus 2 Portable Wireless Speaker
3.9

On-device controls are mostly useful and tactile, though repeated volume presses and hard-to-see buttons draw some criticism.

Pros: Latency with TV (lip sync), Price / value for money

Cons: Dust resistance rating, Bluetooth codec support

#10 Creative Pebble X Plus Computer Speakers
3.9

On-device controls were generally useful and tactile, but one reviewer found volume steps coarse and another wanted more sound-shaping control.

Pros: Bluetooth connection stability, Surround sound simulation

Cons: Bluetooth codec support, Audio format support

#11 Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker, 2nd Gen
3.6

On-device controls were mixed, with praise for the programmable shortcut and clearer play/pause layout but criticism of touch navigation.

Pros: Bluetooth connection stability, Dust resistance rating

Cons: Wired input, Power bank function

#12 Kanto REN Speakers
2.8

On-device controls drew a limitation because the front control is useful but not very versatile without the remote.

Pros: HDMI ARC, Stereo imaging accuracy

Cons: Surround sound simulation, Bluetooth codec support

#13 Morel Biggie Portable Bluetooth Speaker
2.8

On-device controls were divisive: they were straightforward once understood, but hidden buttons and antiquated controls frustrated some reviewers.

Pros: Stereo imaging accuracy, Bluetooth range

Cons: Low-volume performance, Water resistance rating

#15 Bose Smart Soundbar
2.1

On-device controls are consistently limited, with reviewers noting few controls and missing playback buttons.

Pros: Chromecast compatibility, Spotify Connect reliability

Cons: Google, Privacy and data