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 Creative Sound Blaster GS5
4.7

The side volume knob and buttons are convenient, responsive, and cover the essentials. Their labels can be hard to see when the bar sits low beneath a screen.

Pros: Bluetooth range, optical

Cons: Home theater integration, Headphone output quality

#3 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

#4 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

#5 JBL Xtreme 4
4.5

On-device controls were praised as simple, big, and easy to use.

Pros: Bluetooth range, App reliability

Cons: Bluetooth codec support, Omnidirectional sound

#6 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

#7 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

#8 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

#9 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

#10 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

#11 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

#12 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

#13 JBL Go 4
3.8

The top-mounted play, skip, and volume controls are simple and useful, with separate power and pairing buttons on the side. A few users found the activation area narrower than the...

Pros: Voice clarity, Multipoint connectivity

Cons: Cohesive presentation, Soundstage height

#14 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

#15 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

#16 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

#18 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