Bluetooth speakers are a useful invention, allowing your music to travel with you – whether that's from front room to kitchen, kitchen to garden, or garden to holiday villa pool.

The best on the market are handsome, sturdy, and – hallelujah! – capable of blasting out serious sound. That's a relief because the sound from portable speakers of yore was dodgy at best. When I set about testing Bluetooth speakers, I expected to encounter a soundwave of tinny, quiet products. Instead, I encountered beefy little units that were loud enough to raise the ire of my neighbours (true story: one popped his head over the fence to tell me to turn it down).

Without further ado, let’s get to the reviews. Here are my picks of the best Bluetooth portable speakers, starting with my favourite of all…

1. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom II

Why we like it: The Outdoor Boost button makes it perfect for parties

£89.99, John Lewis