BolaButty Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Best for: Best budget portable Bluetooth speaker — 20W HD sound, IPX5 waterproof, 24-hour battery, music-syncing LED lights, TWS stereo pairing. Built-in mic, USB-C. Under $19 with 37,000 reviews.
Check price on Amazon →How we pick: we feature gadgets we’ve actually used or tested, score them honestly, and only recommend the ones that earn it. We may earn from qualifying Amazon purchases.
TidyHacks verdict
Video coming soon
We're filming the TidyHacks Short for this product. Subscribe on YouTube to catch it first.
Our review
A portable Bluetooth speaker for under $19 with 37,000 reviews and 77% five-star — that is the kind of value proposition that makes you wonder what the catch is. Having read through dozens of reviews, the honest answer is: there is not much of one.
The 20W output from dual drivers delivers surprisingly good sound for the price. It will not compete with a $200 JBL, but for a beach, pool, office desk, or camping trip, it fills a room with clear, balanced audio. Bluetooth 5.3 connects instantly and maintains a stable 33-100 foot range. The IPX5 waterproof rating handles splashes and rain (not submersion). Battery lasts up to 24 hours at 50% volume with lights off — realistic expectation is 10-15 hours with normal use.
The multi-colour LED lights sync to the beat of your music with 4 dynamic modes. You can turn them off with one button press to save battery. TWS mode lets you pair two speakers for stereo. Built-in mic handles hands-free phone calls. USB-C charging.
The downsides: bass is thin at high volumes (a common issue at this price). 5% one-star includes reports of units dying after months. Some users find it quieter than expected for '20W.' And the lights, while fun, drain battery faster. But at $19 with a 12-month warranty and lifetime tech support, this is essentially a disposable-priced speaker that performs well above its weight.
👍 Pros
- Under $19 — exceptional value
- IPX5 waterproof — pool and beach safe
- 24-hour battery at 50% volume
- Music-syncing LED light show
- Bluetooth 5.3 — stable, instant pairing
- TWS stereo pairing — connect two speakers
- Built-in mic for hands-free calls
- USB-C charging
- 77% five-star across 37,000 reviews
👎 Cons
- Bass thins out at high volume
- 5% one-star — some units fail after months
- Quieter than expected for '20W' claim
- LED lights drain battery faster when on
- Not fully submersible — IPX5, not IPX7
Specifications
| Type | Portable wireless Bluetooth speaker |
|---|---|
| Output | 20W (2 drivers) |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, up to 100 ft range |
| Waterproof | IPX5 (splash/rain proof) |
| Battery | Up to 24 hours (50% vol, lights off) |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Features | TWS pairing, LED lights, built-in mic, AUX jack |
| Weight | 1.28 lbs |
| Brand | BolaButty |
FAQ
Can I use it in the shower?
IPX5 means it handles water splashes and rain, but it is not designed for full submersion. Shower splashes should be fine; do not submerge it.
How loud is it really?
It fills a medium-sized room comfortably. For large outdoor areas, it may not be loud enough. Pair two in TWS mode for wider stereo coverage.
Can I turn off the lights?
Yes — press the Light button to toggle LED effects on or off. Turning them off significantly extends battery life.
Does it work with laptops?
Yes — it connects via Bluetooth to any device (phone, tablet, laptop). It also has an AUX jack input for wired connection (cable not included).
More Tech & Smart Home reviews
Get the best Amazon finds each week
One short email. New reviews, viral finds and the odd deal. No spam.