Sound and battery: 20 portable Bluetooth speakers

Music on the move

Libratone Zipp

Libratone's Zipp is the biggest speaker on test, but it's no giant. Standing only 25cm tall and with a diameter of 12cm, it takes up very little room on a shelf. The Zipp also has more features than any other speaker here, which goes some way to explaining its price.

As well as connecting by Bluetooth or audio cable, it can connect to a Wi-Fi network and act as a receiver for Apple's AirPlay or DLNA. It can be set up using NFC, and also supports HTC Connect and Spotify Direct. There's a full-size USB-A socket from which you can charge your smartphone; the Zipps's own Lithium-ion battery is charged using an included AC adapter.

For such a large speaker, battery life is disappointing at only six hours, but that's my only complaint. The leather strap makes it easy to carry around, and the changeable covers (you can claim a free one when you register a Zipp) are fun. Audio quality is up there with the Beoplay A2. It's slightly bassier, and trebles and mids aren't as well-presented as they are in the B&O speaker, but there's very little to choose between them.

At a shade under £300, the Libratone Zipp is expensive, but it offers plenty for the money and isn't bad value at all.

Price £299
More info Libratone

House of Marley Liberate BT

House of Marley's Liberate BT certainly looks the part. It's wedge-shaped design makes it very stable, and the combination of House of Marley's Rewind fabric (a mix of hemp, organic cotton, and recycled plastic bottles) and natural bamboo will appeal to the eco-conscious.

If you're not turned on by the styling or environmental credentials, however, then you may well be more attracted to some of the alternatives here. There's no NFC support or stereo mode, though it can be used as a speakerphone. There's also an auxiliary input to connect to non-wireless kit.

Audio quality is no better than the cheaper Braven 705, and at eight hours, while reasonable, it doesn't match that speaker's 12-hour life. If you like the styling the Liberate BT is a decent buy, but there's better value to be had elsewhere.

Price £120
More info House of Marley