All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Big sound doesn’t always have to come in a big package. Soundboks is putting that idea to the test with its new Rider speaker, the smallest and lightest model in the brand’s lineup.

The Soundboks Rider arrives Sept. 17 for $599 and weighs 14.3 pounds, making it considerably more portable than the brand’s larger party speakers. Despite its smaller frame, it can reach up to 118 decibels and is designed to bring high-volume listening to outdoor settings, from tailgates and beach days to backyard parties and weekend getaways.

Soundboks/Drasmus Kongsgaard Check out the Soundboks Rider Speaker

Soundboks Rider Key Specs

  • Price: $599
  • Weight: 14.3 lbs.
  • Max volume: 118 dB
  • Battery: Up to 35 hours at mid-volume
  • Battery at max volume: Up to 8 hours
  • Charging: About 2 hours with the Soundboks Charger
  • Durability: IP66-rated
  • Audio: 8-inch woofer and 1.2-inch tweeter
  • Wireless: Bluetooth 4.2
  • Wired: 3.5mm AUX
  • Frequency range: 40Hz-20kHz

Portability is clearly the focus here. The Rider measures 13.8 x 9.4 x 7.9 inches and has a built-in carry handle, while its strap accessory can be purchased separately. The speaker also has a reinforced ABS casing, silicone ball corners and a detachable steel grille.

It’s also built with outdoor listening in mind. The Rider has an IP66 rating for water and dust resistance, so it can handle more than just a spot on the living room floor. Soundboks also says the speaker is designed to withstand drops and impacts, making its relatively compact size more practical for taking it on the move.

BEST PORTABLE SPEAKER FOR PARTIES

Soundboks Rider

$599 Buy Now at soundboks

Small enough to carry but loud enough to power the party, the Rider reaches up to 118 dB and lasts up to 35 hours on a charge.

The included swappable battery is another reason the Rider is designed for travel. It delivers up to 35 hours of playtime at moderate volume or eight hours at full volume, and the battery can be swapped out rather than requiring the speaker itself to stay plugged in. The battery also features a USB-C output with 10W USB Power Delivery for charging another device.

Listeners can customize the sound through the Soundboks app, which offers preset sound profiles for different environments alongside custom EQ controls. The app can also control volume, manage connections and deliver firmware updates.

The Rider is designed as a standalone speaker rather than an addition to an existing multi-speaker setup. That distinction matches its overall pitch: Instead of planning an entire party around your sound system, you can grab the speaker and take the music wherever the day goes.