7 Best Portable PA Systems of 2024

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Portable PA systems can take your music, comedy set, and more anywhere, allowing you to bring your act on the road. The right portable PA system will allow you to play music and more wherever you are without too much effort on the transportation side of things.

In this article, we're going over the top eight portable PA systems of 2024, covering what exactly earned each of them a spot on our list. We also included a buyer's guide at the end so you know what to keep in mind while you're shopping for your system.

Our #1 pick for the best overall portable PA system of 2024 is the Mackie Showbox due to its reasonable price tag, durable construction, and extremely lightweight design. Keep reading to see if the Showbox is the best system for you or if another one of the portable PAs we cover will fit your style better.

Best Portable PA Systems

SPECS

• Weight: 21 lbs.
• Total Power: 400W
• Power Source: AC Power, Battery Power

The Mackie Showbox is the perfect PA system for our #1 overall pick. At less than $800 at the time of writing, you're getting an extensive list of features that compete with the premier PA systems for half of the price.

The Showbox is a great all-in-one performance rig. Some of our favorite features relate to the ease of use Mackie made sure to put into their system. Simply plug in the Showbox to your mixer and let the Autogain feature ensure you have proper levels for you.

Bluetooth connectivity is another huge feature the Mackie Showbox brings to the table. You can stream music directly from your phone or computer, adding another layer of crisp and clear sound to your performance. At just 21 lbs., this system is also one of the lightest on our list.

If you're looking for a reliable PA system that can just about do it all, look no further than the Mackie Showbox. It comes in at a great price, has a list of features we could go on about for pages, and has some of the best sound quality around.

What Could Be Improved

• Not a whole lot

[Read our full Mackie Showbox review]

SPECS

• Weight: 34.1 lbs.
• Total Power: 1300W Peak Power
• Power Source: AC Cable

The JBL IRX ONE was specifically designed for the road warrior who doesn't want to fight their PA system after every show. While other systems may be frustrating to set up, the IRX ONE isn't. With column spaces and an array cabinet that fit right back into the base unit, tearing down after a show has never been easier.

The IRX ONE is one of the more powerful options on this list with 1300W of peak power. It also comes with handy 5.0 wireless Bluetooth connectivity so you can leave the cables at home and play music right from your phone or computer.

You know we love features, and the JBL IRX ONE is a great portable PA system for just that. It comes with a mixer that can handle up to three channels at once and fixed treble and bass controls so you can tweak your sound system easily.

One of the few drawbacks to live performances as a performer is the set-up and tear-down. With the JBL IRX ONE, however, you should be able to do both in less than a minute, giving you more time to greet your fans and tell them all about one of the best portable PA speakers around.

What Could Be Improved

• Could be lighter

[Read our full JBL IRX ONE review]

SPECS

• Weight: 57.75 lbs.
• Total Power: 1,000W
• Power Source: AC Cable

The Electro-Voice Evolve 50 is a powerhouse of a portable PA system that still gives you a clear sound no matter the environment you put it in. With three component speakers and eight column-arrayed 3.5" neodymium drivers, the Evolve 50 is one of the best PA systems out there.

While some may be intimidated by setting up this behemoth of a speaker, you don't have to be. Electro-Voice made it a breeze with its streamlined single-knob interface. You can also remote control the Evolve 50 with your mobile device to stream audio straight from your phone or tablet.

The Electro-Voice Evolve 50 comes with a powerful onboard processing engine that can assist you with its four presets. It is also Bluetooth enabled, comes with phantom power, and has its own three-band EQ for further control.

If you're in the market for the Goliath of portable PA systems, the Electro-Voice Evolve 50 may be the PA system for you. It's one of the best portable PA systems around thanks to its easy setup, remote control capability, and impressive waveguides to ensure everyone in the room can hear.

What Could Be Improved

• At nearly 60 lbs., this portable PA speaker system could be much lighter

SPECS

• Weight: 15.7 lbs.
• Total Power: 150W
• Power Source: Rechargeable battery or AC cable

Bose is one of the most well-known names in the audio equipment world and when you use products like their S1 Pro, you can see why. This portable PA speaker comes with enough features to compete with the big guys, and at less than $500, can do it at an unthinkable price point.

Most other systems are three times as expensive as the S1 Pro, so how does Bose fit so much quality into such an affordable piece of equipment? They use a factory-installed Li-ion battery to equip them with a whopping 11 hours of battery power on the road. The system also comes with an AC cable if you can plug it in as well.

Bose wants everyone to know that their S1 Pro isn't just for live music, it can also be used for playback like practicing music at home or playing music at a party. At just 15.7 lbs., you can take this system anywhere with ease.

The Bose S1 Pro is one of our favorite portable systems on this list and that's before you look at the insanely affordable price tag. It comes with enough features to get a beginner started or to take an expert performer to the next level.

What Could Be Improved

• Could have more total power

SPECS

• Weight: 54.8 lbs.
• Total Power: 1,250W combined
• Power Source: AC Cable

The Bose L1 Pro16 expands on everything we love about the S1 Pro in an amazing way. It also comes with remote control capabilities, an easy setup process, and another helpful three-channel mixer. The L1 Pro16 also comes in two separate pieces which further adds to its portability.

This system could be great for a solo singer-songwriter looking to fill a relatively smaller venue with high-quality audio. It comes with some of the best sound coverage of any system on our list thanks to its 180-degree horizontal coverage.

The speaker array mounted on the system is one of the most intricate as well, with 16 articulated 16" neodymium drivers. Each driver uses an elongated cone to get more out of the speaker and make sure everyone in the room hears a superb sound no matter where they are.

The Bose L1 Pro16 is a professional-level portable system, perfect for a singer with an acoustic guitar and a dream. It's also great for presentations, larger musical performances, and DJs on the road. Check out this premier option if you want the best portable PA system we can find for you.

What Could Be Improved

• Could be lighter for added portability

SPECS

• Weight: 56.43 lbs.
• Total Power: 680W
• Power Source: AC Cable

Yamaha is yet another name world-renowned for their quality audio equipment and the STAGEPAS 600BT furthers their fame. It comes with a litany of Yamaha's masterful EQ options as well as a bounty of other software that will feel like the system is doing your job for you.

Bluetooth streaming is a breeze with this non-battery-operated machine. Simply connect your phone or computer and wirelessly play tunes in a snap. With 680 watts of power, you'll be heard loud throughout the venue you play, especially if they're small or medium-sized.

Yamaha included intelligent feedback suppression with their STAGEPAS 600BT so that problem frequencies get targeted well before they become audible. They even made sure that the mixer would fit right into the speaker enclosures, making for easy transport.

The Yamaha STAGEPAS 600BT may be the best option in terms of small to medium-sized venues due to its flexible connections, incredible sound distribution, and a plethora of built-in options. At just over $1,000, you're paying for quality with the STAGEPAS 600BT.

What Could Be Improved

• Could have a lower price point

SPECS

• Weight: 17.63 lbs.
• Total Power: 150W
• Power Source: AC Cable, Rechargeable Battery

If you're worried about having a long-lasting battery life for your monitoring system, the JBL EON ONE could be the PA system for you. It comes with a reliable 12-hour rechargeable battery so you can use it for multiple gigs without having to charge it.

This system is great for live music as well, with 48V of phantom power for a wired microphone. The EON One also weighs an impressive 17.6 lbs., making it one of the lightest and most portable options on our list today.

The JBL EON One comes equipped to handle the JBL App, allowing you to customize your listening experience from your phone. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can stream music from your favorite apps directly through your speaker.

We love that the JBL EON One has a rechargeable, 12-hour battery, deep bass, and a carrying handle. This battery-powered beast can turn your next coffee shop performance into a full-blown concert no barista would want to miss.

What Could Be Improved

• Could use more power

Best Portable PA System Buyer's Guide

Before you buy a portable PA system, there are a couple of key features you need to pay attention to. When it comes to getting the right portable PA system, you'll want to look at the system's weight, total power output, battery life, connectivity options, and any additional features that'll help you get the most out of your performance.

Weight

One of the first things you should look at when buying a piece of equipment you plan on moving all the time is the weight. PA systems aren't going to be too light, given the amount of power they require and produce, but they don't have to be too heavy either.

Check out a PA system's weight before you buy to make sure you get good sound quality without the workout.

Total Power Output

The total power a portable PA system can put out is another important factor when looking into buying portable systems. The power determines how loud the speaker can get and how large of a space it can fill with noise. Make sure the power output matches the venues you're planning on playing at.

Battery Life

Because the PA system you're looking at is portable, battery life is one of the most important features. Check the battery power before you buy. Some PA systems have rechargeable battery power, making portability even easier as you won't have to worry about missing a performance due to a dead battery.

Connectivity Options

Without the right connectivity options, you may not be able to use your PA system at all. Make sure your current setup can be used with the PA system you're looking at. Common connection options include Bluetooth, auxiliary inputs, microphone inputs, and even instrument inputs if you plan to use them for music performances.

Additional Features

There are a host of additional features that can make your portable PA system even better for you. Features like handles, wheels, and carrying straps can make portability even easier. There are also more technical features you can look for, including built-in effects, EQ controls, and microphone priority settings.

Consider what you're using the portable PA system for before you make your purchase. Once you know what you'll be using it for, you can find the perfect features to complement your use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much power output do I need for my portable PA system?

The power output you need depends on the size of the venues you'll be using the system in and the volume levels you're looking for. As a general rule of thumb, consider at least 100 watts for smaller indoor settings and 500 watts or more for larger outdoor venues.

There are plenty of speakers made within the 200-400 watt range as well, giving you plenty of options no matter where you'll be playing.

What's the difference between active and passive portable PA systems?

Active PA systems have built-in amplifiers, making them easier to set up and more self-contained. Passive PA systems require external amplifiers to power the speakers and offer more flexibility in terms of amplifier choice but may require additional setup time and equipment.

If you already have an external amplifier ready to go, we'd recommend a Passive PA system. If you're just getting started and don't have an amp yet, it might be a good option to bundle your amp and PA system together with an Active system.

Are there any weatherproof options available for outdoor use?

Yes, some portable PA systems are specifically designed to be weatherproof for outdoor use. Look for models with features like water-resistant enclosures, durable construction materials, and protective covers to withstand outdoor conditions.

Can I upgrade my portable PA system in the future?

Some portable PA systems offer modular designs or expansion options that allow you to add additional speakers, subwoofers, or other components to upgrade and expand your system as needed. Check the compatibility and availability of expansion options before making your purchase.

What accessories do I need to purchase separately for my portable PA speaker?

It depends on how you intend to use the portable system, but you may need a variety of accessories including microphones, mic stands, cables, speaker stands, and more. Again, check to see which accessories you need in accordance with the performance at hand.

Conclusion

Get your own portable PA system and never worry about using a venue's again. Oh, the bar you're scheduled to play at has a PA system from the late 1900's? No worries! The Mackie Showbox, our #1 best overall PA system, can give you the power, sound quality, and Bluetooth connectivity you need to rock out a show at a moment's notice.

If you're on a budget and want to find one of the best Portable PA systems without breaking the bank, check out the Bose S1 Pro.