In an era where our smartphones have become our primary source for music, podcasts, movies, and video calls, the quality of their built-in speakers is more important than ever. While many of us rely on headphones for a private and immersive listening experience, there are countless times when we want to share a track with friends, catch a movie with our significant other, or simply listen to a podcast while cooking without being tethered to a cable. This is where a phone with exceptional speaker quality truly shines.
It’s easy to get lost in the sea of specifications—chipsets, cameras, and display resolutions. But for the true audio aficionado, the crispness of the highs, the warmth of the mids, and the depth of the bass from a phone’s speakers can be a make-or-break feature. The good news is that phone manufacturers have been paying attention. The latest generation of smartphones, particularly the flagship models of 2025, have made significant strides in audio performance. They’re not just getting louder; they’re getting smarter, more balanced, and more capable of delivering a genuinely enjoyable soundscape.
This comprehensive guide will explore the top contenders for the title of “best phone for speakers in 2025.” We’ll go beyond just a simple list, delving into what makes each of these phones stand out, the technical aspects that contribute to their superior sound, and what you can expect from each listening experience. Our goal is to provide a detailed, in-depth look at the current market, helping you make an informed decision when your primary concern is an audio experience that’s a cut above the rest.
The Science of Smartphone Sound: What Makes a Speaker Great?
Before we jump into the specific models, let’s take a moment to understand the key factors that influence a phone’s speaker quality. It’s not just about how loud a phone can get. A truly great speaker system on a smartphone is a symphony of hardware and software working together in harmony.
First and foremost, the physical speaker components themselves are crucial. Most modern smartphones use a stereo speaker setup, with one speaker typically located at the bottom of the phone and the other integrated into the earpiece. The quality of these tiny drivers—the parts that actually produce the sound—is a major factor. Manufacturers are constantly innovating to pack larger, more capable drivers into an increasingly slim form factor. This includes using materials that are more rigid and responsive, allowing them to reproduce a wider range of frequencies with greater accuracy.
Beyond the drivers, the internal chamber design plays a huge role. Think of it like a small guitar body. The size and shape of the space behind the speaker driver can significantly impact the sound, particularly the bass response. A larger, more carefully designed acoustic chamber can create a richer, deeper low-end, giving music a more powerful and full-bodied feel. This is a primary reason why larger phones, like the ‘Pro Max’ or ‘Ultra’ versions, often have a slight edge in audio quality—they simply have more physical space to work with.
Software is the final piece of the puzzle. The digital signal processing (DSP) that a phone’s chipset performs on the audio signal is what shapes the final output. This is where a phone’s “sound signature” is born. Advanced DSP algorithms can correct for the physical limitations of the small speakers, preventing distortion at high volumes, optimizing the frequency response to sound more balanced, and even creating a wider, more immersive soundstage. Many brands partner with audio specialists or develop their own proprietary tuning to create a distinctive and high-quality listening experience.
Now that we have a better understanding of the underlying technology, let’s explore the phones that are setting the standard for audio excellence in 2025.
The Contenders for the Crown: Who’s Making the Best Sound?
When you’re looking for a phone with the best speakers, a few names consistently rise to the top. These are the devices that have made a dedicated effort to prioritize audio performance, and their efforts are reflected in the listening experience they deliver.
Apple has a long-standing reputation for solid audio performance, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max continues this tradition with a polished and powerful sound. The audio from this device can be described as remarkably balanced and well-controlled. Even at maximum volume, distortion is virtually non-existent. What’s particularly impressive is the phone’s ability to handle low frequencies. The bass is present and punchy without sounding muddy or flat, which is a common pitfall for smartphone speakers.
The larger physical size of the Pro Max model gives it an advantage, allowing for a bit more depth and power compared to its smaller siblings. Reviewers have consistently praised the sound as “silky smooth,” which is high praise for a smartphone speaker. If you’re an Apple enthusiast who wants a phone that can fill a small room with high-quality sound for music and movies, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a top-tier choice. It’s the result of years of refinement, with a sound signature that’s both powerful and pleasingly neutral.
Foldable phones are often seen as a compromise, but when it comes to speakers, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 proves that the form factor can be a major advantage. Its unique design, which opens up to reveal a large inner screen, also provides more physical volume for the internal speakers. The speakers on the Z Fold 6 are a noticeable improvement over its predecessor, offering a more balanced sound profile. The highs are crisp, and the mids and lows feel richer and meatier, creating a wide and immersive soundstage.
The Z Fold 6’s speakers don’t just get loud; they maintain their clarity and a pleasing quality even at the highest levels. This makes it an excellent choice for a variety of media, from video calls to catching up on your favorite TV shows. For a device that’s as much a mini-tablet as it is a phone, the audio performance is a key part of the experience, and the Z Fold 6 delivers on that promise. It’s a testament to how innovative design can be leveraged to enhance a feature like speaker quality.
For a long time, Samsung’s flagship S series was a step behind some of the competition in speaker quality. However, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has finally addressed this, with many reviewers calling it a significant leap forward. The S25 Ultra’s speakers are powerful and punchy, and they finally bring the bass output that its predecessors lacked. This makes for a more dynamic and engaging listening experience, particularly for bass-heavy music genres.
The S25 Ultra has built on the solid foundation of previous models and refined the sound to be louder and more impactful without introducing distortion. This is a phone that can genuinely serve as a miniature boombox, filling a space with sound that is both clear and robust. For those who want a powerful, no-compromise flagship with an audio experience that matches its other top-tier features, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a fantastic choice and a strong statement from Samsung about the importance of audio quality.
When it comes to gaming phones, audio is a huge priority, and the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro is a perfect example of this philosophy in action. While the brand’s approach to speaker design has evolved over the years, the ROG Phone 9 Pro still offers a sound experience that is loud, boomy, and spacious. The speakers are tuned for an immersive gaming and multimedia experience, with a pronounced response in the lower-mids that gives them a “darker,” richer tone.
The ROG Phone 9 Pro gets incredibly loud without losing its character, making it ideal for gaming sessions, watching videos, or listening to music on the go. The focus on raw power and a wide soundstage makes it a unique and compelling choice for those who prioritize a bold, in-your-face audio performance. It’s not just a phone; it’s a mobile entertainment hub, and the speakers are a huge part of that identity.
The OnePlus 13 has also made a name for itself in the audio department. Its stereo speakers are known for being fairly loud and, most importantly, well-controlled to avoid distortion. While the sound stage isn’t as wide as some of the other top contenders, the overall sound is balanced and pleasing. The bass, while not as deep as the iPhone 16 Pro Max, is still punchy and contributes to a solid audio performance.
For many users, the OnePlus 13 strikes a great balance. It offers a strong, reliable speaker experience that’s great for everyday use—whether you’re watching a quick video or sharing a song with a friend. It’s a phone that delivers on its promises, providing a good, solid audio experience without the sometimes-exorbitant price tag of other flagships. It’s a great example of a phone that prioritizes a consistent, high-quality experience across the board.
Google’s Pixel series has been on a steady upward trajectory when it comes to speaker quality, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL represents the best audio experience yet from the company. The speakers on this phone offer clear lows and well-defined mids, providing a clean and articulate sound. While the bass may not be as deep as some of the other phones on this list, the overall clarity and balance are a significant improvement.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s speakers are designed to be practical and effective, providing a reliable and high-quality audio experience for daily use. It’s a phone that’s a pleasure to listen to, and it’s a clear signal that Google is taking audio performance seriously. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a great choice for those who appreciate a clean, clear sound and a phone that focuses on a polished and well-rounded user experience.
How to Maximize Your Phone’s Audio Potential
Even with a phone that has great speakers, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your audio experience. These tips can help you push your phone’s speakers to their limits and get the best possible sound, regardless of which model you choose.
First, consider the listening environment. A phone’s speakers will sound very different in a large, open room than they will in a small, enclosed space. Placing your phone on a solid surface, like a wooden table, can also help to amplify the bass and create a fuller sound. The surface acts as a resonator, giving the sound a bit more body and depth.
Next, pay attention to the software. Many phones have built-in audio equalization (EQ) settings that you can tweak to your liking. You can often find these in the sound settings. By adjusting the bass, mids, and treble, you can tailor the sound to better suit your preferences and the type of content you’re listening to. For example, if you’re listening to a podcast, you might want to boost the mids to make voices clearer. For music, you might want to give the bass a little more presence.
Finally, remember that the quality of the source audio matters. High-quality audio files from streaming services or your own collection will always sound better than compressed, low-bitrate versions. If you want to experience the full potential of your phone’s speakers, make sure you’re listening to high-fidelity audio whenever possible.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Sound for You
Choosing a phone with great speakers is a personal journey. While all the phones on this list offer a fantastic audio experience, they each have their own unique sound signature and strengths. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a balanced and refined sound, while the Galaxy Z Fold 6 uses its form factor to create a wide and immersive soundstage. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is for those who crave powerful, punchy audio, and the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro is perfect for the gamer who wants a loud, boomy experience. The OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offer solid, well-rounded audio that is a pleasure to listen to.
Ultimately, the “best” phone for speakers is the one that best suits your personal tastes and listening habits. By understanding the technology behind smartphone audio and the unique strengths of each of these top contenders, you can make a confident choice that ensures your next phone is as enjoyable to listen to as it is to use. The world of smartphone audio has never been more exciting, and with these fantastic options available, there has never been a better time to upgrade your listening experience.
