Imagine being able to walk into a venue with just your instruments, confident that the in-house PA system has you covered. Unfortunately, many small venues lack adequate PA equipment, leaving you to bring your own sound reinforcement.
Carrying unnecessarily bulky PAs can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. Today, we’re here to help you find a portable PA system that is lightweight, easy to set up, and has a great sound. We’ve reviewed the best portable PA systems on the market and narrowed it down to five top choices that cater to all budgets.
Bose L1 Pro16
Electro-Voice Evolve 30M
Yamaha STAGEPAS 600BT
Fender Audio Passport Venue S2
JBL EON208P
1. Bose L1 Pro16 Portable Line Array PA System With Subwoofer
Highlights
⚫ 250W array, 1,000W sub (124 dB SPL)
⚫ 3 channels (2 with switchable phantom power)
⚫ Under 55 lbs
The L1 Pro16 is a two-part mini linear array system. At the base is a 41-lb, 10” x 18” RaceTrack subwoofer with an optimized center of gravity and slim footprint despite the strong low-end performance.
A high-impact ABS column of 16 2” neodymium drivers sits over the sub, creating wide dispersion at the bottom and tight vertical control at the top. Plus, the 16 array speakers are set at different angles to deliver the same sound intensity to the front and sides (180° coverage).
Bose kept the physical control panel on the subwoofer quite simple. You get an illuminated rotary knob for each channel. To switch between parameters (volume, treble, bass, and reverb), you press the knob itself. The rest of the controls are easily accessible using the intuitive app.
Bose L1 Pro16
Very pricey but has absolutely amazing sound!
2. Electro-Voice Evolve 30M Portable Column PA System
Highlights
⚫ 1,000W total power (123 dB max SPL)
⚫ 8 channels (+15V enabled on inputs 1–4)
⚫ 44 lbs
Evolve 30M features a six-speaker 500W array with 2.8” neodymium drivers. All six speakers are enclosed in a composite column. The pole itself attaches to a 15mm plywood enclosure that houses a 10” 500W subwoofer. The array, woofer, and EV’s waveguide design ensure a coverage range of 120° x 40°.
Electro-Voice Evolve 30M
Electro-Voice is a household name when it comes to sound reinforcement. We love their products and so will you!
3. Yamaha STAGEPAS 600BT Portable PA System With Bluetooth
Highlights
⚫ 680W total power (129 dB max SPL)
⚫ 10 channels (switchable phantom for 1 and 2)
⚫ 56.4 lbs (24 lbs speakers, 8.4 lbs mixer)
Yamaha’s 600BT comes with a pair of 10” passive speakers, each with 340W output. On the backside of one speaker, you’ll find a stashed mixer. You just need to slide the lock to detach it and set it sideways. Then, pop the storage compartment on the backside of the other speaker open to find the cords.
Once it’s all set up, you can expect a coverage range of 90° x 60° from the system. The one-knob master EQ control on the mixer will give you virtual bass boosting. You’ll need to turn the knob to the last 20% or so to activate it. Meanwhile, turning the knob counterclockwise would be best for speech.
Yamaha STAGEPAS 600BT
If you want simplicity and tweaking power all-in-one, then this is your pick.
4. Fender Audio Passport Venue S2 Portable PA System
Highlights
⚫ 600W total power
⚫ 10 channels (switchable phantom power on 1–4)
⚫ 44–48 lbs
Passport Venue Series 2 is a suitcase-style PA system. The midsection of the suitcase is a 10-channel mixer with two-band EQ, reverb, and 20 dB pads. On the front panel of the mixer, you’ll find a wide range of inputs—¼”, ⅛”, XLR, TRS, and TS. On the rear, the mixer has a nifty, shelved storage compartment for cords and cables. Meanwhile, the “outer” parts of the suitcase are two 10” Fender Special Design speakers with 1.2” horn-loaded tweeters.
Fender Audio Passport Venue S2
This is the most portable option on our list.
5. JBL EON208P Portable PA System
Highlights
⚫ 300W total power (121 dB max SPL)
⚫ 8 channels (channels 1–3 support phantom power/Hi-Z)
⚫ 38.8 pounds
The EON208P features a pair of two-way stereo JBL speakers with 8” woofers and 1” dome tweeters, covering a range of 100° x 60°. One main appeal here is that the package is complete. Aside from all the necessary cables, JBL ships the system with one extra accessory: A handled AKG vocal mic. Thankfully, the mic pouch is small enough to fit right into the storage area in the back of the detachable mixer.
JBL EON208P
If budget is your game, then JBL EON is the name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Product Recap
High output, even sound dispersion, optimized center of gravity, and easy configuration—the L1 Pro16 mini array has a lot going for it, making it a winner in our books. We have to admit it’s quite expensive, though. The 1,000W EV’s 30M is slightly more affordable. But if you only do small-scale gigs and want something that travels well, the EON208P suitcase-style system would be a suitable pick.
A final word of advice? Make sure your cables have a designated spot (storage compartment, carry case pocket, etc.) so you never leave them behind.
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