Can anybody recommend some good, reasonably high sound quality, fairly long-lasting portable speakers? Ideally with bluetooth, rechargable car/USB plug-in, etc.

I've heard good things said about BOSE and 'Ultimate Ears', and a variety of people have suggested anything under $400 isn't worth much..

Any (cheaper) alternate options, recommendations or even just advice of what to look for - or where -please?

There's a thread in the tech section about it. I highly recommend this Sol Republic Deck speaker. Easy to pair, sounds great, nicely portable and fills up a room nicely with sound. They had an initial $199 MSRP, but now are readily available for under $50, in several colors.

https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Repu...etooth+speaker

I love this little guy... rugged... like the design... decent sound... usually attach it to a rucksack/backpack with a carabiner while hiking.. not sure why the black one is so expensive now... I think I paid $25 last year. the white one is ~$20.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KOW7PBG

What kind of space are you going to use it for? Or if several, what's the largest space you want it for?

Also the JBL Charge 2+ speakers are nice. They're water-resistant and can charge a phone via USB.
It has a nice sound with a rich, deep bass

If you're not picky about the color, you can get one for $80.
https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Splashpro...words=charge+2

I have JBL Flip, I bought it a couple of years ago, so it probably was one of the first versions.

Check the Amazon reviews, 4 or 4.5 stars for most versions.

I have the JBL Xtreme. Love it!

There are a couple but this one is more useful:

rechargeable speakrs vs boombox?

Both my girls have the Altec Lansing IMW257-DR Mini H2O Waterproof, Sandproof, Snowproof and Shockproof Bluetooth Speaker
My kids ruin shit easy. They have blasted 2 iPhone each but they have yet to thrash these little guys and they use the shit out of them. Bought them couple years ago when Target had them on sale for $19.99 and figured at that price, if they break them, oh well. Well not only rugged but they sound great. I have to tell them to turn them down and surprisingly they dont sound distorted when at high volume.

https://www.amazon.com/Altec-Lansing...1ERWX3TQY&th=1

Riva Turbo X or S: http://rivaaudio.com/

The sale they're running on two S units for $199 is a stellar deal, as they can be wirelessly connected into stereo.

Living room at home, but ideally portable enough to travel with, so also within a car/truck... so maybe 20x20x10ft?

I have a JBL Flip 2 and am very happy with it, but they now have a Flip 3 with longer battery life and more features, so if I was in the market for a new Bluetooth speaker, that's the one I would likely grab.

https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Splashpro...rds=jbl+flip+2

UE Boom. Look no further.

I have two small, portable speakers that are fine for the kitchen: Jambox, which was about $100 at Costco, and Oontz Angle, which for $20 works in a small space, but probably is not enough for your living room.

Another vote for the UE Boom (2)....I have two of them. They are great.