Summary
You might think of waterproof Bluetooth speakers as more than simply a category of technology; when the weather is warmer, they can be your party companion that follows you wherever you go.
Best Bluetooth Speakers That Are Waterproof
The Bose SoundLink Flex is our top pick because it strikes a good balance between sound quality, design, and durability, all of which are crucial for a waterproof Bluetooth speaker.
Why Do You Have Faith in Us?
When it comes to doing reviews of audio gadgets, like Bluetooth speakers, my experience in music and technology works very well together. I’ve been able to evaluate speakers on an equal playing field thanks to the countless audio evaluations that I’ve done for Lifewire publications. Due to the fact that I am a musician, I am also able to take a subjective approach to assigning value to how well these speakers perform for various types of music (in my opinion). This is Jason Schneider.
Overall, the best
Bluetooth speaker with the Bose SoundLink Flex device
Simply put, the SoundLink Flex strikes the ideal combination between mobility, durability, and audiophile perfection, making it the most suitable option for the majority of individuals.
Bose is one of those businesses that has been able to deliver many audio projects with great success throughout the years. The SoundLink Flex is simply too capable of being a portable speaker for me to disregard, despite the fact that I normally dislike the way in which they use marketing-style verbiage rather than real specifications on their product descriptions.
Those who are familiar with Lifewire will recall that I chose the SoundLink Flex as my top waterproof shower speaker due to its remarkable clarity-to-resonance ratio and its sturdy design factor.
Despite the fact that the Flex brings these two capabilities out of the shower and into the world, the extra conveniences that are available when on the go are what really make it stand out to me. It has a vocal-heavy mid-range that offers the clarity you want, even at the highest level, and it has superb “boomy” support in the area of 50–80 hertz, which gives lots of oomph to Top 40 mixes.
You’ll also discover a sturdy hook on the side that allows you to tie it to a backpack or use a carabiner to secure it to a bike. This is in addition to a thick rubber shell that has a gripping surface to avoid harm in the event that you drop it.
It is possible to immerse the SoundLink Flex to a depth of up to 15 meters since it has an IP67 water resistance rating, which guarantees a high degree of protection against moisture. Despite the fact that many speakers do not have dust resistance, Bose is making a concerted effort to safeguard its speakers against dust entry in their entirety.
Because of this, the gadget is very long-lasting and suitable for use in the garden, on the summit of a mountain, or almost anywhere else in between.
How many other people endorse it?
An assortment of reputable audio reviewers, such as Sound Guys, CNET,tkgap,RTINGS, and others, have provided favorable ratings for this product.
What should purchasers say?
It is reasonable to conclude that the general population is pleased with their SoundLink Flex, in light of the fact that approximately 25,000 reviews on Amazon have received a score that is almost completely flawless.
Pros
- Excellently balanced sound
- IP67 waterproofing and dust resistance
- Thick, grip-friendly rubber enclosure
- Loop for accessory attachment
Cons
- Could be louder
- rubber shell, though protective, could get scuffed
- Less app customization than other brands
price
- View On Amazon: $119
- View On Walmart: $119
- View On Best Buy: $120
Top-Rated Mid-Sized
Soundcore Motion X600 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
In a nutshell, the most recent Bluetooth speaker offering from Soundcore is impressive in terms of its appearance, functions, and other aspects.
I have had Soundcore’s number for a number of years; their outstanding Liberty Air series earphones and its parent firm Anker’s approach to ultra-reliable chargers make them an obvious choice for high-quality items at rates that are surprisingly affordable. The design of the Motion X600, which was released by Soundcore at the beginning of 2023, caused me to have doubts.
Both the boombox-style grip, which was hard and immovable, and the cheese grater-style grill were substantial deviations from the rubberized look that had previously been associated with Soundcore. On the other hand, I was pleasantly impressed when I was able to examine the X600 in person. It measures a little more than a foot in length and slightly more than half a foot in height, making it quite a bit more compact than it seems in photographs. Additionally, I really like the soft-touch surface that they have applied to the outside of the metal.
Because of its dimensions, the X600 is safely situated within the “medium” category of the speaker range. On the other hand, when you turn on the speaker and listen to some music, it performs at a level that is far higher than its pay grade. A well-staged sound output of fifty watts is produced by a combination of two woofers, two tweeters, and one full-range port.
The integrated spatial audio button of Soundcore expands that stage even more, resulting in a sound that is quite immersive, especially considering the device’s portability.
Even though it is only accessible on Android (sorry, iPhone folks), the LDAC codec that is offered by the current Bluetooth chip means that you will be able to save more audio files even while you are sharing them wirelessly.
In the same way that I have concentrated on durability with the other speakers that I have evaluated, the third criteria is durability. Heavy rain and even a dip into a small pool will not be a problem for the X600 because of its IPX7 waterproofing. However, it is unfortunate that Soundcore did not include a dust rating for the X600, which is likely due to the fact that grated metal was used instead of rubber.
Nevertheless, this metal does have a secondary advantage, which is that it seems to be less susceptible to scuffs and dents than a plastic device would be. Therefore, if you are looking for a luxury design that will be more resistant to cosmetic scuffs, this might be a good option for you to consider. All in all, I am pleased by the volume and feature set that this product offers, particularly when taking into consideration its fair pricing and size, which is quite portable.
How many other people endorse it?
Even though it has only been available for a short period of time, the Soundcore Motion X600 has already received positive reviews from places like TechHive, RTINGS.com, and Digital Trends.
What should purchasers say?
There are approximately one thousand users who have provided feedback on Amazon, and the Soundcore Motion X600 currently has a user rating of 4.7 stars.
Pros
- Excellently balanced sound
- IP67 waterproofing and dust resistance
- Thick, grip-friendly rubber enclosure
- Loop for accessory attachment
Cons
- Could be louder
- rubber shell, though protective, could get scuffed
- Less app customization than other brands
price
- View On Amazon: $200
- View On Walmart: $418
- View On Best Buy: $382
The Best Speaker for Larger Audiences
Ultimate Ears Hyperboom Portable & Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
The high-volume, high-impact UE Hyperboom is the best option to go with if you want to get more bang for your money.
You should consider purchasing the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom if you are looking for a Bluetooth speaker that is not only waterproof but also has the capacity to project loudness and is long-lasting. Despite the fact that this speaker is not a tiny or lightweight device, if you are considering purchasing it at this level of the speaker range, you should be prepared to make some sacrifices in terms of portability in order to get the desired level of loudness.
A 360-degree sound that can push up to 100 decibels in all directions is produced by the Hyperboom, which combines two bigger 4.5-inch woofers, two 1-inch tweeters, and two elliptical passive bass ports around the column. This results in a superb auditory response, whether the speaker is placed inside or outdoors.
The top and bottom of the column are protected by very thick rubber bumpers, which means that the speaker will be less likely to sustain damage if it is dropped, tipped, or moved. The Hyperboom is waterproof to an IPX4 level, which is not nearly as significant as the waterproofing capabilities of many smaller speakers but will be sufficient to protect it from common precipitation, spilled beverages, and other potential hazards.
The fact that it is about 15 inches tall and weighs roughly 13 pounds makes it the least portable speaker on my list; however, it does come with a sturdy rubber handle that elegantly flattens out along one of the corners, creating a form factor that is sleek and easy to hold.
Because of its size, the battery life of this device may last for up to twenty-four hours on a single charge. Due to this, it will take a significant amount of continuous music to deplete the battery. In addition, the Hyperboom is equipped with two distinct Bluetooth connections, an auxiliary input, and even an optical input, making it one of the few speakers in this category that I’ve seen that has this feature. This means that you will have a wide range of alternatives to choose from when it comes to connecting it to your party playlist.
How many other people endorse it? Both TechRadar and SoundGuys ranked the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom as one of the best headphones available, and one editor at Verge even referred to it as the “desert island speaker.”
What should purchasers say? With an average rating of 4.6 stars, the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom has received reviews from over 2,500 customers on Amazon.
Pros
- Well-supported 100 dB sound pressure
- Ultra-thick, durable rubber shell
- Full-featured input array (including digital optical)
- Impressive customization with the Ultimate Ears app
Cons
- IPX4 water resistance is the bare minimum
- Heavy and bulky
- No shoulder strap
price
- View On Amazon: $400
- View On Walmart: $418
- View On Best Buy: $382
Alternatively, might it be these?
You can’t go wrong with any of the following alternatives in the all-around sector, despite the fact that there are so many different speaker brands to investigate:
JBL’s top mid-tier headphones, the JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi, now come with increased wireless connection
Somewhat expensive, the Sonos Move is a large speaker that focuses on smart technology.
S7807 from Philips: The sound is delightful, and the design is one of a kind.
You should go with the following if you want to save money:
Anker’s Motion Boom is a boombox that is louder but has connection that is a little bit archaic.
Treblab HD77: A massive, loud, and inexpensive monstrosity
Clip4 from JBL: A cute small speaker in the form of a keychain accessory
Moreover, if you are searching for anything that will make a lot of noise, you should check out:
When it comes to earth-shattering sound, Soundboks Go is the portable version.
The JBL Eon ONE Compact is a A portable public address system that is accessible to live musicians
A Method for Evaluating and Ranking Waterproof Speakers
There are a lot of things that a Bluetooth speaker brings to the table, but in general, the most important categories that I used to evaluate my speakers were as follows:
Generally speaking, the sound quality and volume
Robustness and long-term durability
Furthermore, connectivity and supplementary features
Due to the fact that the major objective of a Bluetooth speaker is to provide sound of the highest possible quality, I normally place more emphasis on how each speaker fared in terms of its Sound Quality.
Not only is it essential to ensure that the resonance and balance are correct, but it is also difficult to accomplish it in a configuration that is both small and waterproof.
In addition, I was more drawn to speakers that were able to disperse the soundstage in order to provide a more immersive and space-filling quality.
Last but not least, the overall volume that a speaker is capable of producing was an important factor to take into account, since many of these speakers are designed to be used outside during events such as parties and gatherings.
Both the performance of a speaker inside in a normal listening area, which I regard to be the most accurate portrayal of a speaker’s response and resonance, and the performance of the speaker outdoors in the open air were taken into consideration.
Due to the fact that the majority of wireless speakers are not designed to be left in the comfort of your own home, it is important to educate yourself on the aspects of durability and waterproofing.
An IP rating is used by the majority of speakers to indicate their resistance to dust (the first number in the score) and water (the second digit in the score).
Despite the fact that the greatest speakers have ratings of IP67, there are those that have ratings as low as IPX4.
Despite the fact that nothing inside the range is a deal-breaker, I took into consideration the range as I tested in order to assist in directing my final evaluations.
Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers We Tested
- Anker Soundcore 2
- Anker X600
- Bose Soundlink Flex
- Bose Revolve+ II
- JBL Charge 5
- JBL Clip 4
- JBL Flip 5
- Philips S7807
- Sonos Roam
- Sony XE300
- Soundcore Flare 2
- Treblab HD77
- Ultimate Ears Boom 3
- Ultimate Ears Hyperboom
- Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
At long last, there is a list of additional features. In order to unlock additional convenience and customization options, smaller-format speakers often do not have on-board controls on the device itself but rather rely on a smartphone app. Nevertheless, there are a few noticeable exceptions, particularly when evaluating equipment that is bigger and more cumbersome. It is quite probable that you will wish to go with bigger speakers if you are satisfied with connection and on-board management. You should go with a famous brand such as Bose, JBL, or Ultimate Ears if you like the ability to manage the music playing, and some of the headphones automatically alter the volume.
How We Rate Speakers
These are the best speakers that we tested, and they received 4.8 to 5 stars. Without any reservations, we strongly suggest them.
Four and a half to four and a half stars: These speakers are outstanding; while they may have some small defects, we nevertheless recommend them.
4.0 to 4.4 stars total: These are some of the best speakers we’ve ever heard, but there are so many more.
Between 3.5 and 3.9 stars: These speakers are about par for the course.
In addition to 3.4, speakers with these ratings are not recommended by us since they do not live up to the fundamental standards that we have set; you will not find any of them on our list.
In a Bluetooth speaker that is waterproof, what should you look for?
For the purpose of determining what makes a speaker exceptional, I experimented with over a dozen speakers of varying sizes. In 2023, several manufacturers are experimenting with new approaches to design and form factors, despite the fact that loudness and sound quality stood out to me as the most significant variables throughout this time period.
In the event that you are looking for a Bluetooth speaker that is capable of traveling with you, then you should take into consideration the following three most important categories:
High-quality sound
It should come as no surprise that the most important factor to take into account is the listening experience provided by the speaker. After all, it is a speaker, and the major use case for it will be listening to music. In this context, there are a few crucial aspects to take into consideration. To begin, it is essential to determine if the speaker is equipped with a single primary driver or numerous individual speakers on the interior (with stereo or immersive design).
Both the stereo dispersion of the sound and the degree to which it will be effective in filling a room will eventually be determined by this. It is also very important to pay special attention to the manner in which the sound is adjusted and shaped. Certain brands, like as Bose and Sonos, have their own unique equalization settings, which, despite the fact that they are often changeable, are predetermined by the company. Other solutions, such as JBL, have app capability that incorporates a greater degree of control and is fully featured.
Prolonged durability and resistance to water
For waterproof speakers, durability is a crucial factor to take into account. Before we get into that, let’s talk about IP ratings. The amount of dust resistance is shown by the first digit of the scale, and the level of water resistance that has been verified in the laboratory is indicated by the second digit.
It is usually true that a greater number indicates a higher amount of resistance; thus, even if all of the speakers on our list offer some degree of water resistance, you should go for a higher rating if you anticipate having more frequent waterproofing requirements.
The second aspect to take into consideration is the speaker’s resistance to being dropped. Although the majority of speakers do not have military-grade scoring, you can determine the drop resilience of a unit by seeing how thick and rubbery its outer chassis is.
Size: Volume and Adaptability to Change
One last thing to think about when looking for a speaker that is waterproof is the degree of adaptability it offers and the amount of space it may occupy. If you want to fill a big party area, you might consider purchasing a speaker that is much larger, such as the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom, which is our suggestion for the loudest speaker.
On the other hand, smaller speakers are often more portable and adaptable, and they frequently come with clips and hang-loops, such as the Bose SoundLink Flex, which is our top selection. In addition, a great number of speakers may be connected to the internet via the use of applications that enable users to modify the sound quality, connect to numerous speakers of the same brand, or even sync with music streaming applications and other similar applications.
It is vital to consider this “X factor” while making a decision since it strikes a balance between loudness, adaptability, portability, and control.
What are the advantages of using a Bluetooth speaker rather than a conventional sound system?
When you are in the market for a Bluetooth speaker, it is quite likely that you are interested in something that is both portable and convenient. Bluetooth allows you the ability to rapidly connect to the system without the need to run a wire or struggle with compatibility, but “traditional” hard-wired sound systems may be fantastic complements to a room or listening place. Bluetooth also prevents you from having to worry about compatibility issues. In addition, you are able to effortlessly relocate the music to a new room, to the yard, or anywhere else in between.
What is the level of waterproofing for these Bluetooth speakers?
Even though the industry has a tendency to use the words “waterproof” and “water-resistant” interchangeably, it is essential to keep in mind that even speakers with a high IP rating will have a limit beyond which their waterproofing cannot be guaranteed in its entirety.
In spite of the fact that an IPX8 speaker has been subjected to laboratory testing at larger depths of submersion for longer lengths of time, there remains a threshold beyond which the testing has not been guaranteed.
All of the speakers on this list have a basic water resistance, which should be sufficient for protection against splashes and precipitation; nevertheless, it is recommended that you use caution when you are in the presence of chlorinated or salt water.
When using a Bluetooth speaker, is it possible to connect it to several devices (or to other speakers)?
In general, a significant number of the Bluetooth speakers that are included on this list are equipped with contemporary Bluetooth protocols (many of which are versions 5 and above), which indicates that they are often able to establish connections with various source devices.
Your experience may vary, and that being said, there are certain proprietary applications that will do a better job of regulating this feature. In a similar vein, companies like JBL, Sonos, and Ultimate Ears often have capabilities that enable you to combine your speakers and play music on all of them, providing you with even more variety and loudness.