Bluetooth speakers have become incredibly popular and valuable in recent years. However, not all of these devices are made to withstand the elements, especially water. In these situations, you need a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Whether you’re lounging poolside, sunbathing at the beach, or showering, you’ll probably want to listen to your favorite music or keep up with podcasts. These seven waterproof Bluetooth speakers will even work near water.
Tip: if you notice issues with your audio when connecting to one of these speakers, try disabling absolute Bluetooth volume.
1. Best Overall: JBL Flip 6
Price: $129.99
JBL is known for quality audio equipment, and the JBL Flip 6 is no exception. This speaker has an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, making it the perfect Bluetooth speaker for the pool or the park. However, this waterproof Bluetooth speaker truly stands out because of its design and sound delivery.
The JBL Flip 6 includes a racetrack-shaped woofer for exceptional low and midrange frequencies, while the separate tweeter provides crisp high-frequency pitches. It also supports PartyBoost, meaning you can connect it to PartyBoost-compatible JBL speakers. With PartyBoost, you can combine up to 100 speakers to create surround sound effects or blast music for a large outdoor party.
You can buy the Flip 6 in nine color variants: Black, Blue, Camo, Green, Gray, Pink, White, Teal, and Red. You can also charge the 4800mAh battery with any USB-C charger.
Pros
- 12-hour battery life
- Great sound quality
- Highly portable
- Supports PartyBoost
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof
- 9 color options
Cons
- No charging port for your phone
- No voice assistant
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
Also helpful: these stylish Bluetooth speakers will fit right in to your home aesthetic when you’re inside.
2. Best Premium Speaker: Turtlebox Gen 2
Price: $399
The Turtlebox Gen 2 is built for outdoor use so that you can enjoy music, despite the wind and other elements. Unlike other speakers in a small, ultra-portable case, this powerhouse is cased in a crushproof, shock-resistant, ABS rugged enclosure that looks more like a guitar amp than a speaker. It also includes stainless steel tie-downs to strap the speaker to a boat or anywhere else.
On top of the rugged design, the Turtlebox Gen 2 also puts out some incredible sound. You can crank it up for up to 120dB of distortion-free sound. You can also pair two speakers together to create left-right stereo sound.
The Turtlebox Gen 2’s 9-cell lithium-ion battery is designed to last up to 30 hours when set at a reasonable volume, or seven hours at the maximum settings. It charges via USB-C and includes USB-C output, so you can use it as a portable power pack to charge your smartphone or other device.
Pros
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Rugged design for hardcore outdoor use
- Impressive distortion-free sound output
- Up to 30 hours of battery life
- Includes USB-C output for charging other devices
Cons
- Very expensive
- Large and not highly portable
Note: The Turtlebox Gen 2 is also one of the best rugged Bluetooth speakers.
3. Great for Portability: Tribit StormBox Micro 2
Price: $59.99
If you want an ultra-portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker that still provides excellent audio quality, check out the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 Portable Speaker. It’s designed specifically for those who want a powerful speaker that’s small enough to strap onto a bike or pack in your pocket while kayaking.
The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 uses Bluetooth 5.3 and boasts an impressive range up to 120 feet. It provides a clear sound that can reach outdoor levels, but you may notice some distortion with bass-heavy beats. The StormBox’s IP67 rating also means it can withstand up to 30 minutes in water or other moist locations, such as mud.
However, you don’t have to use the StormBox Micro 2 as a speaker. It contains a built-in microphone that allows it to double as a speakerphone. Also, it can function as a portable charger with Tribit’s exclusive SmartID technology and USB-C charging port.
Pros
- Weighs just 11.2 ounces
- Fully waterproof
- Tiny footprint means it fits in your pocket
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Built-in microphone
- Can charge other devices via USB-C
Cons
- May encounter distortion if set to max volume
- No Wi-Fi
- Cannot pair with another speaker for surround sound
4. Best Bargain Speaker: Anker Soundcore 2
Price: $39.99
When you hear the name Anker, you probably automatically think of portable chargers. While you wouldn’t be wrong, Anker has also cranked out high-quality, affordable Bluetooth speakers. The Soundcore 2 is one of the best-value Bluetooth speakers on the market.
The simple bar design of the Anker Soundcore 2 may not look like much – but don’t be fooled. It features 12W of power with enhanced bass response, making it loud enough for virtually any situation. Furthermore, the Soundcore 2 boasts an impressive 24-hour battery life, making it ideal for travel. To top it all off, the Soundcore 2 is rated IPX7, meaning it can withstand short periods of water immersion.
While the Soundcore 2 is perfect for days by the pool, you may want to be more careful if you bring it to the beach, as it doesn’t have a high dust rating, and it doesn’t float. It comes in four color options: black, red, blue, and teal.
Pros
- One of the best-priced waterproof speakers
- Incredible 24-hour battery life
- Lightweight and highly portable
- IPX7 water resistance rating
Cons
- Not very loud
- Lower quality bass than other speakers
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
Good to know: you can charge any of these waterproof Bluetooth speakers with a high-capacity power bank.
5. Best Battery Life: UE Boom 3
Price: $148.90
Ultimate Ears has been producing excellent Bluetooth Speakers for years, and the UE Boom 3 is no exception. While it’s a bit pricier than some other waterproof Bluetooth speakers, it’s money well spent. The UE Boom 3 lays claim to arguably the best sound quality in its class. Furthermore, the 360-degree design ensures clear and accurate sound, no matter which direction you’re facing.
The UE Boom 3 also features truly impressive liquid and dust protection. With an IP67 rating, it can be completely submerged in water for up to 30 minutes without damaging the device. It is also designed to float, meaning you can easily scoop it out of the water should it tumble in. This makes the Boom 3 one of the most durable Bluetooth speakers on the market and perfect for virtually any occasion.
However, what makes this device stand out from the competition is its impressive 15-hour battery life. Most other speakers of similar size and specifications only last up to 12 hours. What’s more, you can buy the charging dock (sold separately) to enable wireless charging for it.
Pros
- Impressive 15-hour battery life
- 360-degree speaker design
- IP67 rating
- Made to float in water
- Supports wireless charging (with extra dock)
- Can connect with other speakers for surround sound
Cons
- Not able to charge other devices
- Costs more than some other options
6. Most Durable Build: DemerBox
Price: $399
Do you find that “normal” Bluetooth speakers that claim to be water- and dust-proof just don’t cut it? Are you looking for something that can literally handle anything thrown at it? If so, you may want to consider the DemerBox. By far the most expensive speaker on this list, it’s not going to be for everyone.
However, if you need something built like a tank, the Demerbox is the closest you’re going to get. The DemerBox is housed in a crush-proof enclosure made of military-grade materials. The manufacturers claim it is built to withstand any environment, including torrential rain, snow, and hail, while being dust- and dirt-proof as well.
Additionally, the DemerBox features an interior compartment to store valuables and protect them against the elements. The cherry on top of the DemerBox is its more than 40-hour battery life and ability to charge other USB devices. If you’re looking for a rugged speaker to take along on your next big adventure, look no further than the DemerBox.
Pros
- Made from military-grade materials
- Opens to work as storage box for other items
- Fully waterproof
- Battery life of 40 hours
- Can connect multiple speakers for surround sound
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulky
- No Wi-Fi
- Cannot charge other devices
Also helpful: you can pair these Bluetooth speakers with one of these top portable projectors for a fun movie night.
7. Best Smart Speaker Option: Sonos Roam
Price: $179
The Sonos Roam is marketed as “the best portable smart speaker for all your listening adventures.” It has an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, which is on par with virtually every other speaker on this list. However, its other features make it a top option for waterproof Bluetooth speakers.
Unlike most other speakers on this list, the Roam supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. It is equipped with smart technology to work with Google Assist, Apple AirPlay, and Amazon Alexa. It can be voice-enabled or streamed directly from your device.
The Sonos Roam is also drop resistant, comes in a variety of colors, and supports wireless charging.
Pros
- One of the few smart speakers with a waterproof rating
- 10-hour battery life
- Drop resistant
- Compatible with virtual assistants
- Supports wireless charging
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- Doesn’t charge other devices
Frequently Asked Questions
How are waterproof Bluetooth speakers rated?
When it comes to waterproofing, not all Bluetooth speakers are the same. Fortunately, there’s a rating system to help you sort the wheat from the chafe. Chances are you’ve already seen this rating system, which looks like this: IPXX (where numbers replace the Xs).
The International Electro-Technical Commission developed this rating system, and it has been adopted by manufacturers worldwide. This rating informs consumers how their products hold up to the elements.
What does "IPXX" mean?
The “IP” stands for “ingress protection.” This measures how easily foreign bodies (like water) can enter a product’s housing. The following numbers show the product’s protection against dust (the first digit) and liquid (the second digit). Dust protection is rated on a scale from 0 to 6, with six being the highest level of protection. Liquid protection is placed on a scale from 0 to 9, with nine being the highest level of protection.
What other features should I consider before buying a waterproof Bluetooth speaker?
In addition to its waterproof rating, you should look at the following when selecting a waterproof Bluetooth speaker:
- Battery life
- Size
- Durability
- Stereo support
- Charging
Image credit: Pexels
Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox
