No Outdoor Adventure Is Complete Without a Waterproof Speaker

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Bluetooth speakers have come a long way in the last few years, offering advanced new features, vastly improved sound quality, and best of all, widespread waterproofing to keep them safe in nearly any scenario – even a quick dunk in the pool. However, the sheer overwhelming number of great waterproof Bluetooth speakers out there can make it tough to narrow down your options for the perfect fit.

We’ve tested dozens of the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers to find the top options for every listener and budget. Whether you’re seeking something micro-sized for your next backpacking trip, an all-around banger that can be your backyard audio partner, or a powerful performer that blows the doors off at your next party, we’ve got an idea of the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker for you.

The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers

• Best Overall: Sony SRS-XE300 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

• Best Value: Soundcore Boom 2 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

• Best for Powering Up: JBL Charge 5 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

• Best Sound Quality: Brane Audio Brane X Smart Speaker

• Best Battery Life: Tribit Stormbox Flow Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

The Expert:

What to Consider in a Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Sound Quality

With so many available waterproof Bluetooth speakers at so many price points, there are several points to consider for sound quality. For example, if you host a lot of backyard barbecues, you’ll want a larger speaker: Bigger speakers with bigger drivers, which can pump out powerful bass and sound clear at high volume. (That isn’t a given, especially among cheaper models.)

If you need something smaller to bring on a backpacking trip, your bass will suffer, but you should look for a speaker with precise mid-range detail and treble to provide more finesse at lower volume levels for music and movies alike.

Regardless of size, you’ll want a speaker with excellent clarity in the higher registers and balance across frequencies. It’s no good blasting tons of bass if you can’t hear the vocals or dialogue. You’ll also want to ensure the speaker sounds good at low volumes so that quiet effects and instrumentation come through clearly. Dynamics, or the ability to display punch in the louder scenes and nuance to softer moments, is also important to make sure your speaker can provide the proper emotional impact in your favorite songs.

The only way to really discern the nuances of how a speaker sounds is to listen to it. Since we’ve tested these speakers, we’ll do our best to convey these details to you based on our time with them, but there’s ultimately no substitute for listening yourself.

If you take any of these speakers for a test listen, it’s important to listen to familiar music you’ve heard many times – this way you’ll know what it’s supposed to sound like at its best. I also recommend listening to songs from many genres, like acoustic music, pop/rock, jazz, and hip hop. This way, you’ll get a good sense of how the speaker responds to a wide variety of instruments and sound frequencies. You’ll want to listen most closely to your favorite genres, of course, as this is how you’ll spend most of your time with the speaker.

Durability

Speaker brands use an independent rating system for “ingress protection” (IP) to measure and indicate how well their electronics can handle getting covered with water and/or dust. “Dust,” in this case, includes all kinds of small particles including dirt and sand.

IP ratings feature two numbers that tell you whether speakers are dust and/or water-resistant, respectively. They may also have an “X,” which means the speaker has not been certified for this form of protection, while a “0” means it has no protection. It can be confusing at first but, in general, the higher the IP rating, the more durable your Bluetooth speaker will be.

Dustproofing is measured on a scale from 0 to 6. A 5 out of 6 rating indicates that a product is dust protected and you generally don’t need to worry about dust damaging the product. A 6 means the product is “dust tight” and nothing can get inside.

Waterproofing is measured on a scale from 0 to 9; most electronics can only score up to an 8, which means a product can be continuously submerged. A perfect 9 is rated to withstand blasts from a high-pressure jet of water. You’ll rarely see a Bluetooth speaker with a water resistance rating above 7, which means it can handle “temporary submersion in water.”

Every speaker on our list offers at least an IPX7 rating or higher. The most durable ones have been rated for both dust and water resistance. If you spend a lot of time in the sand or out in the elements, you’ll want to consider a waterproof Bluetooth speaker with an IP57 or IP67 rating.

Size and Weight

Every “portable” bluetooth speaker needs to strike a balance between portability and performance. Smaller speakers are very convenient–they’re light and easy to carry–but they’re also limited from a performance perspective. A larger speaker has more room for components that allow for more power, better bass response, and clearer stereo imaging.

They may be tougher to pack, but the larger speakers in this guide generally deliver bigger and more accurate bass, wider stereo expansion, and higher volume levels.

Finding the balance that feels right for you comes down to a combination of personal taste and a little personal awareness. Think about where and how you plan to use your speaker. If it doesn’t need to travel far and you mostly break it out for groups, like backyard barbecues or tailgates, a big, boombox-style speaker will get louder and deliver bass that hits harder.

On the other hand, if you’re carrying your speaker around in a backpack or bringing it camping, size takes priority. Some of us would probably tell you there’s value in picking up one of each, but it all comes down to what you need and how often you need it.

Battery Life

Your waterproof Bluetooth speaker should last at least 10 hours on a single charge. That’s enough time that it can play for a full day, so you won’t have to worry about charging it during a party. Most of the best waterproof speakers can easily blast a day's worth of tunes with power to spare.

Having a larger battery becomes more important when your speaker has special features that do more than just play music. If a speaker has built-in LED lights or the ability to charge other devices, to name a couple of common examples, the speaker will need a longer-lasting battery.

We also prefer speakers with modern USB-C charging ports, which are more efficient and compatible with new smartphones and other devices.

Companion App

Many speaker manufacturers will offer a free companion app to go with their hardware. Once paired with your phone, these apps allow you to customize the speaker's sound for specific content and scenarios. They also allow you to control other special features, like syncing multiple speakers, adjusting LED lights and more.

Lastly, these apps allow you to update your speaker's firmware to fix defects or issues and potentially expand its feature set over time. It’s not all that fun, but useful if you plan to hold onto your speaker for a long time.

How We Selected The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers

We've been researching and testing waterproof Bluetooth speakers for years. For our latest update, we looked for options with the best performance, features, and overall value for your money. We also looked for speakers with the most futureproof specs to ensure they will remain among the best options on the market for years to come.

In addition to a series of listening tests, we consulted reviews from other tech publications, sifted through consumer feedback and consulted with industry experts. In our hands-on testing, we evaluated each speaker for the following criteria:

• Design and durability: We checked the product's build and tested its ability to survive exposure to the elements, including water and dirt/sand. While waterproofing is the focus of this piece, dustproofing is just as important if you plan to bring your speaker to the beach or a campsite.

• Sound quality: We evaluated speakers for clarity, instrumental separation, stereo spacing (where applicable), and dynamics in multiple indoor and outdoor environments. We listen across frequencies for powerful bass response, a warm and full-bodied midrange, and treble that sparkles without audible distortion. We also listen for a smooth transition between registers
  
  We tested using set playlists including acoustic tracks, jazz, rock, hip-hop, and everything in between.

• Battery performance — We observed how many hours worth of wireless playback time each speaker device provides at average volume levels, of and its USB-C charging capabilities for both the speaker itself and (where applicable) other devices methods.

• Ease of use and additional attributes — We evaluated each speaker’s onboard controls, as well as any supplemental features like party modes or stereo pairing with other speakers it offers. When available we scrutinized the feature sets of their companion apps, as well, along with their usability and intuitive navigation.

SRS-XE300 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Sony’s SRS-XE300 is our favorite Bluetooth speaker, waterproof or otherwise. Its elegant design features a fabric cover, a shockproof build with a robust water and dust resistance rating, great sound, and long battery life—all at an agreeable price.

Packing a duo of full-range audio drivers and two passive radiators, the SRS-XE300 produces a powerful, distortion-free stereo sound that’s customizable via an app. Unlike other top-rated waterproof Bluetooth speakers that aren't stereo-capable, the XE300 excelled in both indoor and outdoor testing. It’s a reliable speakerphone, too.

If you’re looking for something a little cheaper, Sony’s smaller SRS-XE200 offers a similar feature-set in a more compact package.

Boom 2 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Anker's Soundcore Boom 2, a follow-up to the popular Motion Boom, is once again the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker if you need big sound on a small budget. Its design, battery life and sound are all impressive, and it pairs with one of the best companion apps around, regardless of the price tag.

Perfect for the pool, this compact boombox can actually float. It lacks dust resistance, though, so make sure to keep it on a towel at the beach. The lights on the sides create a rainbow of colors that flash with the beat to spice up your evenings.

The Boom 2 delivers clear and punchy sound with impressive fidelity via a pair of tweeters and a 50-watt woofer for potent bass that’s adjustable with a dedicated control button. And like many of our top picks, the Boom 2 can charge other gadgets via its USB port. The speaker’s plastic exterior feels a bit chintzy, but that’s a small caveat for an affordable speaker that brings the party wherever you go.

Charge 5 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Charge 5 is an excellent alternative to our top pick, delivering a boomier sound and the ability to recharge other gadgets. Its driver setup is optimized for big bass, with a larger woofer and a smaller tweeter than its rival. Combined with a duo of passive bass radiators, the Charge 5 produces a more powerful—if slightly less detail-rich—sonic experience than the SRS-XE300. That extra oomph really fills the air at a backyard barbecue or a beach party.

We like the understated design of the Charge 5, and that it comes in a pretty wide range of colors, including black, blue, gray, red, teal, and camouflage. Unlike some of our other picks, it doesn’t have onboard lights, which makes it lighter and more power-efficient, which is important if you plan to use your speaker to occasionally top off your phone.

If you are looking for a more compact speaker that packs a punch, consider the similar but more affordable JBL Flip 6.

Audio Brane X Smart Speaker

It’s no coincidence that the best-sounding waterproof speaker also offers the best bass we’ve ever heard in a portable. Brane Audio’s R.A.D. (Repel Attract Driver) technology bends the rules of physics, stuffing an 8-inch subwoofer inside its portable Brane X smart speaker. This means the speaker can hit much lower frequencies at a more convincing volume level than anything we’ve tested at its size.

Using specialized magnets to “cancel internal air pressure force,” the Brane X subwoofer generates a “tenfold increase in sub-bass” over traditional speaker designs at its size. The result is potent and emotionally moving sound that hits more like a home theater than a 7.7-pound portable. The Brane X complements its thunderous low frequencies with skilled mid-range drivers and tweeters for clear detail in the higher registers and impressive stereo spacing.

You’ll also get a companion app for adjusting settings and streaming over Wi-Fi to go along with Bluetooth. Putting all of this good stuff in a waterproof design is no easy task, and you’ll pay a hefty price for it. This is the best sound we’ve ever heard out of a waterproof speaker, though, and it’s not even close.

Stormbox Flow Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

You may not have heard of Tribit, but the brand has been making waves lately in the waterproof Bluetooth speaker market lately. The Stormbox Flow is arguably Tribit’s strongest product yet, with features like the ability to pair with other Stormbox Flow speakers, an app for controlling sound settings and updating firmware, and accessible onboard controls including a bass button that increases or decreases bass when pressed.

It delivers impressive sound quality for a sub-$100 speaker, with relatively full and smooth bass and solid detail up top. The speaker’s single audio driver tends to get a little overwhelmed in particularly dense mixes, but usually comes through loud and clear for pleasant listening across genres.

The big get here, however, is the Flow’s battery life–up to 30 hours at mid-level volume, or 24 hours with the bass boost engaged. That’s enough to keep the music going all day and all night if you want, or to stretch across a grand, charger-free adventure. The downside to a big battery, of course, is that it makes the speaker rather hefty.

The Stormbox Flow is a good buy at $80 and often goes on sale, making it a great value that excels in a variety of use cases.

Xtreme 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Xtreme 3 is a big portable speaker that delivers big sound. It weighs in at over 4 pounds, and delivers the kind of thunderous sound you can only get from a larger design. It packs two woofers, two tweeters, and a pair of passive bass radiators, which produce the legendary audiomaker’s signature sound.

Despite its heft, the Xtreme 3 is designed to be mobile. It comes with a sturdy, comfortable carrying strap with an integrated bottle opener alongside the speaker. We also like that it doubles as a portable charger, with USB-A and USB-C ports that let you keep your gear charged while blasting tunes.

SRS-XB100 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Don’t let its small stature fool you: The Sony SRS-XB100 Bluetooth speaker can party with the best of them, producing a thunderous, bassy sound. An update of the excellent SRS-XB-13, the SRS-XB100 has a textured finish that improves its handling and a more eco-friendly build with recycled plastic used in its making. The tiny speaker has a robust rating for water resistance, guaranteeing it can survive rain, splashes, direct exposure to running water, and full submersion. It's fully dust-resistant, too.

We also love that you can link two XB100s together to create a true stereo speaker setup whenever and wherever you need it. And unlike many linkable devices, it’s cheap enough that you can reasonably consider buying two. Heck, a two-pack still costs less than half of our picks.

Boom 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Even after almost six years, the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is still one of the best waterproof speakers you can buy. Its elegant design, rugged build and battery life have allowed this 360-degree speaker to ace gracefully. In a world where most electronics get scrapped and refreshed every year or two, the Boom 3 feels iconic.

Impressively, it can survive submersion underwater and float on the surface — standout features that make it great for pool use. The mobile app allows you to set up quick access to favorite Apple Music and Spotify playlists via the product’s multifunctional magic button. It’s really nice to be able to launch a custom playlist without having to look for your phone.

A couple things do feel out of date–particularly its micro-USB charging port. Still, you can’t go wrong with a modern classic like the Ultimate Ears Boom 3.

Pulse 5 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

In addition to blasting the brand's signature sound, the JBL Pulse 5 is a light show in a box. Its striking 360-degree LED lighting is guaranteed to make your evening backyard gathering feel more like a rager.

Compared to its predecessors, the JBL Pulse 5 has a tougher build and superior sound quality. Its battery life is far from the best in class, but an acceptable tradeoff for its awesome visuals. A sound system and decoration combined, the JBL Pulse 5 brings flash and substantial sound.

Roam

The Sonos Roam is a do-it-all device, bringing as the features of a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, Wi-Fi streamer, and multi-room audio component into a single compact package. It looks and feels slick with accessible touch controls, and its durable build provides robust dust and water resistance.

As part of the Sonos audio ecosystem, the Roam connects to an advanced app that lets you control multiple settings. If you connect it to a TV, you can stream from tons of streaming services over Wi-Fi. Sync it up with other Sonos speakers, and you can create a sound system that follows you all over your home, inside and out. The speaker’s versatile smart home support lets you choose between Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for built-in voice commands and controls.

Of course, it’s also a very capable Bluetooth speaker. Take it out of the living room into the wild, and the Roam offers sparkling clear treble, a warm and sweet midrange, and more bass than you’d expect for a speaker this size. Its battery life is fairly short–a scant 10 hours–but we think that the sound quality and Sonos’ connected features more than make up for that, especially if you’re merely bringing it out to the backyard.

Q+A With Our Experts

How far is a Bluetooth speaker’s wireless range?

The majority of Bluetooth speakers and other consumer electronics are limited to a Bluetooth range of around 33 feet (10 meters) with line of sight. That’s under ideal conditions: More than not interference from other radio sources like Wi-Fi devices and baby monitors may reduce that range. Thick walls and windows may also impact the signal. In recent years, updates to the Bluetooth wireless protocol have made dropouts much less common in recent years, but you’ll need to stay generally within that 33-foot range.

Which Bluetooth version do I need?

Bluetooth is constantly being updated and improved for efficiency and sound quality. Each new Bluetooth version brings minor advancements that can improve wireless performance, including more efficient power consumption, lower audio latency, and enhanced anti-interference capabilities for a more stable wireless connection.

That said, moving up to Bluetooth 5.0 or higher won’t affect sound quality directly. Instead, its higher bandwidth may allow for features like aptX, which could improve sound quality if your mobile device supports it. Otherwise, all of the speakers on our list offer Bluetooth 4.2 or higher, which should be fine for the vast majority of use cases.

How loud do waterproof Bluetooth speakers get?

Most high-performance Bluetooth speakers can reach around 85-90 Decibels (dB) or higher. The loudest generally top out at around 100dB, or the equivalent of a loud motorcycle or jackhammer. (When comparing speakers, keep in mind that decibels are measured using a logarithmic scale, so 80dB is about four times quieter than 100dB.)

Since Bluetooth speakers are designed for outdoor use, users have a tendency to crank the sound pretty loudly, which can sometimes cause distortion. Generally, the larger the speaker, the louder it can get without distorting, but there are other determining factors at play such as design and build quality.

The best waterproof Bluetooth speakers can play at or near their top volume without a noticeable drop in quality. All of the speakers on our list were chosen for their ability to get loud without incurring notable distortion. That said, we still generally recommend looking at larger speakers if you want to really pump up the volume.

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