10 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers To Buy In 2024
Which Is The Best Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker For Shower?
Welcome to our world of beyond-the-ordinary mobile music experience. Holidays are always fun, particularly when they’re had outdoors- perhaps short or long vacations- but they’re more fun with a great music playlist as a companion.
And if you’re the type that enjoys water sports, with good music as you go, you may need to consider a portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker that will not only produce impressive sound but also not weigh you down. However, the question of whether Bluetooth speakers are worth it might have crossed your mind.
There’s no two-way answer to it. With a waterproof speaker as your companion during an outdoor activity, you wouldn’t need to worry about it falling into the pool while swimming, or the sea while at the beach, or rain falling on it while outside or walking.
And if you have kids in the house, you wouldn’t have to worry about them baptizing your Bluetooth in the water while making use of it indoors.
The best waterproof Bluetooth speakers are designed to help prevent water splashes or rain from getting into the circuitry through the case.
We recommend that you purchase one of the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers on our list instead of risking the traditional Bluetooth speaker you own, especially if you’re often involved with anything related to water, like kayaking, for example, while outdoor.
All the speakers on our list are rated IPX7 at the very least or higher. An IPX7 rating implies that you can accidentally or intentionally immerse the speaker for about 30 minutes in water up to a depth of 1m.
Mind you, you might not have access to your playlist underwater as the rating only ensures that your device gets protection from sudden water splashes and rainfalls.
In addition to being proof to water, many of the speakers on our list come with impressively beautiful designs and strong casings that can withstand constant abrasion and, wear and tear due to accidental drops on many occasions while on your outdoor adventures.
Moreover, our list not only consists of impressively rugged waterproof Bluetooth speakers but we go beyond the physical features to select those with features that enhance great sound performances.
Other features and factors considered include the design of the casing, connectivity, quality of sound, onboard control, ease of use, and affordability.
There are other solid features you’ll find while using some of these speakers, so keep reading to get the best available offer on the market for you and everyone around you with a love for on-the-go music.
Features To Look Out For When Selecting A Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Sound Quality
The quality of sound is a big factor to look out for when selecting a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Outdoor uses require that all tonal frequencies come out well even while immersed in water.
The produced audio should be powerful as well as clear to overwhelm whatever noise traveling around the environment.
Battery Life
The truth? There’s no waterproof Bluetooth speaker without a strong battery; for what is the essence of wanting to enjoy an unlimited music playlist while outside?
You’ll find some speakers with 12 hours of battery life. That’s a good start. Although some others can go as long as one day and beyond without giving up.
Connectivity
Sometimes, carrying both your smartphone and your Bluetooth speaker around can be a bit of work. To prevent this, you may want to leave your phone somewhere safe while moving with your music box.
This makes connectivity an important feature to look out for. A long-range of connectivity means you can move, with your speaker, a long distance from the source of your music than you would with a shorter range, without being disconnected.
Ease Of Use
Many Bluetooth speakers designing houses now understand that not everyone who uses their products is inclined, and may take a while to get used to the products.
This brought about the introduction of a voice assistant that makes navigation very easy to do. Ensure you check for this if you fall into this category or if you’re buying for someone who does.
IP Rating
You’re here, reading our article because you’ve developed an interest in finding a Bluetooth speaker model with a water resistance feature. This feature is what makes those on our list different from normal Bluetooth speakers.
When selecting a waterproof speaker choice, you’ll need to check for the IP rating which is the ingress protection rating of the device. Most waterproof Bluetooth speakers are typical with the rating IPX7 which certifies them for water immersion for a short period.
1. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Technical Specifications
- Self-Weight: 0.93 pounds
- Battery Life Span: Up to 13 hours
- Wireless Amplitude: 100+ feet
- Frequency Response: 75Hz – 20kHz
- Drivers: Double 40mm active drivers, double passive 46 x 65mm radiators
- NFC: None
- Aux-in: No
- Charging via USB: Yes
Pros:
- Improved battery life up to 30% than its predecessor
- Sound quality transcends its size
- IPX7 waterproof/dustproof rated
Cons:
- Some tracks experience restrictive soundstage.
Worthy of the crown as the overall best waterproof speaker is the UE Wonderboom 2. For many years, the primary Wonderboom ranked among the best in the game for many good reasons including its ruggedness, great sound quality, and the ability to pair with other UE Wonderboom Bluetooth speakers for sound amplification.
However, although with identical designs, the Ultimate Ear Wonderboom 2 is loaded up with more upgrades to the original features. It comes with improved bass response, a newly included Outdoor Boost that increases its loudness, and a battery life that is 30% better than its predecessors.
Considering this upgrade in features, this Bluetooth is not on our list for a gimmick but it stands as one of the best water Bluetooth speakers you can put your money on out there.
2. JBL FLIP 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Technical Specifications
- Self-Weight: 2 pounds
- Battery Life Span: 12 hours
- Wireless Amplitude: N/A
- Frequency Response: 65Hz – 20kHz
- Drivers: 40mm
- NFC: Nil
- Bluetooth Version: 2
- Aux-in: Nil
- Charging via USB: No
Pros:
- Quality and engaging sound
- IPX7 rating; stands well among other options
Cons:
- Absence of 3.5mm Aux-input
- Absence of mic for hands-free calls
- No room for a USB charging spot
The JBL Flip 5 is designed with the highest touch of quality. Though it doesn’t come with many ephemeral specifications, it ranks well in terms of quality. Most Bluetooth speakers don’t always have high specs, the JBL Flip 5 is proof.
The device’s simple Bluetooth-only playback design and not-so-loud features do not in any way hinder its great-sounding ability, ruggedness, and voice control functionality.
And thanks to its IPX7 rating and sleek camouflage design, it’s a good choice as a waterproof speaker. With a waterproof JBL Flip 5 in your hands, you can’t be disappointed.
3. Anker Soundcore Flare 2 Bluetooth Speaker With IPX7 Waterproof Protection
Technical Specifications
- Self-Weight: 1.29 pounds
- Battery Life Span: 12 hours
- Wireless Range: 20m – 66ft
- Frequency Response: N/A
- Drivers: Dual drivers and passive radiators
- NFC: Nil
- Aux-in: Nil
- Charging via USB: Nil
Pros:
- IPX7 water-resistant rating
- Excellent audio quality
- Speakerphone feature
Cons:
- Absence of a 3.5mm AUX input
One of the major amazing features of the Anker Soundcore F2 is the construction that fits any kind of weather and activities. It can perform well for indoor use as well as go with you on an outdoor activity on the poolside or at the beach.
Although there’s no inclusion of a voice assistant in the device, it boasts of great sound and excellent design, a rare value among its competition. The current strongest competition for the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 on the market is the UE Wonderboom 2 with better portability and ruggedness.
However, the Flare 2 sounds better and fits better indoors. Another strong competition is the JBL Pulse 4 with much loudness and bass impact suitable for both indoor and outdoor parties but comes at a price twice as high as the Flare 2’s.
4. Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Technical Specifications
- Self-Weight:2 pounds
- Battery Life Span: Up to 8 hours
- Wireless Amplitude: 30 feet
- Frequency Response: N/A
- Drivers: N/A
- NFC: No
- Aux-in: Yes
- Charging via USB: No
Pros:
- Improved audio performance over the previous version
- Brilliant construction
- Robust feature set
Cons:
- Unimproved battery life from Boom 2
Next on our list of the best currently available waterproof Bluetooth speakers on the market is the UE Boom 3, a slight improvement over Boom 2. The device exhibits a brilliant performance at higher volumes, without distortion.
Lightweight and portable yet durable enough to withstand light impacts unprotected. Besides the dust and waterproof features, the UE Boom 3 has a quick-touch, music mix, button for easy access to your favorite playlists when you don’t have your phone on you.
No doubt, there are other similarly brilliant designs out there but the UE Boom 3 beats many of them due to its relatively affordable price rate.
5. Sonos Roam Portable Waterproof Smart Speaker
Technical Specifications
- Self–Weight: 0.95 pounds
- Battery Life Span: Up to 10 hours
- Wireless Amplitude: 100+ feet
- Frequency Response: N/A
- Drivers: One tweeter, one mid-woofer
- NFC: Yes
- Aux-in: None
- Charging via USB: Yes (USB-C)
Pros:
- Impressive sound performance
- Simple, portable design
- Excellent Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
Cons:
- The bass sound it gives may be too overwhelming for some.
- It is relatively expensive than other available options
Being a new model from the Sonos company, the Sonos Roam waterproof Bluetooth speaker is arguably the best option currently on the market. Highly resistant to water and dust with its IPX7 rating. It is designed for great indoor and outdoor sound experiences, handling all activities with ease.
Like its compatriot, the Sonos Move, the Sonos Roam is equipped not just with Bluetooth connectivity but also with WiFi, which makes it a perfect choice for an outdoor and indoor speaker. It doubles as a smart speaker too, thanks to the Alexa and Google Assistant features.
This bass-filled waterproof Bluetooth speaker is portably yet ruggedly designed and features an impressive audio performance, excellent connectivity, and a smart, home-control.
The bass capacity makes it good for outdoor use, and the auto-switching feature makes it perfect for indoor use. However, some people- especially audiophiles- may find it uncomfortable to use due to its low rhythmic handling.
6. Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST Portable Waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Speaker
Technical Specifications
- Self-Weight: 2.65 pounds
- Battery Life Span: Up to 20 hours
- Wireless Amplitude: 100+ feet
- Frequency Response: 65Hz – 20kHz
- Drivers: Two 2” drivers and two 2” x 4” passive radiators
- NFC: Yes
- Aux-in: Yes
- Charging via USB: Yes
Pros:
- Impressive battery life
- Convenient Alexa integration
Cons:
- More expensive than its rivals
- You may need to buy the charging dock separately
The Megablast waterproof speaker is another great product from Ultimate Ear. A top name among its pairs, capable of producing an excellent audio performance for about 20 hours or more depending on the set volume.
The UE Mega size boasts a stronger bass sound than two of its brothers on our kist- the Wonderboom 2 and UE Boom 3. It is indeed a good option for you if you’re interested in loud bass movement at your next party.
However, you may want to go for its Ultimate Ear brothers if you’re conscious about the budget as they cost less with almost the same sound production. And if you do not mind the cost get this waterproof beast for your next trip to the beach or poolside!
7. JBL Charge 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Technical Specifications
- Self-Weight: 2 pounds
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
- Wireless Amplitude: 30 ft (10 m)
- Frequency Response: 60Hz–20kHz
- Drivers: N/A
- NFC: No
- Aux-in: Yes
- Charging via USB: Yes
Pros:
- Strong battery life; can charge your phone
- Great, sound performance
Cons:
- Absence of 360-degree sound
There aren’t many notable differences between the performance of the JBL Charge 4 and its brother, the JBL Charge 3. One would expect that because the series has been nothing less than a huge success.
However, the notable addition found in Charge 4 over the Charge 3 is more excellent tonal balance as it spits out great bass without interfering with the performance of others in the tonal frequency range
This device may seem to not have many sophisticated features like others on our list but it is one of the best and most sought-after waterproof Bluetooth speakers out there.
At a reasonable price, you get brilliant audio, a rugged design, and a lasting battery that is strong enough to charge your smartphone.
8. JBL Boombox 2 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Technical Specifications
- Self-Weight: 13 pounds
- Battery Life Span: Whooping 24 hours
- Wireless Amplitude: N/A
- Frequency Response: 50Hz – 20kHz
- Drivers: N/A
- NFC: No
- Aux-in: Yes
- Charging via USB: Yes
- Carry Handle: Yes
Pros:
- Lasting battery life up to 24 hours
- Balanced, loud sound
- IPX7 dust and water-resistant rating
Cons:
- Not suitable for smartphone charging
- Relatively expensive when compared to competitions.
Those who have since been lovers of music would be able to tell how the boombox was the most widely recognized symbol for mobile music speakers. The JBL boombox had people dancing on the go; on the streets, in the backyards, and parks.
With the introduction of Boombox 2, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, JBL has come to give people a similar experience. Only that the JBL Boombox 2 gets louder than its predecessor, the loud JBL Boombox. How bombastic! It also has a handle that makes transporting an easy thing to do.
Although the differences between the two are not as many as their similarities, especially the high price tag for products of similar qualities, if you’re interested in getting a great sound with more loudness for your next outdoor event, the JBL Boombox 2 is what you need.
9. Tribit XSound Go Speaker
Technical Specifications
- Self-Weight: 2.16 pounds
- Battery Life Span: Whooping 24 hours
- Wireless Amplitude: 30m/100 feet
- Frequency Response: 85 – 20,000 Hz
- Drivers: N/A
- NFC: N/A
- Aux-in: Yes
- Charging via USB: No
Pros:
- Lightweight and robust
- Lasting battery life
- Expansive sound
Cons:
- Charge time takes longer compared to most rivals
- Mid-forward sound
Normally, one might not expect much from devices like this, however, the Tribit Xsound Go is one of the waterproof Bluetooth speakers on our list with greater quality for their sizes and prices.
The device boasts of expansive sound performance, filling up a medium-sized room at play. It only shows little distortion when placed at a high volume.
At a very affordable price, the Tribit Xsound Go spits an impressive balance sound, produces almost zero distortion when put at high volumes, and boasts of an excellent battery of up to 20 hours and above at a medium level of volume.
What’s more, the device is rated IPX7 dust and water-resistant, making it the right choice for any kind of outdoor activity- whether on the beach or poolside.
Its casing design may not be the best out there but you wouldn’t mind so far it gives you a good musical sound.
10. Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Portable Speaker
Technical Specifications
- Self-Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Battery Life Span: 12 hours
- Wireless Amplitude: 30 feet
- Frequency Response: N/A
- Drivers: One full-range dynamic driver, two passive radiators
- NFC: No
- Aux-in: N/A
- Charging via USB: Yes
Pros:
- Lightweight and robust
- Expansive sound
- Lots of control and pairing options
- Periodically expensive audio
Cons:
- Poor bass integration
- Produces high distortion at levels of volume
- Fixed EQs
Like many on our list, the SoundLink Flex from Bose might not tick all the sophistication boxes but it surely has some great qualities that make it qualify as one of the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers currently available on the market.
If you’re interested in getting a Bluetooth speaker that is suitable for a wide range of indoor uses, the Bose SoundLink is a good option. Its IPX7 water rating also makes it ideal for outdoor use at the beach or pool.
It is equipped with a decent battery life of up to 12 hours. Decent because for its price, it’s one of the best you can get. Moreso, it has a lightweight and compact design with a sound audio performance, and several music control options via your voice, onboard controls, or an app.
The device may seem to be on the low end but we all know that Bose is a reliable brand that always dishes out durable and fit products for both indoor and outdoor music enjoyment. The product gives you the best rich sounds that elevate your passion.
General Advantages and Disadvantages of Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
Double Connectivity
Some waterproof Bluetooth speakers like the JBL, are designed to be able to connect with two smartphones at the same time, a good feature for passing the DJ role between you and your friends.
Water Resistance and Damage
The main reason why waterproof devices are so-called is durability and shock resistance. Water-resistant Bluetooth speakers are typically known to be durable, however, you should prevent yours from repeated dropping which could cause damage to the internal electrical components.
Portability
Talking about waterproof Bluetooth speakers being perfect for outdoor events, we cannot stress portability enough. As many qualities as a waterproof speaker may have, if it is not convenient to carry about for you, then that’s a problem.
For those who love quality sound coupled with portability, there are lots of options on the market that you can easily keep in your backpack and take to your destination, or simply carry in your bare hands, while enjoying your playlists, as you move to places.
Durability
Durability is a big pro common to waterproof speakers than other types. However, the drawback it faces is in the quality of sound. It is common for all types of Bluetooth speakers to lack one quality in place of another.
In a bid to offer protection to drivers from dust and water to a reasonable extent, the waterproof Bluetooth speakers lack excellent sound compared to their non-water-resistant counterparts. To be clear, there are lots of waterproof speakers with great sound but only a few of them come at affordable prices.
Cost
Waterproof speakers are usually expensive, especially those that match water-resistance ability with great audio. However, great sound is not only the factor that contributes to the cost of a speaker.
Other factors like the included features do too. Although the price wouldn’t matter if you’re buying a Bluetooth speaker that will be durable enough to last a long time.
Troubleshooting and Fixing Connection Issues Usually Experienced With Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
Bluetooth-enabled devices are the most commonly used technology in our world. And due to this fact, we will always have connection issues arising from time to time.
We understand the frustrations that come with not being able to have your Bluetooth come on when needed, so we have gathered some useful tips on how to best deal with any waterproof Bluetooth connection issue.
- Turn Your Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Off And On
Sometimes the best and most effective way to resolve any issue with technological devices is to carry out a simple reset- powering the device off and on.
You can try to do so on your Bluetooth device and/or smartphone. Or, you can simply do the trick of putting your smartphone on and off flight mode. This should resolve the issue.
- Turn Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Discovery Mode On
Another trick you can perform when you have an issue with your waterproof Bluetooth speaker connection is by simply turning the discovery mode on. We know it sounds too easy, but it works.
If yours is a smartphone, simply navigate your way to the device’s settings, find the Bluetooth option and then click on it. The devices should be visible to each other after this. Once they’re both connected, you can then enjoy an unquenchable flow of music.
- Ensure Your Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Is Fully Charged
Make sure your waterproof Bluetooth speaker is charged because if it’s not charged or too low, it could cause interference to your enjoyment.
Some of the products on our list are designed to include a built-in smart power management feature that makes the device go off when not in use, to save power.
To avoid the issue of being cut off unexpectedly, always ensure your waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker is fully charged.
- Ensure Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker Is Close
Sometimes when you encounter disruptions in your Bluetooth audio connection, it may be due to the distance between your smartphone and your waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker. You need to make sure that the two devices stay close when connected.
This is necessary for waterproof portable speakers, with a high tendency of being carried about and away from the paired smartphone during one of your outdoor events, in particular.
Different waterproof speakers have different connectivity ranges. Ensure you check just how far your speaker can travel from your smartphone.
- Avoid Interference
You may need to have a look at your surroundings to identify any potential barriers to a successful pairing. These can include Wi-Fi routers, electronic cables, and even garage door openers as they use the same radio frequencies as your Bluetooth device.
Ideally, you will avoid interference from other devices as much as possible, and certainly do not keep your device directly above your Wi-Fi router. The Waterproof types are a perfect way of getting over worries associated with Bluetooth devices.
In addition to their resistance to water and dust, these devices can also be trusted to be durable in case of sudden droppings. Some can also travel as far as 33 feet from the paired device. There are numerous opportunities you’ll get from picking any of the products on our list, depending on your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Wireless waterproof Bluetooth speaker work?
The operation of a wireless Bluetooth speaker is based on radio waves. The radio waves let you connect your devices without the need for wires and cables.
Bluetooth works on many devices, to which you can connect your portable speaker, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. Some portable speakers even allow you to connect to multiple devices at the same time.
What’s the range of a waterproof Bluetooth speaker?
When talking about the amplitude of waterproof Bluetooth speakers, it is not different from that of traditional ones. That a Bluetooth speaker is waterproof doesn’t make it less functional at all.
Theoretically, Bluetooth technology should provide sound enjoyment for a maximum range of 300 feet and above but, most digital music players, Bluetooth speakers, and smartphones are equipped with the class-2 Bluetooth, a lower power type, having a range of about 10 meters (30 feet).
What is an IP rating?
The IP rating is the international standard an electronic device must meet to be certified as resistant to water and dust. The Ingress Protection (IP) of a device is set by the International Electrotechnical Commission(IEC), and all electrotechnical device must meet their standard.
The ratings are such that there are two numbers after IP, and the first of the two numbers stands for the device’s protection against solid particles such as dust. The second number shows the device’s resistance to liquids, most especially, water.
Water is the primary rating of most waterproof devices, that is, how much water can a device take. Once a product has been taken through all the tests and passed, it will be certified.
An “X” sign in place of a number indicates that the device hasn’t undergone testing in that category. Below is a chart showing different IP ratings for different waterproof Bluetooth speakers for your convenience:
IPX0
- Water-resistant
- Waterproof
- Can withstand almost zero level of water, so is not water-resistant
IPX1
- Waterproof
- Can withstand dripping water of 1 mm/min
- Limited to only vertical drips
IPX2
- Water-resistant
- Can withstand trickling water of 3 mm/min
- Limit: Maximum tilt of device to about 15° from water drips.
IPX3
- Water-resistant
- Can withstand liquid sprays
- Limit: Maximum tilt of device to about 60° from water drips.
IPX4
- Water-resistant
- Can withstand liquid splashes, from many directions.
IPX5
- Water-resistant
- Can withstand jets of water up to 12.5 L/min from devices like squirt guns.
IPX6
- Water-resistant
- Can withstand forceful water jets up to 100 L/min from devices like strong water guns.
IPX7
- Water-resistant
- Can withstand total immersion not greater than 1 meter for 30min.
IPX8
- Water-resistant
- Can withstand total submersion up to 3 meters for 30 min.
The type of IP rating you go for solely depends on where you intend to use the device. Devices with higher IP ratings are the most suitable for places like beaches and pools and are the ones you should put your money on.
Does any of the speakers on this list have support for Apple AirPlay?
Unfortunately, no. Most Apple products are specially designed to be supported by dedicated speakers, and none of those speakers on our list support the AirPlay feature. To use your Apple AirPlay, you’ll need to search and buy a compatible speaker.
Can a JBL Flip 5 be connected to a JBL Flip 4?
Many JBL speaker lovers keep asking about the compatibility of the JBL’s Flip 4 and Flip 5 for connection. Unfortunately, they cannot be connected. The JBL Flip 5 uses PartyBoost technology while the Flip 4 uses Connect Plus which is not backward compatible.
Can waterproof speakers be used underwater?
This is a rather tricky question that often comes from people who love to listen to good music while swimming in pools or while scooting underwater. That the device is waterproof does not mean you can enjoy music under shallow water like swimming pools or deep ones like the sea.
Most waterproof Bluetooth speakers are designed to be able to withstand a sudden drop in water for a short period without damage to the circuitry. Some are designed for depths less than 1 meter while others are designed to keep working in the depth of about 3 meters.
If you require a device that can do that, your best option is a specialized underwater media player and headphones.
