The world is more than 70% water. Even inside your house there’s multiple spigots where the life-giving juice of the land will spew forth, should you need something to dilute your evening whiskey. While this is great news for life, it’s terrible news for speakers, which tend to spark and then die when exposed to water. Thankfully, a few insightful brands out there have found a way to combat this problem and give you a way to enjoy your music, even when hiking in the rain, headed to the beach, scrubbing away the night before in the shower, or sitting poolside.
They’ve made the 15 best waterproof Bluetooth speakers for anyone who likes their audio all wet.
Short Note on Waterproofing
A speaker is, by nature, permeable and therefore capable of being damaged by water. While our first priority was to find those that could handle full-blown submergence, in some cases “waterproof” doesn’t always mean it can hitch a ride on your scuba gear, but rather resist splashes or rain; not keep you company in the bath.
VicTsing Wireless
Suck Up: An older speaker that only has 3.0 Bluetooth on board, we suggest snapping this up thanks to its solid build and ability to stick to your bathroom wall with just a push. The audio won’t blow your hair back, but the IPX5 rating allows it to play through a deluge or incoming blast from your shower massager.
Purchase: $17
Cambridge SoundWorks OontZ Angle 3
Straight Shooter: Most of the Bluetooth speaker choices tend to try to throw sound in every direction. The Angle 3 prefers to point its dual 10 watt drivers right at you, for sound where you need it. That isn’t to say it can’t project should you decide to pop it into a cup holder, but it’s better for keeping your audio personal on a crowded beach.
Purchase: $28
Omaker M4
Easy Listening: One of the easiest connections in the business, the M4 will sync up with just about any device you throw at it in a few seconds. Intended for personal listening on the go or in the shower, it can run for 12 hours with sound that’s impressive for the sticker price, and simple to operate if your phone is far from hand.
Purchase: $30
Trendwoo Music Tube
Near & Far: The IPX4 waterproof rating isn’t anything to write home about, but plenty good enough for resting poolside, getting caught in the rain, and keeping your kitchen sink company. A set of 5mm drivers manage to use the circular structure to enhance and improve the carry and quality of all but the most intricate tracks.
Purchase: $35+
Inateck Ultra-Portable Aluminum Wireless Speaker
Edge of Greatness: Pocket-sized and built for shower listening or pocketing for a few jams while you go, there’s quality IPX5 water-resistance that falls just shy of being able to stay submerged without fail. Paired 5-watt drivers do justice to simple sounds, complete with a little bass boost. Just avoid complex orchestral pieces, as it gets flummoxed.
Purchase: $40
G-Project G-DROP
Gearhead: The shrunken price and simple black body make this appear to be another budget ripoff, but don’t waste your cash just yet. The G-DROP serves up IPX7 waterproofing that allows it to sit for half an hour under the beautiful briny deep. Though not going to turn heads, the body is durable, with only the limited 6-hour battery life setting it apart from its more expensive brethren.
Purchase: $49
UE Roll
Bobbing Along: Rather than taking up size vertically, the Roll lays flat. It capitalizes on horizontal real estate to pack in sound in every direction, along with a respectable bit of bass. Using the included floaties, the Roll can even drift along beside you in the pool; only losing connection or clarity if you invert it.
Purchase: $70+
Braven BRV-1
Tiny but Fierce: The BRV-1 can handle a quick dip without damage, though that’s just the beginning. It also has strong shock resistance and a construction that is meant to be kicked around. Mids and highs are clean, though not room-filling, and are backed by a 70mm passive sub to give your lows a Vader-esque rumble.
Purchase: $71
TDK Life on Record TREK Max A34
Black Box: A chunky choice that isn’t made to travel far, what you get with the A34 is a sealed body that resists harsh conditions while avoiding the sound tuning or distortion that goes along with most Bluetooth speakers. Audiophiles take note: you won’t get a better combination of clean sound and remarkable survival instincts without tripling the price.
Purchase: $82
JBL Flip 3
Turn the Beat Around: The Flip has previously been a “good enough” speaker with a devoted following. Their die-hard resiliency has finally paid off with the 3rd installment. Splashproof and able to shrug off atmospheric wetness, but not a river ride, the Flip has both good sound and a respectable speakerphone option for mixing business with your listening pleasure.
Purchase: $83+
ECOXGEAR Eco Stone
Size Matters: Available in three sizes, the Eco Stone can give you as much or as little portable power as you need. 100% fully waterproof no matter which bulk you choose, the ability of the dust, dirt, and debris-fighting body to capture vocals and keep them well above the instrumentals is truly engineering worth experiencing.
Purchase: $83-$138
Monster SuperStar BackFloat
Floatation Device: As the name states with its complete lack of entendre, the SuperStar is its own life preserver. Buoyant material on the rear allows it to rise to the top time and again. So you can keep it next to you as you drift along for listening or taking calls.
Purchase: $113
FUGOO Style
Pure Class: There’s a functional aesthetic that goes hand in glove with wireless speakers that are also geared toward battling the elements. The Style manages to make this work to its advantage, giving you an understated appeal that not only has full waterproofing, but manages to look as good as it sounds.
Purchase: $150
Scoche boomBOTTLE+
Road Tripper: While most speakers here can be dangled from a pack or slung over your shoulder, and all of them can stand and deliver, few bear the unique honor of being made specifically to fit into water bottle holders. Intended mostly for cyclists it can handle rain, jets, and splashes, but avoid dumping it in the drink, unless you long for a new one.
Purchase: $153+
UE Boom 2
Bump & Grind: Due to their small size, there isn’t much bass to be had among the waterproof Bluetooth crowd, but for the most hit for the money and size, the Boom 2 brings it. The tube design gives you circular sound for filling a room, and you can even pair it up with a buddy to expand and compound the reach and range.
Purchase: $177+
