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The 12 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Making Outdoor Adventures Even More Fun
The 12 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Making Outdoor Adventures Even More Fun
Sep 18, 2024 1:00 AM

  En español

  Years ago, enjoying music outdoors came with the risk of damaging your speakers. All it took was one unexpected splash during a pool party or a wave or sand hit without notice at the beach for your speakers to become unusable. But today, waterproof speakers are a reliable option on the market for outdoor listening — and they're smarter, more durable, and more entertaining than ever. Our top picks not only play your favorite tunes, but also charge your mobile devices and even deliver access to your favorite virtual assistant.

  Best of all, you can find a great option regardless of your budget. So, to find the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers out there, I spent weeks scrutinizing and testing products from leading brands such as Bose, JBL, and Sony, to name a few.

  Shop the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker deals on Amazon

  The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers

  Best Overall: Best Value: Solid All-Around Performance: Best Big Speaker: The Classic:

  How We Tested

  I've been researching and testing waterproof Bluetooth speakers for years. For this update, we looked for options with the most futureproof specs. Translation? We made sure these speakers would be able to adapt to new developments for years to come. Our process included reading reviews from other tech publications, sifting through consumer feedback, and consulting with industry experts.

  I spent at least a week testing each speaker in this guide using the following criteria:

  Design and durability — focusing on the product's build and ability to survive exposure to the elements, including water and dirt/sand. The last-mentioned bit is essential for using such a gadget at the beach, while camping, or in a backyard or garden.Sound quality — evaluating the ability of each speaker to deliver audible bass, treble, and mid-range, come rain or shine.Battery performance — observing how many hours' worth of wireless playback the device is capable of and its charging methods. Ease of use and additional attributes — evaluating the product's controls' layout and tactility, any supplemental features it offers, and, when available, app-enabled functionality. Learn more about how we test products, from the questions we ask our testing team, to the types of products we feel are actually worth testing, to the overall time we put in to our testing process.

  What to Consider

  Sound, durability, and battery life are the most important bits to consider when shopping for a waterproof speaker. Regardless of the type of outing you take it on, a high-quality product should be able to deliver a stellar sonic experience for many hours between charges.

  Sound

  When it comes to sound, the more audio drivers a speaker packs, the more detail-rich and entertaining sound it will deliver. For our top pick, we selected a product that can deliver high-quality stereo sound to the listeners in front of it. If you plan to make the gadget a true party centerpiece, consider an offering capable of delivering multidirectional, 360-degree audio.

  Durability

  Every speaker on our list has an official rating for water resistance (some can even float on the surface), and it is important to know the difference between an IP and an IPX moniker. An IP rating means that the product can handle water and dust, while the IPX rating attests that a speaker has only been rated for exposure to water. Ideally, you should choose a versatile speaker capable of handling more than just exposure to water to increase its lifespan.

  Battery Life

  Regarding battery life, the absolute minimum you should consider before buying a waterproof speaker is 10 hours. This will ensure that the device can entertain you during a daily outing. Most of the best waterproof speakers can easily blast a day's worth of tunes with power to spare.

  The charging connector your next waterproof speaker has is also crucial, and I highly recommend looking for products with a USB-C port. The futureproof connector will allow you to power up your audio gadget using the same cable as your laptop, tablet, or Android phone.

  Additional cool features such as built-in lights and the ability to charge your phone or other gadgets are also worth considering. So are app-enabled tools for customizing the speaker's sound for specific content and usage scenarios and adjusting its settings, among many others. An app can also allow you to update your speaker's firmware and potentially expand its capabilities.

  Ready to find the ultimate waterproof Bluetooth speaker? Learn more about our favorite picks at every price point.

  

  

The 12 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Making Outdoor Adventures Even More Fun1

  1Best Overall

  Sony SRS-XE300 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

  Credit: Cat BowenProsCons

  

  Can't double as portable battery packSony’s SRS-XE300 is the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker for most people. It has an elegant design with a fabric cover, a shockproof build with robust water and dust resistance rating, great sound, and long battery life — all at an agreeable price. Its design and performance also made it our favorite Bluetooth speaker overall.

  The speaker packs a duo of full-range audio drivers and two passive radiators, producing 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 indoor and outdoor scenarios while I tested it. It’s a reliable speakerphone, too.

  You can order the Sony SRS-XE300 in black, blue, and light gray. Consider if you are looking for a smaller waterproof speaker. It has a similar design and onboard features.

  

Sound Dual audio drivers and passive bass radiators
Durability IP67 waterproof, dustproof, shockproof
Power Up to 24 hours, USB-C connector

  

  

The 12 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Making Outdoor Adventures Even More Fun2

  2Best Value

  Soundcore Motion Boom Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

  Pros

  

  Stereo sound with stellar quality

  

  Cool and convenient boombox handle

  

  Long battery lifeCons

  

  No rating for dust resistanceAnker's Soundcore Motion Boom is the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker $100 can buy. Its design, build, sound, and additional features are impressive, and its companion app is the best you’ll find on a Bluetooth speaker, regardless of the price tag. The speaker can also float in water, though it lacks a rating for dust resistance.

  The Motion Boom can deliver balanced stereo sound with impressive fidelity via a pair of audio drivers and two passive radiators. I like that the speaker has a button for instantly enhancing its bass. The Soundcore app, on the other hand, allows you to adjust the audio to your preference.

  I enjoyed the convenient boombox-style handle of the Soundcore Motion Boom while using it outdoors. It reminded me of my childhood's portable stereo systems. Like many of our top picks, the Motion Boom can charge other gadgets via a USB port.

  Key Specs

  

Sound Dual audio drivers and passive radiators
Durability IPX7 waterproof
Power Up to 24 hours of battery life, USB-C connector

  

The 12 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Making Outdoor Adventures Even More Fun3

  3Solid All-Around Performance

  JBL Charge 5 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

  Credit: Thomas HenggePros

  

  Powerful sound

  

  Understated design

  

  Doubles as a backup batteryCons

  

  No carrying handle or strapJBL’s Charge 5 Bluetooth speaker is an excellent alternative to our top pick from Sony, offering boomier sound and the ability to recharge other gadgets. Plus, you can order it in more colors: black, blue, gray, red, teal, and camouflage.

  The Charge 5 has a different driver setup with a larger woofer and a smaller tweeter than its rival. Combined with a duo of passive bass radiators, the audio hardware produces a more powerful — if slightly less detail-rich — sonic experience. I found it to be very entertaining in outdoor open spaces like a beach and a large backyard.

  I like the understated design of the JBL Charge 5. The speaker has no onboard lights, so it is lighter than our top pick without compromising durability. If you are looking for a more compact speaker that packs a punch, consider the cheaper instead.

  Key Specs

  

Sound Built-in woofer, tweeter, passive bass radiators
Durability IP67 waterproof, dustproof
Power Up to 20 hours of battery life, USB-C connector
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The 12 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Making Outdoor Adventures Even More Fun4

  4Best Design and Battery Life

  Marshall Emberton II Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

  Pros

  

  Beautiful design and tough build

  

  Great sound quality

  

  Amazing battery lifeCons

  

  Can't use it as a speakerphoneThe Marshall Emberton II waterproof speaker stands out in this crowded product category by rocking an incredibly cool design inspired by the audio maker’s iconic guitar amplifiers. The compact speaker looks like a miniaturized version of the legendary equipment that has powered live music performances for decades. Its tactile control knob and battery indicator are just as impressive and a notch above rivals’ setups.

  Equipped with full-range drivers and passive radiators, the Emberton II delivers a detail-rich stereo sound that belies its compact footprint — I consistently thought I was listening to a larger unit while testing it. In addition, the device’s remarkable battery life is the best on this list. However, given its sticker, I wish the Emberton II had a built-in microphone for making calls.

  Stack mode lets you link multiple Emberton II speakers for a more immersive sonic experience. Alternatively, you can opt for with more onboard audio drivers.

  Key Specs

  

Sound Two full-range audio drivers and passive radiators
Durability IP67 waterproof, dustproof
Power 30+ hours of battery life, USB-C connector

  

The 12 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Making Outdoor Adventures Even More Fun5

  5Best Big Speaker

  JBL Xtreme 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

  Pros

  

  Powerful and enjoyable sound

  

  Convenient carrying strap

  

  Doubles as versatile battery packCons

  

  PriceyThe JBL Xtreme 3 is heftier and more powerful than any other entry on this list. It weighs well over 4 pounds (almost 2 more than the Sony SRS-XB33), but the thunderous sound it offers makes the extra bulk worth dealing with. You can order the product in black, blue, or with a camouflage pattern.

  Acoustically, this JBL speaker delivers a performance that lives up to its Xtreme moniker. It packs two woofers, two tweeters, and a pair of passive bass radiators, which produce the legendary audio maker’s signature sound. In addition to futureproof Bluetooth 5.1, the product has a standard audio jack for wired playback.

  I applaud JBL for including a sturdy carrying strap with an integrated bottle opener alongside the speaker. The included accessory made the device easy to carry around while I tested it. I also liked being able to charge a duo of gadgets from the speaker's USB-A and USB-C ports while blasting tunes.

  Key Specs

  

Sound Dual 70-millimeter woofers and dual 20-millimeter tweeters
Durability IP67 waterproof, dustproof
Power Up to 15 hours of battery life, USB-C connector

  

  

The 12 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Making Outdoor Adventures Even More Fun6

  6Tiny, But Mighty

  Sony SRS-XB100 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

  Pros

  

  Size-defying sound and bass

  

  Fantastic battery life

  

  AffordableCons

  

  No app controlsSony's all-new, impressively tiny SRS-XB100 Bluetooth speaker will surprise you with a thunderous bass delivery and long battery life. Another bit I like about the XB100 is the option to link two speakers in a stereo pair. Given the impulse-buy price of the product, ordering two will allow you to enjoy high-quality sound without breaking the bank.

  Compared to , 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.

  Sony offers the speaker in black, blue, orange, and light gray. Every XB100 comes with a matching carrying strap.

  Key Specs

  

Sound 46-millimeter speaker, bass radiator
Durability IP67 waterproof, dustproof
Power Up to 16 hours of battery life, USB-C connector
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The 12 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Making Outdoor Adventures Even More Fun7

  7The Classic

  Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

  Pros

  

  Timelessly cool design

  

  Durable build and long warranty

  

  Customizable magic buttonCons

  

  Dated charging connectorAlmost half a decade since its debut, the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 is still one of the best waterproof speakers you can buy. It offers an elegant design, a rugged build with a class-leading 2-year warranty, a 360-degree sound with excellent quality, and long battery life. And since USB-C cables are most common for charging today, we only wish its micro-USB connector wasn't so dated.

  Impressively, the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 can survive submersion underwater and float on the surface — standout features that make it great for pool use. There are several colors to pick from: black, blue, red, gray, and an Amazon-exclusive dusk option.

  The mobile app allows you to set up quick access to favorite Apple Music and Spotify playlists via the product’s multifunctional magic button. While testing the BOOM 3, I enjoyed being able to launch a playlist with my favorite downtempo tracks for work without having to look for my phone.

  Key Specs

  

Sound Dual audio drivers/bass radiators
Durability IP67 waterproof, dustproof
Power Up to 15 hours of battery life, micro-USB connector

  

  

The 12 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Making Outdoor Adventures Even More Fun8

  8Best Compact Speaker

  Bose SoundLink Flex Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

  Credit: THOMAS HENGGEPros

  

  Elegant and portable

  

  Great sound quality

  

  Convenient fabric loopCons

  

  Dated Bluetooth connectivityThe Bose SoundLink Flex is your best option if you're looking for a lightweight waterproof Bluetooth speaker that packs a punch. The gadget weighs just a little over 1 pound, so it's more portable than our top picks from Sony and JBL without skimping on audio performance and durability. Perhaps one of its coolest features is that it can even float in water.

  Like all Bose wireless headphones and speakers, the SoundLink Flex delivers an enjoyable sound with slightly embellished bass and crisp treble. While testing this speaker, I enjoyed its amazing versatility. Depending on your needs, you can use it in an upright landscape position (great for a desk or table), place it on its back to become the centerpiece of an outdoor gathering or hang it via its fabric loop.

  The dated Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity of the speaker is underwhelming for such a product in the 2020s. It gives it a more limited wireless range and lower battery life than similarly priced Bluetooth 5 speakers.

  Key Specs

  

Sound Custom audio transducer, proprietary audio processing
Durability IP67 waterproof, dustproof
Power Up to 12 hours of battery life, USB-C connector

  

  

The 12 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Making Outdoor Adventures Even More Fun9

  9Most Visually Immersive

  JBL Pulse 5 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

  Credit: Thomas HenggePros

  

  Attention-commanding lighting effects

  

  Unique design and tough build

  

  Stellar audio qualityCons

  

  Underwhelming battery life for the priceJBL's Pulse 5 is hands-down the most entertaining speaker on this list. In addition to blasting the brand's signature sound, the waterproof gadget can also deliver a striking 360-degree LED light show guaranteed to make it an evening party's centerpiece. Its battery life is far from the best in class, but an acceptable tradeoff for the visual experience it can provide.

  The customizable lighting effects mentioned above make the Pulse 5 look like a lighting fixture, not an audio product. When I showed it to a few friends, some thought it was a minimalist lamp, not a Bluetooth speaker.

  Even though it looks similar to the product it replaces, the JBL Pulse 5 delivers a tougher build and superior sound courtesy of a pair of audio drivers. The newcomer's Bluetooth 5.3 — the connectivity standard's latest version — is more futureproof, too. The has a sole audio transducer and older Bluetooth 4.2.

  Key Specs

  

Sound 64-millimeter woofer, 16-millimeter tweeter
Durability IP67 waterproof, dustproof
Power Up to 12 hours of battery life, USB-C connector
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The 12 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Making Outdoor Adventures Even More Fun10

  10Best Micro Speaker

  JBL Clip 4 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

  Credit: Cat BowenPros

  

  Portable, rugged, and versatile in equal measure

  

  Good sound quality

  

  Affordable priceCons

  

  Battery life is just OKJBL’s Clip 4 is the best ultra-compact waterproof speaker worth your attention. It has a cool and versatile design, headlined by the Clip product family’s signature carabiner. The last-mentioned bit will allow you to attach it to a bag, a backpack, or a bicycle, among many other things. There are several colors available including black, blue, gray, pink and red, as well as a camouflage pattern.

  The speaker's housing has a premium fabric finish, a metal carabiner, and buttons with excellent tactility. While testing it out, it felt like I was interacting with a pricier product, not one that costs well below $100.

  JBL has equipped the Clip 4 with a well-tuned 40-millimeter audio driver, making it deliver a surprisingly powerful sound for its size. I was pleasantly surprised by how balanced the sonic experience was during my testing.

  Key Specs

  

Sound 40-millimeter audio transducer
Durability IP67 waterproof, dustproof
Power Up to 10 hours of battery life, USB-C connector

  

  

The 12 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Making Outdoor Adventures Even More Fun11

  11Best Sound Quality

  Soundcore Motion X600 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

  Credit: Stefan VazharovPros

  

  Best-in-class sound quality

  

  Backlit button controls

  

  Elegant designCons

  

  Battery life is behind the competition

  

  Not dustproofIf sound quality is a major priority and you don’t mind lower durability and battery life, I highly recommend the Soundcore X600 waterproof speaker. Thanks to five audio drivers, including an upward-firing unit, and just as many amplifiers, the elegant speaker can deliver a sonic experience with higher fidelity than any competitor. To top things off, the X600 is the only product on this list compatible with spatial audio and Hi-Res (wired and wireless) content.

  Like its maker’s excellent headphones and earbuds, the Soundcore speaker supports the audiophile-grade LDAC codec, allowing it to deliver more detail-rich audio when paired with a compatible device. While testing the X600, I was stunned by the lush sound it produced in tandem with a (the best for audiophiles). Playing my go-to tracks made me feel like I was listening to a much pricier speaker.

  The X600 is available in black, blue, and green. Every color option features a matching metal handle.

  Key Specs

  

Sound Dual audio drivers and passive radiators
Durability IPX7 waterproof
Power Up to 24 hours of battery life, USB-C connector
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The 12 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Making Outdoor Adventures Even More Fun12

  12Best Budget

  EarFun Uboom L Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

  Credit: Stefan VazharovPros

  

  Great sound for the money

  

  Convenient button controls

  

  Tough buildCons

  

  No companion appThe EarFun UBOOM L Portable Speaker waterproof speaker is our favorite for thrifty shoppers, offering design, audio performance, and available features that defy its sticker. In addition to blasting powerful sound with custom modes, the product has a tough build and solid battery life.

  I enjoyed the bass-rich stereo sound that the UBOOM L pumped out while I put it through its paces. I could toggle between easy-to-switch modes for indoor and outdoor listening and streaming video on a paired smartphone or laptop. The simplicity of the device’s button controls was just as impressive.

  Unlike pricier Bluetooth-only rivals, the speaker also has a standard audio input for a wired connection with an MP3 player or a laptop and a bundled cable for the task.

  Key Specs

  

Sound Dual audio drivers and passive radiators
Durability IPX7 waterproof
Power Up to 24 hours of battery life, USB-C connector
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