Bring your tunes with you anywhere, rain or shine, with a portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker. These resilient little powerhouses deliver a surprisingly clear sound from a small speaker, so you don’t have to sacrifice sound quality while you’re living an active life on your terms, wet or dry.
You may ask, “Why do I need a speaker to be waterproof?” But once you get used to the versatility and hardiness of these all-weather speakers, you’ll never go back. You can listen to music at the beach, by the pool, out on a boat or kayak, or in the shower with no worries of water damaging the electronics. And using a speaker as opposed to earbuds is a social experience, too. You and your whole crew can splash around anywhere as you enjoy your favorite playlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are waterproof speakers also sandproof?
In general, most waterproof speakers are sand proof and dust proof as well as waterproof because they have a watertight sealed casing. So, if water can’t get in, then grains of sand cannot enter the speaker’s internal electronic mechanisms, either. However, even though the speaker is safe in the sand, some manufacturers recommend cleaning the sand off of your speaker after an outing at the beach. This may be because grains of sand might get lodged into the buttons’ surface or interfere with the working mechanisms of a clip.
Can small speakers put out a high sound volume?
The ever-improving advances of technology never cease to amaze, and the big sound possible out of small portable speakers these days is quite impressive. Gone are the days when you need large, cumbersome speakers for loudness. Small speakers are equipped with technology that gives crisp clear audio with bass big enough to satisfy most listeners.
Can waterproof speakers be submerged in water?
Yes! A great many of the waterproof speakers on the market have the capability to function perfectly even after being dropped in the water. Some speakers even float, making them ideal for boating, kayaking, or pool parties. Just to be sure, check the manufacturer’s specifications for information about a speaker’s immersion capacity.
Buying Guide
With all the sellers competing for your attention, especially in electronics, it can be a little overwhelming when you start to look at the options in waterproof speakers. Here are few key considerations to keep in mind as you narrow down your choices in search of the best waterproof speaker for you:
- Size & Shape: Most waterproof speakers are small and portable so you can easily take them with you to places where you might get wet. Even though most Bluetooth waterproof speakers are compact, some are larger than others. There are many different shapes of waterproof speakers, too, from tall and short cylinders to round speakers to oblong shapes. Think about how you’d like to use your speaker, and this might help to narrow down a size and shape that works for you. Waterproof speakers of any shape often come with a clip, too, for easy latching onto your backpack or gear while you’re on the go.
- Sound Quality: There is a substantial range in the clarity and quality of sound that portable waterproof speakers deliver. For example, some speakers can be turned up to a high volume and maintain perfectly crisp clarity, while others may distort at a high volume. Also, the presence and sound quality of the low end bass varies as well. You know best whether you’re a genuine audiophile or not, and how important the absolute best sound quality is to you. With the many options available, you’ll be able to find a waterproof speaker with an audio quality to your liking, whether you’re meticulous or not too picky about sound quality.
- Weight: As expected, larger waterproof speakers are usually heavier than the smallest speakers. However, the materials and the electronics inside make a difference as well. Some of the more high end speakers tend to weigh more because of their premium build and materials. If you’re looking for a super light speaker, then check the product specifications for information about a speaker’s weight.
We’re not gonna lie. Waterproof speakers vary widely in a number of ways. Some wireless speakers are perfect for kids, and others are premium state-of-the-art electronics enjoyed by even the most discerning ears. We’ve taken a look over many of the options available today, and we’ve put together this list of our top picks for the best waterproof speakers:
JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Best Overall
Impressive Bass Sound
This amazing sounding Flip 4 Bluetooth speaker from JBL puts out a crystal clear sound with a surprising amount of bass for a small speaker. Completely waterproof, this speaker can even be completely submerged in water and still work after.
Pros:
- High quality sound in a waterproof speaker
- Includes speakerphone for taking phone calls
- works with Siri and Google Assistant
- Choice of colors
- Links to other JBL Connect+ speakers
- Plays up to 12 hours on a full charge
Cons:
- May need more frequent charging over time
- May not hold up over the long term with heavy use
JBL’s Flip 4 speaker is the perfect companion while you’re at the pool or the beach with its rugged waterproof construction and quality audio.
ULTIMATE EARS WONDERBOOM 2, Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Runner-up
Floats in Water
The WONDERBOOM 2 Bluetooth speaker from Ultimate Ears not only can endure getting wet, but it also floats if it happens to fall in the water, making it easy to retreive. WIth a nice, long battery life, you’ll be jamming by the water for as long as you like on a single charge.
Pros:
- Wide 360-degree sound with strong bass
- Floats in water
- Lengthy 13-hour battery life
- Pairs with other WONDERBOOM 2 speakers for stereo mode
- Outdoor boost button to increase volume and clarity
Cons:
- Treble can sound tinny
- Not compatible with Ultimate Ears’ app for other speakers
Ultimate Ears’ highly portable WONDERBOOM 2 speaker puts out a big sound from a compact package that’s easy to take with you, and it’s packed with features that make it perfect for your active, fun-loving lifestyle.
Ortizan IPX7 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Best for a Party
Colored Lights Sync to the Beat
You’ll get a surprising amount of features with Ortizan’s IPX7 Bluetooth speaker. This speaker has a very long play time of 30 hours on a full charge, delivers 24 watts of volume, and is fully waterproof. The colored lights that change with the beat of your music make this speaker the life of the party.
Pros:
- Extensive play time of up to 30 hours
- Colored lights change with the beat
- Can be used as a colored LED light alone, without music
- Waterproof and immersible
- Pairs with a second speaker for stereo sound
Cons:
- Battery life may be shorter than expected
- Plays status sounds through speaker
Turn the lights down and chill out to the changing colored LED lights that accompany the big sound of this waterproof Bluetooth speaker by Ortizan.
Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Portable Speaker
Clearest Sound
High-End Audio On the Go
Bose is well known for its premium audio engineering, and the SoundLink Flex is a portable Bluetooth speaker with Bose’s signature sound quality. This waterproof speaker has a sturdy loop that you can clip onto your backpack so that you can easily take it wherever you go.
Pros:
- Optimal, clear and immersive sound
- Rigorously tested for waterproofness and durability
- Adjusts sound based on the position of your speaker
- In white, blue, or black
- Built-in microphone for calls
- Floats in water
- Up to 12 hours of play time on a charge
Cons:
- Somewhat heavy
- Battery life may be shorter than expected
A trusted and established name, everyone knows that Bose products deliver a premium audio listening experience. The SoundLink Flex lets you enjoy great sound anywhere and is totally waterproof.
Altec Lansing Mini Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Honorable Mention
Microphone for Calls
This mini Bluetooth speaker from Altec Lansing floats in water and its compact design makes it easy to take with you. Its included carabiner clip allows you to hang it from your bag, and the microphone lets you use your phone hands free, too. You’ll be impressed with the volume and sound quality of this compact waterproof speaker.
Pros:
- Microphone for voice commands and calls
- Comes in 5 different colors
- Waterproof and sand-proof
- Wide 30-foot wireless range
- Includes carabiner clip and cables
- Battery life of 6 hours
- Impact resistant for an active lifestyle
Cons:
- May have distortion at high volume
- Difficult to connect to Bluetooth
You’ll get a lot of features in a little package with this waterproof Bluetooth speaker from Altec Lansing, a longtime favorite maker of electronics.
