Spending time outdoors is always enjoyable. But, you can improve your experience even more with some music. If you like hiking, going to the beach, or chilling by the pool, then a waterproof speaker is the right choice for you. Not only are these speakers made to withstand a splash or two of water, but also other external elements.
The best waterproof speakers are durable, ready to tackle all the external elements, and sound fantastic while doing all of that. There are many waterproof speakers available on the market, but not all are truly waterproof, only water-resistant.
We put together a list of the best waterproof speakers currently available on the market and listed all of their pros and cons so you could find the one that suits your needs perfectly. All speakers on our list are made of durable materials and protective coating necessary to stop waves, rain, or puddles messing with the circuitry and your fun. Keep reading to find the best waterproof speaker for your needs!
Table of Contents
Best selling waterproof speakers on the Market 2024
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Ultimate Ears Boom 3
- Loud and immersive 360 degree sound. Compatibility-For Audio Playback-Smartphones, tablets and other devices that support Bluetooth and Bluetooth Smart wireless audio profile [Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)] or 3.5 mm audio output. For Phone Calls-Phones that support Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP1.5)
- Integrated magic button: The BOOM 3 allows users to play, pause, and skip tracks directly on the speaker for any streaming music program
- On top, a long push on the magic button will play directly your playlists for Apple music or Deezer premium plus - no need to reach your phone
- Wireless charging: The BOOM 3 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker allows users to charge wireless with a power up charging dock (sold separately); this grab-and-go feature ensures you always have a fully charged unit
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If the budget doesn’t concern you and you want the highest quality, Ultimate Ears Boom 3 will absolutely enchant you.
Key features:
- 3 inches tall and 2.9 inches wide; cylinder-shaped; 1.34 pounds
- IP67 rated; buoyant
- Loud and accurate sound and spatial 360° stereophonic audio
- 15-hour battery
This not so little cylindrical speaker is IP67 rated, which means it’s entirely water-, dust-, and dirt-proof. The speaker is also buoyant, so if you decide to take it into the water with you, it will float around.
The first thing you’ll notice are large plus and minus symbols that dominate the speaker’s front and serve as volume controls. The top panel features a large, circular multifunction button (guys at Ultimate Ears call that “the Magic Button”), a smaller power button, and an indicator LED.
The battery can last up to 15 hours between charges, though that will depend on your preferred volume levels. As for charging, you have two options, a micro USB port on the back of a speaker for wired charging and a small indentation on the bottom for wireless charging.
Bluetooth connection is pretty stable, without noticeable lag. The big plus (not the one on the front side) is that Boom 3 has cross-compatibility with other Ultimate Ears speakers, which means that it can be linked with multiple Boom 3 speakers (and also with most of the other Ultimate Ears speakers) to enhance the experience.
At maximum volume, kick drums lack deeper sub-bass ranges, and the bass may seem flimsy because it doesn’t increase past a certain point. That’s why you should listen to music with strong bass components at medium to medium-high volume levels, which is more than enough.
What we like:
- Fairly loud for its size
- Easy to use, button are easily reachable
- Can be linked to other Ultimate Ears speakers
What we don’t like:
- Weak bass at maximum volume
2. Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3
- Sound fidelity at any volume: The mobile loudspeaker ensures really loud, clear and room-filling 360 ° sound with rich, powerful bass that you can feel. Completely waterproof and can even swim: the ip67 protection class rt that the speaker is absolutely waterproof and dustproof and can be completely immersed in the water for up to 30 minutes
- Wirelessly rechargeable with the (separately available) POWER UP charging station, so that you can always start your next musical adventure with a full charge of energy. Magic button: play, pause and skip tracks directly on the speaker. Press to control all types of streaming music, program and navigate individual playlists for Apple Music / Deezer Premium +. no smartphone necessary
- The MEGABOOM 3 offers a whopping 20 hours of battery life. Thanks to the battery cell technology, it can last for almost a whole day on just a single charge
- Connect multiple speakers: Use the Ultimate Ears app to connect more than 150 speakers - also works between all generations of BOOM and MEGABOOM
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Megaboom is Boom’s bigger and meaner brother. If you liked Boom 3, but you are yearning for more bass, then that is what Megaboom 3 will precisely offer you.
Key features:
- 85 inches tall and 3.5 inches wide; cylinder-shaped; 2 pounds
- IP67 rated; buoyant
- Loud and accurate sound and spatial 360° stereophonic audio
- The maximum sound level is 90 dBA
- 20-hour battery
It features almost the same qualities as Boom 3. Megaboom 3 is IP67 rated, which means it’s entirely water/dust/dirt-proof, and like Boom 3, it is also buoyant, so if you can freely take it into the water with you.
Visually, it also has a large plus and minus symbols that dominate the speaker’s front and serve as volume controls. The top panel features a large, circular multifunction button (the Magic Button), a smaller power button, and an indicator LED.
The Megaboom’s driver will mesmerize you with stunning and crystal-clear audio. At full volume, unlike Boom 3, Megaboom delivers precise and clean bass. The battery can last up to 20 hours, and just like Boom 3, it has a micro USB port on the back of a speaker for wired charging and a small indentation on the bottom for wireless charging. But due to its bigger size and increased weight, it can be cumbersome to carry around.
Bluetooth connection is pretty stable, without noticeable lag. It has cross-compatibility with other Ultimate Ears speakers, which means that it can be linked with more than 150 other Megabooms, a feat that surely would create a mega-party.
What we like:
- Audio quality is mesmerizing, and it can be pretty loud
- Easy to use, button are easily reachable
- Bass is clear even at higher volumes
- Can be linked to other Ultimate Ears speakers
What we don’t like:
- Can be cumbersome to carry around
3. JBL Flip 4
- JBL Pure Bass: Experience impressive stereo sound with your all-weather companion; This wireless speaker features a built-in noise and echo cancelling speakerphone for crystal-clear conference calls
- Non-Stop Music: High-capacity 3000mAh rechargeable battery lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge: Keep that party going all day long
- Quality Sound Wherever You Go: Charge 4 is fully waterproof (IPX7) so you don't have to worry about rain or spills; Designed for pools or the beach, so go ahead and dive in
- Share the Playlist: with Wireless Bluetooth Streaming, connect your device (i.e; tablet or smartphone) and enjoy high-quality stereo sound
Last update on 2024-12-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Flip 4 is an excellent option if you are looking for a good waterproof speaker to bring to the beach or the pool. This full waterproofed speaker offers enormous value for its price tag, so you could say that this speaker is an absolute steal. And with its sleek and cylindrical/pill shape, you are guaranteed to look fashionable.
Key features:
- Size – 2.67 by 6.9 by 2.75 inches; Weight – 1.1 pounds
- IPX7 rated – waterproof and splashproof
- 2x8W AC Power mode
- High-capacity 3000mAh rechargeable battery (up to 12 hours on single charge)
- Built-in noise and echo canceling speakerphone
As far as the sound quality goes, JBL still hasn’t disappointed with their superb engineering. The sound that Flip 4 provides is always crystal clear with good mids and excellent highs. The bass is awe-inspiring; powered by two 8W drivers and JBL Pure Bass technology, the bass is clearly present even at higher volumes.
The battery is mediocre at best, but it can provide up to 12 hours on a single charge (on 60-70% volume). On maximum volume, it provides around 4-5 hours of playtime.
Flip 4 is small, convenient, and durable, but it’s not buoyant, so you need to be careful not to drop it in deep water because it will sink all the way to the bottom.
The Bluetooth connection is pretty stable and without noticeable lag. It easily connects to any device. Another great feature is the built-in noise and echo canceling speakerphone, which can transform this “beach” speaker into a “business/conference” speaker.
What we like:
- Good sound quality and prominent bass.
- JBL Connect+, which can pair up more than 100 compatible JBL speakers.
- A built-in noise and echo canceling speakerphone, which is great for conference calls.
- The Price-to-Quality ratio is an absolute steal.
What we don’t like:
- It doesn’t float.
4. W-KING 50W Bluetooth Speaker
- Punchy Bass & HD Sound - Get a 90 W Peak output power and the latest state-of-the-art 4 drivers (2 passive subwoofers and 2 tweeters) and double passive bass radiators are located on the right and left side of the loud bluetooth speaker producing punchy and deep bass. With the loud bluetooth speaker, you’ll feel as if you’re at a live concert, with clear high notes, deep bass and true HD sound
- Powerful True Wireless Stereo Sound - Easily pair two portable speakers, creating left and right channels. Upgrade 100W stereo surround sound immediately. The portable speaker bring sound to life for a fantastically dynamic Audio experience
- IPX6 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker With Power Bank - The waterproof bluetooth speaker is not only sturdy and shockproof but also IPX6 waterproof, dustproof and sandproof. Up to 40 hours of playtime, There is a massive 7.2V 5200mAh built-in power bank that will charge your iPhone, Android smartphone, tablet, iPad or action camera. Take it with you on your camping trip beach or Christmas party!
- Advanced Bluetooth 5.0 & Hands-Free Calling - With V5.0 outdoor bluetooth speaker, never worry about sudden Bluetooth disconnection while using! Have a wireless connection range of 100ft, creating a fast and stable signal transmission. The built-in microphone also provides a hands-free of your call. Included 3.5mm audio jacks and TF-Card Slot. Please use a 5V 2.0A power adapter (not included) to charge your outdoor bluetooth speaker
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It’s loud, it’s big, it’s heavy; but if you are a fan of upgraded old-school cool look, this will be the perfect waterproof speaker for you. Its design reminds of boomboxes that were popular in the 80’s minus visible driver membranes.
Key features:
- Size – 12.6 by 4.7 by 4.65 inches; Weight – 5.3 pounds
- IPX5 rated – water-resistant; splashproof
- Dual 25W sound drivers with double passive bass radiators
- 8000mAh rechargeable battery (up to 24 hours of playtime)
- Quick-charge (3 hours for full charge)
W-KING Bluetooth speaker is equipped with dual 25W sound drivers and double passive bass radiators that produce sound and bass of decent quality. High notes are clear and accurate, and the bass is clean and present.
The sheer power that this speaker output is also one of its downsides because the large drivers and passive radiators have to be encased in a cumbersome and heavy enclosure. With a weight of 5.3 pounds, it’s not really easy to carry it around.
The battery is okay, it can endure 24 hours of playtime at 20% of maximum volume, but the battery quickly dwindles if you want to go louder. That is somewhat compensated with a quick-charge feature, so you can easily bring the battery back to full in just 3 hours.
Bluetooth connection is reliable and stable. There is no noticeable lag, which completes the good and loud profile that this speaker offers.
What we like:
- Clear high notes, deep bass, and authentic sound.
- Adjustable fabric carrying strap.
- Quick-charge technology
- Boombox-like design
What we don’t like:
- It’s hard to carry around because of its size and weight
5. Sony SRS-XB12
- EXTRA BASS technology for powerful sound
- Bluetooth compatible
- Waterproof, dustproof, sandproof and mudproof (IP67 rated)
- Compact & lightweight, but powerful
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sony designed its SRS-XB12 to be small and lightweight, which is refreshing, and you can carry it effortlessly wherever you go. Detachable, color-coordinated strap is an excellent addition; you can clip this little but powerful speaker virtually anywhere you want – backpack, pole, tree, bike handlebars.
Key features:
- Size – 2.9 by 2.9 by 3.6 inches; Weight – 0.53 pounds.
- IP67 rated – waterproof, sandproof, dustproof.
- Extra Bass technology that amplifies bass output.
- Rechargeable battery with up to 16 hours of playtime.
For its size, this speaker is extremely powerful; you’ll sometimes even forget that you are listening to your songs from a tiny speaker. The Extra Bass technology is designed to bring out the very most from your tunes. Highs and mids are crisp and crystal clear, and the speaker’s passive radiator dials up low-end tones to a great extent.
Bluetooth connection is stable and reliable; the speaker connects to any device without problems. Unlike some of the other speakers we have reviewed, it can connect to only one other SRS-XB12 speaker. Still, this is a neat feature that allows you to play your favorite tunes with stereo sound.
A rechargeable battery offers up to 16 hours of playtime, but it depends heavily on sound volume levels. As for the build quality, this tiny speaker is pretty sturdy, and it is IP67 rated, so you can be sure that this speaker will be protected wherever you decide to bring it.
What we like:
- Impressively powerful audio performance for the size.
- Excellent price-to-quality ratio; affordable.
- Fully waterproof, dustproof, and sandproof.
- Built-in speakerphone mic.
What we don’t like:
- Songs with intense bass can sound a bit distorted.
6. Bose SoundLink Micro
- BOSE WATERPROOF SPEAKER: Small but powerful, the Bose SoundLInk Micro Bluetooth speaker produces loud, clear sound with shockingly deep bass. It packs a custom-designed transducer and passive radiators for crisp, balanced sound
- TEAR-RESISTANT STRAP: This small portable speaker comes equipped with an easy-to-use, tear-resistant silicone strap. Secure it to your backpack, beach cooler, or handlebars, and the reliable strap will hold tight through shocks and shakes
- RUGGED OUTDOOR SPEAKER: Constructed from durable materials, including a rubberized silicone exterior, SoundLink Micro resists drops, dents, cracks, and scratches. Plus, its soft-touch finish almost never shows a mark
- WATERPROOF SPEAKER: The SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker has been rigorously tested to meet an IP67 rating. It’s waterproof, dustproof, and protected from extreme temperatures, liquids, and other substances
Last update on 2024-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This tiny speaker looks a bit pricey for its size, but it packs a lot of punch. It is covered in matte, water-resistant silicone rubber, and it’s IPX7 rated, which means that it be safely submerged underwater for 30 minutes.
Key features:
- Small and convenient size (3.9 by 3.9 by 1.4 inches).
- IPX7 rated; Rubber band for easy fastening.
- Powerful and clean audio experience.
- Microphone for talking and recording via phone.
A perforated grille (through which the speaker emits sound) decorates the speaker’s front, and above the perforated grill, you can find three buttons. Left and right buttons are the volume up/down buttons, while a central button is multifunction and controls playback, call management, and track navigation, depending on how many times you tap it.
You can find a power button and a Bluetooth pairing button on the speaker’s top, which are separated by a rubber, flexible band. The band snaps open and closes at the bottom, which means you can fasten the speaker anywhere you like.
And wait until you hear about its audio performance. For a tiny speaker like this, Bose opted out for a single mono transducer next to a passive radiator, with another passive radiator firing out the opposite panel. With a configuration like this, you don’t get stereo sound, but you get a powerful and clean bass, which is an acceptable tradeoff, in my opinion. Oh, and it also has a microphone so you can accept calls or record your incredible performance on your smartphone.
What we like:
- Strong audio performance, with rich lows and crystal-clear highs.
- Versatile and can be fastened to many objects/holders.
- Microphone which enables receiving calls.
What we don’t like:
- Charging is via MicroUSB only.
7. JBL CLIP 3
- Ready to Go: Unlike other speakers, the JBL Clip 3 is extremely portable, so you can just clip and go and enjoy the signature JBL sound with an ultra-rugged waterproof exterior whenever you want
- Keeps Going All Day or Night: Rechargeable battery lasts up to 10 hours on a single charge; Dual USB port charging hub; Features built-in noise-cancelling speakerphone function for crystal-clear calls
- Sounds for the journey: IPX7 waterproof rating means living free from worry of rain or spills; Keep your party going all day at the pool, waterfall or beach: go ahead, dive in
- Innovative design with durable integrated carabiner clips to your clothes, belt loop or backpack: so you never have to go it alone on an outdoor adventure; Clip 3 brings your music for the road
Last update on 2024-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Relatively cheap, durable, portable, tiny, and loud – JBL really knows how to make these things. Measuring 5.4 by 3.8 by 1.8 inches, this Bluetooth speaker is IPX7 rated, so the water won’t be a problem at all.
Key features:
- Small and convenient size (5.4 by 3.8 by 1.8 inches).
- IPX7 rated; Built-in carabiner for easy fastening.
- Crisp and crystal-clear sounds; 3-watt 40mm driver.
- Voice assistant.
Speaker can lie flat on its back and project audio upward, or you can fasten it anywhere you want with the help of a built-in carabiner located on the top. On the front side, it features the JBL logo and three buttons – minus, plus, and play button. Central, play button controls playback, call management, voice assistance, and multiple taps on the play button to control track navigation. On the other side, plus and minus buttons handle volume intensity.
You will find the power button, the pairing button, and the built-in microphone to take calls and use voice assistant on the outside panel and a rubber-covered compartment. A rubber covered compartment houses a 3.5mm aux input and the micro USB charging port.
Beneath the grill, inside the body of JBL CLIP 3, you will find a tiny but powerful 3-watt 40mm driver capable of pushing out incredible sound. The sounds are full and crisp at moderate volumes, the bass is excellent, but it sometimes lacks sub-bass range. When you count in the speaker’s size, that’s about all you can ask of a speaker this small.
What we like:
- Excellent audio for the size and price.
- Strong audio performance, with rich lows and crystal-clear highs, and deep bass.
- Built-in microphone to take calls and use voice assistance.
What we don’t like:
- The built-in mic offers mediocre intelligibility.
Related posts:
- 5 Best Shower Speakers: Take Your Showering Experience to the Next Level
- 5 Best Headphones Under £100: Discover Why High Quality Doesn’t Exclusively Mean An Enormous Price
- 5 Best Bluetooth Speakers for Quality Music on the Go
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- 5 Best Headphones for Music: Enjoy the Purest Sound with These Headphones
What You Should Look For When Buying The Best Waterproof Speakers
When you are shopping for the best waterproof speakers that will satisfy your needs, you should take into account speakers’ IP rating, audio quality, quality of materials that the speaker is made of, and speakers’ size and versatility. That’s why we’ve prepared a convenient guide to show you how each of these qualities can affect the overall satisfaction. One more thing to keep in mind, price is not always the main factor when it comes to overall quality, but the higher-priced speakers tend to perform better than the cheaper ones.
If you want to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your choice, keep reading and find out what you should look for when buying the best waterproof speakers.
Image Credit Unsplash.com
IP Rating
The first digit after IP indicates the protection level that the enclosure provides against access to hazardous parts and solid foreign objects’ ingress. The second digit indicates the level of protection that the enclosure provides against harmful ingress of water.
Number 7 means (for example, IPX7 rated) that the device can endure underwater immersion, up to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) depth for 30 mins. Number 8 means (for example, IPX8 rating) that the device can endure underwater immersion, up to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) depth for longer than 30 mins.
So IPX7 rating is the rating you should be aiming for when if you are looking to buy the best waterproof speakers for you. IPX8 protection is better, but the price tag on those is much higher.
Audio Quality
Even though the audio quality is somewhat subjective, it is one of the main attributes you should take into account when you are looking for the best waterproof speakers for you.
When it comes to loudness and audio quality, size is one of the deciding factors. Larger drivers have larger membranes and are louder than their smaller counterparts. But a bigger size doesn’t automatically mean that the sound quality will be better. The audio quality mainly depends on the sound driver’s engineering, and better engineering equals a higher price.
So, when you have two speakers in front of you, and you want to know which one is the best waterproof speaker for you, the larger and pricier one will be better in most cases.
Image Credit Pexels.com
Material Quality
Next up on our list is material quality. If you want more durable and rugged speakers that can be tossed around and survive accidental drops, you’ll want them to be made of rubber or silicone, or at least encased in those materials. Plastic can be durable, but it’s more prone to scratching and breaking than rubber/silicone.
You will also use these speakers in wet conditions, where it is of the utmost importance that they are not slippery (you don’t want to chase them around because you can’t get ahold of them). That’s also where rubber and silicone casings have an advantage over plastic ones.
Size, Weight, and Versatility
You’ll probably want to carry your waterproof speaker when you go to the beach, camping, or virtually any outdoor activity. That’s why you should consider choosing the smaller one because smaller ones are lightweight and portable. Bigger speakers can provide loudness, but if the speaker will take up all space in your bag or it is too cumbersome to carry, it’s probably not worth it.
Image Credit Unsplash.com
In conclusion, every waterproof speaker we listed here deserves your attention, but the most awe-inspiring one for us was Ultimate Ears Boom 3.
UE Boom 3 is one of the most versatile speakers that we have reviewed, and it deserves to stand on the top of the other best waterproof speakers. Its build quality, loud and accurate sound, and spatial 360° stereophonic audio are truly superior compared to other speakers we reviewed.
Runner-up to Boom 3 is definitely JBL Flip 4 with its sleek design and enormous value for its price tag, which is an absolute steal.
Now you know what to look for when buying the best waterproof speakers that will satisfy all your needs. Also, if you are in the market for something else, be sure to check out our other guides.
