Best waterproof Bluetooth speakers for summer
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Portable Bluetooth speakers often come in a pinch when you find yourself in a place without any way to properly listen to some tunes. Waterproof speakers take that to a whole other level though, and if you enjoy your fare share of water activities during the warmer months (or not so warm ones if you are a Wim Hof fan), you can probably benefit from a good waterproof speaker.
There are some really good waterproof speakers out there, without a doubt, but we have picked the ones we think are the best right now. They all come with some shared characteristics, but you will find that each is better at one aspect than the other, so dive in with us and let's find the best waterproof speaker for your outdoor adventures!
The best waterproof Bluetooth speakers at a glance:
- JBL Flip 6
- JBL Charge 5
- Sonos Roam
- Soundcore Motion Boom
- JBL Clip 4
- UE Wonderboom 2
- Soundcore Flare 2
- Soundcore 3
What is the difference between waterproof and water resistant?
Many devices these days have some kind of protection from water, and even from dust. However, the degrees of protection varies and that degree is usually presented in an ingress protection (IP) rating.
As you might already know, an IP rating typically has two numbers. The first one stands for the device's protection against solid objects, while the second showcases the level protection from water. The higher the number, the better said device is protected.
An IP67 rating, for example, means that a device has complete protection against dust and is protected against water immersion at depths between 6in (15cm) and 39in (1m). That also includes protection against powerful water jets from all directions.
If a device is IP67 certified that means it is dust and waterproof, in other words, completely protected from both, at least to some degree. Anything lower than level 7 of waterproofing means the device cannot be submerged under water, therefore making it water resistant. Go even lower, and it becomes only splash proof.
JBL Flip 6
The JBL Flip 6 in blue
The JBL Flip 6 is probably the best all-rounder out of the bunch we have in this list. It offers good sound quality without being too bulky and cumbersome. That goes not only for its general volume, but for the bass that it can produce.
Of course, the JBL Flip 6 is completely dust-proof and waterproof, but keep in mind that it does not float, so it is probably more suitable for outdoor hikes, taking into the shower, or any other activity that does not revolve around a large body of water.
Nevertheless, if you can overlook its inability to float on water, the JBL Flip 6 has plenty to offer. Apart from its good sound quality, it has Bluetooth 5.0 and great battery life which can last up to 12 hours when fully charged, especially paired with its USB-C port for charging.
A couple of things to note, though, is that it does not have a microphone (just like many other of the JBL speakers) and can be paired up only with other JBL Bluetooth speakers of the same generation.
Get your JBL Flip 6 here:
JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 in camo
The whole idea behind the Charge line from JBL is to combine the functionality of a portable Bluetooth speaker with that of a power bank. Using the USB-A port of the JBL Charge 5 you can juice up other devices — like your phone, for example.
In order for this idea to work, however, the Charge series needs to have a beefy battery inside. The Charge 5 is no different in this regard, boasting 20 hours of battery life.
Unlike the JBL Flip 6, the JBL Charge 5 does float on water so you can feel safe when taking it with you on a boat, or when you are around a pool/at the beach. It also offers greater volume and sound quality, Bluetooth 5.1, and JBL's own PartyBoost feature, which you can use to pair to other compatible JBL speakers.
Get your JBL Charge 5 here:
Sonos Roam
The Sonos Roam waterproof speaker in black.
The Sonos Roam, like other products from the company, comes with a more premium price tag. Thankfully, this higher price is not without its reasons.
The Sonos Roam produces awesome audio, especially if you listen to music genres that benefit from a more bass-heavy sound profile. It is certified for IP67 dust and water protection, however, keep in mind that it will not float if you drop it in a body of water, so make sure you don't loose it in a lake or something (especially if you have thalassophobia).
Another thing to note about the Sonos Roam regarding its water protection is that the mesh tends to keep water more than some other options on this list. While this does not mean there is a higher potential of damage, it does mean that the speaker can sometimes sound muffled if you take it out after it's been submerged.
Being a Sonos speaker, the Sonos Roam has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. This means that it is also possible to link the Sonos Roam to other Wi-Fi enabled devices at your home. A great feature, especially if you have more speakers from the brand laying around, which you can link together to create a stereo experience.
Get your Sonos Roam here:
Soundcore Motion Boom
Soundcore's Motion Boom Bluetooth speaker
If you are looking to get your hands on a waterproof Bluetooth speaker that can pack a punch while still being easy on your wallet, then the Soundcore Motion Boom is definitely worth your consideration.
To top it all off, the Soundcore Motion Boom is plenty safe to take to the pool, as it will float when dropped in water and does not need to dry out once taken out in order to keep listening to your music. The IPX 7 rating means that it is waterproof, but it also means that it is not dust-proof.
Get your Soundcore Motion Boom here:
JBL Clip 4
It's amazing how much sound can come out of a little waterproof Bluetooth speaker sometimes. The JBL Clip 4 manages to pack awesome volumes and sound quality for its small size. It is meant to be carried outdoors, of course, so it can take on the elements without a problem.
The JBL Clip 4 in gray
The downside of the JBL Clip 4, however, is that it will sink like a nail once thrown into the water, hence, it's probably best to keep it away from any lakes/the ocean as it would be difficult to find if lost. That being said, it is waterproof, so at least you don't have to think about any damages in that regard.
The JBL Go 3 in blue
Now, if you want something that leans towards the more affordable side, there is another great option — the JBL GO 3. Just like the Clip 4, it can be attached to а backpack, but with a lanyard instead of a clip. While the JBL GO 3 does not float either, but it is still as waterproof.
The sound from the GO 3 is admittedly not as rich and full as that of the JBL Clip 4, but is still decent given how affordable this little guy is. One last difference to note between the two is that the JBL Clip 4's battery lasts up to 10 hours, while the JBL GO 3 can only last up to 5 hours.
Get your JBL Clip 4 or JBL Go 3 here:
UE Wonderboom 2
UE WONDERBOOM 2 dust and waterproof Bluetooth speaker
While we are still on the topic of small waterproof Bluetooth speakers, we have to talk about the UE Wonderboom 2. In terms of durability, it can take a lot of beating and does not sweat in the face of the elements.
The UE Wonderboom 2 has an IP67 rating and is drop-tested at heights of up to 5 feet. It will also pop right back up if you were to throw it in water, as it's been made to float. Another plus is that the drivers don't need to dry out before you start using it again. The sound quickly gets back to normal once you take it out of the water.
As for the sounds itself, it is not the best you will hear, but it does the job. It's strongest suit is in the mid-range frequencies, which makes it perfect for listening to more vocal music or podcasts. The bass, on the other hand, is not something to write home about.
Get your UE WONDERBOOM 2 here:
Soundcore Flare 2
Soundcore Flare 2 360° Bluetooth speaker
The Soundcore Flare 2 is a Bluetooth speaker that is not just waterproof, but also adds some pazzaz while doing it. The added LED lights on the top and bottom add a tasteful "flare" to this beautiful speaker, without making it feel like its too much.
The sound quality is alright for the price, and there is also the benefit of its 360 degrees audio, which ensures you are getting the same experience no matter on which side of the Flare 2 you are. Another benefit is that it will float when placed in water, however, you have to let it dry in order to get the sound back to normal.
The battery of the Soundcore Flare is decent, lasting about 12 hours on a full charge.
Get your Soundcore Flare 2 here:
Soundcore 3
The Soundcore 3 budget Bluetooth speaker
Last on our list we have another budget-friendly option. The Soundcore 3 is a popular little Bluetooth speaker that offers great sound for a great price. While the bass is not that powerful, it is clear. The mids on this little guy are also decent, while the highs are okay when not at high volume.
The Soundcore 3 is IPX7 Waterproof and will float in the water, with no drying needed once taken out. Another huge pro is the amazing battery life, which can last up to 24 hours depending on your use.
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