Personal speakers are a must-have if you love the outdoors and music. Headphones aren’t always a feasible choice, especially if you’re adventuring with a group. You just need is a portable Bluetooth speaker that packs a punch and sustains rough use like a boss. That means you have to buy the best waterproof speakers that can be easily carried from one place to another and deliver good audio quality.
Whether you go camping every weekend or party outdoors with your buddies, waterproof speakers can elevate the setting and change the mood. And if you love pool and beach parties, you just cannot do with a portable waterproof and dustproof speaker in your bag.
You might be a little hesitant to carry your little speaker when getting close to water. After all, having Bluetooth speakers hanging in the corner of your bathroom and leaving it on the edge of a pool are two different things.
But hey, you can buy the best waterproof speakers that can be dunked into the water and still work like a dream. Yep!
It sure can get a bit overwhelming when you look at so many models claiming to be the best waterproof speaker in the market. We’ll help you there. As a team of campers and music lovers, we’ve done a great deal of research to shortlist as many as the 12 best waterproof speakers in 2023.
Roundup of the Best Waterproof Speakers
| Best Waterproof Speakers for Boat | Pyle Marine Speakers |
| Best Portable Waterproof Speaker | JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Spea |
| Best Sounding Waterproof Speaker | Sonos Move |
| Waterproof Speaker with Best Battery Life | JBL Xtreme 2 |
| Best Waterproof Speaker for Smartphones and Tablets | ULTIMATE EARS WONDERBOOM 2 |
| Best Waterproof Speaker for Gifting | JBL FLIP 5 |
| Best Waterproof Speaker for the Beach | JBL Pulse 3 |
| Best Waterproof Speaker for Pool Parties | Anker Soundcore Flare 2 |
| Best Waterproof Speaker for Surround Sound Systems | Tribit StormBox |
| Best Budget Waterproof Speaker | JBL GO2 |
| Best Loudest Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker | Alpatronix Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker 60W |
| Waterproof Speaker With Best Bass | Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker |
Things to Know When Looking for the Best Waterproof Speakers
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant
Is there anything more confusing than the difference between waterproof and water-resistant? Here’s a simple explanation of both.
Water-Resistant
Water-resistant means the speaker can resist a touch of water (maybe a drizzle, mist, or a splash) as long as it is not submerged or thrown into the water.
Waterproof
It means that the item/speaker can survive being in the water for a while before it gives up and surrenders to the inevitable. Waterproof is always a better choice among the two. That’s why we’ll be looking at waterproof speakers and not water-resistant models. The same is the case with the best waterproof shower headphones.
IP Rating Know-How
Now, another confusing aspect is the IP rating. What does it indicate? Let’s see.
IP is an International Protection code that denotes how effective the speaker or an electronic gadget would be when exposed to water and dust. IP ratings are usually presented as IPXX, where the first X denotes dust and the second X denotes water.
If a speaker has an IP rating of IPX7, the speaker is waterproof and can survive submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. 7 is the water resistance rating. IP6, IP7, and IP8 are considered good choices.
However, it has not been tested for dust resistance and may not be good enough to withstand being left on a dirt path. X only means that the product hasn’t been tested.
Since waterproof speakers are mostly purchased for adventures and parties, you’ll feel better if the speaker has some level of dust resistance. It’s not mandatory, but you shouldn’t ignore the factor either.
Bluetooth Connectivity
How are you going to play your favorite tracks through the speakers without connecting to an input device? Bluetooth is generally the best option.
It’s easy to connect the Bluetooth speakers to your phone, tablet, or notebook using Bluetooth. All you need is a speaker that has a stable Bluetooth connection and works without a glitch.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
We sure wouldn’t say no to Wi-Fi connectivity if we find it. This is quite useful for pool parties where it’s easy to connect to the Wi-Fi network.
Sound Quality
While focusing on the waterproofing abilities, we cannot forget the main purpose, isn’t it? What use is a speaker that floats on water but doesn’t deliver quality audio?
Look at the frequency range and the decibel output to understand how well the speaker handles lows, mids, and highs. If you are a fan of bass, focus more on the lower frequency range.
Size, Weight, and Portability
We’ve clubbed three factors into one for convenience. It wouldn’t be a problem to haul a couple of big speakers to stand near the pool. But can you carry them when hiking or trekking?
Where and how do you plan to use the waterproof speakers? What’s the expected frequency of usage?
Luckily, brands have come up with several models in various sizes, designs, and weights. Once you know your preferences, it’ll be easier to list the waterproof speakers that meet the requirements.
Durability and Reliability
Naturally, we don’t intend to buy a speaker or speaker set every year. We want something that lasts for a decent time, that too without going bonkers in the middle of a party/celebration.
Moreover, waterproof speakers meant for outdoor adventures should be sturdy enough to deal with rough usage. We never know what can happen.
Battery Life
You need a battery life of 12 hours minimum so that you can have a party as long as you like. What’s more, there are batteries strong enough to run powerful speakers for up to 40 hours.
Even if you don’t need something in that range, check for a battery life of 10 hours or so. This will allow you to play music even when you trek and then last long enough for a small celebration at the end of the day.
Other Factors
Waterproof speakers can have other features like Google assistant built-in the speaker, additional loops, straps, and carry pouches for easy portability, and so on. Also, check your budget limitations and the product price range.
Top 12 Waterproof Speakers for Pool Parties, Outdoor Adventures, and More
The following are some of the best waterproof speakers available on the market:
1. Pyle Marine Speakers
Best Waterproof Speakers for Boat
- Weather-resistant
- Two-way full-range stereo speakers
- 80hz-18khz frequency response
- Easy installation
- LED lights need separate power
Pyle Marine Speakers are the best waterproof speakers designed for boats. The low-profile design allows the speakers to blend into the background but play your favorite music sailing on the waves.
Firstly, we love how easy it is to install these speakers. The manual helped us complete the job faster. We had to connect the LED lights separately using their wires, though. You can leave them unconnected too.
Secondly, the sound quality was better than our expectations. The price is pocket-friendly; however, we were a little skeptical about the output. Nothing to worry about anymore. Upon testing, we were satisfied with the performance. Of course, the LED lights could have been brighter.
To conclude, Pyle Marine Speakers have been designed for outdoor and marine use, as the name suggests. These are not fancy but can withstand being exposed to sunlight, humidity, and water. We wouldn’t say no if the brand ups the wattage. The music can be a little lost if there’s too much noise. Otherwise, the delivery is just fine.
View on Amazon: Pyle Marine Speakers
2. JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Best Portable Waterproof Speaker
- IPX7 waterproof
- Multiple color options
- Battery life 20 hours
- Noise and echo-canceling speakerphone
- The bass could be better
JBL Charge 3 is the best portable waterproof speaker with Bluetooth connectivity and a cute design. The speakers come in a range of colors to choose from and double up as a speakerphone if required.
Firstly, JBL is known for designing some fab speakers, and Charge 3 is no exception either. We love its appearance, design, and performance. The battery life is a big advantage for us. We could push the speaker to work for up to 18 hours, and that’s impressive.
Secondly, the speaker can also charge smartphones. Though we do our best not to rely on this feature, we did try it for testing. It works. Also, we can connect the JBL speaker to three smartphones via Bluetooth and use the USB to connect it to the tablet. We mixed up the playlists.
In conclusion, JBL Charge 3 is durable. We’ve got one for the past four years. It accompanied us on different outdoor trips and came out unscratched. Though the dust resistance is not measured, we saw that Charge 3 can handle dust with ease. It still has some smudges on the mesh from the last trip and works just as ever.
View on Amazon: JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
3. Sonos Move
Best Sounding Waterproof Speaker
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Built-in Alexa
- IPX6 rating
- Shock-resistant case
- Automatic Trueplay tuning
- Expensive
- Backward compatibility is no more possible
Sonos Move is the best-sounding waterproof Bluetooth speaker in the market. It comes with dust and water resistance (plus waterproofing). It can deal with UV rays, snow, humidity, and salt spray!
Firstly, the speaker has a nice and hard casing that keeps the machine safe inside. We know because the speaker did indeed fall when we were partying outdoors. If it could survive a fall on our driveway, we’re sure it’s made of quality material.
Secondly, the battery life is 11 hours, though it works for up to 10 or so. The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity are solid. Moreover, we love the Sonos app. And guess what? We even use Alexa for the hands-free option.
To conclude, the Sonos Move speaker is just too good with bass. There wasn’t a slight distortion even when playing it outside the home. The mids and highs were good and clear. Music simply blasts from this one. Sure, the speaker is expensive. But it is worth the price. And when it comes with an integrated handle for easy portability, why will we say no?
View on Amazon: Sonos Move
4. JBL Xtreme 2
Waterproof Speaker with Best Battery Life
- IPX7 rating
- 15 hours of playtime
- Clear bass and crisp highs
- Durable and sturdy
- Can also work as a power bank
- Slightly expensive
- Resonators are exposed
JBL Xtreme 2 is the best waterproof speaker with long battery life. It comes in a durable fabric bag with an attached shoulder strap for easy portability.
Firstly, the speaker is quite loud after the firmware upgrade. It plays like a dream and still lasts for a long time. We’ve played songs throughout the day, and the bus was filled with clear notes. Never mind that some of us can’t sing in tune with the music.
Secondly, the Bluetooth connectivity is top-notch. Not once did it lose the connection after we’ve set it up. That’s the kind of performance we expect when buying a waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker from the high-end range.
To conclude, JBL Xtreme 2 doesn’t disappoint. We can say that from personal experience. The waterproofing is solid, and the fabric cover works better than we hoped. It cushions the speaker during a fall. However, the resonators on the side are left exposed. It could be risky if the speaker fell on its side. Apart from that, JBL Xtreme 2 has all that you’d want from a portable speaker, including clean bass and clear highs.
View on Amazon: JBL Xtreme 2
5. ULTIMATE EARS WONDERBOOM 2
Best Waterproof Speaker for Smartphones and Tablets
- IPX7 rating
- Mono and stereo mode
- Intuitive controls on the speaker
- Great build quality
- No rewind button on the speaker
- Battery drains faster at full volume
Wonderboom 2 is the best waterproof speaker for smartphones and tablets and comes with an IP67 rating. These have been designed for outdoor use, we tell you!
Firstly, the speaker looks cute and is compact. Carrying them on a trek is not even an issue. And when we connect with the Bluetooth and play them, the waterproof Bluetooth speakers just rock.
Secondly, we don’t have to use the phone once we start playing the songs. The controls are on the speaker to adjust the volume, change the song, and so on. We just wished it also allowed us to remind the track.
To conclude, the Wonderboom 2 speaker comes with mono and stereo modes to choose from. The battery life is more than decent but drains faster when we pump up the volume. We don’t consider it a major disadvantage, though. We could use this in water, and the speaker held up wonderfully well. Purpose served, isn’t it?
View on Amazon: ULTIMATE EARS WONDERBOOM 2
6. JBL FLIP 5
Best Waterproof Speaker for Gifting
- Comes in several colors
- IPX7 rating
- Portable and pairs with other speakers
- 4800mAh battery power
- USB-C quick charging
- Only mono mode available
JBL FLIP 5 is the best waterproof speaker you can gift to a party lover or an adventurer. It belongs to the mid-range and should fit in your budget.
Firstly, we love the cylindrical design and fabric used for the speaker. It’s a pretty little thing that can blast great music once the Bluetooth connection is set. We’ve used it for a midnight pool party, and let’s just say that the speaker can swim well.
Secondly, the speaker comes in eleven colors. We’ve already decided which colors would go to whom for Christmas. The buttons on the speakers are another advantage, especially if the phone is not waterproof.
In conclusion, the JBL FLIP 5 speakers no more have the microphone option, but hey, we don’t mind. It’s not like we’ll be answering calls when sitting beside a brook somewhere in the woods. The battery life is decent, considering how we played the speaker at full volume both times. Thanks to the quick charging option through USB-C, we don’t worry about how long it’ll last.
View on Amazon: JBL FLIP 5
7. JBL Pulse 3
Best Waterproof Speaker for the Beach
- 360-degree sound and light show
- IPX7 waterproof
- Noise and echo-canceling speakerphone
- Clean and balanced sound quality
- Built-in voice assistant
- No USB connectivity
- Need to update firmware first
JBL Pulse 3 is the best waterproof speaker for beach and beach parties. If you like to sway to the music on the beach as the sun goes down, this is the best choice.
Firstly, the light show is amazing! Imagine a speaker playing songs from all sides and flashing lights in tune to the beat. Wouldn’t that be wonderful in the dark backdrop of the beach? We’ve taken the speaker to at least half a dozen such parties, and it’s always a hit.
Secondly, the speakers can be connected to the JBL connect+ app with ease. We had no issues whatsoever and loved changing the light sequence to suit the mood. The waterproofing extends to splashes of seawater as well. That’s why you’ll see us taking this one to the beach.
To conclude, JBL Pulse 3 is for beach lovers who need music to complete the scene. The speakers last only around 5 hours when the lights are on, but we consider it worth the sacrifice. Just make sure to update the firmware so that the volume levels touch maximum. Oh, by the way, the speaker also has a microphone.
View on Amazon: JBL Pulse 3
8. Anker Soundcore Flare 2 Bluetooth Speaker
Best Waterproof Speaker for Pool Parties
- 360-degree speaker
- IPX7 rating
- Comprises light rings
- Comes with USB-A to USB-C cable
- No stereo mode
- Difficult to find the buttons on the top of the speaker
Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker for pool parties. Apart from having an IPX7 rating and a 360-degree sound delivery, the speaker also has light rings.
Firstly, the speakers are loud. And by that, we mean quite loud. Even at half a volume, the speaker can deliver great performance. Add the light show that is synced with the beats, and you’ve got a deal. We sure did. If we take Pulse 3 to beaches, we carry Flare 2 to pool parties.
Secondly, we set up four to six speakers around the pool and enjoy the outdoor disco long hours into the night. The bass is wow when the speakers are on the floor. We could feel the vibes in the pool. That’s the kind of party we love.
To conclude, Anker Soundcore Flare 2 should be your go-to option if you need waterproof speakers for pool parties. Don’t worry if a speaker rolls into the pool. We simply took it out and placed it back on the ground, and it continued to play all the while. The battery could’ve been better, though. Still, we use it only at 80% max volume because it’s loud enough already, and the light rings are a treat to watch.
View on Amazon: Anker Soundcore Flare 2
9. Tribit StormBox Bluetooth Speaker
Best Waterproof Speaker for Surround Sound Systems
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- 360-degree surround sound
- XBass technology for extra bass
- Cost-effective
- Highly portable
- Battery weakens over time
Tribit StormBox is the best waterproof speaker for surround sound systems. If you want to set up surround sound for an outdoor party, make sure to include these cute portable speakers.
Firstly, the waterproofing is worth mentioning. We left the speakers beside the pool throughout the day. Moisture and water splashes weren’t even an issue. And since the speaker has a good battery life (at least during the first couple of years), we enjoyed the bass beats from evening to the next morning.
Secondly, we use the speaker to connect to virtual assistants as well. We paired it with Google Assistant and Alexa. It works the same with Siri too.
To conclude, Tribit StormBox can be used as a part of a sound system or an individual piece. The controls are on the unit, which might be a little hard to see at night. However, we have no complaints about carrying this one when camping. The bass is good enough to create a tremor when placed on the ground. We slip it back into the side pocket of the backpack when it’s time to pack up and move.
View on Amazon: Tribit StormBox
10. JBL GO2
Best Budget Waterproof Speaker
- Multiple colors
- IPX7 rating
- Budget-friendly
- Compact design
- Comes with a microphone
- Volume could have been louder
JBL GO2 is the best budget waterproof speaker that comes in an array of colors and fits in the palm. It’s a cute piece with a worthy performance.
Firstly, the speaker is an entry-level model but with an additional focus on waterproofing. We like to carry this one on solo/couple trips. It hardly takes up any space and is loud enough for a couple to sit close and listen to it.
Secondly, the sound quality is impressive. We weren’t expecting top-class results anyway. But the notes were clear even when we used in beside a running stream. Moreover, we didn’t have to worry when the kid decided to take this into the pool. Now, we set it up in the bathroom, and it’s working just as fine.
To conclude, JBL GO2 is for those on a tight budget. It’s not perfect, of course. The battery life could’ve been better, and we can’t connect the speaker to other sound systems. Still, our kid has been carrying this around whenever she goes out of the house and is happy with the performance.
View on Amazon: JBL GO2
11. Alpatronix Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker 60W
Best Loudest Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
- 60W output with True Wireless Stereo (TWS) technology
- Water-resistant
- Multi-device compatible
- Durable and tough
- Built-in handle and controls
- The manual could have been detailed
Alpatronix AX500 is the best and loudest waterproof speaker with a 5400mAh battery. Not only does it blast music with gusto, but is also sturdy and capable of sustaining rough use.
Firstly, the speaker can be paired with various smartphones and tablets without any trouble. There’s a USB-C port to even charge the phone and use the speaker as a power bank. We like to call this the extra-large speaker as we use them when more people join our camping group. More people, more sound, see?
Secondly, the microSD card slot is a super cool feature. We don’t even have to connect to our phones that way. We put the card in the speaker before setting off on the trip. And with the controls on the unit, we can easily play our favorites. The bass sounds better when the volume is less than 50%.
To conclude, Alpatronix AX500 is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. At times, we feel that it plays better when on the bus than outside. That’s because the speaker is water-resistant and can survive only splashes rather than full-fledged drowning, and we tend to worry about its life when left in the outdoors. But considering the rest, we still take it with us on camping trips.
View on Amazon: Alpatronix Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker 60W
12. Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Waterproof Speaker With Best Bass
- 3-in-1 magic button
- IPX7 rating
- 360-degree sound with thundering bass
- Durable and resilient
- Battery drains pretty quickly upon continuous usage
Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 is the best waterproof speaker with bass that can cause tremors in the ground. The IP67 rating is spot-on as the speaker lived long after a group member dived into a pool with it.
Firstly, the speaker comes with a two-tone fabric covering that makes it pretty much drop-proof. It may not survive a roll down the rocky hill, but it sure can manage a small fall. The 360-degrees sound is impressive, too, though we wished it was louder.
Secondly, the bass is wow. It pulses around us and reverberates through the ground. We love it. That said, don’t touch the EQ on the app. The app is decent, but tinkering with the EQ will mess up the bass and the volume. Been there and done that. We put it back in standard and left it that way.
To conclude Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 has a micro USB charging port towards the bottom and a tiny loop at the top to hang the speaker. The 3-in-1 button works to play, pause, and skip songs while the plus and minus signs work like volume controls. Our only issue is with the battery life, which is not 20 hours, as mentioned. It’s much lesser.
View on Amazon: Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproof Speakers
A waterproof speaker is a Bluetooth portable speaker that can be exposed to water, except seawater. Depending on the IP rating, the speaker can withstand damage if left in up to one meter of water for around 30 minutes. Most waterproof speakers float in the water instead of sinking. The best waterproof speakers can resist splashes of seawater.
One way to waterproof a speaker is to wrap it in a plastic sheet to prevent humidity, rain, wetness, cold, and snow from affecting it. You can also use a high gloss polymer coating or polyurethane spray to coat the outer surface of the speakers and make them water-resistant.
JBL speakers are waterproof. The Go 2 and Clip 3 models come with an IP7 rating. The speakers can be submerged in water for a limited time. Changing weather conditions shouldn’t affect the quality of JBL speakers, as they can easily last through the rain.
Final Words
Are you ready to pick the best waterproof speakers for outdoor trips and parties? We recommend JBL Charge 3 for its portability, JBL Xtreme 2 for its battery life, Anker Soundcore Flare 2 with light rings for pool parties, and JBL Pulse 3 with a light show for beach parties.
However, take your time to compare the best waterproof speakers and choose the one that best suits your requirements.
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