Greatest waterproof audio system of 2023

The very best waterproof audio system will be capable to pump out your favourite music any time, anyplace. If you wish to rock out in, close to, or underneath the water, an important waterproof speaker will stand up to wetness whereas checking a number of of the containers that we’d apply to any speaker. You don’t have to make any sacrifices for sound high quality, nor ought to you need to bend on battery life, portability, and connectivity. We’re right here that can assist you discover the perfect waterproof speaker in your way of life, whether or not you’re seeking to blast Anderson .Paak’s “Malibu” at a pool occasion or sit in your feels throughout a Phoebe Bridgers bathe session. 

How we selected the perfect waterproof audio system

We chosen our favourite waterproof audio system by contemplating our personal experiences and different consumer impressions after which mixed these with in depth analysis on top-performing fashions. We checked out IP score and different specs—like frequency response and most sound strain stage—to make sure sturdiness and sound high quality. From there, we thought of battery life, Bluetooth vary, and particular options to pick out the perfect of the perfect from a reasonably dense pool. 

The very best waterproof audio system: Critiques & Suggestions

Greatest general: JBL Flip 6 

Why it made the reduce: The JBL Flip 6 is a compact waterproof occasion speaker that sounds and appears nice on the go or at residence. 

Specs 

• Battery Life: 12 hours 
• Bluetooth Vary: approx 130 toes 
• IP Score: IP67

Execs 

• PartyBoost know-how 
• Bluetooth 5.1
• GraphicEQ

Cons 

• No aux enter 
• Battery life is simply okay 

The JBL Flip 6 (which our reviewer cherished) is a superb moveable Bluetooth speaker for any listening expertise, dry or moist. With a sturdy construct, rubberized onboard controls, and an IP67, this mannequin is protected against extra than simply water; it’s protected towards mud and drops, so you possibly can really feel assured taking it on any outside journey. The Flip 6 has twin passive radiators, a separate tweeter, a purported frequency response vary of 63 Hz – 20 kHz, and a max quantity of round 87 dB, so that you’ll be glad with the general sound high quality.

Plus, you possibly can customise your audio utilizing the graphic EQ on the JBL Transportable app, obtainable for each iOS and Android methods. This app additionally enables you to join your Flip 6 to a different appropriate JBL speaker with PartyBoost mode, growing quantity, making a stereo pair, and widening protection throughout bigger gatherings. This mannequin can solely join wirelessly through Bluetooth 5.1, nevertheless; it doesn’t have an aux, USB, or another wired enter. It does function a USB-C fast charging port, which can turn out to be useful in the event you wish to hear at loud volumes as a result of whereas the Flip 6 has as much as 12 hours of battery life, that quantity can diminish in the event you’re blasting music. 

Want an excellent larger bump in battery and listening ranges? There’s the equally IP67 Cost 5, or any variety of different JBL occasion audio system to select from.

Greatest moveable: UE Wonderboom 3

Why it made the reduce: The UE Wonderboom 3 has continued to high our charts with regards to moveable, inexpensive, waterproof sound. 

Specs 

• Battery Life: 14 hours 
• Bluetooth Vary: 131 toes 
• IP Score: IP67

Execs 

• Sturdiness 
• Quantity 
• Portability 

Cons 

The Wonderboom 3 is one in all our favourite bathe audio system, and one in all our favourite small audio system generally—a mannequin we return to many times when it’s time to suggest moveable, waterproof audio. With its 360-degree sound protection, a 75 Hz – 20 kHz frequency response, and quantity that reaches as much as 87 dB, the Wonderboom 3 means that you can hear the music over the sound of crashing waves, a high-pressure showerhead, or poolside splashing. It has an IP67 score, which implies it’s waterproof and mud resistant, so you possibly can take it with you nearly anyplace you go.

Onboard controls will allow you to play, pause, and skip tracks with out touching your cellphone, plus it’s buoyant, so you possibly can plunge it within the pool or plop it within the bathtub alongside your rubber geese, aka your backup singers. This speaker weighs lower than 1 pound and measures 4.3 by 3.8 inches with a versatile, looped deal with so you possibly can strap the speaker to a motorcycle, bag, or belt loop for optimum portability. In the event you’re searching for a water-proof speaker that you could simply transport from the seaside to the bathtub, the Wonderboom 3 (one in all a number of glorious Final Ears occasion audio system) is a superb possibility. 

Greatest indoor/outside: Sonos Transfer

Why it made the reduce: The Sonos Transfer is a superb speaker for mixed-use listening; it’s a part of an expandable community that sounds glorious at residence and transitions properly for outside listening. 

Specs 

• Battery Life: 11 hours 
• Bluetooth Vary: 300 toes 
• IP Score: IP56

Execs 

• Voice Assistant
• Sound high quality 
• Bluetooth vary
• Expandable

Cons 

• Expensive
• Doesn’t natively assist Siri

The Sonos Transfer has an IP56 score, versus an IPX7 score, which signifies that it’s not absolutely submersible however is protected against high-pressure water jets spraying in any route. This basically means it will probably stand up to rain, steam, splashes, and the unintentional dunk right here or there. We nonetheless take into account the Transfer “waterproof” and whilst you don’t wish to depart it floating within the pool, it is possible for you to to entry spectacular sound high quality anyplace you go.

It’s notably nice for many who wish to buy one excellent speaker reasonably than separate indoor/outside fashions which will get monetary savings however not sound as strong. This speaker—simply transportable through its built-in deal with—boasts two Class-D digital amplifiers, a downward-firing tweeter to handle excessive frequencies, and a mid-woofer to hold midrange frequencies with low-end assist.

Plus, you possibly can customise your sound utilizing the Sonos app’s adjustable EQ, although Automated Trueplay helps you keep away from a lot tweaking by adjusting equalization based mostly on the listening atmosphere and content material. Hook up with the Transfer through Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2, or Wi-Fi, which, when used, will allow you to stream higher-quality, well-balanced audio and pair with different Sonos audio system to create a extra sturdy stereo and/or multiroom sound system.

Wi-Fi additionally lets you entry voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. In the event you love the richly musical Sonos sound however need one thing compact that you could submerge, take a look at the Sonos Roam, the Transfer’s little brother with an IP67 score. 

Greatest premium bathe speaker: Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)

Why it made the reduce: The Beosound A1 is a well-constructed, moveable, waterproof speaker from high-end model Bang & Olufsen. It’s glossy and compact with a looped deal with, good for hanging on a showerhead or resting atop a caddy. 

Specs 

• Battery Life: 18 hours 
• Bluetooth Vary: as much as 800 toes 
• IP Score: IP67

Execs 

• Sound high quality 
• Bluetooth Vary
• Battery Life
• Looped carrying strap

Cons 

Whereas nearly any of those audio system may assist bathe karaoke, the Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) has impeccable options and very good design; it measures roughly 5 x 5 inches with a flat backside and contains a looped candle so it will probably safely relaxation on a cleaning soap dish or cling out of your showerhead.

Bang & Olufsen produces high-end audiophile favorites, so whereas this speaker is costly, you’re assured to get nice sound out of your buy. When examined, the 360-degree driver and aptX Adaptive codec produce a large soundstage and improved efficiency with an correct frequency response between 63 Hz and 13.5 kHz. Audio is adjustable utilizing the Beosonic app’s sound customization function and 5 EQ presets.

Three omnidirectional microphones enhance the readability of cellphone calls, in the event you’re inclined to convention reasonably than simply have a solo rest session. On the similar time, built-in voice and onboard controls imply you possibly can play, pause, skip, and extra with out reaching a sudsy hand out in your undoubtedly not-waterproof cellphone. 

If a compact speaker appears like all the pieces you want, however the Beosund’s worth is prohibitive, take a look at the JBL Clip 4. 

Greatest price range: Tribit StormBox Micro 2

Why it made the reduce: Doubling as a conveyable charger, this compact speaker is a budget-friendly option to take heed to your favourite tunes wherever the water takes you. 

Specs 

• Battery Life: 12 hours 
• Bluetooth Vary: as much as 120 toes 
• IP Score: IP67

Execs 

• Worth
• Bluetooth 5.3
• Powerbank
• Built-in strap

Cons 

• Some distortion at loud volumes 
• Restricted onboard controls 

The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is a super-compact second-generation mannequin that delivers strong sound at an inexpensive worth. Comparable in measurement and design to its predecessor, this speaker measures roughly 4 x 4 inches with a rubberized, grippy backside and sturdy, textured grill. At present obtainable solely in black, this speaker is fairly glossy and discrete. The ability and pairing buttons are built-in onto the front-facing aspect together with 5 tiny LED battery life indicators. Three streamlined management buttons high the speaker, and the multifunction circle means that you can play, pause, skip, return; entry Siri or Google Assistant; in addition to reply, reject, and change calls. The plus and minus buttons elevate and decrease quantity.  

Launched in February 2022, this new and improved mannequin is able to roam with you. The built-in strap can be manufactured from rubber with simply sufficient stretch to suit round bulkier straps, handles, and extra. It takes about two seconds to clip onto a backpack or bike deal with and received’t unintentionally fall off when jostled. With an IP67 score, it’s prepared for nearly any terrain you could be traversing, withstanding mud and liquids. The battery can last as long as 12 hours, so you possibly can keep related all day or night time; plus, the SmartID USB-C port used to recharge the StormBox Micro 2 also can cost your cellphone, pill, or different small equipment. It’s an important speaker to convey on a brief tenting journey, lengthy hike, day on the seaside, or rafting journey. 

Primed to make use of proper out of the field, you possibly can rapidly pair to your sensible system utilizing Bluetooth 5.3 know-how, which additionally extends battery life, lowers latency, and will increase vary. It’s actually one of many extra spectacular connections we’ve seen—sustaining a robust sign even by way of layers of extra-thick, pre-war New York Metropolis constructing partitions—the downfall of many Bluetooth audio system that got here earlier than the StormBox Micro2.  With that very same secure connection, you possibly can add an extra StormBox Micro 2 to double quantity and create a stereo pair. 

The StormBox Micro 2 is tiny however surprisingly mighty, with 10 watts of output energy, a 48mm NdFeB driver, passive radiators, and XBass know-how making for a fairly strong listening expertise. When examined, the quantity reached 90 dB, which is loads loud for outside listening. And whereas there was a little bit of distortion at high volumes, the audio maintained general readability. There are about 16 stage steps, leaving customers feeling answerable for their quantity preferences. 

In terms of sound high quality, this speaker delivers pretty strong sound. With a frequency response of 70 Hz – 20 kHz, you’ll discover that the bass is a bit missing. Desiigner’s “Timmy Turner” feels a bit lackluster when you possibly can’t expertise subbass vibrations; nevertheless, we’ve actually heard worse low finish from a compact speaker. Kanye West’s “808s & Heartbreak” feels satisfying with the speaker strapped to my backpack after I can get near the thump of the passive radiator, although rattling drivers can sometimes distort midrange vocals. On the similar time, Phoebe Bridger’s vocals on “Movement Illness” sat properly atop drums and guitar backing and the harmonies on Queen’s “All Lifeless, All Lifeless” come by way of evenly. 

The sound of the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is greater than enough for a speaker that retails for properly underneath $100 and the additional options and fortifications up the worth tremendously. In the event you’re searching for much more of a steal, although, you possibly can strive the Oontz Angle 3, which retails for underneath $40. 

Greatest sustainable: Home of Marley Get Collectively 2

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Specs 

• Battery Life: 20 hours 
• Bluetooth Vary: as much as 98 toes 
• IP Score: IP65

Execs 

• Constructed from sustainable supplies
• Powerbank

Cons 

• Worth
• A bit bass heavy 

Home of Marley’s Get Collectively 2 is a mid-sized waterproof Bluetooth speaker whose signature function is the sustainable supplies used to make it. The speaker is made out of bamboo, recycled plastic bottles, recycled aluminum, and is available in completely recyclable packaging. Not each materials used for the Get Collectively 2 is environmentally pleasant, nevertheless it’s way more sustainable than the opposite audio system we’re recommending. 

As for its audio {hardware}, Home of Marley designed the Get Collectively 2 with a four-driver system comprising two woofers, a pair of tweeters, and a 40 watt amplifier. Its sound, whereas clear and loud, is a bit backside heavy even on the Signature Sound EQ setting. It’s not that treble or midrange frequencies are squished — there’s nonetheless plenty of particulars in vocals and drums — it’s simply that bass is much more outstanding. You’ll be able to change between three EQ modes (signature, bass enhance, acoustic) by urgent a button on the again of the speaker, although we’d have appreciated to see extra fine-grained controls obtainable . 

On the technical aspect, the Get Collectively 2 has plenty of the non-essential-but-nice-to-have options we’ve come to count on from a speaker in its measurement class, however not essentially from waterproof fashions. Its USB-C port can be utilized to cost different units, or quick-charge the speaker itself. The Get Collectively 2’s IP65 score means it may be splashed or used within the sand with out the chance of harm. Its 20 hour battery life could seem a bit low in comparison with smaller audio system, however the Get Collectively Go 2 has extra power-hungry audio {hardware}, so it’s proper according to our expectations. In the event you care about each sustainability and sound, Home of Marley’s Get Collectively 2 is a worthwhile moveable speaker to select up in the event you’ve bought a $300 price range.

The corporate additionally presents a smaller $170 model aptly referred to as the Get Collectively 2 Mini, which has an excellent higher IP score, two drivers, and a battery that lasts 15 hours.

Greatest for Android: Sony SRS-XG300

Why it made the reduce: Sony’s SRS-XG300 is the one waterproof Bluetooth speaker we’ve discovered that helps the LDAC codec,

Specs

• Battery Life: 25 hours
• Bluetooth Vary: 98.4 toes
• IP Score: IP67

Execs

• Superior-resolution codec assist
• Portability for its measurement
• Loud sound

Cons

Sony has by no means shied away from making high-end audio {hardware}, and the SRS-XG300 is its newest premium moveable Bluetooth speaker, and it’s waterproof besides.. After years of refining inside parts, Sony gave its moveable audio system a much-needed top-to-bottom redesign. The SRS-XG300 is lot sleeker, with a mesh masking that’s pleasing to the attention, and a deal with that makes the comparatively huge speaker simpler to hold. Certainly, carrying it from room to room, or from the automobile to the seaside by no means felt like a chore. Sony’s give attention to constructing audio system with lights continues right here, however they’re not a foremost focus; LED strips encompass the drivers on either side of this speaker, however they by no means look garish, plus you possibly can flip them off on the push of a button.

The SRS-XG300 is bigger than most of our Bluetooth speaker suggestions, however the further house comes with a few huge advantages. This speaker lasts as much as 25 hours per cost whereas delivering much better sound than smaller audio system. This was the best-sounding moveable Bluetooth speaker I examined this 12 months, with refined-sounding lows, mids, and treble with none distortion at excessive volumes. Sibilance and different audio abnormalities had been additionally absent, although this can at all times come all the way down to the way in which your music was recorded and mastered.

Sony has at all times centered on audio high quality, however the firm has upped its sport within the sturdiness division this time round. The SRS-XG300’s IP67 score means it may be absolutely submerged underwater for a half hour and are available out unscathed. We’d count on this stage of efficiency from firms like JBL which were ramping up the sturdiness of its audio system for years, nevertheless it’s refreshing to see Sony take this so severely.

We are able to suggest the SRS-XG300 to anybody, however particularly Android customers whose units assist the LDAC codec. With out getting too into the weeds, units that assist this know-how can play high-resolution audio at a bitrate of 990kbps (kilobytes per second), which is approaching full CD high quality, which is 1,411kbps. For reference, aptX (a extra generally used audio codec) compresses audio all the way down to a fee of 352kbps. This distinction doesn’t matter once you’re streaming music from Spotify, however does in the event you’re utilizing a tool that helps LDAC and listening to high-resolution audio information.

All of those options include a steep price ticket, and its most technically spectacular function is restricted to people with a handful of units, that are explanation why we couldn’t definitively label this the perfect moveable Bluetooth speaker general. In the event you care about audio high quality, although, there’s no different moveable Bluetooth speaker that deserves your consideration.

What to think about when shopping for a water-proof speaker

IP score 

Crucial factor to examine earlier than buying a water-proof speaker is its IP score. IP stands for “Ingress Safety,” which tells you simply how fortified an digital system is towards dust, mud, and water. The primary digit describes particle safety (mud or sand), the second liquid. For instance, if a speaker has a score of IP57, the “5” signifies it will probably hold out most mud and dust particles. The “7” means you possibly can submerge the system in as much as 1 meter of water for half-hour earlier than any harm happens. In the event you see a score that appears like IPX7, the “X” means no information is out there for that substance. 

Solely audio system with an IPX7 score or larger can really declare full waterproof standing, although we now have made an exception and advisable one stellar IP56 speaker. For full submersion or in-shower use, follow IPX7 and above; nevertheless, an IPX6 can stand up to a robust stream of water for a short while, about 100 liters per minute, appropriate for rain, sturdy splashes, and extra. IPX5 can deal with 12.5 liters of water per minute, extra like a squirt gun. IPX5 is technically waterproof, and we don’t suggest making an attempt out something much less in the event you’re on the seek for a water-proof speaker. 

Battery life

In the event you’re purchasing for a water-proof speaker, likelihood is you’re making ready to take it on the go, which implies you want a mannequin with a long-lasting battery. Ensure you take a look at the specs and search for a mannequin that may final between 10 and 20 hours, so that you don’t should pause an out of doors journey to cost your speaker inside. Usually talking, bigger audio system home longer-lasting batteries, however that’s not at all times the case. You must also notice that almost all audio system drain their battery sooner when taking part in music at loud volumes. So, if you already know you’re about to host an all-day pool occasion, put money into one thing long-lasting as a result of that speaker with 10 hours of battery may simply drop to five. 

We must also notice that whereas some audio system can nonetheless play music whereas they cost, you shouldn’t cost your speaker close to the water. If it will get moist or falls, that open charging port and reside connection will probably result in speaker destruction and/or a nasty shock. 

Sound high quality 

Whereas it’s true that moveable audio system can have hassle with dealing with subbass and high-volume calls for, there are a number of fashions on the market which are a reduce above the remaining.

Bigger items are usually extra outfitted to take care of constant audio whilst you flip the quantity up, plus they’ve extra room for well-designed subwoofers. A speaker with extra energetic woofers, and even passive “bass radiators,” will do a significantly better job navigating the rumble within the sonic roads (if you wish to know concerning the bodily parts of a speaker, take a look at our primer). As for quantity, take a look at the speaker’s specs and search for a most sound strain stage, notated in decibels (dB). Be aware, nevertheless, 100 dB is the loudest you’ll ever actually wish to go, and solely actually in an open house for restricted intervals; it’s akin to listening to a lawnmower at shut vary and may ultimately trigger listening to harm. We’re glad with Bluetooth audio system that keep good sound high quality between 85 dB to 95 dB for bigger gatherings. 

You may as well take a look at the frequency response vary, measured in hertz (Hz) and kilohertz (kHz), letting you already know the vary of frequencies (lows, mids, and highs) the speaker will assist. You’ll generally see a 20 Hz – 20 kHz vary, which is the restrict of human listening to for each highs and lows. Simply because a speaker lists this vary on its specs doesn’t essentially imply it will probably reproduce with none dips or shortcomings throughout the frequency spectrum, nevertheless. If you wish to do extra analysis earlier than shopping for, search for a frequency response graph for the speaker in query, usually created with audio testing by a 3rd occasion. Remember the fact that it’s tough for a conveyable Bluetooth speaker to assist frequencies decrease than 40 Hz to 50 Hz precisely and not using a devoted subwoofer. Many fashions make the most of enhanced digital sign processing know-how to compensate for the shortage of low-end, however with regards to small audio system, typically we should settle for its limitations—swapping subbass for waterproof safety and portability could be an excellent commerce. 

Connectivity and codecs 

As Bluetooth know-how continues to develop, you’ve extra management than ever over which enhancements you’ll depend on. Widespread iterations are 4.2, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 (introduced in July 2021). Newer variations sometimes have larger information switch speeds, keep connection throughout larger distances, and scale back energy consumption. Bluetooth may even pair two or extra appropriate items collectively for stereo sound and elevated quantity. 

Diving even deeper, Bluetooth codecs describe how your digital audio information is encoded and decoded from a supply system to your speaker or headphones. To get probably the most from these high-speed transfers, each your receiver and transmitter have to be outfitted with the identical codecs. The most typical codec to see is SBC, which each Bluetooth speaker helps. Whereas not the highest-quality codec, it’s a nearly common, dependable option to switch information. In the event you’re an iOS consumer searching for larger high quality, take into account a speaker supporting AAC, or Superior Audio Coding. When you have an Android sensible system, choose a speaker with aptX/aptX HD/aptX Adaptive (or LDAC) to guarantee assist for larger switch charges that protect extra information. 

Particular options 

Further options are available all styles and sizes, with among the hottest associated to connectivity and controls. Take into account which could be probably the most helpful for you: Wi-Fi-equipped audio system, just like the Sonos Transfer and Roam, can pair waterproof audio system with a high-speed residence community for high-fidelity audio or voice-activated instructions. Voice assistant compatibility means you possibly can management your music with Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. Some audio system, just like the Tribit StormBox Micro 2, double as an influence financial institution to cost your cellphone on the go, and plenty of fashions include specifically designed apps to regulate your sound with graphic equalization, listening modes, and extra. 

FAQs

Closing ideas on discovering the perfect waterproof audio system 

Getting moist and wild shouldn’t cease you from having your favourite sounds concurrently rain down. The very best waterproof audio system will hold you related on the street, on the go, or within the bathe. Rain or shine, you’ll be capable to hold the occasion going in the event you seize a speaker with a excessive IP score, lengthy battery life, and strong connectivity. From there, you possibly can choose and select the particular options which are necessary to you. Quickly, you’ll be swimming laps to the tune of your favourite 120BPM music and holding a bathe live performance in your one-person Britney Spears cowl band.