Products at a Glance
How we picked the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers
As stated, there are a plethora of waterproof Bluetooth speakers around so being able to select the top picks is a tricky task. Of course, the main focuses of any Bluetooth speaker are the sound quality and if it can connect to your other devices so the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers need to excel in those areas. However, with that waterproof aspect thrown into the mix, just having great sound quality and connectivity isn’t quite going to cut it, you’re going to need a high waterproof rating to ensure the speaker won’t fail under various weather conditions. Therefore, when we chose the best four waterproof Bluetooth speakers around, we focused on these key areas to ensure you’re getting the absolute top pieces of kit around.
We also awarded three of our four picks with awards; best overall, best sound, and best budget as we believe that these are the most requested aspects which enable you, the buyer, to select the one you want to purchase.
If this isn’t quite the guide you’re looking for, take a look at our guide to the best Bluetooth speaker under $100, or the best center channel speaker.
Product Reviews
- Best battery life around
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Bass radiator
- Crystal clear sound
- Relatively pricey
For our best overall waterproof Bluetooth speaker we’ve gone for the JBL Charge 4. We think that this device offers the best overall experience for the money and will last you a very long time.
Taking a look at the waterproof capabilities of this thing we can see that JBL has managed to make this IPX7 waterproof, a great feat, minimizing any concerns about using it in all weather conditions. I don’t know why you’d voluntarily do this but you could actually submerge the Charge 4 in water and it would still function thus meaning any water-related accidents that may occur should cause you too much panic. Moreover, with it being made from durable fabric material and rugged rubber housing, you can take it on your adventures and not be wary of any bumps.
The sound capabilities are similarly brilliant detailing deep bass and strong treble. The bass is amplified thanks to the dual passive radiators which deliver powerful, resonating sound that can be heard from very far away. The only real downside is that it doesn’t offer up true stereo sound which is slightly frustrating since JBL includes that on other variants but the average listener won’t even be able to tell the difference.
Moving to the connectivity and battery life it obviously sports Bluetooth tech that allows you to be relatively far away without any connection drops or disruptions. It also includes JBL’s wireless tech which enables you to wirelessly connect to more than 100 JBL Connect+ enabled speakers at the same time. The battery life is similarly a huge plus with the inclusion of a high-capacity 7500mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery that provides up to 20 hours of playtime. This is more than most on the market and a big selling point.
All in all, the JBL Charge 4 is a really top choice for a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. It has a huge battery life, a huge plus for most, who are mainly looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker that they can take on trips. It also sports brilliant overall sound and that really impressive IPX7 waterproofing ensuring that you can’t really break it unless you throw it into the ocean.
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Stereo sound output
- 15 hour battery life
- Dual bass radiators
- Expensive
The second JBL manufactured waterproof Bluetooth speaker to make this list is the JBL Xtreme 2. This one details even better sound quality than our best overall pick, while also having a number of great features that could tip the scales in the Xtreme 2’s favor.
Like the JBL Charge 4, it sports IPX7 waterproof capabilities which means that you can splash the device with water or even submerge it and not be concerned. Furthermore, it details a similar overall design with its durable fabric material and rugged rubber housing, allowing for any drops or scuffs to occur and not impacting usage.
Looking at the all-important sound quality, we can see that again, it includes their impressive bass radiator that makes for really impressive bass output, providing solid listening. Instead of just one radiator, there are actually two, further enhancing the overall output capabilities. Moreover, the speakers themselves detail stereo output, another one up over the Charge 4 in terms of sound quality. Due to these extra features, you are going to be paying a little more, so keep that in mind before instantly going out and buying this variant.
The connectivity is pretty much identical to that of the Charge 4 with long-range Bluetooth capabilities and that wireless tech which enables you to wirelessly connect to more than 100 JBL Connect+ enabled speakers at the same time. A big plus if you already own a JBL speaker or plan on expanding your collection in the future. Moving to the battery life we can see that you’ll be getting up to 15 hours out of this thing, lower than the Charge 4 but definitely nothing to complain about seeing as the Charge’s battery life is pretty much impossible to beat.
To conclude, the JBL Xtreme 2 is an audio powerhouse. It provides exceptional sound clarity while also detailing amazing bass thanks to those dual radiators. The fact that it has IPX7 waterproof capabilities means you can be pretty much carefree when it comes to taking it on trips, ensuring that breaking it will be a tricky task. If you want the best sounding waterproof Bluetooth speaker, this one is pretty hard to beat.
- Great value
- IPX5 waterproof rating
- Large battery capacity
- Sound clarity could be a little better
You might think that a budget waterproof Bluetooth speaker might be a little lackluster both in terms of its waterproofing standard and sound quality but what OontZ has managed to pull off should completely change your mind.
Looking at the waterproofing initially, the Angle 3 sports an IPX5 rating allowing it to be totally splashproof and rainproof which means it can be used as a shower speaker resisting gentle water spray. Unfortunately, it does have its limits and cannot be partially or fully submerged in water but when does this really ever happen?
The sound quality, for the price, is surprisingly fantastic. The OontZ Angle 3 was designed and engineered by Cambridge Sound Works making for greater sound clarity, accurate mids, and clear highs. The bass output is similarly stellar being enhanced by a proprietary passive bass radiator, unique triangular design, and a downward-facing further enhancing audio clarity.
Thanks to its Bluetooth 4.2 architecture, you’re able to use this waterproof Bluetooth speaker up to 100 feet away from your device thanks to its advanced antenna design providing greater wireless range and faster Bluetooth connection. Moreover, the battery life of the Angle 3 is pretty top tier detailing up to 14 hours of playback off a single charge (at ⅔ volume capacity).
Overall, the OontZ Angle 3 really is a brilliant choice for budget-conscious individuals. It has surprisingly good features including its IPX5 waterproof rating, Bluetooth 4.2 architecture, and that bass radiator, enhancing your listening experience. It does however lack that water submergence but that shouldn’t deter you because as stated earlier, when how often does submerging your Bluetooth speaker actually happen?
- IP67 waterproof rating
- 360 sound
- It can float!
- Sound is a little tinny
Ultimate Ears offer a bunch of Bluetooth speakers that detail waterproof capabilities but in our eyes, the WONDERBOOM 2 is the pick of the bunch.
It offers up an IP67 rating means it’s waterproof, dustproof, and most surprisingly, it floats. This means you’re actually able to use it in the pool, the beach, or as a shower speaker and not have to worry about any water getting onto it. In addition, it’s dirt-resistant and drop-proof, making it a great companion for those who want to take it on adventures.
Due to its design, the WONDERBOOM 2 boasts 360 sound so no matter where you’re stood or sat, you’re getting the optimal listening experience. Furthermore, the built-in outdoor boost function, this ultra-portable speaker instantly increases loudness and clarity for outdoor listening. Finally, unlike our best overall JBL pick, it sports a true wireless stereo experience, a fantastic introduction, and one that you audiophiles will enjoy.
For connectivity and battery life, the WONDERBOOM 2 details great Bluetooth tech allowing you to stay connected up to 100 feet away which is perfect for those who want to take it out and about and not have to be standing right next to the device. If you have a second Ultimate Ears speaker, you’re able to hook it up to it thus enhancing volume, creating a cinema-like sound experience.
All in all, the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 is certainly a waterproof Bluetooth speaker you should consider getting. It’s ultra-portable and offers a really great sound. You can instantly notice the stereo 360 output and the fact that you can enhance it even further with the outdoor boost, is a really impressive function. The waterproofing is also top tier and the fact that it floats is a surprising yet welcomed feature.
Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: things to consider
Waterproof Rating
Naturally, with any waterproof Bluetooth speaker, you’re going to want it to withstand a decent amount of water. This, therefore means that you need to look out for the IP waterproof rating when considering your purchase. As a general rule, the absolute minimum IP rating you want is IPX4 but the better waterproof Bluetooth speakers come with IPX7 waterproof capabilities that allow it to be submerged in water and still live to tell the tale.
Battery Life
Portable and wireless products all suffer from the same issue and that’s the fact they have to be powered by a battery. However, with the rechargeable batteries of today, you’re likely to experience hours upon hours of use without having to go plug it into an outlet. This is similarly true with waterproof Bluetooth speakers who also sport a rechargeable battery as their power source. With the better waterproof Bluetooth speakers you’re looking at a minimum of 10 hours of use based on a full charge so use that as a baseline when considering your purchase. The more expensive options may even allow up to 15-18 hours so dropping that extra cash may provide you with a better experience, especially if you’re wanting to use a waterproof Bluetooth speaker on long trips.
Connectivity
With connectivity, the clue is in the name. Of course, you’re going to be receiving a Bluetooth speaker but it’s what Bluetooth version it works off that will influence how good your connection will be. With most waterproof Bluetooth speakers you’re looking at either Bluetooth 4.0 or Bluetooth 5.0 but the latter will improve your connection dramatically especially at long distances.
While Bluetooth is the main factor when thinking about connectivity, you might also want ports to plug your devices into. The 3.5mm jack is the go-to for many manufacturers as it’s become the industry standard. However, some manufacturers just simply leave this out so something definitely to consider, especially if you fancy hooking it up to an MP3 player that doesn’t have Bluetooth functionality.
Our Verdict
So, which of our picks is the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker? We’d say opt for our best overall pick – the JBL Charge 4 it has that incredible waterproof rating eliminating any worries of potential damage as well as exceptional sound quality. The Bluetooth connectivity is similarly stellar securing stability up to 100 feet. While the JBL Charge 4 does offer brilliant audio, if you’re looking for the best of the best, choose JBL’s Xtreme 2 variant instead as it has a little bit of a boost in overall clarity and those dual radiators enhancing bass even further, making your listening experience that little bit better.