Having a reliable waterproof speaker is a must when it comes to outdoor activities or listening to music in the shower or by the pool. With the rapid development of technology, countless waterproof speakers are available in the market, each with unique features and specifications.

However, choosing the best waterproof speaker for your needs can be daunting. To help you, we have compiled a comprehensive 2023 buying guide on the best waterproof speakers available in the market.

Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end speaker with all the bells and whistles, our buying guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

From the sound quality and battery life to durability and design, we have considered all the factors that make a great waterproof speaker. So please sit back, relax, and let us help you find the perfect waterproof speaker to accompany you on your next outdoor adventure.

Best Overall: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 Waterproof Speaker

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 waterproof speaker is an excellent choice for those who want a versatile speaker with great sound quality. With a compact and durable design, this speaker is perfect for on-the-go listening, whether at the beach, pool, or wilderness camping.

The Wonderboom 2 is waterproof and can be fully submerged in water for up to 30 minutes without any damage. It also features a long-lasting battery life of up to 13 hours, allowing you to enjoy your music for extended periods.

One of the standout features of the Wonderboom 2 is its 360-degree sound, which provides excellent audio quality from any angle. It also has a powerful bass response and can be paired with another Wonderboom 2 for stereo sound.

Overall, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 is the best waterproof speaker for its excellent sound quality, durability, and portability.

Best Waterproof Speaker For Showering: Tribit Stormbox Micro 2

If you’re looking for a waterproof speaker specifically for showering or other water-based activities, the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is an excellent choice. Its compact size and sturdy design makes it a great option for showering, camping, or hiking.

The Stormbox Micro 2 is IP67 waterproof rated, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. It also features a suction cup base, allowing you to attach it to your shower wall or any smooth surface.

Regarding sound quality, the Stormbox Micro 2 delivers a clear and well-balanced audio experience with 360-degree surround sound. It also features a built-in microphone, allowing you to take calls without disconnecting your phone from the speaker.

The battery life of the Stormbox Micro 2 is impressive, with up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge. It also supports wireless charging, making it easy to keep the speaker charged and ready to use.

The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is the best waterproof speaker for showering due to its compact size, suction cup base, and excellent sound quality.

Best Waterproof Speaker For Kayaking: Sonos Roam

The Sonos Roam is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a waterproof speaker to take on your kayaking trips. This speaker is waterproof and incredibly durable, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.

The Sonos Roam is IP67 rated for waterproofing, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. It also has a sturdy build that can withstand drops, bumps, and scratches, making it an ideal choice for kayaking.

In terms of sound quality, the Sonos Roam delivers excellent audio performance, with deep bass and clear highs. It also features automatic Trueplay tuning, which adjusts the sound output based on your surroundings, ensuring you get the best listening experience.

The Sonos Roam also has a long battery life, with up to 10 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge. It also supports wireless charging, making it easy to keep the speaker powered up and ready to use.

Overall, the Sonos Roam is the best waterproof speaker for kayaking due to its durability, waterproofing, and impressive sound quality.

Best Waterproof Speaker For Boats: JBL Flip 6

If you’re looking for a waterproof speaker on your boat, the JBL Flip 6 is an excellent choice. With its rugged and durable design, this speaker can handle rough boating conditions and provide high-quality sound.

The JBL Flip 6 is IP67 waterproof rated, meaning it can withstand submerging water for up to 30 minutes. It also has a rugged construction with a rubberized casing that can withstand bumps, drops, and scratches.

In terms of sound quality, the JBL Flip 6 delivers impressive audio performance, with powerful bass and clear highs. It also has a PartyBoost feature that pairs it with other JBL speakers for a more immersive listening experience.

The battery life of the JBL Flip 6 is also impressive, with up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge. It also has a USB-C port for fast charging and a built-in power bank that allows you to charge your devices on the go.

The JBL Flip 6 is the best waterproof speaker for boats due to its durable construction, impressive sound quality, and long battery life.

Best Waterproof Speaker For Beach: Anker Soundcore Flare 2

If you’re looking for a waterproof speaker to take to the beach, the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is an excellent choice. With its 360-degree sound and customizable LED lights, this speaker is perfect for creating a party atmosphere while enjoying your favorite tunes on the beach.

The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is IPX7 waterproof rated, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. It also has a rugged design with a cloth-covered exterior that can resist sand, dust, and dirt.

In terms of sound quality, the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 delivers powerful bass and crisp highs, with a 360-degree sound that fills the room. It also features BassUp technology that enhances the bass for a more immersive audio experience.

The customizable LED lights on the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 add a fun element to your beach party, allowing you to choose from several lighting modes that sync with the beat of your music.

The battery life of the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is also impressive, with up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge. It also supports wireless charging, making it easy to keep the speaker powered up and ready to use.

Overall, the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is the best waterproof speaker for the beach due to its rugged design, impressive sound quality, customizable LED lights, and long battery life.

Ultimate Ears Boom 3

The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is a high-quality waterproof speaker with impressive sound performance and a rugged design, making it an excellent choice for outdoor activities.

The Boom 3 is IP67 rated for waterproofing, which means it can withstand being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. It is also durable, with a fabric covering that resists scratches, bumps, and drops.

In terms of sound quality, the Boom 3 delivers rich and detailed audio performance, with deep bass and clear highs. It also features a 360-degree sound that fills the room, making it perfect for outdoor parties or gatherings.

The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 also has a long battery life, with up to 15 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge. It also supports wireless charging and has a Magic Button that lets you control your music with a single touch.

Overall, the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is an excellent waterproof speaker with impressive sound performance, a rugged design, and a long battery life, making it an ideal choice for outdoor activities.

Best Waterproof Speaker Under 100: JBL Flip 5

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly waterproof speaker that doesn’t compromise on quality, the JBL Flip 5 is an excellent choice. This speaker offers amazing sound performance and a durable design at an affordable price.

The JBL Flip 5 is IPX7 waterproof rated, meaning it can withstand submerging water for up to 30 minutes. It also has a rugged design with a rubberized casing that can withstand bumps, drops, and scratches.

In terms of sound quality, the JBL Flip 5 delivers powerful and clear audio performance, with deep bass and crisp highs. It also has a PartyBoost feature that pairs it with other JBL speakers for a more immersive listening experience.

The battery life of the JBL Flip 5 is also impressive, with up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge. It also has a USB-C port for fast charging, so you can quickly recharge the speaker and keep the music going.

The JBL Flip 5 is the best waterproof speaker under $100, thanks to its impressive sound performance, durable design, and affordable price point.

JBL Charge 5

The JBL Charge 5 is a high-quality waterproof speaker with impressive sound performance and a long-lasting battery, making it an excellent choice for outdoor activities or events.

The Charge 5 is IP67 rated for waterproofing, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. It is also durable, with a rubberized exterior that can withstand bumps, drops, and scratches.

Regarding sound quality, the JBL Charge 5 delivers powerful and clear audio performance, with deep bass and crisp highs. It also has a PartyBoost feature that pairs it with other JBL speakers for a more immersive listening experience.

The JBL Charge 5 also has a long battery life, with up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge. It also supports USB-C fast charging and has a built-in power bank that allows you to charge your devices on the go.

Overall, the JBL Charge 5 is an excellent waterproof speaker with impressive sound performance, a long-lasting battery, and a durable design, making it an ideal choice for outdoor activities or events.

JBL Boombox 2

If you’re looking for a powerful waterproof speaker that can handle any outdoor event, the JBL Boombox 2 is an excellent choice. This speaker delivers impressive sound performance, a long-lasting battery, and a durable design to withstand extreme weather conditions.

The JBL Boombox 2 is IPX7 waterproof rated, meaning it can withstand submerging water for up to 30 minutes. It is also durable, with a rubberized exterior that can resist bumps, drops, and scratches.

In terms of sound quality, the JBL Boombox 2 delivers deep and powerful bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, making it perfect for outdoor parties and events. It also has a PartyBoost feature that pairs it with other JBL speakers for a more immersive listening experience.

The battery life of the JBL Boombox 2 is also impressive, with up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge. It also has a built-in power bank that allows you to charge your devices on the go, making it a versatile and convenient choice for outdoor activities.

The JBL Boombox 2 is the best waterproof speaker for those who want the ultimate outdoor audio experience, thanks to its powerful sound performance, long-lasting battery, and durable design.

Tribit XSound Go

The Tribit XSound Go is a budget-friendly waterproof speaker with impressive sound performance and a compact design, making it an ideal choice for outdoor activities and travel.

The XSound Go is IPX7 waterproof rated, meaning it can withstand submerging water for up to 30 minutes. It also has a compact, portable design that fits in your backpack or travel bag.

Regarding sound quality, the Tribit XSound Go delivers clear and balanced audio performance, with rich bass and clear treble. It also has a wireless range of up to 66 feet, allowing you to connect your device from a distance.

The battery life of the Tribit XSound Go is also impressive, with up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge. It also has a built-in microphone for hands-free calling and a strap for easy carrying.

Overall, the Tribit XSound Go is an excellent budget-friendly waterproof speaker with impressive sound performance, a compact design, and a long-lasting battery, making it an ideal choice for outdoor activities and travel.

How to choose the best waterproof speaker for you

When choosing the best waterproof speaker for your needs, there are several factors to consider, including:

1. Water Resistance Rating: Look for a speaker with an IPX7 or higher rating, which means it can withstand being submerged in water for a certain period of time.
2. Portability: Consider the size, weight, and design of the speaker. A compact and lightweight speaker is ideal for travel or outdoor activities.
3. Sound Quality: Consider the speaker’s sound performance, including the bass, treble, and clarity. Look for a speaker that delivers clear and balanced sound performance.
4. Battery Life: Look for a speaker with long-lasting battery life, especially if you plan to use it for extended periods.
5. Connectivity: Look for a speaker that offers multiple connectivity options, such as Bluetooth, AUX, or NFC, to ensure you can easily connect your device to the speaker.
6. Durability: Look for a speaker with a durable design that can withstand bumps, drops, and scratches, especially if you plan to use it outdoors.

Considering these factors, you can choose the best waterproof speaker that meets your needs and delivers high-quality sound performance for outdoor activities or travel.

Can you put an indoor speaker outside?

Using an indoor speaker outside is not recommended, as indoor speakers are not designed to withstand outdoor weather conditions. Outdoor speakers are typically designed with weather-resistant materials and coatings to protect them from rain, wind, and other outdoor elements.

Indoor speakers are designed to handle a different power output level than outdoor speakers. As a result, using an indoor speaker outside could cause it to overheat or even damage the speaker’s components.

Additionally, indoor speakers are typically not portable and have different connectivity options than outdoor speakers, which may limit their usefulness in outdoor settings.

Therefore, it is recommended to use a dedicated outdoor speaker designed for outdoor use, as they are specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of outdoor environments.

What’s a good wattage for outdoor speakers?

The ideal wattage for outdoor speakers can vary depending on your specific needs, such as the size of the outdoor area and how loud you want the music to be. However, outdoor speakers should generally have a higher wattage than indoor speakers to ensure they can produce enough sound to fill the outdoor space.

A good wattage range for outdoor speakers is between 50 and 200 watts RMS (Root Mean Square). This wattage range should provide enough power to produce clear and loud sound in most outdoor settings.

However, it is essential to note that wattage is not the only factor determining the quality of sound performance in speakers. Other factors, such as the speaker’s design, drivers, and construction, can also impact the excellent quality.

It’s also worth noting that the wattage rating of a speaker is not necessarily an indicator of its volume level. The sensitivity rating of a speaker, measured in decibels (dB), is also an essential factor in determining how loud a speaker can get.

A speaker with a higher sensitivity rating can produce more volume with the same amount of power input. When choosing outdoor speakers, you must consider various factors, including wattage, sensitivity, and other design features, to ensure the best sound quality for your outdoor space.

What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant speakers?

Waterproof and water-resistant are two terms used to describe a speaker’s ability to withstand exposure to water and other liquids. However, there are some key differences between the two:

Water-resistant speakers can withstand some exposure to water, but they are not completely waterproof. They are designed to handle light splashes or rain but cannot submerge fully in water without risking damage.

Water-resistant speakers typically have an IPX4 or IPX5 rating, which means they can handle water splashes from any direction. On the other hand, waterproof speakers can be fully submerged in water without getting damaged.

This is because they have an IPX7 or higher rating, which means they can withstand immersion in water up to a certain depth and for a certain amount of time. Therefore, waterproof speakers are ideal for outdoor activities involving water exposure, such as boating, kayaking, or swimming.

It’s important to note that a speaker’s water resistance or waterproofing does not necessarily mean it is immune to damage caused by water exposure. Proper care and maintenance are still necessary to ensure the speaker’s longevity.

Also, some waterproof or water-resistant speakers may have limits to their water resistance, and it’s essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications to know how to use and maintain them properly.

How we test the best waterproof speakers

There are a few different ways to test the best waterproof speakers, but here are some standard methods:

1. Water resistance testing: This involves exposing the speaker to varying levels of water exposure, from light splashes to complete submersion in water. The speaker is tested for its ability to resist water damage and maintain its functionality after exposure.
2. Sound quality testing: This involves assessing the speaker’s sound quality in different environments, including outdoor settings, to ensure it can deliver clear and high-quality sound even in noisy or outdoor environments.
3. Durability testing: This involves subjecting the speaker to various forms of stress and wear and tear, such as dropping it or exposing it to extreme temperatures. The speaker is tested to ensure it can withstand these stressors and maintain its functionality.
4. Battery life testing: This involves testing the speaker’s battery life under various conditions, such as different volume levels and usage patterns, to ensure it can last a reasonable amount of time without recharging.
5. Connectivity testing: This involves testing the speaker’s connectivity options, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, to ensure it can connect reliably to various devices and maintain a strong signal even in outdoor environments.

Testing the best waterproof speakers involves evaluating various factors contributing to their performance, such as water resistance, sound quality, durability, battery life, and connectivity. We can determine which speakers offer the best features and performance for different use cases and environments by assessing these factors.