Self-care takes on many forms: meditating, reading a good book, or maybe lounging somewhere relaxing (think, by the pool, the beach, or the bath). So, if you’re keen to catch up with your favorite podcast on the sand or belt out a few tunes in the shower, then this article is for you.
Consider the waterproof speaker.
Sure, you can stream music from a regular portable speaker, but it’s likely to encounter water or moisture during any activity where water is present. Simply put, it’s not worth the risk!
So, are waterproof speakers really waterproof?
According to Soundly’s lead audiologist and audio expert, Dr. Amy Sarow, “A rating of IPX7 works in humid or moist environments while IPX8 can be submerged in at least three feet of water for a longer duration and IPX9 can withstand powerful water jets and has maximum waterproof capability.”
Waterproof speakers are specifically designed to withstand water and moisture. And even if your waterproof speaker is far away from actual water (like, on a table at a pool or on a towel far away from the wet, sandy shore), moisture and humidity can certainly affect any electronic device. That’s why you’ll want to tap waterproof speakers as your poolside streaming buddy moving forward.
Quick reminder: Whether you’re crooning along to your Spotify Wrapped in the shower or chilling outdoors by the lake, you’ll want to listen to music or sound at a healthy volume. Dr. Amy shares that volume is key. “Keeping the volume below 80 dB is best to protect your hearing,” she says.
What should I look for in a waterproof speaker?
There’s many waterproof speaker options on the market right now, which can feel overwhelming. And regardless of budget, there’s a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when it comes to the right waterproof speaker.
Here’s what to consider:
- Price
- IP Rating
- Connection type
- Battery life
Which waterproof speaker is right for me?
First up, you’ll want to net out where and how often you’ll use this device (think, frequency of use and/or length of time in a usage session, type of use, and location).
Now, let’s look at the budget. It’s probably a good idea to invest in a device based on how often and how long you’ll use it. Let’s say, you really dig listening to music during your morning shower, and if you do this on a daily basis, you’ll probably want a waterproof speaker with an extensive battery life.
Confirm what types of activities you’ll engage in (a hot soak with bath bombs versus streaming music on your deck while you swim laps), and then take a look at the IP rating* for each project you’re considering to see which one syncs up best with your lifestyle.
⭐ FYI: IP stands for Ingress Protection Marking, a system that rates the level of defense mechanical and electrical casings offer against intrusions like dust, water, and more.
Beyond that, the decision is pretty easy. Do you want a few extra features? Like, voice-activated controls? Or, something else? With all of these options settled, you’ll be able to find the right speaker.
So without further delay, check out the five best waterproof speakers below.
From budget-friendly options and notable bells and whistles to higher IPX ratings and top-tier options, we researched the best options on the market. Ready? Keep scrolling to learn more.
A waterproof speaker that’s under $50? We’ll do you one better—the JBL Clip 3 is priced at under $40. Available in 11 colors, the waterproof speaker comes with a clip-in carabiner (so you can stream anywhere), and don’t worry about spills or splashing with an IP rating of 7.
Beyond streaming, the JBL speaker also enables calls (with a microphone) plus noise and echo-canceling, for a robust sound (and talking) experience.
Customer Review |“The JBL Clip 3 in Blue is an exceptional waterproof, durable, and portable Bluetooth speaker that has truly won me over! It's become my go-to companion for outdoor adventures and impromptu hangouts with friends. While there are a couple of minor considerations, everything else about this speaker is simply fantastic.” - Timothy
Noise-canceling, good battery life
Clip-in carabiner works best with a shower rod, some users complained about microphone quality
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Looking for an all-around solid waterproof speaker for under $130? The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is your best bet (plus, it’s dust-proof too!). This device is renowned for its crystal clear sound, rich bass, and high IP rating (the speaker can be submerged for one hour and 30 minutes).
Coming in at $129.99, this speaker can hang on a loop or sit on a shelf (depending on which water-centric activity you’re using the device for) and has simple but intuitive controls which makes your shower ballads a breeze. And while all of the reviews remark on the speaker’s impeccable audio, the device does require an app to stream or play music.
Customer Review |“Super portable. Practically indestructible as I traveled all throughout Alaska and tossed this guy in rivers and off mountains. It remains giving amazing audio quality and fast connectivity. Will only ever buy UE for my music needs!” - Amazon Customer
Great sound quality, long battery life
Wireless charging dock sold separately, hanging clip not included, app required to stream
Marshall Emberton Bluetooth Portable Speaker
Marshall Emberton Bluetooth Portable Speaker
For those committed to personal style (or just cool aesthetics), consider the Marshall Emberton Bluetooth Portable Speaker ($199.99). While this waterproof device certainly looks sleek and stylish, it’s also a game-changer for the shower or pool. With its retro look, this device is highly waterproof (IP rating: IPX7) and boasts a rich sound quality to boot. Not to mention, the waterproof speaker clocks in at 20 hours of battery life, which is quite impressive and makes it the longest battery life in this round-up too.
While there’s much to love about this Marshall product, it is also the most pricey in this list. So keep that in mind.
Customer Review | “This is a good, portable speaker. It’s about the same size as my iPhone 14 Max Pro, and I’m able to grab it comfortably with one hand. I’m able to connect it to my iPhone and the battery life is good (I got almost a full day's worth of music). It’s not as loud as other portable speakers out there, but in a small room, it works great.” - Steve
Sound quality, battery life
Expensive
Now, this is compact. The JBL Go 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is sweet on your wallet (under $30) and it is completely travel friendly (it’s only three inches in length). So if you want to keep your shower speaker while you travel (or hike, or head to the beach), this speaker is just the ticket.
While the battery life is rather lackluster—five hours total—it packs in a rather notable audio quality for such a small device. Available in eight colors, easily chargeable, and totally budget-approved, there’s still a lot to love.
Customer Review |“It’s got a rich, bass heavy (but not too boomy) flavor and does very nicely with the mids. It lacks crisp high end clarity, but if you have an eq in your app, you can get a reeeeally good sound. The Bluetooth range is phenomenal, the battery life is decent, and so far, this thing doesn’t mind being tossed in the shower.” - Amazon Customer
Perfect for carry-ons, backpacks, and being on-the-go
Very short battery life
It’s not surprising that Bose takes the cake when it comes to audio richness, and the Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker is no exception.This small waterproof speaker may be compact and sleek, but it is certainly mighty (with robust sound quality).
Clocking in at just $99, the speaker provides pretty good value for its output—its IP rating of 7 ensures that it’s highly waterproof (and safe from any accidental splashes or falls into water) and many of the reviews comment on its solid bass, and clear and distinct audio. However, take note that the battery life does seem to fall short—quite short—at just 6 hours long.
Customer Review |“I purchased the Bose SoundLink Micro to use outdoors for parties, BBQs, and the beach. All that rich, clear, crisp sound coming out of that small little speaker – I was amazed. This speaker is PERFECT, I LOVE IT, I use it DAILY.” - Vito
Impressive sound quality, very portable
Short battery life
