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Best Waterproof Speakers 2025: Top Picks for Pool, Shower & Outdoor Use

July 9, 2025
Stephanie Valente
Written by
Stephanie Valente
Stephanie Valente
Lead Editor
Reviewed by
Lead Editor
Lead Editor

Soundly conducts in-depth research to guide prospective hearing aid wearers. Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Best Waterproof Speakers 2025: Top Picks for Pool, Shower & Outdoor Use

July 9, 2025
Stephanie Valente
Written by
Stephanie Valente
Stephanie Valente
Lead Editor
Reviewed by
Lead Editor
Lead Editor

Want music at the beach, in the shower, or by the pool? A waterproof speaker makes it easy - no worrying about splashes, rain, or damp backpacks.

Whether you’re after crisp sound on a hike or big volume for a backyard hang, these picks cover the best waterproof speakers of 2025 across every budget and use case.

Let’s take a closer look at what stands out and which one might be right for you.

Why Trust Soundly
+
  • 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
  • 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
  • 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
  • 100% independently owned and operated

Read more about our company, services and process here.

Key Takeaways
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  • IP ratings matter: Look for IP67 or higher for full water and dust protection.
  • Battery life varies: Some models last 5 hours, others up to 20+, so match it to your routine.
  • Portability vs. power: Smaller speakers are easier to carry; larger ones offer fuller sound.
  • Extra features can help: Think straps, built-in mics, or smart assistant access.
  • Durability counts: A rugged build helps your speaker survive drops, sand, and splashes.
Why Trust Soundly
+
  • 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
  • 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
  • 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
  • 100% independently owned and operated

Read more about our company, services and process here.

Featured in this article

Best Affordable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
$129.99
Best Travel-Friendly Bluetooth Speaker
JBL Go 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
$29.88
Top choice for small speaker sound quality
Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker
$99.00
No items found.

What should I look for in a waterproof speaker?

With so many waterproof speakers available, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. No matter your budget, here are a few key factors to keep in mind:

  • Price: Determine a budget that aligns with your needs, balancing sound quality, durability, and any extra features like voice control or multi-device pairing.
  • IP Rating: Look for a high IP rating, which indicates resistance to water and dust, so you can confidently use the speaker near water or outdoors.
  • Connection Type: Choose between Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or wired connections, depending on your preferences and where you plan to use the speaker.
  • Battery Life: Consider battery life based on your usage—longer battery life is ideal for extended outdoor use, while shorter use may be suitable for indoor or occasional outings.

These are our top picks for the best waterproof speaker on the market. 👇

Best Affordable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
 

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

$129.99
  • Durable Build: IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof design, perfect for outdoor use.
  • Extended Playtime: Provides up to 15 hours of battery life on a single charge.
  • Versatile Controls: One-touch Magic Button for easy music control and playlist access.
  • Multi-Speaker Pairing: Connect up to 150 speakers for an immersive sound experience.
9
Excellent
10248 reviews
10248 reviews
Watch a Video
Why We Picked It
+

The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is a versatile, waterproof Bluetooth speaker that’s perfect for on-the-go music lovers.

  1. With its IP67 rating, this speaker is fully waterproof and dustproof, even floating if dropped in water, making it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures and beach trips.
  2. A single charge provides up to 15 hours of battery life, ensuring uninterrupted listening throughout the day, whether at a party, camping, or simply relaxing at home.

Its rugged build and intuitive controls, paired with seamless Bluetooth connectivity, make it an excellent option for those seeking durability and convenience.

What Users Say
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  • Powerful Sound: Users are impressed with the rich, clear audio and deep bass, noting that the sound quality holds up even at high volumes.
  • Perfect for Outdoors: The compact, durable design and waterproof capabilities make it a go-to for outdoor adventures, from beach days to camping trips.
  • Long-Lasting Battery: Many users highlight the 15-hour battery life, appreciating how it powers through day-long activities without needing a recharge.
  • Seamless Multi-Speaker Pairing: The PartyUp feature is praised for easily connecting multiple speakers, creating an immersive surround sound experience.
  • Easy-to-Use Controls: The Magic Button for play, pause, and skipping tracks gets positive feedback for its simplicity, allowing users to control music without reaching for their phone.
  • Setup & Connectivity: While most users find it straightforward, a few mention occasional hiccups with app connectivity, particularly with streaming services like Spotify.
Pros & Cons
+
Pros 👍
  • Long-lasting battery supports up to 15 hours of continuous play.
  • Fully waterproof (IP67 rating) and floats if dropped in water.
  • Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry on adventures.
  • Seamless multi-speaker pairing through the PartyUp feature.
  • Simple, intuitive controls with the Magic Button for easy music navigation.
Cons 👎
  • Occasional connectivity issues reported with streaming apps like Spotify.
  • Requires the Boom app for full feature access.
  • Some users mention slight setup quirks for first-time use.
  • Charging dock (POWER UP) sold separately for wireless charging.
Soundly Scorecard
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Hearing Loss Level 🔊
Care Type 🏥
Sound Quality 🔊
Comfort 🦻
Style  💫
Battery 🔋
Connection 📡
Dexterity Level 🤏
Waterproof Level 💦
App features 📱
Best Travel-Friendly Bluetooth Speaker
 

JBL Go 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

JBL Go 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

$29.88
  • Portable Design: Ultra-compact and lightweight, fitting easily into bags for travel.
  • Durable Build: IP67 waterproof and dustproof, making it ideal for outdoor use.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Easily pairs with Bluetooth devices for wireless streaming.
  • Decent Battery Life: Offers up to 5 hours of playtime on a single charge, suitable for shorter outings.
9.6
Excellent
43842 reviews
43842 reviews
Watch a Video
Why We Picked It
+

The JBL Go 3 offers compact, portable audio with surprising clarity, making it a versatile choice for on-the-go listening.

  1. With an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, this speaker is built for durability in outdoor conditions, whether at the beach, on a hike, or in the shower.
  2. Despite its small size, JBL Pro Sound delivers rich, bass-forward audio, giving users full sound quality in an ultra-compact frame.

Designed for portability, it includes a five-hour battery life and Bluetooth connectivity, making it convenient for travel and everyday use. The JBL Go 3 is a solid pick for those seeking a balance of sound quality, durability, and ease of use at an affordable price.

What Users Say
+
  • Clear, Loud Sound: Users are impressed with the JBL Go 3’s powerful, clear audio and rich bass, especially given its compact size.
  • Perfect for Outdoors: The waterproof and dustproof design earns high marks, making it a reliable choice for beaches, showers, and poolside use.
  • Portable and Travel-Friendly: Small and lightweight, it’s highly portable, fitting easily into bags and backpacks for on-the-go music.
  • Decent Battery Life for Size: While some find the 5-hour battery life adequate, a few users mention that it falls short for extended use.
  • Minor Sound Limitations: Some users note that the highs lack sharpness, but most agree the sound quality is excellent for the price.

Overall, the JBL Go 3 portable speaker is appreciated for its balance of quality and convenience, making it a go-to choice for users seeking durability and portability.

Pros & Cons
+
Pros 👍
  • Compact and travel-friendly design, easy to carry anywhere
  • Waterproof and dustproof, providing extra durability for outdoor activities
  • Delivers strong bass and clear audio despite its small size
  • Simple setup with reliable Bluetooth connectivity
Cons 👎
  • Battery life may be limited for extended use
  • Lacks crisp high tones for audiophiles seeking balanced sound
  • Low maximum volume compared to larger speakers
Soundly Scorecard
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Hearing Loss Level 🔊
Care Type 🏥
Sound Quality 🔊
Comfort 🦻
Style  💫
Battery 🔋
Connection 📡
Dexterity Level 🤏
Waterproof Level 💦
App features 📱
Top choice for small speaker sound quality
 

Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker

Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker

$99.00
  • Waterproof and Dustproof: IP67 rating keeps it protected during outdoor use and accidental drops in water.
  • Durable Design: Silicone casing resists drops, scratches, and wear from everyday handling.
  • Easy to Carry: Tear-resistant strap lets you secure it to bags, bikes, or shower racks.
  • Hands-Free Use: Built-in mic allows voice assistant access and call handling directly from the speaker.
9.4
Excellent
33798 reviews
33798 reviews
Watch a Video
Why We Picked It
+

The Bose SoundLink Micro is a small Bluetooth speaker built for real-world use - whether that’s clipped to a backpack, strapped to a bike, or tossed in a beach bag. Despite its size, it delivers impressively full sound with strong bass and clear detail.

  1. With an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating plus a rugged silicone exterior, it’s made to handle drops, dirt, and downpours without missing a beat.
  2. The tear-resistant strap and built-in mic make it easy to carry, take calls, or cue up your voice assistant — even when your phone’s out of reach.

Battery life caps at 6 hours, so it’s more suited to day trips than weekend escapes. Still, if you’re after bold sound in a compact, durable speaker that can keep up with your plans, the SoundLink Micro fits the bill.

What Users Say
+
  • Compact Size, Big Sound: Many users are surprised by how full and detailed the audio sounds, especially the bass, given the speaker’s small footprint. It holds its own even compared to larger or more expensive models.
  • Built for the Elements: The waterproof and dustproof design earns high marks from outdoor users, whether it’s clipped to a backpack, mounted on a bike, or used in the shower. The silicone strap is seen as both durable and practical.
  • Clear Audio Across Genres: From classical to electronic, users report consistent clarity across different music styles. Vocals stay sharp and balanced, and the speaker avoids harsh treble even at higher volumes.
  • Battery Life is a Mixed Bag: Most users find the 6-hour battery life decent for short trips, but some wish it lasted longer. Playback time improves at lower volumes, but charging via micro-USB feels outdated to some.

Overall: A popular pick for those who want rugged portability and impressively rich sound in a speaker small enough to take anywhere.

Pros & Cons
+
Pros 👍
  • Clear, balanced sound with surprisingly deep bass for its size
  • Fully waterproof and dustproof with an IP67 rating
  • Rugged exterior withstands drops and rough handling
  • Strap adds versatility for mounting and transport
  • Bose Connect app provides optional customization features
Cons 👎
  • Battery life maxes out around 6 hours
  • Charges via micro-USB rather than USB-C
  • Volume and Bluetooth controls may be limited when used with PCs
  • Mono sound may lack stereo separation for some listeners
Soundly Scorecard
+
Hearing Loss Level 🔊
Care Type 🏥
Sound Quality 🔊
Comfort 🦻
Style  💫
Battery 🔋
Connection 📡
Dexterity Level 🤏
Waterproof Level 💦
App features 📱

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.

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.

IP Water Resistance Rating Guide

IP Water Resistance Rating Guide

Understanding Ingress Protection levels for water resistance in electronic devices

IPX0
No Water Protection
Device has no water resistance at all. Should be kept completely dry and away from any moisture.
⚠️ No Protection
IPX1 – IPX2
Light Moisture Tolerance
Device will function with light rainfall or moisture. Protected against vertically dripping water when normally positioned.
🌦️ Light Rain Safe
IPX3 – IPX4
Water Spray Resistant
Device will function with water spray conditions. Protected against splashing water from any direction.
💧 Spray Protected
IPX5
Direct Water Spray
Device will remain functional in direct water spray like a hose or jet. Protected against water jets from any direction.
🚿 Jet Resistant
IPX6
Saltwater Exposure
Device is able to be exposed to saltwater environments. Protected against powerful water jets and heavy seas.
🌊 Marine Grade
IPX7
Temporary Submersion
Device can be exposed to many water sources and get submerged (approximately 3.2 feet for 30 minutes).
🏊 Submersion Safe
IPX8
Extended Underwater Use
Device is able to be submerged underwater for more than 30 minutes. Suitable for continuous submersion beyond 1 meter.
🤿 Fully Waterproof

Pro Tip

IP ratings are cumulative - a device with IPX7 rating also meets all the requirements for IPX1 through IPX6. However, manufacturers typically only test and certify the highest rating they intend to claim.

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.

How to Clean Your Waterproof Speaker

How to Clean Your Waterproof Speaker

Proper maintenance guide to keep your speaker functioning optimally

1
Rinse with Fresh Water
🚿
Even if your speaker is saltwater resistant, always rinse with fresh water after ocean or pool use to remove salt and chlorine buildup. This prevents corrosion and maintains seal integrity.
2
Use Mild Soap Solution
🧼
For stubborn dirt or grime, mix a small amount of gentle dish soap with warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol, or abrasive cleaners that can damage rubber seals and protective coatings.
3
Clean Grilles & Ports
🪥
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean speaker grilles and remove debris from charging ports. Work in circular motions and avoid applying excessive pressure that could damage delicate components.
4
Dry Thoroughly
🌬️
Pat dry with a clean, lint-free towel and let air dry completely before charging or storing in enclosed spaces. Ensure all ports and crevices are moisture-free to prevent internal damage.
5
Test Audio Quality
🔊
After cleaning and drying, test your speaker at various volume levels to ensure water hasn't affected sound quality. If audio seems muffled, gently shake the speaker to remove any remaining moisture from the drivers.

Important Warning

Never use compressed air, hair dryers, or heat sources to dry your speaker. High pressure or heat can damage internal components and compromise waterproof seals. Always allow natural air drying.

Regular Maintenance

Clean your waterproof speaker after every few uses in harsh environments. Monthly cleaning with just fresh water will extend its lifespan and maintain optimal performance. Store in a dry place when not in use.

Final Thoughts

The best waterproof speaker for you depends on where you’ll use it most and what features matter to you.

Whether you’re headed to the beach, the shower, or just the backyard, a speaker with the right mix of sound, durability, and battery life makes all the difference.

From compact picks to room-filling options, these waterproof speakers are built to keep the music going no matter where you are.

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