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!
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.
- 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
- 100% independently owned and operated
We launched Soundly.com in 2022 to create a better starting point for the hearing health experience.
Instead of selling hearing aids directly, we spend our time reviewing products, publishing clearly organized information, and building modern tools to make the process of accessing hearing health easier. Learn more.
Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Read more about our research process here.
- 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
- 100% independently owned and operated
We launched Soundly.com in 2022 to create a better starting point for the hearing health experience.
Instead of selling hearing aids directly, we spend our time reviewing products, publishing clearly organized information, and building modern tools to make the process of accessing hearing health easier. Learn more.
Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Read more about our research process here.
Featured in this article
These are our top picks for the best waterproof speaker on the market. 👇
JBL Clip 3
JBL Clip 3
- Portable Design: Ultra-compact size with a built-in carabiner allows easy attachment to bags and belts for on-the-go music.
- Waterproof Protection: IPX7 waterproof rating ensures durability, making it suitable for outdoor use in various weather conditions.
- Extended Playtime: Up to 10 hours of battery life offers reliable listening for all-day adventures.
- Hands-Free Calling: Features a noise and echo-cancelling speakerphone for clear phone calls without needing to hold your device.
The JBL Clip 3 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers impressive sound quality in a compact design, making it a convenient choice for music lovers on the go.
- Impressive Portability: The built-in carabiner allows you to easily attach the speaker to your bag, clothing, or belt loop, ensuring you can take your music wherever you venture. This feature enhances convenience, making it ideal for outdoor activities or travel.
- Waterproof and Durable: With an IPX7 waterproof rating, the JBL Clip 3 can withstand rain and splashes, giving you peace of mind during outdoor use. Its rugged fabric and rubber housing further protect it from wear and tear, making it suitable for adventurous lifestyles.
Overall, the JBL Clip 3 is a reliable option for those seeking a portable, waterproof speaker that balances sound quality and durability, making it a practical choice for active users.
- Compact & Powerful: Users consistently praise the JBL Clip 3 for its impressive sound quality in a small form factor, making it an ideal companion for outdoor activities.
- Durability & Waterproofing: Many appreciate the rugged design and waterproof capabilities, noting that it withstands beach trips and hikes without issue.
- Convenient Clip Design: The built-in carabiner is widely recognized for its practicality, although some users find it a bit small for certain attachments.
- Impressive Battery Life: With up to 10 hours of playtime, customers report reliability for all-day listening, perfect for long outings.
- Minor Concerns: A few users mentioned durability issues after drops and expressed a desire for a louder volume, along with critiques of the older charging design.
Overall, the JBL Clip 3 is considered a solid value, offering portability and performance for music lovers on the go.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry, perfect for travel and outdoor activities.
- Rugged and Durable: Designed to withstand outdoor elements and minor impacts.
- Strong Sound Quality: Delivers impressive audio performance for its size.
- Limited Volume: Some users find the maximum volume to be insufficient for larger spaces.
- Small Clip Size: The carabiner clip may not accommodate all attachment options.
- Charging Port Design: Uses Micro-USB charging instead of the universal standard USB-C
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
- 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.
The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is a versatile, waterproof Bluetooth speaker that’s perfect for on-the-go music lovers.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Marshall Emberton Bluetooth Portable Speaker
Marshall Emberton Bluetooth Portable Speaker
- Immersive Sound: True Stereophonic technology delivers rich, 360° audio for an enhanced listening experience.
- Extended Battery: Over 20 hours of playtime means fewer interruptions and more music.
- Water Resistant: IPX7 rating makes it suitable for use around water without worry.
- Easy Controls: The multi-directional control knob allows for effortless playback and volume adjustments.
The Marshall Emberton Bluetooth Portable Speaker delivers a compact yet powerful sound experience with durability suited for everyday adventures.
- 360° Sound Experience: Using True Stereophonic technology, the Emberton creates immersive, multi-directional audio, making any listening spot a "sweet spot" and outperforming many speakers in its size range.
- Extended Playtime: With over 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, it’s ready for long listening sessions without frequent recharges—perfect for on-the-go or all-day use.
This portable speaker is a solid choice for those who want high-quality sound and rugged design in a compact, stylish package.
- Rich Sound Quality: Users appreciate the clear, balanced audio, especially for such a compact speaker.
- Portable and Lightweight: At only 1.5 lbs, it’s easy to carry, making it popular for travel and outdoor activities.
- Long Battery Life: Many find the 20+ hours of playtime ideal for extended use without needing a recharge.
- Durable Design: The rugged build and IPX7 water resistance reassure users of its resilience in varied conditions.
- Easy Controls: The multi-directional knob is noted for its simplicity in managing playback and volume.
- Minor Volume Limits: Some users mention that the volume may not reach the levels of larger speakers but still suits small to medium-sized spaces well.
- 360° sound with clear, immersive audio quality
- Long battery life supports extended play on a single charge
- IPX7 Water-resistant, durable build suitable for outdoor activities
- Lightweight and compact for easy portability
- Volume may not be as high as some larger speakers
- Slightly more costly than similar portable options
- Limited bass output compared to larger speakers
JBL Go 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
JBL Go 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- 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.
The JBL Go 3 offers compact, portable audio with surprising clarity, making it a versatile choice for on-the-go listening.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Battery life may be limited for extended use
- Lacks crisp high tones for audiophiles seeking balanced sound
- Low maximum volume compared to larger speakers
Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker
Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker
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
The reviews for the Bose portable speakers are largely positive, praising the excellent sound quality, portability, and durability. Users appreciate the deep bass, rich sound, and ease of use, making the speaker perfect for travel, beach outings, or even work tasks. Many highlight the lightweight design and water resistance as key perks. However, a few mentioned issues such as short battery life, charging problems, and outdated micro-USB ports. Some found minor glitches like Bluetooth connectivity issues or packaging mishaps. Overall, it’s a well-regarded speaker, though with a few small drawbacks.
Impressive sound quality, very portable
Short battery life
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.
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.
