The best Bluetooth speakers sure can do a lot, but when you’re looking for one that can take all the pool-side, river-rafting, and beach-bumming splashes your lifestyle can throw at it, most models simply don’t make the grade. And while many Bluetooth speakers feature some kind of dirt and water resistance, not all are equipped to handle heavy rain or full liquid submergence.
This is the job of a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Built for big sound and a long life of getting thrown into watery situations, these speakers are durable, portable, and incredibly user-friendly. Whether you’re looking for a speaker to take to the lake or are in need of one for your next pool shindig, we’ve put together this roundup of the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers to help make your buying decision easier. And with pricing starting at just $50, there’s bound to be something for everyone on our list.
Anker Soundcore 3
The best overall waterproof Bluetooth speaker
Pros
- 24-hour battery
- IPX7-rated
- Great sound
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
Cons
- May not be loud enough for some
- No aux input
Why you should buy this: It sounds great, lasts a full day, and is easy to take on the go.
Who it’s for: Those looking for a waterproof speaker that effectively combines portability, performance, and value.
Why we picked the Anker Soundcore 3:
The Anker Soundcore 3 has the grand distinction of being our best waterproof Bluetooth speaker, and the accolade wasn’t bestowed lightly. When assessing any all waterproof speakers, it’s all about nailing a great combination of features, sound, and value, and the Soundcore 3 lands perfectly for all criteria.
With its twin set of titanium diaphragms for accenting treble and reducing distortion, paired with the speaker’s dual passive radiators for rich and robust bass, the Soundcore 3 sounds just as excellent outside as it does indoors.
The IPX7 rating means you’ll be able to pit this speaker against the wet poolside or a rainy weekend. Traveling with the Soundcore 3? As long as you charge it up before you leave home, you’ll get 24 hours of playback once you reach the lakeside. But if you need to quickly refuel the speaker, its USB-C connection will get you charged in no time.
It may not have the most blistering of audio features, but the Anker Soundcore 3 delivers an all-around excellent waterproofed package that we’re sure most will love.
Anker Soundcore 3
The best overall waterproof Bluetooth speaker
Sonos
Sonos Roam
The best waterproof Wi-Fi speaker
Pros
- Excellent design
- Lightweight and portable
- Totally water and dustproof
- Very good sound for its size
- Choice of smart speaker assistants
- Wireless charging
Cons
- No Bluetooth stereo pairing
- Doesn’t work as a speakerphone
- Less battery life than some other speakers
Why you should buy this: You want a feature-packed Wi-Fi speaker that is more than capable of taking on the elements.
Who it’s for: Sonos fans and those who want a little more control and customization when it comes to a wireless waterproof speaker.
Why we picked the Sonos Roam:
Sonos is a go-to name in the world of wireless audio, and the Roam is one of the brand’s most versatile speakers, having both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, like many of our picks in our best wireless speakers roundup. Designed for both indoor and outdoor usage, the Roam is IP67-rated, meaning it’s completely waterproof. While you don’t want to go throwing this speaker directly in the pool (like you can with the UE Wonderboom 2), this is one of the best waterproof speakers for keeping just outside the water at your next swimming pool gathering.
The Sonos Roam sounds great, can be controlled with several popular voice assistants (when connected through Wi-Fi, not over Bluetooth), delivers 10 hours of battery life, and is available in several different colors.
While there are no speakerphone capabilities, this is a small add-on that is easily forgotten when you consider all the other powerful capabilities of the Roam, as well as the speaker’s competitive $180 price.
Sonos Roam
The best waterproof Wi-Fi speaker
Ted Kritsonis/Tech Reader
JBL Charge 5
The most versatile waterproof speaker
Pros
- Solid build quality
- Can get very loud
- Excellent water and dust protection
- EQ offers some sound tweaking
- Works with JBL Portable app and PartyBoost
Cons
- Can’t stereo pair with non-Charge 5 JBL speakers
- Doesn’t work as a speakerphone
- Not a big upgrade over the Charge 4
Why you should buy this: It’s loud, proud, and goes anywhere.
Who it’s for: Those in need of a durable and long-lasting audio companion.
Why we picked the JBL Charge 5:
The JBL Charge 5 brings an impressive design to the table. Utilizing dual passive radiators, a dedicated midrange woofer, and a tweeter for the most articulate higher frequencies, the sound is big, loud, and detailed.
The IP67 rating means this speaker will hold up well in most outdoor environments, and the 20 hours of playtime will ensure your next pool party won’t come crashing to a close — at least not because of the music.
Available in six colors (black, blue, camouflage, gray, red, and teal), and capable of pairing with another Charge 5 using the wireless PartyBoost feature for enhanced stereo sound, the JBL Charge 5 is not going to let you down.
JBL Charge 5
The most versatile waterproof speaker
Ted Kritsonis / Tech Reader
Soundboks Go
The best loud waterproof Bluetooth speaker
Pros
- Great sound at loud volumes
- Sturdy cabinet and bumpers
- Good battery life
- Effective app support
- Awesome when paired with other speakers
Cons
- Not as useful indoors
- Limited codec support
- Pricey
Why you should buy this: You’re looking for as much wattage as possible to rock the casbah.
Who it’s for: DJs, party hosts, and any other role that calls for loud sounds.
Why we picked the Soundboks Go:
Our hands-on experience with the Soundboks Go left us speechless. Sure, the price may be a bit up there for some, but if you’re looking for earth-shattering sound that can keep pumping for almost two full days straight (at medium volume), the Soundboks Go is the splash-proof speaker for you.
We also love the ability to pair one Go with another, allowing you to expand your soundstaging. The Go can also take a beating or two, thanks to its rugged outer shell and water-resistant housing, keeping this bad boy safe from most liquid situations outside of full submergence.
Soundboks Go
The best loud waterproof Bluetooth speaker
UE Wonderboom 2
The best floatable waterproof speaker
Pros
- Impressive 360-degree sound
- Easy-to-use controls
- Wireless stereo pairing
- 100-foot Bluetooth connectivity range
Cons
- Battery life varies by volume
Why you should buy this: It delivers pulse-pounding sound that is tailor-made to be enjoyed in a swimming pool.
Who it’s for: Pool party hosts who want a durable speaker that is easy to use for friends and family.
Why we picked the UE Wonderboom 2:
Looking for 360-degree sound with plenty of bass that can take a dunk with you? The totally-submersible UE Wonderboom 2 is the perfect pool party Bluetooth speaker, and it’s available in numerous color options.
With its 13-hour battery life (more on that below), simple controls, and wireless stereo pairing that allows you to link up multiple Wonderboom 2 speakers for even bigger sound, this is a loud and tough speaker that sends any bit of H20 packing. The 100-foot Bluetooth connectivity range is also beyond convenient, allowing you to use your phone to control the speaker at a safe distance from all water sources — and stays connected even when you head inside to use the bathroom.
While the UE Wonderboom 2 claims you’ll get 13 hours of battery, that’s at a fairly low volume. If you crank the speaker, you’re only going to get about three or four hours of playback time, so just keep in mind that you may need to have a charger on hand if you’re hosting an event that requires loud sound from the Wonderboom 2.
UE Wonderboom 2
The best floatable waterproof speaker
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3
The best for stereo pairing
Pros
- Loud, dynamic sound
- Easy to use
- Waterproof
- Great battery life
Cons
- Some functionality only supports Apple Music/Deezer
Why you should buy this: You want the newest and best Ultimate Ears speaker that will pair up with some of your older UE hardware.
Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a stylish and powerful waterproof speaker.
Why we picked the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3:
It’s not every day that your waterproof Bluetooth speaker will outshine even the most decorated of indoor setups, but such is the case with the top-notch Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3. True to the UE label, this speaker delivers big, booming sound, plentiful battery, and the handy ability to pair up with not just other Megaboom 3 units but older UE hardware as well.
You can expect up to 20 solid hours of battery life with the Megaboom 3, and the IP67 rating ensures you won’t have to worry about this titan of sound getting doused.
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3
The best for stereo pairing
Editors’ Recommendations
