The 5 Best Waterproof Speakers
Technology mitigates all sorts of obstacles and inconveniences in our daily lives, and the perfect proof of that is the advent of waterproof speakers. While there aren't many situations where you would *need* a waterproof speaker, there are many where you would *want* one. Whether you're planning on floating merrily down the stream, heading to the beach on an overcast day, or any other situation where large bodies of water are involved, it behooves you to own a waterproof speaker. To help you fill your ears with music during your outdoor adventures, we've found five excellent products available on the market today, and we've ranked them based on sound quality, cost value, and the grade of their waterproofing.
Ultimate Ears Boom 2
Fun in the Sun
While popularity isn’t always the best gauge of a person’s worth, when it comes to consumer products, the crowd seems to get it right. At least that seems to be the case with the UE Boom 2. This ultra-sleek speaker boasts an impressive 360-degree omnidirectional sound output with a 15-hour battery life and a 100 ft. Bluetooth range. It’s output? Loud. You may see the size of this one and make assumptions about how loud it might get, but you’re probably wrong. While it does have some fierce competition from similarly-designed models with approximately the same output decibel capabilities, these are costlier than the UE Boom 2. (Ahem – we’re looking at you, JBL Flip 5).
Pros:
- Wide array of colors available
- Has an aux input jack
- Fantastic value
Cons:
- May turn off on its own unexpectedly
- Muddy in the lows and shrill in treble at high volume
Ultimate Ears Roll 2
On a Roll
Ultimate Ears delivers again with their ultra-compact, uber-popular Roll 2 speaker. What we liked most about this one was its versatility. Thanks to its small size and round form factor, it’s incredibly easy to transport. You can throw it in your day bag, keep it in the car, or clip it to your belt while you make your way to that picnic. Clipping it is especially easy thanks to the integrated bungee, which allows you to affix it onto virtually anywhere – a bike, your backpack, etc. – while you go about your day. The unit itself is “lighter than a can of soda”, too, so you’ll barely notice the weight.
Another feature we like about this one is UE’s proprietary app. The app allows you to monitor and make changes to volume and other settings, even if the speaker isn’t nearby. It also touts features like ‘Block Party’, which lets you and two friends sync to the same speaker at once.
Pros:
- IPX7 waterproof (can be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 min)
- 9 hr battery life
Cons:
- Plagued by connection issues
- Button design and placement could be more intuitive
JBL Clip 3
A Big Thing in a Small Package
Ahhh, the Clip 3. Yes, there are louder waterproof speakers out there – but they’re twice the size. And yes, there are cheaper waterproof speakers out there – but they’re half as good. The Clip 3 has been an astonishing success, and thanks to the strength of its reputation, it’s one of the most commonly-purchased Bluetooth speakers out there. Note that I didn’t say “one of the most commonly-purchased waterproof Bluetooth speakers”; no, even when you take away the waterproof parameter, it’s still a fan-favorite. Its waterproofing is impressive, though: its IPX7 rating means that, like some of our other picks, it can be fully submerged for up to 30 minutes in water up to 1 meter in depth. Pretty impressive.
Furthermore, its most popular feature must be mentioned: its integrated carabineer. This nifty and dead-simple addition allows you to hang this thing almost anywhere. Tree branch, pool chair’s frame, backpack… on and on the list goes. If you live a pretty mobile lifestyle, you’ll really find this model’s adaptability to any environment quite handy.
Pros:
- Truly impressive sound quality
- 10 hr battery life
- Many sleek colorways offered
Cons:
- Bass is lacking
- Not the most shock-resistant
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2
Return of the King
And what do you know? Once again, we’re faced with UE’s market supremacy. We’ll keep this one simple. The Wonderboom 2 does everything its competitors do, but it does it all better. Between its 13-hour battery life, incredibly simple and intuitive layout, and its sound quality, it’s hard to find a better speaker at the ~$100 range. It also touts a clever ‘outdoor boost’ feature that adds gain to the volume so it’s easier for you to hear it through the environment’s ambient noise. Gaze at its design and you’ll see an aesthetic that conveys much of the product’s essence: simple, sleek, and effective.
Pros:
- Floats in water
- Convenient loop for hanging
- IP67 rating
Cons:
- Full volume drains battery life quickly
- Could benefit from a rewind button
EcoXgear Ecoboulder+
Speaker of the House
Audiophiles reading this article may already have realized that most of the speakers we’ve selected are fairly straightforward, as far as technical involvement goes. The EcoXgear, on the other hand, is a bit more sophisticated. Its 100W dynamic power amp drives its 3-way speaker system (1 full range, 1 woofer, 1 tweeter) and features a 2-band equalizer so you can tweak the lows and highs. It comes with EQ factory presets, too, if you don’t feel like doing the dirty work yourself.
A few neat features: first, it has an aux input jack. Simple, but convenient. Next, you can add a second speaker of the same make if you’re interested in getting full stereo. Finally, this one’s got two Yeti cup holders on the top, and it floats. Perfect for the pool, the lake, or the tub … if that’s what you’re feeling.
Pros:
- Also has AM and FM radio
- Integrated bottle opener
- Great for barbecues and picnics
- USB ports can charge devices
Cons:
- Bass output is disappointing for the size
- Weight makes it cumbersome
- Quite costly
Frequently Asked Questions
What features are most important in a waterproof speaker?
As you might guess, first and foremost: waterproofing. The degree to which a product is proofed against water varies – it isn’t a binary, waterproof-or-not thing. The IPX standard (also known as Ingress Protection) grades products’ ability to endure exposure to elements such as water and dust. The scale begins at IPX0 and ends at IPX8. When it comes to a speaker, you’re going to want something with a bare minimum of IPX6. Even a rating of IPX6 is lacking, though, considering it only protects the speaker from water being sprayed on it for 3 minutes or less. IPX7, which allows for 30-minute immersion in up to 1 meter of water, is ideal.
Aside from waterproofing, you’ll want to look towards the other things you’d normally look to in a regular speaker: sound quality, speaker construction/durability, cost, and features.
What’s the difference between water-resistant and waterproof? Are the two used interchangeably?
Actually, no, and it’s important that you know the difference. Water-resistant basically means that the device can withstand some exposure to water, but not too much. Waterproof, on the other hand, means that the device is impermeable. How long that permeability will last, however, is another matter, and that’s what the aforementioned IPX ratings are for.
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