Surround sound: The best waterproof speakers
Rain or shine, carry your tunes wherever you go
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It’s a no-brainer that any good party requires great music. Which is all well and good unless you live in the UK, where any picnic, garden party or BBQ is liable to be turned into a damp squib by a sudden downpour. In fact, if you’ve offered up your portable speaker for the afternoon, it’s enough to put you in panic mode. Losing your favourite high-tech toy to a sudden shower or accidental splash in the pool can be truly heartbreaking. But waterproof Bluetooth speakers are built to withstand the elements and are more durable and portable than ever before. Whether you’re a karaoke superstar in the shower, a camping aficionado, or just like a sing-along in the garden, isn’t it time you invested in one?
What to look for in a waterproof speaker
At the most basic, you’re looking for designs that can handle moisture and submersion. This can be discerned accurately by paying attention to the waterproof rating. The commonly used rating system for electronics is the IP standard. The letters stand for Ingress Protection and are followed by two numbers, the first indicating how well the speaker is protected against solid elements, like dust, up to a high of six. The second, with a maximum of eight, signifies water resistance. Ratings of four and above are ideal, with five or six meaning your speaker will survive accidental splashes, and anything above seven making the speaker primed for submersion. An overall rating of IP67 or above indicates a rugged speaker that will withstand any environment you put it in.
Scouring through the myriad of specs to find the best speaker for you can be daunting – so we’ve sorted through the chaos for you. Whether you’re looking to blast some Dua Lipa by the pool or wallow in the bath to some Lana Del Rey, shop our edit of the best waterproof speakers to buy now.
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 waterproof speaker
Packing a punch, Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound A1 speaker is deceptively unassuming. Crafted to be perfectly portable, the round speaker design helps deliver a dynamic sound while the 18-hour battery life means you won’t be missing any beats. The speaker also features three microphones and an integrated Alexa voice assistant, making it an ideal companion for meetings and daily organisation. Boasting an IP67 construction, this speaker is your best bet whether you’re dancing in the shower or cooking in the kitchen.
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Bluetooth waterproof speaker
Sleek and refined, the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is a great waterproof speaker. Slightly bigger than the others on this list, it features rich audio quality and intuitive controls. It can be submerged in water up to one metre for 30 minutes and is also dust and shock-proof. With 360-degree sound, the Boom 3 also has a ‘magic button’ that lets you control music directly from the speaker.
Marshall Emberton II portable speaker
Always a winner for its retro aesthetic, Marshall’s Emberton II portable speaker is a waterproof option from the renowned British brand. The vintage black and brass speaker is equipped with a 30-hour battery life and True Stereophonic sound, a unique multi-directional technology that gives you a 360-degree sound. The durable speaker is rated IP67 and is as visually appealing as it is functional.
Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker
Bose’s SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker is a culmination of some impressively innovative technology. The speaker is built to last with a powder-coated steel grille and silicone exterior. The IP67 rated speaker features an innovative PositionIQ technology which helps the speaker adjust to its orientation meaning optimal sound whether it’s standing upright or lying on its back. Perfect for outdoor parties and picnics, the speaker floats in water as well.
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore waterproof speaker
Add a little musical magic to your night under the stars with Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound Explore. The sturdy vertical rib structure of the speaker is housed within a scratch-resistant, anodised aluminium shell making it the perfect tough companion for your adventures in nature. The simple and versatile design features a rubber base and IP67 construction with a 27-hour battery life. The waterproof controls are also crafted to be glove-friendly.
JBL Flip 6 bluetooth waterproof speaker
A top-quality speaker with an IP67 rating and 12-hour battery charge, JBL’s Flip 6 bluetooth waterproof speaker is a reliable option. It has a two-way speaker system for a clear sound with a deep bass. The trusty speaker can be paired with two devices to settle all debates on who controls the playlist.
Sony SRS XG300 waterproof Bluetooth speaker
Sony’s waterproof speaker is a party in itself. High-quality sound is delivered by Sony’s X-Balanced speaker units, front tweeters and passive radiators, and accompanied by fun synchronised lightning. Add to that the IP67 rated durability protecting it from sudden showers or the accidental spilled drink and this is the only speaker you’ll need for your ultimate party playlist.
Bose SoundLink micro Bluetooth speaker
Punching way above its tiny size, Bose’s SoundLink micro Bluetooth speaker has a crisp sound with a deep bass. Rated IP67, it’s also resistant to extreme temperatures. Truly portable, strap the micro speaker to anything from your bike to your bag and carry your music around with ease.
Sonos Roam
Sonos has been dominating the home audio space. Extending that know-how outdoors, the Sonos Roam needs serious consideration. The lightweight speaker automatically connects to your paired devices and is made with shock-absorbent materials for outdoor adventures. The IP67 rated speaker comes in a variety of bold hues like dusty blue, olive green, and coral.
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