If you want to play audio at the pool or outdoors, you'll most likely want a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Many speakers have an IP rating, which are scores for dust and water resistance tested by independent and accredited third-parties. When looking for a waterproof speaker, an IP rating of IPX4-IPX7 is ideal, but it ultimately depends on your needs. A speaker with an IPX4 rating can tolerate splashes of water. In contrast, speakers with an IPX7 rating can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes at a time. While we don't currently test for this, an IP rating is the most surefire way to know how a speaker handles water.
We've tested over 40 speakers, and below you'll find out recommendations for the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers. If you're looking for more speakers, check out our recommendations for the best Bluetooth speakers and the best cheap speakers.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 is the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker with a floatable design that we've tested. This compact speaker has an IP67 rating and is advertised to float in water, although we don't currently test for this. It has a well-built design, as well as a carrying strap so you can easily take it with you on-the-go.
This eye-catching speaker has a balanced sound profile suitable for most audio content. Although it lacks low-bass right out-of-the-box, there's an 'Outdoor Mode' EQ preset available, which is advertised to help bass reproduction. Thanks to its 360-degree design, it also has a wide and immersive soundstage. Its over 12 hours of continuous playback time should last through long days outdoors, and you can pair it with up to two devices at the same time.
Unfortunately, it doesn't get very loud, which may not be suitable for large or noisy parties. It also doesn't support voice assistants, and latency on iOS and Android is fairly high, so your audio may be slightly out of sync when streaming video. However, if you're looking for a speaker that can float in a pool, it's a suitable choice.
The best waterproof Bluetooth speaker with a versatile performance is the Sonos Move. Thanks to its IP56 rating and battery-powered design, it feels well-built and is suitable for outdoor use. It also has a unique charging base station, so you can easily move it indoors without worrying about battery life.
It has a very well-balanced sound profile, and it can reproduce quite a bit of deep bass. If you prefer a different sound, it's compatible with the Sonos S2 app, which offers bass and treble sliders so that you can adjust its sound profile. It's also Wi-Fi compatible, so you can connect it to your home network, and it has low latency using Apple Airplay, which is great if you like to stream video without noticeable audio lag. It has Alexa and Google Assistant built-in, and it can understand your commands even if you're far away or in a moderately noisy environment.
That said, it has to downmix stereo into mono to play this content, which is disappointing if you're looking for a more immersive sound. Even though it can get decently loud, there are also compression artifacts at max volume. However, this portable, Bluetooth speaker offers versatile performance and can easily be used outside or indoors.
If you're looking for a versatile speaker with an even more customizable sound profile, try the Sony SRS-XB43. While it doesn't sound as balanced as the Sonos Move right out-of-the-box, and it doesn't support Wi-Fi, the Sony is compatible with the Sony Music Center app, which has a graphic EQ to help tweak its sound. It also has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, and it offers around 15 hours of continuous playback time, which is great. Unlike the Sonos, it can play stereo content too, although its soundstage seems small and narrow.
Consider the Sonos if you value Wi-Fi support and a better-balanced sound profile out-of-the-box. However, go for the Sony if you like to really tweak and personalize your speaker's sound to your liking.
The best budget waterproof Bluetooth speaker that we've tested is the Anker Soundcore Motion+. This small and lightweight speaker has an outstanding battery life, lasting over fifteen hours on a single charge. It also has an IPX7 rating for water resistance, though we don't currently test for this.
It has a well-balanced mid-range, so it can accurately reproduce lead instruments and vocals. While it struggles to produce low-bass, it has a graphic EQ in its companion app that lets you customize its sound or choose from preset EQ settings like 'Bass Up' and 'Heavy'. It can get fairly loud, which is useful if you want to play music at the beach or in a large room. Since it can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono, its soundstage is perceived as immersive.
Unfortunately, it doesn't have a built-in voice assistant, relying on your smartphone's voice assistant. It also can't understand you well, even if you're close by in a quiet room. That said, if you're shopping on a budget, this speaker's waterproof design and sound customization features make it a suitable choice.
If you're looking for an even more affordable speaker, consider the Anker Soundcore Flare 2. While it can't get as loud as the Anker Soundcore Motion+ and has a shorter battery life, it comes at a more budget-friendly price. It's an incredibly portable speaker with multicolored light rings on the top and bottom, and it's rated IPX7 for water resistance, though we don't currently test for this. Thanks to its 360-degree design, it has a more open and spacious soundstage than the Motion+. However, it lacks low-bass, so you don't feel the deep thump and rumble in bass-heavy music.
Consider the Motion+ if you want a speaker with a longer battery life that can get louder. If you want a simpler speaker at a slightly lower price that still has an excellent soundstage, check out the Flare 2.
Feb 23, 2021: Replaced the Sony SRS-XB23 with the Anker Soundcore Motion+ in the Best Budget category. Replaced the Sony SRS-XB12 with the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 as the cheaper alternative. Added the SRS-XB23 and SRS-XB12 to Notable Mentions. Confirmed the rest of the recommended products are in stock and still the best picks for our users.
Feb 02, 2021: Initial version.
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers for most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price (cheaper speakers win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no speakers that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our reviews for Bluetooth speakers, filtered by water resistance (IPX4 and above). Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect speakers. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.