Contents
- 1 7 Best Outdoor Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers That You Can Buy
- 1.1 1. Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen
- 1.2 2. Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Portable Waterproof Speaker
- 1.3 3. Anker Soundcore Rave Neo
- 1.4 4. Sony SRS-XB33 Wireless Portable Speaker
- 1.5 5. JBL Flip 5 Portable Waterproof Speaker
- 1.6 6. Bose SoundLink Micro Small Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- 1.7 7. JBL Go 3 Portable Speaker
- 1.8 Splash!
7 Best Outdoor Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers That You Can Buy
If you often venture into the wild or love relaxing by the sea with your favorite songs playing, an outdoor waterproof speaker can be a sound investment. It delivers clear tones and is designed to withstand water and dust. Additionally, it is portable, making it easy to carry.
If you’re in the market for quality outdoor waterproof Bluetooth speakers for your summer travels, here are the best ones. But first, here are the top portable Bluetooth speakers with speakerphone function and small waterproof speakers for singing in the shower.
1. Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen
IP rating: IP67. An IP rating, also known as an Ingress Protection rating, is important for understanding a device’s level of protection against solids and liquids. The IP rating is a standardized classification system that is internationally recognized. The rating consists of two digits. The first digit refers to the level of protection against solids, such as dust, and ranges from 0 to 6. The second digit refers to the level of protection against liquids, such as water, and ranges from 0 to 8. A rating of IP67 means the device is completely protected against dust and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. It is important to consider the IP rating when choosing a device for outdoor or rugged environments, as it ensures the device can withstand different conditions.
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen
If you don’t mind spending, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen speaker is a super-portable Bluetooth speaker. Shaped like a small hockey puck, it’s easy to carry around. For the price, you get nuanced audio with a pleasant sound and deep bass.
But that’s not all. This Bang & Olufsen Beosound also supports Qualcomm’s latest aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec. The aptX Adaptive codec is more efficient than its predecessor and allows for stable low-latency music streaming.
Of course, it’s not designed for loud outdoor audio. But if you want to enjoy soothing music, it’s the perfect companion.
The device has an IP67 rating and lasts about 18 hours on one charge at moderate volumes.
2. Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Portable Waterproof Speaker
IP rating: IP67
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Portable Waterproof Speaker
It’s been almost three years since the Ultimate Ears (UE) Boom 3 debuted. Still, it’s one of the top choices for an outdoor Bluetooth speaker, thanks to its 360-degree sound and loudness. Yep, the Boom 3 can get loud, and if you want a speaker that won’t be overshadowed by ambient noises, the Boom 3 is for you.
It has a straightforward design, and it resembles a tall soda can. And guess what? It has large volume buttons on the spine. One plus side of these buttons is that you can feel them even in the dark. The size is apt for a portable speaker. You can carry it in your backpack or slide it in your car’s can-holder.
In terms of sound, don’t underestimate the loudness of the small UE Boom 3 speaker. It can get very loud, making it perfect for pool and beach parties. You can also use it indoors without worrying about lowering the volume.
However, it’s important to note that the UE Boom 3 prioritizes loudness over quality, so you may not hear all the nuances in your favorite songs. On the positive side, you can connect multiple UE speakers (up to 150) to enhance the sound. It has a playback time of 15 hours.
3. Anker Soundcore Rave Neo
IP rating: IPX7
Anker Soundcore Rave Neo
Like the Anker Soundcore Rave Neo, the Rave Neo is also designed for parties. What sets it apart from other Bluetooth speakers is the inclusion of LED lighting. When the sun goes down, you can customize the LED lights to enhance the party atmosphere. In terms of design, the Rave Neo is unique compared to other portable Bluetooth speakers. It has a distinctive shape reminiscent of speakers from the past, and the handle adds convenience and character. As a party speaker, it delivers powerful bass that effectively drowns out background noise when the volume is turned up.
The audio is balanced, particularly outdoors. You can adjust the EQ settings for your preferred sound. The battery life is not disappointing, but it may be shorter if you increase the volume or use the LED lights.
4. Sony SRS-XB33 Wireless Portable Speaker
IP rating: IP67
Sony SRS-XB33 Wireless Portable Speaker
The Sony SRS-XB33 is an excellent outdoor speaker with loud and clear audio. It also has LED lighting for fun parties. Despite its appearance, it is portable and weighs around 2.2 pounds. This speaker is not only waterproof and dustproof, but also rustproof and safe from saltwater. It is perfect for outdoor pool parties or a day at the beach. Additionally, it has a sturdy design.
Being part of Sony’s XB lineup, this speaker delivers impressive bass and a dynamic studio experience. It perfectly balances the powerful bass with clear vocals, a major advantage for a speaker that emphasizes Extra Bass.
While priced similarly to the Anker Soundcore Rave Neo, it offers a slightly superior overall sound signature.
5. JBL Flip 5 Portable Waterproof Speaker
IP rating: IPX7
JBL Flip 5 Portable Waterproof Speaker
JBL’s Flip 5 features 20-watt speakers and 44-by-80mm drivers. These speakers pack a punch with clear and crisp audio and resonating bass. Design-wise, the Flip 5 maintains the same signature cylindrical look with rubberized edging and a passive radiator. This design allows for easy portability and the ability to place the Flip 5 horizontally or vertically for similar audio output.
Similar to its counterpart, this model has an IPX7 waterproof rating, allowing it to be submerged in water up to a meter for 30 minutes.
This speaker excels in producing loud and well-balanced sound, making it a superior choice compared to the UE Boom 3. It also maintains its audio quality at high volumes without any distortion.
The Flip 5 offers additional benefits as well. It includes the PartyBoost feature, allowing you to connect it with other compatible speakers for a simplified and stereo sound experience. Please note that this feature is not compatible with older JBL speakers. Additionally, the JBL Flip 5 boasts a battery life of 12 hours.
6. Bose SoundLink Micro Small Portable Bluetooth Speaker
IP Rating: IPX7
Bose SoundLink Micro Small Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Another portable outdoor speaker that has been in the limelight is the Bose SoundLink Micro. Its highlight is its durable build, which makes it convenient for use on the road. The IPX7 rating and rubberized body make it safe for hikes and trails. It’s accompanied by a tear-resistant strap for added durability.
Sound-wise, SoundLink Micro performs well. The audio is clear, with considerable bass for parties and get-togethers. However, note that the sound distorts when the battery is cranked up.
The SoundLink Micro’s only downside is its underwhelming battery life. It can last around 6 hours on a full charge at moderate volume. Being an older device, it also has legacy charging tech. On the upside, the SoundLink Micro supports Bluetooth multipoint, allowing for easy connection shuffling between two devices.
7. JBL Go 3 Portable Speaker
IP rating: IP67
JBL Go 3 Portable Speaker
The Go 3 is a compact Bluetooth speaker from JBL that delivers powerful sound. It’s affordable and perfect for casual listening. One standout feature is its sleek design, making it easy to carry and available in various colors.
In terms of audio quality, the Go 3 offers decent performance for its price. The bass is balanced, and it doesn’t overpower the vocals even at high volumes. However, when placed on its back, the sound may distort due to reverberations. This issue can be easily solved by using the speaker’s rubberized feet, which provide stability and prevent it from falling.
The low price of the Go 3 has its cons. The battery life is only 5 hours, which is low for continuous use. While it can be used while charging, it may be difficult to do so outdoors. However, it only takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery. The Go 3 is IP67 rated, meaning it’s safe from water and dust. So, if it falls in the water accidentally, you don’t need to worry.
Splash!
The cold winter days are almost over and it’s time to venture out in the world again. Dramatic, I know! And what better way to do so than to add a little dose of music to your outings.
So, which one will you buy?
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
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