Tips Clear – Media Surfer News Tips Clear: Your Daily Dose of Expert Advice
Best Waterproof Speakers 2021: Cheap Portable Bluetooth Speakers
PSA: Stop taking your phone into the bathroom when you shower.
Sure, the practicality of it makes sense – you want to get the news in the morning, continue your favorite audiobook, or listen to music and sing loudly while soaping up. But besides the risk of your phone falling into the sink or tub or getting accidentally splashed, steam from hot water in the same small room can create irreparable moisture damage on a phone’s parts.
The simple and superior-sounding solution to this: get a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. The best waterproof Bluetooth speakers are not just ideal for the shower but also great for pool parties, picnics, patios, or anywhere you want to add music.
What Are The Best Cheap Waterproof Speakers?
Portability: While small speakers are more convenient to carry around, a portable size doesn’t always mean small sound. A small speaker can still deliver booming bass and immersive sound that’s significantly louder than your phone.
Connectivity: Pairing a speaker to your device is necessary, so make sure yours has Bluetooth capability before you buy. Bluetooth allows you to play and control your audio (and even take calls) while your phone sits safely in the other room. And there’s also the option on some speakers to wirelessly pair it with additional speakers to surround your setting with the songs of your choice fully. Some speakers offer a 360 degree sound button, too, for a room-filling effect without needing to connect other amps.
Battery life: Can’t have your speaker dying during the party after all. The average battery life on a Bluetooth speaker with a full charge is about 12-16 hours, where six is pretty low, and 20 is exceptional.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: There’s a handy rating scale for how water-resistant a product is: an IPX4-rated speaker can handle rain and splashes, while an IPX8-rated unit can be fully submerged and come out fully intact. For the shower, a lower IPX-rated speaker should be fine. But if you’ll be using this poolside, make sure it can survive full immersion, just in case it accidentally gets knocked into the deep end.
Additional Features: Multi-color lights and strobes are a bonus feature included with some of the wireless speakers on our list. Some also come with a built-in USB port to charge other gadgets, extra bass boost buttons, app control capability, and connectivity to services like Amazon Alexa and Apple AirPlay (it’ll need to have a microphone to take any voice commands, though).
A waterproof Bluetooth speaker is a versatile accessory that lets you enjoy your audio solo or easily share songs with others instantly. These four picks will help get you started no matter where you plan to use it or what you want to play.
1. JBL Clip 4
“aligncenter size-full wp-image-1164559″ src=”https://www.rollingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/JBL-Clip-4.jpg” alt=”JBL Clip 4″ width=”1024″ height=”745″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-1164559″ />
Amazon
After weeks of hands-on testing, JBL’s Clip 4 is the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker you can get in its price range.
Its namesake feature is the carabiner (clip) built into the speaker, which allows you to attach it to a backpack or belt loop. This makes it very easy to carry the speaker without taking up space in your bag or forget it at home.
In our tests, the Clip 4 sounded excellent for a speaker its size, delivering punchy bass and no distortion at high volumes. This speaker is IP67 waterproof, which means it can be submerged completely underwater without being damaged.
JBL says the Clip 4’s battery can last up to 10 hours, and that’s been our experience. Charge it fully before you leave the house, and you’ll have no problem getting through a long hike or day at the beach.
While it may not have any extra features, the JBL Clip 4 is a great sounding, affordable waterproof speaker with every must-have feature.
2. Amazon Basics Outdoor Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
“aligncenter size-full wp-image-1173665″ src=”https://www.rollingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Amazon-Basics-Portable-Outdoor-IPX5-Waterproof-Bluetooth-Speaker.jpg” alt=”Amazon Basics Portable Outdoor IPX5 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker” width=”1024″ height=”1025″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-1173665″ />
Amazon
Amazon Basics’ Waterproof Speaker is a solid choice given its sub $25 price tag.
The speaker has an IPX5 durability rating, which means it can handle being blasted with water jets (think heavy rain) but shouldn’t be dipped completely underwater. If it gets splashed at the beach or pool, you’ll be fine. The Bluetooth range on this speaker is 33 feet, so you won’t have to stand right next to it to maintain a strong connection.
Amazon doesn’t give a lot of additional details about this speaker. Still, we’ve had many positive experiences with equipment from the company’s in-house label and feel comfortable recommending it.
3. Urbanista Sydney
“aligncenter size-full wp-image-1173677″ src=”https://www.rollingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Urbanista-Sydney.jpg” alt=”Urbanista Sydney” width=”1000″ height=”686″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-1173677″ />
Amazon
If you can stretch your budget a little bit, we recommend stepping up to Urbanista’s Sydney.
Like Amazon’s speaker, the Sydney has an IPX5 durability rating, which means it can be splashed but not dipped underwater. It offers up to five hours of music playback per charge and can be fully recharged in 90 minutes.
Urbanista’s audio gear has always sounded good in our tests, but we like that the Sydney supports true stereo if you pair two of them together. We also like that the speaker is available in multiple colors instead of the traditional black and white.
4. Braven BRV-S
“aligncenter size-full wp-image-1167497″ src=”https://www.rollingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Braven-BRV-S.jpg” alt=”Braven BRV-S” width=”684″ height=”524″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-1167497″ />
Braven
Braven’s BRV-S is the most technically advanced waterproof Bluetooth speaker we could find for under $100.
The speaker has an IP68 durability rating, which means you can dunk it underwater for up to a half-hour without experiencing any issues. In fact, the speaker floats in the water, so you can easily find it if you drop it in the pool. The speaker’s 12-hour battery life is impressive for a speaker this size, though Braven doesn’t mention if it supports fast charging.
The BRV-S’ most impressive feature is support for Braven’s “Tap-In™” feature, which lets you connect up over 10 of these speakers together to create a giant, highly portable audio system. If you get this speaker for yourself and gift it to some friends, this feature will come in handy when everyone gets together.
5. 1More Portable Waterproof Speaker
“aligncenter size-full wp-image-1173667″ src=”https://www.rollingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1MORE-Portable-Wireless-and-Wired-Speaker.jpg” alt=”1MORE Portable Waterproof Speaker” width=”1024″ height=”682″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-1173667″ />
1More
If audio quality is your primary concern, 1More’s Portable Waterproof Speaker is the one we recommend.
1More developed a 45W audio system that includes two drivers (one woofer and one tweeter), plus a DSP (digital signal processor) tuned to create strong, well-balanced sound. This type of audio gear is very uncommon in ultra-portable speakers, especially in this price range.
This audio hardware is complemented by a stereo sound mode available if you get two of these speakers and a battery that lasts up to 12 hours per charge. The only downside is that this is the least waterproof speaker in our guide. It can handle getting splashed or being exposed to light rain, but not much else.
Still, if you’re looking for truly exceptional sound from a small, durable speaker, this is it.
1. iFox iF012 Bluetooth Shower Speaker
The iFox is fully waterproof. Not just “splash-proof” or “water resistant,” but actually 100% waterproof. Please take it in the shower with you, stick it to the wall with the handy giant suction cup it sits on, and don’t be afraid to get it wet.
With a range of up to 10 meters, your phone can be safe and dry in the other room while you listen to whatever’s playing. And the 600mAH lithium-ion battery lasts 10 hours on a single charge, more than most other brands. It’s even got a built-in microphone as well, so you can take a call without running back to your phone.
The iFox is loud enough to rock out within the shower, and portable, so the party goes with you wherever you take it.
PROS: Controls are simple to use, with physical buttons that are easy to feel around for when you’ve got shampoo in your eyes.
CONS: At max volume, the sound can become a little distorted and lose the low end. Turning it down even just a little bit makes a big difference. Also, there’s no auxiliary port, which means it’s not compatible with devices that don’t have Bluetooth – so make sure yours does.
“wp-image-998923 size-large aligncenter” src=”https://www.rollingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/iFox-iF012-Bluetooth-Shower-Speaker.png?w=1024″ alt=”iFox iF012 Bluetooth Shower Speaker” width=”1024″ height=”636″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-998923″ />
Courtesy Amazon
2. JBL CLIP 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
With a built-in carabiner clip, the JBL CLIP 3 was born to travel.
The clip itself is sturdy and easily hooks on everything from backpacks and bikes to belt loops and beach umbrellas without weighing you down. Sound quality isn’t sacrificed here either. Like the easy interface, the sound is clean and clear, and both the bass and Bluetooth connection are surprisingly strong.
Durable mesh on the front lets the sound shine while still protecting the unit from drops and damage, and a rubber backing provides traction when laying it on a flat surface like a table or dashboard.
The battery life is about 10 hours from a single charge, and the unit is truly waterproof.
PROS: Built-in clip is ingenious and super convenient for taking this on short treks or long trips. The sound quality is crisp, and signal strength is solid.
CONS: It gets plenty loud but not loud enough for a sizable outdoor party. If you’re looking to really crank it up for the neighbors to hear, another option might be a better way to go.
“wp-image-999371 aligncenter” src=”https://www.rollingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Screen-Shot-2020-05-13-at-7.47.49-PM.png?w=775″ alt=”JBL CLIP 3 – Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker” width=”470″ height=”436″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-999371″ />
Courtesy Amazon
3. COMISO Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
The COMISO is pretty metal – along with silicone and aluminum. Together, they form a sleek and solid outer shell with a good weight and durable feel.
Two six-watt, 360-degree speakers are ready to get loud, and the 4400mAH battery can keep the music going for an impressive 20-24 hours of playtime on a full charge. There’s a built-in mic too, and the speaker links up easily to your device or even other speakers – two of these together create a rich blast of surround sound.
At an IPX4 rating, this one’s not completely waterproof. It can hold up fine in the shower or lightly rinsed under a tap but isn’t made to be fully submerged.
PROS: Blasts sound in every direction and boasts the longest battery life of the bunch by far.
CONS: Though it has a long battery life, it takes a while to charge, about seven hours. Water-resistant but not waterproof.
“aligncenter wp-image-999577 size-large” src=”https://www.rollingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/COMISO-Waterproof-Bluetooth-Speaker.png?w=961″ alt=”COMISO Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker” width=”961″ height=”723″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-999577″ />
Courtesy Amazon
4. VicTsing SoundHot C6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The VicTsing is more moisture-proof than waterproof and better for a steamy shower than a raging pool party.
The hockey puck-sized, five-watt speaker is plenty loud for any room and doesn’t distort too much when cranked to the max. A full charge of the 500mAH battery will get you about six hours of playtime – but if you’re only using it for showers and baths, that can last days or weeks.
Pairing is easy: hold down the power button and automatically pop up on the nearest device.
Slap the giant built-in suction cup to a smooth surface like a mirror or tiles, turn on the speaker and the hot water, and start singing.
PROS: Great connectivity quality and range, compatible with Amazon Echo. It comes with a handy little carabiner clip, too, for when sustainable surfaces aren’t available.
CONS: Can’t connect to other speakers, and the user interface may be a little confusing to figure out at first.
“wp-image-999599 aligncenter” src=”https://www.rollingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/VicTsing-SoundHot-C6-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker.png?w=857″ alt=”VicTsing SoundHot C6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker” width=”558″ height=”437″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-999599″ />
Courtesy Amazon
