Best Waterproof Speakers for the Beach, Pool, Boat and Shower
Water and electronics don't usually mix, but a good waterproof speaker can ride along to the pool, the beach, the boat and the shower without a second thought. Here are the 2BOOM picks, plus a quick guide to what "waterproof" actually means.
IP ratings, decoded
Speakers use an IP (Ingress Protection) rating with two digits:
- The first digit is dust protection (6 = dust-tight).
- The second digit is water protection.
| Rating | What it means |
|---|---|
| IPX4 | Splash-resistant. Fine for rain or a splash, not a dunk. |
| IPX5 | Survives water jets. Good for the shower. |
| IP67 | Dust-tight and survives submersion in about 1 m of fresh water for around 30 minutes. |
| IP68 | Dust-tight and rated for deeper or longer submersion (the manufacturer sets the exact terms). |
For the beach (sand) and the pool (dunks), look for IP67 or better.
Our picks at a glance
| Speaker | Floats | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 | Yes | IP67 | Pool, kayak, beach |
| Ultimate Ears Boom 4 | Yes | IP67 | Pool parties |
| Bose SoundLink Flex | Yes | IP67 | Clear sound at the beach |
| JBL Flip 7 | No | IP68 | All-round summer speaker |
| JBL Charge 6 | No | IP68 | Long beach days |
| Sony ULT Field 1 | No | IP67 | Bass at the beach |
| Bose SoundLink Micro | No | IP67 | Shower and bike |
Best for the pool: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 and Boom 4
UE's speakers float, which makes them perfect pool companions. They're also drop-proof and dust-proof. The Wonderboom 4 is small and cheap; the Boom 4 is bigger, louder and throws sound 360°.
Best sound at the beach: Bose SoundLink Flex
The Flex is IP67, floats, and sounds clean and balanced even at higher volume. Its soft silicone exterior holds up well to sand and sunscreen.
Best all-round summer speaker: JBL Flip 7
The latest Flip is rated IP68 and is built to survive drops. Loud, punchy and easy to pack, it's a great default for summer. The Charge 6 adds a bigger battery for all-day beach trips.
Best bass by the water: Sony ULT Field 1
Small, rugged, IP67 and shockproof, with a bass boost that keeps beats strong outdoors.
Best shower speaker: Bose SoundLink Micro
The strap wraps around a shower head or caddy, and Bose tuning keeps voices and podcasts clear. Any IP67 speaker works in the shower, but the strap makes the Micro especially handy.
How to care for a waterproof speaker
- Rinse after salt water or chlorine. Use fresh water and let it dry.
- Close the port covers if your speaker has them. Some newer models have exposed USB-C ports that are waterproof on their own; check your manual.
- Let it dry before charging. Never charge a wet speaker.
- Keep it out of direct sun when you can. Heat is hard on batteries.
- Shake out sand and brush the grille gently.
- Remember "waterproof" usually means fresh water in tests. Salt water and pool chemicals are harsher.
More portable picks in best portable speakers for people on the go.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker?
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is our pick for water use because it's IP67-rated and floats. The JBL Flip 7 is the best all-round waterproof speaker.
Which Bluetooth speakers float?
Ultimate Ears speakers like the Wonderboom and Boom series float, as does the Bose SoundLink Flex.
Can I use a waterproof speaker in salt water?
Most are tested in fresh water. They'll usually survive salt water, but rinse them with fresh water afterward to prevent damage.
Is IP67 good enough for the shower?
Yes. IP67 speakers are dust-tight and can survive brief submersion, so shower spray is no problem.