Portable Bluetooth speakers have come a long way in recent years, with impressive sound and robust feature sets packed into compact designs meant to accompany your active lifestyle. As these speakers find their way poolside or endure unexpected downpours, waterproofing has become an increasingly common trait among top models.
In 2024, the latest crop of waterproof speakers are not only keeping your tunes intact no matter the conditions, but also charting new ground when it comes to audio performance, battery tech, voice assistance and overall usability.
We‘ve researched and tested the latest waterproof wireless speakers to find the top models worth your hard-earned cash in 2024. Beyond studying specifications, we used real-world testing to differentiate great sound from gimmicks. Read on for reviews of our picks for the 5 best waterproof speakers of 2024.
How We Chose the Best Waterproof Speakers of 2024
With waterproof Bluetooth speakers now offered from virtually every major audio brand, there’s no shortage of options to consider. We applied the following criteria to zero-in on the very best waterproof speakers for 2024:
Audio Quality: Clear, balanced sound with punchy yet distortion-free bass was a prerequisite. Speakers needed to fill a room and satisfy both casual listeners and audiophiles.
Waterproof Rating: All speakers met the IP67 rating, indicating complete dust protection and water resistance when submerged for 30 minutes at depths up to 1 meter.
Battery Life: We favored speakers that could last all day or all night on a single charge. Quick charging was also a plus.
Durability: Even without water exposure, materials had to withstand accidental drops and knocks during everyday use.
Extra Features: Speakers scored bonus points for extra functionality like configurable EQ, stereo pairing, speakerphone use, voice assistants and more.
We thoroughly used each speaker in wet environments and judged real-world performance alongside lab measurements. In the end, five models clearly outshined the competition to make our 2024 best waterproof speakers list.
The 5 Best Waterproof Speakers of 2024
[1. JBL Charge 6 – Best Overall]
The JBL Charge 6 builds upon the winning formula of previous JBL Charge models, which have long been favorites thanks to powerful audio performance, useful features and reasonable prices.
For 2024, the Charge 6 gets JBL’s latest driver and amplifier tech along with improved waterproofing. It pumps out even bolder sound with a deeper low-end than ever before, while still maintaining the portable, cylindrical design JBL fans have come to know and love.
Key features:
- Proprietary JBL drivers and amplification for loud, bass-rich stereo sound
- IP67 waterproof rating instead of IPX7 for added real-world protection
- 16 hours of battery life with rapid 1-hour fast charging
- Fully ruggedized fabric covering with softened edges
- Speakerphone for clear conference calls
- Connect multiple speakers together wirelessly
For its smart balance of great audio, robust water/dust resistance, useful features and reasonable price, the JBL Charge 6 earns our pick for the best overall waterproof speaker of 2024.
Buy the JBL Charge 6 at [Amazon]
[2. Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM 3 – Best for Audio Quality]
From UE (Ultimate Ears), a brand known for making products for musicians, the HYPERBOOM 3 delivers room-filling, concert-quality sound unmatched by competitors.
It combines custom drivers spanning tweeters, mid and dual woofers with serious digital amplification. Dual sub-radiators round out an epic listening experience with powerful, distortion-free bass.
Further enhancing audio performance is an advanced EQ system with presets tuned by professional musicians across various genres to match their unique sonic tastes. Even with deafening volume levels, the HYPERBOOM 3 maintains composure and clarity.
Key features:
- Custom tweeters, midrange drivers and dual woofers
- Advanced digital amplification technology
- Dual sub-radiators for earth-shaking yet precise bass
- Preset EQ modes tuned by Grammy-winning artists
- IP67 dust/waterproof rating with fabric + silicone build
- 24 hour battery life
- Party-ready RGB lighting
As the best-sounding Bluetooth speaker from UE yet, the HYPERBOOM 3 satisfies critical listeners while still meeting best-in-class waterproof standards.
Preorder the Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM 3 at [UltimateEars.com]
[3. Sonos Roam 2 – Best Portable Smart Speaker]
Sonos has added Google Assistant and Alexa integration to the second generation of its battery-powered smart speaker, the new Sonos Roam 2.
Thanks to enhanced far-field microphones that employ advanced noise cancellation tech, Google and Alexa requests come through loud and clear, even in the noisiest environments. You can check the weather, get calendar notifications, set timers, control smart home devices and much more completely hands-free.
Of course, the Roam 2 upholds seamless access to all major music streaming platforms as well with the Sonos app, and sound quality continues to impress relative to the ultra-portable design.
Key features:
- Built-in Google Assistant and Alexa
- Advanced far-field voice recognition microphones
- Automated EQ tuning adapts sound to surroundings
- Easy access to all music streaming platforms
- 10+ hour battery with Qi wireless and USB-C charging
- IP67 dustproof / waterproof rating
For on-the-go use cases demanding crisp audio and smart assistance in a pint-sized package able to endure wet conditions, the Sonos Roam 2 enters as 2024‘s best portable smart speaker.
Preorder the Sonos Roam 2 at [Sonos.com]
[4. Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 – Best Travel Speaker]
The third generation Wonderboom series from Ultimate Ears retains the iconic circular shape of the original while enhancing sound capabilities and battery life. The four main drivers get an upgraded amp to better soak up power from the new 30+ hour cell. Materials also improve, with a reinforced mesh covering and Chicago screws promising 30% more tear resistance than the Wonderboom 2.
Operation remains delightfully simple, with intuitive playback controls living within an easy reach new top button. The Wonderboom 3 also ushers in a removable strap to securely attach the speaker to backpacks, bike handles or coolers while on the move.
When journeying through the elements, it’s reassuring the Wonderboom 3 achieves an IP67 rating just like its larger UE siblings, allowing full water submersion with no sweat. Viewed collectively, key upgrades make the latest Wonderboom 3 our top travel speaker pick for 2024.
Key features:
- Iconic 31⁄2-inch spherical chassis with 30% tougher outer mesh
- New amp and battery stretch playtimes up to 30+ hours per charge
- IP67 fully waterproof with rugged materials to endure bumps and drops
- Built-in strap provides flexible attachment methods on the move
- Intuitive buttons including new playback controls up top
Though pint-sized, the Wonderboom 3 demonstrates Ultimate Ears‘ continuous dedication to pushing quality, durability and functionality on their smallest speaker.
Preorder the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 at [UltimateEars.com]
[5. JBL Clip 5 – Best Budget Speaker]
JBL shows why they dominate budget Bluetooth speakers with the Clip 5 – an affordable yet fully capable portable model able to be clipped onto bags and clothes or mounted anywhere via built-in magnets.
Audio belies its miniature dimensions, with JBL’s signature amplification tech driving a 40mm driver and dual passive radiators. JBL claims bass gets a boost over the Clip 4, which could make its tone more comparable to larger models.
The IP67 dustproof and waterproof housing, 10 hour battery and speakerphone function also carry over for an overall excellent feature set relative to competitors at this tempting price point.
Key features:
- Light and ultra-portable clip-on chassis with integrated magnets
- Treble-rich JBL signature sound with enhanced bass response
- IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating
- Integrated mic with speakerphone functionality
- 10+ hour battery life per charge
- Wide assortment of color options
As their smallest speaker with performance that punches above its weight class, the JBL Clip 5 offers incredible value as our choice for best budget waterproof speaker of 2024.
Preorder the JBL Clip 5 at [JBL.com]
What To Look For In 2024 Waterproof Speakers
With the top waterproof wireless speaker models of 2024 now in focus, let’s examine traits buyers should monitor as they continue comparing products to find their ideal audio companion.
Audio Quality
Thankfully the days of waterproof speakers severely compromising sound is behind us. Premium components borrowed from home and car audio now allow portable designs to achieve impressive bass, clarity and volume to energize any scene.
Beside basic power output, listen closely to the actual sonic signature across low, mid and high register – manufacturers tune the frequency response differently even when utilizing similar hardware. Extra sound shaping functionality via EQ gives greater ability to match audio profiles to individual taste.
Battery & Charging
The most advanced portable speakers now integrate battery tech from sectors like power tools and EVs to enable all-day single charges. Quick charging is perhaps even more beneficial, with leading models getting 3+ hours of use from only 10-15 minutes plugged in. Qi wireless charging further eliminates cords.
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0+ affords extended range and simultaneous linking with multiple devices. WiFi expands smart features, multi-room audio and software updates. Go for speakers with aptX HD, Sony LDAC or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound coding on Android devices to get enhanced wireless fidelity.
Voice Assistants
With assistance from Siri, Google and Alexa at the ready, speakers add helpful hands-free functionality like reminders and smart home equipment control. Far-field mics allow accurately placing requests from afar. Offline voice ensures continuity when away from connectivity.
Smart Software
Beside assistants, companion mobile apps unlock deeper customization and tie portable speakers into broader ecosystems. Examples range from manually tweaking EQ curves to managing multi-room audio to enabling smart speakers to serve as rear channels for home theater content.
Durability
No portable speaker will endure outright abuse. But bespoke designs, high-grade materials and reinforced structure increase the likelihood your speaker survives accidents. The provided IP rating quantifies dust/water protection – just avoid depths/durations beyond tested limits.
Brand reputation offers another clue to longevity – respected makers often back products with multi-year warranties covering manufacturing defects.
Final Thoughts on the Best Waterproof Speakers of 2024
In 2024, advancements across drivers, amps, wireless codec support and battery capacity allow waterproof Bluetooth speakers to deliver incredible fidelity in compact yet resilient frames. Making devices smarter through embedded voice assistants also unlocks convenient hands-free control.
While standalone speaker functionality satisfies most buyers, investing in models like our Sonos or JBL picks enable expanding your system down the road. Configuring dedicated wireless surround speakers or adding satellite speakers to different rooms or decks all leverage initial purchases.
We hope our rundown of the top waterproof wireless speakers for 2024 gives you a head start in finding your perfect audio companion. Products were selected based on rigorous testing and how they stack up to competitors regarding critical performance metrics buyers value most. Any of our reviewed picks make a promising investment sure to catalyze countless pool parties, backyard BBQs and camping trips for years to come with their blend of resilience, features and most importantly, phenomenal sound.
