What is the Best Waterproof Speakers for 2025?

Have you ever dropped your speaker in the pool or gotten caught in the rain during a beach party? If so, you're not alone. In 2025, more people than ever are looking for waterproof Bluetooth speakers that can handle outdoor adventures without missing a beat.

Whether you're jamming out at a pool party, chilling on the beach, singing in the shower, or hiking through the mountains, having a durable and waterproof speaker is a game-changer. But not all "waterproof" speakers are created equal. That's why it's so important to know what the IP ratings mean—and which products actually live up to their promises.

In this post, you'll learn what makes a speaker truly waterproof, which models perform best in real-world tests, and which ones fit your specific needs—whether you want booming bass, long battery life, smart features, or a low price tag. Let's dive into the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers for 2025!

What Makes a Waterproof Speaker "The Best" in 2025?

Picking a waterproof Bluetooth speaker isn't just about choosing the one that "looks cool" or is on sale. There are specific features that make a big difference—especially if you're heading to the beach, the pool, or on a rainy-day hike. Let's break down what really matters in 2025.

Key Features to Look for in a Waterproof Speaker

Not all waterproof speakers are created equal. Some sound amazing but fall short on battery. Others float in water but can't take a drop. So, what makes one stand out?

IP Ratings Explained (IPX7, IP67, IP68)

When you see "IP" on a speaker box, it stands for Ingress Protection. Here's what the numbers mean:

Pro Tip: Go for IP67 or IP68 if you want full protection.

Battery Life Expectations

Nothing kills the vibe like a dead speaker. In 2025, the best ones last anywhere from 12 to 30+ hours. Here's what to look for:

• Casual listening: 12–15 hours is fine

• Day-long trips or parties: 20–30 hours preferred

• Speakers like the JBL Boombox 3 or Sony Field 7 last all night

Portability & Weight

Big speakers = bigger sound, but also bulkier. It depends on how you plan to use it:

• Light and clip-on (under 1 lb): Best for hiking, showers

• Medium size (1–3 lbs): Great all-around use

• Large (5+ lbs): For parties, not great for backpacks

Look for: carry handles, straps, or built-in hooks.

Sound Quality: Bass, Clarity, Loudness

Want something that thumps or stays crisp even at high volumes? Look for:

• 360° audio: Plays sound evenly in all directions (e.g., Wonderboom 4)

• Graphic EQs: Customize sound in the app

• Bass Boost Modes: Like Sony's "ULT" or Anker's "BassUp"

Note: Smaller speakers often lack deep bass—but sound cleaner.

Smart Features: Voice Assistant, Apps, Multi-Speaker Pairing

The smartest waterproof speakers go beyond just playing music. Some extras you'll want:

• Built-in voice assistants: Alexa, Sonos Voice, etc.

• App control: Graphic EQs, sound modes

• Party pairing: Connect multiple speakers (UE PartyUp, JBL PartyBoost)

Bonus: Some like the Sonos Roam 2 work with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Build Material: Silicone vs. Fabric

This affects both durability and cleanup:

• Silicone: Easier to rinse, better against soap/salt

• Fabric: Softer feel but may wear faster or trap dirt

If you're heading to the beach or camping often, go silicone.

Floating Ability

Not every waterproof speaker floats. If you're near water, it's a lifesaver.

• Floats: Wonderboom 4, EPICBOOM

• Doesn't float: Some bigger models like the Bose SoundLink Max

Look for this if you're clumsy near pools or boats.

Understanding IP Ratings (Ingress Protection)

You've seen terms like IP67 or IPX7—but what do they actually mean?

What Does IPX7 Mean?

• Water only: Can survive being underwater (1 meter for 30 mins)

• No dust protection

• Good for short dips, not dusty areas

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: Big Difference

Don't shower with a "water-resistant" speaker—it won't last.

Why IP67 Is Better for Outdoor Use

IP67 = dustproof + waterproof. It's ideal for:

• Sand, dirt, mud

• Rain, splashes, full dunking

• Long-term outdoor use

Perfect for: camping, hiking, beach trips.

IP68: Is It Worth It?

• Yes, if you plan to dunk it deep or often

• Survives 1.5m underwater for 30 mins

• Extra protection, but not many models use it yet

Still, for most people, IP67 is the sweet spot.

The Best Waterproof Speakers for 2025 – Top Picks by Category

Looking for the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker in 2025? We've tested, compared, and sorted them into categories so you can find the perfect one—whether you're throwing a pool party, hiking, or just jamming in the shower.

Best Overall Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker 2025

Ultimate Ears Epicboom

Why it wins: It hits the sweet spot—loud, clear, rugged, and super easy to use. Built to survive splashes, drops, and mud.

• Waterproof Rating: IP67 (dustproof + waterproof)

• Sound: 360° balanced audio

• Battery: Up to 17 hours

• Extras: Floats, Adaptive EQ, portable loop strap

Pros:

• Loud enough for outdoor use

• Floats in water

• Great bass and crisp vocals

Cons:

• Adaptive EQ doesn't always make a big difference

• No voice assistant support

Best Waterproof Speaker for Pool Parties

Sony ULT Field 5

Party beast? Yep. This thing is built to blast sound and look good doing it.

• Waterproof Rating: IP67

• Battery: Up to 25 hours

• Lights: RGB strips sync to music

• Sound: Punchy bass + ULT boost modes

Pros:

• Insane volume and bass

• RGB lights add fun

• Super durable

Cons:

• Very heavy (not super portable)

• Slightly muddy mids at max volume

Best Smart Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Sonos Roam 2

Need smart features on the go? This is the one.

• Waterproof Rating: IP67

• Connectivity: Bluetooth + Wi-Fi

• Smart: Alexa + Sonos Voice built-in

• Tuning: Auto room correction (Trueplay)

Pros:

• Voice assistant onboard

• Great for multi-room setups

• Lightweight and sleek

Cons:

• Battery only lasts ~5 hours

• No Google Assistant support

Best Budget Waterproof Speaker Under $100

Anker Soundcore 3

A solid pick when you're on a tight budget but want real waterproof protection.

• Waterproof Rating: IPX7

• Battery: 24 hours

• App: Soundcore app + graphic EQ

• Build: Compact rubber shell

Pros:

• Excellent battery life for the price

• Clean sound with EQ controls

• Supports stereo pairing

Cons:

• No dust rating

• Slight distortion at high volumes

Best Compact Waterproof Speaker for Travel

UE Wonderboom 4

Small. Tough. Floats. It's your travel buddy.

• Waterproof Rating: IP67

• Design: 360° audio + floats

• Battery: 14 hours

• Drop-proof: Yes (up to 1.5 meters)

Pros:

• Portable + lightweight (fits in one hand)

• Durable + waterproof + floats

• Comes in fun colors

Cons:

• No app or EQ controls

• Limited bass depth

Best Rugged Waterproof Speaker for the Outdoors

Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2

Tough as nails and sounds great even when it's soaked.

• Waterproof Rating: IP67

• Body: Silicone-coated + metal grille

• Audio Tech: PositionIQ auto-tunes based on speaker placement

• Battery: 12 hours

Pros:

• Feels super sturdy

• Great bass for its size

• Easy to clean after dusty trips

Cons:

• Slightly narrow soundstage

• Pricey for this size

Best for Audiophiles: Premium Sound in a Waterproof Shell

B&O Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)

You want elegance, clarity, and waterproofing? This is it.

• Waterproof Rating: IP67

• Sound: 360° clarity, tuned for detail

• Battery: 24 hours

• Smart: Alexa support (Bluetooth-triggered)

Pros:

• Clean, rich audio—great for vocals and detail

• Beautiful build and materials

• Long battery life

Cons:

• Voice control can lag

• No onboard EQ buttons

How We Chose the Best Waterproof Speakers for 2025

You might be wondering—how do we know these speakers are actually the best? We didn't just guess or read the box. We tested them. We splashed them. We dropped them. We even played Taylor Swift and Metallica on the same speaker. Here's exactly how we picked our top waterproof Bluetooth speakers for 2025.

Sound Tests Across Genres

We played music from every corner of Spotify:

We also turned the volume way up—because nobody listens at 10%.

Water and Dust Exposure

We didn't take IP ratings at face value. We put each speaker through real-world conditions:

• Ran water over them from the tap (hello, simulated rain!)

• Dunked them in a sink (only IPX7 or higher)

• Rolled them in sand and mud

• Rinsed them clean and tested sound afterward

Tip: IP67 speakers handled dirt + water better than IPX7 ones.

Drop Durability

Accidents happen—especially outdoors. So we dropped the speakers.

• Drop height: ~1.5 meters (about waist height)

• Surface: Concrete, grass, wood floor

• Score: 1 (shattered or failed) to 5 (no damage at all)

Some only got a few scuffs. Others didn't make it.

Battery Runtime Tests

We didn't trust the marketing numbers. We ran the speakers until they gave out.

• Played mixed audio (music, podcasts) at 50–70% volume

• Measured actual runtime from full charge to shutoff

• Noted if features like bass boost or RGB lights drained it faster

Average Battery Life Results (Rounded):

App Features and Ease of Use

A great speaker needs a great app—or none at all.

We checked for:

• Graphic EQ (for sound tuning)

• Stereo/party pairing options

• Ease of firmware updates

• Extra modes (e.g., Outdoor Boost, BassUp)

• Simple pairing + Bluetooth stability

Standouts:

• Anker Soundcore app: User-friendly, lots of EQ control

• Sonos app: Great for home use, but less intuitive outside

• UE speakers: No app for Wonderboom, but Epicboom works well

Final Thoughts: What Is the Best Waterproof Speaker for 2025?

Let's quickly go over the top picks by category:

• Best Overall: Ultimate Ears Epicboom – rugged, floatable, and sounds great all around.

• Best for Pool Parties: Sony ULT Field 5 – huge bass, RGB lights, 25-hour battery.

• Best Smart Speaker: Sonos Roam 2 – Alexa-ready, Wi-Fi + Bluetooth, sleek and compact.

• Best Budget Pick: Anker Soundcore 3 – long battery life, customizable sound, under $100.

• Best for Travel: UE Wonderboom 4 – small, tough, and floats.

• Best for Outdoors: Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 – sturdy, clear sound, drop-tested.

• Best for Audiophiles: B&O Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) – detailed 360° sound and elegant design.

Choosing the Right Speaker for You

Here's a quick guide to help you decide:

• Need portability? Go for Wonderboom 4 or Soundcore 3.

• Throwing parties? You'll want the Sony ULT Field 5 or Epicboom.

• On a budget? The Anker Soundcore 3 is tough to beat.

• Love smart tech? Try the Sonos Roam 2.

• Want top-tier audio? Pick the B&O Beosound A1.

Ready to pick your perfect speaker for 2025? Whether you want something fun, powerful, or totally waterproof, there's one on this list made just for you.

FAQ

Q: Can I submerge a waterproof speaker in water?

A: Yes, if it's rated IPX7 or higher. These can be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Q: Do waterproof speakers float?

A: Some do, like the Ultimate Ears Epicboom and Wonderboom 4. Always check the product specs.

Q: How do I clean a waterproof speaker after saltwater exposure?

A: Rinse it gently with fresh water and let it dry fully before charging.

Q: How loud should a waterproof speaker be for outdoor use?

A: Look for one that reaches high volumes clearly, like the JBL Boombox 3 or Sony ULT Field 5.

Q: Are all waterproof speakers drop-resistant too?

A: No, but many are rugged. Models like the Wonderboom 4 and SoundLink Flex Gen 2 are drop-tested.

Q: Can I use a waterproof speaker in the shower every day?

A: Yes, as long as it's IPX7 or IP67 rated. Avoid prolonged soap or steam exposure.

Q: Do waterproof speakers support stereo pairing?

A: Many do! Look for features like PartyBoost, Party Mode, or app pairing in brands like JBL or Anker.