Best outdoor speakers bluetooth waterproof: Best Waterproof Wireless Outdoor Speakers

Which features are most important?

That depends how you plan to use your outdoor Bluetooth speaker. If you will be on or near water, consider a fully waterproof model. If you plan to take it on a camping trip away from a power source, look for long battery life and the ability to charge another device while your music is still playing. And factor in whether it’s for your own personal use or for a party or other gathering.

What’s the difference between water-resistant and waterproof?

Check a speaker’s IPXX rating; anything under IPX7 isn’t waterproof and isn’t designed to be submerged. Ratings between IPX6 and IPX2 offer water resistance to varying degrees depending on the pressure and angle of water being sprayed or splashed on the device.

IPX6 defends against intrusion from high-pressure water being sprayed from any angle, while IPX1 offers protection from condensation and dripping water from above.

Editor’s Note: Writer Don Melanson contributed to this article.

Doug Newcomb

Doug Newcomb splits his time between Hood River, Ore. , and Todos Santos, Mexico. He’s been writing about technology and cars for more than 30 years for Wired, Rolling Stone, Road & Track, Automobile, PCMag.com, Playboy and numerous other publications. He cofounded the C3 Group in 2013 to produce automotive industry events in New York, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and at SXSW in Austin. C3 Group was acquired by Informa in 2018. When he’s not writing, he’s riding a surfboard 

28 BEST OUTDOOR BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS IN 2021:

PORTABLE AND WATERPROOF SPEAKERS

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Series

The

Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers are portable, waterproof, durable and ergonomic, allowing you to take your music with you wherever you go, from the beach to the pool to the cliff. At 19In the 80s, the Walkman created music for both portable and personal purposes, giving everyone the opportunity to create their own soundtrack for their day. Bluetooth, launched in 1999, kept the portable half of the equation moving the focus back to the public realm. Bluetooth technology exists in everything from headphones to hearing aids, but for many of us, Bluetooth is something like a virtual accessory cord that not only gives us the ability to take music with us anywhere, but also – unlike the cassette recorders of the past – allowing us to share DJ duties with our friends.

We spoke to a number of music experts and professionals about the best outdoor Bluetooth speakers they bring when they want to party on the road.

All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by our editors. However, when you purchase anything through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

JBL ($60-500)

JBL Charge 5 ($180)

You can find the JBL logo everywhere, from concert venues to movie theaters to recording studios. It is also a popular Bluetooth speaker brand these days. “I think JBL makes some of the best portable speakers,” says Na-Kel Smith, a multi-hyphen figure skater, actor, and rapper. They are loud, durable, waterproof, good size. Someone always has one at a skate session and they come in different sizes, but they all give a slap in the face.

The Charge series, which comes in a variety of attractive colors, is a special highlight. ‘They’re reliable, durable, waterproof and sound good,’ says Willie Green, a producer and engineer whose work includes Armand Hammer, The Roots and Wiz Khalifa. You can also knit them together – I have a couple of them.

Berlin-based Adam Marshall, an electronic musician and graphic designer, loves the Charge 3, which he bought as a larger, bassier alternative to the Charge 2. (Both are discontinued, though the Charge 3 is still available on Amazon and elsewhere. stores). Los Angeles-based jazz musician Carlos Niño is also a Charge 3 fan. I really like that it’s waterproof, although I would never put mine in or near water. A step up from the simply splash-proof Charge 2, the Charge 3 and its successor, the Charge 4, are IPX7 waterproof, meaning they can theoretically be immersed in water up to a depth of one meter for 30 minutes, and the soft fabric coating also provides a comfortable grip in case if you want to throw one to a friend on the other side of the pool. (Swimmer’s warning: The Sonic Guys’ IPX7-rated JBL Flip 4 broke after just 10 seconds underwater.) Both the Charge 3 and Charge 4 are also said to have an impressive 20-hour charge, though some reviewer results differ. One nice battery-related feature: You can charge your phone from the Charge 4’s stored power, though this will drain the device’s power faster. 9The 0003

Charge 5 is the latest addition to the series, boasting a slightly more refined sound, a minor visual change, and a few more new features. Among them, it is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, which means you can throw it in your beach bag and not worry about sand getting into the cracks. One downside to the Charge 5 is that, like its predecessors, it’s a mono speaker (although it can be paired in stereo). The IP67 rating of the JBL Xtreme 3 includes four speakers – two 25-watt woofers and 25-watt tweeters – for true stereo sound. “Apart from the best battery life I’ve ever gotten from any device, the sound definitely appeals to the general public,” says Tom Verhoeven, head of Belgian company Curle Recordings. It’s not audiophile quality, but it’s stereo, and I remember from my search for Bluetooth speakers that it wasn’t the most common.

If you need even more power, the JBL Boombox 2 delivers with its dual 30-watt tweeters (speaker components that drive high frequencies) and 40-watt woofers (that drive low frequencies). Like other JBL Bluetooth products, it can be connected to other devices for added stereo enjoyment. The attached handle gives the device an ergonomic feel and a sleek, slightly retro design, while its IPX7 rating means you don’t have to worry about showers, pool splashes or spilled drinks. “It’s like a portable nightclub,” says Chris Smith, founder of label Sheffield’s Central Processing Unit. I bought one when I had to pack my fragile floorstanding speakers due to the arrival of a baby. It is waterproof, very durable and sounds great at low or high volumes. The Bluetooth implementation is also great, making it easy to switch between your phone, laptop, and Hi-Fi receiver.

At the other end of the spectrum is the JBL Clip 4: Where the Boombox 2 weighs a whopping 13 pounds, the Clip 4 is small, light (only half a pound) and, thanks to its carabiner-like handle, it’s easy to take with you anywhere. Just attach it to your backpack or handlebar and you’re done.

JBL Charge 3

$120 at Amazon

JBL Charge 4

$180 at Target $180 at Amazon

JBL Charge 5

$180 at Target $180 at Amazon

JBL Xtreme 3

$350 at Target $350 at Amazon

JBL Boombox 2

$500 at Amazon $500 at JBL

JBL Clip 4

$60 at Amazon $70 at Best Buy

Ultimate Ears ($100-400)

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 ($150)

California’s Ultimate Ears – founded as an origin story in the back of a Van Halen tour bus – started out making in-ear headphones for musicians on stage, but these days, portable speakers have turned them into a popular consumer brand, known for its solid sound and elegant design.

The centerpiece of their product line is the waterproof Boom range (Wonderboom 2, Boom 3, Megaboom 3, and Hyperboom), which features long battery life, reliable sound, and multi-speaker connectivity – as many as 150 speakers, according to the company. . All of the Boom speakers sound great for their size, but the ability to link them – in stereo pairs or in large groups with ‘Party Up’ – says Pitchfork’s Matthew Ruiz, so it’s worth investing in a whole line of products. I bought my first years ago, have since added a few and they are all still valid. (However, boom speakers cannot be paired with UE’s Blast or Roll series speakers.)

The series’ smallest offering is the Wonderboom 2: an ingenious little device not much bigger than a beer can in a neoprene handy box that comes in unusual colors, boasts 13 hours of battery life and has a 360-degree soundstage. Wonderboom 2 is waterproof and rated IPX7; Unique to this speaker is a feature the company calls Outdoor Boost, which is specifically tuned for outdoor listening. Two Wonderboom speakers can be stereo paired, although they are not compatible with other Boom speakers on the Party Up network.

The Boom 3 is a step up in size and quality, with 15 hours of battery life, an IP67 water/dust rating and 50 percent more Bluetooth range (150 feet), but it’s still well tolerated – it can even be installed inside the bike is a cradle for a water bottle. “It’s truly amazing how powerful and sturdy this little portable speaker is,” says Debi Gose, also known as a London-based DJ and DEBONAIR resident at NTS radio. It fills any room without a hitch and is powerful enough to work well outdoors, with the ability to optionally connect it to other arrows, and is also waterproof and largely unbreakable. I love its minimalistic look and the 360 ​​audio playback is a great feature – it certainly allows for impromptu party moments.

For $50 you can upgrade to an IP67 version. The Megaboom 3 delivers even more sound – the company promises 50% deeper bass than the Boom 3. The Megaboom is wireless, rugged and waterproof so you can take it to the beach or just leave it on the back deck, rain or shine weather. says Wired Michael Kalor from the magazine. I keep mine in the shower – not in the bathroom, but in the shower itself. The battery lasts for 20 hours between charges, and the volume buttons are huge. Best of all, the sound gets ridiculously loud without distortion. If you like Dino Jr reproduced at Mascis approved levels, this is your jam.

Ultimate Ears’ most outgoing product is the Hyperboom: a splash-proof (IPX4 rated) case that promises 24 hours of battery life and a host of features that will make it the center of any house party, including USB phone charging and the ability to learn up to eight paired devices. Naturally, it boasts the most impressive sound in the Boom range – up to 100 decibels – thanks to two woofers, two tweeters and two passive radiators (to enrich bass), as well as features such as an adaptive equalizer that automatically adjusts to room dimensions.

All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by our editors. However, when you purchase anything through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Wonderboom 2

$100 at Target $109 at Amazon

Boom 3

$150 at Target $150 at Amazon

Megaboom 3

$200 at Target $171 at Amazon

Gi perboom

$400 at Target $400 at Amazon

Sonos ($169-$400)

Sonos Roam ($170)

Sonos may have made a name for itself with multi-room systems, but the company’s product line has expanded to include models that can be brought into or out of the yard . The

Portable Wander, the latest addition to the Sonos line, is IP67 waterproof, drop resistant and offers 10 hours of battery life. Another nice feature is support for wireless charging via Qi-compatible tablets. In addition to the product design and sound quality, what I love most about Roam is its integration into my already extensive Sonos system,” says Noah Goldstein, Grammy-winning engineer recognized by Kanye, Frank Ocean and Travis Scott. Although it is the cheapest Sonos speaker on the market, it is fully compatible with any Sonos system. However, unlike most devices in the Sonos line, the Roam is Bluetooth compatible, as well as Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2, which is a must if you’re going to take it from home.

Although small, the speaker is impressive. Given its portable size, the Sonos Roam isn’t as loud or deep as the Sonos One, but some listeners find its sound more true than some of its bassier competitors. “For a small portable speaker, Roam sounds big and sincere,” he says. Emily Lazar, Grammy Award winning engineer set records for Haim, Vampire Weekend, Clairo, Beck and more. It doesn’t sound forced or artificial, and it’s a testament to its technical intent. It is unique in its class as it actually works like a finely tuned speaker rather than a megaphone.

Move is an even more substantial proposition: it looks, feels and sounds like one of Sonos’ home devices, but designed for travel, with an ergonomic handle, impact-resistant housing and IP56 weather resistance, and Bluetooth compatibility. . I know it sounds obvious, but it’s great that he can move, says Emily Kempf, Dehd singer and bassist from Chicago. I wake up every morning with a Sonos alarm clock and it plays for an hour while I keep a meditation journal and drink coffee. I also dance to club music alone in the kitchen and for the one week I was trying to exercise I used them to really get energized on the yoga mat. All in all, it’s just nice to have flawless sounding speakers in almost every room in my house.

“I love the Sonos Move,” agrees Nabil Ayers, 4AD US CEO, writer and Pitchfork contributor. It’s big, but that’s why it sounds good. You can switch it from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi, and when my wife and I lived with friends last year, we connected two Moves to create a stereo pair.

is it us or else

Sonos Roam

$169 at Sonos $170 at Best Buy

Sonos Move

$399 at Sonos $400 at Best Buy

IK Multimedia ILoud ($250)

Italian brand IK Multimedia positions iLoud as a portable Bluetooth speaker designed specifically for musicians, with a focus on powerful sound, precise sound resolution and deep bass. Peter Kirn, editor of the Berlin-based Create Digital Music magazine, is a fan. Those of us in music are used to having some power and real bass response. iLoud has both. This model doesn’t have that fancy look, but you get 40W of power, bass response, device jacks – even a guitar/instrument jack so you can practice with it. And it’s still portable and battery-powered, so you can take it to the park with you and even play your mix on it.

ILoud IR Multimedia

$250 at Guitar Center

Bose SoundLink Revolve II and Revolve + II ($199-300)

Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II ($300)

Bose is well known for its noise canceling headphones, but they’re also great for filling spaces with wireless audio. The Bose SoundLink Revolve has been one of the most stylish offerings on the market since its introduction a few years ago, with a sleek metal body and a cylindrical design that delivers true 360-degree sound. It has recently been upgraded to SoundLink Revolve II; The new model is splash and drop resistant and is said to offer 17 hours of battery life. I’ve been using the first generation model for a few years now and find it delivers particularly good sound outdoors, not indoors where the lows and mids can be a bit muddy. For maximum portability, you’ll need to pay for the Revolve+ II, which comes with a nifty little handle on top – though there’s a $100 price difference between the two devices, which might seem like a lot to shell out for a handle. Additional charging stand for 29dollars gives your speaker a stable place to rest when she’s not on an adventure.

For a much smaller footprint, there’s also the SoundLink Mini II, a neat little speaker not much bigger than your phone. Or, if you really want the freedom to move, choose the SoundLink Micro, an IPX7 waterproof ultra-portable speaker that comes with a durable strap that lets you attach it to your backpack or hang it from your handlebars.

Bose SoundLink Revolve II

$200 at Target $199 at Amazon

Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II

$300 at Target $299 at Amazon

IKEA Enebi and Enebi Portable ($25-89)

IKEA Enebi Portable ($25)

B IKEA has been making headlines in recent years thanks to some pretty high-profile audio collaborations. The Swedish furniture retailer has teamed up with iconic synthesizer maker Teenage Engineering on FREQUENCY, to a hacked modular mobile sound and light system that is sadly no longer available, and with Sonos on SYMFONISK, a line of Bluetooth speakers. But IKEA’s audio efforts don’t stop there. While Eneby’s model was designed as a bookshelf speaker, the 12’x12′ Version fits perfectly on a Kallax record shelf – the 8’x8′ version comes with a handle and can be fitted with an optional battery that allows you to take it anywhere. An even more portable option is the 6×3′ Eneby, an ultra-portable model powered by AAA batteries. Use the plug-in cork slot – a striking design – to prop it up, or thread a cord through the center hole to attach it to your backpack.

IKEA Enebi

$89 at IKEA

IKEA Eneby Portable

$25 at IKEA

Bang & Olufsen ($250-500)

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 ($250)

9000 2 Portable speakers Danish manufacturer Bang & Olufsen designed for podiums are proof that good sound and good looks go hand in hand. The diamond-shaped Beosound A1 practically fits in the palm of your hand, which is very convenient because its mother-of-pearl aluminum body and leather carrying strap just make you want to touch it. Its appearance could be improved, but the Beosound A1 is IP67 dust and water resistant, and the Alexa-enabled device is equipped with Bluetooth 5.1, which requires an 800-foot range. And, despite its small size, it accommodates two 30-watt amplifiers, providing up to 92 decibels and much deeper bass than you think. For more sound and an even more luxurious look, there’s the Beolit ​​20, which looks a bit like the drink fridge you’d expect to see on Jay and Bey’s yacht. Equally at home indoors and outdoors, the Beolith 20 is equipped with two 35W amplifiers, four speakers and two passive bass radiators to create a 360-degree sound stage. Two devices can be paired in stereo for the ultimate surround sound experience, and the smooth, flat surface is a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad – think of it as a helipad for your phone.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1

$250 at Amazon $250 at Best Buy

Bang & Olufsen Beolit ​​20

$500 at Amazon

Wifa ($149-$499) / Quiet Waterproof Radio ($60) / Mori Mori LED Light ($110)

Wifa Helsinki ($399)

For design aficionados, there are plenty of portable Bluetooth speakers that are just as fun to look at as they are to listen to. The Danish company Vifa produces attractive speakers (albeit with attractive price tags) that are the subject of conversation. In Helsinki, which looks like a wallet, is covered in fabric woven by Danish textile designer Kvadrat and fitted with a leather strap from Swedish leather manufacturer Tärnsjö Garveri. In Oslo, a semi-portable version of Copenhagen’s flagship speaker made from die-cast aluminum and Kvadrat textile comes with its own travel bag. The humble Reykjavik takes the form of a cloth-covered or anodized aluminum disc that hangs from a leather strap; Despite its size, it is equipped with three drivers and 360-degree sound and can be connected in stereo pairs. The smallest and cheapest of the Vifa speakers is the Vifa City, a stylish waterproof mini speaker whose nylon cord is perfect for the loops on the handles of your favorite purse.

The splash-proof features of Lexon’s Tykho 3 radio and Bluetooth speaker mean many people can leave it in the bathroom where few will see it. But make no mistake, the rubberized block is pleasing to the eye. Its design is a tribute to the French firm’s famous waterproof radio: it was designed in 1997 by Marc Berthier and graced the cover of TIME magazine’s Design Revival issue of 2000, and today it is also part of the MOMA collection. Tykho 3 can play continuously for 20 hours, supports Bluetooth audio and analog radio, and is available in a variety of colors including duck blue, khaki, mastic and dark grey.

Japanese firm Mori Mori’s LED speaker lantern looks even further back in time: its characteristic shape can easily be mistaken for a hurricane lantern from the early 20th century. Suffice it to say that your grandparents’ kerosene lantern never could: Mori Mori’s lamp features a dimmable LED and 360-degree sound. This is hardly the highest quality offer on the market. But if you’re looking for something to take with you on your next hike, Speaker Mori Mori certainly blends in with the environment.

Wifa Helsinki

$350 at Amazon $400 at Best Buy

Wifa Oslo

$499 at Amazon $499 at Best Buy

Wifa Reykjavik

$199 at Target $199 at Amazon ke

Wifa City

USD 149 per Amazon

Quiet Waterproof Radio

$60 at Amazon

Mori Mori LED Light

$110 at MoMA Design Store

Comiso Portable Waterproof Speaker ($40) / MobileSpec MBS14102 ($40) / Rokono BASS+G10 ($23) )

MobileSpec MBS14102 ($40)

Bluetooth speakers don’t have to make a lot of money. For those on a budget, you can find quite acceptable devices for less than $100. For backyard dinners in the city, I use the Comiso Portable Waterproof Speaker, says flower designer Nicole Rossi, owner of Philadelphia’s Texture Florala. It holds a charge long enough and is loud enough to keep up with the street noise of the city.

Britt Brown, head of label Not Not Fun and 100% Silk in California, $40 MobileSpec MBS14102 at a random truck stop in Utah. He says: “He makes these amazing budget lighting models and lasts about a week on a single charge.” And my girlfriend’s dad gave me this Rokono BASS+ speaker that sounds pretty solid and fits in a small pocket, so I take it with me on a dune hike and see how far I can stream Bandcamp in the desert.

Cosimo Portable Waterproof Speaker

$40 at Amazon

MobileSpec MBS14102

$40 at Amazon

Rokono BASS+G10

$23 at Amazon

TOP 5 waterproof portable speakers | Price catalog E-Catalog

Price

Manufacturers

• 2E
• Bang & Olufsen
• Borofone
• Defender
• Divoom
• Hoco
• Hopestar
• Marshall
• Remax
• Sony
• Soundcore
• Tronsmart
• Xiaomi 90 193

Brand rating

All brands Main brands

Body color

• 9

90 191

• 9 0193

Sources and media

• Bluetooth
• Aux 3. 5 mm
• USB port

9019 1 card reader

• FM receiver

Functions and features

• waterproof
• waterproof
• construction radios
• speakerphone
• Bluetooth v 4
• Bluetooth 5.0
• Bluetooth 5.1
• Bluetooth 5.2
• Bluetooth 5.3
• aptX support
• AAC support
• 9019 2 NFC chip
• speaker sync
• bass reflex
• passive radiator
• power bank mode
• wireless gadget charging
• light effects
• vibrating speaker

Acoustics

• mono
• stereo
• 2.1

Rated power

9019 1 ≤ 5 W
• 6 – 10 W
• 11 – 20 W
• 21 – 40 W
• > 40 W

Sensitivity

• ≤ 75 dB
• 76 – 80 dB
• 90 192 81 – 85 dB
• 86 – 90 dB
• > 90 dB

Minimum frequency

• ≤ 40 Hz
• 41 – 60 Hz
• 61 – 80 Hz 901 93
• 81 – 100 Hz
• > 100 Hz

Maximum frequency

• 18 kHz
• 20 kHz
• > 20 kHz 017
  • ≤ 1500 mAh
  • 1501 – 2500 mAh
  • 2501 – 5000 mAh
  • > 5000 mAh

  Operating time

  • ≤ 5 h 9019 3
  • 6-8 hours
  • 9-12 hours
  • > 12 hours

  Weight

  • ≤ 200 g
  • 201 – 400 g
  • 401 – 600 g
  • 601 – 800 g
  • 801 – 1000 g
  • > 1 kg

  Extra

  • watch
  • alarm clock
  • flashlight
  • carabiner
  • suction cup

  9019 1 handle / strap

  • bike mount
  • LCD display
  • remote control
  • fancy design
  • battery operated

  connectors

  • for headphones (miniJack 3.