The best waterproof speakers for all budgets: top outdoor speakers, all tested by our experts

JBL Xtreme 5 and Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 on a blue gradient background
(Image credit: Future)

The best waterproof speakers in this guide have all been tested by the TechRadar team for real-world toughness, sound quality, and resistance to the elements. We’ve spent more years than we’d care to admit reviewing the best Bluetooth speakers, and our focus here is on how they perform outside the lab. Can they handle water, dust, and the rough-and-tumble of outdoor use while still sounding great?

Every speaker we’ve included has at least an IPX7 water-resistance rating. That means it can survive being fully submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. You’ll also see some models with IP67 or IP68 ratings too. The first digit adds dust protection and the second digit tells you how waterproof it is. For example, IPX8 takes things further than IPX7, protecting against deeper or longer submersion. Many speakers are IPX4 rated, which means they're okay against splashes – that's not good enough for us.

So which are the best waterproof speakers we recommend now, above all else? The JBL Xtreme 5 is our current best overall choice, packing clear and booming audio that more than justifies its price tag. And for buyers on a budget, the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 is a compact but powerful waterproof speaker available at a tidy price point.

Curated by
Senior audio staff writer Becky Scarrott, in a field
Curated by
Becky Scarrott

I've reviewed over 150 audio products since becoming a tech journalist, ranging from cheap Bluetooth speakers to high-end Hi-Res Audio music players. Before joining TechRadar, I spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing everything the world of audio had to offer; before that, I was a professional dancer. My love of listening to music everywhere ties it all together, and goes into the choices in this guide.

Recent updates

July 1, 2026
We've refreshed the introduction to this guide, and replaced the header image to reflect new products added. The JBL Xtreme 5 takes the 'best overall' spot in the guide over the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4, while the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 replaces its direct predecessor in the 'best budget' category. The Majority Move M4 has also been added to our 'also tested' section.

The best waterproof speakers

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The best waterproof speaker overall

The best waterproof speaker overall

Specifications

Weight: 6.4lbs
Battery life: 24 hours (28 hours via PlayTime Boost)
Wireless range: Not specified
Drivers: 1 x 90W woofer, 2 x 20W tweeters (AC power mode)
USB charging: Yes (USB-C)
Waterproof rating: IP68

Reasons to buy

+
Amazing audio with exceptional bass output
+
Impressive clarity and detail, especially using USB-C
+
Phenomenally sturdy and waterproof
+
Great value in spite of fairly high price

Reasons to avoid

-
Bulkier than its predecessor
-
No mic for hands-free calls
-
Battery life isn’t class-leading
BUY IT IF

You often visit the beach or pool: With its IP68 rating, the JBL Xtreme 5 shrugs off water and dust so you don’t have to worry about pool splashes, rain, or sandy environments.

You love big sound: With up to 130W of output power, the Xtreme 5 fills large spaces and easily handles outdoor events without struggling for volume or presence.

DON'T BUY IT IF

Light weight is a priority: While the Xtreme 5 is portable, its size and weight make it less convenient to toss in a small bag or backpack compared to ultra-portable models like the Sonos Play.

You're on a budget: At $399.95 / £329.99, the JBL Xtreme 5 is a pretty expensive bit of kit by waterproof speaker standards. While you're paying for absolute quality, it's certainly not a budget-friendly device.

The JBL Xtreme 5 handily takes our best overall waterproof speaker slot, but don't just take my word for it. Our reviewer, TechRadar's own Harry Padoan, named it "one of the best Bluetooth speakers I've ever tested," attesting to its thunderous bass and incredibly sturdy build quality.

It's certainly on the sharp end of the budget spectrum, and you'll be thankful for its durable IP68 rating given the price tag might just make your eyes water. But those who can stump up the cash will find a near-immaculate waterproof speaker that impresses on so many levels.

In terms of sound, we were beyond impressed with the Xtreme 5's thumping bass profile, while retaining a crystal clear soundstage that makes it ideal for busy environments or outdoor use.

Price aside, the only real quibbles we have with the Xtreme 5 is its relative bulk, and decent-but-not-class-leading battery life. However, neither of these issues are dealbreakers for us in the slightest, and ultimately, the Xtreme 5 represents yet another feather in JBL's cap. If you're looking for utmost Bluetooth speaker quality, the JBL Xtreme 5 could be the only one you need for years to come.

Read our full JBL Xtreme 5 review

The best budget waterproof speaker

The best budget waterproof speaker

Specifications

Weight: 0.73 pounds
Battery life: 24 hours
Wireless range: Around 147ft
Frequency response: 70Hz-20kHz
Drivers: 48mm
NFC: Yes
Aux-in: No
USB charging: Yes, USB-C
Waterproof rating: IP68

Reasons to buy

+
Powerful, clear sound in a small package
+
Brilliant battery life
+
Sensational low price

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks the sonic nuance of some small-sized rivals
-
Noticeable compression at higher volumes
-
Not the prettiest speaker on the market
BUY IT IF

You want maximum portability: Clip it to your bag, strap it to your bike, or slip it into a roomy pocket. It's small enough to take anywhere and tough enough to keep playing.

You’re after peak value: At under $65, the Stormbox Micro 3 gives you a durable, long-lasting portable speaker for considerably less than most rivals.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You want an aux-in for wired listening: There’s no 3.5mm input here, just a USB-C port that doubles as a two-way charger, which is still handy for topping up your phone.

You see premium features as essential: The JBL Flip 7 offers more color choices and slightly better sound definition than the Tribit, so consider it if you want more customization.

The Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 is here, and replaces the preceding Micro 2 in this place in our best waterproof speakers guide. As this is the newer model, you'd expect there to be improvements over its predecessor. And improvements there certainly are.

You're getting a waterproofing rating of IP68 here, granting extremely high resistance to water, dust, as well as general wear and tear. Battery life has effectively doubled, too, with the Micro 3 offering around 24 hours (give or take, depending on volume) compared to the Micro 2's 12 or so.

As a budget model it does lack some of the sonic nuance of pricier rivals, but what's on offer here still packs a punch for a budget model. Expect booming, clear audio from this speaker despite its size. Just don't raise the volume too high, as you will start to notice some rather muddy compression at a certain level of loudness.

Ultimately, if you're after a surprisingly powerful speaker with great battery life, and handy features like a bespoke 'XBass' boost mode - and all at an aggressive price point - look no further than the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3.

Read our full Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 review

The best mid-range waterproof speaker

Great-for-the-price speaker with a punchy, detailed sound

Specifications

Weight: 560g
Battery life: Up to 16 hours
Wireless range: Not listed
Frequency response: 60hz-20khz
Drivers: 45 x 80mm mid/bass 'racetrack' driver, 16mm tweeter
NFC: No
Aux-in: No (USB-C audio passthrough)
USB charging: Yes
Waterproof rating: IP68

Reasons to buy

+
Punchy, detail and full-scale sound
+
Great battery life is part of a good feature-set
+
Hardy, tactile build quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Could charge more quickly
-
Doesn’t pair with previous Flips
BUY IT IF

You tend to be a bit rough with your gear: With its class-leading IP68 rating, the Flip 7 can handle almost anything you throw at it.

You like unusual colors: JBL is one of the best audio brands for offering a whole rainbow of shades.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You want to link it with older Flip models: The Flip 7 won't pair with the Flip 6 or other, older PartyBoost-enabled JBL speakers.

You want to get moving fast: Charging up the speaker from flat to full can take up to two and a half hours.

The latest version of JBL's popular Flip speaker is its best yet, with significant upgrades over the Flip 6 that came before it. The JBL Flip 7 delivers a lively and entertaining listen in a durable IP68-rated design. It’s an easy-to-recommend outdoor essential in our books. Especially if you’re shopping in the mid-range price bracket.

If you needed more proof this is the speaker for the pool, the beach and outdoor events, it'll last you a solid 14 hours on a single charge – our only gripe being that we wished it charged up a bit faster. Features-wise, there's everything you need here, including Auracast compatibility to send sound to lots of speakers at once, a good control app, and you can wire it to a music source via USB-C. You can also form a stereo pair with another Flip 7 – just be aware that earlier Flip models aren’t compatible for pairing.

Sound-wise, the Flip 7 is bold and dynamic. Expect punchy detail and room-filling audio that feels bigger than its compact size. We were impressed by its dynamic headroom and clarity, which easily outperforms other speakers in this price range. What we're saying is, this is a standout sonic performer for the money.

The JBL Flip 7 looks the same as previous Flips, with a cylindrical build. It has an IP68 rating, which is class-leading and makes it perfect for all sorts of scenarios. It's also even more portable with a detachable carry strap and carabiner. If you're bored of boring colors, you're in luck; JBL often makes colorful tech, and you'll have seven hues to choose from here.

With excellent battery life, rugged build, strong waterproofing, and vibrant sound at a reasonable price, the JBL Flip 7 is a no-brainer for most people.

Read the full JBL Flip 7 review

The best waterproof speaker for multi-room connectivity

The best waterproof speaker for multi-room connectivity

Specifications

Weight: 2.87 pounds/1.3kg
Battery life: 24 hours
Wireless range: 100+ feet
Frequency response: N/A
Drivers: 2x tweeters, 1x midwoofer, 2x passive bass radiators
NFC: Yes
Aux-in: No
USB charging: Yes (USB-C)
Waterproof rating: IP67

Reasons to buy

+
Powerful, well-rounded sound
+
Great connectivity and streaming support
+
Good battery life length
+
Great design overall, both aesthetically and ergonomically

Reasons to avoid

-
Can get better sound from cheaper non-portable speakers
-
Portable, but still somewhat chunky
-
App still needs some improvement
BUY IT IF

You want a sonically pleasing speaker for any environment: Well-balanced, room-filling audio allows the Sonos Play to shine for small social gatherings or energetic outdoor parties.

You want a speaker that's all about versatility: A multi-room speaker in one moment, and a sturdy outdoors option in the next, the Sonos Play excels with robust connectivity options and a durable IP67 rating.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You need something lighter: The Sonos Play is a good deal chunkier (and heavier) than models like the Sonos Roam 2. Consider something else if you want less heft.

You want high fidelity audio: The Sonos Play sounds great, but it won't deliver audio quality on the level of dedicated home speakers.

The Sonos Play is in many ways an upgrade over a previous stalwart of this guide: the Sonos Roam 2. While the latter certainly wins out on portability (it's much lighter and takes up less real estate) there are several reasons why you might want to consider the brand's newer release instead.

One of the biggest upgrades here is battery life. You'll get around 24 hours from the Sonos Play, more than double the Roam 2's approximate 10 hours. That's more than enough to have the Play going throughout the day for casual home use, before cranking up the volume for indoor or outdoor gatherings as the evening arrives.

If you're already in the Sonos ecosystem, you'll be pleased to know that multi-room connectivity remains a feature with the Sonos Play. As ever, it supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless options, and the continued inclusion of voice assistant compatibility (e.g. Alexa and Google Assistant) make this a seriously versatile speaker.

Like the Roam 2, the Sonos Play bears an IP67 waterproof rating, making it a world-class option for outdoor listening. It'll be right at home next to a pool or at a beach or campsite as a result.

Of course, very little of that would matter if the Sonos Play didn't deliver great sound, and the brand has delivered here again. Overall sound quality is comparable to the Roam 2, but you can expect more refined audio here across the soundstage. Sure, you won't get truly high-fidelity audio offered by dedicated home speakers, but for its aggressive price point and portable purposes, the Sonos Play is seriously hard to beat.

Read our full Sonos Play review

Check out our Sonos discount codes for our latest deals and savings.

The best waterproof speaker for sound

The best small waterproof speaker for audiophiles

Specifications

Weight: 1.27lb / 576g
Battery life: 24 hours
Wireless range: Not specified
Frequency response: 54Hz - 20kHz
Connectivity : Bluetooth
Drivers: N/A
NFC: No
Aux-in: No
USB charging: USB-C
Waterproof rating: IP67

Reasons to buy

+
Spacious, punchy, nicely controlled sound
+
The look and feel of a premium item
+
Great control app

Reasons to avoid

-
Bigger speakers provide more power
-
Will not support Auracast
-
It's expensive
BUY IT IF

You like luxury things: This speaker is a Bang & Olufsen product through and through with an impeccably premium look and feel.

You prefer more sustainable designs: As well as being built to a high standard, some elements of the speaker are modular and can be repaired of replaced.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You want a booming outdoors experience: There's a degree of grunt, but it’s not the boldest-sounding speaker around.

You're considering cheaper competition: Made from only the best lavish materials, it's a premium product with a premium price tag. If that's not a priority, you can find more affordable picks.

The third-generation A1 is the best version yet of Bang & Olufsen’s already-excellent waterproof speaker. True to form, this is a premium product through and through in terms of design, craftsmanship, audio performance, and yes, price tag. You’re getting the works here, including multi-point Bluetooth, aptX Adaptive support, 60W peak power, IP67 protection, and a USB-C port that handles both charging and data.

But what earns it a spot on this list is the sound. For such a compact speaker, the audio quality is seriously impressive. Bass is punchy and controlled, the full frequency range is cohesive and balanced, and there’s genuine clarity in the detail – something we can’t always say for portable waterproof speakers. You can push the volume up without distortion, and everything stays tight and defined.

That said, this isn’t a speaker for filling large spaces. It’s articulate and open, but small in scale. That’s because, well, it is small. But if you're after the best waterproof sound in a device this size, this is the one to beat.

At 46x133 133mm and 576g, it walks the line between portable and premium. It feels solid in the hand but never bulky. The IP67 rating means it’s completely dust-tight and can survive being submerged in up to 1m of water for 30 minutes. You’re safe by the pool, at the beach, or in a sudden downpour.

Aesthetically, it’s as polished as you’d expect from B&O, with a sleek finish and distinctive color options. There’s a subtle design win here too. The A1 is partly modular, meaning the battery can be replaced (by B&O, not yourself), which is rare in this category, and it adds long-term value to what’s already a significant investment.

No, it’s not cheap. But if you want a waterproof speaker that sounds fantastic, looks effortlessly stylish, and is built to last, this is the high-end pick worth splashing out on.

Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) review

The best waterproof speaker for parties

The best waterproof speaker for room-filling sound

Specifications

Weight: 13lbs / 5.89kg
Battery life: 28 hours
Wireless range: Not specified
Frequency response: 37 - 20KHz
Connectivity : Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C (lossless)
Drivers: 2 x 65W RMS Woofer, 2 x 40W RMS Tweeter (on battery power) / 2 x 60W RMS Woofer, 2 x 40W RMS Tweeter (on AC power)
NFC: No
Aux-in: No
USB charging: USB-C
Waterproof rating: IP68

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent battery life with replaceable battery
+
Punchy, powerful sound that doesn’t skimp on detail
+
Durable, stylish design with great color options
+
Stellar companion app

Reasons to avoid

-
Prone to distortion with certain tracks
-
Pricey when not on sale
BUY IT IF

You want a truly high-end party speaker: With booming bass and high-res audio support via USB-C, the JBL Boombox 4 is a real crowd-pleaser.

You're not planning to replace it anytime soon: Bluetooth 5.4 and Auracast - not to mention a user replaceable battery - make the Boombox 4 a speaker that's built to last you years.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You need something lightweight: At almost 6kg, the Boombox 4 is a big lad. Those after a more casual bit of kit may want to check elsewhere.

You're on a tight budget: While it can frequently be found on sale for a good chunk less than retail price, this is still a pretty expensive party speaker.

For now, the JBL Boombox 4 is the last word in waterproof speakers best-suited for parties. Two booming bass boost modes, fulsome room-filling sound, high-res audio support via USB-C, and excellent battery life all serve to make this capable speaker the life of the party.

On sound, the Boombox 4 impresses most with its ground-shaking bass. Fans of rock, pop, metal, and EDM will be incredibly well-served here. And while it can start to distort and sound a little tinny above 70% volume, anything below that threshold is still loud and clear enough for even busy outdoor parties or trips to the beach.

The Boombox 4 excels in outdoor environments thanks to an IP67 rating, staunchly protecting the device from dust, sand, and hefty splashes of water. It's definitely chunky, coming in at 13lbs / 5.89kg. However, this is mercifully much lighter than the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2's (our previous sitter in this category) 19.2lbs (8.7kg).

Battery life impresses, too. At around 28 hours, it does fall slightly short of the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2's 30 or so, but you're still getting more than enough for a mix of home and outdoor use throughout the day, depending on your own preferences.

It's definitely not the cheapest party speaker on the market, nor the slimmest, so if you're after something more wallet and space-friendly, you might want to look elsewhere. That said, it can regularly be found on sale for around $100 / £100 less than retail price, and it's easy to imagine the Boombox 4 dropping further during big sales events this year.

Read our full JBL Boombox 4 review

Meet the team

TechRadar's team of audio tech reviewers has years of experience putting the best speakers to the test. We've spent time with hundreds of speakers over the years, so we know what to look for and the right combination of sound, durability, waterproof rating and added features that make an excellent choice.

Senior audio staff writer Becky Scarrott, in a field
Becky Scarrott

Becky Scarrott is TechRadar's Audio Editor, overseeing all things audio and hi-fi. She joined the TechRadar audio team in 2022 as a Senior Staff Writer. Before that, she worked for more than three years at What Hi-Fi? testing all of the latest audio tech gear, from affordable earbuds to high-end sound systems. Becky also has an MA in journalism.

Matthew Bolton headshot against grey background
Matt Bolton

Matt Bolton is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Entertainment. This means he’s in charge of the site’s movie and TV show coverage, as well as televisions, soundbars, headphones and speakers. Matt has more than a decade of experience in tech journalism before joining TechRadar. He was the editor of T3 magazine and has written for a range of different publications, including MacLife, PC Gamer, Digital Camera World, Edge, PC Plus, MacFormat and many more.

simon lucas
Simon Lucas

Simon Lucas has been writing about tech for nearly 20 years as a freelance journalist. He has written about all sorts of tech with a particular focus on the audio and video tech that makes up your home entertainment system. Simon was editor of What Hi-Fi? magazine and whathifi.com. You'll also find his byline in Wired, Metro, the Guardian, HiFi+, GQ and more.

Jennifer Allen
Jen Allen

Jen is a freelance technology journalist with more than 10 years experience covering all aspects of the industry with a particular focus on smart technology, wearables, speakers and headphones. You can find her work in T3, FitandWell, Top Ten Reviews, Eurogamer, NME, Lifewire, Mashable, and many more.

Harry Padoan headshot
Harry Padoan

Harry is a Reviews Staff Writer for TechRadar. Over the years he has reviewed all sorts of tech, covering everything from fun and boomy party speakers to the best super portable battery packs. He has a particular interest in audio tech and gaming. Before joining the team Harry worked as a journalist covering innovation and sustainability.

Chris Rowlands

Chris Rowlands was previously the News Editor at Stuff. He now works as freelancer for TechRadar reviewing a range of different devices with a focus on cameras, audio tech and drones.

Profile picture for Thomas Deehan
Thomas Deehan

Thomas started his career in the film and TV industries before spending seven years testing the latest tech over at Trusted Reviews. Now he's a freelance writer covering smartwatches, audio tech, games and everything in-between.

Carrie Marshall
Carrie Marshall

Carrie is a freelance contributor to TechRadar as well as a writer, broadcaster, musician and gadget lover. She focuses on kitchen and audio tech and has written more than 20 books.

How to choose the best waterproof speaker

Waterproof rating 101: The first thing you need to know is that the best outdoor waterproof speakers can protect the internal circuitry and drivers nestling inside your speaker from splashes, rain and water-based wear such as being dropped in puddles or pools.

Demystifying waterproof ratings: But not all waterproof ratings are equal, and it's vital that you get something that is at least IPX7 rated. Seen an IP67 speaker? Good, that means that in addition to waterproofing, the speaker has also been tested against sand and dust ingress — the 'X' in IPX7 just means the model hasn't been tested for this. Planning to hang out at the beach a lot? Look for IP67. The '7' here signifies that the speaker can be submerged in a body of water up to 1m deep for up to half an hour, but you can now get IP68 speakers too, which can sink a little lower, to a maximum depth of 1.5m underwater for up to thirty minutes and still live to tell the tale.

A robust design: As you'd expect, waterproof Bluetooth speakers such as these are also designed to be incredibly robust, rugged, and resistant to wear and tear, so you don't have to worry about them toppling off your camping table or sun lounger and into the drink.

The whole package: We've tested more than our share of waterproof speakers and we know what makes one a better choice than another. To help you choose the best one for you, we've gathered together the best of the best based on the factors above as well as sound quality, price, design, connectivity, and feature set. Behold! Our top picks of the best waterproof speakers, along with our price comparison tool for the best Bluetooth speaker deals.

Other options: If portability and waterproofing aren't your top priorities and you need excellent sound that never leaves your living room, take a look at our best party speakers guide or best wireless speakers roundup. Prefer a more intimate device to soundtrack your swims? Take a look at our best bone conduction headphones and our best waterproof headphones roundups. Otherwise, read on for our selection of the best waterproof speakers you can buy today.

Can you put an indoor speaker outside?

It's possible, depending on the type of power output. A wireless speaker can be put anywhere, providing it's near enough to its source device – smartphone, computer, or otherwise. Keep in mind indoor speakers won't usually be waterproof, though. So it's always best to get one built for the outdoors to be safe.

What's a good wattage for outdoor speakers?

5W might be suitable for a quiet picnic, but you'll want more for a bustling BBQ or party out of doors. For comparison, most smart TVs come with maximum 10W speakers.

How many outdoor speakers do I need?

This depends on the volume of the device and where you're putting it. For covering various spots around a garden or yard, you may want several. If you do need more than one speaker, look for models that support stereo pairing for a convincing soundstage.

What's the difference between waterproof and water-resistant speakers?

While waterproof and water-resistant aren't synonymous, they roughly translate to 'water won't ruin it'.

When hunting for the best waterproof speaker for the great outdoors, look for its IP rating. This is how water resistance gadgets are categorized. You'll see that IP mark, followed by two numbers – IP67 is one of the most common, and means the speaker can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. This is the one you want and means it's a great option for waterproofing and one of the best outdoor speakers your money can buy.

Waterproof is the better of the two, as it usually carries an IP67 rating that means it can withstand to float in around a meter of water for a half-hour before it bites the dust.

Water-resistant, on the other hand, means it could survive a splash or two, but it's not the kind of thing you'd just want to casually throw in the pool.

Of course waterproofing isn't the only thing we looked for when picking out this list of the best outdoor speakers. We also considered factors such as sound quality, price and feature set, all of which helped establish a set of criteria that we could measure all speakers against. What you see above is the result of that effort – our definitive list of the best waterproof speakers.

Other waterproof speakers we've tested

We test and review dozens of the best waterproof speakers every year - too many to formally include in this list. Below, you'll find an alphabetical list of other notable speakers we've tested, as well as ones that used to be featured in this very guide.


Bluesound Pulse Flex
Refreshingly clear mids and a great portable build, this otherwise capable speaker is let down by weak bass and a relative lack of EQ settings. It's still worth a look-in, and we recommend checking out the full Bluesound Pulse Flex review.

Bose SoundLink Micro Gen 2
An affordable, compact portable speaker. It's a capable performer in terms of audio, but its pint-sized build does mean you should expect some compromises here. Read our Bose SoundLink Micro Gen 2 review for more information.

Edifier ES60
An eye-catching speaker in the design department and some great bass to back up its retro looks. It's let down by an overall pretty flat sound and battery life really isn't the best. You can read our full Edifier ES60 review for more info.

Marshall Bromley 450
A luxurious speaker with incredible guitar amp-like design and booming sound. However, its hefty size and weight and lower waterproofing rating means it doesn't quite make the cut in this list. Still, you must see this one to believe it, and you can do so in our full Marshall Bromley 450 review.

Marshall Middleton II
Awesome sound paired with that classic Marshall look, it's still just a touch too pricey for what you're getting. Read our full Marshall Middleton II review to see if it tickles your fancy, though.

Majority Move M4
This waterproof speaker takes notes from JBL in terms of design, but misses what makes many of that brand's products so special. Audio is compressed and tinny at best, and it's a bit too bulky for portable use. If you're still curious, you can check out our full Majority Move M4 review for all the details.

Sonos Roam 2
This speaker previously sat in our 'best multi-room' category, and it's still very much worth considering with robust connectivity options, and sound that's just about on par with the newer Sonos Play. It's also lighter and smaller, so if that's something you're after, be sure to give our Sonos Roam 2 review a look.

Tribit PocketGo
An ultra-cheap option with great battery life and a high IP68 waterproof rating, this portable speaker unfortunately doesn't show up to the party with pretty basic audio output. It's definitely worth reading our Tribit PocketGo review, though, if you're after something cheap and simple.

Tribit Stormbox Blast 2
An incredible party-focused speaker that previously sat in the relevant category in this guide. It's a bit of a beast, but you can expect incredible bass, great aesthetics, and some top-tier battery life. Check out our Tribit Strombox Blast 2 review if you're after something for parties or outdoor trips.

How we test the best waterproof speakers

We test countless portable waterproof speakers every year at TechRadar, and that means we know exactly which features, IP ratings and specs to look out for.

Checking the specs: It's important for us to compare the performance of these speakers against the specs claimed by their manufacturers, which is why we take the time to make sure the stamina, durability and connectivity claims are legit. We don't like doing it, but yes, we do submerge review samples in water when testing those waterproofing claims — because surviving a dunk in the pool is not the same as thriving, and you'll probably want to carry on using it directly after the mishap.

Rigorous testing: We make sure to test each waterproof speaker in a range of environments and against its chief competitors too, so you can be sure that the product will work just as well in the great outdoors as it does in your home. We live with these speakers in our homes to make sure that their performances are consistent, and we don't finalize our testing until we are certain of the sound quality.

In-depth audio evaluation: In order to test the audio performance, we play a range of musical genres streamed from different sources – this helps us to get a sense of how the speakers handles hardcore bass, delicate treble and everything in between. We'll try it with different levels of streaming quality to see if that affects things, and we'll try spoken audio, such as podcasts.

Honest reviews: After more years in this game than we'd care to admit, we are truly confident that our star-rated reviews are the best indication of the quality of the waterproof speakers in this list. There are no sales teams involved in our verdicts, which means if we don't like it for sound, design, usability and features, we simply won't recommend it here.

Latest updates to the best waterproof speakers

April 14, 2026
Added two new products to the guide. The JBL Boombox 4 and Sonos Play have replaced the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2 and Sonos Roam 2 in their respective categories. Furthermore, we've added an 'also tested' section for speakers that are still worth recommending, but haven't quite made the cut for a main entry.

December 5, 2025
Checked all products against our latest reviews, and simplified the list with fewer products.

August 22, 2025
Refreshed the introduction. Added 'buy it if/don't buy it if' boxes under each entry, so readers can have a quick look at how each entry would suit them. Tweaked the Bose SoundLink Max entry to mention the Bose SoundLink Plus as another option. Added several recently-released models to the 'also consider' section. Updated the 'meet the team' section to include new members to the review team.

Becky Scarrott
Audio Editor

Becky became Audio Editor at TechRadar in 2024, but joined the team in 2022 as Senior Staff Writer, focusing on all things hi-fi. Before this, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.