Tried and tested: The best waterproof Bluetooth speakers of 2024

This Bose Soundlink Max is a solidly built high-performance speaker that carries an IP67 rating, making it both dustproof and waterproof. It features Bluetooth 5.3 for stable connectivity and two-way USB-C charging, doubling as a power bank. With up to 20 hours of battery life and excellent sound quality thanks to its well-tuned speakers, it delivers a powerful and balanced audio experience.

It also has convenient controls on the top and an intuitive app for equalization and battery monitoring. However, the speaker takes around five hours to fully charge, which can be a drawback for some users. Despite this, we think the Bose Soundlink Max remains a top contender for those seeking a durable, high-quality portable speaker with a seriously good soundstage and musical range.

In his review of the Bose Soundlink Max, tech writer Chris Duffill found that it exceeded all expectations, even for a Bose product: "The Soundlink Max's speakers are perfectly tuned for a wide and precise soundstage with more bass than the average mini hi-fi. Battery life is typically well over 15 hours, and even the harsh edges of compressed internet radio stations were pleasingly softened by the Bose.

"My waterproof testing ranged from spraying it with a garden hose (and the good old British weather) to sitting it on top of cutlery in a full kitchen sink. Most importantly, it still sounds amazing, with more power and range than its looks give it credit for."

The Tribit XSound Go features two 8W drivers for 16W of total output and a reliable Bluetooth connection. Its IPX7 waterproof rating ensures it can withstand being submerged, making it perfect for outdoor and shower use. The speaker also boasts a 24-hour battery life with a four-hour charge time, and a 3.5mm aux-in port for versatile connectivity. However, one minor downside is that the black buttons can be difficult to see in low-light conditions.

As a budget-friendly choice under £50, the Tribit XSound Go delivers exceptional sound quality with a strong bass response, exceeding expectations for its size. The sound remains clear even at high volumes, making it a standout option for those seeking an affordable yet high-performing waterproof speaker.

Chris Duffill, really put this speaker through its paces in his review of the Tribit XSound Go, and said "Despite its compact size, I found the Tribit XSound Go to be durable and resilient, surviving various drops and even being dunked in a cup of tea during testing.

"Its rubberized exterior, while prone to fingerprints, adds to its sturdiness. Overall, it's a highly recommended budget option for those needing a reliable Bluetooth speaker that sounds much better than most."

The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus boasts an IPX7 rating making it ideal for outdoor use, its powerful 140W output ensures deep, impactful bass – suitable for genres like drum and bass, techno, and deep house. The BassUp feature enhances bass performance further, delivering a rich sound experience.

This speaker excels in various environments, from busy beaches to quiet backyards, and includes user-friendly features like Dynamic Lighting and PartyCast 2.0. A notable downside is the lack of a battery life indicator, which can be inconvenient for users. That said, the Boom 2 Plus is a formidable outdoor Bluetooth speaker offering superior sound quality and versatile functionality. Its sleek design, combined with high durability and impressive bass capabilities make it a top choice for music enthusiasts.

Jack Barrell couldn't wait to test out the bass in his Soundcore Boom 2 Plus review, and it didn't disappoint: "The Boom 2 Plus is able to take everything an audiophile would love about the Boom 2, and bump it up a weight class or two. In terms of sound capabilities, it can deliver the most impactful bass while still nailing the subtle nuances, it can just do it a heck of a lot louder. This speaker can be an all-out boombox one minute, and a gentle giant the next at the switch of a song.

"Looks can be deceiving, but not in the case of the Boom 2 Plus. It looks like serious business, and it means it. An outdoor Bluetooth speaker at its foundation, but wholly capable of being so much more."

The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 delivers exceptional bass and can even pair with other units for stereo or party modes, maintaining high sound quality. With an IP67 rating, it can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, making it suitable for outdoor and shower use. Additionally, it functions as a power bank, enhancing its portability and utility.

Despite its strengths, one con is that the speaker's top-end sound quality isn't as strong as its bass, sometimes causing crackling at high volumes. Adjustments via the Tribit app can help mitigate this issue, though. All in all, with 10W of power and a nicely compact form factor, we think this is a highly practical speaker that will travel exceptionally well.

Tech writer Olivia Sheed found that this speaker is packing more than just great sound in her review of the Tribit StormBox Micro 2: "Overall, it's a tiny speaker with a lot to say. The impossibly small Tribit StormBox Mini 2 packs the punch of a speaker twice its size, without breaking the bank. Though the bass is exceptional, it reveals the issues with the top end. Keep this in mind, but with the handy strap and power bank feature, this on-the-go speaker is suited to any environment."

Featuring 360-degree sound and powerful audio output, the Ultimate Ears Everboom is waterproof, dust-proof, and floatable – making it ideal for adventures. The speaker includes two 2.23 x 2.21-inch full-range transducers and two passive radiators and boasts a 20-hour battery life. Extra functions include a megaphone mode for parties and gatherings and an alarm.

Its compact, easy-to-carry design includes a carabiner for convenience, while its IP67 rating ensures durability in various conditions. The Everboom supports quick charging via USB-C and is controlled via the UE Boom app, which includes an 'outdoor boost' feature to enhance sound quality in open-air environments. However, the speaker has a notable con: some residual noise is heard post-pause, which might be a minor annoyance for some users. Despite this, its combination of immersive sound, portability, and durability makes it a strong contender in the portable speaker market.

When David Ker decided to do a full review of Ultimate Ears Everboom, he found that it was both powerful and resilient: "Rugged, portable, quick to charge and easy to use, there's a lot to be said for the Everboom. I appreciated the balanced and exciting sound (reservations about residual noise aside) and found the improved Boom app to be an invaluable tool. The megaphone mode is a particularly fun touch, while an alarm function for waking up to your favourite tunes is welcome. Its oval design is partly informed by the 360-degree sound, a feature which is a real asset."

The Tribit StormBox 2 is a compact, portable Bluetooth speaker featuring powerful sound with 34W output from dual drivers and passive radiators. Its waterproof rating of IPX7 means you can take this almost anywhere.

Perhaps its most impressive feat, though, is that it boasts an excellent battery life of up to 24 hours at moderate volume while offering the latest Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The design includes a hound-tooth fabric cover, user-friendly controls, and additional features like AUX input and USB-C charging. The speaker can be managed via the Tribit app, too, which includes EQ presets and the ability to pair multiple speakers using TWS mode.

One downside is that the StormBox 2 comes in only one colour and emphasises bass over vocal clarity, which may affect spoken word audio performance. However, its robust sound quality coupled with its long battery life and waterproof design make it a standout choice at its price point.

In his review of the Tribit StormBox 2, David Ker found a significant upgrade over Tribit's original StormBox: "For the money that you need to part with to own this Tribit gadget you're getting a lot in return. Powerful sound, durability, plenty of control using the app, long battery life, the latest Bluetooth, and the list goes on.

"If you want a portable speaker that packs a lot in at a low price, the Tribit StormBox 2 is more than worthy of your consideration."

Featuring a 5W output from a 1.75-inch driver and a 12-hour battery life, the JBL Tuner 2 supports Bluetooth 4.2 and AUX connections. Best of all, it's highly versatile thanks to both FM radio and Bluetooth. The speaker is also IPX7-rated, ensuring strong waterproofing for the beach, poolside and other outings.

Making for easy use, the JBL Tuner 2 also has five presets so you can find your favourite stations in a flash. We particularly like the large front-facing backlit LCD display that's very readable at a distance, too. That said, the design is a little fussy with more buttons on the top than the average speaker of this size. That aside, this will be a highly usable and practical choice for anyone looking for a portable Bluetooth and FM radio combo.

When Kyle Purves was reviewing the JBL Tuner 2, they initially found the addition of FM to the usual Bluetooth functionality a little odd but appreciated the flexibility it gives: "The build is great, being even lighter than you would expect, and the battery life and charging time make it a dependable travel and outdoor speaker. It's very easy to use and navigate through different frequencies. If you think you'll get good use out of the radio features, the Tuner 2 is worth your consideration."

Aesthetically, the Marshall Willen's retro-inspired design with a robust, rubber-coated exterior and signature grill and logo make it a stylish choice. Its compact size and lightweight build further enhance its portability without compromising on sound quality, delivering clear mids and highs with a decent bass punch for its size.

It really packs a punch with its 10W full-range driver and two passive radiators, too. Featuring Bluetooth 5.1, it ensures quick and seamless connectivity. But, its star technical features include up to 16 hours of battery life and an IP67 waterproof rating, making it ideal for outdoor use. The Willen also sports a brass joystick for easy volume and track control, and a helpful battery indicator.

However, the speaker does have a minor oddity to its otherwise flawless design: The back features seemingly random rubber lines and bumps that can detract from its otherwise refined appearance. Despite this, Marshall Willen stands out for its design and functionality, making it a suitable choice for those who value both aesthetics and performance.

Ryan Houghton got his hands on one of the most distinctive waterproof speakers of the year when he reviewed the Marshall Willen: "Vocals, mids and high tones on the Willen are truly phenomenal, with so much to offer for such a low price. I was pleasantly surprised by just how strong this speaker performed across music genres, which is important to me since my taste is quite eclectic.

"Well-designed with a robust, weighty feel, its signature grill and brass logo are ever-striking, the overall aesthetic is strong, and it's certainly a speaker that'll survive drops and falls, thanks to its rubber outer coating."

With impressive technical features for its compact size, the Soundcore Motion 100 offers excellent waterproofing with an IPX7 rating, making it ideal for taking out and about. Power-wise, it has two full-range drivers and a 20W audio output.

The Bluetooth 5.3 connection ensures reliable connectivity, and its 12-hour battery life supports extended use without frequent charging, too. But here's the real benefit of choosing this speaker to take on your travels: It weighs just 0.689 kg. That makes the Motion 100 one of the most lightweight and portable choices for travellers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Despite its small size, it delivers rich audio quality, making it a versatile option for various settings, from desk speakers to outdoor gatherings. However, the Motion 100’s bass performance falls short compared to other Anker Soundcore speakers. The bass boost feature can sometimes result in muddy audio, especially with bass-heavy music genres. Despite this, its affordability, portability, and overall sound quality make it a highly recommended budget Bluetooth speaker.

In the review of the Soundcore Motion 100 by our tech writer Kyle Purves, they found that it delivered much more punch than he was expecting from such a lightweight speaker: "The Motion 100 is well suited for just about anyone, but especially those who are looking for an affordable speaker that punches above its price tag.

"The audio quality is excellent and the bass boost feature is much appreciated, even if it doesn't always work well with every song. Whether you're a frequent traveller in need of a lightweight speaker or are looking for a budget-friendly speaker in the house, you can rely on this design."

With its tough fabric and rubber outer and IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, the JBL Go 3 is highly suitable for rugged outdoor use. Its compact design includes oversized, tactile controls and durable, rubberized grips that enhance stability on various surfaces.

The sound quality is impressive for its size, delivering well-rounded audio with decent bass, too.
The speaker's robust build includes a fabric-like finish that is both tough and washable. It's highly portable with a sturdy rope loop for easy attachment, although the loop's small size can limit attachment options. The battery life, while decent at five hours, might fall short for longer outdoor activities, though.

One notable downside is the placement of the charge indicator light, which can be obscured depending on how the speaker is positioned. Despite this minor inconvenience, the JBL Go 3 remains a strong contender for those seeking a durable and portable speaker for use on their adventures both in and out of the water.

In his review of the JBL Go 3 Bluetooth Speaker, Chris Duffill found that it was a worthy and robust addition to our full list of the best JBL speakers: "I love the oversized tactile controls, chunky logo and splashes of colour. This is a nice and weighty palm-sized unit sporting a fully waterproof and dust-proof exterior. The woven finish feels tough and nicely tactile too.

"I was honestly impressed with the volume and bass response of such a compact unit. Not to pretend it’ll compete with larger portables, but I do think that for a device measuring only 3.5 inches long, this thing is a step up from the majority of other compact budget Bluetooth speakers"