Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers (2026)

What are the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers in 2026?

Summary

How the field was judged. This comparison rests on six buying guides (RTINGS, Tom's Guide, What Hi-Fi?, TechRadar, SoundGuys and CNN Underscored), The Gadgeteer's summer roundup, which checks each rating against the maker's spec page and cross-references RTINGS and SoundGuys lab testing, and nine single-model reviews. SoundGuys and RTINGS measure battery life in their own tests; Tom's Guide, CNN Underscored and What Hi-Fi? put the speakers in water themselves. Every model below is a pick in at least one of those guides, or a model one of them tested and still recommends. [src1, src2, src3, src4, src5, src6, src9]

The all-rounders. The JBL Charge 6 is What Hi-Fi?'s best waterproof speaker overall and SoundGuys' best Bluetooth speaker overall, and CNN Underscored's upgrade pick: IP68, drop-proof from 1 m by JBL's certification, Auracast and a power bank for your phone [src4, src2, src6, src7]. Its smaller sibling, the JBL Flip 7, is CNN Underscored's best portable Bluetooth speaker, What Hi-Fi?'s best portable waterproof speaker and TechRadar's best mid-range one, with the same IP68 rating and drop certification in a body that weighs just over a pound [src6, src4, src9, src13].

Big speakers for the pool deck. RTINGS' best waterproof speaker is the JBL Boombox 4, which it says floats and lasts over 40 hours on a charge; TechRadar calls it the last word in waterproof speakers for parties [src1, src9]. TechRadar's best overall is the JBL Xtreme 5, which is also What Hi-Fi?'s premium pick and SoundGuys' party pick [src9, src4, src2]. Tom's Guide's best overall is the UE Epicboom, which Tom's Guide floated in a bath and RTINGS makes its mid-range pick [src3, src1].

Value and small speakers. The Soundcore Boom 2 is SoundGuys' value pick and floats; the Soundcore Select 4 Go is the cheap pick at both RTINGS and SoundGuys [src2, src10, src1, src12]. RTINGS' budget pick is the UE Wonderboom 4, a small 360-degree speaker that floats [src1]. What Hi-Fi?'s budget pick is the JBL Go 5, which replaced the Go 4 on its list in June [src4]. SoundGuys' travel pick is the JBL Clip 5 with its built-in carabiner [src2]. The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 was CNN Underscored's budget pick for a long time and is still worth its price there, though TechRadar has replaced it with the newer StormBox Micro 3 [src6, src9]. The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is Tom's Guide's most rugged pick, and the Beats Pill is CNN Underscored's runner-up for best Bluetooth speaker [src3, src6].

Top 13 Models Compared

Prices are from our latest US price check of the listing each button links to; "—" means we have no current recommended price for that listing; the live table at the top shows stock. The live table at the top of the page is updated daily. Ratings and measurements are the outlets' own; "not stated" means none of our sources says whether it floats.

Best for Each Use Case

Top Pick: JBL Charge 6 — Check price

What Hi-Fi? makes the Charge 6 its best waterproof speaker overall and gives it five stars: IP68, up from the Charge 5's IP67, an AI Sound Boost that tunes the output in real time, Auracast, 24-bit/96kHz lossless audio over USB-C, and 24 hours of battery plus four more with Playtime Boost [src4]. SoundGuys calls it the best Bluetooth speaker for most people because it balances sound quality, durability, portability and battery life better than the others it has tested [src2]. In its review, SoundGuys notes JBL's certification that it is drop-proof from 1 m onto concrete and submersible to 1.5 m for 30 minutes, and measured 13 hours 15 minutes at 80 dB against the 24-hour rating; there is no microphone for calls [src7]. CNN Underscored, which doused it in water, calls it "built like a tank ready to endure any weather conditions"; it weighs about 2 pounds and doubles as a power bank [src6]. It does not pair with older JBL speakers that use PartyBoost [src7].

Best Value: Soundcore Boom 2 — Check price

SoundGuys' best-value Bluetooth speaker: 80W of 2.1-channel sound with a built-in subwoofer, BassUP, lights on the passive radiators, a 9-band EQ in the Soundcore app and a USB-A port to top up your phone, at an MSRP SoundGuys lists as $129.99 [src2]. In SoundGuys' review it ran 27 hours 8 minutes at the settings Anker rates for 24 hours, and "It'll float!" [src11]. TechRadar's review says it "performs well in the value category"; its reviewer dunked it, it floated on its side and played as before, and it weighs 1.67 kg (3.66 lb), though the reviewer found its mids and highs can lack clarity [src10]. The trade-offs: it is IPX7, so it has no dust rating, which TechRadar says makes it a less obvious beach speaker, and The Gadgeteer, which calls it the heaviest speaker in its roundup, says its fabric soaks up sand and needs rinsing [src10, src5]. Amazon listed the Boom 2 new and in stock at $99.99 when we checked on 2026-10-14; check the live table at the top of the card before buying.

Best Budget: Soundcore Select 4 Go — Check price

RTINGS calls it the best cheap waterproof Bluetooth speaker it has tested: it survives temporary submersion, its battery lasts roughly 10 hours, and its app has an EQ, but it is not a 360-degree design and lacks bass [src1]. SoundGuys makes it its best budget Bluetooth speaker for "a surprisingly useful set of features for an inexpensive Bluetooth speaker": IP67, a 9-band EQ, a loop for a carabiner and rubber feet so it can fire upward [src2]. Its review found that it floats, weighs 263 g and is rated for 20 hours at 40% volume; one rubber foot came off too easily, and SoundGuys says the 285 g JBL Clip 5 outperforms it in just about every way except battery life [src12].

Most Portable All-Rounder: JBL Flip 7 — Check price

CNN Underscored's best portable Bluetooth speaker, "the best combination of durability and performance we tested at this price": IP68, it kept working after 30 seconds under running water, it weighs just over a pound, and JBL's PushLock system swaps a carrying loop for a carabiner; CNN found the Beats Pill sounds clearer and noted the Flip 7 cannot charge your phone [src6]. What Hi-Fi? calls it "probably the best Flip ever made" and TechRadar its best mid-range waterproof speaker; TechRadar notes it will not pair with the Flip 6 or other older PartyBoost JBL speakers [src4, src9]. SoundGuys measured 6 hours 16 minutes at 80 dB against JBL's 14-hour rating (16 with Playtime Boost), and notes JBL's drop-proof certification from 1 m onto concrete [src13].

Big Floating Speaker: UE Epicboom — Check price

Tom's Guide's best waterproof speaker overall: IP67, 17 hours of battery, and built to float, which Tom's Guide confirmed in a bath; it pairs with other Ultimate Ears speakers, though Tom's Guide found its adaptive EQ ineffective and its sound short of energy with some genres [src3]. RTINGS makes it its mid-range waterproof pick: a 360-degree design that sounds the same wherever you sit, it floats back up if it falls in, and it has an app with presets and a graphic EQ, but it cannot stay submerged as long as the Boombox 4 and its battery lasts 15 hours [src1].

Premium Portable: JBL Xtreme 5 — Check price

TechRadar's best waterproof speaker overall, whose reviewer called it "one of the best Bluetooth speakers I've ever tested": IP68, up to 130W, 24 hours of battery (28 with Playtime Boost), but bulkier than its predecessor and without a microphone for calls; TechRadar lists it at $399.95 [src9]. What Hi-Fi? makes it its best premium waterproof speaker (90W on battery, 130W on mains power, Bluetooth 6.0, Auracast, 2.9 kg) [src4]. SoundGuys' party pick lasted 30 hours 6 minutes in its standardized battery test, and its battery can be swapped out [src2].

Big Party Speaker: JBL Boombox 4 — Check price

RTINGS' best waterproof Bluetooth speaker: protected for long periods of continuous immersion, it floats, and its battery lasts over 40 hours, though its narrow directivity can make it sound muffled from the sides or behind [src1]. TechRadar's best waterproof speaker for parties, with two bass boost modes and a replaceable battery; it weighs 5.89 kg (13 lb) and can distort above 70% volume [src9]. SoundGuys' review: IP68, close to 200W on battery, lossless audio over USB-C, and 34 hours 56 minutes at 80 dB against JBL's 28-hour rating; "It's still a premium-priced speaker" [src8].

Small Floater for the Pool: UE Wonderboom 4 — Check price

RTINGS' budget waterproof pick: small and light, a 360-degree design, rated to survive temporary immersion, it floats and holds up to small drops, with 13 hours of battery; it has no companion app [src1]. The Gadgeteer rates it IP67 and 14 hours at about 420 g and would hand it to a kid at the pool, though it does not get as loud as the Flip 7 or the Boom 2 [src5]. SoundGuys keeps it as a notable mention for outdoor and shower use [src2].

Rugged: Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) — Check price

Tom's Guide's most rugged waterproof speaker: IP67, a silicone surface over metal construction, PositionIQ, which lets you orient it however you like, and a reviewer's copy that fell down stairs without a scratch; Tom's Guide needed the EQ to make it sound its best [src3]. SoundGuys' review: Bose states it is drop-proof and rust-proof, it lasted 7 hours 3 minutes at 80 dB against a 12-hour rating, and "It can also float, although Bose does not recommend playing music from the device while floating" [src14]. The Gadgeteer picks it for vocal clarity over bass [src5].

iPhone and Android Pairing: Beats Pill — Check price

CNN Underscored's runner-up for best Bluetooth speaker, "offering better sound than the Flip 7 alongside perks like wireless audio, reverse charging and seamless compatibility across both iOS and Android", with 24 hours of battery [src6]. What Hi-Fi? lists it among its alternatives for a clear, clean sound and an IP67 rating [src4]. The Gadgeteer notes it weighs 24 ounces and its USB-C port charges your phone and takes lossless audio [src5].

Clip-On Travel: JBL Clip 5 — Check price

SoundGuys' best Bluetooth speaker for travel, because its compact design and built-in carabiner make it easy to clip to a backpack: IP67 and 7W, up from the Clip 4's 5W; using Auracast limits it to mono and JBL's default EQ [src2]. Its review lists JBL's 12-hour rating, multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 and a 5-band EQ [src15].

Strap-On for Bikes and Bags: Tribit StormBox Micro 2 — Check price

CNN Underscored says it "enjoyed a long reign as our top budget speaker, and is still well worth its $60 price tag", and it can charge your phone [src6]. What Hi-Fi? keeps it as an alternative for its "surprisingly full, involving sound and excellent durability" [src4]. The Gadgeteer: about 315 g (11 oz), IP67, 12 hours, and a rubberized strap that loops over a bike stem or backpack handle, but its 10W driver leans midrange-forward, so bass thins out at higher volumes [src5]. TechRadar's budget pick is now its successor, the StormBox Micro 3, which TechRadar rates IP68 with around 24 hours of battery, about double the Micro 2's [src9].

Pocket-Sized: JBL Go 5 — Check price

What Hi-Fi?'s best budget waterproof speaker: "If budgets are limited, the Go 5 is our go-to recommendation – its sound-per-pound performance ratio really is outstanding"; 4.8W, Auracast, AirTouch stereo pairing with a second Go 5, and 8 hours of battery (10 with Playtime Boost) [src4]. SoundGuys' review calls it "a small update, not a major upgrade" over the Go 4, with IP68 and JBL's drop-resistant claim [src16]. SoundGuys keeps it as a notable mention for when even the Clip 5 is too big [src2].

Key Market Trends (2026)

• The testers do not agree on a winner: RTINGS, Tom's Guide, What Hi-Fi? and TechRadar each name a different best waterproof speaker (the JBL Boombox 4, UE Epicboom, JBL Charge 6 and JBL Xtreme 5). [src1, src3, src4, src9]
• JBL moves to IP68: five of the six JBL speakers here are IP68. The Charge 6 and Flip 7 moved up from their predecessors' IP67, the Go 5 has better water protection than the Go 4, and the Xtreme 5 and Boombox 4 are IP68 too; the Clip 5 is IP67. [src4, src13, src16, src2, src8]
• Drop certification joins water ratings: JBL certifies the Charge 6 and Flip 7 drop-proof from 1 m onto concrete, and Bose states the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is drop-proof. [src7, src13, src14]
• Auracast replaces PartyBoost at JBL: the Charge 6 and Flip 7 pair with other Auracast JBLs but not with older PartyBoost models such as the Charge 5 and Flip 6. [src7, src9]
• Rated battery is a moderate-volume figure: at 80 dB SoundGuys measured 13 h 15 min from the Charge 6 (rated 24 h), 6 h 16 min from the Flip 7 (rated 14 h) and 7 h 3 min from the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) (rated 12 h), while the big Boombox 4 outlasted its 28-hour rating at 34 h 56 min. [src7, src13, src14, src8]
• New generations replace old picks: What Hi-Fi? replaced the JBL Go 4 with the Go 5, TechRadar replaced the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 with the Micro 3, and RTINGS replaced the JBL Boombox 3 with the Boombox 4. [src4, src9, src1]

Important Caveats

• Prices in the table are from our latest US price check of each linked listing; the live table at the top of the card is the current one. Amazon listed the Soundcore Boom 2 new and in stock at $99.99 when we checked on 2026-10-14.
• IP ratings cover fresh water and do not account for corrosion from salt water or chlorine; rinse a speaker with fresh water after the pool or the beach. IPX7 means it was not tested for dust. [src1, src5, src3]
• Waterproof is not the same as floating, and even a floating speaker is muffled briefly when a wave hits its grille [src5]. Our sources do not say whether the JBL Charge 6, Flip 7, Xtreme 5, Clip 5, Go 5, Beats Pill or Tribit StormBox Micro 2 float; treat them as speakers that sink.
• Battery ratings assume moderate volume. SoundGuys measured 13 h 15 min from the Charge 6, 6 h 16 min from the Flip 7 and 7 h 3 min from the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) at 80 dB [src7, src13, src14]. Bass boost and lights cost runtime too, as TechRadar found with the Soundcore Boom 2's BassUp and light show [src10], and SoundGuys notes that the harder a speaker works, the faster it drains its battery [src2].
• JBL's Auracast speakers do not pair with older JBL speakers that use PartyBoost. [src7]