From unpredictable British weather at a garden barbecue to a sunny day at the beach, having your music with you can make all the difference. But finding a speaker that can handle the elements without sacrificing sound quality can be a challenge. Many promise durability but fall short on audio, while others sound great but can't withstand a drop of rain.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the options. We'll break down the essential features to look for in a waterproof Bluetooth speaker and share some standout models that deliver on their promises, so you can find the right companion for your adventures.
Before diving into specific products, let's cover a few key considerations that will help you make an informed choice.
You'll often see an 'IP' rating on a portable outdoor speaker, such as IP67 or IP65. This code is a standard that tells you how well the device is protected against solids (like dust) and liquids (like water).
The perfect speaker is a balance of three factors:
Modern speakers come with features that enhance their versatility. One of the most useful is TWS (True Wireless Stereo) pairing. This technology allows you to connect two identical speakers to a single source, with one handling the left audio channel and the other the right. It creates a much wider and more immersive soundstage, perfect for gatherings.
Here are a few models that stand out for their performance, durability and feature sets.
Why It Stands Out: The Edifier ES60 is a superb all-rounder that balances powerful audio with a sleek, durable design. Its 34W RMS output delivers 360-degree sound that easily fills a room or outdoor space, while the ambient lighting adds a touch of atmosphere to any gathering.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is an ideal choice for someone seeking a versatile and stylish speaker that performs just as well at a garden party as it does on a weekend trip to the coast.
Why It Stands Out: If volume and bass are your top priorities, the Mlove E90 is a serious contender. As a loud party speaker, its 80W high-power output and dual passive radiators deliver a deep, punchy sound that can energise any large gathering. The customisable RGB lighting and strobe effects sync to the music, turning any space into a party.
Pros:
Who is it for? Perfect for party hosts, festival-goers and anyone who needs a powerful portable outdoor speaker that can deliver big sound for a crowd.
Why It Stands Out: The Soundcore Select 4 Go is built for endurance and ultimate portability. Its standout feature is the remarkable 20-hour battery life, packed into a lightweight and compact frame. It also boasts a full IP67 rating and is a floating speaker, making it a worry-free companion for activities on or near the water.
Pros:
Who is it for? The ultimate rugged travel speaker for hikers, backpackers, kayakers and anyone who values maximum portability and battery life above all else.
The speakers highlighted here are chosen for their excellent performance in outdoor and active environments. If your needs are more focused on creating a sound system within your home, you might be looking for different designs and features.
Explore our full collection of wireless bluetooth speakers for home to find the perfect match for your living space.
For general outdoor use where rain or splashes are a concern, a rating of IPX4 or IPX5 is sufficient. However, for complete peace of mind around pools, at the beach or during heavy downpours, we recommend an IP67 speaker. This ensures it is fully protected against dust and can be temporarily submerged in water without damage.
Yes, a speaker with a rating of IPX5 or higher is well-suited for the shower. The rating ensures it can handle direct splashes and high humidity. An IP67 model is more than capable of withstanding a shower environment.
TWS (True Wireless Stereo) pairing is a feature that lets you wirelessly connect two identical Bluetooth speakers to one device (like your phone). One speaker then plays the left audio channel and the other plays the right. This creates a genuine stereo soundscape that is wider and more immersive than what a single speaker can produce, making it great for parties or a more cinematic audio experience.