If you enjoy listening to music at the beach, by the pool or even in the shower, a waterproof speaker is a must-have tech accessory. These terrific gadgets make it easy for you to safely enjoy the music stored on your cell phone even when you're in a damp or wet environment. Waterproof speakers will work with most Android and iPhone smartphone models.
Four Great Waterproof Speakers
Each of these four speakers is completely waterproof. They are fully submersible and can be dunked under water (up to a full meter) for up to 30 minutes. They also offer wireless Bluetooth capabilities.
1. Scosche boomBOTTLE H2O
This portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker is perfect for those who enjoy active, outdoor fun when conditions may be wet - or even snowy. The device's exterior is made to be a non-slip surface. It is designed to float if dropped into the water. The speaker's cylindrical shape will fit snugly inside most water bottle cages, which is why Stuff.tv named it as a top five gear item for cyclists. It also fits in most cup holders and comes with a carabiner clip, making the device equally well-suited for hikers, backpackers, boaters, swimmers and others who enjoy all-weather, rugged fun.
Features
- The speaker is designed for multi-directional sound, for the listening enjoyment of everyone in your group.
- The device's sound is produced by a 50mm up-firing speaker paired with a passive subwoofer.
- The speaker will play music for up to eight hours continuously when fully charged.
- It has integrated controls that allow users to easily adjust the volume, start or stop sound and advance tracks forward or go backwards.
- A cnet review describes it as a "pretty decent little wireless speaker that's travel-friendly and repels water," but points out that the sound can be a bit compromised when playing bass-heavy music at a high volume.
- An auxiliary audio cable is included with the device, as is a micro USB charging cable.
- This unit does not have hands-free calling capabilities.
Purchase
Purchase directly from Scosche for around $100.
2. Braven BRV-1
If you're looking for a heavy-duty rugged portable speaker that also offers additional capabilities, the Braven BRV-1 might be exactly what you need. Ranked as 2014's best rugged Bluetooth speaker by TomsGuide.com and recommended by Macworld as one of the top "rugged Bluetooth speakers for travel and outdoor use," this small yet tough speaker is a great option for outdoor use in extreme weather conditions.
Features
- The speaker has a 70 mm subwoofer and produces sound at three watts per channel.
Braven BRV-1 - DigitalTrends.com praises the sound quality, describing it as having "good balance" as well as "full low end" and "clear midrange and treble."
- It will play music for up to 12 hours when the battery is fully charged.
- You can plug your cell phone into this device using a USB cable to charge it while on the go.
- You can adjust the music volume and advance or reverse tracks directly from the speaker.
- A micro USB charging cable is included with the device.
- The speaker has a line-in so you can use it with devices that do not have Bluetooth capabilities.
- It has a connector designed to make it easy to attach the device to a lanyard for easy carrying.
- The speaker has an indicator light so you can easily tell how much battery power is remaining.
- The exterior is rubberized to provide maximum shock absorption.
- This unit has hands-free calling capabilities.
Purchase
Order directly from Braven for around $150.
3. BOOM SWIMMER
If you're looking for a smaller waterproof Bluetooth speaker, BOOM SWIMMER, which was named by iPhoneLife.com as one of 2013's best rugged speakers, is a great option. The speaker actually has a removable flexible 'tail' that you can use to attach it to many kinds of surfaces, making it ideally designed for use in the shower or during any outdoor activity where you might be exposed to water. For example, you can loop the speaker's tail around a chain link fence, snake it around your showerhead or twist it around a strap on your backpack. It also has a built-in suction cup that can be attached to any flat surface that has a smooth finish.
Features
- The speaker is dust-proof and shock-proof, making it a sturdy choice for outdoor activities.
- When fully charged, the speaker will play music for up to 16 hours continuously, depending on how loud you are playing the music. The maximum playing time for full volume usage is eight hours.
- A TechnologyTell.com review praises the sound quality, saying "You can actually feel the music coming from within" the speaker, indicating that the unit sounds best when hanging by its tail and that the quality diminishes at very high volumes.
- PCMag.com equates the sound quality to other relatively inexpensive Bluetooth speakers, but recommends it as "a reliable portable option" due to its "useful, waterproof design."
- This unit does not have hands-free calling capabilities.
Purchase
Order directly from BOOM for around $60.
4. ECOXGEAR: ECOXPRO
If you're going to be playing in or on the water for an extended period of time the ECOXPRO audio case is a great option for enjoying music while also protecting your phone. This waterproof speaker case is ideally suited for activities like canoeing, rafting, tubing, boating and more, facts that contribute to its perfect 5-star rating on Cabelas.com.
Most smartphones fit snugly inside the case (though if you have a bulky case on your phone, you may need to remove it first). Use the attached audio cable to plug your phone into the speaker, add other items you want to protect (such as a key, credit card, cash, etc.) and snap it closed for the ultimate water protection. Toss the compact box in your backpack and you're ready for an outdoor adventure.
Features
- The speaker requires two AA batteries (which do not come with the unit).
ECOXPRO - It will play music for up to 30 hours on fully charged batteries, though playing at high volumes can decrease battery life.
- A GadgetReview.com review indicates that the speaker has strong sound even when wet, even though it is a monophonic speaker.
- It comes with a removable carabiner clip.
- It has a pressure-relief valve that makes the case easy to open regardless of altitude.
- The unit is designed to be shock resistant.
- It has a built-in waterproof headphone jack.
- The largest phone size the case will accommodate is 3.125 X 6.125.
- You will not be able to answer your phone while it is locked away in the case.
Purchase
Purchase from ECOXGEAR for around $80.
Great Music Without Water Worries
Any of these speakers make it easy to enjoy your favorite tunes while engaging in outdoor activities - and these are just a few of the many available options. Don't let a little water keep you from listening to the sounds you love while getting outdoors and staying active, even if your choice of activities takes you near - or even on - the water. Chose the model that best meets your needs and you'll be on your way to many moments of outdoor listening enjoyment.
Note: The author received review products of some of the items discussed in this article.
