The best waterproof Bluetooth speakers for 2024: from JBL, Marshall, and more

A waterproof Bluetooth speaker is the kind of audio device that comes in handy more than you might think. Not only can products like the Beats Pill and JBL Xtreme 4 be used as crowd-pleasing decibel deliverers for pool parties and beachside shindigs, but some models are even rugged enough to hitch to a backpack or bike when it’s time for your next hike or trail expedition. And thanks to features like long-lasting battery life and quick recharging, you won’t have to worry about these Bluetooth speakers dying when you least expect it. 

One thing is for sure: there is no shortage of Bluetooth speakers on the market. You’ll find options from major speaker brands like Anker, JBL, Sonos, and Beats, along with several incredible third-party choices. While it can be challenging to home in on the Bluetooth tech that’s best for you, we’ve put together this roundup to make it easier to pick out the pros and cons.

Here are the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers you can buy in stores or online today. We also have a separate collection of our favorite Bluetooth speakers, plus this post that shines a light on all the best Bluetooth speaker deals

Beats Pill (2024)

Best overall waterproof Bluetooth speaker

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Soundcore Boom 2 Plus

Best budget waterproof boombox speaker

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Marshall Middleton

Best sounding waterproof Bluetooth speaker

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Marshall Emberton II

A small and super stylish Bluetooth speaker

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Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

Best submersible Bluetooth speaker

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Beats Pill (2024)

Best overall waterproof Bluetooth speaker

As our top choice for waterproof Bluetooth speakers in 2024, the Beats Pill (2024) is a terrific blend of sleek cosmetics, excellent sound quality, immersive volume levels, and total protection against the elements (it has an IP67 rating). We had the opportunity to test this bad boy, and we couldn’t believe our ears. We also couldn’t believe how solid the battery life was. On a full charge, Beats claims you’ll be able to get around 24 hours of playback. Mind you, this metric was achieved by playing the new Pill at 50% volume. This means you’ll get less battery life from the speaker if you crank the volume any further than the halfway point.

When it comes to any speaker, sound quality is one of (if not the most) important parts of the total equation. The Beats Pill (2024) delivers a pleasant balance of midrange and bass, with a little extra oomph toward the latter. This has long been a Beats signature, so we’re glad to see that thump and rumble is still a priority. And while you’ll be able to connect via Bluetooth, the Pill’s USB-C port can be used for charging the speaker, charging a connected USB-C device, and wired playback. This also means you’ll be able to listen to certain hi-res tracks with the Beats Pill.

Unfortunately, the Beats app (for Apple and Android devices) doesn’t offer much in terms of customization. If graphic EQ adjustments and audio settings are more your style, a waterproof speaker like the JBL Flip 6 might be a better choice. The Beats app is required if you plan on pairing more than one Pill speaker together for party mode playback. 

The Beats Pill is also available in several colors, including Statement Red, Matte Black, and Champagne Gold.

Beats Pill (2024)

Best overall waterproof Bluetooth speaker

JBL Xtreme 4

Best premium waterproof Bluetooth speaker

The average price of a Bluetooth speaker falls somewhere between $80 to $100, so why should one invest over $300 in a JBL Xtreme 4? Power and performance definitely tops the list of reasons, as does the Xteme 4’s ruggedness and overall battery life. We had the opportunity to test this speaker, and we walked away as pleased participants.

In terms of sound quality strengths, the Xtreme 4 delivers exceptional midrange articulation, which bodes well for fans of the singer-songwriter genre. The Xtreme 4 delivered a decent amount of bass, too, and even though it’s relatively small, the speaker did a phenomenal job of filling our test spots up with audio. If you’re unsatisfied with the default audio settings, you can also download the JBL Portables app to access a graphic EQ and different audio presets. And if one of your buddies happens to own a compatible JBL speaker, you’ll be able to link it to the Xtreme 4 for an expanded soundstage.

The Xtreme 4 holds an IP67 rating, which means you’ll be able to use it in just about any outdoor space. You’ll even be able to dunk it in the pool, but don’t let it sink to the bottom! On a full charge, the speaker brings 27 hours of battery life to the table. As long as you charge it up before using it (charging from zero to 100% takes about three hours), you won’t have to worry about the speaker dying in the middle of an outdoor adventure.

Other great features include a carrying strap and three color options, including Black, Blue, and Camo.

JBL Xtreme 4

Best premium waterproof Bluetooth speaker

Soundcore Boom 2 Plus

Best budget waterproof boombox speaker

A waterproof Bluetooth speaker like the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus wins big in both the cosmetics and sound quality categories. Sporting a classic boombox-style housing, this tough-as-nails speaker is IPX7-rated. Yes, that means you’ll be able to swim around your pool with it — and it even knows how to tread water (it can float). The Boom 2 Plus is also relatively lightweight and features a built-in carrying handle, making it simple to take this outdoor titan just about anywhere.

On a full charge, Anker claims the Boom 2 Plus should last up to 20 hours. While volume level and audio settings will affect how close to that figure you can get, that’s still enough juice for a full day of worry-free listening.

When it comes time to blasting your favorite playlists and podcasts, the Boom does an excellent job at filling most spaces with audio. Due to the size of the speaker, it struggles a bit to produce the kind of guttural low-end associated with dedicated woofers, but the Boom 2 Plus still does a standup job at bringing as much bass to the party as possible. It even has a BassUp feature to help elevate lower-frequency tones.

If you’re like us, you’ll probably want to download the Soundcore app (for Apple and Android devices) to tweak some settings, though. Luckily, Anker doesn’t skimp here, as you’ll be able to access a full graphic EQ and a handful of audio presets. You’ll also be able to use the app to pair other Soundcore speakers for a bigger soundstage (what Anker calls “PartyCast”).

At this price, we’re also big fans of the Skullcandy Barrel, which sports a similar design and sound quality as the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus. In our hands-on test, we were impressed by how powerful the Barrel sounded. We were pleased to see an aux input and tactful on-speaker controls, too.

Soundcore Boom 2 Plus

Best budget waterproof boombox speaker

Marshall Middleton

Best sounding waterproof Bluetooth speaker

Small enough to throw in a backpack but big enough to provide some truly rich and full sound reminiscent of the rock bands its guitar-amp stylings are based on, the Marshall Middleton impressed us so much that it made our list of the best Bluetooth speakers, period, but its IP67 rating means that it can shred poolside, too.

The Marshall Middleton is the midsized range of Marshall’s superb Bluetooth speakers. About the size of a lunch box, the 4-pound Middleton somehow packs two 0.6-inch tweeters, two passive radiators, and two side-firing 3-inch woofers inside its sturdy frame that’s covered in Marshall’s signature Tolex-style silicone coating.

While many Bluetooth speakers are built with mono or sound mono because the drivers are too close together, the positioning of the Middleton’s drivers creates one of the most accurate stereo-like sounds of any Bluetooth speakers we’ve ever tested. And it’s powerful, too. With two 20-watt class D amps for the woofers and two 10-watt class D amps for the tweeters, you’ll be blown away by how loud it can get and how smooth and room-filling the bass is.

With a well-designed app that you can use to adjust bass and treble (there are physical controls on the speaker for this, too), it can also be used to link the speaker to as many other Middleton speakers as you want for an even bigger sound in what Marshall calls “Stack” mode.

The Marshall Middleton also features an AUX line input, Bluetooth multipoint connectivity so you and a friend can play DJ, has a battery that lasts up to 20 hours on a single charge, and can net two hours of playtime after 20 minutes of charging. It can also be used as a power bank to charge other devices while you tan.

Marshall Middleton

Best sounding waterproof Bluetooth speaker

JBL Charge 5

The most versatile waterproof speaker

The JBL Charge 5 brings an impressive design to the table. Utilizing dual passive radiators, a dedicated midrange woofer, and a tweeter for the most articulate higher frequencies, the sound is big, loud, and detailed.

The IP67 rating means this speaker will hold up well in most outdoor environments, and the 20 hours of playtime will ensure your next pool party won’t come crashing to a close — at least not because of the music.

Available in six colors (black, blue, camouflage, gray, red, and teal), and capable of pairing with another Charge 5 using the wireless PartyBoost feature for enhanced stereo sound, the JBL Charge 5 is not going to let you down.

JBL Charge 5

The most versatile waterproof speaker

Soundboks Go

A big and loud waterproof Bluetooth speaker

Our hands-on experience with the Soundboks Go left us speechless. Sure, the price may be a bit up there for some, but if you’re looking for earth-shattering sound that can keep pumping for almost two full days straight (at medium volume), the Soundboks Go is the splash-proof speaker for you.

We also love the ability to pair one Go with another, allowing you to expand your soundstaging. The Go can also take a beating or two, thanks to its rugged outer shell and water-resistant housing, keeping this bad boy safe from most liquid situations outside of full submergence.

Soundboks Go

A big and loud waterproof Bluetooth speaker

JBL Pulse 5

Best lightshow waterproof speaker

Never have we tested a Bluetooth speaker that could so adeptly tune in to whatever music vibe you’re craving but then pair it with a bright and colorful light show to match. JBL has always been a speaker brand that is a pretty solid bet when it comes to sound and portability at a reasonable price and the Pulse 5 toes that line as well.

Similar in size and sound quality to its Charge 5 sibling, the 4.2-inch by 8.5-inch by 5.2-inch Pulse 5 delivers clear and dynamic sound, especially in the mid-to-high frequency ranges. And although the low end is a bit lacking out of the box, with a bit of coaxing from the JBL Portable app, and even from in-app EQing from services like Spotify, the Pulse 5 can sound rich and booming, too — even more so when connecting several of them together with the PartyBoost feature. The Pulse 5 is driven by an upward-firing 0.6-inch tweeter and a bottom, down-firing 2.5-inch 30-watt woofer and gets surprisingly loud.

But let’s be real, the Pulse 5 is a showstopper because of its lava-lamp LED lights that, with the help of the app, can chill things out with flowy, slow morphing visuals, or pulse along to the beat of your music with a tin of configurable presets, such as Party, Cocktail, Weather, Canvas, Spiritual, and Nature. It’s honestly the best light-show Bluetooth speaker we’ve ever tested.

The Pulse 5’s IP67 rating makes it great for pool or hot tub parties and didn’t mind taking a dunk at all in our test. One drawback might be that the Pulse 5 is lacking in physical controls, so you have to use your phone to adjust volume, skip tracks, and other functions. The JBL Pulse 5 has a 7,500 mAh battery that JBL claims can last for up to 12 hours, which is pretty average, but the light show is well worth it.

JBL Pulse 5

Best lightshow waterproof speaker

Marshall Emberton II

A small and super stylish Bluetooth speaker

If it’s good enough to top our list of the best Bluetooth speakers for so long, then why not add it here? Well, the previous version of the Emberton wasn’t waterproof, but the Emberton II is, and it now more than earns its place here, too.

The 1.5-pound speaker may be diminutive with its handheld 2.7 by 6.3 by 3.0-inch frame, but don’t be fooled. Like the Marshall Middleton on our list, the sound of this little thing is surprisingly bold and loud with well-balanced mids and highs that are beautifully clear. And also like the Midleton, stereo separation is excellent here, too, with the front-facing speakers handling the left channel and the back speakers firing the right for what Marshall calls “True Stereophonic” sound, a “unique form of multidirectional stereo sound from Marshall.” Blatantly put, it sounds great.

Although the Emberton doesn’t support AAC or Bluetooth aptX codec for high-res sound (most Bluetooth speakers don’t), you don’t need it on a speaker this size. With the Marshall app, though, there are some EQ presets you can use to improve the sound to your liking. You can also use the app to utilize Stack mode here, too, meaning you can sync up additional Emberton II speakers to create as big a sound as you like, and not fear the beach with its IP67 rating.

I know I’m burying the lede here, but the Emberton II just looks cool, too, with its Marshall guitar-amp looks and gold accents. But let’s talk battery life: the Emberton II gets a 10-hour improvement from its predecessor with what Marshall claims is 30 hours on one charge, if you don’t push the volume past 50%. A quick 20-minute charge will net you four hours of playback, long enough for you to play several games of beach volleyball.

One last thing to note here is that Marshall has recently released a new version of the Emberton, the $170 Emberton III. We haven’t given it a review of our own yet, but we do know that it adds an improved battery life, microphones for making phone calls, and Auracast connectivity that replaces the above-mentioned Stack Mode and lets the speaker act as an audio sharing source for any other nearby Auracast-capable Marshall speakers.

Marshall Emberton II

A small and super stylish Bluetooth speaker

Sonos Roam 2

Best for Sonos fans

What would a lineup of waterproof Bluetooth speakers be without the Sonos Roam 2 in the mix? We loved the original Roam for its portability, sound quality, and ease of use, but the Roam 2 brings a few changes to the table. First and foremost, you’ll no longer be able to use Google Assistant for controlling playback and other devices. The Roam 2 does support Alexa and the Sonos voice assistant though. 

On a positive note, the Roam 2 doesn’t need to be connected to Wi-Fi right out of the box, which was a drawback of the earlier model. Enjoy quick-pairing Bluetooth connectivity or download the Sonos app to integrate the Roam 2 into your existing Sonos ecosystem. We were also glad to see that Sonos gave Bluetooth its own button this time around (Bluetooth pairing was mapped to the power button on the O.G. Roam). 

At full battery life, Sonos claims you should be able to squeeze about 10 hours of playback from the Roam 2. While volume level, audio settings, and your chosen wireless connection all impact how long this speaker will work for, the Roam 2 can be recharged via USB-C or with a wireless charging pad. 

When connected to Wi-Fi, you’ll even be able to use AirPlay 2 to wirelessly beam tunes from your iPhone or iPad to the Roam 2. The speaker is also available in Black, Red, White, Green, and Blue colors.

Sonos Roam 2

Best for Sonos fans

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

Best submersible Bluetooth speaker

What if we told you the cylindrically shaped Wonderboom 3 was only happiest when submerged in H20? No, speakers don’t have thoughts and feelings, but the idea behind the hyperbole is to emphasize how water-resistant this budget-friendly Ultimate Ears speaker is. Wearing its IP67 rating proudly, the oversized volume buttons on this speaker are all but begging you to toss this thing around like a pool toy!

The Wonderboom 3 is able to broadcast sound in a 360-degree fashion, thanks to the array of drivers located all around the speaker. The speaker gets nice and loud, too, and does a decent job at heightening vocals and other leading instruments in your favorite songs. While it struggles a bit with low-end, the Wonderboom 3’s wide soundstage means it sounds great from any angle. 

On a full charge, the Wonderboom 3 should last around 14 hours, with recharging handled by micro USB (it takes more than two hours to go from zero to 100%). It also has a stretchable strap if you’d like to hang the speaker from a backpack or wall hook. Weighing less than a full pound, the Wonderboom is lightweight and easy to travel with, too. 

While we would have loved the ability to connect the Wonderboom 3 to older UE Wonderboom 2 speakers, you are able to pair it to other Boom 3 speakers for an even bigger soundstage. You can also have more than one Bluetooth device connected to the Boom at the same time.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

Best submersible Bluetooth speaker