10 Best Waterproof Speakers 2025 in the United States

The JBL Charge 5 is a strong contender in the waterproof speaker category, particularly appealing to those who enjoy outdoor activities or pool parties. With an impressive IP67 rating, it is both waterproof and dustproof, making it suitable for various environments without the worry of damage. The sound quality stands out thanks to its optimized drivers and dual bass radiators, delivering rich audio that can fill larger spaces, which is a significant advantage for outdoor gatherings. With a remarkable battery life of 20 hours, users can enjoy music throughout the day without needing to recharge frequently, enhancing its portability and convenience. The ability to wirelessly connect two devices simultaneously is a nice touch, allowing users to share control of the music, while the PartyBoost feature lets you pair with other JBL speakers for an even richer sound experience.

While the speaker excels in many areas, it does have some drawbacks. At 2.1 pounds, it may be a bit heavier compared to other portable options, which could be a consideration for users looking for ultimate lightweight portability. Additionally, while it is designed for outdoor use, it lacks advanced features like voice assistant integration that some competitors offer. The JBL Charge 5's charging time of 4 hours might feel lengthy to some, especially when in a hurry to hit the road. Although it has a built-in power bank for charging devices, the limited number of USB ports (just one) may not suffice for those needing to charge multiple devices at once.

The JBL Charge 5 is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and music lovers looking for durability, quality sound, and long battery life in a portable speaker. It successfully meets the needs of those who prioritize both performance and convenience, while also providing a fun social aspect through its connectivity features.

The JBL Flip 6 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a portable waterproof speaker. Its IP67 rating means it’s fully waterproof and dustproof, so you don’t have to worry about using it by the pool, at the beach, or in dusty outdoor settings. With up to 12 hours of battery life, it can keep your music playing all day without frequent recharging. The sound quality stands out for its size: it uses a 2-way speaker system with a dedicated woofer and tweeter, delivering clear highs and punchy bass that’s quite impressive for a compact speaker. If you want louder sound or stereo effect, you can easily pair two JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers together.

Portability is a strong point here—the speaker is lightweight and has a sleek, bold design that fits comfortably in your hand or bag. Connectivity is straightforward with Bluetooth, offering a typical 10-meter range, which is convenient for most casual use. One thing to keep in mind is the charging time, which takes about 12 hours to fully recharge, so planning ahead is useful. Also, while it’s great for general use at parties or travel, it might not satisfy audiophiles looking for deeper bass or more detailed sound. The Flip 6 balances durability, good sound, and ease of use, making it a reliable pick for outdoor fun and everyday listening.

The JBL FLIP 5 stands out in the waterproof speaker category with its IPX7 rating, making it a reliable choice for poolside use, beach activities, and other wet or dusty environments. Its compact and lightweight design enhances portability, allowing users to easily carry it to various locations. With 12 hours of battery life, it can support extended use without frequent recharging, which is suitable for small to medium gatherings. However, the charging time of 12 hours might be inconvenient for those needing quick recharges.

The speaker delivers good sound quality with a maximum output power of 20 watts, ensuring that music is loud enough for personal use and small events. Connectivity is straightforward with Bluetooth 4.2, though the range is limited to about 33 feet, which might be a restriction if you intend to move around a lot. The speaker allows pairing with other JBL speakers via the 'PartyBoost' feature, which can enhance sound coverage during larger gatherings.

A minor drawback is the lack of a built-in MP3 player, meaning it requires external devices like smartphones or tablets to stream music. Additionally, the simple controls and Bluetooth connectivity make it easy to use, but it lacks advanced features like voice assistants or app-based customization.