Owing to the Bose Connect mobile app you can control the speaker with your phone, tablet, or any other Bluetooth capable device. Likewise, you can pair two or more Bose speakers with the SimpleSync™ technology.
The speaker cannot stand upright on uneven surfaces.
This tiny SoundLink Bose model boasts a good sound range while being quite loud at the same time. In addition, it is equipped with a handy, tear-resistant strap that can be used to hang the appliance on pieces of clothing, bags, as well as on bicycles. A great option for both indoor and outdoor use.
Bluetooth, MicroUSB (charge)
1
5 W
3.87" x 3.87" x 1.37"
Up to 6 hours
IPX7 Waterproof, Resists dents, cracks and scratches, Tear-resistant strap, Bose SimpleSync™ technology, Built-in mic, Bose Connect app, Stereo & Party mode
1 year, limited
The enhanced surface of the racetrack-shaped driver is paired with a passive emitter that creates a subwoofer-like effect. As a result, the speaker features a crisp, detailed bass to it.
Clearing the speaker of sand and similar particles can be problematic.
The FLIP 5 is, without a doubt, one of the best speakers that came out of JBL's factories. Aside from the exceptionally well-protected speakers, it combines a powerful sound output in a compact body, which makes it so much easier to carry around. Designed for the real party animals.
Bluetooth, MicroUSB (charge)
2
20 W
7.1" x 2.7" x 2.9"
Up to 12 hours
IPX7 waterproof, PartyBoost compatible, Auto-power off, Durable fabric material and rugged rubber housing
1 year
This model features a special Boost button, designed specifically for use in loud environments such as shower cabins, beaches, pools, and outdoors in general.
The Bluetooth connectivity quality leaves something more to be desired.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 features a 360-degree capable speaker that transmits the sound in every direction. This particular model has two big (by portable speaker standards) speakers, which in combination with its small dimensions make it a go-to pick for outdoor use.
Bluetooth, MicroUSB (charge)
2
40 W
4.09" x 3.75" x 3.75"
Up to 13 hours
IP67 Waterproof, dustproof, dirt-resistant, drop-proof, Can pair two WONDERBOOM 2 speakers, Outdoor mode, Hanging loop
2 years, limited
The iFox waterproof Bluetooth speaker has a very convenient big button for taking/ending calls. To charge the battery, you will need only 2–3 hours, and after that, you can listen to music for 6 hours.
One of the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers out there when it comes to protection. You will be able to take a shower, bathe, even hike with your favorite music at hand. Even if you drop it in the water, this shower speaker will survive.
Bluetooth, MicroUSB (charge)
3 W
Up to 6 hours
1 year
Even though this speaker is small, it features a surprisingly long-lasting battery that can hold a charge for hours on end. The pocket-size design also makes it a nice option to have if you are going for a hike.
The control layout is not among the most intuitive ones.
VTIN Mini Bluetooth Speaker features a durable, water- and dust-proof housing that combines metal and rubberized parts. Good for outdoor and indoor use, it can produce a remarkably loud sound even without a Bluetooth-paired device, thanks to the TF memory card slot.
Bluetooth, MicroUSB (charge), 3.5 mm audio input jack
1
5 W
3.9" x 3.54" x 3.54"
Up to 16 hours
IPX5 waterproof, dust-, shock-, scratch-resistant, Built-in Mic, TF Card slot
Amazon's 30-day return policy
Take Your Music With You, Anywhere
The Bose 783342-0100 SoundLink Micro embodies everything a good shower speaker should be. Although it has a small size, it still holds a good punch when it comes to playback volume. However, that’s not the only thing that puts it among the best shower speaker models out there.
Like many other modern portable speaker models, the SoundLink features a built-in microphone that can be used for calls via a connected phone, which improves the overall usability of the speaker.
Specifications-wise, the device features a single speaker that can operate in stereo mode. No bells and whistles, yet it doesn't detract from its strong points. Besides, if you want to boost the performance of the single 5-Watt speaker, this can be done by simply pairing two SoundLink Micros together, which you can either purchase separately or borrow from your friends. This subtle yet convenient feature makes it appropriate for parties and get-togethers.
As for the convenience features, this little shower speaker comes equipped with an integrated tear-resistant strap that you can use to hang the speaker on your backpack, jacket, coat and even on a faucet in your bathroom.
With that in mind, the protection features include an IPX7 housing that allows for submerging the speaker down to 1 meter underwater and the appliance will still work after you take it out. Although it doesn’t really make it completely waterproof, it can still be used for listening to music in the shower, bathroom, or close to a pool, as well as in other damp places without the risk of damaging the internal components of the speaker. As for sand and other soft particles, it is not recommended to leave the speaker on the beach and it is better to place the speaker on a mat if you want to take it with you to a beach party.
Mid-Range Perfection
Protection ratings aside, let’s talk about the actual quality of sound the speaker produces. Although its overall power output is relatively low, compared to similar products on our list, the Bose SoundLink still delivers a clear, balanced sound. And considering that it is still a wireless speaker that can operate at distances of up to 100 feet, it is a big plus in our book. Likewise, the built-in microphone enables utilizing mobile assistant apps such as Siri and Google, as well as using voice prompts provided by Bose to pause, skip, and shuffle your favorite music pieces.
The only thing we were surprised to discover in this particular speaker is its lack of an Aux port. However, considering that this model is meant to withstand harsh conditions and contact with water it’s understandable that the manufacturer chose not to add it.
Wrapping things up, if you are in the market for a small yet highly convenient speaker with a vibrant sound range, then the SoundLink from Bose will be your best pick. It is compact and quite versatile, which puts it among the top models in its price range.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $99.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B0748N1BZD |
All-Weather Option
In contrast to other similar models of the same category, the JBL FLIP 5 can operate harder for much longer times. Owing to the high-quality 4800 mAh Li-ion battery implemented in the speaker, it can blast music for up to 12 hours without stopping, before it needs to be recharged. To make the charging process faster, JBL added Quick Charge support, which allows you to power up the battery in under 1.5-2 hours. This is a nice addition, given that the speaker can be charged and used for music playback at the same time. Provided that you have a medium-sized power bank or an external battery the device can be charged even on the go without any issues with wireless connectivity.
Speaking of connectivity, the appliance supports both modern and older Bluetooth interfaces and as long as it is connected to your mobile phone, tablet, or a portable player it can blast your favorite tunes at distances of up to 120 feet.
Like other similar products, though, the FLIP 5 can be paired with other JBL products. This lineup consists of other FLIP devices, as well as the models that support the Party Boost mode.
Sealed Housing That Pleases The Eye
Even though there’s not much to look at if you need a customizable speaker, the FLIP 5 is available in 11 different color patterns so you can definitely pick the one that meets your taste and music style.
The thing that we didn’t really appreciate about this particular speaker, though, is its housing design, which makes it quite hard to clean, especially of sand and other particles that may get trapped in-between the fabric on the front and back panels of the appliance. That said, if you are not going to bury it in the sand on the beach, it won’t be that huge of an issue in the long run. When it comes to waterproof capabilities, the FLIP 5 has an IPX7 protection rating that allows for using it close to the water without potential risks. Even if you accidentally drop it into the pool or a bathtub, don’t worry - it will still play music when you take it out of the water.
Performance-wise, this one-piece speaker can deliver a quite stunning sound, owing to a powerful set of speakers. The overall power output of the built-in stereo speakers is 20 Watts, which easily puts the FLIP 5 among the loudest Bluetooth speakers while being slim and fairly lightweight at the same time. All in all, if you are searching for a reliable Bluetooth speaker that is not afraid to get wet or dirty, the JBL FLIP 5 will be right up your alley. Ergonomic and extremely powerful for a portable model, the FLIP 5 proves that the speaker doesn’t need to be big to be loud.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $89.95 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07QK25652 |
Splashproof Music Without Pauses
If you need a powerful yet compact wireless speaker, chances are you won’t be able to find a model that can deliver both loud and clear sound at the same time. Fortunately, this shower speaker from Ultimate Ears combines those qualities without also being too large to be truly portable.
With dimensions of only 3.68 x 3.68 x 4 inches, the WONDERBOOM 2 waterproof portable speaker is one of the most affordable options that you can find on the market today. The portable size makes it easier to carry around both in and out of your bag. Knowing how portable speakers can be utilized, Ultimate Ears managed to make the housing of the WONDERBOOM 2 almost completely shock-proof as well as drop-proof.
To make using the speaker itself more convenient, it features a rugged, tear-resistant strap on the top panel of the housing that you can use to hang on bikes, backpacks, and elements of clothing. Contrary to other speaker models in our review, this one is not only dust- and waterproof but also can float in case you want to take a bath or swim in a pool with it.
Amazing 360-Degree Sound
Despite its modest price tag, the WONDERBOOM 2 features not one but two speakers that are covered by a reliable housing that won’t let any dirt, dust, or grime get through. What is more, those speakers are not some measly 2-Watt models but two 20-Watt ones, which combined gives you up to 40 Watts of output power. What is more, owing to the true, 360-degree sound you will be able to hear all the intense moments of your favorite tracks regardless of the direction the speaker faces. Even though the stereo speakers inside don’t have a dedicated subwoofer, we were pleasantly surprised by how highlighted the bass and lower frequencies are. So, if you enjoy thick bass sounds this hanging speaker will be a good pick for you. For this purpose, the appliance features a special Outdoor Boost mode that delivers an additional layer of clarity and loudness to the sound.
As for the actual battery life of the speaker, it has a built-in battery that holds a charge for up to 13 hours, which is quite an achievement for such a small portable model. The charging time, on the other hand, will take only 2-2.5 hours, depending on the power source.
All things considered, the WONDERBOOM 2 from Ultimate Ears is, perhaps, one of the best picks for a waterproof speaker in the budget-friendly price range. It features a high-quality build, several layers of protection, and, more importantly - it sounds great even at maximum volume settings.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $99.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07NFRCK7J |
100% Safe
Music is a wonderful companion in our everyday life. It has become quite easy to take music with you wherever you go, thanks to smartphones and ultralight laptops. But the sound quality in these devices still leaves room for improvement. And good speakers are often bulky and not well-protected against various weather conditions, nor can you take them on a trip or place them in your bathroom. But there is a happy medium today. Portable waterproof Bluetooth shower speakers may not exactly have high-end sound quality but they are often better than smartphone ones. And the iFox iF012 is a great choice if you can't imagine your life without sound.
This portable Bluetooth hanging speaker is certified to correspond to the IP67 standard of protection against dust and water, meaning you can even immerse it up to 1 meter deep without any potential risk of damaging the appliance. Certainly, it can handle a shower or a downpour in the mountains. You won't destroy your phone if you have this waterproof Bluetooth speaker with you. The 6-hour battery and 3-Watt power make the iFox iF012 your chance to keep your music with you not only in the shower but in a car, boat, on a beach, as well as in other places. Additionally, the manufacturer agrees to exchange the item throughout the whole warranty period if it does not satisfy you for some reason.
Hands-free
If you use Bluetooth speakers with your smartphone, you have probably encountered situations when you need to take a call or skip the song but your hands are wet. You can forget about this problem with the iFox iF012 Bluetooth Shower Speaker as it has a complete control panel with Play/Pause/Stop, Skip Forward/Backward, Turn On/Off, and, what is especially important in these cases, a Take a Call button. And a big one at that. Collectively, all this allows you to leave your hands free to do whatever you want, no need to take your phone from the pocket. The purchase also includes a suction cup for you to stick the speaker to any smooth surface. Buying the iFox iF012, you know you are getting a high-quality multipurpose device that will be your reliable companion and will provide entertainment with clear sound.
Finally, this model from iFox is one of the top picks for the role of the best portable wireless speaker you can find for the money. It is extremely compact, lightweight, and can boast a surprising frequency range despite the tiny size, which makes it a go-to option if you need a smaller speaker that can fit inside your pocket.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $32.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00KHX9MCW |
What customers say about this product
Key Specs(4.6)
Audio(4.6)
Features(4.6)
Power(4.4)
A Pocket-Sized Companion
The VTIN IPX5 mini Bluetooth waterproof speaker is not among the most powerful ones, nor is it among the biggest products on our list. Nevertheless, it is by far one of the most popular speaker models for a number of reasons.
First, when you take a glance at how tiny this shower speaker from VTIN is, it can be a bit mind-boggling how much stuff the manufacturer managed to fit into the housing. Aside from the obviously waterproof housing, the inner parts consist of the internal print board, a built-in rechargeable battery, and a decently-sized speaker. With a size of only 3.54 x 3.54 x 3.94 inches, this speaker can easily fit inside the pocket of your jacket or inside any bag. The speaker weighs only 0.66 pounds, which definitely makes it portable.
Second, this 5-Watt speaker can deliver a stunning sound even at medium volumes. The construction of the speaker enables a 360-degree playback and thanks to the rubberized base of the speaker it delivers a distinct low-end frequency bass that is quite satisfying to listen to.
Great Autonomous Capabilities
As a bonus to the standard 4.2 Bluetooth interface, the speaker also supports TF memory cards, which allows for playing your favorite tunes without using any additional gadgets. This mode allows for saving the battery charge by quite a lot, so if you have a spare memory stick but don’t want to mess with a wireless connection you can certainly do so.
Speaking of battery life, the battery can hold a charge for a considerable amount of time, however, the overall speaker runtime will depend on the volume at which you are using it. To be more specific, if you are using the speaker at 50% volume, the battery will last for up 16 hours and if you pump the volume higher to 70% or 90%, the speaker will operate for 12 and 8 hours, respectively. That being said, it's unlikely that you will be using the speaker on full volume too often since even the 50% setting is quite loud. To add more, the speaker can also be used while it's being charged, meaning if you have a power bank with you, you can connect it and continue to listen to music without worrying about the battery running flat. Last but not least, we'd like to mention that the housing of the VTIN mini has an IPX5 waterproof rating, which makes it resistant to splashes, dust and sand particles as well as being scratch-proof.
In the end, the IPX5 mini Bluetooth waterproof shower speaker from VTIN is certainly one of the top picks among other affordable models. It is light, easy to use, and can be used pretty much anywhere from your shower to a beach party with your friends. The rugged housing, combined with good sound quality makes it a steal for the price.
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07Q6BCCL2 |
Infographics
What Is a Shower Speaker?
A shower in the morning can boost your energy levels, and a warm bath after a hard day of work can help you relax and sleep better. Add to this good music and you get a perfect healing mix.
Unfortunately, though, not every speaker can operate with the humidity levels in a bathroom. Not every, true, but some of them definitely can and have been designed specifically for that purpose. As is always the case, where there is a demand - there is an offer. So it's not surprising the manufacturers quickly spotted an empty niche and filled it by offering special shower speakers. With shower speakers at your disposal, you will be able to enjoy your favorite music first thing in the morning and while relaxing in the evening. Simply connect them to your smartphone and push the Play button! Also, Bluetooth shower speakers are really portable, letting you take them with you when you go on a picnic, to the beach or camping, so you actually get a pretty practical device.
In this review, not only do we review the best five waterproof Bluetooth speakers available but also we will walk you through important tips on how to choose the one that will be right for you.
To have a wonderful lifelike sound from your PC, we also recommend looking through our computer speakers review. With those, the music will acquire new colors. Conversely, if you are a fan of a crisp, clear sound, a good set of floor speakers is what you need to spice up your music hobby as well as the home sound system.
What Features to Compare
With so many options to choose from, one can have a hard time picking the one that suits their needs. With that in mind, we will make a little breakdown of features that any good shower speaker should have.
Performance
First, we recommend looking at the power of the shower speakers. For regular speakers, the starting point is 3 Watts, but in a shower, 1.5 Watts is enough for listening, mostly. If you would like to listen to your music at high volumes, the 10–20 Watts will make it (good even for outdoor use). After that, check how many actual speakers are there in a single casing as this parameter affects the sound power too. As a rule, you will find either one or two speakers, however, three or more also happen. There might or might not be a subwoofer. If there is one, you can be sure it has good low-frequency sound. And the last parameter we list under performance is the duration of the shower speaker operation. Most models have this parameter somewhere between 5 and 10 hours, but some can handle up to 15 hours on a single charge.
Interfaces
Today, the most used connection type for shower speakers is Bluetooth. It is simple and fast, and the connectivity distance is approximately 10 meters. Some devices use the NFC connection type where you need to touch the two devices to connect them, but the distance, in this case, might be smaller compared to Bluetooth. Another option is connecting the speakers via the AUX cable to your smartphone directly, if the speaker has one, of course. Last but not least, some models can have a dedicated memory card slot. If the model of your choice has one you can easily listen to your favorite songs without any mobile gadgets, given that you have a TF (or a miniSD) memory card to plug in. The best option, of course, is to have all the listed types, which is actually sometimes possible.
Usability
This parameter includes, first of all, the shower speakers' size. If you are only going to use them in your bathroom, the size probably does not matter much and depends on the room size only. But for those who like to take their music for a walk or when going on a trip the more compact the better. Also, a built-in microphone will be a good extra option to have. When your hands are wet or you just can't take the call, you will be able to speak via the speakers. What is more, modern speakers can be controlled with voice commands either via mobile assistants on your phone (Alexa, Siri, Google) or with voice prompts provided by the manufacturer themselves. And, finally, for added convenience and comfort, many manufacturers design shower speakers with the means to mount them on a wall. These may include various straps that are also waterproof and tear-resistant. Such straps allow hanging the speaker on the faucet in the bathroom or onto pieces of clothing, backpacks, and even bicycles if you are an adventure seeker with a distinct musical taste.
We hope that we have shed some light on what makes shower speakers good and that you will be able to pick the model that suits your preferences in music without issues.
Did you know?
What Makes Portable Speakers Waterproof? Knowing Protection Ratings
- IPX0 - Provides little to no protection against water or splashes. Likewise, this type of housing won’t protect the gadget from outside objects or particles.
- IPX1 - Offers protection to liquid splashes to a certain extent. Also, it provides rudimentary protection against larger particles.
- IPX2 - This is, pretty much, the same as IPX1, however this type of housing means that the appliance in question can be rotated while it’s being exposed to liquid splashes. On top of that, the second protection class can protect your gear from objects that are 12.5 mm in size or larger.
- IPX3 - The third class of protection means that the gadget (or other pieces of gear) can withstand quite a beating when it comes to dealing with water (spraying with water for up to 5 minutes). Additionally, this upgraded type of housing can effectively deter any objects that are 2.5 mm in size or larger.
- IPX4 - A higher protection rating that makes housing resistant to water splashes from virtually any direction for up to 5 minutes. Furthermore, the housing of this level can successfully stop particles that are 1 mm or larger.
- IPX5 - An even better protection class that can firmly deter heavy water splashes for about 3 minutes. The fifth type can offer better protection against dust, sand, and other fine objects that can affect the overall operation of the gadget.
- IPX6 - Same as the IPX5 but offers better protection against liquid splashes. What is more, this particular protection class means that your appliance is completely dust-resistant.
- IPX7 - This is where it gets interesting, the 7th protection class can successfully stop water from getting inside the housing even if you submerge the device in question underwater down to 1 meter deep. The dust protection is on par with IPX6.
- IPX8 - The best waterproof protection class out there. This one features a manufacturer’s guarantee that the appliance won’t stop working in case you drop it in the water. Just like IPX7, a gadget with level 8 protection is dust-proof and can be washed of sand and dirt without any risks involved.
FAQ:
Q: Are shower speakers waterproof?
A: All of these devices are water-resistant but the protection rating is different. Some items are splash-proof, while others are waterproof (down to a certain depth, of course). If you need a speaker with a high level of protection, opt for the models with the IP67 rating.
Q: How to install this kind of speaker?
A: There are many ways to install them, so it depends on the model you choose. Some speakers are placed right into a showerhead, while others are attached to flat surfaces with the help of a suction cup. Some models have a snap hook as well. Thus, decide where you plan to use the speaker and choose a suitable model.
Q: How to stream music to a shower speaker?
A: To do so, you need to pair a gadget with a sound source that can be any Bluetooth-enabled device. For example, you can stream the music right from your smartphone. You just need to turn on the Bluetooth, wait till your smartphone detects the speaker, and connect it. However, some models do have a 3.5mm AUX port (apart from Bluetooth).
Q: Are shower speakers battery powered?
A: They have a built-in rechargeable battery charged via a microUSB port.
Q: Can I receive calls via a speaker?
A: Yes, if you get yourself a speaker with this function, although, most modern shower speakers allow answering phone calls right in a shower. Handy, if you can't relax without being able to control the situation and need your phone on you all the time.
Q: Do these devices support voice control?
A: A lot of them do. Some shower speakers have a voice command support, so you will be able to use, for example, Siri to control your iPhone.
Q: What’s the battery life for a typical shower speaker?
A: It depends on the battery capacity. Some gadgets work around 6 hours, though some models provide a battery life of up to 12 hours. If you wish to enjoy music all day long, choose the model with a long battery life.
Q: Can these speakers be used during camping or backpacking?
A: Of course! Many models have a rugged shock-resistant and dustproof casing which is just perfect for outdoor use. You can put them right on the sand, hang on a tree branch, or just snap it to your backpack. Your way down a trail will be much easier with your favorite music playing from the speaker. The gadget will remain functional even in case of a downpour.
Q: I like deep sound with a powerful bass. Are shower speakers good enough for me?
A: You should opt for a model with 2 speakers, not a single one like on the majority of models. In this case, the sound quality will be a lot better and you will enjoy listening to your favorite tracks. These speakers are the best choice for people who practice yoga as well as for those who adore sunbathing by the pool.
Sources:
1. Suzanne Boothby How Music Affects Our Moods, Healthline. August 3, 2016.
2. IP Code, Wikipedia. September 15, 2016.
3. Too Loud. Too Long, It's a Noisy Planet.
4. 'Mozart effect': can classical music really make your baby smarter? The Telegraph. March 28, 2015.