By carolin lehmann, Michelle Uy
CBS Essentials is created independently from the CBS News staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.
Don't let a surprise splash be a death sentence for your speakers during a day at the beach or by the pool. Portable, waterproof Bluetooth speakers are the perfect choice for streaming music, books and podcasts from a phone or tablet when you're near water.
Don't know which brand to pick -- or what type of waterproof Bluetooth speaker to get? The ideal option for you depends on your budget, the sound quality you're seeking and what extra features you want, such as voice control.
Take a look at these ten reviewer-loved, portable, waterproof Bluetooth speakers that make excellent bathtub, poolside and beach-day companions.
The feature-rich Sonos Roam ticks many boxes, making it a great value for your money -- even though it does sit at a higher price range. A standalone Bluetooth speaker that supports Sonos' multi-room ecosystem, it boasts Qi charging (although you have to buy the charger separately), Google Assistant and Alexa support for voice control and Sonos Trueplay, which allows you to retune the speaker based on your surroundings. Bass lovers will also appreciate its controlled bass-heavy sound.
Its "well-balanced sound" and "surprising bass for the size" are among the many things Best Buy reviewer CraigB appreciates about Sonos Roam, concluding that "If you are in the market for a small, portable speaker and value balance sound over excessive bass or gimmicky features, the Sonos Roam is worth a look."
While the B&O Beosound A1 (2nd generation)'s elegant design makes it seem like it shouldn't go anywhere near water or sand, it proves to be an excellent pool or beach day companion with its IP67 certification. That means that it has total protection against sand and dust, and can be submerged underwater for 30 minutes, at a depth of up to one meter. It also has a long battery life of up to 18 hours, plus Amazon Alexa built-in and app support so you can personalize its sound profile.
"I've been using Bose products for over a decade and recently I tried a pair of B&O headphones and immediately noticed the difference," reviewer Andrew Timko III says on Amazon. "This is my first B&O Bluetooth speaker and it certainly delivered."
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Generation), $195 (reduced from $210)
The Bose SoundLink Flex boasts that crisp, clear sound that Bose users have come to expect from the brand. Of course, it comes with its own features that sets it apart from other Bose speakers. Those include its versatile form factor, which allows you to stand it upright, hang it from a backpack and lay it flat. Its sound positioning is just as versatile, thanks to Bose's PositionIQ technology that automatically detects its orientation and adjusts the sound imaging accordingly. Other great features are its IP67 rating, up to 12 hours of battery life and ability to pair with another Bose Bluetooth speaker.
According to Best Buy reviewer jsisko76, "...this bluetooth speaker does not disappoint. The huge sound fills a room with little effort and it is incredible to think that the sound is coming from such a small/medium sized portable speaker."
Many budget-minded consumers are under the impression that Bose products are expensive. However, you can get one without breaking the bank if you know where to look. The Bose SoundLink Color II, for example, is now $30 off, putting it in the mid-range market in terms of waterproof Bluetooth speakers. It's an older-generation model, but it can still keep up with the newer ones, thanks to its Bose SimpleSync technology support connecting to other Bose speakers; up to 8 hours of battery life; and IPX7 waterproof rating.
"This Bose Soundlink Color II portable speaker is designed around smart compromises," reviewer VADarkstar says. "It focuses on clarity of sound over powerful volume and packs that sound into a portable size with an impressive battery life."
Bose SoundLink Color II, $100 (reduced from $129)
This waterproof speaker is small enough to fit in your palm, so it's not an ideal option to fill an entire pool area with sound. But if you're seeking a versatile, budget-friendly speaker that can fit into any active adventure, consider the JBL Clip 4. It's currently reduced from $70 to $60 and has a built-in clip, so you can attach it to a tree, your pool bag and more. The Clip 4 comes in six hues and offers 10 hours of playtime on a single charge.
"It's not going to rattle any windows, but the bass coming out of this thing is a lot better than I expected," reviewer TheDude says. "I was expecting it to be tinny like most small speakers."
To save $10, consider the well-reviewed JBL Clip 3, which is available in an even wider variety of colors, but has only 3.3 watts compared to the JBL Clip 4's 5 watts.
If you're all about the sound quality, check out the Anker Soundcore Motion+. Reviewers praise its high-res audio, intense bass and faithful music reproduction. This speaker is available in three colors, has a 12-hour playtime and has USB-C connectivity. It has an IPX7 rating, meaning it can temporarily be submerged in water. Plus, you can pair two of these speakers together for even more volume, or a huge stereo sound. This speaker is thoughtfully positioned upward to fill an entire space with sound.
"I've been collecting portable Bluetooth speakers for over eight years, and the Motion+ is one of the best speakers I've heard in this price range," reviewer KB Weldon says. "Many others have tried to hit the perfect balance of audio accuracy, with portability and affordability. The Motion+ is truly the first portable speaker that checks all the boxes."
If you're looking for the most affordable option with the longest playtime here, the Comiso waterproof Bluetooth speaker is for you. It plays for 24 hours at full volume, or up to 36 hours at two-thirds volume on a single charge. Plus, it comes in seven cheerful colors from yellow to rose gold. You can pair two of these speakers for an enhanced stereo sound experience via a single device. This speaker is also IPX5 waterproof, which means it can resist a gentle splash, but cannot be partially or fully submerged.
"I like how the sound comes out from all around the speaker -- 360 degrees -- and it is able to get a lot louder than other speakers I've had," reviewer M. Merchant says.
Do you want long battery life without sacrificing performance and sound quality? The Sony SRS-XB33 is a great fit, with its 24-hour battery life rating. It's a little over $100, but features like Sony's Live Sound mode for a 3D sound experience, plus IP67 waterproofing, rustproofing and a connectivity range of 98.4 feet, make it worth it. Another party perk here is its line lights, which sync up to whatever audio you're playing.
"I've had the pleasure of listening to music and movies with the Sony SRS-XB33 speaker for the last 48 hours and I am pretty impressed with it," according to Best Buy reviewer Ponskippa. "Build quality is very strong and sturdy. It feels like it would definitely survive multiple drops."
Sony SRS-XB33 waterproof & rustproof speaker, $130 (reduced from $180)
If voice control is what you're after, this is a great speaker option. It uses Amazon Alexa, so you can request songs on Spotify and Apple Music without leaving the pool. Plus, you can take calls on your phone while the music keeps playing. The Ultimate Ears Megablast has 12 hours of battery life and claims to be "virtually indestructible," with its tough exterior and water resistance up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. You can download fresh updates via the companion apps. Note that this speaker requires a Wi-Fi router for first-time setup.
"I took this thing to a long weekend retreat to use by the pool, and we were all blown away by how good this speaker sounded," reviewer murdock415 says. "When you consider the price, size and that it's waterproof, this blows everything else away. Just one speaker filled a large pool area with great sound."
Pair two of these speakers together for stereo sound, or pair multiple JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers for music that fills your whole yard. But even alone, this speaker offers 20 watts of sound, which is not too shabby. It has 12 hours of playtime; is IPX7 waterproof up to 3 feet deep; and offers USB-C quick charge. Choose from nine colors.
"This speaker is stupid loud -- and crisp at that," reviewer Alexander P says. "I work in an automotive shop and I keep my volume at 25% in my station. Phenomenal sound, phenomenal quality, could not be happier."
First published on July 7, 2021 / 3:49 PM
The Defense Department's announcement of $820-million in assistance on Friday includes items procured through a contracting process that may take weeks or months.
USDA says it is rethinking its approach to bacteria in poultry that sickens hundreds of thousands of people every year.
The manner of death was ruled an accident, according to a spokesperson for the office.
Paper coupons were once a household staple for saving on groceries, but the pandemic has taken a toll.
Texas State Board of Education member Aicha Davis said she was "not OK with that at all."
USDA says it is rethinking its approach to bacteria in poultry that sickens hundreds of thousands of people every year.
Paper coupons were once a household staple for saving on groceries, but the pandemic has taken a toll.
One perk of buying a ticket on an oversold flight? If you agree to be bumped, some airlines may pay you thousands in cash.
Bush said that the resurgence of the song put her "on top of that hill." Streams have increased almost 17,000%.
A home-grilled cheeseburger cost $2.07 this year, an increase of 21 cents from the last Fourth of July holiday, USDA says.
The Defense Department's announcement of $820-million in assistance on Friday includes items procured through a contracting process that may take weeks or months.
About 40,000 members of the Army National Guard are not fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.
California Rep. Adam Schiff, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and more appear on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" this Sunday.
"That was a threat to our institutions of government," Hutchinson said about Jan. 6.
President Biden met virtually with several Democratic governors on efforts to protect women's abortion access.
Dr. Karen Onel, pediatric rheumatology chief, explains symptoms of stiffness and joint swelling to look for in children.
USDA says it is rethinking its approach to bacteria in poultry that sickens hundreds of thousands of people every year.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade "is going to make pregnancy more dangerous," one doctor said. Another put it bluntly: "Many, many people will die."
The epic show of solidarity for little Roqaia has given other parents hope, but it's a race against time to get one of the world's most expensive drugs.
Nearly all abortions were immediately banned in Arkansas last week immediately after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Governor Asa Hutchinson joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the state’s legislation.
Parents are re-reading last messages, swiping through photos, waiting for a phone call and praying.
Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins urged countries struggling with inflation to accept it as a small price to pay, as "Ukrainians are paying with their lives."
The epic show of solidarity for little Roqaia has given other parents hope, but it's a race against time to get one of the world's most expensive drugs.
The latest hearing yielded no real information on the strategy adopted by the WNBA star's legal team, but a U.S. diplomat says she's doing "as well as can be expected."
The U.S. has received tens of thousands of humanitarian parole applications from Afghans seeking refuge from the Taliban.
Technoblade, who revealed his name as Alex, died after a battle with stage four cancer, his family said.
Emmy and Tony-nominated actor David Harbour speaks with Anthony Mason about filming volume 2 of "Stranger Things" season four, his marriage to singer Lily Allen and his new starring role in the West End production "Mad House," which is partly based on his experiences with mental illness.
The 1992 track, "Killing in the Name," was played on loop until at least Wednesday – but it is unclear who is behind the mysterious music marathon.
Bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the seventh season of his podcast "Revisionist History." He talks about uncovering his family history and how his latest book is being adapted into a documentary series.
As movements like #exvangelicals continue to grow, CBS News spoke to three queer artists who have reclaimed elements of their religion in their art.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has issued an order for Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores, citing a pattern of surreptitious data storage and access. The FCC gave Apple and Google until July 8 to respond. CBS News tech reporter Dan Patterson joins anchors Tanya Rivero and Nikki Battiste to explain the controversy.
Tech companies are facing numerous questions on whether they will cooperate with law enforcement officials who may seek to prosecute abortions where the procedure is now banned. CBS News tech reporter Dan Patterson has more on the pressures these companies are facing, including from their own employees.
CNET editorial director Dan Ackerman joins "CBS Mornings" to share innovative technology that can help families beat the heat and save money this summer.
Memes and status updates explaining how women can legally obtain abortion pills in the mail have surged on the platforms.
Billionaire investor Mark Cuban joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his new online pharmacy's goals of disrupting the prescription drug industry and providing low-cost generic drugs.
State officials said Greenidge Generation's mine is a threat to New York's climate goals. A Greenidge spokesperson says, "It simply would not."
Dozens of wildfires were burning across the nation this week. Climate change is making these fires more frequent and intense, and the crews that fight them are feeling the toll. CBS News’ Ben Tracy sat down with Kelly Martin, president of the Grassroots Wildland Firefighters Association, to talk about what these brave firefighters go through.
Florida officials confirmed the recurrence of an invasive snail species that destroys wildlife and poses serious threats to human health.
Drought and warming temperatures - conditions favored by the insects - have fanned the outbreaks.
Most bacteria are microscopic, but this one is so big it can be seen with the naked eye.
CBS News' series "Crime Without Punishment" explores the increase in unsolved murders across America. Chief investigative correspondent and senior national correspondent Jim Axelrod joined Nikki Batiste and Elaine Quijano to discuss how police in Baltimore are using teamwork to try to close more cases.
Former Georgetown University tennis coach Gordon Ernst has been sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for his role in the sprawling college admissions bribery scandal.
Analysis of FBI data shows that the rate at which murder investigations in the U.S. are being solved dipped to an all-time low of around 50% in 2020. CBS News' Tanya Rivero and Nikki Battiste talk with Wilson Walker, a reporter for CBS News' San Francisco Bay Area station KPIX 5, about his reporting on the issue.
Parents are re-reading last messages, swiping through photos, waiting for a phone call and praying.
An emergency management official was also injured and a police dog was killed, an arrest citation said.
The SES-22 relay station is the first of six new satellites that will deliver TV, radio and data across the U.S.
"Seeing the Earth from the outside ... it really puts things into perspective," Katya Echazarreta said.
The solar-powered microwave oven-sized craft is a key part of the agency's Artemis moon program.
Depending on the results of an independent review, budget impacts and other factors, the Psyche mission could face cancellation.
An early Super Heavy-Starship failure could disrupt SpaceX astronaut fights to space station.
One of these shows could be your next binge obsession.
Looking for something fresh to watch? Here are the top films available on the streaming platform.
If you work in one of these industries, you already know the risks.
As abortion-rights activists mourned the end of an era, anti-abortion advocates celebrated a long-fought victory.
Inside the life of a teenage girl and how her disappearance inspired a movement.
Representative Sara Jacobs of California joins Major Garrett on this week's episode of "The Takeout." They discuss the overturning of Roe v. Wade, whether Biden should run for reelection, progressive Democrats, and the movie "Legally Blonde."
CBS News' Tanya Rivero talks with Hope King, a business reporter for Axios, about the current state of the U.S. economy, what impacted the U.S. stock market on Friday, and the significance of recent consumer and unemployment reports.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has issued an order for Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores, citing a pattern of surreptitious data storage and access. The FCC gave Apple and Google until July 8 to respond. CBS News tech reporter Dan Patterson joins anchors Tanya Rivero and Nikki Battiste to explain the controversy.
Pregnancy can come with dangerous complications, and doctors say without access to safe, legal abortion "many, many people will die." Here's why.
CBS News' series "Crime Without Punishment" explores the increase in unsolved murders across America. Chief investigative correspondent and senior national correspondent Jim Axelrod joined Nikki Batiste and Elaine Quijano to discuss how police in Baltimore are using teamwork to try to close more cases.
Copyright ©2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.