Best of · Audio
Best waterproof Bluetooth speakers of 2026: IP67 and IP68 picks that float
IP68 JBLs survive the deepest dunk. UE and Bose float. And IPX7 isn’t the same as IP67 at the beach.
Our pick: JBL Flip 7 (IP68) for most; UE Wonderboom 4 if it needs to float
JBL
Flip 7
9.0$149.95
IP68 plus drop protection, in a bottle-size speaker.
Pros
- • IP68
- • 1 m drop rated
- • 14–16 hr
Cons
- • Doesn’t float
Ultimate Ears
Wonderboom 4
8.6$99.99
Floats, it’s IP67, and it costs under $100.
Pros
- • Floats
- • IP67
- • 360° sound
Cons
- • Light bass
Bose
SoundLink Flex (2nd gen)
8.5$149
IP67, floats, and has the clearest sound of the floaters.
Pros
- • Floats
- • IP67
- • aptX
Cons
- • 12 hr
JBL
Charge 6
8.9$199.95
IP68 with a 24-hour battery and a power bank for long beach days.
Pros
- • IP68
- • Power bank
- • 24–28 hr
Cons
- • ~1 kg
Anker Soundcore
Boom 2
8.0$139.99
A loud floating party speaker, but IPX7 means no dust rating.
Pros
- • Floats
- • 60–80 W
- • Power bank
Cons
- • IPX7 (no dust rating)
- • 3.7 lb
A waterproof Bluetooth speaker should survive a drop in the pool, a rainstorm, and sand. That means looking at the full IP rating, not just the word “waterproof.” The JBL Flip 7 is the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker for most people, thanks to IP68 and drop protection. If you want it to float, choose the UE Wonderboom 4 or Bose SoundLink Flex.
| Speaker | List price | Output | Battery (claimed) | Water/dust | Weight | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Flip 7 | $149.95 | 35 W | 14 hr (16 w/ Boost) | IP68 | ~560 g | Auracast, USB-C lossless |
| JBL Charge 6 | $199.95 | 45 W | 24 hr (28 w/ Boost) | IP68 | ~990 g | Auracast, power bank, USB-C lossless |
| UE Wonderboom 4 | $99.99 | n/a | 14 hr | IP67 | ~420 g | Floats, 360° sound, Outdoor Boost |
| Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd gen) | $149 | n/a | 12 hr | IP67 | ~600 g | aptX, app EQ, shortcut button |
| Anker Soundcore Boom 2 | $139.99 | 60 W (80 W BassUp) | 24 hr | IPX7 | ~1.7 kg | Floats, power bank, PartyCast |
| JBL Clip 5 | $79.95 | 7 W | 12 hr | IP67 | ~285 g | Carabiner, Auracast |
| JBL Go 4 | $49.95 | 4.2 W | 10 hr | IP67 | ~190 g | Loop, Auracast |
Best waterproof speaker: JBL Flip 7
IP68 and a 1 m drop rating cover nearly every pool or beach mishap. It also delivers 35 W and up to 16 hours with Playtime Boost.
Best floating speakers: UE Wonderboom 4 and Bose SoundLink Flex
Both float upright and carry IP67 ratings. The Wonderboom 4 is cheaper and plays 360° sound. The Bose sounds clearer, and its app adds EQ.
Waterproof speaker care
- Rinse with fresh water after salt water or chlorine.
- Let the speaker dry completely before charging over USB-C.
- Don’t use speakers in hot tubs or saunas, since heat damages batteries.
Questions we get
Which is better, IP67 or IPX8?
It depends on the threat. The first digit is dust and the second is water. IP67 is dust-tight and survives immersion (typically 1 m for 30 minutes). IPX8 is rated for deeper or longer immersion but has no tested dust rating. For beaches, IP67 or IP68 is safer than any IPX rating.
What is the highest waterproof rating for a speaker?
IP68 is the top common rating for consumer speakers. JBL’s Flip 7 and Charge 6 are IP68, and JBL lists the Charge 6 as protected to 1.5 m for 30 minutes.
Is the JBL speaker actually waterproof?
Current JBL Flip, Charge, Clip, and Go models are rated IP67 or IP68, so they survive dunks and rain. Rinse off salt or chlorine with fresh water, let them dry before charging, and keep port covers or USB-C ports dry before plugging in.
Can I bring a JBL speaker in a sauna?
No. IP ratings cover water and dust, not heat. Saunas exceed the operating temperatures of lithium-ion speakers and can damage the battery.