Tested: The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers to Battle the Elements

Packing up and heading off-grid usually means having to forgo a great many of the creature comforts that we enjoy at home. Traditionally this has meant going without music, podcasts, and audiobooks – or, at best, listening to them via headphones. However, advancements in battery potency, Bluetooth technology, weatherproofing, and audio transducers have collectively given way to a host of increasingly rugged portable speakers that allow you and your friends to relish in high-quality sound from practically anywhere, no matter the climate or conditions.

Below, we’ll not only be delving into the best portable waterproof speakers but will also be exploring the crucial differences between waterproof and water-resistant, as well as what factors to take into account when shopping.

How We Tested

Since these camp-friendly speakers can vary so widely in terms of both the level of durability they possess and the quality of the sound that they afford, it can be exceedingly difficult to sort through the droves of available offerings to hone in on the handful of leading models that are worthy of your consideration. For this guide, we looked mainly at brands that we loved and/or were respected in the audio space. We considered speakers for their aesthetic, size, durability, price, and audio quality.

From there, we got hands-on with each and every unit, testing them for functionality and sound. In terms of music, we played both rock and hip-hop tunes with each speaker, sticking to songs we were familiar with so there was no confusion as to how they were supposed to sound. We also paid attention to each unit’s unique features and how well they paired with our smart devices. The results are detailed below.

What to Look For

Size: Portable Bluetooth speakers widely vary in size, from diminutive handheld items to boombox-style speakers. The best way to determine the speaker size that’s right for you is to consider your intended use(s). If you plan on utilizing the speaker on a backpacking trip or alone in your tent at night, a smaller speaker is probably your best bet, though if you plan to mainly do drive-in camping and/or are looking to provide tunes for a larger number of listeners, then a larger speaker is likely the way to go.

Water-Resistance: One of the main areas that separate camp-friendly Bluetooth speakers from regular units is the former’s ability to stand up to the elements. By examining the locale, climate, and conditions in which you plan on utilizing the speaker, you should be able to get a general sense of whether you’ll need a speaker that’s waterproof or merely water-resistant. You can glean more specific information on a speaker’s ability to withstand water by referencing its IP code.

Durability: As important as waterproofing is to a portable outdoor speaker, it isn’t the only factor that can destroy one, which is why overall durability and the ability to withstand dirt, dust, impacts, and abrasions are equally critical. This area primarily boils down to the materials, design, and construction technique(s) used to create the speaker. Today’s portable waterproof speaker market is largely comprised of items made from rugged plastics, polycarbonates, and metals, and are more often than not fully or semi-sealed — keeping out not only after, but also dirt, grime, and debris.

Battery Life: Because portable Bluetooth speakers are designed and intended for use outdoors and off-grid, it’s immensely important that they come equipped with powerful batteries that afford extended music playback time. Fortunately, technological advancements in this area have given way to some increasingly potent cells, some of which can power even full-size boombox-style speakers for up to 40 hours.

Portability: A speaker’s weight and physical dimensions obviously play a major role in determining its overall portability, though there are additional factors that can also hugely add to a speaker’s conduciveness to travel, camping, and other off-grid use. This includes speakers with integrated carabiners or mounting systems, loops or attachment points, and/or slings and carrying straps — the latter two of which are wildly useful when dealing with larger speakers.

Sound Quality: The whole purpose of a speaker is to emit sound, so it should come as no surprise that the quality of that sound is of immense importance when judging a speaker’s performance or quality. Largely owed to the array of drivers being utilized, a speaker’s sound quality can somewhat be understood by examining its frequency range and maximum decibel output, though it never hurts to read reviews from experts in the space to get a more robust sense of audio quality. While on the subject, it’s also imperative to note that breakthroughs in transducer technology have allowed for some incredibly small speakers to achieve genuine hi-fi sound with crisp highs, punchy yet clear miss, and rich and deep lows.

UE Wonderboom 4

Best Sub-$100 Speaker: Balancing cost with quality can be difficult when it comes to Bluetooth speakers but there are some shining lights of hope out there, such as UE (Ultimate Ears), which makes some great budget-friendly options like the Wonderboom, currently in its 4th generation. Packing a serious punch, and weighing less than a pound, this compact unit is shockingly capable in terms of sound. It also has a 40-meter wireless range for your convenience, an IP67 waterproof rating, and a 1.5-meter drop limit, which is nearly 5ft.

The Good

$100 seems to be the liminal point between cheap and premium for many people. And considering the $80 price tag of the UE Wonderboom 4, the speaker market offers diminishing returns when you get much lower than this. Simply put, this isn’t just the best sub-$100 speaker but one of the only ones worth your time. Not only can you literally fit the speaker into most of your pants pockets but its audio quality is staggeringly good for its size. Music won’t sound as good as some of the more expensive models but you won’t find much compression or dispatching of quality with the small speaker.

The three sound modes include Podcast, Outdoor Boost, and Standard. However, Outdoor Boost was my mode of choice for both indoor and outdoor listening. Standard didn’t sound full enough with music and made podcast voices sound too rattly and bassy; I essentially never used this mode after the initial testing period. I loved how the podcasts sounded on both Outdoor Boost and Podcast modes, toggling between both depending on the nature of the speaker’s voice. Female voices resonated better with Outdoor Boost while deeper male voices were much clearer in the Podcast mode.

The Not So Good

Aside from the expected sound discrepancies between the Wonderboom 4 and, say, a $200 speaker, the speaker only had minor issues. For one, the light on the mode toggling button underneath doesn’t change color to let you know which mode it’s in. In order to check, I had to press the button for the voice to let me know, which meant potentially cycling through the options after a period of non-use. It was slightly annoying.

Also, the volume button doesn’t really work with a single-finger push. Meaning, you’re required to pick up the speaker itself to increase or decrease the volume. On the other hand, the large plus and minus buttons eliminate any confusion about where these buttons are located on the speaker, which is helpful (other speakers keep them subtle to preserve the overall cosmetics).

Verdict: Simply a great speaker for around $100, and with straightforward usability and easy pairing, the UE Wonderboom 4 adds a trio of playback modes to enhance the audio experience. Seriously lightweight, the portable unit can fit in your pocket and has loads of durability with an IP67 rating and 1.5-meter drop resistance. The complaints are nominal and shouldn’t detract from the value you’re getting with this budget-friendly amp. There’s no better $80 option out there.

JBL Flip 6

Best Speaker for Parties: Now in its 6th generation, the JBL Flip is the company’s optimum middle-lower-end option between models like the Clip and the Charge. The updated edition has improved sound quality over the 5, with the addition of a tweeter to tackle the higher end just as well as the “racetrack-shaped woofer” handles the bass and mid-range frequencies. You also get improved connectivity now with Bluetooth 5.1 and the ability to pair with other Flip speakers for a true party atmosphere –– and for much less than most other stackable options. Other features include 12 hours of playback, an IP67 waterproof rating, and a lightweight 1.21-pound frame. And there are several colorway options for you to really express yourself.

The Good

The difference in audio quality between the $80 UE above and one in the next price range isn’t wide but noticeable to the trained ear. That said, the JBL Flip 6 is an incredible $130 speaker that seems almost too easy to carry around, considering how great it sounds. Just like its upper-echelon speakers, the audio performs excellently no matter what genre you’re listening to without muddling the music, even at higher volumes. The bass isn’t too much and there’s a warm quality to what you’re listening to. There’s just great balance here. If you’d like, you can also fine-tune five frequency ranges with the JBL phone app, which also has a handful of pre-made EQ options. Aside from a very straightforward, user-friendly physical interface, the app is pretty basic yet helpful and easy to use.

I thought the cylindrical profile would be an issue in terms of rolling but the Flip 6 actually has a sort of inner-weight that doesn’t let it sit at just any position. You can also stand it on either end with rubber bumpers protecting each side. I also like how you can pair this with other JBL models from the unit itself instead of the app (although you still need your phone to pair via Bluetooth).

The Not So Good

Well-priced and eclectic, there’s not too much to dislike about the JBL Flip 6. From a design perspective, it won’t look as stylish as, say, anything from Marshall or Sonos. However, we’ve come to get acquainted with the brand’s distinct ethos that it’s not jarring by any means (as if it ever was). My one quibble would be that the power button is too easy to press off. I found myself accidentally turning it off when it was in my hand. Perhaps a long press would be a better option, which is the way you turn it on. Also, a 12-hour battery life is on the lower side, but at least it turns off automatically when not in use.

Verdict: It’s hard to find a speaker that handles different sounds and genres efficiently, especially in the sub-$150 range, but the JBL Flip 6 is one of our favorites for how eclectic it can be. Lightweight and user-friendly, the unit might not have the longest battery life but it wins with its simplicity and audio quality.

Marshall Emberton III

Best Retro Speaker: Marshall’s Emberton III is a mid-sized portable speaker that combines powerful, modern-day transducer and Bluetooth tech with the famed audio brand’s iconic retro-themed design language. On top of a battery that offers more than 32 hours of playback time — and can receive six hours of music via a 20-minute charge — the Emberton also packs a solid metal grille, Bluetooth 5.3 LE connectivity, a 100m range, and (most importantly) Marshall’s True Stereophonic 360° sound. On top of the retro look, this speaker has a rugged, waterproof construction that allows it to be submerged in up to 3ft of water for 30 minutes. Additionally, it’s capable of connecting to other Middleton speakers to give you a bigger sound. Coming in at 1.5 pounds, it’s also super easy to transport and fits into the palm of your hand.

The Good

The first thing anyone notices with Marshall’s versatile range of speakers is their physical appearance, which is the same for the Emberton III, which sports a beautiful retro design that takes the ethos of the company’s amps and transposes it into a personal speaker. As expected, considering my experience with the larger Middleton, the Emberton handled a wide array of music really well, just like the JBL Flip 6 above. Whether you’re trying to listen to heavily-produced “party” music or the instrumentation of rock genres, you will be pleased with the results here.

You get a longer battery life than the bigger models, which gets a boost with this new generation of Emberton. Also, Marshall’s claim to fame is its stacking option, which lets you pair with other Emberton models, controlled from your phone. On the app, the mixing is pretty straightforward here, which is perfectly fine. Often all we need is bass and treble controls. This gets the job done for switching between rock and rap, and everything in between. However, you don’t get the on-board tuning options that you get with the Middleton, which I used a lot when testing the larger model. I also love the improved quick-charge option which gives you a whopping 6 hours of playback from just 20 minutes of charging.

The Not So Good

Unlike the Middleton, you only get sound coming from the front and the back here instead of all four sides, which makes blockage much easier. However, it wasn’t too noticeable when listening and even makes you more at ease with standing this up on its side if you need to. While there’s no handle, this unit is pretty lightweight and there’s a hole for a lanyard attachment as well.

As I mentioned, the lack of on-board EQ options is a bummer, which is parlayed with the barebones phone app, which only lets you tune the bass and treble. In terms of speaker operation, the brass control knob on top is a cosmetic bonus, although it’s pretty finicky when it comes to skipping songs and playing or pausing the music. On the other hand, I know most people play, pause, and skip from their phone itself. I personally do these exclusively from my own phone.

Verdict: Arguably the best-looking speaker on the market, the amp-like Marshall Emberton III benefits from the brand’s superb audio prowess and handles an eclectic variety of music with ease. This model doesn’t have some of the features of Marshall’s larger models but it does have phenomenal battery life and an improved quick-charge with this latest generation. Throw in the speaker’s stackability with other units and you have yourself a really great option, and at an accessible price to boot.

Sonos Roam 2

Best Outdoor/Indoor Speaker: Sonos’ Roam 2 model is a small, 6.61” x 2.44” x 2.36” speaker that punches well above its weight in terms of sound quality and comes loaded with a host of cutting-edge technology. This includes two Class-H digital amplifiers, Trueplay tuning technology, and Apple AirPlay 2 integration, as well as compatibility with Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. The Roam can also be paired with other Sonos speakers to expand your home audio setup, or to pair with a friend who also has a Roam speaker. You’re getting up to 10 hours of battery life which is solid, but certainly on the lower end when it comes to Bluetooth speakers. However, given the lightweight frame (0.95 lbs), it’s worth the trade-off as you’re getting a speaker that’s very easy to carry, with high-quality Sonos sound. And the ability to stream via WiFi adds to the listening options, making this a great addition to your home audio setup (especially if you have other Sonos speakers).

The Good

Not only is the Sonos Roam more portable than its popular (and heavier) Move speaker, but it actually performs well in one genre, while the latter didn’t really shine in one genre despite being pretty versatile. I preferred the Roam with hip-hop music, as it handled the crisper bass levels well and integrated it well with the vocals. Meanwhile, it seemed to bring out the bass too much in rock music, especially older rock music where this wasn’t as much of an intent (heavy bass used to make record needles skip much easier and thus was turned down for many vinyl releases). Sporting a simple minimalist aesthetic and one of the most lightweight on this list, the Roam was my favorite speaker for listening to podcasts. The blending of mids, lows, and highs was great for human voices.

What makes the Sonos Roam, and other Sonos models, such a great option for home use is the way it integrates into your environment with WiFi connectivity and Alexa capability. The Sonos app is easily the most sophisticated out there, featuring integration with third-party services like Spotify, YouTube Music, and the like. This allows you to use the Sonos app as a music player hub (albeit with some limitations). Along with the custom EQ operations, there’s a cool Trueplay feature that uses your device’s microphone to actively adapt its sound to its environment. There’s also a way to put a cap on your volume, which I found interesting even though I wasn’t in need of that safety net during testing.

The Not So Good

As I mentioned, I didn’t love the Roam for rock music because of the poor bass mixing with more sophisticated instrumentation. However, the app can mitigate some of this just fine. Speaking of which, the app will appeal to a lot of listeners due to its wealth of features and customization. On the other hand, it does a bit too much at times. I often found myself needing to take time to process exactly where I was in the app so I could navigate my way elsewhere. I actually opted out of using the app as a music player. I’m a Spotify user and the Spotify phone app is way too goo to just dispatch it for something else. Plus, it was way easier to toggle between apps than to constantly back out of the music player section in order to change the bass setting.

While I utilized the Trueplay mixing feature most often, I do wish there were better custom EQ options. There’s only treble and bass, implying that most listeners will just use Trueplay instead. There’s also a directionality to the speaker that most others don’t have. Meaning, the sound comes from just one side, which will limit its use as a party speaker. It’s also important to note that the 10-hour battery life is pretty poor.

Verdict: If you’re looking to get into the Sonos game but don’t want to pay $400 for the Move model, this is a very good and significantly more lightweight option with the same fun features. While it didn’t play all types of music as well as others, we did love this for hip-hop and podcasts. What it lacks in poor battery life and a much-too-sophisticated phone app it makes up for with superb audio quality and cool features, such as its Trueplay mixing which actively adapts to its environment and its sophisticated app which can integrate with third-party music players (with mixed results).

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen

Best for the Audiophile: Band & Olufsen’s entire Beosound range is pretty awesome but this A1 model balances portability, quality, and durability better than the rest. Improving the model’s waterproofing to IP67 and upgrading to Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, the second-gen version also bolsters battery life to 18 hours of music playback. We also get a trio of internal microphones to help you utilize smart voice assistants such as Alexa. True to its cool circular design, the speaker also comes equipped with True360 omnidirectional sound thanks to a 3.5-inch woofer and 3/5-inch tweeter boasting a total frequency range between 55 and 20,000Hz. It’s backed by a pair of 30W Class D amps that can hit up to 92dB with ease. Offered in Black Anthracite (seen here) and Grey Mist, this Cecilie Manz-designed speaker is constructed from pearl-blasted aluminum and polymer and is complemented via a custom aluminum-bead-adorned waterproof leather band.

The Good

First and foremost, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 is the best-looking option on this list with a sleek, minimalist style. But it also boasts a slim lightweight frame that’s easy to carry around. In terms of audio, there’s an immediate difference between the music coming from this speaker and others at a similar price point. While it won’t have the same bass capabilities as ones with included subwoofers, it mixes sound incredibly well and sounds better with music that doesn’t require as much bass, like classic rock, oldies, and basically anything before the ’90s. There might be a desired sound trait that’s more desirable with the JBL or Marshall speakers above but I just loved how well the music sounded out the gate. If you’re into EQing things yourself, the speaker’s sound is also adjustable, with four preset EQs accessed via the app, plus the option for full customization.

Speaking of which, the Bang & Olufsen phone app is pretty great. The three-tab layout is super straightforward and easy to use. Aside from the four premade sound settings, you can create several of your own. I loved playing around with the four-quadrant graph as my music was playing to fine-tune what I was listening to. Like other speakers, there are also podcast-friendly settings. The app also connects with Tidal, a streaming service that lets you listen to high-quality lossless music. And there’s also a section where you can browse public radio stations. Pretty cool!

The Not So Good

Even though the Beosound A1 won’t handle bass-heavy music as much as other speakers, it won’t sound terrible by any means, nor will it be too trebley either. Most of my complaints here are mere quibbles, such as the button functions on the side, which are admittedly straightforward enough but can take some getting used to in terms of how long you press each one. They’re also strangely difficult to press; you have to push rather hard to engage them. I also noticed that while other speakers shut off automatically after prolonged idle time, the Beosound just stays on, which could seriously drain your battery if you don’t realize it’s on. However, my main issue with the speaker is its $300 price tag, which feels like a lot for a speaker with a few limitations.

Verdict: Slim, lightweight, and bursting with sleek minimalist style, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 is an ideal speaker for many, especially if you’re not a fan of digital bass. Blending sounds inherently better than most other speakers here, the unit has a downloadable app that gives you manageable freedom for EQing yourself, even if you’re new to mixing. It has its limitations, sure, which makes the high price tag difficult to swallow but it does what it does really well.

Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II

Best Versatile Speaker: The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II is a versatile speaker that lends itself equally well to both at-home and off-grid, outdoor use. Compatible with Siri and Google Voice and controllable via voice commands, the speaker features an extruded metal housing with soft bumpers to absorb impacts and a base that’s compatible with wireless charging. The SoundLink Revolve+ II’s grab handle also makes this speaker easy to carry or attach to a bag or backpack. This is a great pick for both indoor and outdoor listening, with a sleek design that can easily complement any home setup, and a rugged construction for outdoor adventures. There’s also a built-in mic for the previously mentioned voice controls, but also for taking calls. If you have other Bose speakers, you can also connect them with the SoundLink Revolve+ II for multi-room sound, or link up with friends who also have a Bose speaker.

The Good

If you’re looking for a speaker to better assist you with tasks, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II integrates with your voice assistant better than any other here. Even if you’re not trying to talk to Siri, you can press and hold a button on the speaker itself to do things like send a text message or make dinner reservations. I found this super useful, especially when my phone was charging in the other room. And as a piece of furniture in your house, this unit doesn’t look cheap by any means. It’s something worthy of keeping front and center when people come over. On the other hand, the attached handle is great for hanging in the bathroom or on a camping chair.

In terms of music listening, the Revolve+ II performs very well. First of all, I loved the 3.5mm aux connectivity, which allows you a backup for older devices that either have trouble pairing or don’t have Bluetooth. Once you get the music playing, you’ll notice a high quality coming from this compact unit. While the audio profile fits some genres, like rock and oldies, better than others, the sound is not compromised at all, which is to be expected from Bose, who once upon a time redefined what small speakers can do. While the app isn’t as well-planned as ones from other brands, it has good mixing capabilities, with notches for bass, mids, and highs. However, there aren’t any pre-set mixes for those who don’t really know what they’re doing.

The Not So Good

With the versatility that comes with the SoudLink Revolve+ II, you also get a bit less waterproofing than on the other IP67 models on this list. This unit is only IP55, which makes it resistant to low-pressure water jets and even rain. Although, it’s not submersible. I don’t love the micro-USB charging –– it’s not as quick or as easy to find if you lose your cable –– but there’s also a wireless charging port that you can purchase separately from this speaker.

My biggest issue with the Bose, however, is its connectivity. First of all, this was the only speaker I tested that required me to undergo a process just to use it. It was also the only one that required me to download an app to use via Bluetooth. Not only that, but the app wasn’t great. If I went to Spotify and then back to the app for EQing my music, I had to wait a few seconds for it to catch up. There’s also a strange multi-function button on the unit itself, which does one of four things, depending how long or how many times you press it. For example, you press it twice to skip forward or three times to go back. This is such a strange feature and one that feels needless.

Verdict: Admittedly pricey at $300, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II is a great home speaker that gives you some cool features, such as voice assistant, while also offering superb audio quality, albeit with some genres performing better than others. You’re required to download the finicky app in order to use the Bluetooth features but at least there’s aux connectivity as a backup. Bose brings its signature audio quality to the unit, as well as a sleek design that makes this worthy of a piece of furniture in your home.

Turtlebox Gen 2 Speaker

Most Durable: While all of these speakers are waterproof, none of them are as insanely durable and crush-proof as the Turtlebox, which is also a great unit for camping (though not hiking). With the same IP67 rating as most of the others, this unit also has been drop tested at 10ft, which is very impressive, especially considering it weighs an objectively heavy 10lbs. Mids and bass levels benefit from the 6″ x 9″ woofer driver front and center, supplemented by a 1-inch titanium tweeter and premium class D digital amp. There’s also an impressive 25-hour battery life for playback, which is the second-highest on this list. It’s also important to note that there are two Bluetooth pairing buttons for two separate devices, so there’s no competition here when it comes to DJ duties.

The Good

Admittedly, I wasn’t expecting much of the sound from the Turtlebox, considering its reputation as an audio brand isn’t on the same level as, say, Bose, Marshall, or Bang & Olufsen. However, I loved how the music sounded coming out of it, especially when it came to more modern tunes or rap music. This speaker handles bass very well while keeping it mixed. However, when the source music wasn’t as bass-heavy, the mix seemed to overcompensate by making it louder. I should also note that this is the only speaker here without an accompanying phone app, so there’s no EQing possible.

I found it interesting that the brand suggests keeping this unit on an elevated surface about 10 to 15ft away. Great for large groups or campouts, this thing gets pretty darn loud. I settled with the volume at barely one-fourth of the way up and couldn’t fathom putting it all the way up.

The Not So Good

The downsides of the Turtlebox are more obvious here. For instance, at $400, it’s by far the most expensive on this list; it’s $100 more than the second-highest model. Also, it’s incredibly heavy at a whopping 10lbs. My home stereo’s floor speakers don’t even weigh as much. The compromise here is what you get in sheer durability, which is still pretty incredible.

As I mentioned, the sound wasn’t as good when it needed to be more balanced, but that’s not to say it’s terrible. Also, considering the rugged walls of this unit, it’s quite easy to muffle the sound if absolutely anything is in front of the speaker itself.

Verdict: Virtually indestructible, the selling point of the Turtlebox Gen 2 Speaker is its durability and drop resistance. However, we were very surprised with how well the audio quality sounded, albeit favored genres like pop and hip-hop much better than older fare. Considering the size, there was a very high battery life here, as well as a loud max volume which is great for the outdoors. On the other hand, this unit is the most expensive and heaviest on this list, and by a long shot.

Waterproof Speakers Comparison Chart

waterproofness 101

Though the two are at times used interchangeably, waterproof and water-resistant are two different things. As its name implies, the latter is resistant to water, and can typically stand up to rain, sweat, splashes, and some light spraying. Unless in a torrential downpour, water-resistant products tend to be able to survive most weather, however, they aren’t fully sealed and, as such, are unable to be dunked or submerged in water — a feat that plays a pivotal role in distinguishing waterproof items from those of the water-resistant variety.

The ability to withstand water and the elements is especially important when it comes to portable speakers, too, as a water-resistant jacket succumbing to heavy rain means you’ll likely get wet, as speakers are susceptible to being destroyed should water manage to find its way inside. To help give a more objective metric or understanding of an item’s imperviousness to water, most manufacturers will cite an IP — or “Ingress Protection”— rating, which is a scale that gives a clearer understanding of exactly how well a given product can stand up to the elements.

Starting from IPX-0 — which denotes that a product offers zero protection against water — these rating codes include everything from items that are lightly resistant to splashing or mist, all the way up to offerings that can be fully submerged under at least a meter of water indefinitely without issue — an ability that carries an IPX-8 rating. For a more thorough look at the differences between the two and for a complete description of the different IP codes, you can check out our guide on the difference between waterproof and water-resistant, though as a rule of thumb, we would advise opting for a speaker with an IPX-4 rating, at the very least.

Honorable Mentions

JBL’s Clip 4 is another popular speaker for ultimate portability with its integrated handle up top. However, we’re big fans of the UE Wonderboom as our de facto budget, small option.

Sony’s XG300 MEGA BASS is one of our favorite Bluetooth speakers, and has an IP67 rating to boot. However, it’s pretty heavy and has some problems with its directionality of sound.

Comparable to the Beosound A1, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore is slightly more affordable and has stereo capability. On the other hand, the A1 has a leg up in terms of audio quality.

Anker’s audio brand Soundcore has some great, design-friendly solutions, and for affordable prices. Their Motion 300 is a Red Dot Design winner with adaptive audio tech and an IPX7 rating.

​If you like the Sony XG300 but don’t want to spend as much, check out the W-KING Portable Loud Bluetooth Speaker, which is a cheaper, louder alternative.

The Demerbox DB2 is comparable to the Turtlebox above, although we liked the latter a smidge more. However, the DB2 is notable for its storage capability, which is great when you’re hiking or camping.

Tested: The Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers

Want to check out an additional selection of mobile-friendly portable audio devices? Then be sure to head over to our guide to the best portable Bluetooth speakers for some of the finest travel-ready transducers that money can buy.