Feel the bass this summer with these outdoor-ready sound machines.
By Alex Bracetti on May 16, 2026
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After a long, cold winter, the days are finally getting longer, and so are our party playlists. Mashable’s audio experts have years of experience testing Bluetooth speakers, and we’ve put together a spring 2026 guide to the best waterproof speakers available right now. We evaluated each of these speakers on richness of sound, waterproof rating and durability, ease of use, and portability.
Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, hitting the beach, or hosting a backyard gathering, the best waterproof speakers are ready for any occasion. They’re built for adventure and outdoor fun, and they let you take your music anywhere without worrying about the elements. And unlike our favorite party speakers, all of these gadgets can handle a little H20.
Before purchasing a model, you’ll want a better understanding of what “waterproof” means, at least when it comes to wireless speakers. Waterproofing is the ability to resist water intrusion. This is measured by an ingress protection (IP) rating. The higher the rating, the stronger the protection.
Many waterproof speakers also feature rubberized bumpers for shock absorption and sealed ports that keep out dirt, dust, and sand. Some models include detachable straps that latch onto everyday carry items like backpacks, gym bags, purses, or satchels. Some of the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers are even designed to float while playing music in the water.
For this guide, Mashable tech and audio experts ranked the best waterproof speakers based on factors such as overall performance, real-world usability, and value. Our picks are guided by hands-on experience with the latest releases, as well as insights from past reviews and years of category testing to spotlight top-tier entries.
So, if you want the best waterproof speaker to keep your playlist bumping — rain, splash, or shine — we’ve got you.
Know before you buy: What does “waterproof” really mean? Water-resistant, splashproof, waterproof — these terms all have different meanings. All of the speakers in this guide have an IP waterproof rating, but let’s break down what that means.
Understanding IP ratings: The IP rating system classifies how resistant electrical enclosures are to intrusion from foreign matter, moisture, and environmental exposure. Here’s a breakdown of what each IP rating means.
– IPX0 – No water resistance
– IPX1 – Survives vertical drop of 1 millimeter of water
– IPX2 – Survives drop of 3 millimeters of water
– IPX3 – Survives light water spraying
– IPX4 – Survives omnidirectional water splashing (water resistant)
– IPX5 – Survives water jet splashing up to 12.5 liters for 1 min
– IPX6 – Survives water jet splashing up to 100 liters for 3 mins
– IPX7 – Complete submersion up to 1 meter for 30 mins
– IPX8 – Complete submersion up to 3 meters for 30 mins
Why do some IP ratings have two digits? The first digit (0–6) rates protection against solids, and the second digit (0–9) rates protection against liquids.