A nice day by the pool can become even better if you add some music to the mix. While playing it from your smartphone speaker might be nice, it has many limitations (sound quality and range most of all). This is where pool speakers step in to save the day.
Unlike regular indoor speakers, the best pool speakers are perfectly fine with getting wet or even dropped once in a while. A top-rated floating speaker will always deliver a crisp and clear sound, allowing you to enjoy your music to the fullest. In addition to this, getting a floating speaker is even better because it can float next to you in the water.
With so many waterproof pool speakers available, finding the right one might be a bit of a challenge. To help you with this, we’ve created a detailed buying guide where we break down all the features a good speaker should have. But before we jump into the guide, check out our selection of best floating pool speakers that are guaranteed to get any pool party started.
OUR TOP PICK
JBL Charge 3 Portable
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Up to 3 smartphones can connect simultaneously
- Powerful Li-Ion battery for up to 20 hours of music streaming
- Best Bluetooth range (up to 100 feet)
- High-quality built-in microphone for making phone calls
- Good battery life guarantee hours of playback
- Great sound quality
Dimensions: 9.1 x 3.4 x 3.5 inches
Weight: 1.8 pounds
Waterproof rating: IPX7
Battery life: 20 hours (6000mAh battery)
Bluetooth range: 100 feet
USB charging: Yes
Floating: No
EDITORS CHOICE
Cowin Waterproof
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Powerful 10W bass sounds great
- Rugged casing makes it resistant to impacts
- Advanced Bluetooth for improved signal
- Colorful LED light display looks great in the water
- High sound quality
Dimensions: 6.9 x 6.7 x 6.8 inches
Weight: 1 pound
Waterproof rating: IPX7
Battery life: 8 to 10 hours (2 x 1200mAh battery)
Bluetooth range: 33 feet
USB charging: Yes
Floating: Yes
BEST VALUE
Blufree Stereo
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- High-fidelity stereo sound is loud and clear
- Tough construction prevents impact damage
- Withstands immersion up to 30 minutes
- Seven LED lights shine on the pool water
- Good sound quality
Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 3.4 inches
Weight: 12 ounces
Waterproof rating: IPX7
Battery life: 8 hours
Bluetooth range: 50 feet
USB charging: No
Floating: Yes
iJoy Beach Bomb Waterproof
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Direct control buttons on the side
- Built-in microphone for making phone calls
- Compatible with any device that uses Bluetooth
- Comes with a 3.5mm aux-in jack
Dimensions: 8.6 x 4.8 x 2.4 inches
Weight: 1.25 pounds
Waterproof rating: IP66
Battery life: 4-6 hours
USB charging: Yes
Floating: Yes
Eboda Waterproof
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Carabiner and loop for hanging the speaker
- Silicone casing withstands harsh use
- Best battery life (up to 24 hours)
- Great wireless range with a clear signal
Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 4 x 2.9 inches
Weight: 6.4 ounces
Dimensions: 4.7 x 3 x 3.2 inches
Weight: 9.4 ounces
Waterproof rating: IP67
Battery life: 24 hours (2000mAh battery)
Wireless range: 66 feet
USB charging: Yes
Floating: Yes
Nyne Aquagry Aqua
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Stereo sound with 4 equalizer settings
- Strap for hanging and carrying the speaker
- Rechargeable battery gives 10 hours of playback
- Comes with a generous 3-year warranty
- High sound quality
Dimensions: 9.7 x 5.3 x 2 inches
Weight: 1.3 pounds
Waterproof rating: IPX7
Battery life: 10 hours
USB charging: Yes
Floating: Yes
Monster SuperStar
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Has a 3.5mm jack in addition to Bluetooth
- Silicone case floats on the water surface
- Quick charging with the included USB cable
- Great for handsfree phone calls in the pool
Dimensions: 2.7 x 9.8 x 5.5 inches
Weight: 1.1 pounds
Waterproof: Yes
Battery life: 7 hours
Wireless range: 33 feet
USB cable charging: Yes
Floating: Yes
Pyle Aqua Blast
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Four speakers create a great sound effect
- Marine-grade plastic for improved shock resistance
- Convenient push-button controls on the top
- LED light indicator show battery level
- Easy to use
Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 8.5 inches
Weight: 1.5 pounds
Waterproof: Yes
Battery life: 4 hours
Wireless range: 30 feet
USB cable charging: Yes
Floating: Yes
How To Choose A Pool Speaker – Buying Guide
Determining what makes the best floating speaker can be tricky, but there are a few things to keep an eye on. A top-rated floating speaker should be durable, completely waterproof, and have a high definition sound. By considering this, you’ll be more likely to find a waterproof floating speaker that suits your needs. High-quality pool speakers can last a long time, so spending some time looking into the features is worth it.
Design and Features
With a big rise in the popularity of portable Bluetooth floating speakers, there are now lots of different designs with plenty of great features. Some are sleek and modern, while others are whimsical and fun. Some even come with colorful lights that make them more attractive to parties.
Both the design and the features of the waterproof speaker you choose will likely come down to personal preference. If you can’t make up your mind, you can always use the reviews to help you make up your mind.
Water Resistant vs. Waterproof
Understanding the difference between water-resistant and waterproof is important. These two terms do not equate and present a different level of protection against water. For example, a water-resistant Bluetooth speaker (IP66) is protected against accidental splashes or a few drops of water, but not against immersion.
On the other hand, a waterproof speaker (IPX7 rating) is fully resistant to water. This means that the floating waterproof Bluetooth speaker can be placed directly into the swimming pool, and even submerged to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
If you plan on using your Bluetooth speakers a lot, a completely waterproof floating speaker (with an IPX7 rating or higher) is the best choice for you. However, keep in mind that models with a higher waterproof rating are also more expensive.
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Durability
Every Bluetooth speaker should be durable – resistant to dust, dirt, as well as accidental drops. Like with anything else, durability is one of the main factors that determine whether the pool speakers are worth the investment. In relation to this, the best Bluetooth speakers are made of extra-tough plastic or rubber that can withstand harsh outdoor use.
Similarly, a waterproof speaker will often be more durable around the pool than a model that is sensitive to larger quantities of water. We also like to see when a floating speaker comes with a good guarantee, and some of the models we featured come with a multi-year coverage.
Audio/Sound Quality
Speaker quality is much more than just it’s loudness. In a relaxing pool setting, it’s often more important if the speaker can deliver a clear high definition sound than if it’s loud. While most of us look at speaker wattage first, we advise that you look at other construction factors too. A top-rated floating speaker has a great sound (usually stereo) and is finely tuned to deliver audio quality with excellent precision.
Connectivity
There are two ways you can play music through your swimming pool speakers – via Bluetooth or by using a 3.5mm aux jack. We feel that the best floating pool speakers should have both because this gives you more options. With this said, Bluetooth-only models are much more common.
A floating Bluetooth speaker for the pool is great because you can put it anywhere you want – it doesn’t have to be next to your phone. Some models have up to 100ft of range, easily covering the whole pool area no matter where you put them.
Portability
Portability is a very important consideration when buying a pool speaker. It’s a huge advantage if an outdoor speaker is compact and lightweight because it’s much easier to carry anywhere. Furthermore, the best Bluetooth speakers can float on the water surface, allowing you to even bring them in the water with you.
Battery life
Even though every speaker needs to be charged, not all waterproof speakers can deliver the same runtime. Some average playback time on a single charge is around 8 hours, but some of the higher-rated pool speakers can bring life to your pool party for over 20 hours. Keep in mind, however, that a stronger battery usually means a longer time on the power adapter and a higher price range.
Controls
Most floating speakers for the pool have some kind of manual control on the body. This is especially useful on floating speakers because you can change the volume levels and skip songs while in the water, without having to go grab your phone. Physical controls on the speaker make using it much more convenient.
FAQs
Q: What are outdoor floating pool speakers and why use them?
Floating pool speakers are devices used to play music not only on the poolside, but in the water too. A top rated floating pool speaker is fully waterproof so you don’t have to worry about water damage. Outdoor speakers connect wirelessly to your phone and plays your favorite tunes right next to you while you’re enjoying a dip.
Q: Is the speaker going to float or sink?
It depends on the design of the pool speaker. Some models do float, while others are not very buoyant and will sink. We advise that you always check the model specs before you throw them in the water.
Q: Are floating speakers safe to use?
Yes, floating speakers are perfectly safe to use. Because they are designed to be used in (or around) pools, there’s no chance that they can shock you or cause any other injury. Also, all of them are made of tough materials that are compatible to use with pool chemicals.
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Music is the life of every party, and water shouldn’t stop you if you want to have your party in the pool. The best floating Bluetooth speakers are constructed for use in and around the pool, so everyone can dive in and splash to the tunes. With the help of our guide, we have no doubt you’ll find a top-rated floating pool speaker that you’ll enjoy all summer long.
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