Today it is very easy to share our favorite music with anyone. In this sense, bluetooth speakers have become the main protagonists, since they allow us to play music from our mobile or tablet and share it with friends and family at any party or meeting in the easiest way possible. Now, any carelessness can ruin the party, if a drink falls on the speaker, we splash it if it is near the pool or, worse, it falls to the bottom. Therefore, it is best to have one of the waterproof wireless speakers that we find on the market today. If you are thinking of buying one, we will show you everything you should take into account when choosing one and what are some of the most interesting models.
The fact that we can carry this type of device from one place to another means that they are exposed to certain dangers, such as bumps, falls or even getting wet, especially if we take them to the pool or the beach. Therefore, their degree of resistance to water is something to take into account when choosing one, especially if we are going to use them in this type of environment.
What is the degree of IP protection and what does it mean?
The level of resistance to water and other external agents such as sand is determined by the IP protection degree, which refers to the international standard CEI 60529 Degrees of Protection . A data frequently used in the data or technical specifications of all types of electronic products and that informs us of the level of protection.
Surely on more than one occasion, when you have gone to buy a device, you have found among its specifications the degree of protection represented by the letters IP and followed by two digits. For example, IP67.
In this case, the two letters identify the standard and come from English, Ingress Protection. Now, the two numerical values represent the level of protection against dust and the level of protection against liquids, usually water. Therefore, in the example mentioned above, a device that has an IP67 degree of protection means that it offers a level 6 protection against dust and a level 7 resistance to water.
If we focus on what interests us, which is to know the degree of protection of a smart speaker to water, we find the following classification:
- IP x0 : No protection.
- IP x1 : Protection against the vertical fall of drops of water.
- IP x2 : Protection against falling drops of water with a maximum inclination of 15º.
- IP x3 : Protection against rain with a fall of up to 60º incline.
- IP x4 : Protection against spraying water.
- IP x5 : Protection against water jets.
- IP x6 : Protection against waves and powerful water jets.
- IP x7 : Protection against the effects of temporary immersion.
- IP x8 : Protection against the effects of submersion.
- IP x9 : Protection against short-range, high temperature and pressure water jets.
In other words, level 0 indicates that it does not have any degree of protection, while level 9 is the one that offers the greatest resistance. That said, we are already informed to be able to know the degree that each model offers us and the one that we may be interested in buying depending on the use that we are going to give the speaker.
Other important aspects when choosing one
But in addition to this, there are other details that we must take into account, such as:
- Sound quality : If it is possible to go to a physical store to test the sound quality of a speaker, then we can see it first hand. However, this is not always possible, so we must look at certain data such as power, number of elements or speakers that make it up, technologies that they incorporate, etc. In this way, we can get an idea of the sound quality that it will provide us.
- Connectivity : If what we are looking for is a bluetooth speaker, it is important that we know its version. The more modern the version, the more secure, stable and far-reaching connectivity we can enjoy. At least Bluetooth 5.0 is recommended. In this section it is also convenient to review the number of devices that allows us to pair simultaneously. So your friends can also share your music with you.
- Autonomy : It is another of the most valuable data when we talk about wireless speakers. Being clear about the playback hours offered by each model is essential when deciding on one or the other. If we are going to use it mainly indoors, it may not be a big problem because we can charge it while we use it, but if we are going to take it around we must know the battery life. In the same way, it is worth checking if it offers fast charging to be able to get a lot of hours of playback with just a few minutes charging.
- Resistance : In addition to water resistance, we must look at whether the materials with which they have been manufactured also offer protection against bumps or falls. If we are going to carry the speaker from one place to another, it is likely that at some point it may drop or we will accidentally hit it. Therefore, the more resistant it is, the more difficult it will be to hurt it.
- Power : It is a data that is indicated in W or watts. Although in most advertisements we are usually shown the maximum or peak power, the data that really interests us is its nominal power or RMS power. This value reflects the maximum power that each model admits in optimal conditions. Therefore, it will be the value that we must compare between different models.
- Frequency range : It is measured in Hertz or Hz. In this section it must be said that the greater the frequency range of a speaker, the greater the possibility that it will emit a sound in the most exact way possible. To understand it easily, it is important to know that the human ear captures frequencies that go from 20 to 20,000 Hz. In this range there are different nuances to differentiate the bass from the mids and bass. Therefore, the greater the frequency range it offers, the more exact sound we can enjoy.
- Impedance : They are measured in Ohms and refer to the resistance that the speaker puts up so that electricity passes through and makes it sound. So the lower the resistance or impedance, the better. A good value might be around 6 ohms.
- Hands-free function : Although most of the time we are going to use it to play music, it is essential to check if it also has a hands-free function. In other words, if we have our mobile synchronized with the speaker and we receive a call, we can answer it through the loudspeaker itself and without having to pick up the mobile.
- Easy to pair : Although in most cases it is not usually a complicated process, it is interesting that we check how to pair the speaker with our mobile or tablet and verify the opinions of the users themselves. The fact that it can give us problems when pairing is a reason on many occasions to stop using the speaker.
- Design and size : If we are one of those who are looking for a wireless speaker to carry around all day, then it is best to choose one with a compact and lightweight design. However, if we are going to use it at home, the size will not be so relevant.
- Price : Unfortunately, in most cases quality is associated with a high cost. Therefore, it is best to look for a model that offers us the best value for money based on our tastes, needs and budget.
cheap waterproof bluetooth speakers
More than 200 euros
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1
The manufacturer Bang & Olufsen is one of the great references when it comes to sound devices. Their models stand out for their careful design and offer great sound quality. Despite having a small size, it has a power of 2×140 W, great resistance to water and 18 hours of autonomy. A model with an attractive and resistant design and that is also compatible with Alexa. Its price is 299 euros.
JBL Xtreme 3
JBL is another of the great speaker manufacturers. And one of its most outstanding models is this Xtreme 3. A bluetooth speaker with IP67 water resistance that offers 15 hours of uninterrupted music and that allows the pairing of two compatible speakers thanks to the famous JBL PartyBoost function. Its price is 299 euros.
Sony SRS-XB43
This Sony model emits a powerful Extra Bass sound, incorporates LED lights and has an IP67 certificate. It allows the connection of up to 100 compatible speakers, has a battery life of up to 24 hours and offers the option of connecting the mobile for recharging directly to the speaker. The Sony speaker price is 230 euros.
sonos roam
This Sonos speaker has a very elegant design, it can even become another decoration in our house. It is a model with IP67 certification for waterproofing and dust resistance, it has WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity and its autonomy is 10 hours. It is also a speaker that we can control with our own voice. Its price is 199 euros.
Models for less than 120 euros
JBL Flip 6
Also with IP67 water resistance we find this JBL model. A bluetooth speaker that offers up to 12 hours of uninterrupted music and is compatible with JBL PartyBoost, which allows us to connect to two or more compatible speakers to achieve a much more powerful sound. It features a two-way speaker system and an easy-to-carry, wear-resistant design. The price of this JBL Flip 6 is 118 euros .
LG XBOOM Go PL5
It is a speaker that also includes a microphone and is compatible with iOS and Android devices to be able to answer calls in hands-free mode. It offers up to 19 hours of autonomy and IPX5 resistance against water and other liquids. It has led lighting and a modern design. Its price is 129 euros.
JBL GO 3
It is one of the waterproof bluetooth speakers with a more compact format. It offers high-fidelity sound with 5 hours of autonomy and has an IP67 degree of resistance to dust and water. Without a doubt, one of the easiest models to carry from one place to another, since it only measures 8.6 × 6.9 × 4 cm and weighs 209 grams. Its price is around 40 euros.
JBL Clip 3
In the JBL catalog we also find other models of compact, bluetooth and waterproof speakers. We refer to the Clip 3, one of the latest generations of this model. It is capable of emitting a sound with very powerful bass and has a carabiner to carry it hanging from anywhere. Its degree of resistance is IP67 and it offers up to 10 hours of autonomy for a price of 58.39 euros .
Winner
The model that, in our opinion, offers the best value for money is the JBL Flip 6 . The sixth generation of this model continues to be one of the great references in the world of bluetooth speakers. It allows you to enjoy a powerful sound with a wide range of frequencies that provide a loud, clear sound with very clear treble.
As you may have seen, most models offer an IP67 degree of resistance to dust and water, so in this case there is not much difference between them. Resistance that allows us to take it anywhere without fear, even to the pool or the beach.
It has an attractive and modern design and has the famous PartyBoost function, which allows you to connect this Flip 6 to two or more compatible JBL speakers to offer a much more powerful and complete sound. It is available in several colors and at a price of about 118 euros.