Latest news with #UltimateEars
Gizmodo
6 days ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
Amazon's Choice Waterproof and Floatable Speakers Are Nearly Free, Cheaper Than Black Friday and Prime Day
A good Bluetooth speaker is a really good investment. As we try to move away from screens more and more in our spare time, or at least sometimes, it's nice to have other ways to keep your brain going. Music, podcasts, and audiobooks are all great ways to make the most of a speaker, so the only thing you need to do is find a good one, and then somehow make it cheaper. Look, we just like saving money. Right now, Amazon has 40% off the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Bluetooth Speaker, which means it's down to just $60 for a limited time. That's a great discount, but it's also one that's just not going to stick around for very long. See at Amazon A Bluetooth speaker like this is something you can use anywhere in your home, and more importantly, is also something you can use outside of your home too. It means that you can just move it between rooms as you want or need to, which is a great help if you're in the middle of an album but you need to start cooking or something. Nobody likes being interrupted. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Bluetooth Speaker is on sale in both blue and black, and it's basically handheld in terms of size, which makes it easier to move around. It's not lacking in power despite that size though, because this thing is actually capable of 360-degree sound, which means that you don't have to worry too much about where you place it. It's also built to be great with water. This means that having it in the bathroom with you is really good, but it can also float. This means that you can go ahead and put it on your swimming pool as you chill in it with mates, and you can all keep the party going with no issues when it comes to the audio side of things. Heck, you can even get two of them to pair them up and boost the audio power overall as well. You can even get up to 14 hours of playtime on a full charge, which is great if you just want to charge it once every so often. This awesome speaker would normally set you back $100, so being able to get one for just $60 is the kind of discount you shouldn't miss out on. We don't know when the deal will end though, so make sure you're quick if you do want it. See at Amazon
Tom's Guide
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
These awesome cheap Bluetooth speakers are on sale with up to 40% off at Amazon — 5 deals I'd shop right now
Ultimate Ears makes some of the best Bluetooth speakers we've tested, and right now, there's an awesome Ultimate Ears sale at Amazon. Now's the time to take one to the checkout! For starters, our favorite cheap Bluetooth speaker just got even cheaper! Right now you can get the Ultimate Ears Miniroll on sale for $49 at Amazon ($30 off.) This palm-sized speaker produces impressive sound with great bass, and is super easy to take along with you thanks to its handy carrying strap. It even comes in four fun colors, including Black, Gray, Blue and Pink. If you're looking for something more powerful, our favorite Bluetooth speaker for parties is also on sale. That's the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom on sale for $369 at Amazon ($30 off.) This speaker gets super loud, making it perfect for large gatherings. Plus, it has impressive battery life, lasting up to 24 hours. Check out all the Ultimate Ears deals I recommend below. For more savings, see our Amazon promo codes and the Best Buy Tech Fest deals I'd shop from $8. The Ultimate Ears Miniroll is the ultimate musical companion. It's a super small Bluetooth speaker, so it'll fit into a backpack without a problem. It's sturdy too, which will let it survive even the most traumatic of outdoor mishaps. The small but mighty device is a great deal at its original price — but right now, you can get it for just $49. The Wonderboom 4 is built for the outdoors with a rugged design and sturdy build. We really liked the speaker in our Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review, especially the surprisingly bassy sound that you might expect from a larger speaker. Plus, 16 hours of battery life means you'll be able to get through most of the day on a charge. The Ultimate Ears Boom 4 speaker is a waterproof speaker than can deliver 360-degree sound with deep, accurate bass. Its battery can last for up to 15 hours and we like that it's rated IPX7 waterproof and drop-proof up to 15 feet. Did we mention it can also float? The Boom 4 is also perfect if you want to grab more than one speaker for some extra sound — you get more separated sound if you use the connection capability. This portable has some useful rugged touches to protect the speaker from routine knocks and scuffs while on the road. Its IP67 rating means that it's protected from dirt and moisture, and a rubberized cap secures the USB-C charging port at the back to protect it from water ingress. Sound quality was impressive during our Ultimate Ears EpicBoom review, and the battery life claims to deliver 17 hours of playback. We rank this as the best Bluetooth speaker for parties thanks to its incredibly powerful sound. While it's heavy, and it's an older model, it delivers some of the best sound around with 24-hour battery life to boot. You can even use it as a power bank to charge your phone in a pinch.
Forbes
25-07-2025
- Forbes
The 6 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers, Tested By Our Tech Editor
As you're packing for your next pool party, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker can play music for hours and can withstand not only splashes, but also accidental immersion in water. After researching and testing over a dozen units, I found the Bose SoundLink Max to be the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker you can buy. It's fully waterproof, has a lovely audio quality and floats in water, so you can easily retrieve it should it accidentally fall into the pool. After testing more than a dozen speakers, I found the Bose SoundLink Max to be the best waterproof ... More Bluetooth speaker. Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers But there are other options, too. I found the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 to be a great choice for using while bathing, since it provides a robust 360-degree audio and floats in water. There's also the Soundcore Select Go 4, a wonderful budget-friendly choice that can strap to your bag. Here are the six best waterproof speakers you can get today. Our Top Recommendations Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Overall: Bose SoundLink Max Best Budget Waterproof Speaker: Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker For Shower: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Best Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: JBL Charge 6 Loudest Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: Sony ULT Field 5 Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Weight: 4.7 pounds | Size: 4.1 x 10.4 x 4.7 inches | Waterproof: IP67 (dust- and waterproof) | Charging port: USB-C | Battery life: 20 hours Best for: Great balance across all audio frequencies A rugged design with built-in flotation Skip if: You want omnidirectional music You want a lighter, more portable Bluetooth speaker The Bose SoundLink Max is rugged and can withstand accidental drops, and it's rated IP67 for waterproofing. That waterproofing complements another feature that helps it stand out from the pack and make it my number one pick overall: The Bluetooth speaker can also float in water. It doesn't play music while it floats, but it makes it easier to retrieve it in case you knock it into the pool. The Bose SoundLink Max looks like a modern boombox and has a rugged finish for taking it literally ... More anywhere. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes The audio quality is stellar on this speaker, too. Bose has a reputation for delivering robust, deep basses and crisp trebles that complement each other without overpowering either frequency. The Bose SoundLink Max delivers each frequency with ease, and it sounds lovely out of the box. If you don't feel it's quite right for your preferences, the app is easy to use. You can make adjustments up to six points in either direction for the bass, mids and trebles. Keep in mind that the speaker can only play music in one direction, although that's really only noticeable at longer distances. Battery life lasts around 20 hours before you need a recharge, and the speaker doubles as a charger for your phone. If you're low on battery, connect your phone via the USB-C port on the back for a quick charge. It's not a fast charge, to be clear, but it's enough to get you through in a pinch. Convenient buttons are on the top of the speaker. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes It also comes with an interchangeable handle for carrying around, which is a must. This speaker is heavier than others I tested, weighing 4.7 pounds, which may feel too heavy for some. But for most, if you want the best balance of raw audio power, battery life and waterproofing, this is the speaker to get. Amazon Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Weight: 7.8 ounces | Size: 3.2 x 4.7 x 1.9 inches | Waterproof: IP67 (dust- and waterproof) | Charging port: USB-C | Battery life: 20 hours Best for: Enjoying your music without spending three figures Taking on the go Skip if: You want much better audio quality If you want a waterproof Bluetooth speaker but don't want to spend a fortune, the Soundcore Select 4 Go does a solid job of balancing price and power. It typically costs less than $50, but the speaker punches well above its weight for that price. It's slightly larger than my palm, and it comes with a useful strap for carrying. The thoughtful design also includes feet for setting it horizontally or vertically, which I appreciated during testing. A series of buttons located on the top of the speaker make it easy to play/pause your tunes and adjust volume. The Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go comes in a slew of fun colors, including the one I received. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes The audio quality is pretty darn good, too. A speaker of this size typically struggles to hit deep basses, mainly because the built-in subwoofer can't match that of a larger one. This one does struggle with that a bit, too, but if you adjust the EQ in the Soundcore app to Bass Boost, it can, for the most part, hit those bass frequencies. It still can't quite nail deep bass notes in Ashnikko's songs, but for most, it suffices. The small Anker speaker offers the usual array of buttons on its side. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes Like the Bose SoundLink Max, the Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go can last up to 20 hours before requiring a charge, is IP67-rated for waterproofing, and floats on water. Again, don't expect the speaker to play when it's wet—the audio grows significantly quieter, and the flotation is only there to help you retrieve it. Unlike the Bose SoundLink Max, the Soundcore Select 4 Go can't charge your phone. That omission feels like a small price to pay if you want a small yet mighty Bluetooth speaker at a bargain price. Amazon Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Weight: 14.9 ounces | Size: 4 x 3.8 x 3.8 inches | Waterproof: IP67 (dust- and waterproof) | Charging port: USB-C | Battery life: 14 hours Best for: A budget of $100 or less Rocking out in the shower Skip if: You want to control your EQ settings You're a Samsung phone user If you plan to use your speaker to sing in the shower, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is a small, no-frills speaker that fits on most shower shelves—and if not, you can use the small loop on the top to hang it. The design is pretty simple, but one fun choice I'm a fan of is the large plus and minus signs on the front to control the volume. They add a pop of color that just makes this little speaker look adorable. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is a small speaker that produces 360-degree audio. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes You don't get app integrations or an EQ, but that's a small sacrifice. Out of the box, I was impressed with just how good the audio quality sounds. It can't rival that of the Bose, since the subwoofers and tweeters are much larger in the SoundLink Max. The Wonderboom 4 simply can't compete. But basses do hit the lower notes without overpowering the other frequencies. I filled up my kitchen sink and tossed in the Wonderboom 4 to test the audio since it claims to float. The Wonderboom 4 does float in water, but don't expect it to sound good. The flotation is only there to help you retrieve it if you accidentally drop it in water. While other speakers quieted when submerged and subsequently while they dried, I didn't notice this audio dampening too much when I sprayed it with my kitchen sink's spray faucet setting. It's only when it gets fully submerged. The speaker has a loop to hang it on a hook or attach it to a carabiner. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes It's also worth noting that I tested this speaker with both my Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and my iPhone 16 Pro. Samsung users may want to avoid this speaker. I'm not sure who's at fault here, but there's a bug that I only experienced with my Samsung phone that causes the Bluetooth connection to sever periodically for a moment. It reconnects, but it's frequent enough that it took me out of my music, which I found unacceptable. If you're team Samsung, the Soundcore Select 4 Go should be your pick; otherwise, if you're team Apple or Pixel, the Wonderboom 4 is a great choice for your next shower karaoke session. Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Weight: 3 pounds | Size: 3.7 x 9 x 3.9 inches | Waterproof: IP68 (dust- and waterproof) | Charging port: USB-C | Battery life: Up to 28 hours Best for: Its rugged build: Drop it, toss it, and it still works The intuitive, easy-to-digest app Skip if: You want a prettier design You want more robust EQ presets For those who want the most portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker available, I found the JBL Charge 6 to be the best option. It's a Bluetooth speaker that only weighs 3 pounds and comes with a detachable carry strap for convenience. The design is the most rugged of all I tested: You can drop it on concrete, knock it off a desk (I learned this with the help of my cat) and more and it still looks brand new. Its waterproof rating is slightly higher than others I tested at IP68. In short, that means that the speaker can be submerged for longer periods of time than an IP67 rating, though the JBL Charge 6 is built to float. I didn't find it the prettiest design, but it sure is the sturdiest, and you can set it horizontally or vertically. The JBL Charge 6 is one of the most rugged builds I've seen to date. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes The JBL app is intuitive—of all the waterproof Bluetooth speakers I tested, I found it the easiest to use, and required no learning curve. It has a few different settings, including JBL Signature, Chill, Energetic, Vocal and Custom. It uses JBL Signature out of the box, which I think is totally sufficient. Some of the presets, like Chill, I found to be lacking and muddled the audio quality too much for my taste, while others like Energetic sounded vibrant and closer to my rigorous expectations. One piece of advice? Don't use the AI Boost feature included with the software—it made my music sound too tinny for my taste. Along with an easily removable carry handle, the speaker has intuitive buttons on the top, including ... More the AI Boost feature. Rebecca Isaacs Its battery life can last up to 24 hours, but if you forget to charge it up, the speaker offers what's called Playtime Boost. This feature ekes out another four hours when it's lower on battery to last up to 28 hours. The speaker also allows you to charge your phone if you're running low, but make sure you add your own USB-C cable. To reduce e-waste, the company doesn't ship any cables with the speaker. Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Weight: 7.5 pounds | Size: 12.6 x 5.7 x 5 inches | Waterproof: IP67 (dust- and waterproof) | Charging port: USB-C | Battery life: 25 hours Best for: Getting loud audio without spending a fortune Enjoying a dedicated bass boost, thanks to the ULT button Skip if: You don't want to use a bass boost at the cost of battery life You're worried about aesthetics There are a lot of Bluetooth speakers available that are larger than this one and have a louder audio profile. They typically only offer an IPX rating, which means the speaker is only splash-proof—not waterproof and dustproof. They also may be a pain to haul around because of their size. The Sony ULT Field 5 is a little larger than the other Bluetooth speakers I tested, but it presents the best blend of portability, waterproofing and loudness if you want to turn up the music. It's not the prettiest speaker, thanks to its boxy shape, but LED lights add a fun flair. The review unit I received was an off-white colorway; I worried about dirt showing on the mesh exterior, but during testing, I didn't experience any issues with smudge marks. You can also use the detachable strap to carry it around like a crossbody bag, which I found useful when taking it to my local park. The speaker comes with fun LED light strips, but I worried about dirt showing on the off-white ... More colorway. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes Audio quality is pretty good out of the box, although the bass feels a little weak. That's easily fixed by doing two things. First, make sure you open the app, navigate to the settings and adjust your EQ settings. Sony's app isn't the most intuitive I tested, but it's still pretty easy to find these adjustments. Next, use the ULT button on the Field 5, which boosts the bass frequencies. This feature also amplifies your audio and makes it the loudest of all the Bluetooth speakers I tested. It truly makes the listening experience, and I recommend using the ULT feature whenever possible. Use the Sony ULT button to boost bass frequencies. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes That said, like the other Sony ULT speakers I tested, using this feature comes at the expense of battery life. Still, since the battery life lasts up to 25 hours, you still get plenty of playtime. And also like the others on this list, the Sony ULT Field 5 floats in water for easy retrieval, too. Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Weight: 1.2 pounds | Size: 5.2 x 1.8 x 5.2 inches | Waterproof: IP67 (dust- and waterproof) | Charging port: USB-C | Battery life: Up to 18 hours Best for: A sleek finish that looks good in any space Its robust EQ presets—seriously, they all sound lovely Integration with Amazon Alexa Skip if: You want a speaker that floats in water You want a sturdier carry strap The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) is a puck-shaped waterproof Bluetooth speaker with a lovely metal mesh design that looks simply luxe. You can set it on a tabletop or use the included leather strap to hang or tie it. I'm mixed on the design. On the one hand, I love the puck shape: It stays firmly in place when resting on a surface. My biggest gripe is that strap. For a design that looks and feels so premium, the leather strap feels like an afterthought. I would like to see a sturdier strap, but it's also worth noting that during my testing, the straps stayed firmly tied when I used them. The pucklike shape can tuck easily into a bag, but be mindful that it doesn't float in water. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes The audio quality on this speaker feels very premium. Bang & Olufsen did a stellar job of balancing all five EQ presets, though if you prefer, you can customize it. The Bang & Olufsen app makes it easy to adjust, and uses a small circle to see all of the EQs at once, so you can easily swap if you prefer another EQ when listening to a podcast, as an example. There's also the aptX adaptive Bluetooth codec to stream your music at higher data transfers. If you're not quite sure what that means, it's a fancy way of saying it produces higher-quality Bluetooth music when in use. Battery life depends on your listening volume; the higher volume, the shorter the battery life. It's a little lower than others I tested, at around 18 hours, but it's easy to keep track of with a handy LED light on the top of the metal mesh panel that shows you the battery life at a glance. And, of course, because it's Bang & Olufsen, the brand didn't mince on smart integrations. The speaker comes with Amazon Alexa built-in to issue voice commands. It's pretty good about differentiating between the other smart speakers in my home, but there were moments when I asked the Bang & Olufsen a question and it registered on another device. Still, if you're out and about and have a question for Alexa, it's a must-have addition. It's a thin speaker, and buttons on the side can help control it if you don't want to use your phone ... More or the Amazon Alexa voice commands. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes There is one catch to this premium waterproof Bluetooth speaker: Of all the speakers on this list, this is the only top pick that doesn't float in water. If you drop it, don't expect to fetch it from the surface. There's also a newer model available with an improved battery life and bass output, but if you don't mind using a last-gen device, my pick more than suffices for audiophiles. Other Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers I Tested I tested more than a dozen waterproof Bluetooth speakers to find the best one. These speakers didn't quite make the cut, but they're still worthy of your consideration. Some also include smart features, while others had impressive EQs but just didn't slot into any specific category. Brane Audio Brane X: (Forbes Vetted Score: 9 out of 10): The Brane X speaker is an incredibly powerful speaker thanks to its new subwoofer design. It offers some waterproofing, but it doesn't float in water. Additionally, it's pretty darn heavy. It's a great speaker if you want to go for raw power, but don't plan to take it too far from home. Sony ULT Field 1: (Forbes Vetted score: 8 out of 10): The Sony ULT Field 1 is a smaller sibling to the Sony ULT Field 5. I'm obsessed with the orange colorway I received, since it's easy to spot, and the strap makes it easy to carry or hang. It has a great audio quality, too. Again, you should plan to use the ULT bass boost feature. Sonos Roam II (Forbes Vetted score: 7.5 out of 10): The Sonos Roam II has a compact build that fits into a backpack water bottle holder, and of all the waterproof Bluetooth speakers I tested, it had the best audio quality. However, I couldn't get past the app, which is clunky at best and frustrating at its worst. Still, fans of the Sonos brand should enjoy this speaker. JBL Clip 5 (Forbes Vetted score: 8 out of 10): The JBL Clip 5 has a useful clip design to attach it to your backpack, bag or hang it in a shower, and was one of the finalists for the best for shower slot. You get the same app as other JBL products, and the EQs feel powerful for its size. That said, it can't stand on its own, so plan to invest in a third-party case . JBL Flip 7: (Forbes Vetted score: 8.5 out of 10): The JBL Flip 7 is a pint-sized device that comes with a detachable clip rather than a carry handle. It also has the built-in AI Sound Boost feature as well as the same EQs, but it comes down to the raw power. The JBL Charge 6 has a slightly more powerful bass, and I found the carry handle easier to use. Tribit StormBox Micro 2: (Forbes Vetted score 8 out of 10): Another great budget option, the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 speaker is small yet mighty, and it fits in the palm of my hand. While its bite-sized package makes it easy to move around and it floats in water, the EQ presets are weak for songs with lower bass frequencies. It includes a strap on the bottom, but it doesn't keep it in place—strap it to a metal bar, and it slips to face down. Ultimate Ears Everboom: (Forbes Vetted score: 9 out of 10): Of all the waterproof Bluetooth speakers I tested, the Everboom is the speaker I keep coming back to. It has a lovely audio profile and, thanks to its vertical design, it sits on any bookshelf or stand easily. Its 360-degree audio also fills my entire 850-square foot apartment, and the battery life lasts pretty darn long. However, it just didn't quite slot into any category. It's also worth noting that while I didn't experience this with my Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro I also used during testing required a reconnection whenever I turned the speaker on. Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): (Forbes Vetted score: 9 out of 10): The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is like the Bose SoundLink Max, except in a significantly more compact, waterproof, dustproof package. Its audio quality is just as stellar as the Max—but the Max can draw more power for lower bass frequencies. It simply houses larger equipment, including a driver and subwoofer. Bose SoundLink Plus: (Forbes Vetted score: 9 out of 10): Like its siblings, the Bose SoundLink Plus uses the same rugged design, except this time it's in a medium-sized package. It can hit the lower frequencies that the Flex can't, but it swaps the convenient carry handle for a durable loop. It's perfectly fine, but when it comes to an easy carry design, the Max's swappable handle still outshines this loop. This speaker would be suitable for those who want more power than the Flex but don't want the price tag of the Max. It offers a balance for audio quality, bass frequencies and price. How I Tested The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers To find the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers, I put over a dozen speakers to the test, narrowing down options to top-rated brands like Bose, Anker Soundcore and more. From there, I put my shortlist to extensive testing. Durability The best waterproof Bluetooth speakers need to be sturdy. Because you're taking these speakers to the pool or beach, ideally, they also need an IP66 and above waterproof rating. I compared the IP rating of each contender, carefully examining its ability to withstand everything from beach days to unexpected showers. I also sprayed each waterproof Bluetooth speaker with my kitchen faucet spray nozzle to see how each reacted and performed. For the models that claimed to float in water, I filled my kitchen sink with water and tossed them in, noting any changes in the audio quality. Design Since the main draw of a Bluetooth speaker for most is its portability, a good waterproof Bluetooth speaker should be lightweight and easy to carry and have a strap to help haul it around. To make sure each speaker on this list is easy to travel with, I started by noting and comparing the weight and size of each contender. I also took note of how easy each speaker was to carry around, and awarded extra points to options with built-in straps, handles and flotation features. I also considered strap design, noting where some straps may fall short. Audio Quality This was where the bulk of my testing came into play. No matter what genre you're listening to, your audio quality should have a good balance of bass, mids and treble frequencies. None of these frequencies should sound muddled or distorted during listening sessions, and so I looked for crystal clear clarity and smoothness among the frequencies. I cross-checked audio quality in each Bluetooth speaker across a variety of songs, and I considered differences across multiple EQs, speaker direction and more. I also checked how far the speaker reached, placing it on the opposite end of my large living room and seeing how each speaker sounded as the audio projected. Some of the genres that I listen to include alternative, rock, classical, audiobooks/podcasts and more. Specifically, some of the songs I tested each pair of Bluetooth speakers include: Florence + the Machine's 'King,' 'Cosmic Love' and 'Dog Days Are Over' Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Scheherazade' Ashnikkos' 'Worms' and 'Daisy' Chappell Roan's 'Good Luck, Babe' and 'Red Wine Supernova' Fleetwood Mac's 'Dreams' and 'The Chain' Fitz and the Tantrums' '123456,' 'Livin' For The Weekend,' and 'I Just Wanna Shine' Grandson's 'Eulogy,' 'Dirty,' and 'Bury Me Face Down' Kendrick Lamar's 'DNA,' 'Not Like Us,' 'tv off (feat. lefty gunplay)' and, 'luther (with sza)' The entire soundtracks to seasons one and two of the Netflix show Arcane Battery Life When you're listening to your music, you want to be able to listen for hours without interruptions. I tested each speaker for 30 minutes each, logging battery percentages at the beginning and at the end. I also cross-tested this across multiple frequencies and volumes to see if there were any changes as I shifted features. This way, I could get a sense of whether each pair lived up to its claims. One more thing that helped some waterproof Bluetooth speakers stand out from the crowd: Some, but not all, of the picks on my list allow for portable charging on the go. Some also offer quick charging, meaning you can get a couple more hours of playback after charging for 10 to 15 minutes. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted team has published hundreds of tech and electronic guides that leverage our hands-on testing and research, including audio stories for all of your listening needs like wireless headphones , wireless earbuds , outdoor speakers and more. Consumer tech and electronics editor Rebecca Isaacs has been involved in tech journalism for over six years. In her time testing the best Bluetooth speakers, she focused on aspects of interest to everyone, from casual, occasional listening to serious audiophiles who want to enjoy every single guitar strum across a truly balanced EQ. has been involved in tech journalism for over six years. In her time testing the best Bluetooth speakers, she focused on aspects of interest to everyone, from casual, occasional listening to serious audiophiles who want to enjoy every single guitar strum across a truly balanced EQ. This story was reviewed by deputy editor Rose Sala, a veteran journalist with over a decade of experience who oversees the tech section at Forbes Vetted. We also tapped an expert to share his unbiased insights for this story: Shaun O'Brien, founder and managing director of Selby. We revisit our content to make sure our recommendations are still the best of the best. We first published this article in July 2025. How To Choose A Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker When choosing the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker for your needs, there are a few factors to consider, including waterproofing, audio quality and more. Here's how to make sure you pick a waterproof Bluetooth speaker that suits your needs. Waterproofing Above all, make sure that your Bluetooth speaker has some kind of water resistance. 'IPX ratings deal purely with water resistance,' says O'Brien, adding, 'An IPX4 device handles splashes like rain, IPX6 handles heavy splashes from any direction and IPX7 survives full immersion up to one meter for half an hour.' If you want the best protection, opt for IP67 waterproofing, but if you opt for IPX, make sure you review what kind of IPX rating you need. The best waterproof Bluetooth speakers go a step further and have the ability to float in water. This doesn't mean that you can listen to them while they float; rather, it means that if you accidentally drop them in water, they float so you can easily retrieve them. Audio Quality Because waterproofing features can distort the sound, a good waterproof Bluetooth speaker should sound great without having too much bass. More importantly, it should 'not distort when wet,' says O'Brien. Your waterproof Bluetooth speaker needs to be able to 'tune around waterproofing.' Battery Life If you plan to spend all day at the beach, you want a battery life to match. 'Go for at least eight hours if you want something that lasts a full day out,' recommends O'Brien. He goes on to add that you should consider that the number advertised may not be the full amount of life the speaker has, adding that, 'The packaging will always advertise optimum usage, so knock 20 percent off whatever they claim.' Portability Depending on how frequently you plan to pack this into your bag, less weight is usually best. You can get a small palm-sized speaker that 'fits anywhere, but bass suffers noticeably,' says O'Brien. A medium-sized speaker can weigh anywhere from 2.2 pounds to over 4 pounds, 'but become cumbersome quickly if you are carrying them longer than 30 minutes,' adds O'Brien. If you plan to take it along with you, for the heavier speakers, make sure there's a sturdy carry strap or handle to help you move it around. What Is The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker? Based on my testing and research, the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker you can take to pool parties and more is the Bose SoundLink Max. It has a robust, detailed audio quality, offers a rugged build for accidental drops and it floats in water for easy retrieval. Are There Any Trade-Offs For A Speaker To Be Fully Waterproof? According to O'Brien, there are some trade-offs. 'Acoustic transparency takes a hit,' he says, adding that, 'Bass often becomes the selling point to make up for it. So people end up with boomy units that punch but do not shine.' Still, that shouldn't detract from the speaker, as O'Brien adds that, 'A good waterproof speaker will still throw a clean midrange and not distort when wet. You will pay a few dollars more for that reliability." What's The Difference Between IPX And Other Waterproof Ratings? IP stands for 'ingress protection' which, according to O'Brien, 'measures how well electronics keep out dust and water. Each IP rating has two digits; the first digit (0 to 6) shows dust protection. The second digit (0 to 8) shows water protection. Higher numbers give better protection.' If you are only worried about a few splashes, opt for an IPX4, while an IPX7 rating, 'survives full immersion up to one meter for half an hour.' If you want the full protection for water and dust, opt for IP67, but keep in mind that it, 'realistically…costs users extra money and some audio performance.'
WIRED
09-07-2025
- Business
- WIRED
Get the Rugged Boom 4 Bluetooth Speaker at Its Lowest Price Ever on Prime Day
The Ultimate Ears Boom 4 provides clear and expansive sound at a killer Prime Day Price. All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Looking for a better soundtrack to your backyard adventures this summer? Prime Day delivers, with this excellent Ultimate Ears Boom 4 sale headlining my list of the best audio deals of the week. Need more deals to shop? Check out our Prime Day Live Blog post, our Best Bluetooth Speakers guide, and our ultra-roundup of the Absolute Best Prime Day Deals for a cascade of sales. The Boom 4 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is follows an impressive legacy in the world of Bluetooth speakers. The fourth generation of the popular line added some sonic tweaks and much needed USB-C charging, while keeping the same rugged exterior that makes it pretty much everything proof, including an IP67 weatherproof rating that makes it essentially immune to dust ingress and ready for a quick dunk in the pool or a wash in the sink. The speaker's sound is smooth and clear, with more refinement in the subtle details than most speakers we test, while still offering solid punch at high volume. Its 360-degree soundstage means you'll get the same great sound from any angle. The bass isn't as beefy as its larger sibling, the Megaboom 4 (also on sale for Prime Day) but it's much more packable to let you take it virtually anywhere. Those oversized plus/minus buttons on the front make it easy for anyone to juice up the party, while in-app features like an EQ, alarms, and even the ability to wake the speaker from sleep provide functionality you won't find in most no-name cylinder speakers. The Boom 4 totes 15 hours of battery life and, my personal favorite, over 100 feet of range (personally authenticated by my two feet and superior counting skills) means you won't have to worry about killing the vibe when you check on the kids or the grill. I was a big fan of this speaker at full price, but at $100 or less, it's a no-brainer buy and a great addition to any portable audio arsenal. Power up with unlimited access to WIRED . Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today .
Digital Trends
09-06-2025
- Business
- Digital Trends
This new 'ultraportable' outdoor speaker is on sale for under $60
It's undeniably the season for outdoor Bluetooth speakers. Unfortunately, they can get quite expensive, with the Beats Pill (our top pick) at $150 and the premium JBL Xtreme 4 all the way up at $380. However, a good alternative is to get an Ultimate Ears Miniroll speaker. It's normally priced around $80, but right now you can get one for just $59, saving you $21. If you order it soon enough, you'll even be able to get it ahead of Father's Day, making it great as either a gift or a way to elevate your sound for the event. Tap the button below to see it or keep reading for our take. Why you should buy the Ultimate Ears Miniroll speaker One of the great things about recent reviews is that you don't have to filter them through the context of time. Our Ultimate Ears Miniroll speaker review was released just days ago. If you are considering picking up this deal, you can just read it directly for the absolute best look at the speaker, then come back and get this deal. The only thing the review won't prepare you for is that this deal is only on the black version of the speaker and not the playful blue edition that Simon is using. If you're not up for reading the review in totality, that's fine too. The Ultimate Ears Miniroll speaker is, despite its soft an unimposing appearance, a tough speaker that you can throw in your bag and go. It won't take damage from a dip in the pool (but it will sink, so keep it on the shallow end!) and has great sound for the size. If you want more sound, you can chain up multiple Minirolls together to sync up your music — which makes this an excellent gift to buy for a father/child duo in your life, or as a treat for you and a gift for dad. Pick up an Ultimate Ears Miniroll for just $59 while this deal lasts. That's $21 off of the usual $80 and a great deal for a product that's so new. If it doesn't pick up your interests, there are always other speaker deals to check out.
