Waterproof bluetooth speakers have improved massively in sound quality and can now offer decent levels of quality, some even matching bigger speaker systems Although an early adopter of them, I used to think waterproof Bluetooth speakers were a bit of fun, a bit of a niche, something to take to the beach now and then. But after seeing such portable speakers used to telling effect while testing some high end new yachts over the last couple of years, I\u2019ve changed my tune (sorry, no more puns).
\nWhen you think about it, placing your sound source exactly where you want it makes so much more sense than hard wiring in speakers all over a yacht. No holes needed in your bulkheads or cockpit benches, no long wiring runs, no danger of upsetting the compass. Quite apart from taking the wiring complexity and maintenance out of the equation, crew can choose their own music in different cabins \u2013 allowing others peace and quiet.
\nThe technology of these compact speakers has improved so rapidly over recent years, as has the style of the overall package.
\nMany portable bluetooth speakers can look a bit gimmicky, as they are colourful and quirky and designed for beach\/outdoors. But if you want something to have an air of quality that your yacht deserves, here is a good option plus some alternatives.
\nBest waterproof Bluetooth speakers<\/p>\n
Marshall Middleton\u00a0portable bluetooth speaker
\nBest for sound quality
\nReasons to buy: Iconic look | Great sound at a good price
\nReasons to avoid: Basic functionality
\nLegendary rock amplifier manufacturer Marshall had a renaissance in 2010 and unveiled the first of its lifestyle range \u2013 I know because I was soon drawn into buying its headphones.
\nYes, the branding appeals, but as does the renowned quality of its speakers and construction.
\nI have cranked the Marshall Middleton waterproof speaker up and played with the tone in comparison to other bluetooth speakers and to our wired-in Sonos One and the sound is better than any of the former and as good if not better than the Sonos. It\u2019s earthy, powerful and punchy, like it should be. Think favourite music playlists rather than calming podcasts. And it\u2019s true 360\u00ba sound as it uses the company\u2019s own multi-directional sound technology to play through quad speakers.
\nAnd like Jim Marshall\u2019s original speakers which he pioneered at rock concerts in the 1960s and 1970s and were made famous by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and The Who, you can stack them with other Middleton speakers (albeit in a much more portable and practical fashion)!
\nBuy it now from Amazon<\/p>\n
Bose Portable Smart Speaker
\nBest for: more refined audio
\nReasons to buy: Brilliant sound | Cast capable\u00a0
\nReasons to avoid: Large size
\nWhile the Swedish sound specialist\u2019s P5 model is more comparable to the typical portable speakers here, this larger new Pro 15 unit offers a useful, refined, high performance and rain-resistant alternative which allows you to save playlists and radio stations. It could suit those looking for textured sound from multi-cabin speakers as it has AirPlay 2 and Google Cast compatibility.
\nBuy it now from Bose<\/p>\n
Garmin Fusion StereoActive
\nBest for: Watersports
\nReasons to buy: Floats | Durable | Great waterproofing
\nReasons to avoid: Not the best sound quality
\nThe sound quality may not be up there with the Marshall, but is built by marine specialists so is durable, very waterproof and it floats. In fact it\u2019s even designed with a base to attach it to a paddleboard and buttons you can operate with a paddle.
\nBuy it now from Garmin<\/p>\n
Sony SRS-XB13
\nBest for: Portability
\nReasons to buy: Lightweight | Good waterproofing | Great sound for the size\u00a0
\nReasons to avoid: Bigger speakers offer better sound quality
\n\u201cThis is the speaker I take out on the water with me when I go paddle boarding,\u201d writes Toby Heppell. \u201cGiven its small size, the sound performance is top-notch (as you\u2019d expect from Sony). It won\u2019t survive a very, very deep plunge (IP67 rated) but with the included lanyard it\u2019s perfectly fine strapped to the front of my board.
\n\u201cIt has to be said that this is not the biggest speaker in the world and so it\u2019s never going to deliver the same volume as larger waterproof speaker options, however, even at full volume this produces very little distortion and for its size the bass is really very impressive indeed. Tonally it is at its best when it is placed on a solid surface where the bass is much improved. But even strapped to the front of my paddle board (via the handy included lanyard) it does a good job.\u201d
\nBuy it now from Amazon<\/p>\n
Sonos Roam
\nReasons to buy: Can connect to other speakers | Good waterproofing
\nReasons to avoid: Rleatively poor battery life
\nSonos\u2019 first portable speaker has IP67 water resistance and boasts many of the features which makes its in-house systems so popular. The ability to connect via Wifi as well as Bluetooth for example means your favourite track may not be interrupted by a phone call!
\nThe Roam\u2019s multi-room functionality means it can connect up with other speakers in a system and it retains the voice control and Trueplay tech to auto adjust equaliser settings. Battery life is its wekaness at only 10 hours.
\nBuy it now from Amazon<\/p>\n
JBL Charge 5
\nReasons to buy: Great sound for the cost | Great battery life
\nReasons to avoid: No equaliser controls
\nJBL is the leading name in rugged and portable speakers for the beach. It makes funky looking designs and this is a popular, no frills, IPX-7 waterproof rated model. It won a What Hi-Fi 2022 award, which found \u201cas good a sound as you can get in a portable Bluetooth speaker design for under \u00a3200\u201d. Like the Middleton, it features 20 hours plus playback time, but does not have equaliser controls.
\nBuy it now from Amazon
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\nThe post Best waterproof Bluetooth speakers appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Waterproof bluetooth speakers have improved massively in sound quality and can now offer decent levels of quality, some even matching bigger speaker systems Although an early adopter of them, I used to think waterproof Bluetooth speakers were a bit of … <\/p>\n