Do you love starting your day with a podcast or singing along to your favourite playlist in the shower? If that is the case, then you certainly understand the charm of introducing ‘music into the bathroom’. Unfortunately, the trio of water, vapor, and electricity can seriously damage standard electronic devices. A waterproof shower speaker is the perfect appliance for such situations.
Choosing the ideal Bluetooth shower speaker requires considering multiple factors, not just sound quality alone. The most important of all are the durability, portability, and capability to endure the wet and steamy atmosphere of the shower. First of all, this article will explain everything about water resistance ratings, and then it will provide you with our best shower speakers for every budget.
Understanding Water Resistance: What Do IP Ratings Mean?
- IPX7 Rating: Such an appliance is certainly the best option that you could have for your bathroom. This enables the unit to be dipped in freshwater, up to one meter deep (around 3.3 feet), for no longer than 30 minutes. This is more than enough comfort if your portable Bluetooth speaker falls into the bathtub by accident.
- IPX6 Rating: A speaker with this mark can withstand the water jets from the showerhead without any damage. It is strictly prohibited to immerse the speaker that has an IPX6 rating. Still, it is constructed in such a way that it can be easily reached by direct liquid jets.
- IP67 Rating: This level of protection is typically regarded as ideal for a shower speaker. The first digit refers to its airtightness, which is the highest level, i.e., dust-tight, while the second one means the speaker can be water-resistant at minor depths. A majority of our bestsellers carry this powerful label.
To be honest, it is very important to understand that these ratings are meant for fresh water only. The manufacturers generally give a caution that it is not good to have a long exposure to soapy, salty, or chlorinated water because these will probably gradually remove the waterproof seals and fabric finishes. Moreover, it is a good idea to give your speaker a fresh water rinse after a soapy splash and make sure that all the charging ports are completely dry before you plug in. Also, very hot showers (above 35ยฐC or 95ยฐF) may sometimes be beyond the recommended temperature for the operation of the speaker; hence, it is a good idea to put the speaker in such a place that the hot stream will not be directed at it.
Our Picks for the Best Shower Speakers
We’ve gone through a lot of Bluetooth speakers to identify the models that are really perfect for the shower. Whether you want premium sound, budget-friendly, or smart features, here are our picks.
Best Overall Shower Speaker: Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 4
We’ve found the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 4 to be the best shower speaker ever. The powerful portable speaker is designed with heroes of the outdoors in mind, and thus it is the ideal gadget for your daily routine. With an IP67 rating for complete dust and water protection, its design is both durable and useful.
Have you ever thought that it might slide off a shelf? MEGABOOM 4 is even more impact-resistant and buoyant, so a drop into a full bathtub is perfectly safe. Besides, it has a built-in hook so you can hang it from your shower caddy or any convenient place. Thus, the sound will be going exactly in the direction you prefer. This portable Bluetooth speaker gives impressive, 360-degree sound that can easily fill your whole bathroom with rich, clear audio; therefore, it is perfect both for music and podcasts. The usage of an older Micro-USB port is one of the drawbacks of this speaker; however, its amp and ruggedness are the reasons why it is still the champion.
Best Mid-Range Shower Speaker: Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
For those seeking a high-quality speaker without breaking the bank, the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is the ideal option. The wide frequency response and clear, balanced sound of this Bose wireless speaker are well-known. As well as being our top pick, it’s IP67-rated, meaning it is waterproof and dustproof. Plus, it floats, which makes it great for bath time.
The SoundLink Flex is equipped with a built-in utility loop that is ideal for hanging. Bose’s PositionIQ technology is one of the most innovative features of the speaker. It works by sensing the speaker’s position, and therefore the sound changes correspondingly. e.g., if it’s in a lying position, it will be different from when it’s standing up or hanging. For a reliable, great-sounding portable Bluetooth speaker, the Bose SoundLink Flex is a fantastic investment.
Best Budget Shower Speaker: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 speaker has all the necessary features you need, and it wonโt cost you a fortune. Our best budget shower speaker is the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4. This is one of the reasons why this little powerhouse is a favourite among users. Additionally, it incorporates the same IP67 rating as the other speakers that are more expensive, and it can also float in water.
WONDERBOOM 4 is made from recycled plastic and comes in several bright colours. It is not only stylish, but the WONDERBOOM 4 is a great, eco-friendly product that is made with recycled plastic and is available in several vibrant colours. The speaker is both stylish and long-lasting at the same time. It has a loop for hanging, and it is also compatible with the car and the schedule of the hike. The size is small, but the speaker has a very high “Outdoor Boost” mode, which is the sound power and the sound clarity of the speaker. With its large, simple controls and impressive audio for the price, this is a top-level waterproof shower speaker at the lowest price for customers who are budget-conscious.
Best Cheap Shower Speaker: Anker Soundcore Select 2S
Soundcore Select 2S by Anker is the ideal product for people who have a very limited budget and are looking to get the best value for their money. This portable Bluetooth speaker is proof of the fact that being inexpensive still means that you get quality. It has a very good water-resistance rating according to the IPX7 standard, which means it can be submerged in water and still work fine. The big, clearly visible, and easily accessible buttons on top are just what you need when you are in the shower and want to change the volume or skip the track, as you will not have to fumble for your phone.
One of its best features is that it’s compatible with the Soundcore app, which has a graphic EQ feature. This means that you can adjust the audio to your exact preferencesโa very rare feature at this price, if it were only one. The cutting-edge battery lasts for more than 14 hours, so this Bluetooth speaker can play freely in the shower for many cycles before it has to be recharged. It is very convenient to locate it on a Bluetooth shower speaker, Amazon, or at a Bluetooth shower speaker Walmart if it is the same model that you want.
Best Smart Shower Speaker: Sonos Roam 2
Do you want to change a song, check a weather forecast, or add something to your shopping list without even pressing one button? The Sonos Roam 2 is the most hands-free shower speaker for those who adore control with no hands. It is one of the major benefits of this smart speaker that it not only has a built-in Amazon Alexa but also a Sonos Voice Control. The mic is extremely sensitive and will capture your voice perfectly, even in the noise of the water that is running.
The Roam 2 is a portable wireless speaker, and it comes with an IP67 rating that makes it suitable for any bathroom. Automatic Trueplay is the most important feature of Sonos. It uses the speaker’s microphones to check the acoustics of your space and then automatically adjusts the sound to give you the best performance. The battery life isn’t as long as some of the other options, but the combination of smart features, great sound, and tough construction makes it the best smart option for your shower.
Best Small Shower Speaker: Sony SRS-XB100
If your shower space is limited, the Sony SRS-XB100 is the best pick to go along with you. This ultra-mini and light Bluetooth portable speaker carries a sound that is definitely against its small size. It is also rated IP67, hence fully waterproof and dustproof, and a good versatile strap that you can use to hang it from a showerhead, caddy, or knob is included.
As the new model from the last popular SRS-XB13, it has better sound and a long battery life of more than 20 hours. It has a very surprising bass response that is really good for pop and electronic music, and also keeps vocals clear. The Sony SRS-XB100 is the ultimate choice for people who want the smallest but the most powerful speaker for the shower.
Notable Mentions and Other Great Options
The market for portable Bluetooth speakers is enormous. While the models above are our primary recommendations, here are a few other excellent speakers worth considering:
- JBL Clip 5: A JBL Bluetooth speaker is the first thing that comes to your mind, right? Most likely, the portability is the one feature that stands out the most in your mind. The JBL Clip 5 carries this idea further with its built-in carabiner, which is the easiest way to attach it to anything. This JBL BT speaker with an IP67 rating is the perfect companion for your shower. Even though it does not reach high volumes, it is very convenient. A lot of JBL Bluetooth speakers are ideal for such a case, so in case you like the brand, a portable JBL speaker with a good IP rating is a good choice.
- Anker Soundcore Flare 2: Are you in need of a Bluetooth shower speaker with lights? The Flare 2 provides full surround sound and also creates a visually pleasing addition with two movable light rings, one at the top and one at the bottom, for your listening pleasure. Besides, it has the IPX7 certification, which means it is completely waterproof.
- Bose SoundLink Micro: Small though it may be, this speaker features an IPX7 rating and can shake the place. Its strap, which is resistant to tears, allows for easy attachment anywhere. If you want the Bose sound but on a smaller scale than the Flex, this is a good option.
Special Considerations: Suction Cups and In-Ceiling Speakers
Bluetooth Shower Speaker with Suction Cup
Many shower speaker lovers have a suction cup built into their device. A Bluetooth shower speaker with a suction cup can be adhered directly to the shower wall or the glass door of the bathroom. Though it is comfortable and helpful, you should also know that the suction force can drop after some time, especially if there is steam and the temperature changes. In addition to being fully waterproof, a model with a waterproof feature will be perfect in case it falls.
In-Ceiling Bluetooth Speakers: The Permanent Solution
If you want to get rid of wires completely and have an amazing audio experience, then you may think of an in-ceiling Bluetooth speaker. Usually, systems such as ceiling speakers and Bluetooth kits are installed in the ceiling of a room for a clean, wire-free look. They are designed to withstand bathroom moisture and produce excellent, full-range sound. Installing in-ceiling Bluetooth speakers is not portable, but they are more of a permanent home upgrade than a simple choice for a portable speaker.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Is using a Bluetooth speaker in the shower possible?
What is the best Bluetooth shower speaker?
What's the best Bluetooth waterproof speaker?
Is a shower speaker worth it?
What Bluetooth speaker produces the best quality sound?
Can I bring my JBL into the shower?
Where can I get a Bluetooth shower speaker near me?
Final Thoughts
The right Bluetooth shower speaker will give new life to your everyday routine. It is not only about protecting the device from water but also about making the user’s favourite music, podcasts, and audiobooks a part of every moment of the day, and it starts with your shower in the morning.
We’ve already figured out that the secret to a superb experience is to find a speaker who is truly made for the wet environment. An IP67 rating is still the highest standard; it means that the speaker is not only dustproof but also waterproof and gives you the feeling of complete safety. More than that, the optimal shower speaker for you will mainly depend on your priorities. Would it be the 360-degree powerful sound of the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 4, the top-notch audio quality of the Bose SoundLink Flex, the convenient features of the Sonos Roam 2, or the best price offered by the Anker Soundcore Select 2S?
By the way, a good waterproof shower speaker becomes a very multifunctional device when you have it. The same sturdy, portable speaker that can transform your bathroom into a concert space in the morning can now play music for your afternoon picnic, beach day, or leisurely evening on the patio. It is not only a ‘product for your shower’ but also a reliable, portable Bluetooth speaker that can accompany you on all of your adventures.
Therefore, do not hesitate to increase the volume and ‘simply enjoy the music’. The right speaker will help you make every morning and night perfect.