Soundcore Boom 3i
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4
Sony ULT Field 1
Vieta Pro Goody 4
Best waterproof speaker
The summer heat invites you to dive into the pool or the sea, as they are the best way to cool off. And to liven up these outings, nothing like enjoying our favorite songs. The most recommended solution is a waterproof Bluetooth speaker and, if it is also dustproof, even better. To help you choose, at EL PAÍS Escaparate we have tested four models with IPX certification, an international standard that indicates, according to its classification, the level of water protection the speaker offers.
Which waterproof speakers have we chosen and how have we tested them?
Certainly, all the speakers we have chosen for this comparison are waterproof. However, we have tried to include some models that are dustproof and others that are not, to analyze the influence of this on their outdoor performance. Similarly, we have tested speakers of different power levels with the same objective. Therefore, the four selected brands are: Soundcore, Wonderboom, Sony, and Vieta Pro.
To test these speakers, we first subjected them to continuous water exposure to check if they maintained their operation without faults after splashes and even immersions. Then, we evaluated whether the sound quality was affected after these tests, paying special attention to possible losses of power or clarity. Over several days, we also analyzed their durability in real-use situations—from beach outings to accidental bumps—and concluded the tests with a review of their connectivity and general functionality, by verifying Bluetooth stability, control response, and available usage options.
Why can you trust me?
I am a journalist specialized in product analysis and, in recent years, I have tested and compared dozens of devices and accessories for media such as El País. My way of evaluating starts from something very specific: understanding what a product really offers in relation to its cost. Not only in punctual tests but also in everyday use, because that is where the details that make a difference are perceived. Beyond specifications, I am interested in how it performs in practice, how consistent it is over time, and what limitations appear when you integrate it into your routine. Because, in the end, a good product is not the flashiest, but the one that best justifies its price day by day. That is the criterion with which I build each recommendation.
Which waterproof speaker was the winner?
The Soundcore Boom 3i speaker is the most complete model due to its powerful 50 W sound, with deep bass and no distortion even at high volume, and its water and dust resistance with IP68 certification. Robust, with great autonomy and advanced features, it is ideal for outdoors, although its size is larger.
Is it durable?
When we talk about waterproof speakers, there are undoubtedly two essential requirements to consider: that the sound is good and that, of course, it withstands immersions. Both aspects are fully covered with the Soundcore Boom 3i speaker. Regarding audio, my impressions have been entirely favorable, as it offers 50 W power with which it can reproduce music with very convincing fidelity. Its deep bass stands out especially, allowing sounds to be heard clearly and powerfully outdoors.
In fact, since it is designed primarily for outdoor use, I really liked that the volume can be raised to a considerably high level so there are no listening problems. Despite this, the sound does not distort, even at the highest level. Likewise, the build quality seemed very convincing to me, as in tests it was able to withstand some accidental bumps without compromising its operation.
Then comes the other very important aspect in this type of speaker. During the tests, this model was able to withstand immersions in water without any mishap or evident degradation. Specifically, it has IP68 certification. In fact, its design allows it to float on water, so it can be kept in the pool without losing sight of it. Definitely, these are features that made me choose it as the winner of the comparison.
It is true that this speaker is the largest in the comparison. Still, the incorporated strap makes it very practical to carry, so it is not a disadvantage to have to carry it outside the backpack. For its part, the Bluetooth connection is very fast and stable with the phone, on which you can also install the official app to control the speaker remotely and customize the equalization. The best part is that its autonomy can last a full day.
Why do we recommend it?
The best:
- IP68 certification against water.
- Design with strap.
- Very shock resistant.
- Floats on water.
- Buttons easy to locate by touch.
- 24-hour autonomy.
To improve:
- Limited water resistance (up to 1.5 m for 30 min)
Other alternatives to the best waterproof speaker
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker
The most notable feature of the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 speaker is its compact and very durable design, with IP68 certification and the ability to float, ideal for outdoors. It offers balanced sound with useful modes, although less powerful than larger models and without advanced customization options or a mobile app.
Is it durable?
Backed by its IP67 certification against water and dust, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 speaker has a completely different design from its competitors: it is cylindrical and surprisingly compact, ensuring excellent grip even with wet hands. Its flat base allows it to remain stable on different surfaces.
What it does share with them is its structure covered by a textile mesh—by the way, very pleasant to the touch—reinforced at the top and bottom by thick rubber edges that absorb impacts. On the days I took it with me, it demonstrated its durability: it withstood bumps, a few stumbles, and even a fall from a sun lounger. And what fascinated me was that it floats.
On the front, two large buttons in the shape of + and – stand out to raise and lower the volume, integrated into the fabric. They are very easy to locate by touch. On the top area, it has the following buttons: power, Bluetooth, and the Outdoor/Podcast sound modes, which are preset equalization modes because the speaker does not have its own mobile app.
The Outdoor mode, designed for outdoors, boosts treble and raises the maximum volume so the sound projects better. I activated it during an outdoor lunch, with some wind and background traffic, and although it does not have the power of larger speakers, it managed to be heard without problems. The Podcast mode adjusts the equalization to give more presence to voices. I used it while cooking, listening to an interview, and the difference was clear: the sound became clearer, also ideal for audiobooks or other spoken content.
Finally, the USB port to charge the battery is protected by a rubber flap, as in the Sony model. In my tests, the autonomy reached about 12 hours of playback. The downside is that it lacks auxiliary inputs and a microphone. Also, since it cannot be linked to a mobile app, the possibility of checking the battery status precisely or customizing the sound beyond its predefined modes is lost. This limits the experience a bit for those looking for more detailed device control.
Why do we recommend it?
The best:
- IP67 certification against water and dust.
- Cylindrical and compact design.
- Rubber edges to absorb impacts.
- Very shock resistant.
- Floats on water.
- Buttons easy to locate by touch.
- 12-hour autonomy.
To improve:
- No own app.
- Only two preconfigured equalization modes.
Sony ULT Field 1 waterproof outdoor speaker
What I liked about the Sony ULT Field 1 speaker is its excellent build quality and resistance with IP67 certification, along with powerful and clean sound with reinforced bass. It is very portable and easy to use, although its autonomy is more limited and it lacks connection options beyond Bluetooth.
Is it durable?
The build quality of the Sony ULT Field 1 speaker is what I liked most. Cylindrical and wrapped in a robust mesh, I put it without problems in a small backpack and it withstood all the beach outings without a scratch. Its excellent durability and resistance are complemented by IP67 certification, which guarantees high protection against water and dust. It is also worth noting that it includes a cord that allows hanging or easily attaching it to a backpack, beach bag, or pool bag, making it even more portable.
It pairs via Bluetooth with the phone in seconds and, having few physical controls—as usual in these cases—its handling is very comfortable: power on/off, Bluetooth, volume, and hands-free. Added to these is the “ULT” button, which lights up when pressed and activates the bass to improve the sound experience. I found a waterproof speaker that offers powerful and clean audio, with good separation of instruments and clear voices, capable of filling any space, both indoors and outdoors. It is easy to get carried away by the music, especially when activating the bass, which adds strength without distorting (if not abused). Also, it maintains its volume without losing intensity, even when moving a few meters away.
The microphone works, although it is not its strongest point: it works properly in quiet environments but loses effectiveness with wind or background noise. Regarding the battery, at about 50% volume, I achieved almost nine hours of autonomy, more than enough for a full day of use. The problem is that it can only be used via Bluetooth: it has no other physical inputs like memory card reader or 3.5 mm auxiliary port.
Why do we recommend it?
The best:
- IP67 certification against water and dust.
- Cylindrical and compact design.
- Very shock resistant.
- Buttons easy to locate by touch.
- Bass boost mode.
- Nine-hour autonomy.
To improve:
- The microphone for calls loses quality in noisy environments.
Vieta Pro Goody 4 Bluetooth speaker
The Vieta Pro Goody 4 speaker offers a balanced experience with good sound, compact design, and more complete connectivity options than average, as well as customizable lighting. However, its protection is more limited as it is not dustproof and the charging time is somewhat slow.
Is it durable?
As with the other speakers, the first thing that caught my attention about the Vieta Pro Goody 4 speaker was its solid construction, which conveys a sense of durability. It has an IPX7 water resistance rating, although it is the only one without dust protection; but this, for me, does not detract significant value. Its compact size does not compromise portability, as it fits perfectly in the hand and is easily placed in a backpack without taking up space. A practical and common detail in this type of model is the strap that comes incorporated to hang or hold it easily, something appreciated on hikes or outdoor outings.
How about the sound experience? Songs like Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi sound quite strong and energetic, while more emotional songs like Flowers or Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus stand out for how the voice is highlighted. Honestly, it surprised me. At medium volume, I could enjoy almost 10 continuous hours of music without needing a recharge.
Another aspect that makes it stand out is its integrated RGB lighting, which adds additional visual appeal. From the Vieta Pro mobile app, I customized the lighting effects and easily adjusted the equalizer. Regarding connectivity, besides Bluetooth connection, it includes a 3.5 mm auxiliary input and a USB port to play music from an external memory. In my tests, I used this last port to play a playlist including from Another in Paradise by Phil Collins to Shape of You by Ed Sheeran, and the experience was smooth. The downside is that the full battery charging time is a bit tedious and the call quality using the Bluetooth function is fair.
Why do we recommend it?
The best:
- IP7 certification against water.
- Cylindrical and compact design.
- Incorporated strap.
- Customizable RGB lighting.
- Adjustable equalizer.
- 10-hour autonomy.
To improve:
- Not dustproof.
- Battery takes time to charge.
- Call microphone quality is fair.
Frequently asked questions about waterproof wireless speakers
Which wireless speakers resist water?
There is a wide range of devices on the market designed to withstand moisture. Leading brands offer specific models within their “portable” or “outdoor” lines. These devices have sealed housings and special membranes that protect internal components, from compact units with carabiners to hang on backpacks to larger systems for pool parties. The key is to look for devices that specify their liquid protection capacity.
Are waterproof speakers really waterproof?
The answer depends on the protection level the device has. There is a crucial technical difference between “splash resistant” and “waterproof.” A resistant device withstands raindrops or ambient humidity without problems but succumbs to full immersion. In contrast, a truly waterproof device allows direct and deep contact with liquid. It is vital to understand that no protection is eternal; the wear of rubber seals from sun or chlorine can compromise watertightness over the years.
How to know if a speaker is waterproof?
The universal indicator to verify this property is the IP (Ingress Protection) code. This international standard consists of two digits: the first refers to dust and the second to water. If you seek water protection, you should look at the last digit. A value of 4 indicates splash protection, while 7 or 8 guarantees survival after immersion. If the product lacks this official certification on its box or manual, it is safest to keep it away from any moisture source to avoid costly damage.
What happens if a speaker gets wet?
If the device has the appropriate certification, water simply slides off its surface or enters drainable cavities without causing damage. However, in a conventional model, liquid causes immediate short circuits on the logic board and oxidizes charging connectors. Also, moisture soaks the paper cone of the transducer, permanently distorting the sound. In case of an accident with an unprotected device, turn off the unit immediately and remove excess moisture before attempting any power-on.
Can I use an IP67 certified speaker in the shower?
A device with IP7 rating is fully suitable for the bathroom. This classification ensures the hardware withstands immersion in fresh water up to one meter deep for thirty minutes. Hot water vapor or direct shower jets do not pose a risk to its mechanical integrity. However, avoid prolonged contact with soaps or shower gels, as chemicals can degrade silicone seals. After use, dry the exterior well to prevent lime buildup on front grilles.
*All purchase prices included in this article are updated as of May 6, 2026.
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