Summer may be winding down, but that doesn't mean you'll be going into hibernation just yet. Whether you're lounging by the pool or sunbathing at the beach, you'll probably want to listen to your favorite music or follow podcasts. Of course, you'll want to make sure your speaker can brave the elements.
ContentsHow speakers are ratedWhat does "IPXX" mean?1. Anker Soundcore 22. Sony SRS-XB123. UE Boom 34. DemerBoxWhen it comes to waterproofing, not all Bluetooth speakers are the same. Luckily, there's a scoring system to help you sort the wheat from irritation. Chances are you've seen this rating system before, which looks like this:IPXX (where X's are replaced by numbers).
This rating system was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission and has been adopted by manufacturers worldwide. This rating is used to inform consumers of how well their products hold up to the elements. That being said, most people have no idea what these seemingly random letters and numbers mean.
The "IP" stands for "ingress protection". Basically, this means how easy it is for foreign objects (like water) to enter the product's casing. The numbers that follow indicate the protection of the product against dust (the first number) and liquids (the second number). Dust protection is rated on a scale of 0 to 6, with six being the highest level of protection. Liquid protection is rated on a scale of 0 to 9, with nine being the highest level of protection.
It features 12W of power with enhanced bass response, making it powerful enough for virtually any situation. Plus, the Soundcore 2 boasts an impressive 24-hour battery life, making it ideal for travel. To top it off, the Soundcore 2 is IPX7 rated, which means it can withstand short periods of submersion in water. While the Soundcore 2 is perfect for days by the pool, you might want to be a little more careful if you take it to the beach.
If you're looking for something that can withstand the elements, delivers room-filling sound, and can fit in your car's cup holder, look no further. Measuring just 3.39 x 3.39 x 4.25 inches and weighing just 0.7 lbs, the Sony SRS-XB12 was made for those on the go. However, don't be fooled by its small size:the SRS-XB12 packs a punch. Sony has put its "Extra Bass" technology to work in the SRS-XB12, giving the tiny speaker a significant volume boost.
Consolidating its status as an excellent travel speaker, the SRS-XB12 is IP67 rated. That means it's totally dust-proof and can handle being in and around water. As if that weren't enough, two of these speakers can be paired to deliver stereo sound.
Ultimate Ears has been producing great Bluetooth speakers for years, and the UE Boom 3 is no exception. Although it's a bit more expensive than previous entries, it's money well spent. The UE Boom 3 boasts arguably the best sound quality in its class. Plus, the 360-degree design ensures clear, accurate sound no matter which direction you're facing.
The UE Boom 3 also has some seriously impressive liquid and dust protection. With an IP67 rating, it can be completely submerged in water for up to 30 minutes without damaging the device. This makes the Boom 3 one of the most durable Bluetooth speakers on the market and perfect for virtually any occasion.
Do you find that 'regular' Bluetooth speakers that claim to be waterproof and dustproof just don't cut it? Looking for something that can literally handle anything thrown on it? If so, you might want to consider the DemerBox. By far the most expensive speaker on this list, it won't be for everyone.
However, if you need something built like a tank, the Demerbox is the closest you'll get. The DemerBox is housed in a crushproof case made of military grade materials. The makers claim it's built to withstand any environment, including torrential rain, snow, and hail, while also being dust and dirt resistant.
In addition, the DemerBox also has an interior compartment to store valuables and protect them from the elements. The icing on the DemerBox cake is its 40+ hour lifespan and its ability to charge other USB devices. If you're looking for a rugged speaker to take on your next big adventure, look no further than the DemerBox.
What's your favorite waterproof and dustproof Bluetooth speaker? Let us know in the comments!
