Rugged waterproof speakers offer an excellent solution to the pungent need for music in outdoor settings, from the beach to the campground, the fishing cabin, or the top of a mountain. Being equally resilient to falls, shocks, and water, they provide reliable sound performance in any environment. However, with numerous brands and models saturating the market, the choice can be overwhelming. This article dishes out the ropes to navigate this market and identifies some top-ranking units currently making waves in the industry.
Waterproof versus Water-resistant
Regardless of the speaker’s quality, exposure to water or moisture could degrade their performance over time, hence the importance of waterproofing. However, it would be a mistake to conflate ‘waterproof’ with ‘water-resistant.’ The former means that a device can withstand immersion in water for a specified duration and depth without any damage. On the other hand, water-resistant speakers can only defy minor splashes and raindrops.
When shopping for outdoor speakers, it’s crucial to consider devices that are IP-rated. This Ingress Protection System highlights a device’s ability to resist the ingress of dust, water, and accidental contact. For instance, speakers carrying an IPX7 rating can tolerate immersion in one-meter depths of water for half an hour. For the extreme adventurer, speakers with IP67 ratings are an excellent pick, offering complete dust resistance while also allowing for half-hour immersions at one-meter depths.
Ruggedness
Besides being waterproof, an outdoor speaker’s ruggedness is a critical consideration. Rugged speakers are built to withstand harsh conditions, featuring shock-absorbing exteriors and reinforced materials that resist wear. Therefore, they stand strong against drops, knocks, and other impacts that could occur during your outdoor adventures.
Some speakers further have military-grade certifications, specifying their ability to endure extreme conditions. The MIL-STD 810G Standard, for example, examines a speaker’s resilience to low pressure, high and low temperatures, rain, humidity, sand and dust, shock, and vibration.
Audio Quality
While resilience is essential for outdoor speakers, the sound quality should not be compromised. When shopping, you should consider the sound output, measured in decibels. The larger the decibel number, the louder your music will be. Many speakers also feature a built-in amplifier that significantly boosts the sound volume.
Consider speakers with frequency ranges between 100Hz and 20,000Hz. The lower end of this range indicates the bass output, while the higher end signifies the treble. A wider frequency range provides richer and fuller sound reproduction.
A speaker’s driver size also influences the sound quality, with the rule of thumb being: the larger the driver, the better the sound. For instance, outdoor speakers with 40mm drivers or bigger provide a warmer, more lifelike sound compared to those with smaller drivers.
Battery Life
When it comes to outdoor speakers, longer battery life is crucial. Especially when venturing areas where power outlets are scarce or non-existent. The best rugged waterproof speakers should offer at least 10 hours of continuous playtime. However, more top-tier models on the market can go up to 24 hours or more. Some speakers also feature USB charging ports, allowing you to power other devices like your smartphone or tablet.
Connectivity
Bluetooth is the most convenient and ubiquitous method of connecting your audio devices to most speakers. When evaluating a speaker, look out for Bluetooth 4.0 or later versions for a stable, high-quality audio connection. Further, speakers with a connectivity-range of 30 feet are excellent; however, most high-tier models support up to 100-foot ranges. Some speakers also support NFC (Near Field Communication) that allows instant pairing with compatible devices.
Must-Have Rugged Waterproof Speakers
Among the plethora of options on the market, some speakers stand out for their superb outdoor performance. The JBL Charge 4, for instance, boasts IPX7 waterproofing and a rugged fabric material for durability. It offers up to 20 hours of playtime, a built-in power bank, and JBL’s proprietary Connect+ Tech that links over 100 enabled speakers for amplified sound.
Another top contender is the Ultimate Ears (UE) Boom 3. Thanks to its cylindrical design, this speaker offers 360-degree sound coupled with IP67 water and dust proofing. It’s drop-proof, floats in water and affords you 15 hours of battery life.
If you’re seeking extremely resilient options, the AOMAIS Go speaker could be your best pick with an IPX7 rating, and a robust construction that survives full immersion in water, dust, snow, and mud. It also offers a remarkable 30-hour battery lifespan and high-quality sound with a dual 15-watt full-range drivers and 10-watt tweeter.
For Bose fans, the high-end Bose Soundlink Micro offers IPX7 waterproofing, a tear-resistant strap, and high-quality sound with crisp highs and satisfying bass.
Conclusion
Rugged waterproof speakers are indispensable companions for outdoor enthusiasts. Ensuring they possess the right blend of durability, water resistance, sound quality, battery life, and connectivity will guarantee that your musical needs are met, no matter where your adventures take you. Whether you’re considering popular brands like JBL and UE or exploring other efficient performers like AOMAIS or Bose, there’s a perfect fit for everyone.
