The Best Bluetooth Speaker For Outdoors Is Waterproof And Rugged
If you love music and camping, a wireless Bluetooth speaker will be your next favorite tech gadget.
I bought the Bose SoundLink Flex (click to view on Amazon) recently, and now I don’t go anywhere without it.
I especially love it when camping, going to the beach, and spending time outdoors.
Excellent battery life, wireless, portable, and fantastic sound have made it one of my favorite purchases this past year. I also use it connected to my TV in my camper.
Today there are tons of outdoor speakers for all budgets.
Battery life has gotten even better, and a lot of them are weatherproof and even waterproof.
What the most important factor is to you depends on how you plan on using the speaker outdoors, but all of the ones I am reviewing today are rugged, great-sounding, and of course, wireless via Bluetooth.
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If you don’t know what AUX or all the water-resistance ratings mean, please scroll down to the Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about them.
I also answer questions about the range, battery life, TV capabilities, etc.
But now, let’s compare and review the best portable Bluetooth speakers for outdoors, camping, the beach, and even backpacking.
Summary (Links to Amazon)
- Most Portable & Basic – OontZ Angle 3 Raindance Edition
- Best Overall – 4. JBL Flip 4
- Most Premium – Bose SoundLink Revolve 360
Most Portable & Basic
Best Overall
Most Premium
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Bluetooth Camping Speakers Reviews & Info
1. OontZ Angle 3 Raindance Edition
If you’re looking for a small outdoor Bluetooth speaker to take to the beach or campsite with a battery that will last all day long and fits in a neat little package.
The OontZ Angle 3 Raindance Edition from Cambridge Soundworks could be the perfect speaker for you.
It’s fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating. It can be fully submerged down to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
The battery life is awesome. It can last up to 14 hours at ⅔ volume, and there is still a 3.5mm AUX jack so you can plug in your phone directly if you don’t want to use wireless Bluetooth.
The AUX jack also makes it possible to connect the speaker to a laptop or TV with a 3.5mm headphone jack which is awesome for RV use.
The Bluetooth range is surprisingly far at 100 feet.
The sound quality is decent for a camping speaker of this size. OontZ installed a 10W amp for maximum volume and there’s quite a bit of bass.
Because of the triangle shape, the speakers are angled up to deliver sound directly to you and the bass faces down for clearer and deeper sound.
A neat feature with this specific model is it can connect wirelessly to a second OontZ Raindance for a full stereo experience.
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It has a built-in microphone so you can answer calls or talk to Siri, Alexa, or Google right from the speaker.
There are lots of control buttons right on the body of the outdoor Bluetooth speaker.
You can press a button to talk to your phone’s assistant, change the volume, play/pause, and even change tracks forward or backward.
You can basically control all of your music right from the speaker. These features are especially nice if you plan on using the speaker in the shower or at the pool.
There is a lanyard connected to the corner that makes it possible for you to hang this small portable Bluetooth speaker for the shower, outdoors, and camping.
The 2500mAh battery charges via an included micro USB cable.
So who is the OontZ Angle 3 Raindance Edition Bluetooth Speaker for?
It’s for the campfire, beach, shower, or pool. It’s a small waterproof portable speaker you can take absolutely anywhere.
It’s not the kind of speaker that you would buy for the best audio quality and accuracy, but for the price it’s impressive. And being able to pair two together for surround stereo is a huge bonus.
It’s rugged enough to take outdoors and not have to worry about its durability. And its size makes it easy to carry around in your backpack all day without being in the way.
If you like music when camping and backpacking this is an excellent option.
If you want the carry case you can get this version here (click to view on Amazon).
If you have the space there are larger versions of the OontZ Angle 3 that are fully waterproof and capable of putting out more sound with the same fantastic battery life.
The OontZ Angle 3 Ultra (click to view on Amazon) has all the features of the Raindance edition including the full waterproof.
The main differences are that it’s slightly larger, can connect to up to 3 speakers, and has a larger 14 watt amp for more sound.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Durable
- 14 Hour Battery Life
- AUX Input
- Built In Microphone
- Wireless Via Bluetooth
- Fully Waterproof
- Skip Track Buttons
CONS
- Medium Sound Quality
- Not Super Loud (10 Watt Amp)
2. Anker SoundCore 2
Anker makes a lot of accessories for phones, like solar panels and portable batteries, so there is no surprise that they also make a wireless Bluetooth speaker for outdoors, the beach, and camping.
Where this camping speaker sticks out the most is with its battery life. Anker advertises 24 hours of non-stop music! That is impressive, but it makes sense since it has a 5200mAh battery.
This means that you could spend several days outdoors and don’t have to worry about charging it up. Grab it for the weekend trip and play music all day and night.
5200mAh is a bigger battery than even your phone has, so a big thumbs up to Anker for daring to put a large battery in an outdoor Bluetooth speaker, which is exactly what some people are looking for.
Besides the extra long battery life, the Anker Soundcore 2 is completely waterproof with an IPX7 rating. It’s made to be out in the rain, snow, and it’s a great sand proof speaker for the beach.
The battery is charged via a micro USB that has a covered port on the side. Next to that is also an AUX port which is a nice added bonus since not all electronics are Bluetooth capable.
This is a portable speaker you can also connect to the TV inside the RV.
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If you want surround stereo sound you can connect two Anker Soundcore 2 speakers together wirelessly.
The sound is decent as well with a large 12 watt amp and an enhanced bass for clearer sound.
The on speaker buttons include an on/off, volume up/down, a Bluetooth button, and a play/pause that can also be used to skip tracks.
There’s a built in microphone which means you can answer phone calls and talk to your phone’s assistant (Siri, Google, Alexa) without needing your phone nearby.
The Bluetooth range is a decent 66 feet.
The Anker SoundCore 2 Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker is perfect for any kind of outdoor enthusiast.
It doesn’t matter if you want to take this Bluetooth speaker to the beach, camping, backpacking, swimming, or even to the shower.
It’s durable enough to take whatever you throw at it and the sound isn’t half bad to boot.
To protect the camping speaker when not in use you can get the official Anker travel case (click to view on Amazon).
There is also a larger upgraded version called the Anker Soundcore Boost (click to view on Amazon) that has a few more added features.
But with the advancements, there is also a bit lost compared to the Soundcore 2. It only has a 12 hour battery life, it’s heavier and also larger.
PROS
- Lightweight
- 24 Hours Battery Life
- AUX Input
- Waterproof
- Built-In Microphone
- Wireless via Bluetooth
- Can Skip Tracks With Speaker Buttons
CONS
- Medium Sound Quality
- Not Super Loud (12 Watt Amp)
3. Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 360
The WONDERBOOM 2 is a Bluetooth speaker for outdoors and indoors. It has a 360 speaker, outputs a lot of sound with the 17 watt amp, and it’s totally dust, sand, and waterproof.
This is a camping speaker that can be submerged in water and still work just fine with its IPX7 rating. That can be useful if you want to take your paddleboard out on the lake and not worry about water damage.
It also floats which is a big plus for any kind of water activity.
With 13 hours of battery life, you can stay out all day and it can get really loud while still outputting clear sound. A neat feature is that you can connect two wirelessly.
The main downside to this camping speaker is it doesn’t have an AUX port which means it probably won’t be able to connect to your RV TV.
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There are two large volume buttons on the side for easy control but Ultimate Ears also added some more control buttons on the bottom.
There’s an on/off button and a single button that can play, pause and skip tracks.
There is no built in microphone which means you won’t be able to answer calls or use a phone assistant like Siri or Google directly from the speaker.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 360 Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker has big buttons that make it easy to control, and a string on top so you can tie it to something or hang it up which is a nice feature for outdoor use.
What it’s missing are a microphone and an AUX input.
In the end, it’s a very rugged portable Bluetooth speaker for outdoors that might be the best choice for you if you want a waterproof 360 speaker that is still small in size but can output a lot of sound and has decent battery life.
PROS
- 13 Hour Battery Life
- 17 Watt Amp
- 360 Sound
- Waterproof
- Floats
- Wireless Via Bluetooth
- Sand & Dust Proof
CONS
- No Built In Microphone
- No AUX Port
- Skip Track Button On Bottom
4. JBL Flip 4
JBL is another big brand and this JBL Flip 4 comes close to Bose in sound quality.
A 3000mAh battery will let you play music for 12 hours which is twice as long as the Bose SoundLink Micro.
It has the IPX7 rating which means that you can take it out on the lake and put it in the water without damaging it. It also makes it an excellent shower or pool speaker.
It has an AUX input and a feature that will let you connect several speakers to the same phone to create a bigger sound.
JBL knows how to make a great speaker with lots of functionality but one area they could improve on is the buttons.
So far they have just an on/off button and a Bluetooth button that is also used to play, pause and skip tracks. It’s just a little more complicated to only have one button for so many features.
Last but not least it has a microphone with voice assistant integration that will let you talk to Siri or Google with the push of a button on the speaker.
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Even though it’s fairly small the amp wattage is a high 17 watts which is something you only find on more premium Bluetooth speakers like the JBL. The sound quality is really good.
The JBL Flip 4 Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker is, in my opinion, the best speaker to bring camping, to the beach, or really anywhere.
It has long battery life, high sound quality, an AUX input, loud volume capabilites, and the waterproof rating to make it one of the best outdoor Bluetooth speakers available on the market today.
If you want to take it literally everywhere I recommend getting a case to help protect it while in your bag. You can get the official JBL Flip 4 hard carry case here (click to view on Amazon).
PROS
- 12 Hours Battery Life
- Waterproof
- AUX Port
- Built-In Microphone
- Loud (17 Watt Amp)
- Wireless via Bluetooth
CONS
- Only 1 Button For All controls (Skip, Play, Pause, Pair, Voice Assistance)
5. Bose SoundLink Color II
This is a speaker that I have bought for friends and family as a gift. The reason being that it’s a good mix of everything.
It has up to 8 hours of battery life, an AUX input, a built-in microphone, and a water resistant IPX4 rating.
It’s good for older people because it will tell you what it’s connected to and the buttons on top are easy to see.
The sound that comes out of this speaker is fantastic. If a waterproof speaker isn’t a necessity for you, this speaker is a great option.
You can wirelessly connect two together for a stereo speaker and it has an impressive 17 watt amp.
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You can use the built-in microphone to use voice assistants like Siri and Google.
The reason I buy this as a gift instead of the JBL Flip 4 is that I think the sound quality is better on the Bose SoundLink Color.
I like the clearer bass and the voice prompts.
It’s also very rugged and can take a beating. Even though it’s only IPX4 and not IPX7, it can be taken to the beach, on a camping trip, or into the shower as long as you don’t submerge it.
If you are willing to give up a little bit of the ruggedness for the excellent sound quality this is the outdoor Bluetooth speaker for you.
Because it’s not fully water or dust proof I recommend getting a travel case (click to view on Amazon) for it.
PROS
- 12 Hours Battery Life
- AUX Input
- Built-In Microphone
- Wireless via Bluetooth
- 17 Watt Amp
- Lots Of Function Buttons (Skip Track)
CONS
- Not Fully Waterproof
- Not Fully Dust Proof
- Big
6. Bose SoundLink Revolve 360
Now we’re getting into the bigger portable speakers that I recommend for RV life. The first one is the Bose SoundLink Revolve with a 360-degree speaker.
The battery will last up to 12 hours and will let you pair it together with another speaker like it to create stereo sound.
While not as water-resistant as the Bose SoundLink Micro, it has an IPX4 rating. To learn more about what these ratings mean in day to day use, check out the FAQ below.
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The Revolve has a microphone and will let you talk to Siri or Google Now through it.
Above all, where the Bose SoundLink Revolve shines is with its audio quality.
It has a deep, loud and immersive sound thanks to its 360-degree speakers. It can be hard to find the exact amp watts on Bose speakers but it’s pretty loud.
If you’re looking for a fantastic indoor/outdoor speaker to keep in your camper, this is the best option. Note that there’s also a bigger brother to this speaker reviewed below.
It has an AUX input so you can plug your phone into it directly to play music. This also makes it possible to connect a TV or a computer as long as the device has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
It also has all the control buttons you will need on top.
Because it’s not water or dust proof I recommend keeping it in a travel case (click to view on Amazon) when not in use.
PROS
- 12 Hours Battery Life
- Built-In Microphone
- AUX Port
- 360 Sound
- Loud
- Wireless via Bluetooth
- Excellent Sound Quality
CONS
- Not Waterproof
- Not Dust Proof
- Heavy
Extra: Bose SoundLink Revolve+ 360 Speaker
The last Bluetooth camping speaker I am looking at today is a big brother to the Bose Revolve above. This is the SoundLink Revolve+. What the plus does to it is what you might expect, it makes it bigger.
16 hours of battery life versus 12 on the smaller Revolve. 2 pounds instead of 1.46 pounds. It’s also a slightly bigger size as well.
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Other than that it can do the same things its little brother can. AUX input, voice assistant integration with the built-in microphone, IPX4 rating, and the ability to connect two to create a stereo sound.
In my opinion, this is the best Bluetooth camping speaker on the market today. If you put this in your RV, you will never use the built-in speakers in your RV again.
The portability will let you carry it around with you and put it in a bag when you go to the beach (just keep it away from sand and water). This is the one to beat when it comes to sound quality.
PROS
- 16 hours of battery life
- Built-In Microphone
- AUX Port
- 360 Sound
- Loudest
- Incredible Sound
- Best In Class
- Wireless via Bluetooth
CONS
- Not Waterproof
- Not Dustproof
- Large
- Heavy
Conclusion & My Recommendations For The Best Bluetooth Camping Speakers
As you might have realized by now, there are outdoor Bluetooth speakers in all price classes. The thing I have noticed is that paying more doesn’t always mean more features, but usually better sound quality.
You can get a more basic camping speaker that you can take with you on the lake and last all day long, or go for a premium one that isn’t waterproof but has better sound quality.
It’s all about what you need and want from your outdoor Bluetooth speaker.
Let’s take a look at my recommendations.
Most Portable & Basic – OontZ Angle 3 Raindance Edition Bluetooth Speaker
Even though it’s the most basic outdoor Bluetooth speaker in this review the OontZ Angle 3 Raindance Edition should not be overlooked.
For its small portable size it puts out an impressive amount of sound and because of the triangle design, it sounds better than you would think and it has a good amount of base.
If you want a small speaker that can do it all the OontZ is a great option.
Best Overall – JBL Flip 4 Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker
The Flip 4 from JBL is an impressive device with 12 hours of battery life. Waterproof IPX7 rating will let you submerge it entirely in water and it gets loud, so it works great outdoors.
It’s extremely rugged and is the most versatile speaker I have reviewed. It will do a great job not only in the shower and on the beach, but also at home.
Its versatility and great battery life are hard to beat. When you put all the features together it makes one of the best outdoor Bluetooth speakers in this review.
Most Premium – Bose SoundLink Revolve 360 Portable Speaker
12 hours of battery life, Bose audio quality, 360-degree sound, and access to Siri and Google Now with the built-in microphone makes this portable speaker sit at the top of my list.
If you want 4 hours more battery life and a slightly bigger sound you can go with its bigger brother: Bose SoundLink Revolve+ 360 Speaker.
But the regular Revolve is a great speaker for the price and it will be all you need in an RV when it comes to listening to music or the radio.
It’s not the most durable, but if you really care about music quality and want a super loud outdoor Bluetooth speaker this is one of the best options out there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wireless Outdoor Camping Speakers
How much should I spend on an outdoor Bluetooth speaker?
Like I mentioned earlier, paying more doesn’t always equal more features, but often better sound.
Are you looking for a speaker to bring to the beach or one to enjoy your favorite music in and outside the RV?
If you only plan on listening in the RV, I recommend saving up and getting a better sounding one than a smaller waterproof one even though it might have more features.
How accurate is the advertised battery life on Bluetooth camping speakers?
Companies are always advertising better battery life than what is accurate.
It does depend though. Playing music at higher volumes will drain the battery faster and using Bluetooth, although very energy efficient it will drain more battery compared to using an AUX cable.
If you’re outdoors camping and can’t charge the speaker every day you should focus more on how much battery life it has than the number of features.
You can also get a portable power bank and charge the speaker multiple times.
Will my camping speaker work with my TV?
If the speaker has an AUX input, and your TV has a 3.5mm output, you can use the speaker with your TV. If your TV has Bluetooth and supports wireless speakers, it might also work wirelessly.
You can also use a streaming box that has Bluetooth built-in and choose your Bluetooth speaker as the output.
What is AUX?
AUX stands for auxiliary and can be found on most phones, mp3 players, headphones, and in newer cars.
You might have heard it been called an audio cable and it is the standard in today’s products for audio.
Apple and Google have recently removed the AUX input in their phones which have caused some stir amongst audio fanatics.
Can a Bluetooth speaker go in checked luggage on an airplane?
Yes, you can put a speaker in your luggage and check it in.
How far will a Bluetooth speaker reach?
How far the wireless speaker will reach depends on lots of factors, but you can expect it to reach at least 30 feet (9 meters), while some reach up to 100 feet (30 meters).
The factors that come into play are signal interference, walls, Bluetooth classes, etc.
Can a Bluetooth speaker be used while charging?
Yes, most Bluetooth speakers can be used even while they’re being charged. If you’re using it at home in one place, it’s a good idea to leave it plugged in all the time to not decrease its battery capacity.
Can outdoor Bluetooth speakers connect to multiple devices?
It depends on the speaker. Bluetooth is capable of connecting several devices at the same time, but the speaker might have limited functionality.
Check the description of the specific speaker you’re looking at or look at questions/answers and you should be able to get an answer.
IPX4, IPX5, IPX7?
The IP in these ratings stands for Ingress Protection and is all about how protected the product is from water and dust getting into it.
For example, IPX0 means that it has no protection from water at all so taking it outdoors or into the shower would be a bad idea.
When it comes to IPX4, it offers protection from a splash of water in any direction for at least 5 minutes.
IPX5 offers protection from a 6.3mm spray of water in any direction for at least 3 minutes.
IPX7 offers protection from complete water submersion up to 1 meter deep for at least 30 minutes.
So if you want to be in the water with your portable speaker, pick a speaker with IPX7 rating as that will survive being fully submerged.
How do I connect my Bluetooth speaker to my laptop/computer?
Just like with your TV, there are two ways to connect most speakers. These are via an AUX cable or Bluetooth. An AUX cable fits a hole you might’ve heard as 3.5mm or headphone-jack on your phone.
If your computer has one of these holes, and your speaker does as well, you can use a 3.5mm cable.
If your computer or speaker doesn’t have a 3.5mm port, and you would like to do it wirelessly, you’ll need a laptop or computer with Bluetooth built-in.
If it’s not built-in, you can use a Bluetooth USB dongle.
From here, it depends on if you have Windows or Mac. These guides explain how to connect a Bluetooth speaker for Windows, and Mac.
How can I play my speaker system camping?
If you have regular house speakers and you want to brink them camping the main thing you are going to need to figure out is how to power them.
A generator isn’t going to be optimal since they are so loud but one simple solution is to use a power station like any of these (click to view post on best solar power stations).
These power stations are basically a lithium battery and inverter combined into one simple to use and transport unit.
All you need to do is charge it up either at home or with a solar panel and plug your speaker system into it.
They don’t make any noise and even a smaller one should be able to power speakers for quite a while.
Have any more questions about Outdoor & Camping Speakers? Leave a comment below.
