What to look for
- Look for IP67 or IP68 if the speaker will go near water or sand.
- Size predicts bass: palm-size speakers sound thin outdoors, while lunchbox-size models fill a garden.
- Battery life of 12 hours or more covers a full beach day.
- Check multi-speaker pairing if you plan to link two speakers, since newer and older models of the same brand don’t always connect.
How much to spend
Typical prices run from £59 to £369. Budget models cover the basics; spending more usually buys rugged, loud and drop-resistant. Only pay for features you will use.
Who should skip what
- Skip the JBL Flip 7 if you need party-level volume for a big crowd
- Skip the JBL Charge 6 if you need a speaker small enough for a jacket pocket
- Skip the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 if you want deep bass or app-based EQ
- Skip the Bose SoundLink Max if you want value; the JBL Charge 6 gets you most of the way for far less
Buying tips
Speakers are heavily discounted around Prime Day, the May bank holiday and Black Friday. Keep your receipt: JBL, Bose and UE back their speakers with a manufacturer warranty, usually one year in the UK.
Our picks
See all our best bluetooth speakers in the uk for more options.
Recommended products
Best overallJBL · Bluetooth Speakers
JBL Flip 7
Tough, waterproof and loud for its size.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Most people
- Typical price
- £109–£139
Pros
- IP68 dust and water protection
- Survives drops onto concrete
Cons
- Not compatible with older JBL PartyBoost speakers
Best battery lifeJBL · Bluetooth Speakers
JBL Charge 6
All-day play and a built-in power bank.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Long battery and bigger sound
- Typical price
- £149–£179
Pros
- Very long battery life
- Built-in power bank
Cons
- Heavier than the Flip
Best budgetUltimate Ears · Bluetooth Speakers
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4
Floats and survives the pool.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Budget and the pool
- Typical price
- £59–£89
Pros
- Floats in water
- IP67 dustproof and waterproof
Cons
- Limited bass
Frequently asked questions
What is the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker?
The JBL Flip 7 and Charge 6 are IP68 rated, and the UE WONDERBOOM 4 is IP67 and floats, which makes it the best pool speaker.
Is the Bose SoundLink Max worth it?
If you want the richest portable sound, yes. Most people will be just as happy with a JBL Charge 6 for about half the price.
JBL Flip vs Charge: which should I buy?
The Flip is smaller and cheaper. The Charge plays longer, louder and can charge your phone. Pick the Charge for camping and tailgates.