The best part is that these speakers can easily take splashes of water and even survive a short sprint underwater. And no, I am not kidding. If you are considering getting a new wireless speaker for outdoor usage, we have lined up some of the best Bluetooth speakers available in the sub-$100 price bracket. Let’s have a look.
1. OontZ Angle 3 Ultra
IP Rating: IPX7Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
The speaker is sturdy enough to withstand its share of abuse, thanks to the tough speaker grills and the rubberized endpoints. Plus, the triangular shape ensures that you can place it either horizontally or vertically on any surface. Based on all these features, it isn’t difficult to see why the Oontz Angle 3 Ultra has a good rating. Users love it for its durability and connectivity, among others.
2. Anker Soundcore 2
IP Rating: IPX7Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
A 5,200mAh battery powers this Bluetooth 5.0 speaker and makes it deliver non-stop music. Though it has a playing time of up to 24 hours, it will drop when blasted at full volume. The Bluetooth connectivity is decent, and there’s a 3.5mm AUX out to connect non-Bluetooth devices. However, when it comes to sound quality, the bass on this speaker is a little on the lower side, and if you are a basshead, you might be disappointed with it. Nevertheless, the audio quality is balanced and is loud enough for small outdoor gatherings. Over the years, the Soundcore 2 has amassed a whopping twenty thousand reviews with users speaking highly of its durability, portability, and battery life.
3. JBL Clip 3
IP Rating: IPX7Battery Life: up to 10 hours
The primary highlight of Clip 3 is that it’s small and can easily fit in your hands. It comes with a built-in carabiner, using which you can hang the speaker from your backpack. There are playback controls at the top, and you can control the volume via the paired phone. Speaking of phones, this tiny speaker also bundles a microphone with built-in echo & noise-canceling speakerphone capabilities to make your calls sound clearer. As noted earlier, it is IPX7-rated, meaning you do not have to worry about rains and pool splashes. The only issue is that charging is via a micro-USB port at the bottom of the speaker. And given the rarity of micro-USB ports on phones, you will have to hold dearly to the charging cable.
4. Sony SRS-XB12 Mini Bluetooth Speaker
IP Rating: IP67Battery Life: up to 16 hours
The SRS-XB12 has a great audio output which is further accompanied by a rich and heavy bass, thanks to the passive radiators at the base. At the same time, you can pair it with a second XB12 speaker to amplify the sound. It carries the IP67 rating, meaning it is dust resistant and can be subjected to water as well. And the matte rubbery construction helps make it more durable. And people love this tiny speaker for its portability, connectivity, and more importantly, its audio output. It comes in several shades — Black, Blue, Grey, Red, and Violet. And oh, it also sports a lanyard.
6. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2
IP Rating: IP67Battery Life: up to 13 hours
Let not the small size fool you. It sports a 360-degree design and can blast audio in all directions. And not just any type of audio. The audio is clear, precise, and packs quite the punch. And staying true to its UE legacy, the output is loud. When it comes to battery life, it can last up to 13 hours before needing a recharge (see best Power Banks with QC 3.0 support). And, you can also pair other UE speakers to it for richer sound output. The UE Wonderboom has received its share of accolades from its user base. Do note that there’s no speakerphone function in this speaker. On the upside, the UE Wonderboom can float in water.
5. Anker Soundcore Flare 2
IP Rating: IPX7Battery Life: up to 12 hours
The cool LED strip at the top and bottom, and the cloth speaker grille makes it good enough for both indoor and outdoor use. When it comes to the audio output, the 20-watt drivers and dual passive bass radiators combine to produce a balanced audio output with decent, if not loud, bass. And well, the volume can get pretty loud. As per the folks at TechRadar, the Flare 2 sounds better than the UE Wonderboom 2. The companion app adds more value to this speaker. Not only can you play around with the equalizer, but you can also tweak the lighting features and customize the colors as per your choice. Anker claims a battery playback time of 12 hours. It may plunge if you listen continuously at higher volumes. Do note that it doesn’t have voice assistant support.
7. Bose SoundLink Micro
IP Rating: IPX7Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
Apart from being durable, the SoundLink Micro also sports a tear-resistant strap that you can wound around polls, bike handlebars, or your backpack’s straps. However, battery life is a tad on the smaller side. It can last only up to 6 hours on moderate volumes. So, if you want to blast out music for long hours, this one is not for you. The SoundLink Micro is available in three colors—Black, Midnight Blue, and Bright Orange.
Please Don’t Stop the Music
Apart from the above, you can also check out the UE Boom 3 and the JBL Flip 5. The former has a 360-degree sound output and can be really loud, while the latter is known for its quality audio output. With these portable Bluetooth speakers, you can blast the music, be it your outdoor adventures or a simple pool party. And the IP ratings on these speakers mean that you do not have to worry much about water damage. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
