It’s not even Memorial Day yet, but you’re probably already making plans for summer vacations, beach vacations, pool parties, family barbecues, and more. (I bet you do!) But what’s a great summer day without a soundtrack?
No matter what your plans are this summer, the only companion you’ll need to secure is a Bluetooth speaker. Depending on where you’re headed and for how long, your choice of Bluetooth speaker can have a big impact on your summer fun. If you choose the wrong one, you might end up with no sound during your weekend camping trip, or your speakers may get clogged with sand and you’ll want to throw them in the ocean. (Just kidding, no littering!)
To make sure your personal soundtrack is always plenty of summer fun, we’ve put together a selection of Bluetooth speakers for every scenario. All of our picks offer high quality audio. This was a non-negotiable prerequisite. But we dug into the details and deciphered which ones have the best features for various summer activities at home, on vacation, or while getting in touch with nature.
Read on to discover:
- The perfect Bluetooth speaker for all your activities this summer
- Standout speaker specifications that matter most in each scenario
- Playlist inspiration to curate the perfect summer vibe
What is the best Bluetooth speaker for a beach day?
JBL grip
Beach days bring some dilemmas when it comes to technology, namely in the form of water and sand, and the JBL Grip is a rugged 6-inch tall speaker built to withstand them all. Plus, it features a convenient loop for hanging, fun color options, and ambient lighting for getting home after dark.
- An IP68 rating means it’s as waterproof and sand-resistant as possible.
- Grip-friendly exterior prevents dropping with wet hands (also has drop protection)
- Perfect size to carry in your beach bag
- Up to 14 hours of playtime – more than enough for a day on the go
Select playlist: Jack Johnson, Bob Marley, and Jimmy Buffet are the perfect place to start your refreshing beach day soundtrack. Be sure to include Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” just in case.
price: PC Richard & Son for $69.95 (originally $99.95)
Earn 1% cashback at PC Richard & Son
What is the best Bluetooth speaker for an elegant patio dinner?
Marshall Emberton III
The Emberton III is a 6-inch wide speaker that looks very sleek, especially in this rather clever shade. The centerpiece of your patio dining table, next to your charcuterie, is made to stand out, but it’s more than just pretty. It’s also an incredibly capable speaker, delivering rich, full sound, and instantly adjusting the tonal balance as you change the volume.
- It’s dustproof and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about dust or spills.
- With over 32 hours of playtime, deep conversations will never be interrupted
- No blind spots – Find your music wherever you are thanks to Marshall’s true stereophonic, 360-degree audio technology.
Select playlist: Keep it as a vehicle so it doesn’t conflict with a conversation with a friend or a much-needed status update. Think soft jazz like Kenny G or light classical like Erik Satie.
price: $99.99 (originally $179.99) at Marshalls
Earn 1% cashback at Marshall
What is the best Bluetooth speaker for a pool party?
Soundcore Rave 3S
A pool party calls for a loud Bluetooth speaker with a few twists. The Rave 3 delivers self-proclaimed “earth-shaking” audio that can stand up to the sound of a crowd splashing. It’s larger and heavier than the others on this list, but it’s still easy to move your party wherever you need to go.
- Resistant to water splashes and light rain
- Customizable music-syncable lights keep the party going even after the sun goes down
- AI vocal removal makes any song karaoke-ready in no time – comes with 2 wireless microphones
Select playlist: Sabrina Carpenter, Chapel Lawn, Bad Bunny, and Bruno Mars – the top pop hits everyone wants (or at least) try) Let’s sing together!
price: $299.99 at Walmart (originally $349.99)
Earn 1% cashback at Walmart
What is the best Bluetooth speaker for camping?
JBL Charge 6
If you’re going on a weekend camping trip, you’ll need a Bluetooth speaker with a sturdy construction and plenty of battery life. Available in a variety of fun colors, the JBL Charge 6 and built-in handle are ready for adventure.
- Up to 28 hours of playtime on campfire hangouts
- Waterproof and dustproof specifications compliant with IP68 standard
- Withstands a 1 meter drop onto concrete
- Built-in power bank to charge your phone when needed
Select playlist: Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Zach Bryan, Darius Rucker. Mellow, laid-back country hits sound great around a campfire and won’t overwhelm the sounds of nature.
price: From $159.95 (originally $199.95) at JBL
Earn 1% cashback at JBL
What is the best Bluetooth speaker for travel?
Ultimate Years WONDERBOOM 4
We know that packing space is at a premium, but a travel Bluetooth speaker needs to be, first and foremost, extremely portable. Slightly larger than a softball, WONDERBOOM 4 provides 360-degree sound, so you can place or hang it anywhere in your hotel room or Airbnb to enjoy the party wherever you are.
- Big sound in a small body
- Light and small, easy to put in your carry-on baggage
- 14 hours playtime on a single charge
- Available in fun colors and neutrals, you can go bold or subtle to match your holiday vibe.
Select playlist: It depends on where you are traveling and why. But pop divas like Dua Lipa and Rihanna are perfect for when you’re getting ready in your hotel room and want to spice things up a bit. Olivia Dean also brings some cool vibes after a long day of travel.
price: $79.99 at Best Buy
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What are the best Bluetooth speakers for backyard barbecues?
bose sound link plus
Larger barbecues can get a little noisy, so you’ll want a Bluetooth speaker with high-quality sound. The waterproof Bose SoundLink Plus does just that with resonant audio and booming bass, making it the perfect pairing with your burger and beer.
- Battery life lasts 10 hours even when played at high volume
- Rugged and portable – even if you don’t leave your backyard
- It also comes with a sleek black build that will blend into the backdrop of your patio setup.
- Connect and sync multiple Bose SoundLink speakers in party mode for complete coverage of your home and backyard.
Select playlist: We curate a bit of classic rock from all eras, including the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and more. Feel free to add a bit of James Taylor or Simon & Garfunkel to give it a more folk-rock vibe and give it universal appeal to a large audience.
price: $219.98 (originally $269) on QVC
Earn 3% cashback at QVC
What are the best Bluetooth speakers for boats?
sound core boom 3i
If you are going to be surrounded by water, you should take the necessary precautions when choosing a Bluetooth speaker, just in case. Fortunately, the Soundcore Boom 3i is fully waterproof and saltwater resistant, and can even withstand immersion in fresh water. The latter doesn’t really matter since this can literally float and Please keep playing.
- Built-in beat-synced light show effects
- Double the bass power to really rock the boat
- Top IP68 waterproof rating – floats on water when you jump overboard
- 16 hours of playtime on a single charge
Select playlist: Do you really need to ask? This is exactly what Yacht Lock is for. (Maybe.) So fire up a playlist chock-full of Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, and Christopher Cross, and let’s take you on a cruise.
price: $129.99 at Soundcore
Earn 1% cashback with Soundcore
What are the best Bluetooth speakers for cycling and hiking?
Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
Of course, you can wear earphones, but if you’re with friends or just want to hear your surroundings while cycling or hiking, an ultra-compact Bluetooth speaker is the way to go. This offering from Tribit is small enough to fit in your pocket and has better bass output than you’d expect from its small frame.
- 12 hours play time
- Can also be used as a mobile battery for your mobile phone if necessary
- IP67 rating means protected against dust and temporary submersion.
- The built-in strap is thoughtfully designed to securely wrap around backpack straps or bicycle handlebars.
Select playlist: If you want something high-energy, try 90s rock like the Foo Fighters or Red Hot Chili Peppers. Or, if you just want to take in the scenery on a gentle hike, lean toward folk-pop like Maggie Rogers or instrumental but driving songs like Explosions in the Sky.
price: From $49.99 (originally $59.99) at Amazon
The post 9 Best Bluetooth Speakers for All Summer Activities appeared first on RetailMeNot’s The Real Deal.
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