What to Look for in a Portable Speaker for Camping, Beach and Pool Days
gomez
, , Buying Guides
What to Look for in a Portable Speaker for Camping, Beach and Pool Days

A great portable speaker turns any campsite, beach or backyard into a party. But outdoor use is tough on electronics. Here is what to look for.

Durability first

Outdoors means sand, dust, splashes and the occasional drop. Choose a speaker with at least an IPX7 waterproof rating and a rugged, rubberised body.

Battery life

You won’t always have a power outlet nearby. Aim for 15 hours or more of playtime so the music lasts the whole day. Some speakers can even charge your phone via USB.

Sound that carries

Sound disperses quickly outdoors, with no walls to bounce off. Look for a speaker with strong bass, often labelled as an “extra bass” or “bass boost” mode, and enough volume to fill open space without distorting.

Stereo pairing

Pairing two speakers together for left and right stereo sound gives a much bigger, fuller sound, which is great for larger groups.

Size and portability

A speaker that fits in a backpack side pocket or comes with a carry strap is far more likely to come along on every trip.

Be a good neighbour

Keep the volume considerate at campsites and beaches, and check any local rules about amplified music.

Packing checklist

  • Fully charged speaker
  • Charging cable and a power bank
  • Offline playlists downloaded in advance
  • A dry bag for extra protection

Our pick

The StormBox offers IPX7 protection, an Extra Bass mode, 20 hours of playtime and stereo pairing. Check out the StormBox Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker in our shop.

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IPX Ratings Explained: How Waterproof Is Your Bluetooth Speaker?
gomez
, , Tech Explained
IPX Ratings Explained: How Waterproof Is Your Bluetooth Speaker?

If you have shopped for a portable speaker, earbuds or a smartwatch, you have probably seen codes like IPX4 or IP67. These are Ingress Protection ratings, an international standard that describes how well a device resists dust and water.

How to read an IP rating

An IP rating has two digits. The first digit (0 to 6) is protection against solids like dust. The second digit (0 to 9) is protection against water. An “X” simply means the device was not tested for that category.

Common water ratings

  • IPX4: Protected against splashes from any direction. Fine for light rain and sweat.
  • IPX5: Protected against water jets. Handles heavier rain and a quick rinse under the tap.
  • IPX6: Protected against powerful water jets.
  • IPX7: Can be submerged in up to 1 metre of water for 30 minutes. Pool-side safe.
  • IPX8: Can survive continuous submersion beyond 1 metre (the manufacturer specifies the depth).

What about dust?

A first digit of 6 means the device is completely dust-tight, ideal for the beach or camping. IP67 means fully dust-tight and submersible to 1 metre.

Tips for protecting your gear

  • Close any port covers before exposing a device to water.
  • Rinse off salt water and chlorine with fresh water afterwards.
  • Let devices dry fully before charging.
  • Remember that water resistance can reduce over time with wear.

Our pick

Need a speaker that can take a splash? The StormBox is IPX7 waterproof and dustproof, built for the outdoors. Check out the StormBox Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker in our shop.

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