This Waterproof Speaker Sounds Way More Expensive Than It Is
I’ve tested a lot of budget Bluetooth speakers, and most of them fall into one of two categories: either they sound okay but feel cheap, or they look decent but totally fall apart when you turn up the volume. This one surprised me by doing neither — and it’s quickly become my go-to for just about everything.
It’s waterproof (IPX5), it’s got multicolor lights if you want to get flashy, and it sounds genuinely solid — way better than I expected from something under $40.
🔊 Sound & Pairing
The sound is where this thing punches above its weight. You get two drivers and a surprisingly clean stereo image, especially when paired with a second speaker using the TWS mode. Bass isn’t ground-shaking, but it’s present — and vocals and treble come through clear, even outdoors.
I used it on a back patio with music, tested it with a YouTube podcast indoors, and even hooked it up to a laptop to stream a movie. It handled all three without struggling, which is more than I can say for a lot of “party” speakers.
Bluetooth 5.3 pairing was fast and reliable across my phone, laptop, and tablet. It reconnects automatically when powered on — which is nice if you’re tired of messing with Bluetooth menus.
☔ Rugged Enough to Take Anywhere
This thing is built to survive. It’s IPX5 rated, meaning it can handle splashes, rain, poolside mayhem, or even a hike in your backpack. I threw it in a tote bag with some other gear and didn’t worry once — it feels solid in the hand and doesn’t have any exposed ports or cheap seams.
The rubberized buttons on the side are easy to press, even with wet hands, and the LED strip on top gives it a fun, colorful look if you’re using it in a dark room or around a campfire. (Bonus: you can turn the lights off if you're trying to save battery or avoid drawing attention.)
🔋 Battery Life & Charging
The product page says up to 20 hours — I got closer to 16 with moderate volume and lights on. Still impressive. The USB-C charging port is modern (finally), and a full recharge took me just under 3 hours.
There’s also a built-in mic, so you can take phone calls or use it with a voice assistant if your device supports it. Not a feature I use often, but it worked fine in my tests.
📦 What’s in the Box
- Bluetooth Speaker (Black, 7.87” x 2.76” x 2.81”, 1.28 lbs)
- USB-C Charging Cable
- Quick Start Guide
It doesn’t come with an AUX cable, but it does have an AUX jack, which is a rare (and welcome) addition these days.
🛠️ Specs & Details (for other nerds like me)
- Bluetooth Version: 5.3
- Battery: 20H max playback (volume-dependent)
- Charging: USB-C (cable included)
- Protection: IPX5 Water-Resistant
- Audio: Dual full-range drivers
- Other: TWS pairing support, LED lighting, AUX input, mic for hands-free calls
If you're looking for a budget speaker that actually delivers on the “HD sound” promise — this one’s a winner. Whether it’s for road trips, the beach, or just something to toss on your kitchen counter, it’s earned a permanent spot in my gear rotation.
Want the exact one I used?
👉 Product #3 – Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
You’ll also find it listed on my landing page at thefinnlist.com.
More weirdly good finds soon.
— Finn