While many boaters live and die by their onboard stereo system, others enjoy the portable versatility of freestanding Bluetooth speakers. We’ve even seen some new-boat models offered with portable wireless speakers as the default audio system. They can go from boat to sandbar and sandbar to campsite, and provide a backyard-barbecue soundtrack as well, bringing outstanding value—and terrific sound, as we discovered. We tested three of the most popular Bluetooth speakers for the boating and outdoor crowd, and here are some of our observations.
EcoXgear Defender
$249.99; westmarine.com
We’ve tested many EcoXgear products and found them astonishingly powerful in clarity, bass, and ease of use. They can be paired with up to 100 other EcoXgear or Sound Extreme devices, meaning everyone on the sandbar or regatta can simultaneously enjoy the same tunes. Left- and right-handed grab handles are integrated into the design for easy snatch-and-go portability, and tie-down connections can be used to secure it to the deck. An integrated LED light illuminates the camp and can serve as a roadside trouble light. The speaker’s internal multicolored LED lights can be tuned to flash and change color to the beat of the music. A dedicated AC/DC adapter connects via a jack beneath a watertight twist-off port that also houses a USB charge output and a 3.5 mm input jack.
Test Team Observations: This was inarguably the best combination of clear treble and deep bass for overall room-filling sound. The optimal equalizer setting was the indoor favorite among our test team, and the outdoor setting indeed proved to carry the tunes with superior clarity and depth of tone.
The Verdict: The team liked the music played through this device best for its overall power and clarity. The ability to have two devices connected allowed for dual DJs, and the overall feature set at a much lower price brings great value.
- Output Power: 121 dB and 100W dynamic Texas Instruments power amplifier
- Equalizer: Three settings for indoors, outdoors, and optimal settings for full sound.
- Waterproof and Dustproof: IP67 can withstand full submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, and it floats.
- Speaker Dimensions: 6-by-9-inch full-range polypropylene carbon main driver, 1.7-inch titanium tweeter
- LED Lighting: Changes colors with the beat of the music, plus LED flashlight
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, stream up to 100 feet away
- Device Links: Connect two phones at once. Use EcoCast to link up to 100 EcoXgear and SoundExtreme products together from up to 30 feet.
- 3.5 mm Aux Input: Yes
- Integrated Microphone: Voice calls, speakerphone capabilities, Siri/Google voice-assistant support
- External Microphone Input (not included): PA-system function with three equalization effects to optimize your voice
- Charge Ports: 5V 2.1A USB-C
- Backlit Buttons, Dual Handles and Strap Points: Easy portability
- Battery Life: 25-plus-hour play time (6-plus hours at max volume)
- Battery Capacity: Built-in rechargeable battery 79.96 Wh at 14.8V, 5,400 mAh
- AC Power Supply: Dedicated AC adapter with input jack
- Colors: White, black, emerald, orange
Kicker BF100
$129.99; amazon.com
The BF100 produces 360-degree sound thanks to two speakers facing in each direction. Linking two BF100s via the Kicker Connect app gives a room-filling tone with outstanding clarity but with a gentler intensity, and the pair still comes in at a combined value price. The floating, waterproof device is sized to fit in a boat’s cup holder and can be tethered to a float tube or kayak via the integrated carry handle on top. All controls are via soft-touch watertight buttons, and charge ports such as input jacks and other devices are protected behind a tough, watertight silicone door.
Test Team Observations: Connecting two speakers via the app can be glitchy, but once a pair is connected, they reconnect easily the next time you power up the devices.
The Verdict: Rock ’n’ roll and heavy metal came through well whether with one device or two, but it wasn’t designed to bring a thump to the chest. Easy listening, jazz, and vocals were the crispest and clearest on this device. Its portability adds convenience to take anywhere.
- Output Power: 16W
- Equalizer: Equalizer tones adjustable via the Connect App for optimized sound
- Waterproof: IP67, and it floats.
- Speaker Dimensions: Two 12/3-inch drivers; two 13/8- by-3-inch passive radiators
- Linking Speakers: Two speakers can be linked manually or through the Connect app.
- 3.5 mm Input Jack: Yes
- Integrated Microphone: Voice calls, speakerphone capabilities
- Charge Output Port: Yes
- Battery Life: 12 hours
- Battery Capacity: Li-ion 3.7V, 2,600 mAh
- Recharge Device: Mini USB
- Colors: White with gray trim
Read Next: Camera and Phone Mounts for Boaters and Anglers
TurtleBox Original Gen 2
$400; amazon.com
Turtlebox is rugged, crush- and crack-resistant, waterproof, and it floats. This powerful 120 dB speaker’s 1-inch tweeter and 6.9-inch woofer are tuned specifically for outdoor use, setting up a thumping bass tone that you can feel in your chest. Its Spartan design has a sturdy carrying handle, stainless-steel connectors for strapping it to a T-top or deck surface, and backlit buttons that are easy to see in the dark and daylight. Its DC-jack charge port is behind a watertight door that also offers USB-C device-charging output and a 3.5 mm input jack.
Test Team Observations: The Turtlebox was tops for outdoor base tones, on par with the EcoXgear Defender. Volume was ample for entertaining at the sandbar or around a campfire. Indoors, the treble clarity was lacking and fell behind the Defender and Bullfrog speakers.
The Verdict: The Turtlebox gets the nod for longest, three-day battery life—an important feature for remote use. Its rugged, almost-military styling was favored by the team, but it just didn’t deliver the sound clarity of its competitors.
- Output Power: 120 dB, 85W
- Equalizer: None
- Waterproof and Dustproof: IP67 can withstand full submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, and it floats.
- Speaker Dimensions: 6-by-9-inch full-range polypropylene carbon main driver, 1-inch titanium tweeter
- LED: Multicolor
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0, stream up to 100 feet away
- Device Links: Connect two speakers for bigger sound across the sandbar.
- 3.5 mm Aux Input: Yes
- Integrated Microphone: Speakerphone capabilities
- External Microphone Input (not included): It has a PA-system function with three equalization effects to optimize your voice.
- Charge Ports: 5V 2.1A USB-C
- Backlit Buttons, Dual Handles and Strap Points: Easy portability
- Battery Life: 72 hours
- Battery Capacity: 85 Wh
- AC Power Supply: Dedicated AC adapter with input jack beneath waterproof port
- Colors: Orange, white, tan, green, gray
