Last Updated 16 September 2024

Waterproof Bluetooth speakers for campervans and motorhomes

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by Jacob Rose

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Save your vehicle battery by turning off the in-car entertainment and enjoy bassy sound away from your vehicle.

What if I told you that you could transform your humble campervan into a portable concert stage, complete with a dramatic light show, confetti cannon, and a gaggle of screams coming from your excited fan base of squirrels, birds and maybe even an unsuspecting fox or two? That may be a bit far-fetched, but with the right Bluetooth speaker, you can at least cover the concert part. Hi, I'm Jacob Rose, your trusted gear guru with a resume that includes 15 misty-eyed years testing tech gadgets, scaling cliffs with climbing gear and setting up camp faster than you can say 'marshmallow'. Now, folks, brace yourselves as our blog today ventures into the thrilling world of waterproof Bluetooth speakers. We're going head-to-head (or should I say speaker-to-speaker) with the doppler-distorting JBL Flip 6, the longer-than-your-work-shift playtime offering Anker Soundcore, and the 'weather and terrain have got nothing on me' Sonos Roam. Buckle in as we embark on this journey of decibels and dance-offs, and stay tuned to find out which speaker emerges as the undisputed (drumroll please...) Champion of the Campervan Concerts. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

Editors Choice
Image of JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

​JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Great sound, durable, great battery life and not too large - a quality item and the one to beat.

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Weight0.55 kgs
Warranty12 months
Battery Life (estimated)12 hours
WaterproofIP67 waterproof and dustproof 
Dimensions17.8 x 7.2 x 6.8 cm
Sound Output30 watts
Overall
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Runner Up
Image of Anker Soundcore Speaker (Upgraded Version) Bluetooth Speaker

​Anker Soundcore Speaker (Upgraded Version) Bluetooth Speaker

Impressive value for money and battery life making this an easy budget choice that doesn't compromise in any particular area.

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Weight0.38 kgs
Warranty12 months
Battery Life (estimated)24 hours
WaterproofYes, IPX5 
Dimensions16.76 x 4.57 x 5.59 cm
Sound Output16 watts
Overall
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​Worthy Alternative
Image of Sonos Roam

​Sonos Roam

Great design, great colours, excellent quality and all of the important features, but the value for money is questionable - similar sound can be achieved for under half this price.

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Weight0.43 kgs
Warranty12 months
Battery Life (estimated)10 hours
WaterproofYes, IP67 
Dimensions168 x 62 x 60 cm
Sound Output10 watts
Overall
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​#1 Product Recommendation

JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Great sound, durable, great battery life and not too large - a quality item and the one to beat.

Weight0.55 kgs
Warranty12 months
Battery Life (estimated)12 hours
WaterproofIP67 waterproof and dustproof 
Dimensions17.8 x 7.2 x 6.8 cm
Sound Output30 watts
Overall
Image of JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Overview

In conclusion, the JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker packs a punch in terms of sound quality, portability, durability, and a remarkable battery life that is seemingly built for the digital nomad lifestyle I lead. Its sound clarity on online calls and music playback is simply commendable for its size. Plus, its portability is suited for various workstation configuration due to the reduced footprint, and its ability to withstand water-related accidents is a plus.

However, it's important to note that its sound quality, laudable as it is, falls in line with other speakers within its price range; it doesn't tower above in that aspect, contrary to the JBL brand expectations. The volume factor is another caveat - the speaker isn't designed to be cranked up to the maximum, reducing its appeal to an audience who likes boisterous music.

Despite these drawbacks, my overarching perception of the JBL Flip 6 speaker is positive. It is a good choice for those prioritizing sound, durability, and great battery life in a portable package. Furthermore, for the price point, one could argue its versatile design and ease of use make it worth it.

All said, I would recommend the JBL Flip 6 to campers, campervan owners or anyone needing a high-quality, portable speaker with impressive battery life.

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​Our #2 Recommendation

Anker Soundcore Speaker (Upgraded Version) Bluetooth Speaker

Impressive value for money and battery life making this an easy budget choice that doesn't compromise in any particular area.

Weight0.38 kgs
Warranty12 months
Battery Life (estimated)24 hours
WaterproofYes, IPX5 
Dimensions16.76 x 4.57 x 5.59 cm
Sound Output16 watts
Overall
Image of Anker Soundcore Speaker (Upgraded Version) Bluetooth Speaker

Overview

In conclusion, I can confidently say that the Anker Soundcore Speaker (Upgraded Version) truly delivers on its promises. This robust, versatile, and high-quality speaker proved to be an excellent addition to my rolling home away from home. The impressive sound quality, the no-fuss Bluetooth connectivity, and its waterproof design, accompanied by an outstanding battery life have added immense value to my campervan adventures. Certainly, there's a bit of shortfall in absolute clarity for discerning audiophiles and it might disappoint if you're looking for a speakerphone. However, these were marginal concerns in my overall satisfying experience.

My respect for this speaker also stems from its durable build and the convenience it offers with its light weight and efficient auto-reconnect feature. I found that the BassUp technology does wonders in pumping up the energy at BBQ parties or even during my solitude in the wilderness. Importantly, the speaker offers incredible value for money, making it an enticing option for folks on a tight budget.

So, is the Anker Soundcore Speaker worth purchasing? Definitely yes, when you consider what the speaker brings to the table for its price. It’s a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable, compact and terrific sounding Bluetooth speaker that's just perfect for those on-the-go adventures. Even with its minor shortcomings, rest assured it won't dampen the melodious rhythm of your outdoorsy experiences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which speaker has the longest battery life?
The Anker Soundcore Speaker has the longest battery life, providing up to 24 hours of playtime. The JBL Flip 6 offers up to 12 hours, while the Sonos Roam offers up to 10 hours.
Which of the three speakers is the lightest?
The Anker Soundcore Speaker is the lightest, weighing only 0.38 kgs, followed by the Sonos Roam at 0.43 kgs, and the JBL Flip 6 is the heaviest at 0.55 kgs.
Which speaker has the highest waterproof rating?
The JBL Flip 6 and the Sonos Roam both have an IP67 waterproof rating, which is higher than the Anker Soundcore Speaker's IPX5 rating.
Do all the speakers come with a warranty?
Yes, all three speakers - the JBL Flip 6, the Anker Soundcore Speaker, and the Sonos Roam - come with a 12-month warranty.
Which speaker has the most powerful sound?
While all three speakers are designed to deliver high-quality sound, the JBL Flip 6 is specifically engineered with a 2-way speaker system to deliver powerful sound with low frequencies and a separate tweeter for high frequencies.
Are all three speakers dustproof?
Only the JBL Flip 6 and the Sonos Roam have a dustproof design, as indicated by their IP67 rating. The Anker Soundcore Speaker does not specify a dustproof feature.
Which speaker has a unique feature?
The Anker Soundcore Speaker has a unique feature called BassUp technology, which intensifies the song's bass in real-time. The JBL Flip 6 can be stood vertically or horizontally, and the Sonos Roam can be controlled with the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, or Amazon Alexa.
Can the speakers be used in a multiroom sound system?
Only the Sonos Roam specifies that it can be used in a multiroom sound system with other Sonos speakers.
Do all the speakers have Bluetooth connectivity?
Yes, all three speakers - the JBL Flip 6, the Anker Soundcore Speaker, and the Sonos Roam - have Bluetooth connectivity.
Which speaker offers the best connectivity range?
The Anker Soundcore Speaker offers the best connectivity range, maintaining a strong Bluetooth connection up to 66 ft.
Do all the speakers come with a charging cable?
Yes, both the JBL Flip 6 and the Sonos Roam come with a USB-C charging cable. The Anker Soundcore Speaker does not specify if a charging cable is included.
Which speaker has the most compact design?
The Anker Soundcore Speaker has the most compact design with dimensions of 16.76 x 4.57 x 5.59 cm. The JBL Flip 6 is slightly larger at 17.8 x 7.2 x 6.8 cm, and the Sonos Roam is the largest at 168 x 62 x 60 cm.

​Conclusion

In conclusion, after having weighed up the key features of these three top-end waterproof Bluetooth speakers, our recommendation for campervans and motorhomes goes to the JBL Flip 6. Its powerful sound, long-lasting battery life, and IP67 waterproof design make it a versatile and robust option for any travel scenario. Anker Soundcore upgraded version and Sonos Roam also offer excellent performance and distinctive features individually. The Anker's 24-hour battery life and BassUp technology stand out, and the Sonos Roam's easy control and multiroom sound system displays its sophistication, but os less useful in a motorhome. However, these speakers do not outperform the balanced combination of features of the JBL Flip 6. With all this said, it's also crucial to remember the fluctuating nature of pricing, especially in the technology market. Deals are commonly available, and who knows, you might just be able to get your hands on one of these incredible speakers for a lower price. So, we strongly recommend keeping an eye on the current pricing before making your final purchase suitably.

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Jacob Rose
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Traveller, writer and travel-writer. Often accused of insufficient planning and poor impulse control, but happier for it!

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Portable Bluetooth Speakers Buying Advice

Portable Bluetooth speakers have rapidly become essential gadgets for music lovers and casual listeners alike. When considering a new speaker, the market offers an extensive range of options, each boasting a variety of features. This guide will walk you through the most important considerations, ensuring you make the best purchase for your needs.

Battery Life and Durability

One of the primary concerns for a portable device is the battery life. Ideally, you'll want a speaker that can last through a day's activities without needing a recharge. Most high-quality portable Bluetooth speakers offer between 10-20 hours of playback. Additionally, consider a speaker's durability: Waterproofing and dustproofing are essential features if you plan to use your speaker outdoors, by the pool, or on beach trips. Many speakers come with an IP rating, like IP67, which indicates they're both dustproof and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes without damage.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Bluetooth version is critical for ensuring seamless connectivity and compatibility with various devices. Opt for Bluetooth 5.0 or newer versions as they offer better range, speed, and connection stability. Additionally, consider speakers that can connect to multiple devices simultaneously or feature easy switch capabilities. For those deeply invested in smart home technology, speakers with multi-room Sonos support and Alexa integration can offer added convenience and versatility, allowing you to control playback across your home or use voice commands.

Nice-to-Have Features

While the aforementioned features are critical, there are some additional "nice-to-have" features that can elevate your listening experience. Look for speakers with high-quality sound profiles, customizable equalizer settings, and 360-degree sound for immersive audio. Some speakers also offer features like stereo pairing, allowing two speakers to be linked for richer sound. A built-in microphone can be a bonus for hands-free calls or voice assistant activation. Lastly, aesthetically appealing designs, durable materials, and easy portability can make a significant difference in user satisfaction.

Our Editor's Recommendation

JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Great sound, durable, great battery life and not too large - a quality item and the one to beat.

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Image of JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker