Best Bluetooth Speakers for Summer

Warmer weather is here, and what better way to enjoy your summer vacation than blasting your favorite music outside? A good speaker brightens any summer day. With so many Bluetooth options available, it's never been easier to fill your backyard with your playlists.

Summer is also perfect for water activities, so it's important to have a speaker that meets your waterproof and durability needs. Below are the best Bluetooth speakers for any summer situation. From a solo camping trip to a full-blown beach party, you can find all the features you want for $150 or less.

Portable and Easy to Carry

If you're going on a boat or bike ride this summer, your ideal speaker might be one you can clip onto a handle, backpack or your favorite pair of shorts. When shopping for a light, portable speaker, keep in mind that, while some are small in size, they could be heavy in volume. Be sure to check your speakers' size and weight if you need one that's easy to carry around.

Below are some of the best portable speakers for keeping your music in the palm of your hand:

JBL Clip 4

When it comes to portability, it doesn't get much better than the JBL Clip 4. For its small size, this Bluetooth speaker has a powerful sound quality for all your summer adventures. This speaker is extremely lightweight and can clip onto anything, making it perfect for outdoor activities. It's also waterproof, so you won't have to worry about damage if it sinks to the bottom of your pool.

Tribit StormBox Micro 2

Another pocket-sized option is the StormBox Micro, which delivers impressive sound for its small size and even converts into a power bank so you can charge your other mobile devices if needed.

This Bluetooth speaker sits at the perfect compact size to bring with you on summer activities like going to a waterpark. It also comes with a strap to clip to your handlebars or bag. This is one of the best outdoor Bluetooth speakers because you can even stick it in your pocket while on the go.

Stylish and Colorful

While the color of your speaker may not be the top priority on your list, a bright, fun shade can help make the music stand out and look stylish at your summer barbecue or pool party. Here are some outdoor Bluetooth speakers with whimsical color options:

Anker Soundcore Flare 2

This device creates a rainbow light show with double LED light rings that sync to your phone and pulse to the rhythm of your music to party with you. You can control the light pattern on your phone through the connected app, which lets you turn the lights on and off and tweak the audio.

This dustproof and waterproof Bluetooth speaker will light up any room and help you create fun memories for your summer nights.

JBL Flip 5

For a modern, sleek look that still provides plenty of color, the JBL Flip 5 can be the best summer Bluetooth speaker. You can choose from over 10 different colors and even upload your own custom designs to make this Bluetooth speaker stand out. You can pair multiple speakers with this waterproof device and listen to nonstop music for up to 12 hours.

Most Affordable

Some Bluetooth speakers come with a high price tag, depending on their size, sound quality and many other features. While pocket-sized speakers are typically the most affordable, plenty of other options have better sound quality and more bang for your buck. If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to enjoy your music, here are the best Bluetooth portable speakers for $50 and under:

Anker Soundcore 3

For the perfect speaker to have when gathered around a summer campfire, look no further than the Anker Soundcore 3. This Bluetooth speaker sits at the $50 mark, but don't be fooled by the modest price. Its vivid color, sound capabilities and enhanced bass create the ultimate experience. This speaker has a 24-hour battery life, letting you play nearly 500 songs on a single charge.

This speaker also comes with a rubberized case for extra protection.

Sony SRS-XB13

The Sony SRS-XB13 is the ideal device if you want a combination of compact, affordable and long battery life. This Bluetooth speaker is dust and water-resistant and has an incredible sound. The light, portable design makes it easy to bring along with you and will maintain a battery life of up to 16 hours. You can also connect this device to another Bluetooth speaker for an even better experience, although it provides a wide range of sound on its own. This Sony speaker sits at about $48 online and comes in several colors.

Sound Quality

One of the best parts about having a new speaker is hearing all your favorite music as loud and clear as possible. If you want to ensure your Bluetooth speaker can blast your tunes for everyone to hear while you cruise on a boat, here are the devices for you:

Ultimate Ears Boom 3

With noise level capabilities comparable to those you hear at a concert or from a leaf blower, the UE Boom 3 provides a blood-pumping, balanced sound — even for its convenient portable size. It also has a 100 feet Bluetooth range and comes in multiple colors.

You can also use this speaker while it's charging for 24/7 use and easily use the top button to control your sound and tracks.

Soundcore Motion+

For a bolder, larger speaker with incredible sound, consider the Soundcore Motion+. This device has excellent audio performance to enhance your music and fill the air with rich sound.

You can also customize the settings on this Bluetooth speaker to fine-tune them to your liking. With crystal clear depth and clarity, summer vacationers can hear your music from miles away.

Battery Life

While camping or fishing on the lake this summer, you'll want a device that offers as much battery power as possible so you can enjoy hours of uninterrupted music, podcasts or whatever else you love listening to.

Here are some Bluetooth speakers with impressive battery life:

Soundcore Trance Go

This device will continue playing your music for up to 24 hours on a single charge, so you won't have to worry about losing battery during the chorus of your favorite tune. The Soundcore Trance Go is a long-lasting portable speaker that lets you make custom adjustments to the sound, making you feel like a DJ on the center stage at your summer event.

Tribit StormBox Pro

For all-day activities, the Tribit StormBox Pro speaker will last through the day and night with a battery life of up to 24 hours. This Bluetooth speaker also has a 360-degree range, so you can move around outdoors and still hear every note perfectly.

Waterproof

If you plan on spending your vacation by the water, you need a speaker that can survive the moisture and weather. This means you'll need a speaker that can be underwater for some time without causing damage. While many speakers and electronics today are somewhat water-resistant, the best waterproof speaker can last through splashes, rain and complete submersion with plenty of time for you to fish it out without losing its function.

Here are some Bluetooth waterproof speakers you might want to try:

Sony SRS-XB23

If you're looking for one of the best portable waterproof speakers, this device can meet your needs. This speaker will still work after being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for a short period. The Sony SRS-XB waterproof Bluetooth speaker is also dust resistant, so you don't have to worry about dirt or sand clogging up your speaker and ruining its sound.

Bose SoundLink Flex

This device is another one of the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers because it floats in the water, making it hassle-free to find if you drop it in the pool or ocean. The Bose SoundLink Flex resists dust, corrosion and sun damage, making it ideal for summer adventures.

You can also control your music on this speaker with voice commands.

FAQs About Bluetooth Speakers

Before you take your speaker on summer adventures with you, here are a few common Q&A's to help you have a stress-free experience.

1. How Long Do Bluetooth Speakers Last?

While every speaker has different durability, yours will likely last several years, depending on how well you care for it. If you consistently leave it out to bake in the sun or dunk it underwater too many times, you may cause more damage than its weather-resistant properties can stand.

When shopping for the best Bluetooth outdoor speaker for summer, keep in mind how your lifestyle may affect its longevity. If you take good care of your electronics, like your smartphone, your speaker will have a similarly long life.

2. Can Sunlight Damage My Bluetooth Speaker?

Over time, yes. While many Bluetooth waterproof speakers today are protected against heat, water, dust and other elements, they aren't indestructible. So, while your Bluetooth speaker will be perfectly fine sitting in the hot sun for hours each day during your big beach weekend, avoid exposing it to unnecessary heat or sun rays for too long.

After a few weeks of continued exposure, your speaker's internal may begin melting and cause damage. It's always a good idea to bring your speaker indoors when you're not using it.

3. Will Seawater Damage a Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker?

During your summer trip to the beach, you may feel like bringing your waterproof speaker into the ocean on your float or surfboard, but remember that these devices aren't built to withstand salt water.

Though even the best Bluetooth speaker for the beach will likely still work after being submerged in a few feet of seawater, they may degrade over time or start to rust. Your speaker will be fine if you accidentally splash it with salt water, but try to avoid leaving it on the edge of your boat or raft where it could fall into the ocean.

4. How Do I Connect the Bluetooth Speaker to My Phone?

Here's how to connect your Bluetooth speaker to your smartphone:

On the iPhone:

On Android:

5. What Do I Do if My Phone Won't Connect to the Speaker?

If you're having trouble connecting to your Bluetooth speaker even after following the steps above, there could be a few different issues, such as:

If you experience any of these issues on your smartphone, be sure your phone can make new Bluetooth connections. Check that both devices are turned on and in range. If your Bluetooth still doesn't connect after fixing these issues, try:

Bring In Your Used Phone for Cash This Summer

Bring In Your Used Phone for Cash This Summer

You can bring in your used smartphone and recycle it in about 10 minutes.

There are endless summer activities to enjoy with your new speaker, and you might be able to do even more with a little extra cash in your pocket. At ecoATM, we buy and sell used phones to give old devices a second life and offer quick cash to our customers. At one of our 5,000 conveniently located kiosks nationwide, you can bring in your used smartphone and recycle it in about 10 minutes — no mail-in or haggling required!

At the kiosk, we'll gather some information about your phone and inspect its condition to determine a price. If you accept the offer, you'll get your cash quickly and save the money toward a new speaker or other fun beach accessories to sport this summer. Price your device online to see how much it may be worth, or find a kiosk near you to get started!