Waterproof Bluetooth speakers have evolved through the years. It’s hard to believe that just over a decade ago, it was rare to find any weather protection, even on the most popular releases. Things then took a turn around the mid-2010s, when IPX4 speakers became more popular. These speakers could be used in light rain but didn’t really offer comprehensive protection.
- Want more context on IPX ratings? We’ve got a guide on that.
By the late 2010s, a vastly more comprehensive type of waterproofing had become common, IPX7. These speakers, unlike IPX4, could withstand heavy rain and could even be dunked in up to a meter of water for no longer than 30 minutes.
Within just a few years (2020/2021) the latest Bluetooth releases got another boost, with the addition of dust protection, which is denoted by an IP67 certification. It’s this IP67 rating that’s been most popular for the last 3 years.
IPX5 and IPX6 speakers also hit the market for a short period between IPX4 and IPX7, but once IPX7 had been released, its submergence protection was a big selling point and it was rapidly adopted by a large number of manufacturers.
The Next Generation Has Arrived
Now, in 2025, we’ve seen the emergence of the next generation of waterproofing, with the latest JBL Charge 6 and Flip 7 both being released with an IP68 certification. So what exactly does this mean for consumers?
Well, that depends. Unlike IP67 which has a standard measurement for the amount of time a speaker can stay underwater, and the depth at which it’s protected – IP68 is slightly different.
The waterproofing on IPX8 or IP68 speakers has no standard and is entirely specified by the manufacturer. This makes these ratings less defined than previous ones and means that customers should pay close attention to the specifications provided by the manufacturer.
The truth is that IPX8 and IP68 speakers have been around for a couple of years now, but they were typically made by smaller, Chinese companies, which until now hadn’t set the standard for large competing brands. With JBL’s new release, this is all going to change.
I’ve been in the Bluetooth speaker space for long enough to know that JBL is a little like Mercedes. They may not always hit a home run with every release, but they’re often at the forefront of technology and it doesn’t take long for the competition to catch up by using the same types of advances.
How IPX8 and IP68 Will Change How We Use Bluetooth Speakers
The move to IPX8/IP68 may not sound particularly exciting when you first think about it. After all, how often are we really putting our speakers under water for more than 30 minutes?
This is true, for some people. However, this change means big things if you enjoy taking your Bluetooth speaker into the pool with you. Historically, I’ve recommended against throwing a speaker into a pool for fun and using waterproofing as a protection method.
I may need to change my tune on this approach, as the increased safety offered by these new ratings makes speakers less likely to encounter issues when purposefully used in the pool. But again, this depends on the exact time specifications for each model, which we’ve touched on.
For the average user, this industry upgrade in weatherproofing isn’t going to change much. IPX7 and IP67 were perfectly well suited to use in heavy rain and could already be washed off with a pressure hose. But for those who specifically want something they can use in the water, this upgrade is a big one.
The additional protection is also more practical, as most pools are deeper than a meter, meaning if an IPX7 speaker were to sink to the bottom, it would already have passed the protection it has and risk damage.
How To Protect Your IPX8 or IP68 Speaker From Damage
Before you buy your first IPX8 or IP68 speaker and jump in the pool with it, there are some things you should keep in mind that can prevent damaging the speaker.
- Always make sure any seals are properly in place. Just cause it’s waterproof doesn’t mean the ports are.
- Salt water and fresh water react differently. Just because a speaker has an IPX8 rating, doesn’t mean it can be used safely in salt water.
- Allow your speaker to dry off before plugging it in to charge.
- Always make sure how you use your speaker and the amount of time or depth its submerged aligns with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
What Comes Next?
Since waterproofing is a constantly evolving technology, what comes next?
Over the next few years, we may well see the release of IP69K Bluetooth speakers. This kind of waterproofing can be found in some industrial equipment, representing the highest level of protection under the IEC 60529 standard.
IP69K will be quite similar to IP68, with a manufacturer-specified depth and time limit. However, this rating also means the speaker will be able to be washed down with a strong powerhouse, without damage.
Whether we need IP69K or not is debatable, but we’re almost certain to see it made available in the next several years.
