A proper Bluetooth boombox should provide superior volume and sound quality and have a carrying handle or strap, as well as some protection against the elements. The portable Bluetooth speaker market is constantly evolving but there are not many choices when it comes to large boombox models that are designed for the outdoors. We scoured the internet for the best rugged Bluetooth boomboxes and came up with the following models that offer the most potential for your outdoor parties.
JBL Boombox Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Ruggedness: IPX7 water resistance
Play Time: 24 hours
Size: 254.5 x 495 x 195.5 mm
Weight: 5.25 kg
Other: 3.5mm audio input, two USB ports for charging devices
Recommended For: Larger pool and beach parties
The JBL Boombox is a large Bluetooth speaker that can withstand any type of weather and splashes from the pool. The huge 20,000mAh battery can provide music for up to a full day of partying, and the large carrying handle makes it easy to transport. It also serves as a power bank and provides charging for two devices with its USB ports. The Boombox is JBL’s largest portable Bluetooth speaker and is power by two 4″ woofers and two 20mm tweeters. Two phones can be connected at the same time for multiple DJs, and if more than one speaker is desired, multiple Boomboxes can be connected together.
AOMAIS GO Waterproof Bluetooth Boombox
Ruggedness: IPX7 water resistance, drop-resistant
Play Time: 40 hours
Size: 13.5 x 7.5 x 3.8 inches
Weight: 4.19 pounds
Other: Device charging, hands-free calling, 3.5mm input
Recommended For: All-around use
The Aomais Go has a large carrying handle and a rugged style, and its manageable size makes it easy to take anywhere. This affordable Bluetooth speaker is extremely popular, and offers a lot of volume for the price, with 40 watts of total power. Two speakers can be connected for even more sound.
JBL Xtreme Splashproof Bluetooth Boombox
Ruggedness: Splashproof (not rated), protected ports
Play Time: 15 hours
Size: ~5 x 11.1 x 4.8 inches
Weight: ~4.7 pounds
Other: speakerphone, 3.5mm audio input, dual USB ports for device charging
Recommended For: Those who want great sound
The JBL Xtreme is JBL’s largest portable Bluetooth speaker. Weighing a hefty 4.7 pounds, it resembles a supersized JBL Charge 2. It can withstand splashes but should not be submerged. The Xtreme includes a detachable shoulder strap for easy transporting or wild partying. The Xtreme has favorable reviews complimenting its loudness, bass, and overall sound quality. It’s good enough to use as both a home speaker and an outdoor boombox. You can also connect two Xtreme speakers for stereo sound with the JBL Connect app.
UPDATE: The JBL Xtreme 2 is now available. Though they look the same and have similar specs and features, the Xtreme 2 has larger woofers for better bass output. It also has better water resistance (IPX7) compared to the original Xtreme, and can handle being dropped in a pool.
DemerBox Rugged Waterproof Bluetooth Boombox
Ruggedness: Waterproof, rugged Pelican body
Play Time: 45 hours
Size: ~10.62 x 9.68 x 6.87 inches
Weight: ~5.44 pounds
Other: 3.5mm audio input, device charging with USB port
Recommended For: Those who want volume and bass
The DemerBox is a rugged and waterproof Bluetooth boombox that originated on Kickstarter. It was invented by TV and movie audio professional James Demer. The DemerBox uses an actual Pelican case (in a variety of colors) as the body which makes it extremely rugged and durable. Though it does not have a water resistance rating, the company says each Demerbox is tested “with a proprietary machine that assures each DemerBox is fully waterproof.” There are two 3″ 8-ohm speakers with metal guards and a front facing bass port with a removable plug. Metal parts are made with stainless steel and all gaskets and O rings are UV-resistant. The DemerBox can also double as a storage case as the speakers and circuit board are built into the lid and there is still a lot of empty space on the inside. The battery can also be used to charge devices through the USB port. CNET gave the previous DemerBox Big Bang model a favorable review, saying the sound does not distort at loud volumes. The $399 price is high, but keep in mind it is not a mass-produced product and each unit is hand-made in Portland, Maine.
Big Turtle Shell Rugged Bluetooth Boombox
Ruggedness: IPX5 splashproof water resistance
Play Time: 16 hours
Size: 11 x 6 x 3.5 inches
Weight: 2.3 pounds
Other: 3.5mm audio input, microphone/speakerphone, volume and playback controls, device charging with USB port
The Big Turtle Shell rugged Bluetooth boombox also got its start with a successful Kickstarter campaign. It is IPX5 dustproof and water-resistant with an uniquely modern form factor. It has dual grab handles on the bottom that can also be used to hang or mount the speaker to objects. The Big Turtle Shell is capable of loud sound up to 110 decibels. When laid flat the speaker provides 360-degree omnidirectional sound and it can also be placed on its side for more directional sound. The battery can be used to charge devices via the USB port. Though it looks great and its ruggedness is up to par, user reviews indicate that the sound doesn’t have much bass and there are battery-related quality control issues.
Buy Big Turtle Shell at Amazon
G-Project G-BOOM Bluetooth Boombox
Ruggedness: Rugged housing, protected rubber base
Play Time: 6 hours
Size: 11.8 x 4.9 x 10.2 inches
Weight: 6.5 pounds
Other: 3.5mm audio input, 3 EQ settings, volume and playback controls
Recommended For: Value seekers
The G-Project G-BOOM Bluetooth Boombox uses 2 full-range drivers, 2 tweeters, and rear-firing bass ports to provide loud audio that is adjustable with 3 built-in EQ settings. The G-BOOM has a rugged housing and rubber base but is not rated for water resistance. The G-BOOM looks a lot more rugged than the Logitech UE Boombox, but without a proper water resistance rating it should not be exposed to water. The G-BOOM is known for its impressive volume and sound quality and won the iLounge Product of the Year. The suggest retail price of $99.99 is quite surprising considering the size and quality of this speaker.
Buy G-Project G-BOOM at Amazon
