You can't break or drown these Bluetooth speakers
Your summer soundtrack is already full of evening crickets, kids giggling as they jump into the lake, and the hum of the highway flying by as you enjoy a road trip or two, but it can be even better with some of your favorite tunes playing in the background. That means you’ll need a speaker that not only fits into all the action, but one that can actually survive it as well.
I’m talking about a Bluetooth, wireless speaker that’s kidproof, waterproof, and shockproof — or, in other words, summer proof.
The Fugoo Tough ($229) fits the bill quite nicely, shrouded in it’s own suit of armor made from a fiber-reinforced resin and solid aluminum casing. Mud, dust, and water are all part of the game for this little device, and it can take a serious beating and keep the beats pumping. Its beefy battery can keep the party going for a full 40 hours before needing to take a break, which means it’ll probably outlast you.
It might not be quite as tough, but the cute factor and affordable price tag of the Turtle Shell 2.0 ($99) totally makes up for it. It comes in a rainbow of colors, can mount to your bike handle and even has a built-in mic to talk to Siri… or an actual human, if that’s your thing. It’s super water resistant, and can take all the dust and drops you can throw at its industrial design. If you’re looking to jam out and look good doing it, this one has you covered.
The Boom Swimmer ($60) is your wet-and-wild child’s best friend. Dunk it up to three feet deep for 30 minutes and the tunes don’t stop. That means it can take a serious dip in the kiddy pool and simply sit in the sprinkler for an afternoon and come out no worse for wear. It has a few different setup options, so you can wrap it onto something nearby, set it on a table, or suction it to any flat surface capable of holding it. Combine this little beast with a waterproof camera and your fun will never be rained out.
Want your speaker to come along for a swim? The Monster SuperStar Backfloat ($150) can do just that. It actually floats alongside you as you hang out in the pool or lake, and keeps the music booming while it drifts around. This one is also big on bass, so if you like your music to roar, it gets extra points in that category.
If portability is a top concern, the NudeAudio Move M ($99) is great because it’s not only waterproof and shockproof, but it’s also tiny. You can slide it into your pocket or purse, take it with you in the shower, to the beach or on a hike, and it’ll keep rocking for up to 8 hours on a single charge. Oh, and it manages to hide two subwoofers within its compact design, so your tracks will sound great.
Of all the speakers I’ve tested, the Braven BRV-X (199.99) can take just about anything you could possibly dish out. It’s designed like a piece of military hardware — rugged, boxy, and durable. It’s waterproof and shockproof, and will keep you jamming for a full 12 hours without needing to juice up. It’s built with dirt, mud, and sand in mind, and you can even swap between indoor and outdoor listening modes, so your music will sound great no matter what kind of adventure you might have in store.
Jennifer Jolly is an Emmy Award-winning consumer tech contributor and host of USA TODAY's digital video show TECH NOW. E-mail her at techcomments@usatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @JenniferJolly.