Let's be real: A speaker that turns your living room into a concert might sound like a waterlogged mess in the shower. Too much bass and echo? Not a good vibe.
The truth is, a good shower speaker requires a different approach than a general-purpose one. While powerful bass and wide soundstage are desirable in many audio set-ups, a bathroom's acoustics can amplify these qualities to unpleasant levels. What you truly need is a speaker that delivers clear vocals, balanced mids, and controlled bass for an enjoyable shower listening experience.
Well, as the market is overflowing with options, we're here to help. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a premium audio experience, this guide will help you find the ideal speaker to enhance your shower routine. To help us with this list, we scoured user reviews on Amazon, and spoke with Dubai-based software consultants Gopal Nandkrishnan and Rohit John for their recommendations.
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1. Best Overall: Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3
Pros
- Durable and dustproof
- Convenient hook
- Floats
- Loud, punchy sound
- Easy to use
Cons
- Bulky size
If you're looking to transform your shower into a personal concert venue, the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 is the perfect choice. Originally conceived for outdoor escapades, the Megaboom 3 has always been a companion for poolside parties, festival crowds, and rugged camping trips. In order to withstand these demanding environments, the latest model has undergone a significant upgrade to its protective fabric. So, its rugged build and convenient hook make it a perfect shower partner, and it boasts an IP67 rating, meaning it's both waterproof and dustproof. You can submerge it in up to one metre of water for 30 minutes without much worry. Not only is it incredibly durable, but it also floats, making it an asset for poolside jams. Just remember, while it's built for water adventures, prolonged submersion isn't recommended. Another point to remember, the Megaboom 3 isn't confined to the bathroom. Its 360-degree sound delivers a rich, immersive audio experience anywhere you go. From crystal-clear vocals to thumping bass, this speaker handles it all. And if you're an audiophile looking to fine-tune your sound, the companion app offers customisable EQ settings. It's an investment, yes, but the Megaboom 3 delivers on its promise.
Warranty: Amazon offers one-year extended warranty of Dh40, and two-year warranty of Dh57.
2. Best Mid-Range: Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker
Pros
- Clear playback
- Includes a microphone
- Portable
- Built-in strap
- Bose room calibration technology
Cons
- Bluetooth connectivity issues
- Limited customisation options
For a more budget-friendly option, the Bose SoundLink Flex is a solid choice. This compact speaker is engineered to withstand the rigours of outdoor adventures, making it equally suitable for shower use. Like its pricier counterpart, the Megaboom 3, it's IP67 rated for water and dust resistance and can even float. Its built-in strap adds convenience for hanging in the shower. While it may lack the customisation options of the Megaboom 3, the SoundLink Flex delivers impressive audio quality right out of the box. Clear vocals and detailed instrumentals shine through, making it a versatile choice for various music genres. Bose's room calibration technology further enhances your listening experience, adapting the sound to your bathroom's acoustics. The Bose SoundLink Flex employs Bluetooth 4.2 technology with SBC codec support, offering a wireless range of up to nine metres. However, some reviews complain that while the speaker generally maintains a stable Bluetooth connection, the accompanying Bose Connect app can be unreliable, often indicating a lost connection despite audio playback. Unfortunately, the absence of an aux input limits connectivity options. Moreover, the multi-device Bluetooth pairing presents another challenge. Nevertheless, while it doesn't offer 360-degree sound, the SoundLink Flex still provides a robust audio performance at a more accessible price point.
Warranty: Amazon offers one-year extended warranty of Dh29, and two-year extended warranty of Dh41.
3. Best Budget: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
Pros
- Balanced audio at moderate volumes
- Compact size
- Floats
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited bass
Designed with adventure in mind, the Wonderboom 3 is equally at home in the shower as it is outdoors. Its IP67 rating ensures it's impervious to dust and water, capable of submersion in up to one metre for 30 minutes, and able to handle humid shower temperatures, without a hitch. While Bluetooth signals are compromised underwater, its high IP rating guarantees peace of mind during outdoor adventures or accidental spills. It is also user-friendly. Its simple button controls make it easy to navigate through music, and the speaker's compact size means that it won't clutter your shower space. The speaker's durability is further enhanced by its ability to survive drops from heights of up to five feet. Its buoyant nature is an added bonus, allowing it to float safely if it accidentally takes a plunge. The Wonderboom 3 also has impressive soundstage performance thanks to its 360-degree design. This means that the audio is distributed evenly in all directions, ensuring everyone can enjoy clear sound from any position in the room. Its clear reproduction of vocals and instruments makes it suitable for a wide range of music genres. The speaker's large controls are a practical touch, especially in the shower. While not as powerful as other alternatives, it still fills the bathroom with sound. With an impressive battery life of over 22 hours, you can enjoy uninterrupted music long after your shower.
Warranty: Amazon offers one-year extended warranty of Dh23, and two-year extended warranty of Dh33.
4. Best Value: JBL 6 Flip
- Solid bass sound
- Durable and portable
- Simple to use
Cons
- Lack of additional features
Simple to operate, yet packing a punch, the JBL 6 Flip delivers impressive sound without any fuss. It's a fun grab-and-go audio companion, perfect for everything, from showers to outdoor adventures. And when you want to turn up the heat, the Flip 6 can be paired with countless other JBL speakers for an impactful sound experience. With its IP67 rating, the Flip 6 is designed to withstand water and dust. Its compact size and rugged build ensure it can handle the challenges of a bathroom environment. While the Flip 6 doesn't boast advanced features like voice assistants or Wi-Fi, its core function – delivering exceptional sound – is where it truly shines. The speaker offers a surprisingly rich and balanced audio profile, with powerful performance that belies its compact size. While high-volume listening might reveal slightly harsh treble notes, overall clarity and detail remain impressive. Expect clear vocals, detailed mids, and punchy bass, elevating your shower experience. And the best part? It's built to last. It can withstand drops and bumps.
Warranty: Amazon offers one-year extended warranty of Dh23, and two-year extended warranty of Dh33.
5. Best Premium: Sonos Roam 2
Pros
- Supports wireless charging
- Full-bodied sound for its size
- Audio can adapt to your environment
Cons
- Expensive
- Outdated Bluetooth specs
Smart speakers revolutionise the shower experience. By offering hands-free control, these devices transform your daily routine into a convenient and enjoyable affair. The Sonos Roam 2 excels in this category, thanks to its built-in Alexa and Google Assistant. You can start your day by requesting your favourite playlist, checking the weather, or adding items to your shopping list without lifting a finger. These voice assistants effortlessly cut through shower noise, ensuring your commands are accurately captured. The device's combination of strong sound quality, durability, and smart features make it a stand-out option. The Roam 2 incorporates advanced audio engineering to deliver optimal sound quality. Its TruePlay technology, exclusive to iOS devices, analyses your room's acoustics and adjusts the speaker's output accordingly. While Android users benefit from manual bass and treble controls, TruePlay offers a more precise tuning experience. This attention to detail results in clear vocal reproduction and accurate instrument representation, enhancing your enjoyment of music, podcasts, and audiobooks. The Sonos Roam 2 has an IP67 rating, meaning it's completely impervious to dust and can withstand submersion in up to one metre of water for 30 minutes. This level of protection ensures you can confidently use the speaker in various outdoor and bathroom environments without worry. However, invest wisely in it, as it is quite expensive. Moreover, the Sonos Roam 2 employs Bluetooth 5.0 technology, which, while functional, is a slightly older standard. The speaker also supports AAC and SBC codecs for audio transmission.
Warranty: Amazon offers one-year extended warranty of Dh52, and two-year extended warranty of Dh73.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent installments and pay Dh70.75 for 12 months with select banks.
What to keep in mind before buying a shower speaker
Nandkrishnan and John advise three essential criteria before buying a shower speaker: Sound quality, waterproof rating and durablity.
John said: "For sound quality, I would take several aspects into consideration, including fullness, clarity, and richness in sound, but more importantly, how these speakers sound in the shower. Remember, this is a place that is an echo chamber." While powerful bass is great in many settings, a shower's acoustics can amplify sound, making a balanced audio profile more desirable. Look for a speaker that delivers clear vocals and controlled bass for the best shower listening experience.
Another important quality is waterproof rating, of course. To withstand the rigours of the shower, a speaker needs a solid waterproof rating, advise our experts. An IPX7 rating is the minimum for most shower speakers, meaning it can survive full submersion. For added protection against dust and debris, look for the IP67 standard.
Beyond waterproofing, consider the speaker's overall durability. A rubberised exterior or a sturdy build can prevent damage from accidental drops on your shower floor. Consider size too, advises Nandkrishnan. "Shower space is limited, so a compact speaker is ideal. Consider your shower's layout and available shelf space. If you plan to hang your speaker, weight becomes a crucial factor. Plus, portability is key for those who want to enjoy their speaker beyond the bathroom. Opt for a speaker that strikes the perfect balance between size, weight, and sound quality."
Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
