It’s well-known that water and electronics have traditionally been a poor match. But thanks to increasingly watertight technologies, consumers can now find speakers that are fit for taking a dip. So whether they want to set the mood for a pool party or simply enhance their beach activities, there’s now a type of waterproof speaker up for the challenge.
This buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know as a buyer looking to wade into the waterproof speaker market.
Table of Contents
The future outlook of the waterproof speaker market
What makes waterproof speakers different from other models?
5 things to prioritize when purchasing waterproof speakers in bulk
Summary
The future outlook of the waterproof speaker market
The speaker market is brimming with a plethora of business opportunities. Experts valued the global speaker market at USD 47.05 billion in 2023 and forecast it’ll reach USD 303.27 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 30.5%.
The rising demand for smart speakers worldwide is the market’s major growth driver, as too is the increasing use of loudspeakers for communication purposes. Other growth drivers include the rise of digital streaming services, home entertainment systems, and online content consumption.
Asia Pacific currently boasts the largest regional market, owing to its huge middle-class population. Europe, Latin America, North America, the Middle East, and Africa are also driving market expansion with high consumer demand.
What makes waterproof speakers different from other models?
Image source; Alibaba.com
While regular speakers can be employed in watery conditions, the smallest mishap may mean saying goodbye to such gadgets forever. Simply put, regular speaker models are just not built to handle water.
Now that the technology to resist and repel water is available, we can now look to waterproof speakers to use in environments where exposure to moisture is likely.
The key differences between waterproof speakers and other models are their construction and materials. Waterproof speakers come packed with IP ratings, sealed enclosures, and corrosion-resistant materials, all absent in regular speaker models.
5 things to prioritize when purchasing waterproof speakers in bulk
Sound quality and volume
One of the first things to prioritize when stocking waterproof speakers is their sound quality. As with their non-waterproof brethren, it’s essential that the speakers you source sound good, as this is the most likely factor to make or break a sale. With this is mind, there are four ways businesses can measure sound quality without needing physical inspection.
First, sellers must look at the speaker’s output power (usually measured in watts). Waterproof speakers with a minimum of 15 watts will provide enough volume for users to listen to their favorite tunes outdoors.
| Output Power | Ideal Use |
| 5-10 watts | Ideal for personal listening or small gatherings and portable speakers. But, the sound may lack power in larger spaces. |
| 15-25 watts | Offers more volume and better bass response. Suitable for medium-sized gatherings or outdoor activities. |
| 30-50 watts | Delivers a loud sound for larger parties or open spaces, with a good bass punch |
| 50+ watts | Powerful sound capable of filling large spaces with clear audio. Excellent for outdoor parties or events. |
Second, sellers can check the frequency range to see whether the waterproof speaker offers good sound quality. Ideally, the sound range should fall in the 20-20,000 hertz (Hz) range. Below are some examples of what you may get with different ranges:
| Frequency range | Description |
| 60-15,000 Hz | This basic range focuses on mid-tones and lacks deep bass and crisp highs. It is suitable for casual listening but not for music with significant bass or treble. |
| 70-20,000 Hz | Covers most of the audible spectrum, providing decent bass and treble extension. Good for general music listening and outdoor use. |
| 50-20,000 Hz | Offers a wide range with detailed bass and crisp highs, ideal for audiophiles and discerning listeners. |
Next, you’ll also want to check the type of sound system the waterproof speaker offers. For smaller speakers, it’s likely that 2.0 (two channels, left and right) or 2.1 (two channels, plus a subwoofer) systems will provide suitable sound. Lastly, look at the speaker’s impedance – the lower it is, the better sound quality.
Connectivity options
What’s a waterproof speaker without the right connectivity option? Thankfully, most variants support wireless connectivity through Bluetooth, allowing users to connect their smart devices without the hassle of wires.
But if consumers want a more direct link, some waterproof models will offer wired connectivity options, like aux inputs, while others may have built-in Wi-Fi for streaming services or multi-room audio setups.
Durability and build quality
Since waterproof speakers will likely be exposed to water, it’s necessary to select models that feature the correct durability ratings. Therefore, prioritize speakers that feature sturdy materials, UV-resistant plastics, rust-proof metals, corrosion-resistant alloys, and marine-grade components.
Waterproof speakers should also have sealed cabinets and protective layers to prevent water from damaging sensitive internal components (like drivers and circuitry). This can be checked via the speaker’s IP rating. Ideally, the speaker will have an IP rating ending with 8 (IP68, IP48, or IPX8), indicating that the speaker is designed specifically to be waterproof.
Battery life
The baseline for waterproof speaker battery life is around 10 hours. This duration ensures ample entertainment for the user during their outings. However, top-tier models surpass expectations, and may be able to produce a full day’s worth of tunes and still have power to spare.
Additional features
The more additional features a waterproof speaker has, the more attractive it will be to customers. For example, lights, charging ports for phones/other gadgets, and app-enabled tools to customize the device’s sound for different content and usage scenarios as well as allow for firmware updates will all help to boost a speaker’s saleability.
Summary
Waterproof speakers are a great way for consumers to enjoy their favorite playlists during water-based activities. They can take them for a dip, splash water without fear, or leave them sitting nearby while they go about their fun.
To avoid malfunctions and dissatisfied customers, businesses must take five key factors – sound quality, connectivity, durability, battery life, and additional features – into consideration before making a purchase.
By following the tips listed above, retailers will be better equipped to stock irresistible gadgets that can handle every drop of water thrown at them in 2024. For all of your speaker needs, browse thousands of options for trusted suppliers on Alibaba.com.
