Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Review: 24-Hour Submersion Test
To determine if new Bluetooth speakers live up to their waterproof claims, we conducted a 24-hour submersion test and assessed their performance post-immersion, focusing on sound quality, connectivity, and any signs of water damage.
Are the new Bluetooth speakers truly waterproof as advertised? We put them to the ultimate test: a 24-hour submersion. This product review: are the new Bluetooth speakers waterproof as advertised? We submerged them for 24 hours to find out if they can handle the pressure and still deliver great sound.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
Before we subjected the Bluetooth speakers to our rigorous waterproof test, let’s take a look at what came in the box and our initial thoughts on the design and build quality.
The packaging was sleek and professional, suggesting a premium product. Inside, we found the Bluetooth speaker itself, a USB-C charging cable, a user manual, and a carrying pouch. The speaker felt solid in hand, with a rubberized exterior and tightly sealed ports.
Design and Build Quality
The speaker boasts a minimalist design with clean lines and a matte finish. The controls are easily accessible and offer tactile feedback. The construction feels robust, which is crucial for a device intended for outdoor use and potential water exposure.
The speaker also features a sturdy grille that protects the drivers. Examining the ports, we noted secure rubber flaps designed to prevent water ingress. These flaps felt snug, providing reassurance that the speaker could withstand immersion.
Key Features and Specifications
Here’s a quick rundown of the advertised key features and specifications:
- Bluetooth 5.0 for stable connectivity
- IPX7 waterproof rating (claimed submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
- 20-hour battery life
- Built-in microphone for calls
- Stereo pairing capability
Our initial assessment was positive, but the ultimate test would be the 24-hour submersion. We wanted to exceed the manufacturer’s claim to truly gauge the speaker’s waterproof capabilities. The build quality suggested a favorable outcome.
In conclusion, the initial impressions were promising. The design, build quality, and advertised features aligned with expectations. However, the real test of its waterproof capabilities was the 24-hour submersion, and we were eager to proceed and see the results.
The Submersion Test Setup
To accurately assess the waterproof capabilities of the Bluetooth speakers, we needed a controlled and consistent testing environment. Here’s how we set up our submersion test.
First, we filled a large, clear plastic container with approximately 1 meter of water (about 3.3 feet), mimicking the depth specified in the IPX7 waterproof rating. The water was at room temperature, around 20°C (68°F).
Ensuring Full Immersion
To ensure the Bluetooth speaker remained fully submerged for the entire 24-hour period, we placed a weight on top of it. This prevented the speaker from floating to the surface and ensured consistent water pressure on all sides.
We also verified that all port covers were securely sealed before submersion. A loose or improperly sealed port could compromise the test and give inaccurate results. Every precaution was taken to simulate real-world conditions while maintaining scientific accuracy.
Monitoring the Environment
Throughout the 24-hour submersion, we monitored the water temperature and surrounding air temperature to ensure they remained relatively constant. Fluctuations in temperature could potentially affect the speaker’s seals and water resistance. Records were kept to document the conditions.
- Water Depth: 1 meter (3.3 feet)
- Water Temperature: 20°C (68°F)
- Submersion Duration: 24 hours
Our setup was designed to exceed the standard IPX7 test, giving us a more comprehensive understanding of the speaker’s waterproof capabilities. We aimed to simulate prolonged exposure to water, which is more likely in real-world scenarios.
In summary, our submersion test was meticulously designed to replicate and extend upon industry-standard waterproof testing. With the speaker fully submerged and environmental conditions monitored, we were well-prepared to evaluate the outcome after 24 hours.
The 24-Hour Submersion: Moments of Truth
After 24 long hours, the moment of truth arrived. We carefully retrieved the submerged Bluetooth speaker from the water to assess the aftermath. What we found was both surprising and informative.
As we lifted the speaker out of the water, we immediately looked for signs of water damage. Externally, the speaker appeared intact, with no visible cracks or deformities. However, the real test would be its internal condition and functionality.
External Observations and Initial Concerns
Upon closer inspection, we did notice some moisture around the edges of the port covers. This raised a slight concern, as it suggested that water might have penetrated the seals. We cautiously opened the port covers to inspect the interior.
To our relief, the ports themselves were dry, indicating that the seals had done their job in preventing significant water ingress. However, the moisture around the edges still prompted us to proceed with caution. We carefully dried off the speaker before attempting to power it on.
The Power-On Test: Will It Work?
With bated breath, we pressed the power button. The speaker hesitated for a moment, then sprang to life, emitting its familiar startup chime. This was an encouraging sign, suggesting that the internal components had remained dry and functional.
The speaker paired seamlessly with our test device via Bluetooth. We selected a song and pressed play, bracing ourselves for what might come next. The music started playing, albeit with a slightly muffled sound.
In conclusion, the initial power-on test was surprisingly successful. The Bluetooth speaker powered up, paired with our device, and played music. Although the sound was slightly muffled, the fact that it functioned at all after a 24-hour submersion was a testament to its potential waterproof design.
Assessing Sound Quality Post-Submersion
With the Bluetooth speaker successfully powering on after its 24-hour bath, the next critical step was to thoroughly evaluate its sound quality. Did the submersion affect its sonic performance?
We played a variety of tracks, including bass-heavy electronic music, acoustic songs, and vocal-focused pieces, to assess the speaker’s performance across various frequencies. The slight muffling we had noticed initially persisted but was not overly pronounced.
A Detailed Audio Evaluation
The bass response was noticeably weaker compared to pre-submersion testing. The low frequencies lacked the punch and definition we had previously observed. However, the midrange and treble frequencies remained relatively clear and balanced.
We suspected that the reduced bass response might be due to residual moisture affecting the speaker drivers. Over time, as the speaker fully dried out, this could potentially improve. We decided to let the speaker sit for several hours before conducting another sound quality test.
Comparing to Unsubmerged Control Speaker
To provide a comparative benchmark, we tested an identical, unsubmerged Bluetooth speaker using the same audio tracks. The difference was immediately apparent. The control speaker delivered a much richer and more balanced sound, with a noticeably stronger bass response.
- Bass Response: Submerged speaker significantly weaker
- Midrange: Submerged speaker slightly less clear
- Treble: Submerged speaker comparable to control
The sound quality was undeniably impacted by the submersion. While the speaker still functioned, its audio performance was compromised. It is possible that this impact would lessen after a thorough drying process, but the initial results were clear.
In summary, the sound quality of the Bluetooth speaker was negatively affected by the 24-hour submersion. The bass response was significantly reduced, and the midrange was slightly less clear. While the speaker continued to function, its audio performance did not match that of an unsubmerged control speaker.
Connectivity and Other Functionality
Beyond sound quality, connectivity and other functionalities are essential to a Bluetooth speaker’s overall performance. We tested the speaker’s Bluetooth range, microphone clarity, and stereo pairing capability post-submersion.
The Bluetooth range appeared to be unaffected. We were able to maintain a stable connection up to the advertised 30 feet, mirroring the performance of the unsubmerged control speaker. This was a positive sign, suggesting that the submersion had not damaged the Bluetooth module.
Testing Microphone & Stereo Pairing
The built-in microphone functionality was also assessed. We made several test calls and found that the microphone clarity was slightly diminished. Callers reported that our voice sounded a bit muffled, similar to the initial sound quality observations. This could be attributed to residual moisture affecting the microphone diaphragm.
We attempted to pair the submerged speaker with another identical speaker for stereo sound. This feature functioned as expected, but the stereo image was somewhat unbalanced due to the sound quality differences between the two speakers. The submerged speaker’s reduced bass response and slightly muffled sound detracted from the stereo experience.
- Bluetooth Range: No noticeable impact
- Microphone Clarity: Slightly diminished
- Stereo Pairing: Functional, but unbalanced
In general, the speaker’s core functionalities remained operational after the submersion. The Bluetooth range was unaffected, and the stereo pairing feature worked as advertised. However, the microphone clarity was slightly impaired, and the stereo experience was compromised by the speaker’s diminished sound quality.
To summarize, while the Bluetooth speaker retained its core connectivity and functionality after the 24-hour submersion, there were some noticeable drawbacks. The microphone clarity was slightly reduced, and the stereo pairing experience was affected by the speaker’s compromised sound quality.
Long-Term Reliability & Conclusions
The ultimate question remains: did our 24-hour submersion test prove that the Bluetooth speaker is truly waterproof as advertised? Here’s a breakdown of our findings and our concluding thoughts.
While the speaker did technically survive the submersion, it suffered some performance degradation. The sound quality was negatively impacted, with reduced bass response and slightly muffled audio. The microphone clarity was also diminished. These issues suggest that the speaker is not entirely impervious to water damage, despite its IPX7 rating.
Limitations and Future Testing
Our test exceeded the IPX7 standard, which only requires submersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter. Our 24-hour test provided a more extreme scenario, revealing potential weaknesses in the speaker’s waterproof design.
Further testing would be needed to assess the speaker’s long-term reliability. Would the sound quality and microphone clarity improve as the speaker fully dried out? Or would there be permanent damage to the internal components? Only time would tell.
- Survived submersion, but with degraded performance
- Sound quality and microphone clarity impacted
- Long-term reliability remains uncertain
In conclusion, our 24-hour submersion test revealed that the Bluetooth speaker is water-resistant but not entirely waterproof. While it survived the ordeal, its performance was noticeably compromised. For casual splashes and brief water exposure, the speaker should be fine. However, prolonged submersion could potentially lead to damage.
In summary, while the Bluetooth speaker did function after being submerged for 24 hours, its performance was noticeably affected, suggesting that users should exercise caution when exposing it to water. It demonstrated water resistance, but not complete waterproofing.
| Key Point | Brief Description |
|---|---|
| 🌊 Water Resistance | Speaker survived 24-hour submersion. |
| 🔈 Sound Quality | Audio performance slightly degraded. |
| 🎤 Microphone | Mic clarity diminished post-submersion. |
| 🔗 Connectivity | Bluetooth range remained unaffected. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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While the speaker is water-resistant, our 24-hour submersion test revealed that it’s not entirely waterproof. It survived, but performance was affected. Avoid prolonged submersion.
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The sound quality was noticeably degraded after the submersion. We observed a reduction in bass response and a slight muffling of the overall audio output.
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No, the Bluetooth connectivity range remained unaffected. The speaker paired and maintained a stable connection with our test device up to the advertised distance.
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The built-in microphone’s clarity was slightly diminished after the submersion. Callers may report that your voice sounds a bit muffled, so use with caution.
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The speaker is suitable for splashes and brief water exposure. However, prolonged submersion, like in a pool, should be avoided due to the potential for performance degradation.
Conclusion
Our detailed product review: are the new Bluetooth speakers waterproof as advertised? We submerged them for 24 hours revealed that the speaker offers good water resistance for everyday use but is not entirely waterproof for extended submersion. While it survived, the sound and microphone were affected, so use caution around water.
