Like listening to music in the bathroom? Chris Haslam reviews the best bathroom speakers <\/p>

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How to choose speakers: a guide to buying the perfect audio for your listening needs<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Obviously, the most important aspect of any bathroom-ready audio product is its ability to function properly in a hot, steamy and fundamentally wet environment \u2013 some Bluetooth speakers are now completely waterproof and can survive a dunking while others are merely splashproof.<\/p>\n
How to choose bathroom speakers<\/h2>\n
To check which products are suitable for wet areas, look for the two digit IP rating. The first number refers to how good it is at resisting dust, while the second relates to waterproofing.<\/p>\n
As an example, an IPX5 is considered splashproof while IPX7 speakers could be immersed in the bath (officially rated 15cm to 1m deep) for up to 30 minutes. IP44 is moisture proof, and is acceptable for in-ceiling speakers, while IP67 is the best in terms of both dust and waterproofing, and many portable \u2018outdoor\u2019 style speakers<\/a><\/strong> have this for added peace of mind.<\/p>\n
There are now dozens of good quality waterproof Bluetooth speakers, with brands including JBL, UE Boom and Treblab selling affordable designs predominantly for outdoor use. These tend to have a big sound and rugged style, although the exception to that rule is the Bang & Olufsen A1<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n
Bluetooth streaming has the advantage of keeping your smartphone away from any watery accidents, but does mean you won\u2019t be able to skip songs while showering. The Sonos Roam<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0 is IP67-rated and has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for better audio quality, and integrates seamlessly with other Sonos products as well as offering voice control convenience via Alexa or Google Assistant.<\/p>\n
Showerproof radios, meanwhile, remove the need for streaming or smartphones at all, with Pure Radio and Roberts Radio both offering a good selection of splash and waterproof designs in classic styles, with DAB<\/a><\/strong>, FM and often Bluetooth for added versatility.<\/p>\n
Are in-ceiling speakers worth it?<\/h3>\n
While not as convenient as a traditional radio or Bluetooth speaker, in-ceiling speakers are superb when it comes to seamless integration and maximum protection from water. Many great brands including Bowers & Wilkins and Kef offer specific bathroom speakers that can be incorporated into a whole-house audio system.<\/p>\n
I\u2019d suggest taking this route as part of a wider home or bathroom renovation project, but remember that any mains electrical work will need to be carried out, or signed off for safety, by a qualified electrician. For a list of custom installation specialists, contact CEDIA, the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n
For an easier in-ceiling option, I recommend the Q Acoustics E120 (IP54 rated)<\/a><\/strong> wall-mounted control pad combined with a pair of QI50CW Speakers<\/a> <\/strong>(\u00a3330) for impressive aquatic audio with surprisingly little fuss.<\/p>\n
But if all this is a little too obvious for your tastes, maybe you\u2019d be interested in the Mode Stream<\/strong><\/a>, an affordable replacement shower head and Bluetooth speaker in one.<\/p>\n
Or the elegant Vision mirror (\u00a3369; victorianplumbing.com)<\/a><\/strong> that has LED lighting and Bluetooth speakers built in.<\/p>\n
Best bathroom speakers<\/h2>\n
Lithe Audio 6.5\u2033 Bluetooth 5 IP44 Rated Bathroom Ceiling Speaker<\/h3>\n
$\"Lithe$ \n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>\n
An impressive in-ceiling speaker boasting Bluetooth 5.0, IP67 waterproof rating and amplifier built-in, for a seamlessly wireless solution that easily links to your existing lighting circuit. Available in singles or pairs, they\u2019re compatible with Alex and Google Home voice control, so you can change songs without getting out of the tub.<\/p>\n
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Buy from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Pure Woodland Speaker<\/h3>\n
$\"Pure$ \n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>\n
A modern take on the classic portable radio, Pure\u2019s brand new DAB+\/FM design is built tough, has a generous 14hr battery life, Bluetooth, preset station buttons and all-important IP67 waterproof rating. Thankfully, audio hasn\u2019t been forsaken as the 10-watt dual acoustic set-up is warm and enjoyable. \/pure-audio.com<\/p>\n
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Buy from John Lewis<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
JBL Clip 4<\/h3>\n
$\"JBL$ \n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>\n
Designed as a travel speaker but ideal for wet areas, this adorable soap-on-a-rope Bluetooth design is available in eight funky colours. It has a 10hr battery life, is just over 13cm long and can clip to just about anything. And impressively, the volume can drown out even the most enthusiastic tenor in the shower.<\/p>\n

How to choose bathroom speakers<\/h2>\nTo check which products are suitable for wet areas, look for the two digit IP rating. The first number refers to how good it is at resisting dust, while the second relates to waterproofing.<\/p>\n

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