In the past, basic shower radios could kickstart your day until water would inevitably rust the batteries, but nowadays there\u2019s plenty of waterproof streaming speakers and radios to keep you entertained.<\/p>
- How to choose speakers: a guide to buying the perfect audio for your listening needs<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
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>
How to make sense of IPX ratings on bathroom speakers<\/h2>
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>
IPX ratings indicate the level of water resistence and protection within a device. <\/p>
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>
Best bathroom speakers<\/h2>
Lithe Audio 6.5″ Bluetooth 5 IP44 Rated Bathroom Ceiling Speaker<\/h3>
Lithe Audio 6.5 Bluetooth 5 IP44 Rated Bathroom Ceiling Speaker<\/figcaption><\/figure> 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>
<\/div>Pure Woodland Speaker<\/h3>
![\"Pure](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/Pure-Woodland-Speaker-0a8933b.png\")
Pure Woodland Speaker<\/figcaption><\/figure> 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. <\/p>
<\/div>JBL Clip 4<\/h3>
![\"JBL](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/JBL-Clip-4-review-9ff9e4d.png\")
JBL Clip 4 review<\/figcaption><\/figure> 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>
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Are bathroom ceiling speakers worth it?<\/h2>
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<\/a><\/strong> and Kef<\/a><\/strong> offer specific bathroom speakers that can be incorporated into a whole-house audio system.<\/p>
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>
Best bathroom ceiling speakers<\/h2>
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>
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>
Or the elegant Vision mirror (\u00a3369; victorianplumbing.com)<\/a><\/strong> that has LED lighting and Bluetooth speakers built in. <\/p>
The best waterproof Bluetooth speakers<\/h2>
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1<\/h3>
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 Beosound A1<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>
<\/div>Sonos Roam<\/h3>
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> 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>
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