Best Paddleboard Speakers (2025 Guide)
Looking for the best Bluetooth speakers for paddleboarding?
This guide reviews waterproof, floatable, and mountable options tested for real SUP use.
You’ll also learn how to mount your speaker and what to avoid before buying.
Quick Answer: Best Paddleboard Speakers at a Glance
Looking for the best Bluetooth speakers for paddleboarding? You’ll want something that’s waterproof, mountable, loud enough over wind and waves, and won’t sink if it takes a tumble.
- Top Pick: JBL Flip 7—Floatable, rugged, and sounds amazing.
- Mount Tip: Use a D-ring strap or suction cup mount to keep your speaker secure.
- All picks below are available online and are tested for real-world paddling.
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What to Look For in a Paddleboard Speaker
Not all waterproof speakers are created equal. Here’s what matters on the water:
Waterproof Rating (Must-Have)
Look for IPX7 or IP67 — these ratings mean the speaker can survive full submersion (not just splashes).
➡️ Learn more about what those ratings mean (and why they’re important for SUP gear) in our detailed breakdown of IPX waterproof levels.
Sound That Carries
Open water eats sound. Choose speakers that:
- Are at least 10W or louder
- Fire omnidirectionally or front-facing
- Have bass boost for better range
Battery Life
You don’t want it dying mid-paddle.
- Minimum: 8–10 hours
- Bonus: Powerbank feature to charge your phone
Mount Options
Speakers need to be secure while paddling. Scroll down for 4 proven mount methods
5 Best Bluetooth Speakers for Paddleboarding (2025 Picks)
All reviewed speakers are:
- ✅ Waterproof (IPX7 or higher)
- ✅ Mountable
- ✅ Floating or highly durable
- ✅ Available online
- ✅ Real-world tested or verified by paddlers
1. JBL Flip 7 (Best Overall SUP Speaker)
- IP Rating: IP67
- Battery: 12 hours
- Mounting: Strap, suction, cupholder
Why We Love It: Loud, rugged, and floats. JBL nailed it again with the Flip 7. Upgraded Bluetooth range and punchy sound, perfect for wide-open water.
2. OontZ Angle 3 ULTRA SUP Edition (Best Budget Option)
- IP Rating: IPX7
- Battery: 20 hours
- Mounting: Bungee or suction mount
Why We Love It: Lightweight, super affordable, and surprisingly loud for the price. Doesn’t float, so pair it with a float strap or mount.
3. Rockville Rock Everywhere (Rugged Adventure Pick)
- IP Rating: IPX7
- Battery: 14 hours
- Mounting: Strap or leash-compatible
Why We Love It: This one’s built like a tank. Drop-proof, water-resistant, and ready to handle rough rides or surprise splashes.
4. Altec Lansing LifeJacket Jolt (Best for Extra Features)
- IP Rating: IPX7
- Battery: 35 hours
- Mounting: Clip mount or suction pad
Why We Love It: Ultra-portable and mount-friendly. The rugged clip makes it easy to secure without drilling or tying.
5. Northern Lites (Best Compact Speaker for Mounts)
- IP Rating: IPX7
- Battery: 10 hours
- Mounting: Designed to work with your SUP’s Starport base or standard mount setups
Why We Love It: Purpose-built for paddleboards — waterproof, floating, and ready for direct board mounting. Great for keeping your music secure without straps or clips.
Mounting Options for Your Paddleboard Speaker
1. Bungee Cord System
Wrap your speaker into the front bungee on your SUP deck. Fast, easy, but may not hold on rough water.
- Includes: 4 adhesive EVA pads, stainless D‑rings, and 96″ bungee cord with cord lock
- Perfect for speakers: Secure your speaker’s handle or clip beneath the deck bungee for a stable hold
- Water-friendly: Designed to grip on wet SUP decks and withstand saltwater environments
2. D-Ring Straps
Use marine-grade straps to connect the speaker to a D-ring on your board. Secure and works with most speakers.
- Includes: D-Ring Polyester Strap that is highly UV Resistant
- Perfect for speakers: High-strength custom sewn in the USA
- Water-friendly: Made to last and withstand saltwater environments
3. Suction Cup Mount
Some speakers have suction or magnetic options that stick to smooth SUP decks or accessories. Great for non-slip boards.
- Includes: A high-strength suction base with 1/4″ tripod adapter and adjustable arm
- Perfect for speakers: Can be adapted to hold compact, flat-backed speakers on smooth paddleboard surfaces
- Water-friendly: Designed for marine environments—made with durable ABS plastic and corrosion-resistant components
4. Gear Area or Cupholder Mount
If your board has a built-in cupholder or gear area, seat the speaker there. Otherwise, slide it into a waterproof pouch with mesh sound vents. If your board has a built-in cupholder or gear slot, that can be a simple place to rest your speaker. Some touring and fishing SUPs include molded storage spots that hold gear steady.
5. Other Mounts for a SUP Speaker
- Extra secure
- Triple mount
- Screws onto speaker
- Easy install
- 360 degree tilt
- Sturdy clamp
- Designed for boards
- Easy install
- Fully adjustable
- Sup mount
Real Talk: Why This Guide Stands Out
A lot of speaker roundups out there feel generic — focusing on indoor or all-purpose waterproof speakers without considering the real needs of paddleboarders. Some guides are also outdated or skip over key factors like mounting options, floatability, and sound performance in windy conditions.
This guide was built specifically for on-the-water use, with a focus on SUP-ready gear, mount-friendly designs, and practical advice backed by real testing and expert audio insight.
FAQs
What’s the loudest speaker I can use on a paddleboard?
The JBL Flip 7 and Altec LifeJacket Jolt are both powerful enough for windy lake or ocean paddling.
Can Bluetooth cut out over water?
Yes, water reflects and absorbs Bluetooth signals. Keep your phone close to the speaker for best results.
Can I charge my phone from these?
Yes! The Altec LifeJacket Jolt doubles as a powerbank.
Will the speaker sink?
Only a few float (like JBL and Altec). For others, always mount or tether them securely. Or you could test them at home before you go paddleboarding.
Final Tip
If you want a paddleboarding setup that truly works, don’t just grab the cheapest waterproof speaker and hope for the best.
Go with a speaker that’s built to handle water, wind, and movement, and make sure you’ve got a reliable mount to keep it secure.
Spending a little more now means less frustration later—and way better sound while you’re out on the water.
