A bit of music can help improve your workout performance quite dramatically and Bluetooth speakers are the best way to be able to listen to music wherever you are, in your own gym or outside.
For a home gym Bluetooth speaker, factors like loudness, durability, ease of Use, Battery life, and sound quality are crucial to keep you motivated and focused. Additionally, considering water resistance adds to the speaker’s practicality and longevity in gym environments.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the best workout Bluetooth speakers and essential features to consider when choosing a Bluetooth speaker for your home gym.
| Speaker | Best Application |
|---|---|
| Best Overall: JBL Boombox 2 | Versatile, personal indoor/outdoor workouts, parties |
| For Classes: Mackie Thump GO 8″ | Indoor and outdoor group classes, powerful sound |
| Portable+ Sound Quality: Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 | Compact size, good sound quality, portability |
| HiFi: AudioEngine A5+ | Best sound quality, HiFi enthusiasts, indoor |
| Under $50: JBL Clip 3 | Best workout speaker under $50, super portable |
Contents
Best Bluetooth Speakers For Indoor and Outdoor Workouts
Let’s explore the top options available. As everyone has unique preferences, I’ve curated a few distinct speakers, each excelling in specific areas while still meeting most of the criteria you should look for in Bluetooth speakers that will get you pumped for a heavy set.
1. Best Overall Workout Bluetooth Speaker: JBL Boombox 2
Looking for a speaker that’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor workouts, as well as beach and pool parties? You’ll need something that’s not only waterproof but also capable of delivering powerful sound with good battery life. While the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom is IPX4 rated, providing protection against splashing water, it falls short of being fully waterproof.
The best choice in this category is the JBL Boombox 2. Despite its relatively compact size, it packs a punch with its impressive sound output. It comes equipped with a convenient grab handle for easy transportation, boasts a 24-hour battery life, and delivers decent bass.
Most importantly, the JBL Boombox 2 carries an IPX7 waterproof rating, which means it can withstand being submerged up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes without any issues.
With its excellent water resistance and durability, the JBL Boombox 2 is suitable for virtually any situation you throw its way. Although it may not match the Hyperboom’s sound quality, the JBL Boombox 2 offers superior protection against water, making it a reliable companion for your adventures both indoors and outdoors.
It has just such a nice balance of features that this is the speaker that will work the best for the majority of people. The only drawback is that it’s not very cheap.
2. For Indoor and Outdoor Group Classes: Mackie Thump GO 8″
The Mackie Thump GO 8″ is an excellent choice for trainers who teach classes for several reasons:
- Powerful Sound: With its 8″ woofer and 1″ compression driver, the Thump GO delivers powerful and clear audio, ensuring that your instructions and music can be heard by everyone in the class, even in large spaces.
- Good Sound Quality: Mackie is a brand that’s famous for producing high quality sound at high volumes and this speaker is no exception.
- Compatible with Wireless Microphones: You can connect a wireless (or wired) mic so you don’t have to scream for your students to hear your instructions.
- Portable and Lightweight: The Thump GO is designed to be easily portable and lightweight, making it effortless to transport from one class location to another. Its compact size doesn’t compromise on performance, allowing you to set it up quickly without much hassle. This is a relatively large speaker, it’s not a small Bluetooth one you put in your bag, this one needs a separate bag to transport.
- Rechargeable Battery: The built-in rechargeable battery ensures that you can conduct classes even in locations without power outlets, making it perfect for outdoor sessions or venues with limited electricity access. The battery is also removable for easy replacement.
- Wireless Bluetooth Streaming: With its Bluetooth connectivity, you can easily connect your devices wirelessly and play music or audio from your preferred source without needing additional cables, creating a seamless and clutter-free environment.
- Easy-to-Use Controls: The Thump GO features straightforward controls that allow you to adjust volume, EQ settings, and Bluetooth pairing easily, ensuring a smooth experience during your classes without any technical difficulties.
- Durable and Reliable: Mackie is known for producing robust and reliable audio equipment, and the Thump GO is no exception. Its sturdy construction and quality materials ensure that it can withstand the rigors of regular use in a fitness environment.
- Versatility: Whether you’re teaching dance, yoga, aerobics, or any other fitness class, the Thump GO can adapt to various styles of workouts and music genres, delivering consistent and excellent sound performance.
In summary, the Mackie Thump GO 8″ is a fantastic choice for trainers who teach classes due to its powerful sound, portability, wireless connectivity, ease of use, durability, and versatility, providing an optimal audio solution to enhance the training experience for both instructors and participants alike.
3. Compact + Good Sound Quality + Portable: Ultimate Ears MegaBoom3
The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 is an excellent workout speaker for several reasons. First and foremost, it boasts a powerful and immersive sound quality for it’s compact size that can keep you pumped up and motivated during your workouts.
While it’s not the loudest, it’s loud enough and this speaker is very portable. Just throw it in your gym bag and you’re good to go.
Furthermore, the Megaboom 3 is designed to be durable and rugged, making it suitable for outdoor and indoor workouts alike. It features a sturdy construction with an IP67 rating, meaning it is both water and dust resistant. So, you don’t have to worry about sweat or accidental splashes damaging the speaker during intense workout sessions. It’s not going to survive heavy rain though.
Portability is another advantage of the Megaboom 3. It is compact and lightweight, allowing you to easily carry it with you wherever you go, whether it’s to the gym, park, or even on hiking trails. Additionally, it has a long-lasting battery life, providing hours of playback on a single charge, ensuring that your music never stops while you exercise.
The Megaboom 3 also comes with convenient features like easy-to-use controls, including play, pause, and skip buttons on the speaker itself. Additionally, it has a dedicated app that allows you to customize the sound and access other advanced settings.
Overall, the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 is a reliable and versatile workout speaker that delivers impressive sound quality, durability, and portability, making it a great companion people that like to work out in many different spots.
4. Best Sound Quality: AudioEngine A5+
If you’re seeking the finest audio quality in a Bluetooth speaker, your best is a set of two speakers designed for HiFi enthusiasts.
Meet the AudioEngine A5+, a remarkable pair of stereo speakers renowned for their exceptional sound performance. At first glance, they resemble ordinary speakers, but they have built-in Bluetooth capability, offering convenience without the hassle of extensive wiring.
One speaker contains a Bluetooth receiver and amplifier, while the other functions as a standard speaker. The setup is simple: you’ll only need a power cord (as they are not battery-powered) and a speaker wire to connect the two speakers. It’s a straightforward arrangement that delivers premium audio quality and a superb listening experience.
This is obviously only a feasible option for semi-permanent indoor setups, they don’t do well outdoors.
Check out the AudioEngine A5+ stereo speakers—they may require a bit more setup than a simple Bluetooth speaker, but they deliver top-notch sound quality. And guess what? You can connect them through Bluetooth, USB, AUX, or RCA inputs, making them super versatile for future use too. Plus, they come with a cool remote control for easy operation.
AudioEngine has a bunch of Bluetooth speakers with different features. Some are fancy and pricier, while others are smaller than the A5+. But if you ask me, the A5+ hits the sweet spot with its price, features, and awesome sound. The A2+ is a bit small for a home gym, though.
Looking for just one speaker instead of a pair? Check out the AudioEngine B2 (Amazon link).
But hey, I gotta be honest about a couple of things. These speakers can be a bit on the expensive side, and they’re not super water-resistant. They’re more like desk buddies than gym warriors. Still, as long as your home gym isn’t super humid, they should be fine. Just put them in a safe spot and sound so you don’t accidentally knock ’em with a weight.
5. Best Workout Speaker Under $50: JBL Clip 3
If you need a workout speaker under $50 that is super portable, the JBL Clip is the way to go. It is a thick round disc that fits in the palm of your hand and can be clipped onto many things with the integrated carabiner..
Here are some other benefits:
- Portability: The JBL Clip 3 is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around during workouts. It comes with a built-in carabiner, allowing you to clip it onto your gym bag, belt, or clothing, keeping your hands free while exercising.
- Durable and Water-resistant: The speaker has a rugged design and an IPX7 waterproof rating, making it resistant to splashes, sweat, and light rain. This durability ensures it can handle the rigors of outdoor and indoor workouts without any issues.
- Powerful Sound: Despite its compact size, the JBL Clip 3 delivers impressive sound quality with clear vocals and punchy bass. Its loud output ensures you can enjoy your favorite music or podcasts even in noisy gym environments.
- Long Battery Life: The JBL Clip 3 features a built-in rechargeable battery that offers up to 10 hours of playtime, so you can go through multiple workout sessions without worrying about running out of power.
- Hands-Free Calling: The speaker comes with a built-in microphone, enabling you to take hands-free calls during your workouts. This feature is particularly useful if you don’t want to interrupt your exercise routine to answer a call.
All in all a really cool Bluetooth speaker that can be yours for less than $50. Perfect for on the go workouts.
How Bluetooth Speakers Can Improve Your Workout
A Bluetooth speaker can significantly enhance your workouts in several ways:
- Motivation: Music has a powerful impact on our mood and motivation. Listening to your favorite energetic songs can boost your energy levels, increase your enthusiasm, and push you to perform better during your workouts. The right music can help you stay focused, maintain intensity, and enjoy your exercise sessions more.
- Distraction: Workouts can be physically demanding and mentally challenging. Listening to music or engaging podcasts can provide a pleasant distraction, making the time go by faster and reducing the perception of effort. It can take your mind off fatigue and discomfort, allowing you to push through tough moments and complete your workouts more effectively.
- Tempo and Rhythm: Music with a strong beat and rhythm can help you establish a steady pace during cardio exercises like running or cycling. It can act as a metronome, synchronizing your movements and making it easier to maintain a consistent pace, leading to improved endurance and performance.
- Intensity Control: Bluetooth speakers can be linked to gym timers or workout apps, providing audible cues for timing intervals, rest periods, or circuit changes. This feature allows you to focus on your workout without constantly checking a timer or your phone, ensuring you stay on track and follow your exercise routine accurately.
- Social Engagement: If you work out with friends or family in your home gym, a Bluetooth speaker allows you to share the music and create a more enjoyable and communal atmosphere. Music can be a bonding experience, enhancing the social aspect of your workouts and making them more enjoyable for everyone involved.
- Psychological Benefits: Music can evoke positive emotions and trigger the release of feel-good hormones like endorphins. This can lead to an improved mood, reduced stress levels, and an overall more positive workout experience. A positive mindset can contribute to better focus and greater effort during your exercises.
- Personalization: With a Bluetooth speaker, you have complete control over the playlist, allowing you to curate a selection of songs or podcasts that cater to your specific preferences and workout goals. Personalizing your workout soundtrack can make the experience more enjoyable and tailored to your individual taste.
- Use with timers: Some gym timers or timer apps can be linked to a Bluetooth speaker so the buzzer or beeper is easier to hear. Often you can even blend this in with music automatically.
In summary, a Bluetooth speaker can provide the soundtrack to a more enjoyable, motivating, and immersive workout experience. By choosing music or content that resonates with you, you can maximize your performance, stay engaged, and ultimately achieve your fitness goals more effectively.
What To Look For In a Bluetooth Workout Speaker
What to Look for in Bluetooth Workout Speakers
- Sound Level: In a bustling gym environment, your speaker needs to deliver ample volume to cut through the noise and keep you motivated. While nightclub-level loudness isn’t necessary, sufficient sound to fill the entire space and overpower weightlifting sounds is essential.
- Sound Quality: Loud noise is one thing, but superior sound quality takes your listening experience to the next level. While Bluetooth speakers may not match high-end stereo setups, focus on finding a speaker that ensures clear and distortion-free playback, making your music and podcasts easily understandable.
- Battery Life: Opt for a battery-powered Bluetooth speaker with a decent battery life. You wouldn’t want to face interruptions mid-workout due to a dead battery. Aim for at least 6 hours of battery life to carry you through several workout sessions.
- Water Resistance: Gym environments, especially in basements or garages, may have higher humidity levels, making water resistance a valuable feature. A somewhat water-resistant speaker will endure moisture exposure, ensuring its longevity and reliability. Especially in a basement or garage, there can be quite a bit of moisture and/or high humidity. And outside there is always the chance it’ll rain.
