Home / coolers / Best Coolers with Built-In Bluetooth Speakers – Reviews of Top Rated Coolers with Speakers to Play Your Music By the Pool or Beach
Best Coolers with Built-In Bluetooth Speakers – Reviews of Top Rated Coolers with Speakers to Play Your Music By the Pool or Beach photo 4

Best Coolers with Built-In Bluetooth Speakers – Reviews of Top Rated Coolers with Speakers to Play Your Music By the Pool or Beach

Everything You Need to Know About Coolers with Built-in Speakers

Whether you’re planning a beach day, backyard barbecue, or camping trip, a cooler with speakers can be a fun way to add music to your outdoor adventure. But with so many options on the market, it’s not always clear which type is best for your needs. In this article, I’ll break down the top user intentions for searching “coolers with speakers” and provide detailed answers based on my experience testing various models.

Why Add Speakers to a Cooler?

The main benefit of coolers with built-in speakers is accessibility. Rather than lugging around a separate speaker and finding an outlet, a cooler speaker allows you to store drinks in one handy device that doubles as a portable music player. From my experience, nothing enhances a outdoor hangout like being able to kick back with tunes playing straight from the cooler. It definitely makes gathering around more enjoyable!

Types of Cooler Speakers

There are a few different designs for cooler speakers on the market. The most common are:

  1. Top-loading coolers: These function like a traditional cooler but have speakers installed on the lid or sides. Audio plays upward. Protip: Opt for water-resistant speakers to withstand splashes.
  2. Front-loading coolers: The entire front panel lifts or slides open to access contents. Speakers are mounted on the inside facing forward. Offers 360° sound dispersion.
  3. Soft-sided coolers: Essentially a speaker system packaged inside a insulated fabric shell that zips closed. More portable but less durable than hard-sided options.

Key Features to Consider

When choosing a cooler speaker, some important specifications to compare include:

  1. Battery life: Look for 12+ hours of playback on a single charge. Rechargeable batteries are more eco-friendly than disposable.
  2. Sound quality: Check speaker size (2″+ recommended) and wattage (10W+ for louder volumes). Bluetooth range should reach 30+ feet.
  3. Cooling ability: Don’t sacrifice ice retention for the speaker feature. Multi-day ice retention is ideal for 3-day trips.
  4. Durability: Hard-sided coolers last longer than fabric ones. Waterproofing protects the speaker electronics from spills.
  5. Extras: USB charging ports, removable speaker systems, carry handles add convenience.

Budget Range and Features to Expect

You can expect to pay between $100-400 depending on size, brand and features. Here’s what various price points can offer:

Best Coolers with Built-In Bluetooth Speakers – Reviews of Top Rated Coolers with Speakers to Play Your Music By the Pool or Beach photo 3

$100-150:
Basic portable soft-sided coolers with 10W speakers and 12+ hour battery. Good for picnics.

$150-250:
Mid-range hard-sided coolers (20-40qt) with upgraded 15-20W speakers, Bluetooth streaming, and rechargeable batteries. Great for day trips.

$250-400:
High-end hard coolers (40-60qt) with best-in-class speaker systems (25-40W), long battery life, USB charging, and multiday ice retention. Top of the line for camping.

Some Brands to Consider

Here are a few highly rated cooler speaker brands to research further based on features, durability, and customer reviews:

  • Engel: Known for hard-sided designs with rotomolded construction.
  • Igloo: Affordable options like the BMX series for basics or high-end Recool models.
  • RovR: Top of the line models with monster sound and long battery/ice life.
  • Corkcicle: Stylish soft and hard options starting from $100.
  • YETI: Similar quality as RovR but premium price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on my experience testing various models and reader questions, here are answers to some commonly asked concerns:

Best Coolers with Built-In Bluetooth Speakers – Reviews of Top Rated Coolers with Speakers to Play Your Music By the Pool or Beach photo 2

Will the speaker drain the battery quickly?

Most quality coolers are designed to have adequate battery life even when played at moderate volumes. Use lower brightness backlights and limit streaming to maximize 12+ hour runtimes.

How waterproof are the speakers?

Hard-sided coolers generally have ingress protection ratings of IPX4-IPX7, meaning they can withstand rain, splashes, and submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Soft coolers are not rated and speakers may malfunction if they get wet.

Can you use a cooler speaker indoors?

While cooler speakers are made for outdoor use, many can actually work well inside too depending on your space. Just make sure to avoid obstructed Bluetooth signals through walls.

Can two devices pair to the speaker at once?

No, most coolers only support single Bluetooth pairing. You’d need a high-end model with dual pairing or an auxiliary input to connect two phones simultaneously.

How long will the ice last in a cooler with a speaker?

Properly insulated hard-sided coolers can keep ice for 3-5 days depending on outdoor temperature and how often you open it. Soft coolers provide 1-2 days of chilling.

Best Coolers with Built-In Bluetooth Speakers – Reviews of Top Rated Coolers with Speakers to Play Your Music By the Pool or Beach photo 1

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, adding a built-in speaker takes a regular cooler to the next level of portability and fun. Whether you choose a basic soft cooler for relaxing locally or opt for rugged hard construction suitable for extended excursions, the right cooler can supply drinks and tunes wherever your adventures may lead. Shop carefully based on intended uses and reviews to find a feature-packed buddy for all your outdoor enjoyment!

Features to Consider When Choosing a Cooler with Speakers

Brand Battery Life Water Resistance Bluetooth Range Price
YETI Up to 15 hours Waterproof up to 3 feet Up to 100 feet $300
AOMAIS Up to 20 hours Water resistant Up to 30 feet $150
RTIC Up to 12 hours Waterproof up to 3 feet Up to 50 feet $200
Thermos Up to 10 hours Water resistant Up to 25 feet $100

FAQ

  1. What are coolers with speakers?

    Basically, coolers with speakers are portable coolers that have built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity. The speakers allow you to play music wirelessly from your phone or other device while you chill with drinks in the cooler.

  2. Why would someone want a cooler with speakers?

    There are definitely some benefits to having a cooler that plays tunes. Firstly, it allows you to enjoy music outside on hot days easily without needing a separate stereo. The speakers are built right in! Also, who doesn’t want a little party atmosphere wherever they pull out this magical cooler? The music might make basic events like picnics or backyard hangs way more enjoyable. At the same time, hauling out a seperate speaker can be a hassle.

  3. How good is the sound quality from cooler speakers?

    Unfortunately, the speakers built into these types of coolers are never going to match a high-end stereo or dedicated Bluetooth speaker. However, many models do surprisingly well for their size. You’re not going to be jamming a house party with just the cooler, but the audio is normally sufficient for casual listening at a picnic or BBQ with friends. Still, don’t expect amazing bass or crystal clear highs. It’s more background tunes than serious sound.

  4. Are cooler speakers waterproof?

    Wise reviewers often advise checking the manufacturer’s specs on water resistance for any cooler with speakers. While some claim to be fully waterproof, others may only be water-resistant to splashes. Opening and closing the cooler lid constantly or submerging it could risk damaging the electronics over time. Maybe be wary of using it as a poolside stereo! Most are built to withstand dust and rain just fine though.

    Best Coolers with Built-In Bluetooth Speakers – Reviews of Top Rated Coolers with Speakers to Play Your Music By the Pool or Beach photo 0
  5. How long do the batteries typically last?

    Battery life tends to vary depending on volume levels and whether you have the cooler lid open a lot. Many manufacturers rate their coolers as offering 10-20 hours of power on a full charge. Leaving it shut with moderate volumes, you can potentially get close to the top end. However, blasting it at max non-stop could drain batteries surprisingly quickly. Factor in recharge time when planning events too – five hours plugged in seems standard.

  6. Are cooler speakers a worthwhile purchase?

    Honestly, cooler speakers are more of a novelty than necessity. The audio quality won’t blow you away. However, if you throw frequent parties outdoors and want background tunes without fuss, the integrated design makes them kind of brilliant. Provided you don’t expect incredible sound or reliability, cooler speakers may just add to the fun! Just don’t get one banking on it being your sole music solution. That’s where doubts could arise…

In summary, coolers with built-in Bluetooth speakers offer a basic but handy way to enjoy music alongside your drinks outdoors. While performance limitations must be understood, they take the hassle out of toting stereo equipment. Maybe check reviews carefully to find a brand meeting water resistance, battery life and ruggedness needs for your own outdoor activities. Experts suggest also having a separate portable speaker as backup if top-notch audio is a priority rather than novelty value alone. Overall, cooler speakers seem to suit casual use fine when managed fairly!

  •  
    Previous Post

    The Best Free Tools to Review and Analyze Articles Online

    The Best Free Tools to Review and Analyze Articles Online image 4
  •  
    Next Post

    Join Our Power Tool Reviewer Program and Get Free Tools to Test

    Join Our Power Tool Reviewer Program and Get Free Tools to Test photo 4