If you’re someone who enjoys listening to music on a daily basis, then one of the best gadgets that you can get for yourself would be a portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker. That’s because, in comparison to indoors Bluetooth speakers, waterproof Bluetooth speakers are designed with a more rugged construction that not only makes them capable of withstanding the typical outdoors lifestyle, but also resistant to water-damage, whether that’s from accidental water splashes, rain, or even being dropped in a water-body. The Speaqua Barnacle X not only ticks all of those boxes, but delivers a ton more versatility than any other portable Bluetooth speaker you can currently find.
The Speaqua Barnacle X is a portable Bluetooth speaker that’s flotable and rated to have both a durable shock-proof and dust-proof construction as well as a IP68 Waterproof Rating, featuring a unique 4-in-1 Universal Mounting System for different set-up options, a Dual EQ Enhanced Audio System that delivers great sound, 8GB of internal storage for storing up to 2,000 songs, built-in Controls, an RGB smart lighting system that boasts 5 different light patterns, a Party Pairing function that allows for up to 150+ speakers to be wirelessly connected via Bluetooth 5.0, and up to 12 hours battery.
Designed to be bring more music to literally any place including both indoors and outdoors, this unique portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker delivers a premium sound on every adventure.
Now, let’s have a more detailed look at the Speaqua Barnacle X and check out everything that it has to offer you.
DESIGN & SPECS
Starting with the speakers’ size, the Speaqua Barnacle X comes at a fairly compact size, measuring just 5.5 inches long by 5 inches wide by 6.2 inches tall, and it is also quite lightweight, weighing only 1.7 lbs.
On top of its compact size and light weight, this portable Bluetooth speaker also features a cool aesthetic, featuring a spherical-shaped design that makes it easy to handle.
Stamped at the back-side of the device, we also have Speaqua’s official logo, which basically resembles a cool-looking octopus craving for adventure. Note that for our review unit, we got the Tidal Blue color model, which is simply gorgeous to look at.
Still speaking of the Barnacle X’s outstanding portability, as said before, this portable Bluetooth speaker also features a unique 4-in-1 Universal Mounting System that essentially combines four (x4) different mounting and carrying options, which all come built directly on the device’s body.
The first of those mounting options is a 1/4-20″ Universal Mounting Thread, which allows the speaker to be mounted to any action camera mount.
Moreover, the Speaqua Barnacle X also comes together with a GoPro Mount Adapter included in its package that perfectly screws into its integrated 1/4-20″ Universal Mounting Thread, which ultimately allows this speaker to be mounted onto all pre-existing GoPro mounts that you’d find in sports vehicles like bikes and boards.
The speaker’s third mounting / carrying option from its 4-in-1 Universal Mounting System would be its Removable Suction Cup, which allows users to have the speaker attached to any smooth and clean surface, such as a table or countertop, or potentially even a window (if you don’t have any horizontal space available).
For its fourth and final mounting option, the Barnacle X’s 4-in-1 Universal Mounting System also integrates a built-in Carabiner Clip, which allows the speaker to be attached to backpacks, tents, and belt loops.
Then, in terms of their construction, it’s also worth noting that the Speaqua Barnacle X is also rated to have a durable shock-proof and dust-proof construction.
On top of that, it’s also rated to have a IP68 Waterproof Rating thanks to its Water Play technology, which qualifies it as waterproof, for which it can even be submerged underwater (up to a maximum depth of 3 ft. for 1 hour at most).
The speaker is also flotable, meaning that you can toss is in the water and it will still continuously play music without ever disconnecting, as well as without you having to worry about it getting water-damage.
Speaking of having the speaker playing its music, the Speaqua Barnacle X also features a whopping 8GB of internal storage, which makes it capable of storing up to 2,000 songs at a time, thus giving you the freedom to enjoy your favorite songs at any time, even if you happen to leave your smartphone at home.
Last but not least, the speaker also integrates an RGB smart lighting system that boasts 5 different stunning light patterns, which include: a Solid White Light pattern, a Tempo Rotations pattern, a Rhythm-Based Brightness pattern, a Rotating Color Ring pattern, and a Breathing Lights pattern.
The speaker’s 5 light patterns allow you to fully-customize your listening experience, and more importantly, to set the vibe for any type of moment, whether that’s a studying session, a party, or even a romantic moment outdoors or indoors.
AUDIO SPECS & AUDIO QUALITY
Moving on to the speaker’s audio specifications. For reproducing its premium sound, the Speaqua Barnacle X comes equipped with a high-performance Dual EQ Enhanced Audio System that’s optimized to deliver a crystal-clear audio in any sort of environment, featuring a total Output Power of 20 Watts that ultimately allows the speaker to deliver great sound with razor sharp clarity and an ultra deep bass audio performance.
The speaker’s Dual EQ Enhanced Audio System also boasts advanced Audio Settings that offer you dynamic audio tuning for both indoor and outdoor listening. To put it simply, users can toggle between a Lush Audio Profile that’s better suited for indoor listening and a punchier and more powerful Bass Sound Profile that’s perfect for outdoors listening.
INTERFACE / CONTROL PANEL
We’ll now have a closer look at the speakers’ interface, meaning its Control Panel. As said before, the Barnacle X also integrates built-in Controls.
At the left-side of the speaker, we have its Dual EQ Button (used to swap between its two sound profiles), followed by a Volume Increase Button, then a Play/Pause Button, which is then followed by a Volume Decrease Button.
Then, at the right-side of the speaker, we have a Protective Cover for its USB Charging port, a Bluetooth Pairing Button, a Power On/Off Button, and a RGB Lighting Button (used to toggle between the 5 different stunning light patterns from its RGB smart lighting system).
CONNECTIVITY
For its wireless connectivity method, this portable Bluetooth speaker utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 Connectivity, featuring support to HFP, A2DP, and AVRCP Bluetooth profiles.
Best of all, the Barnacle X also features a Party Pairing function that allows for up to 150+ speakers to be wirelessly connected to each other via Bluetooth 5.0, ultimately allowing users to create the ultimate portable surround sound experience with multiple devices at once.
BATTERY & BATTERY LIFE
For its power, the Barnacle X comes equipped with a built-in Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery that can offer you up to 12 hours battery life.
Whenever it’s time to recharge its battery, you simply have to connect its included USB Charging Cable to its dedicated USB Charging port. Recharging its battery only takes around 1 hour of time.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Speaqua Barnacle X is a portable Bluetooth speaker that’s flotable and rated to have both a durable shock-proof and dust-proof construction as well as a IP68 Waterproof Rating, featuring a unique 4-in-1 Universal Mounting System for different set-up options, a Dual EQ Enhanced Audio System that delivers great sound, 8GB of internal storage for storing up to 2,000 songs, built-in Controls, an RGB smart lighting system that boasts 5 different light patterns, a Party Pairing function that allows for up to 150+ speakers to be wirelessly connected via Bluetooth 5.0, and up to 12 hours battery.
All in all, this portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker allows you to listen to your favorite tunes anywhere and at any time, with or without your phone. Its 4-in-1 Universal Mounting System makes it the perfect travel companion, while its Dual EQ Enhanced Audio System makes it capable of delivering a true high-quality sound.
Know that the Speaqua Barnacle X is currently available in two (x2) different color models: Manta Ray Black (Solid Black) and Tidal Blue (Light Blue).
If you’re interested in buying it, each unit is priced at just $134.99. You can order yours online right now, either directly from Speaqua’s official shopping page, or alternatively, from Best Buy’s online store (priced at $179.99).
