Polk Audio’s Swimmer Duo ($60) and Swimmer Jr ($40) join the company’s expanding line of low-priced Bluetooth waterproof speakers. Both plastic-and-rubber speakers have a “tail” that can be used to wrap around a bar, as would be found in the shower. Swimmer Duo is a bit larger than Swimmer Jr (2.62” in diameter vs. 2.46”), but both speakers have one 1” driver, and boast battery life up to 8 hours.
Both speakers have a speakerphone with built-in mic. However, Swimmer Duo has a few extra features — it’s also shockproof and dustproof, along with being IPX7 waterproof (Swimmer Jr comes with the same water resistance rating). You can also remove Swimmer Duo’s tail to add a mounted suction cup to the speaker, and two Swimmer Duos can link together for stereo sound — hence the name. Swimmer Duo also includes an audio input, and both speakers use an included micro-USB cable to recharge
Both Swimmer Duo and Swimmer Jr offer decent sound for their size, with more bass than we expected.
They won’t compete with larger, more expensive speakers, but if you’re looking for an inexpensive personal speaker — especially to use in the shower — both speakers deserve a look. Swimmer Duo is a bit more versatile, due to its suction cup attachment. In theory, it’s nice that you can pair two Swimmer Duos together for stereo sound, but at $120 for two units, we’d suggest buying a bigger, more expensive single speaker instead. If you only plan on wrapping either of these speakers around a bar in the shower and leaving it there, Swimmer Jr is probably enough for you.
