Smooth Sailing: The 8 Best Bluetooth Radios for Your Boat
Site Owner & Radio Enthusiast
Imagine you’re out in the waters on a boat, enjoying the breeze and beautiful scenery.
Suddenly, your phone rings, and you realize it’s an important call. You fumble through your bag to find your phone, but oh no! Your hands are wet from steering the boat.
What do you do now? That’s where you need a Bluetooth radio.
These nifty devices connect to your phone wirelessly, allowing you to make and receive calls without touching your phone. Talk about convenience!
But wait, there’s more. Not only can you use these radios for calls, but they also have built-in speakers so you can blast your favorite tunes and radio stations while cruising on the waves.
But let’s face it—not all Bluetooth radios are created equal. Unfortunately, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you might end up with a dud that doesn’t live up to its promises.
Luckily, that’s where Radio Fidelity comes in.
Our goal is to help you make the right choice when looking for any radio.
We’ve compiled this list of the best Bluetooth radios for your boat based on their durability, sound quality, ease of use, and water resistance.
So, let’s dive in and find the perfect Bluetooth radio for your boat!
1. Pyle Marine Bluetooth Stereo Radio (Best Power)
The Pyle Marine Bluetooth Stereo Radio is a worthy contender for the best Bluetooth radios for boats for a good reason.
While out on the waters, you need a radio that can withstand the elements and deliver clear sound. It fits the bill perfectly.
With an impressive power output of 300 watts, this radio has enough power to drown out any noise from the waves and wind.
Plus, its marine-grade construction ensures durability even in harsh weather conditions.
But what sets this radio apart is its multiple connectivity options – Bluetooth, USB, aux-in, and SD card inputs.
So, whether you want to stream music from your phone or connect to an external device, the Pyle Marine has got you covered.
The best part—with its built-in mic, you can even take hands-free calls while cruising on your boat.
You also don’t have to worry about compatibility with your Bluetooth-enabled devices.
The Pyle is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, speakers, and tablets.
Pros
● Wide compatibility
● Access to AM and FM radio stations
● Equalizer for bass, treble, and balance
● Supports hands-free calling
● Clear LCD display
● Easy remote control capability
Cons
- Wireless range is limited to 40 feet (12.19 meters)
2. BOSS Audio Systems MGR350B (Best Weatherproof)
We all know that the weather can be quite unpredictable.
For instance, you may be out on the waters, enjoying the afternoon sun, when suddenly, a thunderstorm brews up.
Unfortunately, if you don’t have a water-resistant radio, your tunes will be cut short, and even worse, your radio may get damaged.
That’s where the BOSS Audio Systems MGR350B comes in. This radio is a weatherproof powerhouse that can withstand the toughest of conditions.
It has an IPX6 rating, meaning it’s protected against powerful water jets from any direction.
IPX6-rated gadgets are impenetrable by waterfalls, weather, and even the act of total soaking in water. This is one of the water-resistant radios you can rely on for marine expeditions.
Whether you’re caught in heavy rain or a huge wave crashes on your boat, your music will keep playing without skipping a beat.
But don’t be fooled by its rugged construction; this radio delivers clear sound and has all the necessary features to stay connected while boating.
Besides being Bluetooth-enabled, we love the fact that this radio supports Spotify Connect and Pandora. These features allow you to stream music from your favorite apps.
Pros
● Compatible with Spotify Connect and Pandora
● Comes with a USB port for a vast library of audio files
● Supports USB charging
● Access to AM and FM radio stations
● Auxiliary input/output for smartphones
● Three-year warranty
Cons
- It’s more expensive than most options on this list
3. DOVOX Bluetooth Boat Stereo (Best With Subwoofer)
If you’re a music lover, having a quality subwoofer is non-negotiable. That’s why the DOVOX Bluetooth Boat Stereo makes it to this list of the best Bluetooth radios for your boat.
At Radio Fidelity, we understand that sound quality is a top priority for audiophiles. Therefore, we made it a priority to test the audio output quality of this device for a genuine review.
One thing that stood out during our review is that the DOVOX doesn’t disappoint when it comes to sound quality.
This marine radio boat stereo generates RCA subwoofer audio output quality thanks to its 4x50W amplifier that creates an immersive rock music experience.
As if that’s not enough, this boat audio system allows you to control the bass, treble, and balance freely, thanks to its built-in and custom preset equalizer.
The main features include:
● Illuminated keypad
● Segmented LCD display
● Bluetooth 5.0 technology
● IPX5 waterproof design
● Access to AM and FM radio bands
● UV coating
● USB 2.0 port and 3.5-mm auxiliary input jack
● Supports USB flash drives (up to 32 GB)
Pros
● Highly weatherproof
● Clear display for station information and playing mode
● High sound quality for a lossless music experience
● 30 preset station memory (18 FM and 12 AM)
● Dual-zone function for more control
Cons
- It doesn’t have a remote control, so you’ll have to use the manual controls
4. GUZARE Boat Marine Radio (Best Internet)
We live in a world where the internet has become an essential part of our lives, even while boating.
After reviewing multiple internet radios here at Radio Fidelity, we can confidently say these devices are the future of marine entertainment.
Internet radios are designed to offer a better listening experience than traditional radios.
For instance, they allow access to thousands of internet radio stations, podcasts, and audiobooks.
So, if you’re looking for the best internet marine radio, look no further than the GUZARE Boat Marine Radio.
You can easily connect to the internet and enjoy a seamless streaming experience from Spotify and Pandora apps.
Key features include:
● Auxiliary port
● USB port
● Stereo output
● IP66 water-resistant
● Power balance and sound equalizer
● AM/FM radio bands
● RCA technology
Pros
● High-quality audio streaming
● Easy to install and use
● Durable construction for outdoor use
Cons
● Some users may find the setup process a bit complicated
● No remote control
5. Velex Boat Bluetooth Stereo Radio (Best With Antifog)
Boating during the colder months can be challenging, especially when your radio’s display gets foggy. But with the Velex Boat Bluetooth Stereo Radio, you won’t have to worry about that.
This marine audio system comes with an anti-fogging display that ensures you can easily view the screen even in cold and foggy conditions.
Not only that, but this radio offers a wide range of features to make your boating experience more enjoyable. They include:
● Bluetooth streaming
● AM/FM tuner
● Spotify/Pandora support
● Auxiliary input
● RCA output
● Golf cart ATV support
● Adjustable brightness
Pros
● Water splashing protection
● One-year warranty
● Efficient wireless audio streaming
Cons
● Sometimes Bluetooth connectivity can be a bit unstable
6. BOSS Audio Systems MGR300B (Best Illuminated Controls)
Another BOSS Audio Systems product that makes our list is the MGR300B marine boat radio. This device boasts illuminated controls, making it perfect for night boating adventures.
Its backlit panel will ensure you can navigate easily through the system and tune into your favorite radio talk show or play music.
But beyond its cool aesthetics, the MGR300B offers a host of impressive features, including:
● Bluetooth streaming
● AM/FM tuner
● IPX5 water-resistant and dustproof design
● Auxiliary input
● MP3 player support
● USB charging port
Pros
● Sleek and modern design
● Highly resistant to weather elements and dust
● Affordable pricing
● Easy navigation, even at night
Cons
● Lacks CD or DVD player functionality
7. Planet Audio PGR35B Radio (Best Blu-ray Player)
When it comes to entertainment, sometimes a simple radio just isn’t enough.
The Planet Audio PGR35B marine stereo system offers Bluetooth streaming and an AM/FM tuner and supports a Blu-ray player.
So, why do you need a Blu-ray player for your boating expeditions? Well, for one, it allows you to watch your favorite movies and TV shows on a bigger screen.
And secondly, it offers a more immersive audio experience than traditional DVDs.
Key features of the Planet Audio PGR35B include:
● Bluetooth streaming
● AM/FM tuner
● USB charging and music streaming
● Dual-zone function
Pros
● UV coating protects against sun and water damage
● Stereo audio encoding
● A vast library of audio files
Cons
● Lacks DVD or CD player functionality
● No remote control
8. Herdio 3 Inches Marine Radio (Best DAB)
Here at Radio Fidelity, we have conducted several DAB radio reviews and found them to be the perfect addition to any boater’s arsenal.
You need these radios, especially if you’re a fan of digital radio broadcasting.
The Herdio 3 Inches Marine Radio is one of the best Bluetooth DAB radios for boats.
It offers access to hundreds of digital radio stations, including specialty channels and exclusive content.
With this device, you can rest assured that you won’t miss your favorite radio show even while out at sea.
Other key features include:
● Bluetooth streaming
● DAB/FM/AM tuner
● 3.5-mm audio
● RCA output
● IP66 waterproof rating
● USB charging port
Pros
● Excellent reception with access to a wide range of digital channels
● Highly durable and water-resistant design
● Battery-powered for use during power outages
● Color display with adjustable LED brightness control
Cons
● Some users may find the DAB setup process a bit complicated
● Limited Bluetooth range
● More expensive than most options on this list
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best Bluetooth radio for your boat can enhance your boating experience.
However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, as each individual has different needs and preferences.
Whether you value durability, waterproofing, or additional features like DAB or Blu-ray player support, these radios have got you covered.
