Our expert Chris Haslam gives valuable advice on buying and using your hi-fi
Whether you wash to Wagner or soak to the sound of Schubert, there’s something glorious about listening to music in the bathroom. Obviously, the most important aspect of any bathroom-ready audio product is functioning properly in a hot and wet environment, and some Bluetooth speakers are now completely waterproof and can survive a dunking while others are merely splashproof.
There are dozens of good-quality waterproof Bluetooth speakers, with brands including JBL, UE Boom and Treblab selling affordable designs predominantly for outdoor use. These tend to have a big sound and rugged style, although the exception to that rule is the Bang & Olufsen A1 (£239; bang-olufsen.com).
Bluetooth streaming has the advantage of keeping your smartphone away from watery accidents, but does mean you won’t be able to skip songs while showering. The Sonos Roam (£179 sonos.com) is IP67-rated (water-and-dustproof), has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for better audio quality, and integrates seamlessly with other Sonos products as well as offering voice control convenience via Alexa or Google Assistant.
Showerproof radios remove the need for streaming or smartphones at all, with Pure Radio and Roberts Radio both offering a good selection of splash- and waterproof designs in classic styles, with DAB, FM and often Bluetooth for added versatility.
While not as convenient as a traditional radio or Bluetooth speaker, in-ceiling speakers are superb when it comes to seamless integration and maximum protection from water. Many great brands, including Bowers & Wilkins and Kef, offer specific bathroom speakers that can be incorporated into a whole-house audio system. I’d suggest taking this route as part of a wider renovation project, but remember that mains electrical work will need to be carried out, or signed off, by a qualified electrician.
For an easier in-ceiling option, I recommend the Q Acoustics E120 wall-mounted control pad (£429; qacoustics
