A waterproof portable speaker should have at least IPX5 for rain, splashes, and water jets; choose IPX7 or IP67 when accidental immersion is a realistic risk. IPX4 is suitable for light splashes but is a weaker choice around a pool or on an exposed boat.
The first IP digit describes dust protection and the second describes water protection. An X means that the manufacturer does not claim a tested rating for that side, so IPX7 confirms immersion resistance but says nothing about dust.
IPX5 and IPX6 cover water jets of increasing force, while IPX7 normally covers temporary immersion to the maker’s stated depth and time. IP67 combines full dust sealing with temporary immersion protection; IP68 uses manufacturer-defined conditions that may be stricter but must be checked model by model.
No IP rating means the speaker can be used carelessly. Salt water, chlorine, soap, hot water, open port covers, and charging while wet may sit outside the test conditions, so rinse with fresh water when permitted and let the ports dry completely before connecting power.