OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

Polk Audio Boom Swimmer Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£55Audio output power:?Battery life:8 hoursIP rating:IPX7Bluetooth version:?Weight:200 g

Polk Audio Boom Swimmer Review: Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

Polk Audio Boom Swimmer
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components

80%

6.1

Technical score

20%

8.6

User score

â–¼Worse than 56% of portable speakers
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–²Better than 50%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

32%

5.6

Audio

20%

6.4

Battery

18%

8.1

Durability

16%

5.3

Connectivity

8%

4.3

Controls

3%

8.8

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

â–¼Worse than 78%
8.6

User score

User score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 80% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

9.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 80%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker Polk Audio Boom Swimmer

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components:

32%

5.6

Audio

20%

6.4

Battery

18%

8.1

Durability

16%

5.3

Connectivity

8%

4.3

Controls

3%

8.8

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

6.1
User score
User score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 80% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

9.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.6
Popularity
Popularity
9.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Popularity:
Polk Audio Boom Swimmer has a popularity score of 9.1 points, which is higher than 86.5% of products in this category.
9.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.6
Audio output power
?
Driver unit size
44 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 44 mm which is smaller than that of 69.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.7% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 1 drivers, which is fewer than 75.6% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 24.4% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
240 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 240 Hz which is higher than that of 99.8% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
Maximum Bluetooth range
9 m
Market range: <10 m – >30 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 9 m which is shorter than that of 95.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.5% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; AVRCP; HFP; HSP; SPP
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
8 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 8 hours which is shorter than that of 68.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.6% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
?
Charging time
2 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 2 hours which is shorter than that of 72.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 22.6% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
?
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
IPX7
This portable speaker has an IP rating of IPX7 which provides better ingress protection than 47.6% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 25.2% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
yes
This portable speaker is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
yes
This portable speaker is dust resistant. 48.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
1 m
Market range: <0 m – >1 m
This portable speaker has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m which is deeper than that of 52.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 47.4% of portable speakers.
Drop resistance
yes
This portable speaker resists accidental impacts. 67.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
?
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
no
This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
no
This portable speaker does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
200 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 200 g which is lighter than that of 90% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% of portable speakers.
Height
24.66 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 24.66 cm which is taller than that of 86.5% of portable speakers.
Width
6.65 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 6.65 cm which is narrower than that of 95% of portable speakers.
Depth
6.65 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 6.65 cm which is shallower than that of 68.4% of portable speakers.
Carry options
strap/handle
Show more
Companion app name
?
Firmware updates
no
This portable speaker does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Firmware update method
?
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Polk Audio Boom Swimmer vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    This portable speaker has a shorter charging time than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 3 hours).
    2 hours vs 3 hours
  • Resists accidental impacts
    This portable speaker resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
    IPX7 vs IPX5
  • 600 g lighter
    This portable speaker is lighter than the average portable speaker (200 g vs 800 g).
    200 g vs 800 g
  • 11.45 cm narrower
    This portable speaker is narrower than the average portable speaker (6.7 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    6.65 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 8% higher user score
    User score
    8.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Polk Audio Boom Swimmer
    the average portable speaker
    Polk Audio Boom Swimmer has a higher user score than the average portable speaker (8.64 vs 8).
    8.64 vs 8
  • 2.16x more popular
    Polk Audio Boom Swimmer is more popular than the average portable speaker (9.1 vs 4.21).
    9.1 vs 4.21
  • 8% higher user score
    User score
    8.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Polk Audio Boom Swimmer
    the average portable speaker
    Polk Audio Boom Swimmer has a higher user score than the average portable speaker (8.64 vs 8).
    8.64 vs 8
  • 2.16x more popular
    Polk Audio Boom Swimmer is more popular than the average portable speaker (9.1 vs 4.21).
    9.1 vs 4.21
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    This portable speaker has a shorter charging time than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 3 hours).
    2 hours vs 3 hours
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • Resists accidental impacts
    This portable speaker resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
    IPX7 vs IPX5
  • 600 g lighter
    This portable speaker is lighter than the average portable speaker (200 g vs 800 g).
    200 g vs 800 g
  • 11.45 cm narrower
    This portable speaker is narrower than the average portable speaker (6.7 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    6.65 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 180 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (240 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    240 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 4,000 Hz lower maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (16,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    16,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
    8 hours vs 12 hours
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    1 vs 2
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    This portable speaker does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • 6 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (44 mm vs 50 mm).
    44 mm vs 50 mm
  • 180 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (240 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    240 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 4,000 Hz lower maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (16,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    16,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    1 vs 2
  • 6 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (44 mm vs 50 mm).
    44 mm vs 50 mm
  • 1 m shorter Bluetooth range
    This portable speaker has a shorter Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (9 m vs 10 m).
    9 m vs 10 m
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
    8 hours vs 12 hours
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    This portable speaker does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • 12.26 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (24.7 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    24.66 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 6 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    2013 vs 2019

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

E
entertainment-focus.com
30/03/2015
Summary of the review
Polk Boom Swimmer review - Entertainment Focus
W
whatsgoodtodo.com
26/04/2015
Summary of the review
Polk Audio Boom Swimmer Bluetooth Speaker Review
O
outandaboutlive.co.uk
2015 (Undated)
Summary of the review
GEAR REVIEW: Polk Boom Swimmer speakers
H
heise.de
30/05/2018
Summary of the review
Polk Swimmer Duo Review: Shockproof and Waterproof Speaker
(Translated)Show original
H
hifitest.de
2026
Summary of the review
Technical Data Stereo Speakers - Polk Audio Swimmer Jr - Test heise online +1
(Translated)Show original
G
gamalive.com
07/03/2018
Summary of the review
Polk Boom Swimmer Duo review: A small and tough Bluetooth speaker
(Translated)Show original
E
ericboisseau.com
23/06/2017
Summary of the review
Review of the Polk Boom Swimmer Duo Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
(Translated)Show original
G
geekdetour.com
26/06/2015
Summary of the review
BOOM Swimmer: waterproof bluetooth speaker - Geek Detour
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Polk Audio Boom Swimmer

  • Impressive bass and crisp sound quality for its small size
  • Excellent waterproofing and shockproofing, making it perfect for the shower or pool
  • Highly versatile detachable flex-tail and suction cup for mounting anywhere
  • Rugged, durable, and protective rubberised outer casing
  • Supports true wireless stereo pairing when using two Duo units
  • Compact, lightweight, and very easy to pack for travel

What customers don't like about Polk Audio Boom Swimmer

  • Audio can distort easily when pushed to high volume levels
  • Battery life is relatively short and leaves room for improvement
  • The sealed charging port can be frustratingly tight and difficult to access
  • Must be disconnected from its flexible tail or suction mount to plug in and charge
  • Tends to roll or vibrate across flat tables if not secured by an attachment
  • Initial Bluetooth pairing between two units can sometimes be finicky

Verdict

The Polk Audio Boom Swimmer is an ultra-portable, rugged Bluetooth speaker featuring a 1-inch (25.4mm) driver paired with a 45mm passive radiator, a 2.5-watt power output, and a frequency response of 240Hz to 16kHz. Weighing just 0.4 lbs and measuring 9.71 inches in height by 2.62 inches in width, its primary advantages include an IPX7-rated waterproof, shockproof, and dirtproof construction that allows submersion in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes, an 8-hour battery life with a 2-hour recharge cycle, and highly versatile mounting options via its signature flexible wrap-around tail and interchangeable suction cup base. However, its main disadvantages are that it tends to distort easily at high volume levels, lacks low-end bass power due to its small form factor, and can roll across flat surfaces if not properly secured with its attachments.

Compare Polk Audio Boom Swimmer with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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