The overall score is made up of the audio score (60%), battery score (20%) and ease of use score (20%).

Performance tests are based on our listening panel's appraisal of two pieces of music. The speaker is positioned about two metres away from the listener, with the panel assessing overall quality.

We drain the battery life of each speaker using a fixed, looped, nine hour playlist. The speakers are drained twice only if the results are consistent, and a third time if the difference between the first two runs is greater than five percent.

Ease of use is important for a wireless speaker, particularly with some of the more fully featured models that can take some time to learn the controls and options available. Our tester looks at initial setup, how the speaker deals with an incoming phone call in the middle of music playback and any physical controls on the speaker.

We drain the battery life of each speaker using a fixed, looped, nine hour playlist. The speakers are drained twice only if the results are consistent, and a third time if the difference between the first two runs is greater than five percent. The figure published is an average. 

Recommended speakers have earned an overall score of 70% or above. Overall scores are made up of audio, battery and ease of use scores.

'Tested' means you ought to be able to find this in retailers. We check availability every time we test, which is about two times a year. 'Discontinued' means you may have trouble finding this product as it is no longer in production; however, you may find this product online either locally or overseas.

Recommended retail, as of August 2016.

Excluding power lead, rounded to nearest 100g.

Rounded up to nearest 5mm.

Details whether the speaker has been designed with loops, a carabiner or other hanging mechanism

Stereo speakers play audio from a left and right channel, creating the illusion sound is coming from more than one direction.

Some speakers can be paired together in order to play back music with more volume, or to simulate a stereo speaker set up. 

3.5mm aux-in port.

A microphone built into the speaker makes it possible to take an incoming phone call.

Miscellaneous features including support for NFC, FM radio, expandable storage, daisy chaining and more.

Can tolerate splashes, but cannot be submerged in water.

The waterproof speakers featured in this review all (coincidentally) are certified IPX7. That is, they are certified for use in water less than a metre deep for a period no longer than 30 minutes.