We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more The best waterproof speakers aren't afraid to get wet. Stan HoraczekWaterproof speakers can pump out your favorite music any time, rain or shine. If you want to rock out in, near, or under the water, a great speaker that can play a smash even if it takes a splash is a must. And you dont need to make any sacrifices for sound quality, nor should you have to bend on battery life, portability, and connectivity. Were here to help you find the best waterproof speakers, whether youre looking to blast Anderson.Paaks Malibu at a pool party or sit in your feels during a Phoebe Bridgers shower session.Best overall: JBL Flip 6Best portable: UE WONDERBOOM 4Best indoor/outdoor: Sonos Move 2Best premium shower speaker: Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)Best sustainable: House of Marley Get Together 2Best for Android: Sony SRS-XG300Best budget: Tribit StormBox Micro 2How we chose the best waterproof speakersWe selected our favorite waterproof speakers by considering personal experiences with portable and powered and smart speakers of all sorts alongside other user impressions and then combining those with extensive research on top-performing models. We looked at Ingress Protection (IP) rating and other speaker specslike frequency response and maximum sound pressure levelto ensure durability and sound quality. From there, we considered battery life, Bluetooth range, and special features to select the best from a fairly dense pool.The best waterproof speakers: Reviews & RecommendationsOur selection of waterproof speakers comes from some of the best-known audio companies, in addition to impressive newcomers disrupting this space. Each speaker has its own standout feature, but weve balanced our picks to make sure theres something for everyone regardless of feature set or cost. Because these speakers connect to devices over Bluetooth, a widely used technical standard, youll be able to pair them with any smartphone, tablet, or computer.Best overall: JBL Flip 6Best overallThe JBL Flip 6 lets you pump up the volume without upping the speakers size.ProsPartyBoost technologyBluetooth 5.1GraphicEQConsNo aux inputBattery life is just okayWhy it made the cut: The JBL Flip 6 is a compact waterproof party speaker that sounds and looks great on the go or at home.SpecsBattery Life: 12 hoursBluetooth Range: approx 130 feetIP Rating: IP67The JBL Flip 6 (which our reviewer loved) is a great portable Bluetooth speaker for any listening experience, dry or wet. With a durable build, rubberized onboard controls, and an IP67, this model is protected from more than just water; its protected against dust and drops, so you can feel confident taking it on any outdoor adventure. The Flip 6 has dual passive radiators, a separate tweeter, a purported frequency response range of 63 Hz 20 kHz, and a max volume of around 87 dB, so youll be satisfied with the overall sound quality. Plus, you can customize your audio using the graphic EQ on the JBL Portable app, available for both iOS and Android systems. This app also lets you connect your Flip 6 to another compatible JBL speaker with PartyBoost mode, increasing volume, creating a stereo pair, and widening coverage during larger gatherings. This model can only connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1, however; it doesnt have an aux, USB, or any other wired input. It does feature a USB-C quick charging port, which will come in handy if you like to listen at loud volumes because while the Flip 6 has up to 12 hours of battery life, that number can diminish if youre blasting music.Need an even bigger bump in battery and listening levels? Theres the equally IP67 Charge 5 or Pulse 5 or Xtreme 4 or any number of other JBL party speakers to choose from.Best portable: UE WONDERBOOM 4Brandt Ranj / Popular Science ProsDurabilityVolumePortabilityConsNo microphoneWhy it made the cut: The UE Wonderboom 4 has continued to top our charts when it comes to portable, affordable, waterproof sound.SpecsBattery Life: 14 hoursBluetooth Range: 131 feetIP Rating: IP67The WONDERBOOM 4 is one of our favorite shower speakers thanks to its compact, ultra-portable design, and the new speaker is an excellent choice for anyone interested in upgrading to waterproof audio gear. It inherits a lot of great features from previous generations of the speaker, including 360-degree sound, 14-hour battery life, peak volume of 87dB (decibels), and a body made partially from recycled materials. Most critically, it maintains the WONDERBOOM 3s IP67 durability rating, which means it can be completely submerged underwater without being damaged. At peak volume, the WONDERBOOM 4 can blanket the area around a full-sized pool in great-sounding audio, even when you dont enable its dedicated outdoor mode by pushing a button on its underside. It filled a mid-sized indoor room in our tests without pushing the speaker above 80% of its maximum volume. Other onboard controls will allow you to play, pause, and skip tracks without touching your phone, and were especially fond of its huge volume up and down buttons, which are easy to press. This speaker weighs less than 1 pound and measures 4.3 by 3.8 inches with a flexible, looped handle to strap the speaker to a bike, bag, or belt loop for maximum portability. While its small, Ultimate Ears didnt skimp on its audio features. This speaker has a pair of drivers and passive radiators, which allow it to play music in stereo and pump out an impressive amount of bass. Our listening tests included contemporary and classic music from multiple genres, and the WONDERBOOM 4 never failed to impress. It was even good at playing back spoken word audio without enabling its dedicated podcast mode.If you need a waterproof speaker thats easy to throw into your bag before heading to the pool and beach, this is the one to get. If you like these features but need a little more oomph, check out the step-up but still handheld model, the EVERBOOM, as well as the WONDERBOOM 4s much bigger brother, the EPICBOOMa big, bassy, shockproof, dustproof, waterproof device that can also be immersed in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutesor any of the other Ultimate Ears party speakers.Best indoor/outdoor: Sonos Move 2The Move 2s ergonomic design encourages you to take it anywhere.ProsVoice AssistantSound qualityBluetooth rangeExpandableConsPriceyDoes not natively support SiriWhy it made the cut: The Sonos Move 2 is a great speaker for mixed-use listening; its part of an expandable network that sounds excellent at home and transitions well for outdoor listening.SpecsBattery Life: 24 hoursBluetooth Range: 800 feetIP Rating: IP56The Sonos Move 2 has an IP56 rating, as opposed to an IPX7 rating, which means that its not fully submersible but is protected from high-pressure water jets spraying in any direction. This essentially means it can withstand rain, steam, splashes, and the accidental dunk here or there. We still consider the Move 2 waterproof and while you dont want to leave it floating in the pool, you can access impressive sound quality anywhere you go. The Move 2s biggest selling point is its incredible audio. The music we listened to sounded vibrant thanks to the speakers audio system, which features multiple drivers, a custom-designed amp, and a tasteful EQ. You can make changes to how it sounds within Sonos app, but were betting youll never need to. Additionally, the Move 2 supports a feature called TruePlay, which allows the speaker to automatically adjust its sound based on its location. This means the Move 2 will sound good both indoors and outdoors without you needing to lift a finger. The speaker is also easily transportable via its built-in handle, which encourages you to literally grab it and go..You can connect to the Move via Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2, or Wi-Fi, which, when used, will let you stream higher-quality, well-balanced audio and pair with other Sonos speakers to create a more robust stereo and/or multiroom sound system. Wi-Fi also enables you to access voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant, or one designed by Sonos itself. If you love the richly musical Sonos sound ecosystem but want something compact that you can submerge, check out the Sonos Roam 2, the Move 2s highly recommended little brother with an IP67 rating.Best premium shower speaker: Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)ProsSound qualityBluetooth RangeBattery LifeLooped carrying strapConsVolume is a bit limitedWhy it made the cut: The Beosound A1 is a well-constructed, portable, waterproof speaker from high-end brand Bang & Olufsen. Its sleek and compact with a looped handle, perfect for hanging on a showerhead or resting atop a caddy.SpecsBattery Life: 18 hoursBluetooth Range: up to 800 feetIP Rating: IP67While just about any of these speakers could support shower karaoke, the Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) has impeccable features and superb design; it measures approximately 5 x 5 inches with a flat bottom and features a looped candle so it can safely rest on a soap dish or hang from your showerhead. Bang & Olufsen produces high-end audiophile favorites, so while this speaker is pricey, youre guaranteed to get great sound from your purchase. When tested, the 360-degree driver and aptX Adaptive codec produce a wide soundstage and improved performance with an accurate frequency response between 63 Hz and 13.5 kHz. Audio is adjustable using the Beosonic apps sound customization feature and five EQ presets. Three omnidirectional microphones increase the clarity of phone calls, if youre inclined to conference rather than just have a solo relaxation session. At the same time, built-in voice and onboard controls mean you can play, pause, skip, and more without reaching a sudsy hand out for your definitely not-waterproof phone.If a compact speaker sounds like everything you need, but the Beosunds price is prohibitive, check out the JBL Clip 4.Best sustainable: House of Marley Get Together 2House Of Marleys Get Together 2 is one of the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers of 2023.ProsMade from sustainable materialsPowerbankConsPriceA little bass heavySpecsBattery Life: 20 hoursBluetooth Range: up to 98 feetIP Rating: IP65House of Marleys Get Together 2 is a mid-sized waterproof Bluetooth speaker whose signature feature is that sustainable materials are used to make it. The speaker is made of bamboo, recycled plastic bottles, and recycled aluminum, and it comes in totally recyclable packaging. Not every material used for the Get Together 2 is environmentally friendly, but its far more sustainable than the other speakers we recommend.As for its audio hardware, House of Marley designed the Get Together 2 with a four-driver system comprised of two woofers and a pair of tweeters, powered by a 40-watt amplifier. Its sound, while clear and loud, is a little bottom-heavy even on the Signature Sound EQ setting. Its not that treble or midrange frequencies are squishedthere are still a lot of details in vocals and drumsits just that bass is a lot more prominent. You can switch between three EQ modes (signature, bass boost, acoustic) by pressing a button on the back of the speaker, though wed have liked to see more fine-grained controls available.On the technical side, the Get Together 2 has many non-essential but nice-to-have features weve come to expect from a speaker in its size class, but not necessarily from waterproof models. Its USB-C port can charge other devices or quick-charge the speaker itself. The Get Together 2s IP65 rating means it can be splashed or used in the sand without the risk of damage. Its 20-hour battery life may seem a little low compared to smaller speakers, but the Get Together Go 2 has more power-hungry audio hardware, so its in line with our expectations.If you care about both sustainability and sound, House of Marleys Get Together 2 is a worthwhile portable speaker to pick up if youve got a $249 budget. The company also offers a smaller $170 version, aptly called the Get Together 2 Mini, with an even better IP67 rating, two drivers, and a battery that lasts 15 hours.Best for Android: Sony SRS-XG300Sonys SRS-XG300 is an exceptional-sounding portable Bluetooth speaker with LDAC support.ProsAdvanced-resolution codec supportPortability for its sizeLoud soundConsPriceWhy it made the cut: Sonys SRS-XG300 is the only waterproof Bluetooth speaker weve found that supports the high-resolution LDAC codec. SpecsBattery Life: 25 hoursBluetooth Range: 98.4 feetIP Rating: IP67Sony has never shied away from making high-end audio hardware, and the SRS-XG300 is its latest premium portable Bluetooth speakera waterproof one to boot. After years of refining internal components, Sony gave its portable speakers a much-needed top-to-bottom redesign. The SRS-XG300 is a lot sleeker, with a mesh covering pleasing to the eye and a handle that makes the relatively big speaker easier to carry. Indeed, carrying it from room to room or from the car to the beach never felt like a chore. Sonys focus on building speakers with lights continues here, but theyre no longer a main focal point; LED rings surround the drivers on both sides of this speaker, but they never look garish, plus you can turn them off at the push of a button.The SRS-XG300 is larger than most of our Bluetooth speaker recommendations, but the extra space has many big benefits. This speaker lasts up to 25 hours per charge while delivering far better sound than smaller speakers. This was the best-sounding portable Bluetooth speaker I tested this year, with refined-sounding lows, mids, and treble without distortion at high volumes. Sibilance and other audio abnormalities were also absent, though this will always come down to how your music was recorded and mastered. Theres even an integrated microphone w/ echo-cancelling technology if you want to use the SRS-XG300 as a crisp, natural-sounding speakerphone.We can recommend the SRS-XG300 to anyone, especially Android users whose devices support the LDAC codec. Without getting too into the weeds, devices that support this technology can play advanced resolution audio at a bitrate of 990kbps (kilobytes per second), which is approaching 1,411kbpswhat is considered full CD quality. For reference, aptX (a more commonly used audio codec) transmits audio at a maximum rate of 352kbps, and even the less compressed aptX HD is capped at 576kbps (though at an improved 48kHz). This difference doesnt matter when youre streaming music from Spotify, which streams at 320kkps. Still, it does if youre using a compatible device that supports LDAC and listening to high-resolution audio files (or taking advantage of Apple Music, TIDAL, or Amazon Musics higher tiers). TL;DR LDAC audio sounds punchier and more precise, taking full advantage of the SRS-XG300s X-Balanced driver technology.Sony has always focused on audio quality, but the company has upped its game in the durability department this time. The SRS-XG300s IP67 rating means it can be fully submerged underwater for a half hour and come out unscathed. Wed expect this performance from companies like JBL, which have been ramping up the durability of speakers for years, but its refreshing to see Sony take this so seriously.All these features come with a steep price tag, however. Plus, the SRS-XG300s most technically impressive feature is limited to folks with a handful of devices, so we couldnt definitively label this the best portable Bluetooth speaker overall. If you care about audio quality, though, theres no other portable Bluetooth speaker that deserves your consideration.Like the cylindrical look with the LED lights and the LDAC codec, but want something even more powerful? The Sony ULT FIELD 7 is an IP67 party speaker for audiophile bassheads that is a bit longer than thigh-sized, with comfortable integrated handles on both ends. More importantly, the ULT BASS is ready to boost frequencies if you get high off lows. And you can even plug in a guitar/mic, if so inclined. Best budget: Tribit StormBox Micro 2The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is ready to go, and keep going, in whatever. conditions you can handle.ProsPriceBluetooth 5.3PowerbankIntegrated strapConsSome distortion at loud volumesLimited onboard controlsWhy it made the cut: Doubling as a portable charger, this compact speaker is a budget-friendly way to listen to your favorite tunes wherever the water takes you.SpecsBattery Life: 12 hoursBluetooth Range: up to 120 feetIP Rating: IP67The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is a super-compact second-generation model that delivers solid sound at an affordable price. Similar in size and design to its predecessor, this speaker measures roughly 4 x 4 inches with a rubberized, grippy bottom and durable, textured grill. Currently available only in black, this speaker is pretty sleek and discrete. The power and pairing buttons are integrated onto the front-facing side along with five tiny LED battery life indicators. Three streamlined control buttons top the speaker, and the multifunction circle allows you to play, pause, skip, go back; access Siri or Google Assistant; as well as answer, reject, and switch calls. The plus and minus buttons raise and lower volume.Released in February 2022, this new and improved model is ready to roam with you. The integrated strap is also made of rubber with just enough stretch to fit around bulkier straps, handles, and more. It takes about two seconds to clip onto a backpack or bike handle and wont accidentally fall off when jostled. With an IP67 rating, its ready for just about any terrain you might be traversing, withstanding dust and liquids. The battery can last up to 12 hours to stay connected all day or night; plus, the SmartID USB-C port used to recharge the StormBox Micro 2 can also charge your phone, tablet, or other small accessories. Its a great speaker to bring on a short camping trip, long hike, day at the beach, or rafting adventure.Primed to use right out of the box, you can quickly pair to your smart device using Bluetooth 5.3 technology, which also extends battery life, lowers latency, and increases range. Its truly one of the more impressive connections weve seenmaintaining a strong signal even through layers of extra-thick, pre-war New York City building wallsthe downfall of many Bluetooth speakers that came before the StormBox Micro2. With that same stable connection, you can add an additional StormBox Micro 2 to double volume and create a stereo pair.The StormBox Micro 2 is tiny but surprisingly mighty, with 10 watts of output power, a 48mm NdFeB driver, passive radiators, and XBass technology making for a pretty solid listening experience. When tested, the volume reached 90 dB, which is plenty loud for outdoor listening. And while there was a bit of distortion at top volumes, the audio maintained overall clarity. There are about 16 level steps, leaving users feeling in control of their volume preferences.When it comes to sound quality, this speaker delivers fairly solid sound. With a frequency response of 70 Hz 20 kHz, youll notice that the bass is a little lacking. Desiigners Timmy Turner feels a bit lackluster when you cant experience subbass vibrations; however, weve certainly heard worse low end from a compact speaker. Kanye Wests 808s & Heartbreak feels satisfying with the speaker strapped to my backpack when I can get close to the thump of the passive radiator, though rattling drivers can occasionally distort midrange vocals. At the same time, Phoebe Bridgers vocals on Motion Sickness sat nicely atop drums and guitar backing, and the harmonies on Queens All Dead, All Dead come through evenly.The sound of the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is more than adequate for a budget Bluetooth speaker that retails for under $100, and the extra features and fortifications up the value tremendously. If youre looking for even more of a steal, though, you can try the Oontz Angle 3, which retails for under $40.What to consider when buying a waterproof speakerIP ratingThe most important thing to check before purchasing a waterproof speaker is its IP rating. IP stands for Ingress Protection, which tells you how fortified an electronic device is against dirt, dust, and water. The first digit describes particle protection (dust or sand), and the second liquid. For example, if a speaker has a rating of IP57, the 5 indicates it can keep out most dust and dirt particles. The 7 means you can submerge the device in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes before any damage occurs. If you see a rating that looks like IPX7, the X means no data is available for that substance.Only speakers with an IPX7 rating or higher can actually claim full waterproof status, though we have made an exception and recommended one stellar IP56 speaker. For full submersion or in-shower use, stick with IPX7 and above; however, an IPX6 can withstand a strong stream of water for a short time, about 100 liters per minute, suitable for rain, strong splashes, and more. IPX5 can handle 12.5 liters of water per minute, more like a squirt gun. IPX5 is technically water-resistant, and we dont recommend trying out anything less if youre on the search for a waterproof speaker.Battery lifeIf youre shopping for a waterproof speaker, chances are youre preparing to take it on the go, which means you need a model with a long-lasting battery. Check out the specs and look for a model that can last between 10 and 20 hours so you dont have to pause an outdoor adventure to charge your speaker inside. Generally speaking, larger speakers house longer-lasting batteries, but thats not always the case. You should also note that most speakers drain their battery faster when playing music at loud volumes. So, if you know youre about to host an all-day pool party, invest in something long-lasting because that speaker with 10 hours of battery might just drop to 5.We should also note that while some speakers can still play music while they charge, you shouldnt charge your speaker near the water. If it gets wet or falls, that open charging port and live connection will likely lead to speaker destruction and/or a nasty shock.Sound qualityWhile its true that portable speakers can have trouble with handling subbass and high-volume demands, there are a few models out there that are a cut above the rest.Larger units are generally more equipped to maintain consistent audio even as you turn the volume up, plus they have more room for well-designed subwoofers. A speaker with more active woofers, or even passive bass radiators, will do a much better job navigating the rumble in the sonic roads (if you want to know about the physical components of a speaker, check out our primer). As for volume, check out the speakers specs and look for a maximum sound pressure level, notated in decibels (dB). Note, however, 100 dB is the loudest youll ever really want to go, and only really in an open space for limited periods; its akin to listening to a lawnmower at close range and can eventually cause hearing damage. We are satisfied with Bluetooth speakers that maintain good sound quality between 85 dB to 95 dB for larger gatherings.You can also look at the frequency response range, measured in hertz (Hz) and kilohertz (kHz), letting you know the range of frequencies (lows, mids, and highs) the speaker will support. You will commonly see a 20 Hz 20 kHz range, which is the limit of human hearing for both highs and lows. Just because a speaker lists this range on its specs doesnt necessarily mean it can reproduce without any dips or shortcomings across the frequency spectrum, however. If you want to do more research before buying, look for a frequency response graph for the speaker in question, often created with audio testing by a third party. Keep in mind that its difficult for a portable Bluetooth speaker to support frequencies lower than 40 Hz to 50 Hz accurately without a dedicated subwoofer. Many models utilize enhanced digital signal processing technology to compensate for the lack of low-end. Still, when it comes to small speakers, sometimes we must accept their limitationsswapping subbass for waterproof protection and portability might be an even trade.Connectivity and codecsAs Bluetooth technology continues to develop, you have more control than ever over which enhancements youll rely on. Common iterations are 4.2, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 (announced in July 2021). Newer versions typically have higher data transfer speeds, maintain connection across greater distances, and reduce power consumption. Bluetooth can even pair two or more compatible units for stereo sound and increased volume.Diving even deeper, Bluetooth codecs describe how your digital audio data is encoded and decoded from a source device to your speaker or headphones. To get the most from these high-speed transfers, both your receiver and transmitter must be equipped with the same codecs. The most common codec to see is SBC, which every Bluetooth speaker supports. While not the highest-quality codec, its a virtually universal, reliable way to transfer data. If youre an iOS user looking for higher quality, consider a speaker supporting AAC, or Advanced Audio Coding. If you have an Android smart device, select a speaker with aptX/aptX HD/aptX Adaptive (or LDAC) to assure support for higher transfer rates that preserve more data.Special featuresAdditional features come in all shapes and sizes, with some of the most popular related to connectivity and controls. Consider which might be the most beneficial for you: Wi-Fi-equipped speakers, like the Sonos Move 2 and Roam 2, can pair waterproof speakers with a high-speed home network for high-fidelity audio or voice-activated commands. Voice assistant compatibility means you can control your music with Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. Some speakers, like the Tribit StormBox Micro 2, double as a power bank to charge your phone on the go, and many models come with specially designed apps to control your sound with graphic equalization, listening modes, and more.FAQsQ: What is the loudest waterproof speaker? One of the loudest, easily transported waterproof speakers is the $499 JBL Boombox 3. It has an IP67 rating and, when tested, reached over 92 dB and delivered copious amounts of deep, rumbling, low-distortion bass. While this party speaker is far from compact, its top handle makes it easy to transport and its audio capabilities make it a great choice for outdoor parties. If youve got more space in your vehicle and at least a semi-covered surface at your get-together, the loudest portable Bluetooth speaker currently available is the SOUNDBOKS 4, which is one of our top picks for an outdoor speaker because it can reach up to 126 decibels. However, while its circuitry is certified IP65 in case of experiencing some elements, it does have bass ports, so the enclosure isnt as watertight as other options. Q: Are shower speakers safe? Yes, waterproof/shower speakers are safe and wont endanger you. Remember, however, you cant stick just any speaker in the shower; you need a model with an IPX7 rating to be truly waterproof. Along with IP rating, you should make sure to read all set-up instructions for safe use. For example, most speakers need to be completely dry before charging and some shouldnt be exposed to water if the aux port is in use, etc. Q: How waterproof are JBL speakers? Many JBL portable Bluetooth speakers are fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating, including the JBL Flip 5, Flip 6, Xtreme 2, Charge 5, Go 3, and Clip 4 (along with select earlier models). However, many does not mean all, so make sure you check the specs and IP rating on any model youre eyeing. If the waterproof rating is between 2 to 5, you may still be able to use the speaker while you bathe, but we wouldnt recommend taking it into the shower with you or subjecting it to a steady stream of water. Q: Is a waterproof speaker worth it? If you spend a lot of time listening to music on the beach or by the pool, a waterproof speaker is well worth the investment. You dont lose any sound quality, and you get an assurance that your speaker will be safe if its splashed or falls into the pool. Q: Can water damage a waterproof speaker? Yes. Prolonged exposure to water (i.e., leaving your waterproof speaker at the bottom of a pool for several hours) can damage it eventually. Q: What is the highest waterproof rating for a speaker? Currently, the highest waterproof rating for a speaker is IPX7, which means it can be fully submerged underwater for up to a half hour without damage. This will prevent damage from accidental exposure to water. Q: How much does a waterproof speaker cost? Depending on features, a waterproof speaker will cost you between $50-$400. Final thoughts on finding the best waterproof speakersBest overall: JBL Flip 6Best portable: UE WONDERBOOM 4Best indoor/outdoor: Sonos Move 2Best premium shower speaker: Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)Best sustainable: House of Marley Get Together 2Best for Android: Sony SRS-XG300Best budget: Tribit StormBox Micro 2Getting wet and wild shouldnt stop you from having your favorite sounds simultaneously rain down. The best waterproof speakers keep you connected on the road, on the go, or in the shower. Rain or shine, youll be able to keep the party going if you grab a speaker with a high IP rating, long battery life, and solid connectivity. From there, you can choose the special features important to you. Soon, youll be swimming laps to the tune of your favorite 120BPM song and holding a shower concert for your one-person Britney Spears cover band.

Nature, Published online: 21 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08872-9Publisher Correction: A metagenomic dark matter enzyme catalyses oxidative cellulose conversion

Nature, Published online: 19 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08769-7An early Holocene sea-level curve based on data from the North Sea reveals two phases of accelerated sea-level rise owing to meltwater from the North American and Antarctic ice sheets.

The ancient Egyptian tomb holds the remains of a man with a gold ring bearing the name of Ramesses III.

New observations with the Atacama Cosmology Telescope in Chile reveal the earliest-ever "baby pictures" of our universe, showing some of the oldest light we can possibly see.

Learn how to create a realistic fire effect using Marmoset Toolbag 5's Material Layering, animation tools, and displacement mapping in the new guide by Marmoset's Lead Designer Joe Wilson.Project files included: https://80.lv/articles/create-animated-fire-effects-with-material-layering-in-marmoset-toolbag-5/

Developer Allie Bri presented a crowd simulation set up in Unreal Engine, adding collision and introducing 100,000 AI agents to a maze.Watch them struggling: https://80.lv/articles/watch-100-000-ai-agents-navigating-maze-with-collision-in-unreal-engine-5/

3D Artist Simon Zhang showcased this stunning artwork with an appealing painterly effect created with Blender.The creator was experimenting with compositing filters and shared the setup. For the noise effect, the artist used a noise grunge texture, and vegetation was made using the botaniq add-on and a free plant library from Geo-Scatter. Also, the creator mentioned that he might release a tutorial on crafting the painterly effect.Check out the setup shared by the artist:Simon Zhang also showed how the render looks like without the painterly effect:The artist has created a lot of incredible works using Blender, both inspired by beloved video games and original ones. Take a look at some of them:Visit the artists Reddit page and YouTube channel. Also,dont forget to join our 80 Level Talent platform and our new Discord server, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram, TikTok, and Threads, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Source link The post 3D Artist Showcased Gorgeous Painterly Effect Made with Blender appeared first on CG SHARES.

Marvel Rivals has become incredibly popular since its December 2024 launch, landing near the top of Steam's most-played list nearly every week since it went live and receiving praise from critics and players alike. But the game's sustained popularity has also resulted in an influx of new players. With 37 playable heroes--and many more to come--Marvel Rivals can be a bit overwhelming for those who are new to the game. But with a little guidance and some practice, it's easy to master a few characters--we recommend becoming proficient in at least one character from each hero class, to ensure you can fill in any tactical gaps in your team's roster.Each hero has a star rating (ranging from one star to five stars) indicating how difficult that character is to master. But not all one-star heroes are created equal, and not all two-, three-, four-star, or five-star heroes are as daunting (or deadly) as they may initially seem.You can easily destroy a five-star hero with a one-star hero, and many higher-tier heroes are quite easy to get the hang of. If you're a new player looking for a good hero to try out without getting instantly clobbered--or a more experienced player who's still struggling--you're in the right place.We've put together a list of the 10 best Marvel Rivals heroes for players who are new to the game, still haven't found their "main" yet, or just need a bit of guidance. Keep scrolling for a closer look at some of the easiest (and most rewarding) heroes to master.For lots more on choosing your go-to character in Marvel Rivals, check out the Duelist tier list, Vanguard tier list, Strategist tier list, or--if you're coming to the game as an Overwatch player, you can pick your Rivals main based on your Overwatch main. 10. Luna SnowLuna Snow makes for a great support character, especially for players who don't want to be in the center of a brawl.Difficulty rating: Class: StrategistHP: 275Luna Snow is ideal for new players who are a bit shy about getting into the fight, but still want the ability to defend themselves. Her normal attack, called Light & Dark Ice, deals damage to enemies and heals allies. She's also great for healing airborne heroes, who often get overlooked by their ground-bound Strategist allies.Her Share The Stage ability allows her to protect a single ally, attaching an Idol Aura to them that protects them and restores their health when Luna is healing other teammates. We recommend attaching Idol Aura to airborne characters like Iron Man, Storm, or Human Torch, as they often fly so high that it can be difficult to hit them with Light & Dark Ice.Luna's Ice Arts ability is another great one--it allows her to fire multiple shards of ice at enemies, damaging them while healing both her allies and herself. Absolute Zero also allows Luna to fire ice at the enemy (a single clump, in this instance), but it also heals her in the process.But by far, Luna's most useful abilities are her passive Smooth Skate ability and her ultimate Fate Of Both Worlds ability. Smooth Skate sees Luna ice skating through the arena, making her one of the fastest-moving heroes in the game, and also allows her to jump higher. Smooth Skate's speed boost gives Luna the ability to get back in the fight ASAP, or quickly escape danger.As for her ultimate, Fate Of Both Worlds temporarily increases Luna's HP from 275 to 525 as she puts on a performance. Players can toggle back and forth between a performance that heals all nearby allies, and one that grants nearby allies increased damage, and Luna can move around to make sure she's healing/buffing as many teammates as possible.This is a great way to turn the tide in battle--use the first part of the performance to heal up your allies, then swap to the second performance to give them a damage boost. 9. Iron ManIron Man's ability to fly is great for avoiding damage, and his other skills are great for dealing it.Difficulty rating: Class: DuelistHP: 250Iron Man has the benefit of being able to fly high and fast, which is invaluable when it comes to avoiding damage. Iron Man's normal attacks--Repulsor Blast and Unibeam--are quite useful, but using his Armor Overdrive ability will increase the damage of both attacks. Unibeam is absolutely deadly and is great for quickly draining health from enemy Vanguard-class heroes.Iron Man's Hyper-Velocity ability allows him to fly extremely quickly for a brief amount of time--and also allows him to unleash a barrage of missiles while doing so. This is great for getting out of sticky situations--just blast your enemies with missiles and make a beeline for the nearing Strategist or health pack to heal up. Then return to the fight, activate Armor Overdrive, and hit your enemies with your buffed Unibeam.Alternatively, Iron Man may wish to return to the fight with his ultimate ability, Invincible Pulse Cannon (assuming it's loaded up and ready to go).This ability deals devastating damage to anyone caught in its blast and also sends them flying backwards. This ability is great for game modes in which teams are fighting to gain control of an area of the map. Aim it well enough, and you might even be able to blast enemies off the edge of the map. 8. MagnetoWith a powerful ultimate ability, MagnetoDifficulty rating: Class: VanguardHP: 650Magneto's normal attack, Iron Volley, allows him to fire a volley of magnetized orbs that explode on impact, but rather than reducing the damage of projectiles fired from a long distance, Iron Volley's explosions get bigger based on how far they've traveled.His Metallic Curtain ability blocks all projectiles, and his Metal Bulwark ability conjures a protective shield around an allied teammate. Any damage taken by this shield transforms into rings on Magneto's back, but we'll get to those in a moment.Magneto isn't just about protecting others--his Iron Bulwark ability works just like Metal Bulwark, except it gives a protective shield to Magneto rather than a teammate. Again, any damage the Iron Bulwark shield takes transforms into the circular metal rings on his back. What do those rings do, exactly?Well, if you use Magneto's Mag-Cannon ability, you can launch those rings at enemy players, causing damage. The more rings on Magneto's back, the greater the damage, and a full stack (three rings) will also knock enemies back upon impact, in addition to dealing damage.But the real star of the show here is his ultimate ability, Meteor M. The Meteor M ability sees Magneto fly upward (making him harder to hit) and summon an iron meteor that does devastating damage upon impact.The meteor's power can even be enhanced by absorbing the projectiles of enemies to shoot at it, but too many projectiles can cause it to self-destruct, so it's best to launch this meteor quickly. 7. The ThingThe Thing's extra HP and rock-solid ability set makes him ideal for players who want to play on the frontlines.Difficulty rating: Class: VanguardHP: 700In addition to his enormous amount of health, The Thing also has a passive ability called Unyielding Will, which makes him immune to being launched upward, knocked backward, or otherwise displaced.His Stone Haymaker and Rocky Jab abilities allow him to punch his enemies with a great amount of force, and his Yancy Street Charge ability sees him gain speed, allowing him to rapidly dash through hordes of enemies, damaging them and knocking them out of the way in the process.But as a part of The Fantastic Four, The Thing is a team player at heart. His embattled leap ability sees him jump toward an ally, healing both himself and his teammate in the process. His ultimate ability, however, is all about damage and area control.Activating Clobberin' Time will cause The Thing to forcefully punch the ground, damaging enemies in front of him and sending them flying upward. 6. Invisible WomanDespite her four-star difficulty rating, Invisible Woman is surprisingly easy to get the hang of.Difficulty rating: Class: StrategistHP: 275As a hero with a four-star difficulty rating and relatively low HP, you might expect the Invisible Woman to be quite complicated to master. But in our experience, she's not too hard to get the hang of, and she's incredibly useful.Her normal attack, Orb Projection, damages enemies but heals allies. Her Psionic Vortex ability sucks nearby enemies into the orb, making them a prime target for her Force Physics ability, which allows her to push enemies in front of her away, or pull them closer. Pulling them closer is a great time to unleash Agile Strike, a three-hit combo that damages enemies and knocks them backward.Invisible Woman's Guardian Shield is invaluable, allowing her to place a damage-absorbing shield in front of her allies. This ability refreshes almost instantly, allowing her to reposition the shield quickly. Even better, the shield can go anywhere--even up in the air. This is great for protecting airborne heroes long enough for you to heal them via Orb Projection.If things start getting dicey, Invisible Woman can easily make a quick escape via her Veiled Step ability, which allows her to jump high into the air and land far away from her original position. This is a great way to escape an unwinnable situation long enough for her passive ability, Covert Advance, to trigger. Covert Advance sees Invisible Woman become invisible after a short time out of combat, regenerating health in the process.Her Invisible Boundary ultimate ability is also quite powerful, creating a circular force field that renders allies within it undetectable by enemies and heals them over time. Enemy players who are brave enough to step into the Invisible Boundary will have their movement slowed.Invisible Woman is wildly powerful, but don't let that four-star difficulty rating scare you off--she's really quite easy to get the hang of, and is great for players who want to be able to heal themselves and their allies, but still want to be able to inflict damage upon enemies and control their ability to freely move across the arena. 5. Star-LordWith a great movement boost and weapons that can lock-on to targets, Star-Lord can deal some serious damage.Difficulty rating: Class: DuelistHP: 250If you enjoy third-person shooters, Star-Lord is the hero for you. His normal attack--Element Guns--sees him dual-wielding two automatic pistols that, when well-aimed, can do absolutely massive damage.But if you're struggling with aim, don't worry--Star-Lord's Blaster Barrage hits all enemies within range, with no aiming needed, and his ultimate Galactic Legend ability sends Star-Lord flying up into the air (making him harder to hit) before unleashing a barrage of elemental bullets from his pistols that do devastating damage. This ability also allows him to lock-on to enemies, and once locked-on, it's almost impossible to miss.Star-Lord also has some great movement-based abilities to help him get out of trouble or catch up with his team. His Stellar Shift ability allows him to dodge and quickly reload at the same time. He gains both the Unstoppable and Invincible status effects while dodging.His Rocket Propulsion ability allows him to quickly rocket-boost himself forward, which really comes in handy when trying to avoid certain death or get back into the match ASAP after being eliminated. 4. Jeff The Land SharkDon't be fooled by his utterly adorable appearance--this little shark is as deadly as he is cute.Difficulty rating: Class: StrategistHP: 250He might be adorable, but this cuddly little shark with puppy-dog vibes is deadlier--and more helpful--than you might think. Jeff The Land Shark has two normal attacks: Joyful Splash and Aqua Burst. Joyful Splash sees Jeff spew a mouthful of healing water at his allies, and this water has some serious range, making it ideal for healing airborne allies or ground-bound teammates who are far away.Meanwhile, Aqua Burst allows Jeff to spew multiple spheres of water at enemies, damaging any enemies within range of said spheres. His Healing Bubble ability is exactly what it sounds like--Jeff spits out a bubble that heals whichever teammate collects it, grants them both a healing boost and a movement boost, and also launches nearby enemies upward.His passive Oblivious Cuteness ability is also quite useful, as it reduces the amount of damage Jeff takes from critical hits. His Hide And Seek ability allows him to dive into the floor, with only his dorsal fin visible, which makes him harder to hit. While using Hide And Seek, Jeff moves faster, automatically self-heals if he's injured, and gains the ability to swim up the side of walls. It's great for orchestrating a subtle exit if Jeff finds himself in the middle of a battle he can't win.Jeff's most powerful ability is arguably his It's Jeff! ultimate ability. Jeff dives into a large section of the arena's floor before briefly surfacing and goblins up anyone caught in the whirlpool. Hide And Seek then automatically activates for a brief amount of time, allowing Jeff to quickly swim away from the scene before spitting out the heroes he's swallowed. It's Jeff! is great for getting enemies out of the way, especially if you're near the edge of the map--you can simply use Hide And Seek to swim to the edge of the map and spit your enemies out right there, sending them flying off the edge of the map and killing them instantly.It's Jeff! can also be used to swallow teammates, swim to a safer area, and spit them out there before using Joyful Splash to heal them up. Just be careful not to accidentally swallow teammates along with enemies, as your allies likely won't appreciate being spit off the side of the map. 3. The PunisherThe Punisher's ultimate ability is incredibly powerful, and will send enemies running for cover.Difficulty rating: Class: DuelistHP: 275The Punisher is great for new players--especially those who enjoy third-person shooters. His normal attacks include Adjudication--which see The Punisher fire an automatic rifle that does decent damage--and Deliverance.Deliverance can easily take out most characters in three or four shots (depending on their HP and how much damage they've already taken). Both Adjudication and Deliverance pack a serious punch, and swapping back and forth between them makes taking out enemies incredibly easy. But if you want to make it easier, you can use The Punisher's Scourge Grenade ability, which fires a smoke grenade, blinding enemies, causing minor damage, and sending The Punisher flying backward, out of their range.Enemies can still be seen through the Scourge Grenade's smoke, creating the perfect opportunity to finish them off with Deliverance or Adjudication. The Punisher's passive Warrior's Gaze ability works like X-Ray vision, and allows him to briefly see outlines of enemies who disappear from sight by running for cover.Speaking of running for cover, The Punisher's Vantage Connection ability allows him to launch a grappling hook, creating a sort of zipline that can quickly move him across the map. This is great for escaping peril or relocating at a moment's notice.But the real stars of the show are The Punisher's Culling Turret ability and his Final Judgement ultimate ability. Activating Culling Turret creates a shielded turret with a shield and a separate HP bar, so unless enemies are behind The Punisher, they'll have to deplete the turret shield's HP before they can start whittling down The Punisher's HP.The Culling Turret does massive damage and lasts until its shield is destroyed, but there's one downside: The Punisher has to sit in it, leaving him unable to move while using the turret. Having the Invisible Woman cast a shield near you or having Luna Snow cast Share The Stage to attach a protective Idol Aura to The Punisher is a great way to make up for the vulnerability created by sitting in one place with only a forward-facing turret shield to protect you.As for The Punisher's Final Judgement ultimate ability, it's great at crowd control. Final Judgement sees two Gatling guns appear on The Punisher's back, along with a target-seeking missile launcher.While this is great at draining enemy health, it offers no protection for the Punisher. No HP boost, no temporary HP, no floating in the air, no shield. So be aware of your surroundings and be sure to let your teammates know you're about to play judge, jury, and executioner, so the Strategists on your team can keep you healed up, and any Vanguards can get between you and the enemy, absorbing damage. 2. VenomWith more HP than anyone else in the game, Venom is both fun to play and difficult for enemies to take down.Difficulty rating: Class: VanguardHP: 800Venom is arguably one of the best heroes to take for a spin as a new player. He's got more HP than any other character in the game, and his Symbiotic Resilience ability allows him to generate bonus health if he takes damage. The more damage he takes, the more bonus health he'll recover.Venom is also highly mobile. His Venom Swing ability allows him to quickly get back in the fight (or get the hell out and find a health pack), and it also gives him a chance to make use of Frenzied Arrival: An ability that allows Venom to dive-slam into the ground when jumping or swinging from a significant height.When he hits the ground, any nearby enemies will take damage and get tossed into the air by the force of Venom's landing. But this hulking symbiote's surprisingly smooth movement doesn't stop there--his passive Alien Biology ability allows him to crawl up walls, providing more opportunities to jump down and trigger his Frenzied Arrival ground-slam ability.As for offense, Venom's normal attack is Dark Predation, a skill that sees him use his tentacle-like appendages to stab enemies. Venom needs to be fairly close to his enemies to land a hit with Dark Predation, but with 800 health and the ability to Venom Swing away if things get messy, it's a small price to pay. Venom can also use his Cellular Corrosion ability to grab multiple enemies with his tentacles.Cellular Corrosion causes damage to enemies who are unable to break free from Venom's clutches, so grabbing your foes with that ability and then using Dark Predation to damage them while they're still in your clutches is a great way to engage in some crowd control. Triggering Symbiotic Resistance beforehand is even better, as it lessens the likelihood of enemies managing to kill Venom before he can kill them.Venom's ultimate ability, Feast Of The Abyss, is quite similar to Jeff The Land Shark's ultimate ability. Venom melts into a large puddle of black symbiote goo on the floor, and can reposition himself. After a brief period of time (or, ideally, when triggered by the player), Venom will surface, taking a large bite out of any nearby enemies.This ability can do some significant damage--one chomp is enough to cut down The Punisher's health by over 50%, for example. But it also had added benefits: Feast Of The Abyss regenerates Venom's health, granting him bonus health that--depending on how many victims were devoured--can temporarily raise his HP from 800 to over 1,300.All in all, Venom is extremely easy to get the hang of, and more than that, he is wildly fun to play. Like many of Marvel Rivals' playable heroes, Venom really makes you feel like you're playing a brain-eating symbiote from planet Klyntar. 1. Scarlet WitchBetween her auto-aiming default attack, her ability to disappear, and her deadly ultimate, Scarlet Witch is ideal for new players.Difficulty rating: Class: DuelistHP: 250At first glance, Scarlet Witch is easy to overlook. She's got low HP, only one normal attack, and doesn't move very fast. But she's capable of inflicting wild amounts of damage, and can quickly escape if the fight gets too dicey.Her normal attack, Chaos Control, deals damage to enemies based on a percentage of their max health. But far more importantly, Chaos Control is effectively an endless stream of Chaos Magic that does not require aiming. Yep, Wanda's magic effectively has auto-aim. It also has some serious range, and using it restores Chaos Energy.Chaos Energy powers one of her other abilities: Chthonian Burst. This ability allows her to fire up to four explosive magic missiles that pack a serious punch. Chaos Energy slowly refills on its own over time, but using Chaos Control refills it much faster, and when playing as Scarlet Witch, you should pretty much always be using both Chaos Energy and Chthonian Burst.Another ability Scarlet Witch possesses is called Dark Seal. Triggering it fires an orb of Chaos Magic that can be detonated by the player, or will detonate on its own eventually. Once detonated, Dark Seal essentially serves as a force field that periodically stuns enemies who try to walk through it, or happen to be standing within range when it detonates.Another valuable ability Scarlet Witch possesses is Mystic Protection. It has two charges, and when triggered, Scarlet Witch becomes transparent and gains the ability to fly--but enemy players only see her as a small red orb zooming around that is very hard to hit. Mystic Projection is an excellent way to get out of hot water and find the nearest health pack when an enemy is about to finish you off.But the best demonstration of Scarlet Witch's chaotic powers is her Reality Erasure ultimate ability. When triggered, Scarlet Witch can fly freely, chanting a brief incantation ("Pure chaos!") before unleashing a huge orb of Chaos Magic that destroys nearly everything in its path.The brief moment between triggering Reality Erasure and it actually detonating can be dangerous, however--Scarlet Witch does not have an extra shield or any other additional help to protect her while she's vulnerable.As soon as enemy players hear, "Pure chaos!" they will do everything they can to take Scarlet Witch down before Reality Erasure detonates. We recommend either flying as high up as possible and only descending when the ability is about to detonate or triggering the ability while hiding behind cover, only exposing yourself to the enemy right when Reality Erasure is going to detonate. If you've got voice chat on, be sure to warn your teammates so they can protect you with shields, healing, or distractions.Overall, Scarlet Witch is the best character to start off with if you're new to Marvel Rivals. Knowing that every single normal attack will always hit its target will allow you to get familiar with Scarlet Witch's other powers and focus on familiarizing yourself with other important aspects of the game, like different modes, various hero team-ups, and not letting Jeff The Land Shark spit you off the side of the map.