15 Best Waterproof Marine Stereo in 2023
We gave our Gear Lovers one job:
Find the best and most popular waterproof marine stereo and review them.
Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews.
Considering that the marine environment presents adverse weather conditions, you will need a top-notch marine stereo system that can withstand the elements, especially the water.
For that reason, we’ve come up with a list of the 15 best waterproof marine stereo units on the market right now.
But before we dive into our selection, there’s one thing we should mention upfront.
Even though car stereos might be a cheaper option and you might feel tempted to install yours on your vessel, you really shouldn’t.
Marine radios are built and designed to stand up to harsh weather conditions such as rain, saltwater and constant sun exposure, unlike the ones your car has to endure on a daily basis.
The Top 5 Waterproof Marine Stereo in 2023
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1
Plays Well With All Media: Fusion MS-RA70 -
2
Serious Sound: Boss Audio MGR350B -
3
Great Sounding Streamer: Infinity INF-PRV250 -
4
Alexa Supported, Amazing Sound: Kenwood KMR-M328BT -
5
Great Budget Option: Pyle PLMRB29W
All the Waterproof Marine Stereo We've tested
The Fusion MS-RA70 digital media receiver packs a lot of power for your tunes as well as plenty of other features in a compact Din-sized shape topped with the marine-rated reliability the Fusion brand is known for.
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: 2.36 x 4.88 x 7.4 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Built-in amplifier (25 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
- Inputs: rear USB and AUX inputs
- Outputs: discrete pre-outs and sub-out for each zone
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Simple yet stylish -
Great sound quality
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Easy to install
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Fits any standard DIN-sized opening
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Easy-to-use interface
Things we don't like:
Pricey- Volume control
- Inconvenient rear USB input
Pricey
This marine-rated stereo offers you plenty of ways to enjoy music along with a smartphone charging option and, best of all, a 3-year warranty. Its compact design fits into a standard gauge opening and its reasonable price will fit perfectly in your pocket.
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: 3.75 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 1.95 pounds
- Built-in amplifier (20 watts RMS/60 peak × 4 channels)
- Inputs: USB, AUX
- Outputs: Front and Rear or Sub Pre-Amp
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Sleek and compact design
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Affordable
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3-year warranty
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2 shapes to choose from
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Smartphone charging via USB
Things we don't like:
- Many customers have complained about condensation in the faceplate
With a handful of ways to enjoy music on your vessel, the Infinity INF-PRV250 gives you all the features you want in a marine stereo plus the water-resistant toughness you need in a marine environment. Solid bluetooth connectivity with incredible sound too.
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 6 inches
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Built-in amplifier (20 watts x 4 RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
- Inputs: USB and AUX
- 2-channel rear preamp outputs
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Small and compact
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High quality materials
Things we don't like:
- The non-standard dimensions
The Kenwood’s KMR-M328BT features all favorites (Bluetooth, Spotify, and Pandora), plus Alexa voice control, SiriusXM tuner, dual phone pairing and a Remote App that lets you control your playlists and sound settings. Made specifically for the outdoors, this marine receiver has a conformal-coated circuit board as well as a positive backlit display for better use on the sea and in the sun.
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: 9 x 8 x 4 inches
- Weight: 1.92 pounds
- Built-in MOSFET amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
- Inputs: front USB and AUX inputs
- Outputs: 6-channel preamp outputs (4-volt front, rear, sub)
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Easy to install
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Great sound quality
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Anti-glare positive backlit LCD display
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Removable theft-deterrent faceplate
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Up to 5 Bluetooth devices can be connected to the receiver
Things we don't like:
- Distortion at higher volumes
Where to buy:
Where to buy:
This low-budget stereo combines a handful of features into a single DIN universal standard design. Convenient and versatile, the Pyle – PLMRB29W lets you stream your favorite music through its built-in Bluetooth while the built-in microphone provides you with a hands-free calling command.
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 3.5 x 7.5 inches
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
- Built-in amp (75 peak x 4 channels)
- Aux-in, USB / SD slot
- RCA in the rear
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Low budget stereo
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Easy to install
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Hands-Free Calling
Things we don't like:
- No LCD backlight intensity
- Weak Bluetooth signal
Don’t let its size fool you! The Kicker KMC2 packs a lot of power to produce great quality tunes. Its easy-to-install shape will get you listening to your music in no time. Plus, it’s sealed against the elements for safe use in the marine environment and when your phone becomes low on battery, just use its USB port to charge it.
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: 6 x 5.6 x 7.8 inches
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Built-in amp (25 watts x 4 RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
- Inputs: rear USB input, rear aux input
- Outputs: 4-channel preamp outputs
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Compact design
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Good sound quality
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Fits into a standard gauge opening
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Smartphone charging via USB
Things we don't like:
- Display too bright at night
Where to buy:
Where to buy:
If it’s loud music you’re looking for on your boat, then look no further. The Rockville RGHR2 is known for being one of the loudest marine receivers on the market, but you can always adjust the sound quality through the built-in EQ. Apart from the classic features, it comes with a wired remote and it has been tested to stand up to the elements.
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: 7.09 x 10.24 x 5.94 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Built-in amplifier (28 watts x 4 RMS/72 peak x 4 channels)
- USB Input and RCA Aux Input
- Two Sets of RCA outputs
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Powerful sound quality
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Wired Remote Control
Things we don't like:
- It doesn’t fit a standard gauge opening
Combining great sound quality, stylish design, and water-resistant protection, Sony’s DSX-M55BT gives you everything you need on a marine receiver without breaking the bank, including a built-in mic for a hands-free experience.
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: 8 x 2.81 x 7.06 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Built-in amplifier (17 watts RMS CEA-2006/55 peak x 4 channels)
- Inputs: front USB input, front AUX input
- Outputs: 2-volt rear-channel & subwoofer RCA preouts
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Stylish design
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Siri control for hands-free use
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Great sound quality
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Wireless remote control
Things we don't like:
- Weak Bluetooth signal
- Short longevity
Packing loads of features into a sleek and easy-to-install design, the Clarion’s GR10BT lets you stream music from your devices, charge your phone from its USB port, and enjoy great quality sound while its tough construction handles the extremes of the marine environment.
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: 6.8 x 1.9 x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 1.9 pounds
- Built-in amp (16 watts x 4 RMS CTA-2006/45 peak x 4 channels)
- Inputs: rear USB input, rear aux input
- Outputs: 4-channel preamp outputs (2-volt front, rear)
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Easy to install
-
Sleek and compact design
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Smartphone charging via USB
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Great quality sound
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Fits into a standard gauge opening
Things we don't like:
- Some customers have complained about fog in the display
Where to buy:
Where to buy:
The JBL PRV-175 is a compact, affordable, user-friendly marine receiver offering all the basic features, good sound quality, built-in Bluetooth for music streaming, and a seaworthy design ready to battle the elements.
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: 7 x 6 x 6 inches
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Built-in amp (20 watts x 4 RMS/45 peak x 4 channels)
- Inputs: rear USB input, rear aux input
- Outputs: 2-channel preamp outputs
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Compact
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Easy to use
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Easy-to-read display
Things we don't like:
- According to some customers, the unit gets extremely hot
- Short durability
If you still haven’t parted ways with your old CD collection or you just think music sounds better on a CD, this marine receiver was made for you. The Sony MEX-M100BT features all your favorites, plus Siri control for taking calls and listening to music hands-free, NFC connection, and a USB port to charge your smartphone. All with powerful sound quality and the water-resistant toughness you need in the open sea.
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: 10.87 x 4.12 x 8.81 inches
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Built-in Class-D amplifier (40 watts RMS CEA-2006/100 peak x 4 channels)
- Plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs
- Inputs: front panel auxiliary and USB inputs
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Powerful sound quality
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Detachable face
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SongPal App for intuitive remote control
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Bluetooth hands-free calling
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Smartphone charging via USB
Things we don't like:
- Small buttons
- Complicated controls and settings
The Herdio HMR230B offers you many features to enjoy your music in a compact design that fits into a standard gauge opening, plus a waterproof construction so you don’t have to worry about the elements.
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 4.41 inches
- Weight: 1.35 pounds
- Built-in amp (40 peak x 4 channels)
- Inputs: rear USB input, rear aux input
- Built-in Bluetooth
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Easy to install
-
Compact design
Things we don't like:
- Weak Bluetooth signal
Where to buy:
If you’re into powerful sound, but don’t own a big boat, this one’s for you! The Fusion MS-RA55 marine receiver offers you plenty of ways to enjoy your music such as built-in Bluetooth, Pandora, and Spotify, all in an easy-to-install, water-resistant design.
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: 3.74 x 9.25 x 6.89 inches
- Weight: 1.98 pounds
- Built-in amp (25 watts RMS/45 peak x 4 channels)
- Inputs: aux input
- Outputs: 2-channel preamp outputs (3-volt rear)
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Sleek design
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High quality product
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Easy to install
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Great quality sound
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Multi-language user interface (English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, and Dutch)
Things we don't like:
- Some customers have reported condensation behind the screen
Enjoy great sound quality with this easy-to-install Clarion M508 and make the most of it with its dual-zone control, which lets you split the boat into two distinct areas. Also, its conformal-coated circuit board ensures a reliable protection against the elements.
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.4 x 3.4 inches
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
- Built-in amplifier (20 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
- Inputs: front USB and AUX inputs
- Outputs: 8-channel preamp outputs (front, rear, sub, zone 2)
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Easy to install
-
Great sound quality
-
Strong Bluetooth connection
Things we don't like:
- Display too bright at night
Simple, budget-friendly, and packed with enough features for you to have a nice time, the Dual AM400W, despite not having Bluetooth connectivity, still lets you enjoy your favorites tunes through its USB port or the Pandora Radio app. It’s also an excellent option for the ones who still haven’t gotten rid of their CD collection.
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 2 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Built-in (18 watts RMS CTA-2006/60 peak x 4)
- Plays CDs
- Inputs: front USB and AUX inputs
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Affordable
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Easy to install
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Good sound quality
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2-year warranty
Things we don't like:
- No Bluetooth connectivity
Where to buy:
Where to buy:
Related Reviews
How to choose the best marine radio? | Buying Guide
We’ve just made your life a little easier by listing our top 15 marine stereos and to help you even further, here are 7 things to look out for when you go marine radio shopping:
1. Water Resistance
Since your boat will always be surrounded by water whether it’s on the marina or in the open sea, this is a no-brainer. It is important to note though, that the water exposure these products can handle will vary between simple resistance and waterproof.
However, most of them will withstand light splashes of water to rain.
2. UV Protection
Sun exposure can seriously damage your boat’s music system, especially if your dashboard is often exposed to the sunlight. So make sure you invest in a stereo that is properly designed to endure the UV rays on your controls, faceplates, display, and speakers.
3. Anti-corrosion
As much as we love to feel the sea breeze caressing our faces, seawater does not go well with the metal and electrical parts that make up your marine stereo system.
Therefore, for your boat radio to last longer, any metal should be rust-resistant and the circuit boards must have a coating against corrosion.
4. Sound Quality
In a marine environment, many things can prevent you from enjoying your favorite tunes: the sound of the engine, the waves, the wind, and the occasional loud seagulls are just a few of them.
Consequently, your radio needs to be powerful enough so it can drown out these noises and provide you with a clear and clean sound. Another reason why you shouldn’t install your car stereo on your boat.
Most marine stereos will have an amplifier built-in and they are, for the ordinary sailor, quite good and powerful. However, if you are very picky about sound quality or you’re a party animal who enjoys loud music, you might want to consider investing in an external amplifier.
5. Installation
Another aspect you need to check before buying your marine stereo is that it fits into your dashboard or into a pre-existing hole from a previous stereo. This is by far, the easiest choice or you might need to widen or shorten your existing space.
6. Expandability
A good set of speakers is a game-changer when it comes to boosting the quality of your sound. And although this topic deserves an entire guide dedicated to it, here are a couple of things you should keep in mind.
Be sure to check out that your stereo comes with a range of preamp outputs, which are essential for you to connect not only the amplifiers but also future subwoofers. The former is what delivers sound to the speakers while the latter gives you that perfect bass sound.
And just like you did with your marine stereo, make sure to get the right measurements of where you intend to place your speakers. This will prevent you from a future headache and will make the installation process a lot easier.
7. Additional Features
- Smartphone Compatibility: As you can see from our list, whether it’s through a wireless connection or through a cable, you’ll definitely find a way to integrate your smartphone with your marine stereo. The majority of them will have Bluetooth built-in, which is the most convenient option, but you can also connect your portable device through the USB port or the auxiliary input.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The Bluetooth technology provides you with a range of functions such as playing music stored on your phone, access to music streaming services such as Pandora, Spotify, and Apple Music as well as hands-free calling, as long as your stereo has a built-in microphone. And since music streaming services have become the most preferred way to listen to music nowadays, this is quite a useful feature to look for.
- USB port & SD slot: This is another way to access your media files. Most marine stereos will come with a USB port that lets you play your songs straight from your flash drives but only a few of them will have an SD card reader. And in some cases, the USB port will also serve as a charging station for your smartphone.
- Auxiliary port (AUX): A simple way to connect your portable audio device directly into your radio.
- Near Field Communications (NFC): Technology similar to Bluetooth that allows you to stream music and share files but compared to the first one its transmission is slower and the range of communication is shorter.
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio: This is a subscription service offering over 150 channels, including weather, wind and wave forecasts and it’s available in the continental United States and its coastal regions as well as Southern Canada.
- Built-in microphone: A built-in mic grants you access to your phone through voice control, which then allows you to make phone calls without having to pick up your phone besides connecting you with your Siri or Alexa enabled devices.
With that being said, keep in mind that it’s important that you look for a radio system that not only suits your vessel but also your needs and pocket.
So be sure to check out our list at the top for the best waterproof marine radios on the market.
And please comment down below if we forgot to include your favorite marine stereo on our list. Which ones should we have included instead and which one is your favorite?
If you already have a Marine Radio or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it.
Frequently asked questions
Although it might seem intimidating, installing a marine stereo is actually pretty straightforward. First, you’ll need to figure out where to mount your stereo head unit. The important thing to remember here is you have to choose a mounting area that’s protected from the water, so you can either mount a marine stereo head unit on the dashboard area, or in the cabin. Some stereo systems are bracket-mounted, while others are flush-mounted; if you’re installing the latter, you’ll have to cut out an appropriate-sized hole on your mounting spot. Marine stereo systems are designed to be mounted horizontally, accounting for all kinds of boat movement. Once you’ve securely mounted your head unit, you then have to install speakers (pretty much in the same way you installed the head unit). Make sure your speakers are placed optimally for the best sound. After you’ve installed your head unit and speakers, you’ll then have to wire your stereo system to your boat’s power source. Now, if this all sounds too complicated, you always have the option of calling customer support for assistance.
This depends on what you’re looking for in a marine stereo system. If you want something that sounds premium and is compatible with all media, then you can’t go wrong with the Fusion MS-RA70. That said, if you want something compact, easy to install, affordable, and still delivers great sound, you can either get the JBL PRV-175, or the Boss Audio MGR350B.
As mentioned above, you’ll want to look at a few factors when buying a marine stereo. The main things you should be looking for is durability, and sound quality. You’ll want to make sure your marine stereo can withstand exposure to the elements, and you’ll want to get your money’s worth when it comes to audio quality. Additionally, if you’re not keen on spending hours on installation, you’ll also want to check if your marine stereo is easy to use and easy to install. Lastly, you’ll want to check if your marine stereo comes with additional features, as well as a range of preamp outputs.
No. Marine stereos come in different shapes and dimensions, some of which may not be suitable for your boat. While the US standard size is 2″ tall and 7″ wide, some marine stereos may be more compact, while others may measure 4″ by 7″.
Comments
Hi Jack. The BOSS MGR350B is a pretty good model. Easy to install, Bluetooth capable and with good sound, it’s also not too expensive. I must say though, that I do love that lapping sound of water. Sometimes it’s music that can ruin the sound of nature.
Hi Gear Geeks. Thank you for your reviewed.BOSS MGR350B is an ideal audio solution for any sailor. It can cancel that lapping water noise that spoils your favorite song while navigating. This is why BOSS happens to be one of the best marine audio brands.
There’s no problem keeping the connection between telephone and radio, for example. If you’re cruising far from the coast your signal for streaming might be dodgy. But otherwise any saved songs you have will play smoothly, loud and clear.
Isn’t there a problem using spotify when out on the water? I’m thinking the signal might not be so reliable.