Skip to main content

House of Marley’s corked-back No Bounds XL speaker is waterproof and even floats

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Chances are fairly good that if you’ve spent any amount of time shopping for Bluetooth speakers, you’ve found that a lot of them are at least some form of waterproof. Not all waterproof speakers are equal: Some will survive splashes, some will survive being submerged in water for a period of time, and some will even float. In the case of House of Marley’s No Bounds XL, the latter is the case, but the company approaches it in a unique way.

House of Marley made a name for itself not just because of its association with the family of the legendary Bob Marley, but also due to its focus on sustainability. The company is known for Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and earbuds, but unlike other companies, it also happens to be the first FSC-certified consumer electronics brand within the United States due to its sustainability efforts and the materials used. In the case of the No Bounds XL, this includes materials like cork, which gives the speaker its ability to float.

This isn’t the first speaker from House of Marley to boast this ability. The original No Bounds, first unveiled earlier this year at CES, also made use of cork. As the name implies, the No Bounds XL is larger, which makes not just for bigger sound, but improved battery life. The speaker’s internal battery provides up to 16 hours of playback on a single charge, and the full-size USB port lets you use the speaker to charge your other devices.

Along with cork, the speaker uses House of Marley’s Regrind silicone, recycled aluminum, and Rewind fabric, which is made of organic cotton, reclaimed hemp, and recycled plastics. When it comes to the cork, the material not only allows the speaker to float, but is naturally antimicrobial and impervious to water, which helps give the speaker its IP67 rating, which means its waterproof and dust-proof.

While you can use the speaker on its own, you can also pair two for stereo sound when you really want to get the party going. The No Bounds XL also features a built-in microphone for speakerphone functionality and Siri integration. On the move? The speaker even includes a carabiner to clip it on to other gear and take it with you wherever you go.

The House of Marley No Bounds XL sells for $150 and is available now. For more information, see the company’s website.

Editors' Recommendations

Kris Wouk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
House of Marley’s new headphones look to provide ‘powerful sound with a purpose’
House of Marley Positive Vibration XL ANC Headphones

House of Marley a socially conscious audio outfit distinguished by its support for reforestation and ocean conservation, has released the Positive Vibration XL ANC headphones. These high-performance cans feature active noise cancellation (ANC) technology and memory foam ear cushions, with the goal of allowing you to tune out while you tune in.

The headphones can connect to any Bluetooth-capable device and House of Marley touts their ability to provide deep bass and premium clarity. A pair of 40mm high-definition drivers helps achieve the desired sonic balance and House of Marley claims these cans can blare forth for 35 hours of playing time with ANC off, and 26 with the feature turned on.

Read more
House of Marley debuts eco-friendly wireless speakers just in time for Earth Day
House of Marley Get Together Duo Wireless Speakers

House of Marley, the audio brand that has a history of producing speakers, headphones, and turntables made from sustainable materials, has just launched its latest product: The $150 Get Together Duo, a set of wireless bookshelf speakers that are as versatile as they are eco-friendly.

"We use materials for their sustainable properties and their aesthetic quality, but also for their acoustical, mechanical properties as well,” said Josh Poulsen, House of Marley director of product development, in a press release. Poulsen claims that the bamboo in the Get Together Duo is produced using a carbon-positive process.

Read more
House of Marley’s Champion: Sustainable, affordable true wireless earbuds
House of Marley Champion True Wireless Earbuds

House of Marley stands apart in the world of personal audio for its efforts at creating more sustainable, eco-friendly products. Its latest true wireless earbuds, the $70 Champion, will be available starting November 24 and are notable for their use of sustainable materials, as well as their low price.

The Champion offer a claimed 8-hour battery life between charges, with 28 hours of total playing time when you include the charging case. They're IPX4 rated for water resistance and sweatproofing.

Read more