Hot Stuff: Two sub-$100 waterproof Bluetooth speakers you need to know about at AT&T stores

AT&T, our longtime technology partner, sent us two Bluetooth gadgets to test: the robust Braven BRV-1 and the tiny, infinitely hookable Boom Swimmer. We’d been eyeing in AT&T stores recently.

Both devices are ultra rugged, waterproof Bluetooth speakers that seem ideal for water sports, hanging out at the hot tub, or shower karaoke. They both pair easily with your smartphone and produce big sound from small bodies.

If you’ve been keeping score, you know that AT&T stores now sell waaaaay more than phones. If you can attach it, charge it or pair it with your mobile device, there’s a good chance an AT&T store will sell it.

The Braven BRV-1 ($$99 in AT&T stores) is a small, boxy unit that does double duty as a speaker and a battery charger. It provides a solid audio experience with rich base and delicious midtowns. It also includes a built-in speakerphone and can  charge other mobile devices from its internal battery. I’m not crazy about its look and feel, but its feature set rocks. Love the speakerphone. Love the 12 hour play time. Love that it’s a power bank . Love that it’s shockproof and waterproof, which means you can throw it in your backpack or suitcase and avoid using the crappy hotel room clock radio. We’ll tell you Monday how you can score one of the for free.

The Boom Swimmer ($60 in AT&T stores) is also no slouch. This little gem is half the size of the Braven, but the sound quality of this waterproof Bluetooth speaker is nearly as good. I love its ultraportable design.  You can hook it from its bendable tail to nearly anything, from a golf cart to a shower head to a pair of bicycle handlebars to a chain link fence. It also comes with an interchangeable suction cup mount, so shower walls, standup paddle boards and auto dashboards are also in play.