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5 Best Marine Radio with Bluetooth in 2023 (Top Marine Stereos)

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Best Overall
Prospec Electronics JBL-PRV175 Jbl Am/Fm/Bt/USB 4X45 Stereo
Editor's Choice
BOSS Audio Systems MGR350B Marine Gauge Receiver - Bluetooth, Digital Media MP3 Player, no CD Player, USB Port, AM FM Radio, Weatherproof, black, small/medium
Best Value
Garmin Fusion MS-BB100 Black Box Entertainment Solution, Compact and Easy-Installation, a Brand & Ancor 270202 Marine Grade NMEA 2000 Dual Device Starter Kit
Feature 1
Has easy-to-use controls
Compatible with all smart devices (Apple and Android devices)
Easy navigation from wired remote for convenience
Feature 2
With AM/FM radio stations for additional music selections
Can be connected to the best speakers through the amplifier
Compatible with most used media devices
Best Overall
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Prospec Electronics JBL-PRV175 Jbl Am/Fm/Bt/USB 4X45 Stereo
Feature 1
Has easy-to-use controls
Feature 2
With AM/FM radio stations for additional music selections
Editor's Choice
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BOSS Audio Systems MGR350B Marine Gauge Receiver - Bluetooth, Digital Media MP3 Player, no CD Player, USB Port, AM FM Radio, Weatherproof, black, small/medium
Feature 1
Compatible with all smart devices (Apple and Android devices)
Feature 2
Can be connected to the best speakers through the amplifier
Best Value
Thumbnail
Garmin Fusion MS-BB100 Black Box Entertainment Solution, Compact and Easy-Installation, a Brand & Ancor 270202 Marine Grade NMEA 2000 Dual Device Starter Kit
Feature 1
Easy navigation from wired remote for convenience
Feature 2
Compatible with most used media devices

If you’re on a boat and want to play high-quality music, you must have the best marine stereo! But before you can choose the perfect one for you, there are many things to consider. 

Marine stereos are built differently from other types of devices, as they need to be resistant to the sun’s rays and to any water they might encounter on deck. 

The best boat stereo for you is out there, and we’ve got a list of our favorites ranked from best to worst. So keep reading to decide which one’s the perfect fit for you!

Choose the best radio with Bluetooth for you from the list below.

Best Marine Radios with Bluetooth

1. Prospec Electronics JBL-PRV175

Easy-to-Use

Sale
Prospec Electronics JBL-PRV175 Jbl Am/Fm/Bt/USB 4X45 Stereo
  • 4 x 45 watts
  • Auxiliary input
  • USB input for USB drivers

Key Features

  • Has easy-to-use controls
  • Supports RCA outputs
  • The device includes a few connectivity options (Bluetooth connectivity and USB), so it can connect to external devices
  • With AM/FM radio station for additional music selections
  • Good sound quality

The JBL PRV175 has Bluetooth capabilities so that you can stream your favorite music. It also includes a USB input for connecting your device to marine stereo receivers, perfect for charging.

This receiver is portable and upgradeable, but it doesn’t have a CD player, so if CDs are important to you, this might not be the best option.


2. BOSS Audio Systems MGR350B Marine Gauge Receiver

The Most Compact

BOSS Audio Systems MGR350B Marine Gauge Receiver – Bluetooth, Digital Media MP3 Player, no CD Player, USB Port, AM FM Radio, Weatherproof, black, small/medium
  • bluetooth – play and control music through your smartphone…
  • weatherproof – the mgr350b has been outfitted with the…
  • media playback – bluetooth, play music via the usb port or…

Key Features

  • It can be connected to the best speakers through the amplifier to increase power output
  • Boasting features are perfect for any weather
  • Has specifications of a peak power of 240 (4 channels of 60 watts each)

This compact marine head unit is compatible with all smart devices (Apple and Android devices). It has aux inputs, a unique design, UV coating, and a 3-year warranty from the manufacturer.

One disadvantage to this product is that some controls can be difficult to manage when wet.


3. Fusion MS-BB100 Marine Black Box

Innovative Marine Stereo System

Key Features

  • Easy navigation from wired remote for convenience
  • Compatible with most used media devices
  • With multi-zone technology, so you can control your audio settings for all zones
  • Has high quality audio

USB can be controlled using an iPhone and played from a memory stick. Still, the control unit has a small diameter to mount in the same spot as the OEM controls.


4. FUSION–MS-RA70 Marine Stereo

The Best All-Around Stereo

Key Features

  • Has easy installation, so there is no need to worry about installation or whom to call for installation 
  • Fusion-Link app compatibility for quick access to your onboard audio entertainment
  • You can use your phone as the wireless remote control

FUSION–MS-RA70 Marine Stereo has a unique design, built-in Bluetooth connectivity, and is easy to use. Still, it has thin and delicate gauge wires, so it should be handled.


5. FUSION–MS-RA770 Apollo Series Touch Screen Stereo

Best Zone Control

Key Features

  • The first touch screen radio for accessibility through physical touch
  • With access to WiFi and Apple AirPlay for more options to stream your favorite tunes

The innovative features make it worth the price, but it takes time to start up, and the touch screen LCD is not very handy for people with big hands. WiFi and Apple AirPlay are also prone to interference if you’re around a ton of other WiFi signals.


best marine radio with bluetooth
Source: Canva Pro

What is a Marine Stereo System?

A marine stereo system is a form of entertainment equipment designed for use on boats, ships, or other watercraft. A marine stereo is usually permanently mounted in a waterproof casing in the boat’s cockpit or cabin. 

The main purpose is to provide music and entertainment for passengers when they are onboard the boat.

This system aims to survive harsh exposure to water, sun, and salt. If they can’t stand up to these elements, they are never going to last.

Being water-resistant and surviving when completely submerged in water when hunting for a receiver or marine speakers are two completely different things. 

Resistance to these environmental factors is part of what makes a good-quality marine stereo.

Unlike a car stereo, the circuit board assemblies of most marine stereos have a conformal coating that protects against breakage due to the salt and moisture inherent to the marine environment. 

The price of marine-specific stereo installation of your boat radio is determined by years of trouble-free use.

Things to Consider When Buying

There are so many high-quality marine stereos with great specs and other features on the market these days.

It is important to know what you need from the best radios before buying one to ensure that you get the best of what you pay for.

Water Resistance

Water resistance is important for marine electronics so that they can withstand light splashes in particular. It is also necessary to prevent breakage if you accidentally drop it on water. If it isn’t resistant enough, it won’t last long. 

Water-resistant marine electronics should be one of your top considerations when buying a new device.

UV Resistance

UV protection is needed as it spends the most time in the sun. It is important to protect the boat radio system against harmful UV rays to prevent cracks and damage in the sound system. 

This feature will also allow your equipment to handle sitting under the sun for extended periods. 

Corrosion Protection

Saltwater can cause corrosion and rust, which can reduce the functionality of marine audio equipment. Marine audio gear was invented to resist rust and corrosion with coated circuit boards, plated connections, etc.

To keep your equipment safe, you can use a marine-grade protector. These products contain substances that prevent corrosion and rust on your audio equipment.

Power Output

Why settle for a low-quality stereo when you can enjoy the power of a marine system? Modern marine systems peak at 60 watts per channel and boast a total peak power output of 240 watts!

It’s important to have a high-powered speaker with good sound quality. This way, you won’t need an amplifier that generates a lot of heat.

But if you like loud music or simply want to drown out engine noises, adding a marine amplifier will be a good idea.

Expandability

Building a boat radio system is not an easy task. If you would rather focus on your on-water experience, here is the perfect solution for you.

All you need to do is connect and control external amplifiers and subwoofers. You can stream music from any device from anywhere onboard.

YouTube video

Conclusion

A marine stereo is a must-have for every boater looking to enjoy the great outdoors. You can play music directly while having fun on the water. 

It would be best to carefully think of the features when picking the stereo system for your boat: power output of speakers, wireless connection, built-in microphone, preamp outputs, a digital media receiver, theft-deterrent faceplate, etc. 

Marine stereo systems are not only for recreational purposes but also for emergency communication devices. It can also increase your safety by providing communication for your boat.

Jon Stenstrom
Founder & Angler
Jon Stenstrom is a fishing enthusiast. He has over 25 years of fishing experience, and 6 years of spearfishing experience, and is currently learning how to boat. Jon has his Open Water PADI Certification and FII Freediver Level 1 Certification. Jon has traveled the world to fish and dive, most notably in the Great Barrier Reef, Baja Mexico, Thailand, and Malaysia. More Articles
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Articles » Gear Reviews » 5 Best Marine Radio with Bluetooth in 2023 (Top Marine Stereos)