From Bach, to Jay Z, having some tunes while on the river or at sea is always a good idea.
Not all stereos are up to the task of handling the elements! Choosing the best marine stereo will ensure your tunes keep playing for longer.
There is a good reason why ordinary consumer stereos don’t work well on the water. The connections, builds and interfaces are not designed to cope with spray and the harsh conditions found on the waves.
All of the stereos in our selection are designed to marine grade specifications, and are IPX certified.
Read next: Check out our review of the best marine speakers, and keep that boat running well with the best fuel stabilizer for boats.
Please note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
Best Marine Stereo - (Comparison Table)
Best Overall 
Best Budget
Brand & Model
Fusion RA70N Marine"
Aquatic AV AQ-MP-5BT Bluetooth Waterproof Marine Stereo
Kenwood KMR-D368BT Marine Stereo
JVC KD-X33MBS Marine Stereo
BOSS Audio MGR350B
Sound Sources
Digital AM/ FM Radio with rear RCA (Aux)
Digital AM/ FM Radio with Aux input
Digital AM/ FM Radio with front Aux input
Digital AM/ FM Radio with RCA (Aux)
Digital AM/ FM Radio with front Aux input
USB Input
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
UV Protection
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Max output
50 watts
20 Watts
50 watts
50 Watts
20 watts
Remote Control
Optional
No
No
No
No
Best Overall
Brand & Model
Fusion RA70N Marine"
Sound Sources
Digital AM/ FM Radio with rear RCA (Aux)
USB Input
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
UV Protection
Yes
Max output
50 watts
Remote Control
Optional
Brand & Model
Aquatic AV AQ-MP-5BT Bluetooth Waterproof Marine Stereo
Sound Sources
Digital AM/ FM Radio with Aux input
USB Input
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
UV Protection
Yes
Max output
20 Watts
Remote Control
No
Brand & Model
Kenwood KMR-D368BT Marine Stereo
Sound Sources
Digital AM/ FM Radio with front Aux input
USB Input
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
UV Protection
Yes
Max output
50 watts
Remote Control
No
Brand & Model
JVC KD-X33MBS Marine Stereo
Sound Sources
Digital AM/ FM Radio with RCA (Aux)
USB Input
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
UV Protection
Yes
Max output
50 Watts
Remote Control
No
Best Budget
Brand & Model
BOSS Audio MGR350B
Sound Sources
Digital AM/ FM Radio with front Aux input
USB Input
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
UV Protection
Yes
Max output
20 watts
Remote Control
No
Quick Navigation
Top Marine Stereos
Best Marine Stereo Overall
Fusion RA70N Marine
This is a top quality stereo system that has received wide acclaim by its users.
Fusion has been in the business of designing and producing top quality marine entertainment systems for more than 7 years and is the standard brad used by many boat builders.
The RA70N's tough design, makes it perfect to handle the elements, while It's Bluetooth feature makes it easy to connect devices and speakers.
This stereo allows you to connect an iPhone, Android or other devices via the inbuilt interfaces or built in USB port.
Despite the being a marine stereo it comes with and is compatible with other ”traditional” stereo brackets that may already be fitted in your vessel.
- Sound Sources: Digital AM/ FM Radio with rear RCA (Aux)
- USB Input: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
- UV Protection: Yes
- Max output: 50 Watts
- Remote Control: Optional
What we like
What we don't like
Best All Round Marine Stereo
Aquatic AV AQ-MP-5BTThis stylish unit has the ability to play your favourite songs directly from your phone, or other compatible device, whilst simultaneously charging it.
No fear of your device getting wet either. The face plate of the unit detaches to reveal a compartment where your device can sit safely, befitting from the units IPX certified weather protection.
With inbuilt Bluetooth functionality, the stereo can play tunes from any Bluetooth enabled devices.
- Sound Sources: Digital AM/ FM Radio with rear RCA (Aux)
- USB Input: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
- UV Protection: Yes
- Max output: 50 Watts
- Remote Control: No
What we like
What we don't like
Best Complete Package
No products found.This is a great package Kenwood has put together, with all that’s required to get it installed and playing.
The stereo and speakers are powerful enough to overcome the harshest background noise.
Not only compatible with almost all phones, and devices capable of Bluetooth streaming, but can connect with Pandora internet radio.
Many users have commented on how easy the LCD screen is to read in bright or direct sunlight
- Sound Sources: Digital AM/ FM Radio with front Aux input
- USB Input: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
- UV Protection: Yes
- Max output: 50 Watts
- Remote Control: Optional
What we like
What we don't like
Best Value Marine Stereo
JVC KD-X33MBSThis stereo is built with smart devices in mind. It allows iPhone and Android connections and enables hands-free track changing.
Keeping your smart device charged is made simple by means of the front connector. Connecting other devices is possible as a result of the inbuilt Bluetooth functionality
This stereo has been built to withstand the harsh elements, including sand and saltwater. The anti corrosion coating and has IPX certified protection, prevents rust and corrosion.
- Sound Sources: Digital AM/ FM Radio with front Aux input
- USB Input: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
- UV Protection: Yes
- Max output: 50 Watts
- Remote Control: No
What we like
What we don't like
Best Budget Marine Stereo
BOSS Audio MGR350B
Small in size and power but produces enough sound to be heard over running engines. Boss has an excellent reputation when it comes to producing consumer electronics and the MGR350B does not disappoint.
The receiver has been certified to an IPX grade 6, meaning it can stand up to harsh marine conditions.
This unit facilitates Bluetooth audio streaming from almost all devices that areBluetooth enabled.
- Sound Sources: Digital AM/ FM Radio with front Aux input
- USB Input: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
- UV Protection: Yes
- Max output: 20 Watts
- Remote Control: No
What we like
What we don't like
Buyer's Guide for Marine Stereo's
Don’t be fooled into thinking that marine stereo is just an ordinary stereo system with an aquatic prefix.
There is a reason why ordinary stereos don’t last very long when used while boating. Water, and especially seawater, cause corrosion, and damage to electronics not designed to handle the harsher elements.
Water resistance
If you are thinking of installing your stereo inside rather than on deck,, and consider waterproofing as a secondary consideration, think again. Take it from someone who knows! In a boat, no matter how watertight, the dam liquid finds the way in.
Condensation is one of the main culprits for water damage, especially in tightly enclosed spaces. Having a water resistant stereo and speakers while aboard is imperative.
If you are mounting your stereo on deck, then make doubly sure the water resistance level of your unit is high. Don’t be fooled by those who claim their products are waterproof, water will find a way in, count on it.
On that subject, don’t forget about the speakers too. These are also sensitive to damp and water. Ensure to choose speakers that are waterproof.
Protection from the sun
Let’s face it, when you think of listening to your favourite tunes while on the water, it’s always when the sun is out. Singing in the rain is a great tune but not when its a literal statement.
Ensure your stereo is graded to be UV protected. If it has an LCD screen this should be easy to read in bright light
Power
No, I don’t mean the electric kind, I am talking about the power of sound your stereo can produce.
Unless you are thinking of using your stereo a canoe with no wind, it will need to be able to overcome the sound of the wind in the rigging or sound of your engine.
Ease of installation and Accessories
When choosing your stereo, bare in mind that it needs to be put into your boat. Make sure you know where you want to put it, and if extra work will be needed to supply power etc.
Something else to consider is additional accessories that are compatible with your stereo, like MP3 Players, blue tooth speakers and remote controls.
