Maybe you’re headed out onto the water for a day exploring your local coastline or maybe you’re prepping for a multi-day cruise through the Caribbean. Either way, you’re going to want to bring your favorite tunes with you to enjoy while you’re on board your sailboat. Whether you prefer to tap into your extensive music library that you have stored on your smartphone or other device or you’re more used to streaming Pandora or another music streaming service, there are marine stereos and receivers that can handle all of your needs. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best marine stereos and receivers for you and your sailboat that also includes some key information and tips to help you make your decision. Check it out, and see you out there, sailor!
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Quick Answer - The Best Marine Stereos And Receivers
- Sony DSX-M55BT Marine Digital Media Player And Speaker Package
- Fusion MS-RA55 Compact Marine Stereo with MS-EL602 Speakers Package
- Fusion PS-A302B Active Sound Panel Stereo
- Simrad SonicHub 2 Marine Audio Server
- JL Audio MM-50 MediaMaster Marine Receiver
- Fusion MS-UD650 UNI-Dock Marine Stereo
Comparison Table - Best Marine Stereos And Receivers
For the best experience turn your device horizontally| Name | Connection Interface | Features | Warranty | Price | Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony DSX-M55BT Marine Digital Media Player And Speaker Package | AUX; Bluetooth; USB; iPod; MP3/WMA | Speakers included, wireless remote | One year | $ | 4.95 | Read Review |
| Fusion MS-RA55 Compact Marine Stereo with MS-EL602 Speakers Package | AUX; Bluetooth | Compact size | One year | $$ | 4.8 | Read Review |
| Fusion PS-A302B Active Sound Panel Stereo | Bluetooth; USB; AM/FM; AUX | Fusion-Link app for wireless device control | One year | $$$ | 4.8 | Read Review |
| Simrad SonicHub 2 Marine Audio Server | Bluetooth; SiriusXM; iPod; iPhone; MP3/WMA; USB; AUX; Video; WiFi; NMEA 2000 | Video output via coaxial cable for playing from a USB drive | One year | $$$ | 4.8 | Read Review |
| JL Audio MM-50 MediaMaster Marine Receiver | Bluetooth; USB; AUX; NMEA 2000 | Weatherproof and compatible with GPS navigation devices | Two years | $$$$ | 4.8 | Read Review |
| Fusion MS-UD650 UNI-Dock Marine Stereo | Bluetooth; USB; iPod; iPhone; MTP; Android | Completely waterproof | Three years | $$$$ | 4.8 | Read Review |
| Name | Connection Interface | Features | Warranty | Price | Rating | Review |
Reviews - Best Marine Stereos And Receivers
Sony DSX-M55BT Marine Digital Media Player And Speaker Package
Specs
- Dimensions: Radio 7” W x 2” H x 4.7”
- Warranty: One year
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Display Type: Backlit LCD
- Features: Speakers included, wireless remote
- Connection Interface: AUX; Bluetooth; USB; iPod; MP3/WMA
- Amplifier : 55 Watts x 4
Features
- Stereo Is Splash And Water Resistant For Extended Durability
- Features Bluetooth Connectivity For Hands-Free Calling
- Control Your Music Only With Your Voice With Sony SongPal And Siri Technology
BEST FOR: MULTI-DAY CRUISING VESSELS
If you’re looking to head out for a multi-day cruise, you’re going to want to bring your tunes with you. The Sony DSX-M55BT Marine Digital Media Player and Speaker Package has everything you’ll want and need to enjoy your music while you’re out on the water.
First, this system is water resistant, making it ideal for marine conditions. It also features a UV resistant finish and an anti-glare display, so that you can listen to your music in any weather.
Finally, this sound system comes with Bluetooth and SongPal technology as well as AUX- and USB-inputs, AM/FM radio capabilities, and Sirius XM compatibility. That means whether you’re below deck in the evening or above deck while underway out at sea, you can choose your music and change the song from anywhere on board your vessel.
Fusion MS-RA55 Compact Marine Stereo with MS-EL602 Speakers Package
Specs
- Dimensions: 6 ¼” W x 2 ⅞” H x 2” D
- Warranty: One year
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Display Type: Backlit LCD
- Features: Compact size
- Connection Interface: AUX; Bluetooth
- Amplifier : 45 Watts x 4
Features
- Known For Delivering Clear And Dynamic Sound
- Features Bluetooth Audio Streaming From Any Compatible Device
- Compact Size Makes For Easy Installation And Placement
BEST FOR: SMALL VESSELS
As one of the most compact marine stereo systems on the market, the Fusion MS-RA55 compact marine stereo is sure to fit on your small boat, tender, and personal watercraft. This device is truly meant for smaller boats that may not have previously had room for a full fledged stereo system.
This small package packs a huge punch. It’s compatible with Bluetooth so that you can stream music from your smartphone or other devices. It also has an AUX cord input and output and an AM/FM tuner for radio listening as well as high quality speakers that you can use to listen to your own music. Finally, the sleek front face finish on this device is sure to fit right in with the look and feel of the design elements of your boat.
Fusion PS-A302B Active Sound Panel Stereo
Specs
- Dimensions: 13.54” W x 6.1” H x 1.97” D
- Warranty: One year
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Display Type: Panel with buttons
- Features: Fusion-Link app for wireless device control
- Connection Interface: Bluetooth; USB; AM/FM; AUX
- Amplifier : 70 Watts x 2
Features
- Features Wireless Bluetooth Technology That Can Be Controlled From The Panel On The Stereo Or Your Device
- Voice Prompts Available In English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, and Spanish
- Known For Easy Installation
BEST FOR: SUPERIOR SOUND QUALITY
This plug-and-play all-in-one audio entertainment solution from Fusion is designed for superior sound quality above anything else. The unit includes Digital Signal Processing technology, which ensures that the speaker components always receive premium quality audio for an efficient, incredibly smooth frequency response and Hi-Fi audio reproduction at every volume level.
This device is also compatible with Bluetooth, AM/FM radio, USB, and AUX inputs, so that you can play your music however you choose throughout your voyage. Finally, this device has the benefit of the Fusion-Link Control app that you can download on your Apple or Android device or Garmin watch. You can control the sound from anywhere on your device with the app!
Simrad SonicHub 2 Marine Audio Server
Specs
- Dimensions: 8 ⅞” W x 2 ½” H x 4 ¼” L
- Warranty: One year
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Display Type: N/A
- Features: Video output via coaxial cable for playing from a USB drive
- Connection Interface: Bluetooth; SiriusXM; iPod; iPhone; MP3/WMA; USB; AUX; Video; WiFi; NMEA 2000
- Amplifier : 50 Watts x 4
Features
- Integrated Bluetooth Capability Allows You To Stream Music From Your Device Or From Your Favorite Music Streaming Service
- Completely Waterproof For Long Term Durability And Use
- Dual USB Ports For Connecting And Charging Multiple Devices
BEST FOR: FULLY INTEGRATED SYSTEM
Simrad’s SonicHub 2 combines all of the control features that you’d want with the functionality of an at-home sound system. If you like to listen to the FM/AM radio or to SiriusXM satellite radio, this system can stream and play that type of music. Or maybe you prefer streaming music from your existing library on your phone or tablet or through Pandora or Spotify…This system can accommodate that as well.
The device has the ability to connect to devices via USB port as well and can play video files from a USB device if you’re spending overnights on your boat and are looking to watch a movie or TV show. Finally, the SonicHub 2 includes pre-amp audio output and a pre-amp subwoofer output so that you can connect your speakers of choice to this receiver.
JL Audio MM-50 MediaMaster Marine Receiver
Specs
- Dimensions: N/A
- Warranty: Two years
- Water Resistant: N/A
- Display Type: Backlit LCD
- Features: Weatherproof and compatible with GPS navigation devices
- Connection Interface: Bluetooth; USB; AUX; NMEA 2000
- Amplifier : 25 Watts x 4
Features
- Certified NMEA 2000 Connectivity To Offer Functionality With Your Garmin Or Other GPS Device
- Weatherproofed To Stand Up To All Inclement Weather Conditions
- Store Up To 18 Of Your Favorite AM/FM Stations
BEST FOR: LONG-TERM USE AND DURABILITY
Your sailboat is like your second home, and so you want to invest in products that are going to last for the life of your sailboat use and beyond. The MediaMaster 50 is a high-performance device that has all of the features that you’ll need to enjoy audio on your boat all in a weatherproof housing unit.
The 2.8-inch full-color LCD display has separate day/night themes for different lighting conditions (even bright sunshine), and the large text and backlit controls make it easy to see and adjust. In addition to Bluetooth functionality, this device also includes a remote control that makes it easy to control from the bow or anywhere else on your boat. Finally, this unit allows for customizable controls over three separate audio zones so that you can optimize your audio to how you like to enjoy music on your boat.
Fusion MS-UD650 UNI-Dock Marine Stereo
Specs
- Dimensions: N/A
- Warranty: Three years
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Display Type: Bonded Glass LCD Display
- Features: Completely waterproof
- Connection Interface: Bluetooth; USB; iPod; iPhone; MTP; Android
- Amplifier : 70 Watts x 4
Features
- Listen From A Wide Variety Of Sources With All Of The Connectivity Options
- Multi-Zone Audio Technology To Optimize Four Independent Audio Zones
- IPX5 Waterproof Rating Specifically Built For Boating
BEST FOR: EXTREME WEATHER CRUISING
If you know that you’re headed out on a multi-day cruise where the opportunity for running into bad weather is imminent, then you’ll need a completely waterproof stereo to keep up with your adventure. The Fusion MS-UD650 UNI-Dock Marine Stereo has a IPX5 waterproof rating, making it one of the most durable systems on the market for marine use.
In addition to its durability, this stereo features exceptional sound with four independent audio zones, each with advanced and localized menu controls, including zone naming. You can also listen to music from a wide variety of sources with Bluetooth as well as USB connections. You won’t have to leave Pandora or any of your music behind on your next voyage with this stereo system.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING MARINE STEREOS AND RECEIVERS
INPUTS AND DATA SOURCES
When choosing a marine stereo or receiver, you’re going to want to take into consideration how you want to listen to music. Do you have a large library stored on your smartphone or tablet? Are you using an iPod that you’d like to connect via USB port? Or are you more of a radio or satellite radio person? These considerations will help you decide what kind of functionality you’re going to want.
WATERPROOFING
Marine stereos are rated as either waterproof or spray-resistant. You’re going to want to find one that will hold up to salt and inclement weather – look for “marinized” construction to make sure that it can withstand saltwater environments. For more information about choosing the right marine stereo for you, check out this article from West Marine.
SATELLITE COMPATIBILITY
If you already have a SiriusXM satellite radio subscription or you’re using the opportunity of buying a new stereo to test it out, then you’ll want to purchase a marine receiver that’s compatible with SiriusXM. This isn’t necessarily a given, so make sure you’re paying attention to the list of features to double check. The range covers the United States, Alaska, Canada, and the upper third of Mexico, so it’ll probably be worth checking out!
ADVANCED FEATURES
Some stereos will come with advanced features like Bluetooth compatibility and remote control so that you can control your music and your audio from anywhere on your vessel. Sometimes, units will also be compatible with NMEA 2000, a display system common on existing boat displays. These extra features can really enhance your audio experience aboard your vessel. For more information about marine stereo and receiver features, check out this great article for tips on choosing the best marine stereo for you.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
BLUETOOTH
A wireless technology used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances.
AUX
This is a type of plug that can accept an audio cable to connect your device to the stereo and receiver sound system.
USB
A USB port is a type of plug that allows you to connect your device to your stereo or audio system. It’s a standard cable connection interface for personal computers and consumer electronics devices.
WATERPROOF
This type of rating ensures that no water or moisture gets into the electronic devices.
SPRAY RESISTANT
Marine stereos are marinized so that they are resistant to moisture and the salt from the seawater.
SIRIUSXM
A type of satellite radio subscription that promises ad-free listening and allows for listening across more of North America.
READ MORE
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