Additionally, the best outdoor speakers will withstand the effects of water, dust, bugs, and extreme weather conditions. You can also get outdoor Bluetooth speakers that have Wi-Fi technology capability to give you the flexibility to play media through your home network, or from a local device.
Best outdoor speakers 2021: portable, wireless, waterproof
Whether you genuinely love a podcast in the garden or you’re calmly nudged that way when your nearest and dearest does their online yoga class, grabbing an outdoor Bluetooth speaker is the solution. Listening to music on your bike with a portable speaker is probably a lot safer than wearing headphones, and sticking a playlist on while weeding the lawn surely eases that particular job. Whatever necessitates your music al fresco, there are plenty of portable outdoor speakers that aren’t phased by a daily dose of mother nature.
All of these relatively dinky models are great for slinging in a bag, but don’t be fooled: there are plenty of high-fidelity options if you want to really level up the sound quality outside.
JBL Charge 5 Updated specs and subtle tweaks for JBL’s fifth-generation Charge Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 22 x 9.6 x 9.4cm Power: 30W + 10W tweeter Features: waterproof, Bluetooth v5.1, power bank, voice assistant integration Connections: USB-C, USB-A TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £159 View at Amazon £159 View at Richer Sounds £169.99 View at Selfridges Reasons to buy + Clearer and more detailed sound + Wider soundstage + Updated dustproofing Reasons to avoid – Nothing at this level Its predecessor carried an IPX7 rating, meaning it could handle being submerged in water to a depth of 1.5m, but the IP67-rated Charge 5 builds on that durability by also being fully dustproof.
Thanks in part to a new 10W tweeter and racetrack-shaped driver, the Charge 5 is currently as good a sound as you can get in a portable Bluetooth speaker design for under £200 ($200, AU$300). Award-winner last year – and if all you want is a portable outdoorsy Bluetooth speaker that sounds as good as £100 can buy, you’ll still be hard-pressed to better the Flip 5.
The new A1 supports Qualcomm’s latest aptX Adaptive Bluetooth 5.1 codec, there’s an IP67 rating for water and dust ingress, and Alexa is here – despite the fact that it’s Bluetooth-only. Throw in its classy, well made design, easy to use operation and the bonus of Alexa, and you’re looking at a Bluetooth speaker sequel that has very much been worth the wait. JBL Xtreme 3 JBL’s newest rugged wireless speaker serves up a sonic surprise Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 13.9 x 29.8 x 13.4cm Power: 100W Features: Bluetooth v5.1, PartyBoost for multiple connections to PartBoost enabled JBL speakers, IP67 rated Connections: 3.5mm, USB-C, USB-A out TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £249 View at Amazon £299 View at Richer Sounds £299.99 View at argos.co.uk Reasons to buy + Rugged build + Impressive detail and dynamics + Strong sense of timing Reasons to avoid – No smart features – No hands-free for phone calls Yes, it’s rugged, it’s IP67 dust- and waterproof certified and you’d be forgiven for thinking at first glance that it might be more preoccupied with the amount of bass it’s producing rather than musical quality.
The JBL Xtreme 3 gained five stars across the board during our rigorous in-house testing, never appearing out of its depth no matter how complicated the musical arrangement. The 13-hour battery life is enough for any al-fresco extravaganza, while an IP67 rating means it won’t freak out if you drop it in a pool or leave it out at the beach. JBL Charge 4 A fun and bubbly Bluetooth speaker that’s serious when it comes to sound Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 22 x 9.5 x 9.3 Power: 30W Features: waterproof, Bluetooth v4.2, power bank, voice assistant integration Connections: 3.5 mm stereo TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £178.59 View at Amazon 148 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Rugged and water resistant + USB port for charging + Great sound quality Reasons to avoid – Perhaps too subtle for some Tribit Stormbox Micro A fun and bubbly Bluetooth speaker that’s serious when it comes to sound Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 9.8 x 9.8 x 3.5cm Power: 9W Features: water/dustproof, Bluetooth 5.0, stereo-pairing mode Connections: 3.5 mm stereo TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £42.99 View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Mature, musical sound + Surprisingly weighty bass + USB-C charger Reasons to avoid – Short battery life
Although a speaker of such dimensions is obviously limited in terms of bass weight, it does remarkably well; close your eyes while listening and you’ll picture a bigger product. Take note, Ultimate Ears: a little-known brand called Tribit Audio has produced a budget belter of a Bluetooth speaker.
JBL Charge 3 Rugged portable speaker that loves the great outdoors Specifications Battery life: 20hr Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 8.7 x 21.3 x 8.9 Features: Bluetooth V4.1, IPX7 waterproof, power bank Power: 2 x 10W TODAY’S BEST DEALS £241.21 View at Amazon 120 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Impressive build + Clever design + Useful features + Weighty, punchy sound Reasons to avoid – Lacks a little subtlety As you might have twigged, it features a gargantuan 6000mAh battery – good for 20 hours playback and capable of charging dying smart devices via USB.
Tivoli Andiamo Stylish speaker that sounds as good as it looks Specifications Battery life: 20hr Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 5.5 x 13.5 x 5.5 Features: Bluetooth 3.0 Power: 1 x 20W full-range driver TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £184 View at Amazon £189 View at Peter Tyson 1 Amazon customer review ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Fast, agile, musical sound + Premium feel and build Reasons to avoid – Not much at this price
It’s smallest speaker, the Andiamo (Italian for ‘let’s go’) makes up for its lack of frills with its sonic ability, Bang & Olufsen-esque styling and durable aluminium casing. JBL Link Portable For a great, affordable, durable home smart speaker, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a product that can match JBL’s Link Portable Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 17 x 8.8 x 8.8 Power: 20W Features: waterproof, Bluetooth v4.2, Google Assistant built-in, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, music over wi-fi Connections: 3.5 mm stereo TODAY’S BEST DEALS £139.99 View at Acer UK Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Expansive sound + Packed with features + Premium design Reasons to avoid – No JBL Connect support – Fussy over placement JBL Xtreme 2 A stylish spin on a waterproof boombox Specifications Battery life: 15hr Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 13.6 x 28.8 x 13.2 Features: Bluetooth V4.2, IPX7 waterproof, power bank Power: 2 x 20W TODAY’S BEST DEALS £149 View at Currys Prime £241.90 View at Amazon 8 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Clean, clear sound + Balanced bass + Solid design Reasons to avoid – Chunky proportions – No multiroom
But don’t be fooled by the “Xtreme” branding: this speaker sounds controlled and grown-up, offering crisp treble and a refined soundstage. JBL Go 3 JBL’s newest soap-sized speaker sounds good – but the finish and battery life won’t wash with today’s class leaders Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 8.8 x 7.5 x 4.1 Power: 4W Features: Water/dustproof IP67, Bluetooth 5.1 Connections: USB-C TODAY’S BEST DEALS £29.99 View at O2 Mobiles £34 View at Richer Sounds Prime £34.99 View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Sensible treble + Fuller bass + More volume Reasons to avoid – Poor battery life – Not very durable finish
Best waterproof speakers 2021: the top outdoor speakers for any budget
The best outdoor waterproof speakers can protect the circuitry from splashes, rain and water-based wear such as being dropped in puddles or pools. This high rating signifies that the speaker can be submerged in a body of water – up to 1 meter – for roughly half an hour. And while we’re sure you most likely won’t be listening to your tunes underwater (although no judging from us if you do), the rating means that your speaker will be protected from sudden splashes or downpours. While these outdoor speakers are designed with waterproofing in mind, that also means they’re incredibly robust, and impressively resistant to wear and tear.
The best speakers still need to offer solid feature sets, so expect more than just build quality and safety ratings from our picks below. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 The best portable waterproof speaker Specifications Weight: 0.93 pounds Battery life: 10 hours Wireless range: 100+ feet Frequency response: 80Hz – 20kHz Drivers: Two 40mm active drivers, two 46 x 65mm passive radiators NFC: No Aux-in: No USB charging: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Dell Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 5 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Great sound for its size + IP67 dustproof/waterproof rating + 30% better battery life than its predecessor Reasons to avoid – Restrictive soundstage for some tracks
Sonos Roam The best waterproof speaker for indoors and out Specifications Weight: 0.95 pounds Battery life: 10 hours Wireless range: 100+ feet Frequency response: N/A Drivers: One tweeter, one mid-woofer NFC: Yes Aux-in: No USB charging: Yes (USB-C) TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Crutchfield View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Powerful audio performance + Easily portable design Reasons to avoid – Fairly pricey compared to others on the list – Bass can be overwhelming The Sonos Roam is our pick for the best Bluetooth speaker on the planet, and with an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, it can handle the great outdoors with ease. The mini Sonos speaker boasts a powerful sound, rugged design, excellent connectivity features, and smart home control. A bass-heavy audio performance makes it ideal for use outdoors, while a clever Automatic Switching feature means it’s easily used indoors, too – though audiophiles may dislike the overwhelming low frequencies and rhythmic handling. JBL Flip 5 A fun, no-frills waterproof speaker Specifications Weight: 1.2 pounds Battery life: 12 hours Wireless range: N/A Frequency response: 65Hz – 20kHz Drivers: 40mm NFC: No Bluetooth version: 4.2 Aux-in: No USB charging: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Sweetwater Sound Reasons to buy + Engaging, entertaining sound + Easy to use compared to others on the list Reasons to avoid – No 3.5mm input – No mic for hands-free calls JBL’s Flip 5 is a simple soul with Bluetooth-only playback and modest features, but if you desire a rugged, great-sounding portable speaker and can sacrifice voice control or hands-free call functionality, you won’t be disappointed.
Anker Soundcore Flare 2 The best budget Bluetooth speaker Specifications Weight: 1.29 pounds Battery life: 12 hours Wireless range: 20m / 66ft Frequency response: N/A Drivers: Dual drivers and passive radiators NFC: No Aux-in: No USB charging: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Great sound quality + Speakerphone feature + IPX7 water-resistant Reasons to avoid – No 3.5mm AUX jack While it lacks a built-in voice assistant, its sound, build quality and excellent app make it a great value. This is a speaker that can get loud and not distort at higher volumes; be light enough to carry on the move but remain durable enough to tumble in a bag unprotected. It’s waterproof as well as dust-proof, and has a one-touch mix button that lets you pull up your favorite playlists without needing to pick up your smartphone.
There are certainly more detailed outdoor speakers out there (see: Bowers and Wilkins Zeppelin down below), but at a price that’s relatively affordable to all, the UE Boom 3 hits all the right notes for the third year in a row. Ultimate Ears Megablast The best outdoor speaker for battery life Specifications Weight: 1.93 pounds Battery life: 20 hours Wireless range: 100+ feet Frequency response: 65Hz – 20kHz Drivers: Two 2” drivers and two 2” x 4” passive radiators NFC: Yes Aux-in: Yes USB charging: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Prime Low Stock View at Amazon View at Walmart 1 Amazon customer review ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Convenient Alexa integration + Bigger sound, better battery Reasons to avoid – Expensive compared to rivals – Charging dock sold separately
Bass is stronger and richer than its smaller UE Boom 3 and Wonderboom 2 brothers, and this is the speaker for anybody who wants to really blare their music at a party. For people who want to save some cash, however, the other Ultimate Ears outdoor speakers cost much less and sound nearly as good.
For the money, you get an outdoor speaker that sound great, is tough as nails, acts as a charger for your phone, and lasts all day. JBL Boombox 2 The best waterproof party speaker Specifications Weight: 13 pounds Battery life: 24 hours Wireless range: N/A Frequency response: 50Hz – 20kHz Drivers: N/A NFC: N/A Aux-in: Yes USB charging: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon View at Harman Reasons to buy + Loud, distortion-free sound + IPX7 water-resistant + Great 24-hour battery life Reasons to avoid – Expensive compared to rivals – No smartphone charging
It’s a hefty tag to pay for a pretty one-dimensional product, but if you need an outdoor-ready speaker for a family gathering and don’t care about hi-res audio, the JBL Boombox 2 has you covered. Thankfully, that adage has never been less applicable: the speaker gets loud enough to fill up a medium-sized room, and at full volume, there’s only a little distortion on the highs.
Braven Stryde 360 A versatile, weatherproof speaker at an affordable price Specifications Weight: N/A Battery life: 12 hours Wireless range: N/A Frequency response: N/A Drivers: 2 x full range driver, 2 x passive radiator NFC: No Aux-in: No USB charging: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at invisibleSHIELD Prime View at Amazon 286 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Syncs with a second speaker + Great price-to-performance ratio Reasons to avoid – No 3.5mm aux jack – Average battery life compared to rivals
The 10 Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers of 2021 (Updated for Summer!)
With summer approaching, it’s time to start moving our entertainment area outdoors. If this is what you’re after, you’ll want to skip ahead to the “Non-Portable Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers” section of this article.
The other option is a speaker you can move around easily from the patio to the poolside, and perhaps even pack in your bags and take to the beach or campsite. The speaker is powerful, delivers excellent audio quality, and the ability to swap out battery packs allowing you to keep the party going for longer.
Best Budget The cheapest portable outdoor Bluetooth speaker we found (and would recommend) is the OontZ Angle 3. The XB90 features the hugely popular Sony EXTRA BASS, which is perfect for starting a party. Not only does the XB90 feature EXTRA BASS, but it also comes complete with color-changing LEDs to add to the vibe. The SoundLink Color II is built to survive being dropped, and the IPX5 rating protects against water splashes.
In addition, the SoundLink Color II is palm-sized and can fit in most backpacks, ready to take on any adventure with you. The speaker is powerful, delivers excellent audio quality, and the ability to swap out battery packs allowing you to keep the party going for longer. This is a significant amount of power and will easily fill a medium to a large room and even be effective outdoors for parties around the pool or even tailgating. Overall, the Exos-9 is a fun speaker to listen to, whether it’s a simple podcast or your favorite dance track.
In addition, there is a large rotary knob on the front of the speaker for volume control. Also on the front panel is an LED display that enables you to see which input is selected, the EQ preset, and your remaining battery life. The Exos-9 is very efficient with conserving battery and will even shut down the LED display and touchpad controls after 15 seconds of not being used.
The Exos-9 can also operate while connected to the socket so, if you want the speaker on all day at home, you can just plug it in, and you’re good to go. We’ve all got “that friend” with terrible music taste who’s always trying to take control of the outdoor Bluetooth speaker. The speaker is powerful, delivers excellent audio quality, and the ability to swap out battery packs allowing you to keep the party going for longer. In addition, the speaker is nicely laid out with simple, easy-to-use controls making the Exos-9 easy to operate for anyone. The ability to connect a second Exos-9 is great if you plan to have a party across two areas or you want a left/right outdoor Bluetooth speaker system for a dance floor.
The Angle 3 delivers good clarity across the upper frequencies but don’t expect audiophile quality. Even with its compact size, OontZ has allowed for a small control panel on the side of the Angle 3. The rubberized sides are designed to take a few drops here and there with an IPX5 waterproof rating to fend off any water or moisture. ⅛-Inch AUX cable OontZ Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Conclusion If you’re looking for an outdoor Bluetooth speaker to throw in a backpack and take anywhere, the OontZ Angle 3 is a great option.
Great for dorm rooms, small apartments, or even listening to music in a public park. If you’re familiar with the original plastic SoundLink Color, you’ll know this silicon finish is a big improvement.
The low-end is nicely defined and punchy, with excellent clarity in the mid-range and high frequencies.
For a speaker just a little bigger than your hand, the SoundLink Color II performs surprisingly well.
Granted, this isn’t audiophile quality, but for a personal speaker and a bit of fun, you won’t be disappointed. Due to the SoundLink Color II size, the speaker isn’t very powerful, so don’t expect to fill a room with sound.
However, for a personal speaker or a bit of background music with a couple of friends, the SoundLink Color II performs just fine. For the purposes of waterproofing, most brands hide the ⅛-inch AUX input behind a watertight seal which means you’re unable to use this port around water. However, charging the SoundLink Color II around water probably isn’t a great idea. The multi-function button allows you to access many features on your paired Bluetooth device. These include play/pause, track skip, call management, and activating voice prompts (Siri, Google Now, etc.) You can also clear the stored memory simply by pressing and holding the Bluetooth button for 10 seconds.
Plugging the SoundLink Color II into a power source reverts to normal operation. In addition, the SoundLink Color II is built tough with a decent IPX4 rating designed to survive the everyday challenges of an outdoor speaker. At just under $130, the SoundLink Color II isn’t cheap, but then neither is any part of the speaker’s features or sound quality. Sony GTK-XB90 High Power Portable Bluetooth Speaker Power 60 W Battery 24 hrs Waterproof No Weight 36 lbs Check Price If you’re looking for a true outdoor party speaker, then the Sony GTK-XB90 is definitely the way to go.
Standing 26.5” high and weighing in at 36 lbs, the XB90 is certainly not your average portable outdoor Bluetooth speaker. The speaker produces some serious bass which is especially awesome for urban and dance music genres.
The speaker has surprisingly good intelligibility in the mid and high-frequency range making the XB90 great for all music genres and even a microphone. And yes, the XB90 has a ¼-inch microphone input with separate volume control so that you can do some karaoke, mc, or just yell at the neighbors.
Now, I have to say, this is the most overkill speakerphone on the market, but the XB90 does an excellent job with call quality, and you won’t have any issues carrying a conversation.
The ADD button enables you to pair a second XB90 to choose between mono or stereo mode. While they’re not the brightest LED lights, they certainly add to the mood by pulsing with the beat in the dark. The actual time depends on how loud you play the speaker and whether you have EXTRA BASS and LED lights engaged.
The speaker will automatically shut down after 15 minutes of no activity, saving the remaining battery life. Lights, EXTRA BASS, 24-hour battery, and rugged exterior make the XB90 a serious outdoor Bluetooth speaker system.
The addition of a bass radiator gives the Soundcore 2 a nice punchy low-end sound. The Soundcore 2 is a compact outdoor Bluetooth speaker, so don’t expect big room-filling sound.
Having said that, the Soundcore 2 is surprisingly loud for its size and will easily fill a small room or dorm. Inputs and Controls The Soundcore 2 has five large buttons on top of the speaker, which offers both form and function.
Anker has done a good job designing the buttons to look stylish and trendy, adding to the Soundcore 2 minimalist aesthetic. The multi-function button also manages incoming calls, and the built-in microphone even allows you to give voice commands to Siri, Google, etc. They’re affordable, produce great sound, include premium features, and 24-hour battery life. In addition, we have included two powered speaker options and both with Bluetooth, so you can literally plug and play.
So, if you’re looking to install some outdoor speakers suitable for a party but still want Bluetooth connectivity, this will be a much better option. Polk Audio Atrium 6 Outdoor Speakers Has a nice punchy low end with good clarity in the mids and highs.
Best Budget If you need a cheap outdoor speaker to install at your home or place of business at a little over $30, you won’t find it cheaper than the Dual Electronics LU43P. These speakers produce a significant amount of bass and power, so you’ll be sure to disturb the neighbors.
The Atrium 6 is designed for all weather conditions, including extreme hot and cold temperatures and even salt ai Best Overall (Our pick) The Polk Audio Atrium 6 Outdoor Speakers has a nice punchy low end with good clarity in the mids and highs. Polk Audio Atrium 6 Outdoor Speakers Power 50 W Wireless Receiver Required Type Passive Size 8.8 x 7.8 x 11.8″ Check Price The Atrium series from Polk Audio is an affordable range of outdoor Bluetooth speakers.
In addition, the Polk Atrium 6 is an all-weather outdoor speaker built to withstand salt air, rain, and extreme hot and cold temperatures. Sound The Atrium 6 features a 5¼-inch low-frequency driver with a 1” tweeter capable of producing up to 100W of power.
The Atrium 6 has a nice punchy low end with good clarity in the mids and highs. While the Atrium 6 is weatherproofed, it’s not recommended to mount the speakers where they will be directly exposed to the rain or sunlight.
Full instructions for painting your speakers can be found in the Atrium 6 user manual. 2 x Speaker brackets Wireless Receiver / Amplifier The Atrium 6 has a power handling of 10W – 100W. In addition, the speakers are designed to withstand most outdoor environments, including extreme hot, cold, and even salt air. Sound The NS-AW350 feature a 6½-inch low-frequency driver with a 1-inch tweeter capable of up to 130W peak power output.
The speaker has a good, chunky bass response and performs well in the mid-range and high frequencies. However, it is recommended you install these under a covered patio or under the eaves of your roof to protect against the elements. These outdoor Bluetooth speakers perform exceptionally well for the price, and you can rest assured you’re getting premium parts from a brand like Yamaha. Mounting While the Sound Appeal 6.5” is weatherproofed, you don’t want to install these speakers exposed to the elements.
Mount these under a covered patio or under the eaves of your roof to ensure minimal exposure to the elements and product longevity. Additional Features What’s nice about the Sound Appeal 6.5” is that it’s 100% wireless in terms of signal.
No need for external amps or receivers reducing the amount of equipment and wires for install. Additional Features The Bluetooth and ⅛-inch AUX inputs are located on the primary speaker.
The PDWR62BT features Bluetooth 3.0, which is slightly out of date, but since you’re only connecting to the speaker to play audio, this isn’t really an issue. The ⅛-inch AUX cable is located at the bottom of the primary speaker, so it’s easy to access. If you need something a little louder with a better bass response, the Dual Electronics LU53P is a 5½” speaker delivering 125W Peak. There doesn’t seem to be any mention of protection against salt air, so that I wouldn’t recommend the LU43P for installation for sea-facing properties.
2 x Mounting brackets Wireless Receiver / Amplifier If you need to run the LU43P in stereo, then the Dual Electronics DBTMA100 Micro Wireless Bluetooth 2 Channel Stereo Class-D Amplifier is a great match for these outdoor Bluetooth speakers. The Bluetooth micro amplifier features two 25W outputs into 4-8 ohms which is a perfect match for a pair of LU43P speakers. A multi-bit screwdriver set is inexpensive and comes with all the bits you’ll need for most standard-sized screw heads. If you plan to paint your speakers to match your walls or decor, make sure to follow the product instruction manual.
Here are some frequently asked questions which will help you avoid making costly mistakes when purchasing and installing your outdoor Bluetooth speakers. A microphone is placed 1m away to measure this, and the speaker is turned up full using only 1 watt of power output. The speaker is powerful, delivers excellent audio quality, and the ability to swap out battery packs allowing you to keep the party going for longer.
The best outdoor speakers in 2021
They deliver loud, impactful audio to enjoy your favorite playlists outside, while also being portable enough to place in several locations for stereo sound from all angles. Heading into the cold winter season, you still have some time to figure out what outdoor speakers are best for your al fresco setup this coming Spring. You may even find some of our favorites as part of this year’s Best Cyber Monday deals, so bookmark the page to stay up on the latest audio product sales. Make sure to bookmark our Best Black Friday Deals page for all the latest sales on the top products from every major electronics category. Great sound, solid craftsmanship, special features, and convenient portability are what make up the best outdoor speakers. Smart features are loaded into the Roam such as alarms, voice controls, and proprietary Automatic TruePlay that adapts sound for its environment and content.
Something less expensive is the JBL Go 3, a fully waterproof alternative to the Roam that packs strong audio performance into a tiny design. The best outdoor speakers have to withstand the elements and deliver robust bass, crisp treble and full midrange with enough power to be heard over both the wind and the chatter of a party. With a 4.5-inch mid-woofer/tweeter and a 0.8-inch tweeter inside each speaker, the Atrium 4 aptly handled both the distorted guitars of classic rock and the thumping bass of hip-hop while producing clear vocals. Sonos Roam The best outdoor speaker with an ultraportable design Specifications Drivers: Mid-woofer, tweeter Wireless: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Output: Not stated Battery: 10 hours Mounting hardware: None TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Crutchfield View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Lightweight + Extensive connectivity + Auto TruePlay sound tuning Reasons to avoid – No Bluetooth multipoint – Middling battery life
Its outdoorsy credentials mainly come from even better weatherproofing: with an IP67 rating, the Sonos Roam is protected against dust ingress and can survive full submersion in water, let alone a little rain. The AW-650 speakers are built like a tank, with a UV-resistant ABS plastic polymer enclosure that’s backed by Klipsch’s lifetime warranty.
V-Moda Remix A small, but mighty outdoor speaker with a built-in amp Specifications Drivers: Glass Fiber Dual-Driver Wireless: Yes Output: 10 watts (per driver) Battery: 10 hours Mounting Hardware: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Musician’s Friend 139 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Loud, balanced audio with booming bass + Stunning design + Lots of customization options Reasons to avoid – No multiroom solution – Can distort at high volume This well-built and stylish speaker delivers booming bass, warm highs, and crisp mids, plus it comes with an integrated headphone amplifier.
The current price drop should also make this an enticing purchase for those who want a mini boom box that pumps out loud sound.
Yamaha NS-AW150W Affordable and flexible outdoor speakers with good overall sound Specifications Drivers: 5-inch Polyetherimide Woofer 0.5-inch dome tweeter Wireless: No Output: 35 watts Battery: None Mounting Hardware: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Crutchfield View at Walmart Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Crisp treble + Full vocals + Flexible mounting Reasons to avoid – Mediocre bass – Water resistant, not waterproof
It may be small but it’s certainly not poorly-made, earning itself the same IP67 rating as the Sonos Roam: enough for both heavy-duty waterproofing and strong protection against dirt, sand or dust ingress. The sheer affordability is another enticing factor, and we got twice the “official” 5 hours of battery life on medium volume, though for entertaining large backyard parties you may need something more powerful. Dual LU53 Big bass on a budget Specifications Drivers: 5.3-inch woofer, 1-inch midrange driver, 0.8-inch tweeter Wireless: No Output: 60 watts Battery: None Mounting Hardware: Included TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 255 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Big bass for size + Versatile mounting options + Weather resistant Reasons to avoid – Not as crisp as competitors Although not as crisp or as detailed as the Atrium 4s, the Dual LU53’s bigger size creates a wide soundstage that can entertain the crowd at your next barbecue. Sonos Move The most powerful outdoor smart speaker Specifications Drivers: One downward-firing tweeter, one mid-woofer Wireless: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Output: Not stated Battery: 10 hours Mounting Hardware: None TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Crutchfield Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 689 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Superb audio quality + Built-in Automatic TruePlay technology + Easy Wi-Fi-to-Bluetooth connection conversion Reasons to avoid – Pricey – No smart features in Bluetooth mode This beefy Bluetooth speaker offers Sonos’ signature high-end soundscape on top of a 10-hour battery that should last through all of your backyard festivities.
On top of offering rich bass and crisp dialogue, the Sonos Move is one of the best outdoor speakers for folks who want smart features. The speaker supports both Alexa and Google Assistant for voice controls, and can switch from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi on the fly, making it ideal for just about any outdoor setting.
UE Megaboom 3 The best wireless Bluetooth speaker Specifications Size and Weight: 8.9 x 3.4 x 3.4 inches, 2 pounds Battery Life (Rated): 20 hours Water Resistance: Yes Maximum Sound Level: 90db Voice Controls: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Dell View at Walmart 23 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Big bass and full vocals + Good battery life + Can pair with older Megaboom and Boom models for stereo sound Reasons to avoid – Big and heavy for a portable – No speakerphone JBL Charge 5 An outdoor speaker that can charge your phone Specifications Size and Weight: 8.7 x 3.8 x 3.7 inches, 2.1 pounds Battery Life (Rated): 20 hours Water Resistance: Yes Maximum Sound Level: Not stated Voice Controls: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Crutchfield View at Walmart Reasons to buy + High sound quality + Water- and dust-proof + Long battery life Reasons to avoid – Limited app – Few extras High-grade waterproofing is combined with strong protection against dust and grit, to the Charge 5 is ideal for beach trips and pool parties. The housings of these ingeniously designed speakers are made to resemble 17-inch-high hunks of either sandstone or granite, depending on the overall aesthetic of your patio or garden.
But on the inside, Klipsch has packed these faux boulders with punch: dual 0.8-inch tweeters and a 6.5-inch woofer deliver superior sound quality, with brass that pops and bass that comes in heavy and authoritative. But if you’re willing to go the distance for maximum outdoor sound and minimal footprints around your grounds, pony up a few extra clams for these secret speakers. This 14-inch tall speaker offers huge, balanced sound for outdoor gatherings and cookouts, and lasts for 24 hours on a charge to power your patio hangs all day and night. With easy Bluetooth pairing to any mobile device, big bass and sharp high-end, the Hyperboom is one of the best outdoor speakers you can buy for social gatherings.
If you have a small patio or mainly want music for dinner parties, a smaller set of outdoor speakers may be perfectly adequate. But if you have a large suburban backyard or want to host crowded dance parties, you may want to shop for larger speakers with more audio capacity. We also look at size and range to determine how the outdoor speaker will sound in different settings, from a large backyard to a smaller patio or deck.
The Best Outdoor Speakers for 2021
There’s a seemingly endless supply of portable Bluetooth speakers out there, most of which will work just fine after being stowed in your luggage and pulled out for use in your hotel room. The number range for solids spans from zero (no protection) to six (dustproof), and for liquids it’s zero to eight (waterproof and submersible beyond one meter for extended time periods).
If protection against dust or sand is crucial (good for trips to the beach), you’ll want to go for a speaker that actually lists a numeral rather than an X.
If a manufacturer neglects to list a speaker’s IP rating but makes a claim of a water-resistant design, you can probably assume that it can handle rain, sweat, and minor splashes, as well as a quick rinse in the sink now and then. It sounds like a gimmick that shouldn’t be effective, but some manufacturers have worked magic and manage to pump out rich bass response from fairly small speakers. These modes tend to dial up the treble to make up for the lack of reflective surfaces when you’re sitting in the middle of a field or forest.
The walls in your kitchen or office do, indeed, perform a function in transmitting audio to your ears, and without them in the picture, high frequencies in particular can sound dulled, especially if you’re not terribly close to the speaker. And it’s not a bad approach—keep in mind that if your left and right drivers aren’t farther apart than your ears, you’re not likely to hear much stereo separation unless they’re angled to play off a room’s surfaces. Many of these extra features, along with drivers that pump out big bass at high volumes, come at the cost of battery life. But keep in mind these are estimates, and manufacturers will often list a higher battery life based on the assumption that you’ll be listening at modest volume levels. You can argue that, beyond a strong IP rating and solid audio performance, a quality outdoor speaker needn’t have a bunch of extra features. Plenty of outdoor speakers have a threaded screw mount for tripods, or for attaching to bikes or action camera gear, for instance.
The top end of this price range will get you reasonably good bass response, and typically, the speaker will be able to transmit stereo audio. The lower end of this price range will usually feature smaller speakers, often mono, and few of them will have much low-end response to offer.
Waterproof Wireless Speakers for the Outdoors
All were lab-tested by our experts for sound quality, ease of use, and versatility, using samples purchased through regular retail channels.
Be First to Comment