If you like listening to music by the pool or enjoy podcasts in the garden, you need a quality outdoor speaker that offers good range and a long battery life. The best outdoor speakers combine powerful sound with durable build to withstand life outside. They also come with some kind of waterproofing to help protect them from different weather conditions. If you’re on the hunt for a quality speaker to use at the beach, pool, park or your backyard, have a look at our list of the best outdoor speakers that offer excellent sound and are highly durable.
Polk Audio Atrium 4 Outdoor Speakers
Best All-Weather Design
Effortlessly withstands extreme temperatures
These speakers offer 80 watts of powerful sound that will cut through any background noises. They include an aluminum dome tweeter and cone driver in each speaker to produce deep bass and smooth response.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to install
- Features durable stainless steel and brass hardware
Cons:
- May be too small for some outdoor areas
W-KING Bluetooth Speaker
Best Wireless Design
Connects via Bluetooth 5.0
Summary: This speaker creates left and right channels to bring you a surround sound experience. With a massive 8000 mAh built-in battery, it delivers 100 watts of powerful sound. It also comes with state-of-the-art drivers and passive bass radiators to intensify low frequencies and punchy bass.
Pros:
- Includes an AUX jack
- Features an adjustable EQ
Cons:
- Charger not included
Bose SoundLink Revolve Bluetooth Speaker
Best Sound Quality
Produces true 360-degree coverage
This wireless speaker does not need any installation and can be used anywhere. It is also waterproof, so it can be used near the pool. It comes with a flexible fabric handle that makes it easy to grab and travel with.
Pros:
- Features a highly durable aluminum body
- Lithium-ion battery lasts up to 16 hours
Cons:
- May sometimes automatically connect to Bluetooth devices
Monster Adventurer Force Bluetooth Speaker
Best Waterproof Design
Can be fully submerged for 30 minutes
With its two full-range drivers and passive radiators, this 40-watt speaker offers excellent sound. At 50% volume, the battery will last up to 40 hours of playtime. The speaker comes with an auxiliary cable when wireless connectivity is not preferred.
Pros:
- IPX7 waterproof certified
- Features a microphone input for karaoke
Cons:
- Connectivity range may be poor at times
Anker Soundcore Flare Mini Bluetooth Speaker
Best Features
Comes with five modes of party lighting tuned to different beats
With 360-degree sound accompanied by fun lighting, this speaker is the best for outdoor parties and karaoke events. It is IPX7 waterproof rated and can be used at pool parties with complete peace of mind.
Pros:
- Features bass-up technology
- Endorsed by GRAMMY-winning audio engineers
Cons:
- When played at full volume, battery only lasts five hours
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts should a good outdoor speaker have?
The amount of watts a speaker should have depends on the size of the area you want to cover. For smaller areas, 60 watts is sufficient. For spaces up to 500 feet, 80 to 100 watts is enough. For larger areas 100 to 175 watts is recommended.
Do outdoor speakers need a subwoofer?
When outdoors, it can be challenging to replicate quality bass notes without walls for the lower sound frequencies to bounce off. When the lack of bass notes interferes with the overall sound, it is recommended to add an outdoor subwoofer to the system.
Buying Guide
As you shop for a quality outdoor speaker, the first thing you want to look for is weather-proofing. An outdoor speaker should at least be partially water-resistant, and if you want to leave it outside all the time, it should be fully waterproof with a solid IPX7 rating.
Connectivity is arguably the most essential factor to think about, as you’ll want a device that is either compatible with a system you already own or one that works with a mobile device. If you’re opting for the latter, make sure the speaker is Bluetooth compatible.
The next thing you want to consider is how the outdoor speaker will be connected. Most outdoor speakers are wired, so you will need a reliable power source. But if you’re looking for more convenience, you want to choose a portable or wireless Bluetooth speaker.
How big your speaker is matters when considering where it will be physically located and the quality of sound. If you want to travel with your speaker and pack it in a bag or suitcase, you want to opt for a smaller speaker. Just keep in mind that the sound quality and volume are often affected by size. Most larger speakers give a louder and more balanced sound.
