Take the fun outdoors on a sunny day—enjoy the warm weather while listening to your favorite tunes or podcast. Music sets the mood and can also improve productivity, while podcasts or audiobooks can satisfy a scholarly craving. Barbecue aficionados, gardening lovers, and pool partygoers all benefit from outdoor speakers.
The best outdoor speakers for your backyard entertainment will provide the right amount of audio volume, bass, and treble. They’ll also endure conditions such as rain and changes in temperature. And, they’ll easily integrate with a home audio system or have enough battery life to satisfy your needs.
Keep reading for more insight into outdoor speakers and find the best model for your patio or deck space. Each of the top picks below was selected after an in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting.
- BEST OVERALL: Polk Audio Atrium 4 Outdoor Speakers
- BEST BUDGET: Dual Electronics LU53PB 3-Way High Performance
- BEST PORTABLE: JBL Boombox 2 – Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- BEST BASS: Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker
- BEST BLUETOOTH: Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 Portable Waterproof
- BEST QUALITY SOUND: Polk Audio Atrium 6 Outdoor Speakers
- BEST DISCREET: Theater Solutions 2R8G Outdoor Granite 8″ Rock
- ALSO CONSIDER: JBL FLIP 4
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Outdoor Speakers
Selecting the best outdoor speakers depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the backyard, where and how they’ll be installed, and the volume and bass desired.
Size
Outdoor speaker sizes vary depending on the application and the size of the backyard. There’s a difference between listening to a podcast on the deck versus blasting tunes for a backyard barbecue. A yard the size of a balcony needs less volume than one big enough for a pickup game of football.
For big backyards, look for a speaker that’ll provide enough bass. Speakers with a large 6.5-inch or an 8-inch cone size will produce more bass. Also important is a speaker with a high-mid and high-frequency response—especially since there are no walls for the bass to bounce off. Look for something with multiple audio drivers; this will generate a good balance between bass, treble, and midrange. Small speakers that can be easily carried in and out of the house have their uses, too.
Durability
Outdoor speakers need to endure harsh weather and potentially dirty conditions. Look for a speaker’s IP rating, which indicates how dustproof and waterproof it is.
- Dust-resistant versus dustproof: the first number in the IP rating. Anything between 1 and 5 is dust resistant, whereas 6 is dustproof. If a manufacturer uses an X in place of a 0, they’re confident the speaker can withstand a bit of dust—it’s a tad better than a 0.
- Water-resistant versus waterproof: the second number in the IP rating. Anything between 1 and 6 is water resistant—from withstanding dripping water to strong water jets. Waterproof is denoted by a 7 or an 8. You can submerge an IPX7 speaker in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and an IPX8 in 3 meters of water for 30 minutes.
Outdoor speakers are also made tougher than their indoor counterparts with metal grills and rugged plastic enclosures. Rogue volleyballs, harsh winds, and persistent bugs shouldn’t damage them.
Portable vs. Permanent Installation
Permanently installed speakers save listeners the hassle of constantly taking them in and out of the house. They also provide loud, clear, and overall great sound.
There are passive outdoor stereo speakers that get their power and signal from a home receiver—they need to be connected to the amplifier in the house. For those who aren’t comfortable with this installation, there are outdoor speakers that come with built-in amplifiers. These require a wire between the speakers and a connection to a power supply.
Portable outdoor speakers vary in size, from those that can be carried with one hand to ones that you can barely lift off the ground. Many of these models are classified as portable Bluetooth speakers and use batteries for power.
Sound Quality and Volume
Outdoor speaker positioning plays a significant role in sound quality. Loud volumes are great, but the sound can disappear if the speakers are placed incorrectly. If setting up on a patio, mounting speakers that can rotate helps create a containable area for the acoustics.
In more open spaces, multiple audio drivers in each speaker help produce better-quality sound. A woofer handles bass, or low-range frequencies, while midrange drivers handle midrange frequencies, and tweeters take care of high-frequency treble. The larger the cones of the drivers, the louder the volume.
Some smaller speakers may have passive bass radiators. These rubber-like surfaces vibrate with the output of a powered driver—the air pressure created by the cones or the speaker diaphragm. Passive radiators create that punch of bass that might otherwise be missing without them.
Wireless Range
Bluetooth speakers are limited to 2.4 GHz, and most have a maximum range of about 30 feet, while the minimum range for Wi-Fi speakers starts at around 30 feet. Outdoors, some wireless Wi-Fi speakers can reach ranges of up to 600 feet in ideal conditions, especially if antennas are added.
Another benefit of wireless Wi-Fi is that it can work on 2.4, 3.6, and 5 GHz frequencies. Because more devices use 2.4 GHz, there is a higher chance of interference. Using 5 GHz speakers allows for better overall bandwidth, speed, and range.
Wattage and Battery Life
Outdoor speakers range in wattage (energy output) between 60 and 300 watts. While it is true that more wattage can mean higher volume capacities, it is also the case that there is potential for great sound and coverage at lower volumes. The amount of wattage you need depends on the size of the area you want to cover:
- 60 watts for areas smaller than 300 square feet
- 80 to 100 watts for spaces between 300 and 500 square feet
- 100 to 175 watts for anything between 600 and 800 square feet
- 250+ watts for areas over 1,000 square feet
Most yards will do fine with 100-watt speakers. As most speakers come in twos, a pair of 80-watt speakers have a total of 160 watts.
The majority of portable speakers use lithium-ion batteries charged via USB or an AC power adapter. At one time, 7 to 10 hours of battery life was standard. Today, however, you can find batteries that last up to 30 hours. Keep in mind that blasting your speakers at top volume for hours will drain the battery faster. Some outdoor speakers use AA alkaline batteries as a backup to AC power.
Additional Features
Outdoor speakers come in a variety of designs. There are speakers disguised as rocks, lanterns, and planters, among other things. To create a stealth outdoor getaway where the speakers blend into the backyard and no one is the wiser, shoppers can have fun bringing it all together.
For those looking to entertain friends or impress their kids, give them a light show with speakers that come with lighting effects, like a lantern-shaped speaker with lights that look like flames or different colored lights that dance to the music.
Some speakers also come with voice assistance like Google, Alexa, or Siri, which allow users to instruct the speaker to decrease the volume, for example.
Our Top Picks
The following are some of the most popular outdoor speakers for backyard entertainment, measured against the shopping considerations listed above.
Photo: amazon.com
These Atrium 4 outdoor speakers from Polk Audio feature a 4.5-inch woofer for midrange and bass and a 0.75-inch tweeter for treble frequencies. The dual drivers in each speaker offer a balanced sound that’s great for listening to anything from classical music to hip-hop. The curved design helps to disperse the sound evenly, and the 80 watts per channel should cut through annoying background noises.
To install the speakers, users simply need to mount the bracket, click the speaker into place, aim it where desired, and tighten it. Users can install the speakers vertically or horizontally, or use them as indoor speakers.
The speakers boast all-weather performance with aluminum grills and internal stainless steel and brass parts. That said, it’s still best to install the speakers under some type of shielding, like an awning. The speakers are available in black or white.
Product Specs
- Portable vs. Permanent Installation: Permanent installation
- Sound Quality: 4.5-inch woofer and a 0.75-inch tweeter
- Battery Life: 80 watts
Pros
- Dual drivers in each speaker
- Curved design for great stereo sound distribution
- Easy-to-mount design
- All-weather design
Cons
- Expensive price point
- May not be 100% waterproof
Get the Polk Audio Atrium 4 outdoor speakers on Amazon and at Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
Getting quality stereo sound from an outdoor speaker project need not break the bank. These reasonably priced outdoor speakers from Dual Electronics boast a three-way component design that ensures a crisp and clear audio experience. Each speaker has a 5.25-inch woofer, a 1.6-inch midrange cone, and a 0.78-inch tweeter that drives different sounds evenly and outputs 60 watts of power.
Each speaker has a UV resin coating and is housed in a plastic enclosure, making them both weather resistant. Users can install the speakers horizontally or vertically under a covered area.
Product Specs
- Portable vs. Permanent Installation: Permanent installation
- Sound Quality: 5.25-inch woofer, a 1.6-inch midrange cone, and a 0.78-inch tweeter
- Battery Life: 60 watts
Pros
- 3-way component design
- UV resin coating and plastic construction
- Can be installed horizontally or vertically
Cons
- Speaker cables or wires required; no Bluetooth connection
Get the Dual Electronics outdoor speakers on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The JBL Boombox 2 comes with an IPX7 rating for waterproof protection up to 3 feet deep. Users can enjoy listening to music by the backyard pool without worry, or they can carry the mobile speaker to the beach. The 13-pound speaker has a distinctive grip handle that adds stylish portability.
For great sound and deep, powerful bass, the speaker features two woofers and two tweeters. Users can enjoy their music all day and all night with the speaker’s 24-hour battery life. The speaker also has Bluetooth for streaming music, a power bank for charging mobile devices, and a 3.5-millimeter AUX port for connecting older devices. Users who own other JBL PartyBoost-enabled devices can link multiple speakers to blast the music even louder. The JBL Boombox 2 is available in black and camo.
Product Specs
- Portable vs. Permanent Installation: Portable
- Sound Quality: 2 woofers and 2 tweeters
- Battery Life: 24 hours
Pros
- Waterproof
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Built-in handle
- Lightweight construction
Cons
Get the JBL Boombox 2 outdoor speakers at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.
Photo: amazon.com
Play some electronic dance music, house music, or even some heavy metal and enjoy that bass booming through the AW6500 speaker from Definitive Technology. The speaker houses a 6.5-inch mid-woofer, a 1-inch tweeter, and a 5.5-inch by 10-inch bass radiator for crisp sound. The oval pressure-drive low-bass radiator delivers quality bass without affecting the treble and midrange frequencies.
The speaker has a steel mounting bracket that allows for 360-degree rotation, so users can install it vertically or horizontally and point it in whichever direction sounds best. The speaker is fully sealed in a rugged PolyStone enclosure, making it both moisture and wear resistant, and it comes in black or white.
Product Specs
- Portable vs. Permanent Installation: Permanent installation
- Sound Quality: 6.5-inch mid-woofer, a 1-inch tweeter, and a 5.5-inch by 10-inch bass radiator
- Battery Life: 200 watts
Pros
- Oval pressure-drive low-bass radiator
- Can be installed vertically or horizontally
- Moisture and water-resistant
- Steel mounting bracket included; 360-degree rotation
Cons
- Some users report manufacturing defects
- May take some time to install
Get the Definitive Technology outdoor speakers at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.
Photo: amazon.com
Users can pair their Bluetooth devices to the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 speaker and listen to music all day long beside a pool, at a barbecue, or the beach. The cylindrical design disperses the sound in every direction, and the speaker provides clear and balanced audio with resonating bass that won’t exaggerate or distort the music. The one-touch channel control gives complete and easy control over streaming music. The speaker’s 20-hour battery life lets users stretch the party into the night.
With an IP67 rating, the speaker is both dustproof and waterproof—making it an ideal choice for pool or beach parties. The durable speaker is also drop-proof and can survive falls from a height of 3 feet. The rugged and attractive two-tone fabric cover adds to the durability. The attractive speaker comes in lagoon blue, night black, and sunset red.
Product Specs
- Portable vs. Permanent Installation: Portable
- Sound Quality: 360-degree sound distribution
- Battery Life: 20 hours
Pros
- One-touch channel control
- Dust and waterproof
- Abrasion-resistant
- Durable two-tone fabric cover
Cons
- No built-in handle
- Limited durability if dropped higher than 3 feet
Get the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM outdoor speakers at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.
Photo: amazon.com
These Atrium 6 Outdoor Speakers from Polk Audio feature a 5.25-inch woofer for midrange and bass and a 1-inch tweeter for treble frequencies. The speakers pack a punch and produce accurate, high-quality sound. The dual drivers in each speaker offer a balanced sound that’s great for listening to classical or hip-hop music, and more. With an angled design the sound disperses evenly, and the 100 watts per channel should cut through annoying background noises.
Users can install the speakers vertically or horizontally by mounting the bracket, clicking the speaker into place, aiming it where desired, and tightening it.
The speakers boast all-weather performance with aluminum grills and internal stainless steel and brass parts. That said, it’s still best to install the speakers under some type of protection, like an awning. The speakers are available in black or white.
Product Specs
- Portable vs. Permanent Installation: Permanent installation
- Sound Quality: 5.25-inch woofer, 1-inch tweeter, and dual drivers
- Battery Life: 100 watts
Pros
- Angled design
- Can be installed vertically or horizontally
- All-weather performance; aluminum grills and internal stainless steel and brass construction
- Comes in multiple colorways
Cons
- Should be kept under some protection while outside; not fully waterproof
- Wiring required; no Bluetooth connectivity
Get the Polk Audio Atrium 6 outdoor speakers at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.
Photo: amazon.com
Listeners can hide speakers in the landscape with these clever Theater Solutions speakers that are designed to look like large rocks. Each speaker houses an 8-inch angled woofer directed toward the listener when it’s placed at ground level. Users must connect the speakers to an indoor amplifier for power.
The multilayered silicone-sealed cabinets and rust-resistant grills make these speakers weatherproof and durable. Users also need not worry about temperature changes as the speakers are rated for up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Product Specs
- Portable vs. Permanent Installation: Permanent installation
- Sound Quality: 8-inch angled woofer
- Battery Life: 10-250 watts
Pros
- Multilayered silicone-sealed cabinets
- Rust-resistant grills
- Waterproof
- Withstands 140-degree Fahrenheit temperatures
Cons
- Must be connected to an amplifier for power
- Some users report manufacturing defects
Get the Theater Solutions outdoor speakers at Amazon, Walmart, and The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
A powerful output, watertight construction, and lengthy battery life make this speaker from JBL a worthy companion for pool parties and beach trips. It features an IP 7 waterproof rating, which means it can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. With its 16-watt output (8 watts per 1-inch speaker), and dual 2-inch subwoofers, this speaker produces full sound even outdoors. This speaker measures 7 inches tall and 2.5 inches in diameter and can easily fit into a bag or a backpack.
A 3000-mAh lithium-ion battery gives this unit up to 12 hours of battery life—plenty of time for a full day at the beach. This model is also ideal for speakerphone use with its echo-canceling technology. It will also operate via voice control when connected to such virtual assistants as Google Now and Siri.
Product Specs
- Portable vs. Permanent Installation: Portable
- Sound Quality: Dual 2-inch subwoofers
- Battery Life: 12 hours
Pros
- IP 7 waterproof rating
- 3000-mAh lithium-ion battery
- Speakerphone capability
- Voice control included
Cons
- No carrying handle included
- Some users report issues with battery life
Get the JBL FLIP 4 outdoor speakers on Amazon and at Walmart.
Our Verdict
Selecting an ideal outdoor speaker can be difficult with so many options on the market. One of the best permanent options overall is the Polk Audio outdoor speaker which comes with a 4.5-inch woofer and a 0.75-inch tweeter, an 80-watt output, and dual drivers in each speaker. Alternatively, the JBL Boombox outdoor speaker has 2 woofers and 2 tweeters, a 24-hour battery life, and a waterproof construction.
How We Chose the Best Outdoor Speakers
Anyone that loves to entertain outdoors can benefit from the best outdoor speakers on the market. We researched the most sought-after outdoor speakers in their respective categories and discovered that the best options feature great audio quality, long battery life or wattage, are weather-resistant, and come with other special features that make them reliable.
With permanent or portable options available, these speakers can be placed virtually anywhere in your outdoor space. Some of the permanently installed models can even be installed vertically, horizontally, or mounted on the ceiling. For excellent sound distribution, each of these picks come with a woofer, subwoofer, tweeters, or even bass radiators.
While the permanently installed speakers rely on wired connection and don’t require charging, many of the portable speakers can last from 12-24 hours before requiring a re-charge. However, most of the permanent models do not offer Bluetooth connectivity, while the portable options usually do. For added convenience, select models also come with all-weather resistance and waterproof designs. Finally, many outdoor speakers come with mounting hardware included, carrying handles, or lightweight constructions for portability.
FAQs
Still need information about outdoor speakers? Check out these answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Q: What is the difference between a Bluetooth speaker and a WiFi speaker?
WiFi speakers require a WiFi connection to stream music. They work in tandem with smart devices connected to the same network. This limits their portability. Bluetooth speakers connect to a smart device via Bluetooth technology and therefore don’t require a WiFi network. This makes them much more portable.
Q: How many watts is a good outdoor speaker?
The number of watts users need depends on the size of the area they want to cover:
- 60 watts for areas smaller than 300 square feet.
- 80 to 100 watts for spaces between 300 and 500 square feet.
- 100 to 175 watts for anything between 600 and 800 square feet.
- 250+ watts for areas over 1,000 square feet.
Q: How should outdoor speakers be chosen?
Here are a few things to consider when choosing outdoor speakers:
- The size of the area needed to cover: deck versus large backyard.
- What type of audio sounds will be played: podcasts and audiobooks or booming house music?
- Will the speakers be used for entertaining, or are they just for your enjoyment?
- Will the speakers be permanently installed—mounted to the side of the house, for example—or is a portable speaker more suitable to carry outdoors when needed?
The location of the speakers and how they’ll be used will play a significant role in which ones are chosen.
Q: How are outdoor speakers protected from rain?
Check the IP rating. IPX7 and IPX8 indicate the product is fully waterproof; IPX6 and below means the speaker is water resistant. Install water-resistant speakers under a covering, such as an awning.
Q: Where should outdoor speakers be placed?
This depends on the type of speaker. Some speakers can be mounted to a house, a pool house, or a shed. Others are in-ground speakers that can be placed in a garden, and there are some that look like rocks that can be placed in a garden or a lawn. Additionally, a speaker’s IP rating will impact where it can be placed.
