Looking to turn your outdoor living space into a truly luxurious setup? The best outdoor speakers can broadcast favorite playlists or beloved albums with crystalline clarity. Whether you’re looking to congregate with friends and family, grill or garden outside, hit the golf course, or power up your outdoor workout, an outdoor speaker can upgrade your experience.
But with so many options available, it can be tricky to know which outdoor speaker is right for you. We’ve evaluated several of the top options, and developed this list of recommendations.
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The Best Outdoor Speakers - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Outdoor Speaker: Polk Atrium 4
- Best Outdoor Speaker with Bluetooth: Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Portable Speaker
- Best Portable Outdoor Speaker: Anker Soundcore 3
- Best In-Ground Outdoor Speaker: TIC GS3 Outdoor Weather-Resistant Omnidirectional In-Ground Speaker
- Best Budget Outdoor Speaker: Dual Electronics 3-Way High Performance
- Best Splurge-Worthy Outdoor Speaker: Bose 251 Environmental Outdoor Speakers
- Best Outdoor Speaker with Lights: Onforu Outdoor Lantern Bluetooth Speakers
- Loudest Outdoor Speaker: JBL Boombox 2
How Do I Choose Outdoor Speakers?
As you seek the best outdoor speakers, there are a few key considerations to make:
Size
There's usually a pretty direct link between the size of the speaker, and the clarity of its audio output. The larger your outdoor area, the bigger you'll want the speaker to be.
So, you may want to opt for a smaller one for home use, but a larger speaker if you plan on using it at bigger areas like the beach, pool, or lake.
Sound Quality
Again, there is often a strong correlation between speaker size and audio. Sound quality is really a matter of preference.
You may not be an audiophile, so most people don't necessarily need premium sound. But you should at least get a speaker that offers you audio clarity without static.
Weather and Waterproofing
Weatherproofing and waterproofing are pretty much mandatory for outdoor speakers, especially for speakers that you plan to install around the pool area.
Watts
Higher wattage means the speaker will use more power, but that also means a more reliable and consistent audio experience.
Best Overall Outdoor Speaker - Polk Atrium 4
SPECS
- Size: 7.5"L x 6.3"W x 9.5"H
- Waterproof: Yes
- Watts: Up to 80 watts per channel
Our pick for best all-around outdoor speaker is the Polk Atrium 4. This Bluetooth-compatible speaker provides up to 80 watts per channel, which is more than enough power for a small or medium-sized outdoor living space. And the speaker is made for long-term, outdoor durability: It can withstand even the heaviest rains without any performance issues.
If you're an audiophile, you'll find much to love about the 4.5-inch drivers and .75-inch tweeters, which offer great sound quality. We also like how the speed-lock mounting system makes it incredibly easy to install, secure, and modify your speaker placement. Plus, a broad-cover baffle design ensures that your playlist fills your entire outdoor space, inviting everyone to lose themselves in the music.
PROS
- Stylish, low-profile design
- Easy to mount and secure
- Clear audio quality
- Excellent for small and mid-sized spaces
- Highly durable and weatherproof
- High-quality components, including brass and stainless steel
- Rust-free design
CONS
- Not as recommended for large outdoor spaces
- Intermediate price point
Best Portable Outdoor Speaker - Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Portable Speaker
SPECS
- Size: 2.06"L x 7.93"W x 3.56"H
- Waterproof: Yes; IP67
- Watts: N/A
Looking for something you can set on your patio, take with you to the beach, or reposition for outdoor exercise sessions? In that case, we recommend Bose’s SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Portable Speaker, which is our choice for the best travel speaker. Lightweight and powered by a lithium-ion battery, this speaker provides up to 12 hours of high-fidelity audio quality.
Beyond Bose's typical robust sound quality, we also think you’ll appreciate the durable and waterproof design. PositionIQ technology means you'll get great, immersive audio no matter how the speaker is angled. And, Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to connect to any mobile device, both for music as well as for speakerphone calls.
PROS
- Immersive audio quality
- Excellent for small and mid-sized spaces
- Highly durable and weatherproof
- Lightweight and easy to transport
CONS
- Might not project sound as well for larger outdoor spaces
BUY: Bose SoundLink Portable Speaker
Best Portable - Anker Soundcore 3
SPECS
- Size: 6.85"L x 2.36"W x 2.24"H
- Waterproof: Yes; IPX7
- Watts: 16 watts
At eight watts per channel, the Anker Soundcore 3 isn't necessarily a powerhouse. But it makes up for it with sheer convenience. This lightweight speaker travels well to any indoor or outdoor space. It's also durable and waterproof, and the lithium-ion battery can play for a full 24 hours on each charge.
What the sound lacks in sheer power, it makes up for with its audio clarity. We also like how the pure titanium drivers offer rigidity you won't find with plastic speakers, further enhancing your audio experience.
PROS
- Clear, high-fidelity audio quality
- Highly durable and weatherproof
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- 24-hour battery life
- Affordable
CONS
- Not as highly recommended for really large outdoor spaces
- Low wattage
Best In-Ground Outdoor Speaker - TIC GS3 Outdoor Weather-Resistant Omnidirectional In-Ground Speaker
SPECS
- Size: 12.8"L x 12.8"W x 12.8"H
- Waterproof: Yes
- Watts: 200 watts
In-ground speakers are meant to be more or less permanent. In other words, you can't travel with them, but you can enjoy a consistent outdoor audio experience in your backyard or your pool area. If you're looking for a long-term, secure option for your outdoor living space, we recommend the TIC GS3 Outdoor Weather-Resistant Omnidirectional In-Ground Speaker.
One big benefit? You get up to 200 watts of power, making this a real audio powerhouse. It's also completely weatherproof, and offers incredible 360-degree, omni-directional sound. And the speaker is designed to look sleek and stylish in any outdoor space.
PROS
- Highly durable and weatherproof
- Incredibly powerful, clear sound
- Sleek, stylish look
- 360-degree, omnidirectional sound
CONS
- Might be tricky to install for some
BUY: TIC GS3 Outdoor Weather-Resistant Omnidirectional In-Ground Speaker
Best Budget Outdoor Speaker - Dual Electronics 3-Way High Performance
SPECS
- Size: 5.3"L x 5.3"W x 8.3"H
- Waterproof: Weather-resistant
- Watts: 100 watts
The Dual Electronics 3-Way High Performance offers premium sound for a modest price point. At 100 watts, it fits well in any medium-sized outdoor space. And it's designed to withstand both rain and consistent UV exposure, making it an excellent pick for almost any climate.
On top of all that, this speaker is available for less than $100, making it a good option for anyone who's looking for an outdoor speaker without breaking the bank. To sweeten the deal, there's a one-year warranty included.
PROS
- Budget-friendly
- One-year warranty
- Good, powerful sound
- Weather- and UV-resistant
CONS
- Not as recommended for really large spaces
- Might not last as long as other, more expensive speakers
BUY: Dual Electronics 3-Way High Performance
Best Splurge Outdoor Speaker- Bose 251 Environmental Outdoor Speakers
SPECS
- Size: 4.49"L x 5.98"W x 12.4"H
- Waterproof: Weather-resistant
- Watts: N/A
Bose has a reputation for offering truly superior speakers, made to deliver the highest quality audio. While there are some affordable options in the Bose catalog, the Bose 251 Environmental Outdoor Speakers are the ones we recommend when you feel like splurging. Though not exactly cheap, these speakers offer a lot of value.
Made to be mounted on walls, either inside or out, these speakers are built to last you a long time. With 2.5-inch, full-range drivers and a 5.25-inch woofer, the audio power is exceptional. And you can even spring for a separate amplifier, boosting that power even further.
PROS
- Guaranteed to resist rain and severe weather
- Extremely durable materials
- Superior sound quality
- Stylish design
CONS
- Higher price point
- Not recommended if you want something portable
BUY: Bose 251 Environmental Outdoor Speakers
Best Outdoor Speaker with Lights - Onforu Outdoor Lantern Bluetooth Speakers
SPECS
- Size: 16.5"L x 14"W x 8"H
- Waterproof: Yes; IPX5
- Watts: 25 watts
Looking for outdoor speakers that also supply celebratory lighting? The Onforu Outdoor Lantern Bluetooth Speakers are your best bet. Get a couple of these and you'll be all set for a party that lasts long past sunset.
The Onforu Outdoor Lantern Bluetooth Speakers have a stylish lantern design, and are made from robust plastic and metal components. And with a single battery charge, you can enjoy a full 20 hours of playtime.
PROS
- Fun lantern-style design, complete with festive lighting
- Long battery life
- Waterproof
- Modest price point
CONS
- Sound quality is mediocre
BUY: Onforu Outdoor Lantern Bluetooth Speakers
Loudest Outdoor Speaker - JBL Boombox 2
SPECS
- Size: 12.76"L x 9.33"W x 21.97"H
- Waterproof: Yes; IPX57
- Watts: N/A
For sheer volume, the JBL Boombox 2 is tough to beat. This is the speaker you want for your next block party, or for supplying tunes to a really big pool area. Indeed, the JBL Boombox 2 is routinely cited as the loudest Bluetooth speaker on the market. We can't help but agree.
There's more to it than just loudness, of course. The JBL Boombox 2 offers a long battery life, portability, waterproofing, and a robust bass sound. And it's all available in a compact and stylish package.
PROS
- 24-hour battery life
- Waterproof
- Incredible volume, bass, and overall audio quality
- Portable
- Great for larger spaces
CONS
- Not the most affordable option
- Not recommended if you want something wall-mounted or in-ground
FAQs About Outdoor Speakers
What is the loudest outdoor Bluetooth speaker?
If you’re after the absolute loudest speaker, we recommend the JBL Boombox 2. It’s capable of projecting the most sound, making it ideal for large outdoor spaces.
How do you hide outdoor speaker wires?
There are a number of crafty options to hide outdoor speaker wires, including everything from crown molding to cord organizers to duct raceways. Adhesive-backed wire tape can also be useful.
What wattage is good for outdoor use?
It really depends on the size of your outdoor area. For 300 square feet or smaller, 60 watts should be fine. For an area between 300 and 500 square feet, seek 80 to 100 watts. For 600 to 1,000 square feet, opt for 100 to 175 watts.
Can outdoor speakers get wet?
Most outdoor speakers are weatherproof since they are exposed to wind, rain, and other types of outdoor conditions like UV rays. Keep in mind that while most outdoor speakers are resistant to rain, they aren’t necessarily resistant to cannonball splashes erupting from your swimming pool. That’s why we recommend a fully waterproof product for poolside speakers.
Do you need an amp for outdoor speakers?
Yes, you'll need a source of power to amplify the sound for your outdoor speaker. However, some outdoor speakers are capable of producing enough sound on their own. This means they don’t require a power source and can operate on their own (some outdoor speakers might just need batteries).
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