The finest outdoor speakers have a powerful sound, a sturdy design that can sustain outside use, and some type of water protection to help shield them from the weather. We’ve put each of these models to the test for their ability to withstand splashes or a little light rain, as well as designs that are durable enough to allow you to leave them outside all year long. These models range from weatherproof speakers intended for life outdoors to portable models that are built to travel. With one of these outdoor speakers nearby, you won’t have to settle for listening to music in silence on one of our finest headphones in little patio spaces, expansive backyards, or public parks.
We evaluated and graded each device in this shopping guide based on factors including battery life, durability, and sound quality. Each has been tested in various settings to determine how they hold up to life outside. Some of the devices are also featured in our often updated purchasing guides for the best Bluetooth speakers and best waterproof speakers.
What outdoor speakers are the best?
According to our research, the Polk Atrium 4 stereo speakers, an economical stereo pair that offers great quality in durable construction, are the finest outdoor speakers. If you’re prepared to spend more money, the bigger Atrium 5 can also work well for larger groups, but the Atrium 4’s price alone makes it difficult to pass up.
The Anker Soundcore 3 is our top affordable choice for outdoor sound. This model, which costs a little over $50, offers surprisingly good sound in a strong, small, and completely portable form. Its waterproof shell can withstand pool parties and the occasional sprinkle of rain. Although it may appear too little for any backyard gathering, it makes a fantastic travel companion and can be thrown into any laptop or gym bag. With 24-hour battery life, you may use it continuously and get amazing value for portable summer music.
Another outdoor small design with superior dust and water resistance is the Sonos Roam. Should your Wi-Fi connection reach outside, you may even be able to use some of its smart features (such as voice commands and alarms) & you can easily connect with your smartphone over bluetooth.
1. Polk Atrium 4
The best outdoor speakers must be able to resist the weather and produce powerful bass, clear treble, and a rich middle with enough volume to be heard above the wind and party conversation. All the requirements are met by these Polk speakers, which often cost less than $200.
The Atrium 4s are 8.6 x 6.7 x 5.7 inches in size, making them both small enough to not overpower your landscape and large enough to produce a full sound. They don’t create a lot of basses, but they do produce more low-end than other outdoor speakers of the same size. The Atrium 4 produced crisp voices while handling both the distorted guitars of classic rock and the thundering bass of hip-hop with its 4.5-inch mid-woofer/tweeter and 0.8-inch tweeter within each speaker.
Consider Polk’s bigger Atrium 5 speakers, which have 5-inch midrange woofer/tweeters, if you want more bass and have the room (and the extra bucks).
2. Anker Soundcore 3
A fantastic tiny Bluetooth speaker for outdoor sounds is the Anker Soundcore 3. For just more than $50, you can have a small powerhouse that produces powerful, well-balanced sound in an IPX7-rated design that can withstand dust and water while being protected from daily bumps by the sturdy rubberized outer cover. The Soundcore 3’s twin tweeter drivers and center mid/bass woofer, along with a passive bass driver and Anker’s BassUp technology, means you’ll enjoy strong sound in any location. The speaker lasts up to a staggering 24 hours owing to Anker’s best-in-class battery technology.
A brief road trip is made possible by the Soundcore’s small size (6.75 x 2.25 x 2.25 inches), while SharePlay enables several Soundcore speakers to be synchronized for even more sound. In addition to the usual sleek black we tried, it is also offered for a little bit more ($50) in the hues blue, red, and silver.
3. Sonos Roam
The Roam is a portable smart speaker that integrates effortlessly into any Sonos multi-room system you may have, much like the larger, more costly Sonos Move. With an IP67 classification, the Sonos Roam is protected against dust ingress and can resist complete submersion in water, let alone a light drizzle, which is largely responsible for its outdoor-friendly features.
You don’t have to keep the Roam close to your house just because it has Wi-Fi capabilities, though. The longest-lasting Bluetooth speakers may not be bothered by the 10-hour battery, but it can take benefit of its useful Auto TruePlay feature wherever it is. Even in an open area like a park, this automatically adjusts the sound output to best fit the surroundings.
4. Klipsch AW-650
The AW-650 speakers are among of the top outdoor speakers available if you follow the “go big or go home” philosophy of outdoor enjoyment. These 15 x 11 x 9.5-inch rock giants have a 6.5-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter. The end effect is a powerful bass and clear, full voices that, when desired, can easily drown out background noise from the outside.
The AW-650 speakers have a UV-resistant ABS plastic polymer housing and come with Klipsch’s lifetime warranty. They are constructed like tanks. They weigh 9 pounds each, so if you decide to put them up high, you’ll want to make sure you install them firmly. They would also function nicely at floor level.
5. V-Moda Remix
Given V-stellar Moda’s history with headphones, you should be aware of how well-built their first-ever Bluetooth speaker, the Remix, is. This attractive and well-made speaker has a built-in headphone amplifier and produces clean mids, warm highs, and booming bass. Even high-res audio formats are supported (FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, WAV, and DSD). Although the Remix doesn’t have a multiroom solution, you may daisy-chain numerous speakers to create stereo surround sound. The front of the speaker is made of black 3D-printed fiber, while the sides are made of black plastic, demonstrating excellent craftsmanship. For an additional fee, V-Moda offers bespoke design options.
This bad boy has a 50-foot working range on a full charge, which is substantially higher than the 33-foot range that V-Moda promises. Additionally, the present price reduction should tempt buyers who desire a little boom box that can produce strong sound.
