Quality outdoor speakers are a crucial ingredient in summer gatherings. They can help you create the perfect atmosphere when entertaining guests and impressing them with splashy grill recipes and fun cocktails. Whether you're looking for portable Bluetooth speakers that you can move from the pool to your backyard or prefer professionally installed wired speakers around your elegant patio, our experts have selected the best outdoor speakers that can withstand a few unexpected summer showers while maintaining excellent audio quality.
At Good Housekeeping Institute, our Media & Tech Lab experts have tested electronics ranging from popular home projectors to the best wireless headphones for decades. To choose the best outdoor speakers, our professionals evaluated everything from durability to ease of use and performance, carefully considering each speaker's configuration, size, weather resistance, and more. Below are our top picks for the best outdoor speakers in 2022, based on our expertise in this category, review of new and innovative products, and review of the most popular models.
1. Architectural outdoor speakers
If quality audio is what you're looking for, our tech experts suggest investing in this pair of wired speakers from Sonos to create a beautiful sound system throughout your outdoor space. Keep in mind that these speakers must be mounted and require the additional purchase of an amplifier. A professional cable installation is also recommended to set up your sound system and connect the speaker to the amp (Sonos recommends using 16ga or higher wire, designed for outdoor use). While this installation is an investment, the higher premium you'll pay will be worth it years later.
With an IP66 rating, these speakers are built to last and are protected from dust and strong water jets, such as a sudden downpour. Good Housekeeping Institute Chief Technologist Rachel Rothman appreciates that the Sonos ecosystem offers "top-notch audio capabilities and seamless integration throughout the home." A single Sonos amp can power six speakers, allowing you to expand your audio system over time. And by connecting to WiFi, you can stream music from your favorite apps and use voice control.
Buy: Architectural outdoor speakers
2. Wireless Lantern Bluetooth Speakers
We love that these lantern-shaped speakers from Pohopa look more like decorations for your patio than Bluetooth speakers! While they don't reasonably produce the same high-quality sound as Bose or Sonos Bluetooth speakers, they come in pairs so you can create a true surround sound effect. They're an excellent choice for gatherings where you need background music while you lounge outside or chat with friends and family. Our experts love that they have built-in LED lights to set the mood, and pairing via Bluetooth is a quick way to stream all your favorite playlists (wirelessly)! Amazon reviewers gave these dual speakers rave reviews and praised them for their great value.
Buy: Wireless Lantern Bluetooth Speakers
3. Move
If you want the rich, clear sound of Sonos but aren't interested in a wired setup, our experts think this stylish portable speaker is a great choice. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can take it with you on the go. But what impresses us, even more is that it's also WiFi-enabled, which means that as long as you're connected, you can create a stereo pair by combining two Sonos speakers for amplified sound. The Move includes a built-in handle for easy portability (though not as convenient as others) and has a voice control feature. Its IP56 certification means it can withstand the occasional shock as well as light rain and exposure to moisture, but don't accidentally drop it in the pool as immersion is not recommended.
Buy: Move
4. Portable smart speaker
Bose speakers are known for their sound and audio quality, and we love the versatility of this smart speaker. A built-in handle makes it super convenient to carry outside, beach, or camping. It has an IPX4 rating. While it's water-resistant, you shouldn't leave it outside all the time. The speaker's deep sound and attractive design make it a great centerpiece around a table outdoors and indoors when cooking. It's compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can ask your favorite voice assistant to increase the volume. We love that it can be paired with another Bose smart speaker for stereo sound when connected to Wi-Fi.
5. Charge 5
Suppose you want an outdoor speaker that you can take to the beach or that you won't have to dive in after if it accidentally falls in the pool; the JBL Charge 5 is a great choice. The design is available in several fun colors, makes it easy to carry or throw in your bag, and has an impressive 20-hour battery life, according to JBL. In previous tests, our experts found the audio quality loud and clear. This super-rugged model even has a built-in power supply so you can charge your phone, and the PartyBoost mode lets you pair multiple JBL speakers when it's time to, you guessed it, party!
Buy: Charge 5
6. Tufton
Our tech pros think Marshall makes some of the most attractive speakers on the market, but you'll have to pay for its classic design. This model is the brand's most powerful portable speaker, and while it's not light at nearly 5kg, it does come with a handy handle for carrying it around a little easier. Our experts like that it has a 3.5mm input, so you can connect your phone to the speaker to listen to music directly or stream it via Bluetooth within 30 feet. When listening to a range of audio, our pros were impressed with the Tufton's deep, rich bass and sound loud enough to wake up the neighbors. We also like the classic analog knobs that allow you to adjust bass, treble, and volume and fine-tune your music to your liking. We found the battery life impressive at 20 hours, according to the brand, though the IPX2 rating could be higher. Our experts warn you to be careful with spilled drinks or heavy rain.
Buy: Tufton
7. Atrium 4
These dual speakers are wired, so they're perfect for your patio or porch, and their smaller size means they'll fit in tricky or tight corners. Like other outdoor speakers, they're designed to withstand the elements and come with a five-year warranty. You'll need an amplifier and proper wire setup to power them, but once the stands are mounted, our pros agree that they lock into place quickly. Although we haven't lab-tested these speakers yet, consumers rate them highly and appreciate their excellent value.
Buy: Atrium 4
8. 251 Environmental
According to Good Housekeeping Institute engineers, Bose speakers have scored well in previous evaluations for sound quality and construction. While we didn't test this pair in our lab, if they're anything like the other Bose speakers we've tried, they'll likely produce fantastic sound in any outdoor space. Like other wired speakers, they will need to be mounted. You'll need to purchase a compatible amplifier or receiver and ensure you have the necessary cables for a permanent installation. Although the IP rating is not specified, according to Bose, these speakers are designed and tested to withstand harsh conditions such as snow, rain, salt, and extreme temperatures.
Buy: 251 Environmental
9. Outdoor Rock Speaker
Are you hoping to find a wired outdoor speaker that fits your backyard design? This wired rock speaker from Klipsch comes in a lovely granite or sandstone finish and requires no mounting! While our experts haven't tried this model in the lab, Klipsch has performed well in our previous tests, and the construction of this speaker is designed to withstand the elements. According to the brand, this speaker has been in consumers' backyards for so long that "the now-standard IP rating was still in its infancy." Remember that you'll need an amp to power these speakers, and they're not sold in pairs, so the price can quickly climb if you need more than one. You'll also need a complete wired installation in your backyard if you plan to install them near the pool or several feet from your house.
Buy: Outdoor Rock Speaker
