Lounging in the sun's warmth can exhilarate, especially if music accompanies the moment. A perfectly selected playlist is an essential complement to outdoor romps, allowing you to enjoy the day with Mick, Freddie, Stevie, Bey, Ariana or Hova. Maybe you’re planning a party or a poetry meeting. Or maybe you’re planning to give a speech. Whatever the scenario, make sure all the sounds are clear and audible with the best outdoor speakers.
What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor speakers? High-end indoor speakers are designed for controlled conditions and focus on clarity and overall acoustics. Outdoor speakers listen to under varying conditions. They produce better sound quality because of high-end construction and internal parts that produce better vibration. Plus, they built the outer frames to withstand the elements, so you can leave them outside without worrying that Mother Nature will spoil the party.
The best outdoor speakers ensure that the good times will continue to roll, rain or shine, and we’ve rounded up the top 6 below.
Factors to consider before buying outdoor speakers:
Weather resistance: This is the most important factor. Above all else, outdoor speakers need to withstand the elements. Check to see if the units have an IP rating, which will give you information about their resistance (or lack thereof) to splashing. Other features to consider include temperature ranges, which show whether an enclosure can be damaged by scorching heat or freezing cold.
Size: This goes without saying, but you’ll want to make sure the speakers you buy are suitable for a area. If you plan to mount them, the anchor point should be strong enough to hold the speakers in place without them falling over. Speakers that are too large can cause structural damage if the support is inadequate. So you’ll need to test to determine the load-bearing capacity of the anchor points in your space.
Design: Appearance isn’t always everything, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Some outdoor speakers have a rough-and-ready look, while others are more elegant and better suited for wall mounting. A lot depends on your taste.
Special features: Are you looking for a minimalist setup that just lets you listen to music? Or are you looking for something that can be combined with an existing indoor audio setup? Most outdoor speakers are simple, but other units can add value by including features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.
1. AP650 Audio Patio Pro Speakers
At 6.5 inches in size, the OSD Patio Pro speakers may seem insignificant, but they are powerful in a small package. These speakers sound loud and cover large spaces with ease. They are also easy to move around, as we can mount vertically them or horizontally depending on the area. Plus, the IPX6 rating means they’re dustproof and weatherproof, so tuck them under the edge of a roof for a little extra protection in heavy rain.
Buy: AP650 Audio Patio Pro Speakers
2. Polk Audio Atrium 4 outdoor speakers
Polk Audio’s Atrium 4 outdoor speakers are designed to withstand many weather. With a combination of stainless steel and brass on the speaker wire hubs and an aluminum grill and stand on the outside, the unit can easily withstand heavy rain and other extreme weather. The interior of the Atrium 4 is no slouch, with the long-throw driver and aluminum tweeter producing rich sounds that fill the space so you can keep listening to the music.
Buy: Polk Audio Atrium 4 outdoor speakers
3. Yamaha NS-AW150W Outdoor Speaker
Yamaha is one of the most trusted names in audio, which means you can turn to them for a pair of outdoor speakers. Reasonably sized (10.2 x 6.2 x 54), the set emits simple sound, allowing you to hear your favorite songs in crisp detail. This is possible thanks to the half-inch tweeter and five-inch woofer. However, the speakers are only water-resistant and not waterproof, so you’ll need to place them under an awning or in a screened-in porch to better protect them.
Buy: Yamaha NS-AW150W Outdoor Speaker
4. Soundboks 3 outdoor speaker
Looking to get an outdoor speaker and leave it at that? The Soundboks 3 is a massive unit (both in weight and size) that could replace a sound system in a bar. With a rechargeable battery that lasts for 40 hours and a concert-like decibel level, you’re likely to drive your neighbors crazy with the volume it can achieve. The Soundboks 3 is also shock and water resistant, so you can play music anytime, anywhere, without worrying about the elements.
Buy: Soundboks 3 outdoor speaker
5. Bose 251 outdoor speakers
Bose automatically conveys a certain level of craftsmanship, so the 251 outdoor speakers are more than just an interesting package. A heavy-duty composite enclosure makes them tough enough to withstand variations in heat and cold, while the waterproof metal will protect them from rain. The simple mounting also allows the 251 to tilt down slightly, not unlike the speakers you’d see in a movie theater or mounted on the ceiling at a concert. Plus, they’re very easy to install, so you won’t have to waste too much time lounging around outside.
Buy: Bose 251 outdoor speakers
6. Dual Electronics LU43PB Outdoor Speakers
If you’re in the market to outfit a large outdoor space with several budget-friendly options, the Dual Electronics LU43PB speakers are a fantastic budget-friendly option. These high-performance units provide quality sound through an amplifier, and the speakers include a four-inch woofer. In addition, the swivel brackets allow for versatile mounting and positioning, while the all-weather coating ensures that you can use the speakers in any environment.
Buy: Dual Electronics LU43PB Outdoor Speakers
