The Best Outdoor Speakers
From pool parties to campouts on the trail, outdoor speakers are a great addition to patios and packs alike. These tough amplifiers are often waterproof and can deal with all manner of weather. Some options serve as auxiliary attachments for larger home stereo systems, while others utilize Bluetooth to get the party started in no time. So whether you're looking for pronounced power or a compact carry-on device for outdoor adventures, you're sure to find the perfect pick on our list of the best of the best in outdoor speakers.
Dual Electronics LU43PB 3-Way Outdoor Speakers
Hearing is Believing
One of the most tedious parts of setting up an outdoor party is finding the right speakers and installing them for maximum clarity. The 3-Way Outdoor Speakers by Dual Electronics provide a different option for backyard shindigs: a wall-mounted sound system that can be angled to fit any area. These speakers are a great option for those with a receiver already in use, although Bluetooth standalone options are available with the LU43PB. For their size and price, these speakers from Dual Electronics pump out clear sound at a respectable volume and won’t let you down when the party heats up.
Pros:
- The swivel mount and curved housing enables a wide range of sound
- The coating is moisture- and UV-resistant
- It can be mounted horizontally or vertically
Cons:
- Bluetooth receiver not included
Pohopa EF-B210G Dual Lantern Speakers
Audio Incognito
If you’re looking for a disguised wireless sound system that blends into any backyard, Pohopa’s Dual Lantern Speakers are the camouflaged companions for you. While these formidable speakers look like permanent light fixtures, they’re actually extremely portable and doubly useful as a light source. With the added loop atop the housing, these adaptive accessories can be mounted on hooks, railings, or ropes for optimal surround sound. And if your party turns into an outdoor movie night, the Dual Lantern speakers even have an aux port to connect seamlessly with the fun.
Pros:
- Accept both Bluetooth and aux connections
- Up to twelve hours of use on a single charge
- Available in clear or rainbow-colored LEDs
Cons:
- Bass is not very pronounced
Polk Audio Atrium 4 Outdoor Speaker
Storm-Proof Sound
The Polk Audio Atrium 4 Outdoor Speaker Set is an all-around show stopper on any solid surface. Polk has jam-packed the Atrium 4 with features we love. To start, the mounting bracket allows for 180 degrees of speaker movement with a brilliant locking mechanism. Plus, every exterior component is made with top-notch materials, such as rust-proof stainless steel or aluminum. On top of that, the 4.5-inch driver is slightly larger than competitors and delivers a full, robust sound. With all-weather waterproofing, the Atrium 4 is a surprising, affordable party machine for any season.
Pros:
- Easy to install and secure C-brackets
- Powerful 80 watts per channel
- Incredible value for the price
Cons:
- No wireless option available
JBL Flip 4
The Song Sidekick
The JBL Flip 4 makes small gatherings around firepits and patio tables more enjoyable with every passing song. While the Flip 4 is small, it makes up for stature with a maximized output and an impressive battery life. Both ends feature passive radiators for rich bass, while the main body conceals speakers beneath a waterproof fabric. The Flip 4 is incredibly lightweight and has an impressive wireless range for up to two devices at once. If you want to extend the music selection to your friends and have ultimate flexibility over the location and duration of your party’s audio, make JBL your pint-sized party planner.
Pros:
- Fully charged in less than four hours
- Enables connection of up to 100 JBL speakers
- Receives calls and operators seamlessly with smartphone AI
Cons:
- The JBL Connect music app can be kind of finicky
OSD Audio RS670 Outdoor Rock Speaker
Rock and Roll
Homeowners that prefer gravel to grass will rejoice at the sight of OSD Audio’s Outdoor Rock Speaker and its many impressive specs. The RS670 is available in five colors, including shades of grey and brown that blend nicely with wooden or concrete surroundings. The sizes and shapes vary from roughly pyramidal to rectangular and cubic versions for a more natural fit in your personalized backyard. The actual speakers will only work with standard RCA cables, but you won’t be disappointed with your receiver’s sound quality. All five options feature sizeable woofers, finely tuned tweeters, and enough power to hit the Outdoor Rock’s full frequency at rock n’ roll level volume.
Pros:
- Power rating of 80 to 200 watts
- Minimum weight of 12 pounds can easily withstand storms
- Fantastic customer service staff
Cons:
- Require special RCA wiring to be completely waterproof
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of weatherproofing should I expect in outdoor speakers?
Weatherproofing is an all-important requirement for outdoor speakers that should never be overlooked. The primary protocol used to indicate the durability of electronic components is Ingress Protection or IP scale. If the possibility of severe rainstorms is prevalent, the minimum acceptable rating for waterproofing should be level 7. This rating means that total immersion has no effect on electronic components up to 1 meter. Level six protection against solids is recommended if air quality and dust or sand is an issue. Always remember that the life of weatherproof electronics can be extended if they’re taken in during extreme weather events.
What are the most important stats for determining the sound quality of a speaker?
If you’re looking to upgrade your sound system, note your speaker’s frequency response, sensitivity, wattage, and impedance. Impedance and wattage are important when pairing with your receiver because too large of a difference in ohms or power level will lead to sound distortion at lower volume levels. Speaker frequency response refers to the device’s actual range of sound on the audible spectrum, and a higher sensitivity most directly translates to higher fidelity at a higher volume.
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