Buying the best outdoor speakers requires in-depth research of many important features and specifications since keeping your stereo system outside can be a bit risky.
However, you can decrease this risk by choosing the speaker specifically constructed for outdoor spaces.
You must be wondering which outdoor speaker is the best?
Well, In this article we will discuss some features, benefits, and guidelines of a few best-selling outdoor speakers.
Winner
The reliable outdoor speakers that provide a full stereo performance with HD sound quality and deep bass is good enough for outdoor useage.
Runner Up
A compact-sized speaker set that provides dynamic audio balance, smooth response and full-range sound dispersion can be a suitable pair of speakers for your outdoor area.
Also Great
A 2-way designed speaker that produces sound with precision and clarity and provides UV-resistant features might be a good pick for you.
Best Outdoor Speakers - Top 5 Reviews
#1. Best Environmental Outdoor Speakers - Bose 251 Wall Mount Outdoor Speakers
The Bose 251 Wall Mount outdoor speakers are specially designed to provide a full stereo performance in a large outdoor space.
This set of speakers have many latest features and technologies that provide a wide dispersion of audio with high quality. The multi-chamber bass enclosure enables the speakers to provide powerful deep bass without any audio distortion.
The Bose 251 speakers are durable and weather-resistant. There is a water-proof composite casing that provides these speakers a protectant layer to withstand harsh weather conditions.
The Articulated Array system helps in producing a smooth and clear audio even at high volume levels, without any distortion. You can hear HD quality sound balance from a distance.
Features of Bose 251 Wall Mount Outdoor Speakers
- Articulated array speaker design
- Multi-chambered bass enclosure
- Mineral and glass-filled polypropylene cabinet
- Consistent stereo sound effect
- Weather-proof
- 2 full-range drivers
- Multiple setting options
- Powerful and deep bass
- Easy installation
- Elegant design
- Can withstand extreme weather conditions
- Less warranty period
Best Environment-Friendly Outdoor Speakers
The Best Environment-Friendly Outdoor Speaker is Bose 251 Wall Mount Outdoor Speakers because they provide you with a decent combination of wide sound dispersion and powerful bass.
#2. Best Compact Outdoor Speakers - Polk Audio Atrium 4
The Polk Atrium 4 speaker produces a high definition sound with its compact size and easy installation. You can place it anywhere in the outdoor space.
It consists of an aluminum dome tweeter and polypropylene cone driver that produces a clear audio quality with a deep bass.
The inclusive patented Dynamic Balance and Klippel Optimization technologies enable the speaker to produce realistic sound without any noisy distortion even at high volumes.
It also provides weatherproof and rustproof features with a speed-lock mounting system that makes it convenient and easy-to-use.
Features of Polk Audio Atrium 4
- 41/2” Dynamic Balance
- Steep-angled design
- Speed-lock mounting
- Weatherproof/Rustproof
- Klippel transducer optimization
- Wide and crisp sound dispersion
- Compact size
- Temperature and weather resistant
- Powerful bass response
- Easy mounting system
- Not portable
Best Compact Outdoor Speakers
The best compact outdoor speakers is Polk Audio Atrium 4 because it provides you an excellent audio quality and makes it manageable to place it in different spaces. If you are looking for speakers that are high quality and durable then these are the best outdoor speakers that can be a good choice.
#3. Best Rock Outdoor Speakers - Klipsch AWR- 650-SM Outdoor Rock Speakers
The Klipsch AWR- 650-SM speaker is a 2-way designed rock speaker that will perfectly get mixed with the outdoor environment. Its granite and sandstone finish is what makes it stand-out.
It has a 6.5 inch dual voice coil polymer woofer and dual ¾ inch polymer dome tweeters that allows the speaker to give 2-way sound production with clarity.
These speakers are available in two colors i.e granite and sandstone. The external design and structure is specially built to provide durability with its UV-resistant properties.
Features of Klipsch AWR- 650-SM Outdoor Rock Speakers
- 2-way design
- Dual voice polymer woofer
- UV-resistant
- Polymer dome tweeters
- Wired mono outputs
- Ported vent
- 2 aesthetic design options
- Bass enhancement features
- Stereo clarity
- Clear and precise sound quality
- Sturdy and durable
- No built-in wireless capabilities
Best Rock Outdoor Speakers
The best rock outdoor speakers is Klipsch AWR-650-SM because it has an aesthetic outdoor design with 2-way class sound. If you are looking for a stereo clear audio with durability features then speakers might be a good choice for you.
#4. Best Affordable Outdoor Speakers - Yamaha NS-AW150BL Indoor/Outdoor Speakers
The Yamaha NS-AW150BL speakers are released under the Yamaha outdoor bookshelf series. This pair of speakers provide excellent sound quality with multiple other features.
The Yamaha NS speaker pairs have 5-inch high compliance, polypropylene mica-filled woofers and dome tweeters.The acoustic suspension design enables the speakers to produce a clear audio quality with considerably controlled bass.
The speakers are designed to produce full-range audio dispersion with a decent bass enhancement that will uplift your outdoor music experience.
Features of Yamaha NS-AW150BL Indoor/Outdoor Speakers
- 2-way speakers
- Acoustic suspension design
- Controlled bass response
- 5 inch high compliance
- Water resistant
- Budget-friendly
- Natural audio range and balance
- To-notch bass enhancement
- Rugged and rigid grills
- No Bluetooth integration
Best Affordable Outdoor Speakers
The best affordable outdoor speakers is Yamaha NS-AW150BL because it is a budget-friendly pair of speakers that provide a decent sound dispersion with a controlled bass. These speakers might be a good pick to fulfil your outdoor music requirements.
#5. Best Portable Outdoor Speakers - NYNE Boost Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
The NYNE Boost Bluetooth speaker is known for its portable features and design quality that can be a perfect choice for your outdoor area.
It has a portable and sleek design that makes it easier for you to take it anywhere. The speaker has an in-built rechargeable power bank that you can use to charge your devices.
The speaker has waterproof protection features that keeps it safe from the harsh outdoor environment. The battery lasts upto 20 hours.
The 2 inch full-range drivers and passive radiator enables the speaker to produce a clear and smooth audio even at high volume levels.
Features of NYNE Boost Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
- Full-range drivers
- Upto 100ft Bluetooth range
- Stereophonic sound
- 20 hours battery power
- Waterproof protection
- Sleek and portable design
- Bluetooth connection
- Auto sync memory function
- Weather proof properties
- Durable
- Premium price
Best Portable Outdoor Speakers
The best portable outdoor speakers is NYNE Boost Portable Speaker because it provides you with all the impressive features of a portable speaker. If you are looking for outdoor Bluetooth speakers with long battery power and weather-proof properties then you might consider buying these.
Buyers’ Guide
What factors do I need to look for while buying the best outdoor speakers?
Outdoor speakers are quite essential for music lovers who want their music everywhere. Looking for the best outdoor speakers and setting them up is different from setting up indoor ones. There are many factors to check so that you can have an adequate placement of speakers to get a full-range dispersion of audio. Following are some basic factors you should keep in mind before making a purchase
Sound Quality/Audio range:
Audio quality is the primary factor that needs to be checked no matter what speaker you are buying. The audio quality of speakers should be loud, clear and precise. Some of the speakers have inbuilt bass variables and other audio functions. So you must check the audio specifications and select the one that fulfils your audio requirements. Considering the audio range is important because outdoor speakers are used in wide areas. If you are looking for the best speakers then the audio production should be uninterrupted and smooth.
Speaker Functionality:
Whatever speaker you are going to choose, verify that it has simple and user-friendly functionality. Check whether the speaker fulfills your music requirements or not. If you opt for a Bluetooth speaker, you will get comparatively more portable features than the wired ones.
Durability:
Your speakers will be placed outside in a harsh environment therefore, they must be durable and tough. The speaker body should be made of sturdy materials that can withstand different weather conditions. Moreover, the speakers should be UV/Weather resistant and waterproof.
Warranty:
It is important to check the manufacturer’s warranty before you buy the speakers. The average warranty is between 1-5 years. Make sure to check the warranty details that will include the factors and problems that come under warranty repair.
What are the different types of outdoor speakers?
Following are different types and styles of best outdoor speakers:
Traditional Speakers:
The traditional outdoor speakers might look a bit bulky since they are enclosed in weather-proof casing that keeps them safe from the outdoor environment. They have rust-proof grills and mounting brackets that are specially designed to withstand different weather conditions. Most of the traditional speakers have 3 inch to 8 inch drivers and tweeter. They might not cover a wide-ranged area but they are best known for producing a good quality of sound with a decent audio balance.
Landscape Speakers:
Landscape speakers have different speaker volumes available and suit perfectly in your outdoor areas. These speakers are planted in the ground and you set the speaker direction according to your preference. It is important for you to search the place beforehand because it is not easy to fix the speakers again and again. These speakers generally have 3 inch to 6 inch mid drivers and tweeters. These can be the best speakers to place in your flower beds.
Rock Speakers:
Rock speakers are one of the best-suited speakers for your outdoors since they are durable and they provide a wide audio dispersion. There are so many different design options available like granite, sandstone, slate etc. Rock speakers are best known for their durability and weather-proof properties. The placement of these speakers should be done according to the audio direction that is required. If you are keeping the speaker near the listening area, the speaker should be tilted up and if it is placed in a wide area then straight out positioning would be fine.
Planter Speakers:
Planter/Bench speakers are best known for their natural eye-catching look and amazing audio quality. You can place it in any visible location of your outdoor area because the overall look will lift up your area aesthetics. These speakers can be designed with an additional subwoofer for a much better sound and bass experience. There are different design options available in planter speakers that will be perfect for the outdoors.
What is the difference between Wifi and Bluetooth speakers?
If we compare a wifi speaker to a Bluetooth speaker, the major difference is the mode of connectivity. A wifi speaker connects itself to your home wifi router. It functions on AC power and needs an outlet to work.
On the contrary, an average Bluetooth speaker connects itself to your phone without the need for any additional outlet. Now let’s get into further detail about each type of speaker.
Bluetooth Speakers:
The best thing about Bluetooth speakers is that they are portable and easy to use. They can be compatible with your phones, laptops, and tablets depending on the version. Moreover, the latest NFC (near field technology) also allows your Bluetooth speakers to connect to more than one device at a time.
Pros: They are very convenient to use as Bluetooth can be connected with multiple devices. These speakers are also less expensive as compared to wifi speakers.
Cons: Some of the Bluetooth speakers have mid-range connectivity. Taking your device at a distance can auto-disconnect from the speaker.
Wifi Speakers:
Wifi speakers are considered to be more secure and stable. It is because they are connected to your home wifi with undisturbed signals. However, the method to connect speaker to your wifi device can be a hassle. You are required to download an app to fulfill the necessary configurations before using your speaker.
Pros: You can connect multiple wifi speakers to a single wifi router in a single moment. These speakers have wide-range connectivity as well.
Cons: The sound quality may be affected by network trafficking. It usually occurs if you are using the same wifi device for streaming or downloading heavy data.
What are the important features of a wireless speaker?
Input/Output:
You will find some latest portable speakers with additional input/output choices. It is now possible to connect speakers with your TV, projectors, or any audio player. Ou can do this by various ports available in the speaker.
Furthermore, you can also charge your speaker by inserting a cable into the USB port.
Voice Recognition:
This feature allows you to enjoy music even more conveniently. You can command your speaker from a distance via voice recognition technology. Many latest models of speakers have this built-in feature.
Online Music Services:
You can also stream through online music apps directly from your speaker. It does not require a connection to any device.
Additional Speaker Support:
With additional speaker support, you can pair multiple speakers with each other. It will help you play music on all the speakers single-handedly. A multi-speaker sound system can easily be created.
Speakerphone:
Modern portable speakers have a built-in microphone feature. With this, you can receive incoming calls through your paired speaker. This feature is mostly used in business setup during an audio/video meeting.
Weather-resistant:
Portable speakers which are specifically designed for outdoor usage have a weather-resistant properties. It requires to be tough and sturdy to bear harsh weather conditions.
Battery Life:
A portable speaker with good battery life is what we all want. Make sure you choose a speaker with a minimum of 10 hours of battery time.
What is the best placement of outdoor speakers?
The placement of a portable speaker can be tricky in an open area. You might experience distorted sound if you haven’t mounted the speaker correctly. Here are some suggestions you can follow to get loud and clear audio:
High-mounting:
Placing a wireless speaker a few inches above your head height gives you a wide depression range. On average 8ft of heigh is considered ideal for placing a speaker outdoors.
Remember that the height over which you place your speaker depends upon the outdoor area. The higher the speaker, the larger the area it will cover and vice versa.
Wall-mounting:
Mounting your speaker on a wall is a bit more technical. You should always leave 6-8 inches of distance between the wall and the speaker. It is because the speaker produces a round sound dispersion. Therefore, the sound will rebound from the wall and give you a better bass quality.
Downward-tilt:
Another thing you can do to increase the bass of the speaker is to face the speaker downwards. This slight tilt will also produce a rebounding sound effect.
Speaker Spacing:
If you wish to install more than one speaker at a particular place, make sure they are placed at a distance. It will give you an uninterrupted audio quality. For a multi-speaker setup, a distance of 12-15ft produces the best sound performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need wired or wireless speakers?
You can choose any of the speakers according to your need. However, if want to fix the speakers in one place then wired speakers will be suitable, On the other hand, if wish to carry a speaker around then the wireless speaker should be your choice. Keep in mind that both types of speakers have the same sound quality.
How do I protect my outdoor speakers for the harsh environment?
Although the speakers for outdoor areas are specially designed in a way that they can withstand harsh environmental factors, it is always good to take extra care. You should try mounting your speakers under some shade so they can get protection from direct UV rays or rain. Always check the durability factors and build-material of the speakers before you invest your money.
How many speakers do I need for outdoor space?
When you plan on using a wireless speaker for your outdoor area, you should be aware of the fact that these speakers might not be able to provide a wide sound dispersion. You will either have to turn up the speaker volume really high or you will be needing additional speakers. Loud audio volumes can cause sound distortion so it is better to use a pair of speakers instead.
What is the best placement of outdoor speakers?
The placement of outdoor speakers is an important factor to consider because it affects the sound dispersion and quality. You can better understand the placement of the speaker through the standard audio broadcast range. A 100-watt speaker can transmit audio dispersion for upto 30ft of range. You can experiment with different speaker placements to see which placement suits the best.
Can I use wired speakers for my outdoor space?
Yes, you can. wired speakers provide multiple audio features and much better durability than the wireless speakers. The outdoor wired speakers are specially built to withstand harsh weather environments. If you plan on mounting your speakers in a fixed placement then you can opt for wired speakers.
Amplifier Connectivity:
Wired speakers do need an amplifier when you are using it indoors. You will be needing to connect it with multiple wires to power the outdoor speaker. The audio receivers have different powering slots that allow you to connect additional speakers.
Are outdoor speakers durable?
Yes, they are. Outdoor speakers are specially designed to handle harsh weather conditions. The build-material of best outdoor speakers does not let the speaker body absorb water or moisture from the environment. The speaker body stays put and sturdy even during the harsh weather. If you live in an area where the temperature gets really cold then it is preferable that you put some extra care in order to keep the speakers safe. You can cover the speakers with a plastic sheet or any other protectant layer.
Do I need an additional woofer for my outdoor speakers?
This totally depends on your personal preference. It is an understood fact that the additional subwoofer will improve the overall sound experience. But that does not mean it is necessary for you to buy one. There are so many options of speakers that provide you with the latest audio features and technologies. For instance, an 8 inch rock speaker is known to deliver high definition sound quality with a powerful bass response. If you want a high definition stereo quality sound, you can install an additional apm.
Does Bluetooth technology specifications affect the audio quality?
The improvements and updates in any technology deliver a lot more features and benefits. Same is the case with the Bluetooth technology. The latest Bluetooth version allows you to have a lot more advantages and features as compared to the previous ones. For instance, the audio and streaming range has expanded in the new version hence you can connect more devices at one time for a wide sound dispersion and multi-stereo sound experience.
What is a bass radiator?
Bass radiator is used as a basic component for bass production. It looks more or less like an audio driver but it does not affect the low frequencies. The bass radiator works on the resonance principle. The bass production is done through the frequencies that are already present in the speaker cabinet.
Are wireless speakers expensive?
Yes, to some extent. If you compare the price of wireless speakers with wired speakers, you will notice a definite difference. But the features of wireless speakers do justify the price range. The latest speakers have multiple updated features and technologies that makes it a worth buying music gadget. If you want to invest your money in a speaker that will last you a long duration of time then wireless speakers can be a good option.
Is it worth it to invest in a high-end brand?
Yes. High-end brands provide you with the best products and multiple latest features. When you are spending money in a high-end brand, you must know that your money will not be wasted. There are multiple options available in the market. You can choose any speaker according to your budget and audio preferences.
Final Thoughts
As we reached the end of this article, we hope you are now aware of multiple options of speakers which can be best used for outdoor spaces. Klipsch AWR- 650-SM Outdoor Rock Speakers is our best pick as it provides you with all essential specifications at a reasonable price
Keep in mind that an outdoor speaker must be constructed with durable and sturdy material without compromising the sound quality and performance. Which is your favorite speaker pick? Let us know in the comment section below.