In today’s tech-savvy environment, we expect to be able to take our devices with us everywhere. With so many options for streaming audio, it can be tough to find the right mix of equipment within your budget. We are here to help take the guesswork out of choosing the best outdoor speakers to pair with your favorite device for playing music. We’ve reviewed 10 of the best outdoor speakers on the market, and you can check the results of our evaluations below. First, let’s cover a few common questions about this product category.
Wireless Outdoor Speakers FAQ
1. What Are Wireless Outdoor Speakers?
A current-generation outdoor speaker is a portable speaker (usually Bluetooth) that is designed to be water-resistant or waterproof, dustproof, and/or weatherproof. The best outdoor speakers will have a rugged case designed to withstand moderate drops and fairly harsh environmental conditions. The best outdoor speakers have multiple charging options, and they connect readily to many mobile devices in order to stream audio.
2. What Does an Outdoor Speaker Do?
Most commonly, outdoor speakers are used to stream audio from portable devices. The best outdoor speakers also have 3.5mm AUX-in jacks to connect to devices that don’t support wireless connectivity. Some outdoor speakers can also charge other portable devices via their USB ports.
3. How Do They Speakers Work?
Outdoor speakers use multiple technologies to stream audio. The best outdoor speakers use Bluetooth technology to connect to the streaming device and service such as Alexa or Sonos. Other outdoor speakers may use older technology such as 900mHZ transmission. The best outdoor speakers on the market today use audio technology such as Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and various deep bass-extending passive radiators to improve audio quality of the sound system.
4. Where Can I Buy the Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers?
We have provided links to resources that offer the best outdoor speaker models we have reviewed in this article. You will find a huge selection on Amazon and some types available at local electronics and discount stores.
How We Reviewed the Speakers
We evaluated each entry on our list of the best outdoor speaker models according to its features, overall audio quality and characteristics, pricing, and overall pros and cons.
Overall Price Range for the Speakers on This List
Pricing for outdoor speakers varies widely. The models represented on our list of the best outdoor speakers available range from around $65 to $350, depending greatly on the retailer or online resource you choose to purchase from. We included brands from the well-renowned Yamaha to lesser-known brands like Eton
What Speakers We Reviewed
Denon Envaya D SB-250BT
Features
This speaker features a compact design that delivers extraordinary sound and booming bass on the Bluetooth v4.2 platform. The lithium-ion battery delivers up to 13 hours of play time and charges in 3.5 hours. This Denon speaker is dustproof and waterproof, allowing it to be used virtually anywhere. Users can pair two speakers to deliver true stereo sound. This speaker is compatible with Siri and Google Now, and a carrying strap and a USB cable for charging are included in the package.
Pros
- Lithium-ion battery delivers up to 13 hours of play time
- Dustproof and waterproof speaker
- Two speakers can be paired for true stereo sound
Cons
- Not as loud as some other speakers
- Expensive
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $265.
BT Blast Pro Bluetooth Outdoor Speaker
Features
This wireless indoor/outdoor speaker system features CSR Bluetooth v4.0 technology that will automatically re-establish its connection to your recognized device as soon as it’s within range. The 80W Class D amplifier cranks out enough sound to fill a sizable outdoor area with ease. The upgraded polypropylene-injected cone and high-efficiency motor structure provide excellent bass response and crisp, clean sound overall.
The 6.5″ speakers have a 25′ power cord and 25′ of speaker wire for the required connection of the powered speaker to the passive speaker. The powered speaker must be plugged into a 110V outlet. The weatherproof design and UV resistant cabinet make this unit from BT Blast suitable for diverse outdoor use.
Pros
- Automatically re-establishes a lost connection
- 80W Class D amplifier
- Dual 6.5-inch speakers
Cons
- The powered unit must be plugged into a 110V outlet
- Speakers must be connected to each other as well
- No volume controls on speakers themselves
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $190.
Ultimate Ears Megaboom
Features
This entry on our list of the best outdoor speakers is an extremely powerful and highly portable wireless speaker. It features booming bass and clear, immersive 360-degree sound. The speaker is meticulously balanced for clarity. The unit as a whole is military grade—waterproof, drop-proof, and dustproof, allowing you to take it virtually anywhere. This Ultimate Ears speaker has a “magic button” feature that allows the user to pause, skip, and play songs with a single, easily controlled touch. The case is wrapped in two-tone, high-performance fabric in a variety of color combos based on fashion and street trends.
Pros
- 360-degree sound
- Military-grade construction
- Magic button for one-touch control
Cons
- Short battery life at high volume
- Bluetooth may disconnect when moving from room to room
- Weak bass for the size and price
Price
We found this product available on Amazon for a price around $180.
UE Wonderboom
Features
This ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker delivers crisp, clear sound with dynamic bass. The battery will support up to 10 hours of music at a reasonable volume. The unit is rated waterproof up to 30 minutes in three feet of water, and it works with Bluetooth and Bluetooth Smart-enabled devices.
It is simple to pair two speakers for a bigger sound in true stereo. No app is necessary to operate the speaker; you can simply pair it with your device, and whatever audio your main device is handling will be automatically transmitted through the speaker.
Pros
- No app needed to operate the unit
- Battery lasts up to 10 hours
- Two speakers can be paired for true stereo sound
Cons
- Not compatible with other Ultimate Ears speaker models
- Static noted at higher volumes
- Must control volume with a smartphone or similar streaming device
Price
We found this affordable wireless speaker on Amazon for around $65.
Fugoo Style
Features
Simply stated, this is one tough speaker. With a case made of polycarbonate and glass fiber, it is dustproof and waterproof. It is rated to survive being submerged in three feet of water for up to 30 minutes, and it has been tested to survive the impact of a 6′ drop. The built-in lithium-ion battery charges through a USB cable. The battery-saver/equalizer feature allows you to get up to 15 hours of continuous play at 50% volume. This speaker uses Bluetooth v4.2 with an approximate range of 10 meters indoors or 30 meters outdoors.
The unit is compatible with iPhone, Android and Galaxy phones, Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. It is also compatible with Google Now and Siri for voice activation functionality.
Pros
- Waterproof (submersible) and dustproof
- Battery-saving equalizer
- Compatible with Siri and Google Now
Cons
- Cannot adjust treble or bass
- Shrill at higher volumes
- Not loud enough for our reviewers
Price
This product can be purchased from Amazon and some other online sellers for around $130.
Acoustic Research Portable Wireless Speaker
Features
This wireless speaker offers a range of up to 150′ with the included 900MHz wireless transmitter. The built-in 3.5mm jack offers a wired connection option for use anywhere. It features a 2″ tweeter and 3″ woofer. This unit from Acoustic Research also has dual power options: It operates with either six AA batteries (not included) for up to 14 hours play time, or you can use the included AC adapter and plug it in for continuous use. The case is weather-resistant, and this unit can be used indoors or outdoors. The transmitter will support multiple speakers for an expanded listening environment.
Pros
- Choose from three broadcast transmission frequencies for optimum sound quality
- Choose battery or AC power
- Transmitter supports multiple units
Cons
- Ineffective bass boost
- Volume control is jumpy
- Range affected by environment
Price
This product can be found on Amazon in the $80-$90 range.
Mutant MIG-WS2-S
Features
These stylish wireless speakers will complement your outdoor environment. They are ideal for background music during dinner, and yet they’re powerful enough to rock a large party later on. The speakers feature a soft-touch control panel with individual speaker volume controls. Signal interference is minimized with the unique scanning system on this Mutant system. The unit includes a wireless remote control, and sound quality is solid with the engineered sound-diffusion plate. These speakers are compatible with any device equipped with a 3.5mm audio output jack.
Pros
- Includes wireless remote
- Dual speakers offer true stereo sound
- Compatible with all devices that have 3.5mm jacks
Cons
- Small range
- Mediocre sound quality
- Weak bass response
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $95.
JBL Charge 3
Features
This wireless speaker delivers flexibility in playback by enabling the user to connect up to three devices. The built-in lithium-ion battery is rechargeable, and it supports up to 20 hours of play time. It will also charge other portable devices via the included USB interface. The speakers also feature a noise- and echo-canceling speakerphone to support hands-free phone calls. Multiple JBL Connect-enabled speakers can be combined to expand your listening environment. This JBL speaker provides plenty of volume, and the sound remains crisp and clean. There is a boost feature for pounding bass. This product also has a 5-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Speakerphone feature
- Multiple units supported
Cons
- Large footprint
- Midrange is too dominant
- Not compatible with all other JBLwireless speakers
Price
This product can be viewed and purchased on Amazon for a price in the $100-$110 dollar range.
Braven XX
Features
You can take your party to the next level with this massive speaker. Its durable design is billed as water-resistant, dirt proof, and sand-proof, and thus ideal for rugged use anywhere, in any weather conditions. The Bluetooth transmission system has a 33′ wireless range. This speaker also has a 3.5mm AUX port for wired device connections. The speaker has four HD audio drivers and one subwoofer to deliver rich, enveloping, great sound.
The Braven XX speaker will also charge your USB-enabled devices. A carrying strap with an attached bottle opener comes with the unit, bringing that big music party one step closer to reality. Connect a microphone to the 3.5mm mic input, and you’ll be heard by one and all.
Pros
- Up to 14 hours of uninterrupted play time
- Supports both wired and wireless connections
- Charges USB-enabled devices
Cons
- Bass fades at higher volumes
- Heavy to transport
- Not loud enough for some
Price
We found Braven XX wireless speakers on Amazon for around $350.
Eton Ruckus Xtreme
Features
This speaker has three charging options, including powerful, high-efficiency solar panels for use outside during the day. It also runs on either a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery or the included AC adapter. The case is rugged and water-resistant for use just about anywhere.
The Eton Ruckus speaker uses digital signal processing (DSP) for big, clean audio in full stereo. The dual full-range speakers get legitimate, booming bass from their bass-extending passive radiators. This unit will charge your devices through the USB port, and it features an AUX port for connecting non-Bluetooth devices. The speakerphone enables great-sounding, hands-free calls. This speaker includes loops to strap it to a backpack for added portability and convenience.
Pros
- Three charging options
- DSP provides crisp audio
- Speakerphone
Cons
- Small Bluetooth range
- Must cycle power to restore a dropped Bluetooth connection
- Beeps loudly when turning on and off
Price
This speaker can be found on Amazon for around $160.
The Verdict
Based on the information we gathered, we believe the best outdoor speaker overall is the Denon Envaya D SB-250BT, which appears up at the top of our list. It delivers high-quality audio and uses the latest Bluetooth technology. It will interface with Siri and Google Now for voice-activated operation, and it allows two units to be paired for true stereo audio. Whether you’re looking for soothing background music or a bumping party scene, the Denon Envaya is up to the job.
