Bringing the best audio quality to the outdoors has always been difficult. From running long wires and extension cords out of windows and doors to protecting speakers from the elements, many people sacrifice quality for something rugged. Thankfully, speakers have progressed past the point of needing to make such a choice.
Whether setting up an outdoor entertainment system or adding ambiance to your garden, you’ll need the best speakers you can find. We’ve gathered our six picks for the best outdoor speakers of 2024 on this list, from hidden speakers to tuck away in your garden to portable waterproof speakers for your next hike.
OontZ Angle 3 Portable Speaker
Resistant to both weather and bad pricing
The OontZ Angle marries affordability and a rugged outdoor shell. With rubber shocks and water resistance, this is an ideal speaker for any static outdoor purpose
The OontZ Angle isn’t a brand that everyone’s familiar with despite being popular for years. They’ve made our best overall spot for theirincredible pricingand strong product. The most notable thing about the OontZ Angle is its rugged construction, with a rubber shell on the sides to absorb the shock of falls or drops.
The speaker is also water resistant, though not fully waterproof. The triangular design helps prevent this speaker from rolling away while you’re using it as well. Overall, it’s a great speaker with few, if any, downsides.
Victrola Outdoor Rock Bluetooth Speaker Pair
Perfect for the garden
The Victrola Outdoor Rock speakers come in a pair, letting you flank your outdoor space with good audio quality. Their solar panel makes it so you’ll rarely have to worry about them running out of battery.
Are you looking for outdoor speakers that can stay there permanently? The Victrola Outdoor Rock speakers are perfect for any outdoor space and will thrive when left in the elements. These speakers are designed to look like faux rocks, making them blend in perfectly with their surroundings.
These speakers also have a solar panel that will recharge the speaker as the day goes on. There are backup batteries for days when the sun isn’t shining or when you’re using them at night. We recommend placing them somewhere they’ll be in direct sunlight for as long as the day goes on.
Bose SoundLink Micro Portable Outdoor Speaker
Tiny, but effective
Bose’s SoundLink Micro speaker is designed for outdoor use. With water resistance and excellent audio quality, this is the ideal speaker for sound on the go
For an outdoor speaker that can travel with you, the Bose SoundLink Micro speaker is a wonderful choice. This speaker is small enough to clip onto your clothes or backpack during a hike oroutdoor travel. You can also easily fit it into a pocket for music on the go, wherever it’s appropriate.
The SoundLink Micro brings water resistance and fantastic audio quality. While some mini-speakers will sacrifice audio quality, Bose has ensured that this product lives up to the brand’s reputation for stellar audio fidelity.
Sony SRS-XB100 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Great for any outdoor use
Sony’s SRS-XB100 is made for the outdoors! This portable speaker brings excellent audio quality to match its sleek, refined aesthetic.
For users who prefer a minimalist aesthetic, Sony’s SRS-XB100 is an ideal outdoor speaker. The SRS-XB100 is a compact, cylindrical speaker with a flat bottom to ensure it doesn’t roll away while you’re using it. It also has a long battery life to ensure it stays active during your outdoor activities.
We recommend this product for anything that puts you near grit or water, such as the beach. The SRS’s design makes it resistant to sand, dirt, dust, and other particles that will irritate other speakers.
Anker is a name that can’t go overlooked in the speaker industry. The Anker Soundcore 2 is one of the company’s flagship products, and Anker delivers a speaker that’s hard for its competition to match. That isn’t to say it’sthe best speakerat its price point, as there are countless factors that go into such a decision.
For our purposes, we prefer the Soundcore 2 for its excellent battery life and its resistance to the elements. It’s a small speaker without being so small it sacrifices audio quality. The rectangular construction also helps make it easy to find places to put the speaker.
JBL Flip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Unbothered by the elements
The JBL Flip 5 is a strong choice for anyone looking for a speaker that can withstand punishment. With waterproofing, a rubber shell to fight against shock, and a great price, this is a wonderful outdoor speaker.
If you’re looking for a speaker that can withstand anything you throw at it, the JBL Flip 5 is an unmatched contender. This speaker has a rubber shell to fight against the shock of drops or impacts, as well as to fend off dirt and grit. There’s also waterproofing in the speaker to keep it safe from modest amounts of water, though we recommend you not submerge the speaker.
The only drawback of note is that the cylindrical, horizontal design makes it so that this speaker can easily roll away. Still, this is a minor issue, and one that’s easily remedied by placing it somewhere you won’t have to worry about it rolling off.
FAQ
Can I Put Waterproof Speakers Underwater?
In many cases, “waterproof” is used as a marketing tactic and does not imply that speakers are capable of operating underwater. We do not suggest submerging your speakers unless they are made specifically for underwater use.
Are Outdoor Speakers Worse Audio Quality Than Other Speakers?
Such an issue goes on a case-by-case basis, as speakers vary too heavily to make a general statement. Oftentimes, outdoor speakers will sacrifice audio quality to be able to withstand harsh treatment.
Are Outdoor Speakers More Expensive Than Other Wireless Speakers?
You can find speakers for any purpose at a variety of price points.
