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Get rich sound by the pool or on a camping trip.
Quality outdoor speakers are a key ingredient to summer gatherings and can help you set the perfect ambiance as you entertain guests and impress them with splashy grilling recipes and fun cocktails. Whether you’re looking for portable Bluetooth speakers that you can move around from the pool to your backyard or you prefer wired speakers that are professionally installed around your stylish patio, our experts have narrowed down the top outdoor speakers that can withstand a few unexpected summer showers while maintaining excellent audio quality.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our Media & Tech Lab experts have been testing electronics ranging from the most popular home projectors to the best wireless earbuds for decades. When choosing the best outdoor speakers, our pros evaluated everything from durability to ease of use and performance, carefully considering each speaker's configuration, size, weather resistance and more. Below are our top picks for the best outdoor speakers in 2022, based on our expertise in this category, reviewing new and innovative products, and looking at the most popular models.
If audio quality is what you're after, our tech experts suggest investing in this wired pair of speakers from Sonos to create a beautiful sound system throughout your outdoor space. Just keep in mind that these speakers need to be mounted and require the additional purchase of an amp. Professional wired installation is also recommended to set up your sound system and connect the speaker to the amp (Sonos recommends using 16ga or larger wire that is rated for outdoor use). Though this setup is an investment, the higher premium you'll pay will be worth it several years down the line.
With an IP rating of IP66, these speakers are built to last and are protected from dust and strong jets of water like a sudden downpour. Chief Technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, Rachel Rothman, loves that the Sonos ecosystem offers "next-level audio capabilities and seamless integration across the home." In fact, a single Sonos amp can power six total speakers, enabling you to build out your sound system over time. And by connecting to WiFi, you're also able to stream music from your favorite apps as well as use voice control.
• Rechargeable battery: None • Wireless: Yes (but requires wired installation) • Mounting required: Yes • IP rating: IP66
We love that these lantern-shaped speakers from Pohopa look more like decorations for your patio than Bluetooth speakers! While they don't produce quite the same high-quality sound as Bose or Sonos Bluetooth speakers do, these come in a pair so they can create a true surround sound effect. They're a great choice for gatherings when you need some music in the background while you lounge outside or chat with friends and family. Our experts love that they come with built-in LED lights to help set the atmosphere and that pairing via Bluetooth is a quick way to stream all favorite playlists (no wires necessary)! Amazon reviewers gave rave reviews of these dual speakers and commended them for their great value.
• Rechargeable battery: Yes; 12 hours • Wireless: Yes; Bluetooth • Mounting required: No • IP rating: IPX5
If you want that crisp, rich Sonos sound but aren't interested in wired installation, our experts think this sleek portable speaker is an excellent choice. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, you can take it with you on the go. But what impresses us, even more, is it's also Wi-Fi enabled, meaning that as long as you're connected you can create a stereo pair by matching two Sonos speakers together for an amplified sound. The Move includes a built-in handle for easy portability (though not as convenient as others) and has voice control capability. Its IP56 rating means it can handle the occasional tumble as well as light rain and exposure to humidity, just don't accidentally drop it in the pool as submersion isn't recommended.
• Rechargeable battery: Yes; 11 hours • Wireless: Yes; Bluetooth and Wi-Fi • Mounting required: No • IP rating: IP56
Bose speakers are renowned for their sound and audio quality, and we love how versatile this smart speaker is. A built-in handle makes it super convenient to carry outside to the beach or on a camping trip. It comes with an IPX4 rating so while it is water-resistant, you definitely shouldn't leave it outside permanently. This speaker's profound sound and appealing design make it a great fit as a centerpiece around a table outdoors as well as inside while cooking. It's Alexa and Google Assistant compatible so you can ask your favorite voice assistant to turn up the volume, and we love that it can be paired with another Bose smart speaker for stereo sound when connected to Wi-Fi.
• Rechargeable battery: Yes; 12 hours • Wireless: Yes; Bluetooth and Wi-Fi • Mounting required: No • IP rating: IPX4
If you want an outdoor speaker that you can take with you to the beach or that you won't have to dive after if it accidentally falls into the pool, the JBL Charge 5 is a great choice. Offered in several fun colors, its design makes it easy to carry around or throw in your bag, and it has an impressive 20-hour battery life, according to JBL. In previous tests, our experts have found the audio quality to be loud and clear. This super rugged pick even comes with a built-in power bank so you can charge your phone, and PartyBoost mode enables you to pair multiple JBL speakers together when it's time to, you guessed it, throw a party!
• Rechargeable battery: Yes; 20 hours • Wireless: Yes; Bluetooth • Mounting required: No • IP rating: IP67
Our tech pros think Marshall makes some of the most attractive speakers out there, but you'll have to pay for its staple design. This model is the brand's most powerful portable speaker, and while at nearly 11 pounds, it's not light, it does come with a convenient handle to make carrying it just a little bit easier. Our experts like that it has a 3.5mm input so you can connect your phone to the speaker to play music directly, or you can stream via Bluetooth within a range of 30 feet. When listening to a range of audio, our pros were impressed with the Tufton’s deep, rich bass and sound loud enough to wake up the neighbors. We also love the classic analog knobs that can be used to adjust the bass, treble and volume and fine-tune your music to your liking. We found the battery life is impressive at 20 hours, according to the brand, though the IPX2 rating could be higher. Our experts warn that you should be careful around spilled drinks or heavy rain.
• Rechargeable battery: Yes; 20+ hours • Wireless: Yes; Bluetooth • Mounting required: No • IP rating: IPX2
These dual speakers are hard-wired, so they're perfect for your patio or porch, and their smaller size means that they'll fit into awkward or tight corners. Like other outdoor speakers, they're built to withstand bad weather and come with a five-year warranty. You'll need an amp and proper wire installation to power them, but once brackets are mounted, our pros agree that they'll be quick to lock into place. While we haven't yet tested these in the Lab, consumers rate these speakers highly and appreciate their great value.
• Rechargeable battery: None • Wireless: No • Mounting required: Yes • IP rating: N/A
According to the engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute, Bose speakers have tested well in previous evaluations when it comes to quality sound and construction. While we haven't tested this pair in our Lab, if they're anything like other Bose speakers we've tried, they'll likely produce fantastic audio in any outdoor space. Like other wired speakers, they'll need to be mounted, and you'll need to purchase an amp or a compatible receiver as well as ensure you have the proper wires necessary for permanent installation. While the IP rating isn't specified, according to Bose, these speakers are engineered and tested to withstand harsh conditions such as snow, rain, salt and temperature extremes.
• Rechargeable battery: None • Wireless: No • Mounting required: Yes • IP rating: N/A
Hoping to find a wired outdoor speaker that really blends in with your backyard landscaping? This wired rock speaker from Klipsch comes in a lovely granite or sandstone finish and doesn't require any mounting! Though our experts haven't tried this model in the Lab, Klipsch has performed well in our previous testing, and this speaker's construction is built to withstand the elements. According to the brand, this speaker has been in consumer backyards for so long that the “now-standard IP-rating was still in its infancy.” Just keep in mind that you'll need an amp to power these speakers and they're not sold in pairs so the price can add up quickly if you need more than one. You’ll also need an extensive wire installation throughout your backyard if you plan on setting these up by the pool or several feet away from your home.
• Rechargeable battery: None • Wireless: No • Mounting required: No • IP rating: N/A
Much like the JBL Charge 5, the Megaboom 3 from Ultimate Ears is entirely waterproof and can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, according to the brand. It boasts an impressive battery life, loud sound and can be paired with multiple speakers for big events! If you want even greater sound intensity, the heftier Hyperboom is another option to consider, though it can't be left out in the rain like this model. When testing this speaker, our tech experts found the speaker's design appealing and pairing to Bluetooth took no time. And while we were impressed with how the speaker could fill up an outdoor space, we do think the sound quality could be sharper and richer.
• Rechargeable battery: Yes; 20 hours • Wireless: Yes; Bluetooth • Mounting required: No • IP rating: IP67
When testing speakers, our engineers and analysts consider how easy each speaker is to set up, pair and control music playback through the device and app, if applicable. We evaluate voice assistant commands, as well as battery life and special features like built-in microphones. We also measure the physical footprint and weight of each speaker to factor in its portability. If wired, we consider the ease of installation. In previous tests, we’ve listened to various songs across different genres (everything from rock with heavy bass to classical piano music) to evaluate sound quality and we’ve conducted frequency sweeps via YouTube video with a range of frequencies, measuring what registers at 50dB. For speakers that claim to be waterproof or weather-resistant, water-resistance tests are generally performed depending upon IP ratings, including water submersion tests, rain tests or water-repellency tests. Our experts check IP ratings and perform additional in-Lab evaluations to confirm and validate water resistance. Outdoor speakers are also dropped multiple times to make sure they are durable enough to still function.
✔️Wired vs. wireless: When shopping for outdoor speakers, you have two main options: either you can invest in a wired speaker setup or you can purchase portable Bluetooth speakers. According to Ryan Herd, CEO of 1 Sound Choice, author and tech expert, “Wireless speakers are easy, affordable and convenient. They’re great for camping, tailgating and small areas in your backyard such as around a table. But if you need more oomph or have a larger backyard, multiple wired speakers along with an amp are the way to go.” Dan DiClerico, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Improvement and Outdoor Director agrees that “if you’re creating an outdoor entertainment space for your home, it’s worth investing in a permanent wired system. These speakers deliver bigger, better sound quality, plus the continuous power means you don’t have to worry about batteries.” Herd emphasizes that just because your speakers are wired that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to control them wirelessly; in fact, most modern audio brands sell wired speakers that allow you to control your music from your phone. But if you decide to purchase wireless speakers, just keep in mind key factors such as battery life and Bluetooth range. Unlike wired speakers, your phone will have to be within a certain distance of the speaker to be able to stream music successfully.
✔️Size and sound quality: While wireless Bluetooth speakers might sound amazing as you’re cooking dinner in the kitchen, “the outdoors is a huge environment, and to overcome that, you’ll need big speakers,” says Herd. Rothman warns, however, that you shouldn't be too preoccupied with wattage, though a good rule of thumb is to look for outdoor speakers with over 50 watts. "Often, people equate higher wattage with better or louder output. We're less concerned by the power the speaker consumes, which is what the wattage indicates," Lab Assistant Nik Greenwald explains. When finding an indicator of speaker performance, “what’s really important to look for is a broad frequency range, especially in the low end, and a high signal to noise ratio, which indicates how loudly your audio will play over the ‘hum’ of the speaker,” adds Greenwald, who suggests these metrics will be much better at indicating performance than sheer speaker size. “More than size, acoustics and positioning will also matter. You’d be better off figuring out where you’d want to put your speakers and finding a size that fits into your plan.” Many tiny speakers these days can produce a loud sound, but sound quality isn’t created equal. If possible, Herd recommends starting with a pair of speakers with two channels and an amp. By having multiple speakers strategically placed throughout your backyard and playing at a low volume, you can achieve phenomenal sound. And by running multiple amps you can create zones throughout your entire backyard, meaning that you can have the same music playing around the patio, pool, hot tub and firepit while hosting a party, or only in those areas where your guests are.
✔️Cost: At the end of the day, a Bluetooth speaker will cost less. DiClerico says that he’s “never met anyone who regretted going the extra distance of wired outdoor speakers,” but professional installation is oftentimes recommended, and the cost can add up if your outdoor space isn’t already equipped with the proper wiring. And “besides running wire, you’ll need to put in an amplifier to power the speakers, so it’s a more complicated and costly project,” says DiClerico. If you don’t have the budget or aren’t ready to invest in wired outdoor speakers, Herd suggests purchasing wireless speakers that are able to be paired together for amplified sound.
✔️Weather resistance: Opt for an outdoor speaker that’s “designed to withstand the elements — or a spilled drink from a tipsy party guest,” advises DiClerico. One of the key factors to look out for is the speaker’s IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which will indicate how well your speaker can withstand exposure to environmental conditions such as rain, dust, wind and dirt. The first number refers to solids (i.e., dust) and how durable the product is, while the second is for liquids (i.e., water). If you plan to leave your outdoor speaker outside all the time, you should opt for a speaker with an IP rating of no less than IPX7, which should be sufficient to protect it from heavy rainfall. (It's also the rating that's recommended for shower speakers.) An IPX7 rating means that the speaker is waterproof based upon a submersion test of up to 1 meter in water for 30 minutes, but the X indicates no testing was done against solids. According to Rothman, “solid IP ratings go up to 6, liquids up to 9. Submersion is the industry standard for testing from 7 on.”
Media & Tech Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski oversees product testing and covers everything from connected devices to appliances, health, home and fitness. With a B.A. from George Washington University and a master’s in communications from Sciences Po Paris, Olivia has several years of experience writing about tech and trends. She continues to stay on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helps readers make better buying decisions by testing and reviewing the best gadgets to hit the market.
Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist and head engineer, has a B.S.E. in mechanical engineering and applied mechanics with a mathematics minor from the University of Pennsylvania and has been at GH for 14 years. She leads efforts for the constant evolution of GH’s technical and testing protocols, responding both to market drivers and growth opportunities. Rachel is the lead expert and key brand ambassador for GH across a number of categories — including electronics, smart home, automotive, toys, parenting, fitness, tech, startups and more — and a sought-after speaker at large-scale events.