Best Outdoor Speaker
Atrium 6 | Polk Audio
Photo courtesy of skynesher/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of skynesher/iStock by Getty Images
Bring your outdoor patio to life with the Atrium 6. Sold as a pair, these small speakers are incredibly powerful, filling large spaces with high-quality sound output accentuated by punchy bass. The Speed-Lock Mounting System enables you to install with one hand, and because they exceed industry standards for environmental endurance, you can leave them out in the rain, wind or snow.
Beats Pill | Beats by Dre
Photo courtesy of Beats by Dre
Photo courtesy of Beats by Dre
Offering surprising sound quality for its size, the Beats Pill boasts a larger racetrack woofer that pushes 90 percent more air than its original. Compatible with Apple and Android devices, this Bluetooth speaker has a 24-hour battery life and can sync with another Beats Pill for double the sound. And its waterproof rating means you can bring it by the pool with no worries.
Beosound Explore | Bang & Olufsen
Photo courtesy of Bang & Olufsen
Photo courtesy of Bang & Olufsen
While you'd normally cringe if your Bluetooth speaker fell in sand or water, owners of the Beosound Explore just smile, knowing its IP67 rating means it's fully dust and waterproof. A scratch-resistant, anodized aluminum shell protects the exterior in the most remote locations—just clip it onto your gear and go. As you set up camp, the rubber base grips the ground, and its extended battery provides 27 hours of playtime.
Boom 2 | Soundcore (Anker)
Photo courtesy of SolStock/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of SolStock/iStock by Getty Images
The Boom 2's integrated handle and music-synced light show make it obvious that it's meant to go places and bring the party with it. The clear 2.1-channel setup is enhanced with Soundcore's BassUp 2.0 technology, which is activated at the touch of a button. A whole new level of waterproof, the Boom 2 actually floats, so you can even confidently paddleboard with it.
Epicboom | Ultimate Ears
Photo courtesy of Ultimate Ears
Photo courtesy of Ultimate Ears
Minimalistic and modern, the Epicboom is an eco-conscious speaker made of post-consumer recycled plastic and 100% recycled polyester. Its design is complemented by components like the Outdoor Boost button, which kicks it up an extra decibel for big sound if you're hosting a cookout. Users also praise the customizable EQ with four programmed presets that elevate your listening experience.
FreeSpace 360P Series II | Bose
Photo courtesy of Bose
Photo courtesy of Bose
Blending seamlessly into the existing landscape, the FreeSpace 360P Series II stays hidden while soothing sounds fill your garden because of its 360-degree coverage. Though the speaker is small, it offers a frequency range down to 60 hertz, which is what you'd expect from a brand like Bose. Pesky squirrels or curious dogs pose no real threat to this permanent install either since it is tamper resistant.
IPX5 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker | BolaButty Audio Direct
Photo courtesy of FOTOGRAFIA INC./iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of FOTOGRAFIA INC./iStock by Getty Images
Weighing just over 1 pound, this compact speaker from BolaButty Audio Direct fits in the palm of your hand to go anywhere. Once there, you can connect to your friend's same model with TWS pairing for an immersive experience, complete with LED lights that move with the beat. Throw it in your bag for the pool; its modest price and IPX5 rating provide peace of mind during splash fights.
Middleton | Marshall
Photo courtesy of andreswd/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of andreswd/iStock by Getty Images
Designed to replicate Marshall's iconic guitar amps and speaker cabinets, the Middleton is popular with musicians loyal to the brand's signature sound. With four drivers and dual passive radiators, this speaker produces a cinematic atmosphere for outdoor movie nights, and sudden rainstorms are no big deal because of the IP67 rating. On-board bass and treble adjusters also allow you to fine-tune your music without opening the Bluetooth app.
Move 2 | Sonos
Photo courtesy of Sonos
Photo courtesy of Sonos
Sonos, the inventors of wireless multi-room audio, knows better than anyone else how to create amazing sound without the need for exterior cords. The Move 2 is a prime example of this modernization, working over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and automatically tuning its output through Trueplay technology to best fit the acoustics of its surroundings. These drop, dust and water-resistant speakers effortlessly link up with other Sonos products, too.
Photo courtesy of SolStock/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of SolStock/iStock by Getty Images
Original: Gen 3 | TurtleBox
Now in its third generation, the TurtleBox Original maintains its rugged character by still being 100% drop, crush and dustproof. It can also handle being submerged for up to 30 minutes, although that's unlikely to happen since it floats in fresh and salt water. The new Party Mode allows you to pair your speaker with some other TurtleBox models, and the battery provides up to three days of playtime.
OSD BTP-650 | Outdoor Speaker Depot
Photo courtesy of gorodenkoff/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of gorodenkoff/iStock by Getty Images
The OSD BTP-650 offers solid quality for a reasonable price; the model is sold in a set of two so that you can create a surround-sound experience on your deck with just one product. And the sound is crisp and clear, thanks to their composite resin low resonator cabinets. Constructed to make it through bad weather, these speakers have a powder-coated rust-resistant aluminum grill and an IP54 rating.
Range Rugged Bluetooth Speaker | Outdoor Tech
Photo courtesy of Outdoor Tech
Photo courtesy of Outdoor Tech
A mountain peak-inspired exterior instantly sets the Range Rugged Bluetooth Speaker apart from competitors. This is no boring, brick-shaped portable speaker. Its unique shape isn't just for show—360-degree sound waves escape from every angle. Make it the centerpiece of an evening cocktail party, and its LED lights will delight guests while its IPX7 rating will protect it from their drinks.
RSM-650 | Klipsch
Photo courtesy of skynesher/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of skynesher/iStock by Getty Images
If you love to host outdoor parties, you'll want to consider the RSM-650 speakers, which are ideal for big backyards. Klipsch is known for high efficiency and low distortion in its products, and this model's use of patented mumps technology and the Tractrix Hyperfold Port are an ear-winning example of both. With wide coverage and robust bass, this pair of speakers will have your neighbors dancing in their yards.
Sonance Patio Series 4.1
Photo courtesy of FOTOGRAFIA INC./iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of FOTOGRAFIA INC./iStock by Getty Images
With four satellite speakers and one in-ground subwoofer, the Sonance Patio Series 4.1 floods spaces of up to 1,000 square feet with clear, even sound. Simply stake the speakers discreetly into your home's bushes, find a corner wall for the subwoofer and connect the five units to start jamming. An additional set can be integrated for even greater coverage.
ULT FIELD 7 Wireless Portable Speaker | Sony
Photo courtesy of andreswd/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of andreswd/iStock by Getty Images
The ULT FIELD 7 Wireless Portable Speaker from Sony gets insanely loud with incredibly powerful bass (activated by the handy ULT button) that can rattle a room. Water- and dustproof, the speaker holds its own outside. Additional features like a mic input and an ambient light display help facilitate those late-night karaoke jam sessions.
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Our Featured Panelists
Aly Walansky writes regularly about food news and trends. She has been a food journalist for over twenty years and has covered everything from budget shopping to recipes to culinary travel content for national publications that include the Food Network, Southern Living, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, The Kitchn and more. She was ranked among top 10 journalists of 2023 and top 10 freelance journalists in 2024, as well as #1 food journalist of 2022, by Muck Rack. Follow her at alywalansky.substack.com.
Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions…the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure. Learn more at MikesRoadTrip.com.
Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.
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