Having speakers on your patio can completely transform your home garden experience. Whether you’re looking to entertain guests around the BBQ or want to take your music outside with you so you can add to the atmosphere while you relax with a drink on a warm summer day, outdoor patio speakers will achieve precisely this.

Polk Audio Atrium 6
Performing well in open spaces like across your pool room or even backyard. In smaller spaces, the Atrium 6 will offer great clarity and defined bass, even at lower volumes.
Our Category Winners
But… What About the Neighbors?
As strange as it may initially sound, installing speakers on your patio can help reduce noise pollution in your neighborhood. Many outdoor TVs, for example, have built-in speakers at the rear panel, which often requires a higher volume outdoors to compensate for the speaker positioning. Likewise, portable Bluetooth speakers often need to have their volume cranked up to compensate for the lower-quality audio.
When installing outdoor speakers on your patio, you can position the sound exactly where you need it. The higher-quality audio means that, in the end, less volume is needed. You can still pump it up occasionally to impress your friends and annoy the neighbors.
Our Selection of the 10 Best Outdoor Patio Speakers
We’ve compiled a selection of the best outdoor patio speakers for our readers. This selection has something for everyone, from cheap outdoor speakers and wireless options to premium outdoor speakers for those who want to impress their guests.
1. Polk Audio Atrium 6
Polk Audio has become synonymous with affordable home audio equipment. The Atrium Outdoor Speaker Series is designed specifically for outdoor use. Even though these outdoor patio speakers are designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, it’s recommended you mount the Atriums where there is some cover.
The anodized aluminum tweeter domes include rubber surrounds to provide ultimate protection from the elements. The input and speaker terminals are gold-plated to prevent corrosion and offer a superior connection. Polk Audio has designed and tested the Atriums to withstand the worst elements, including salt, fog, UV, extreme temperature changes, or heavy rains.
The Polk Audio Atrium Outdoor Speakers come in white or black color options. If you would like the speakers to blend in with the surrounding decor, wall color, or vegetation, then it’s recommended you purchase the white color option, which can then be painted. Polk has included instructions on painting your Atrium outdoor speakers in the user manual.
We have looked at three options for the Polk Audio Atrium Series, the 4, 5, and 6. We’ll look at these three outdoor patio speakers in detail to give you a better idea of which will best suit your needs.
The Atrium outdoor speaker design offers a wide dispersion of sound to cover a greater area. This is important for outdoor speaker design, where the sound isn’t focused on one area, like the sofa in front of the TV.
Another shared feature of the Atrium Outdoor Speaker Series is Polk’s Speed-Lock Mounting System. This mounting system allows you to mount the bracket on the wall or pole, then pop the speaker onto the bracket and tighten either end. If you are familiar with mounting speakers on a bracket, you will know this can be tricky to line up the screws and fasten the speaker in place, especially by yourself.
The Atrium 4 & 5 are best suited as outdoor patio speakers. These speakers perform best in small, confined outdoor environments. The Atrium 6 is slightly bigger than the 4 & 5 and delivers more bottom-end or bass frequencies. The Atrium 6 will also perform better in open spaces, like across your pool room or backyard. The Atrium 6 will offer more clarity and defined bass in smaller spaces, even at lower volumes.
If you are on a tight budget, the Atrium 4 or 5 will be the preferred option, with the 4’s coming in at under $100. If you want superior sound quality and more volume, the Atrium 6 will be the better option.
Read our full review of the Polk Atrium 6.
Benefits
- Impressive bass response
- Aesthetic design
- Weatherproof
Drawbacks
- Design limits banana jack support (unless 90 degrees)
2. Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker
Also available from Walmart
One issue with small speakers is they lack bass frequencies. Definitive Technology has addressed this shortcoming with the AW6500 by adding a bass radiator or driver. The bass radiator is on the opposite side of the mid-range and tweeter drivers. Bass is omnidirectional, so it doesn’t have to face any specific direction to be effective.
If you intend to mount your AW6500 outdoor speaker close to the eaves, ceiling, wall, or other hard surfaces, the bass will be accentuated when reflecting off these surfaces. Definitive Technology has made it easy to identify which way to direct the AW6500 by placing the logo on the side with the tweeter. So you’d need to face the logo towards the area you wish to cover.
While the AW6500 outdoor speaker can be installed as a single speaker, you would want to purchase a pair to be truly effective. The speakers are designed for wide sound dispersion and are just as effective mounted vertically or horizontally. The aluminum grilles, PolyStone enclosure, and fully sealed design ensure the AW6500 can be installed where it is fully exposed to the elements.
While this outdoor speaker is weatherproofed, Definitive Technology recommends you mount the AW6500 where the speaker won’t be 100% exposed to the elements like the eaves of your roof. This cover will ensure the extended life of your outdoor speaker.
Benefits
- Easy to mount
- Excellent sound quality
- Solid build quality
Drawbacks
- Can be a bit large for some eaves designs
3. Bose 251
Also available from Walmart
The Bose 251 delivers impressive sound and weather resistance. The multi-chamber design ensures durability, while the angled drivers create wide, clear audio perfect for outdoor gatherings (100+ watts!).
These slim speakers are available in black or white and include mounting hardware for easy placement. They’re also built to handle extreme weather, making them a worthwhile investment despite the higher price tag. The 5-year warranty is a major boon for the 251, protecting your purchase for half a decade.
Surprisingly, the Bose 251 also works well indoors. Their design minimizes distortion and delivers consistent sound, making them suitable for living rooms, offices, or even kitchens (though bookshelf speakers might be a better dedicated indoor option).
The Bose 251 is one of our favorite patio speakers for less intensive purposes, owing to its 5.25″ woofers. They produce clear sound and outperform many competitors. With durability and versatility, the Bose 251 is a compelling option for both indoor and outdoor use.
Read our full review of the Bose 251.
Benefits
- Outstanding clarity
- 5 Year Warranty
- Durable design for long-lasting outdoor use
Drawbacks
- More expensive than most patio speakers
- Limited bass extension
4. Yamaha NS-AW150 2-Way Outdoor Speakers
Also available from Walmart
Yamaha is possibly one of the world’s top 5 professional audio manufacturers. The company is renowned for the high quality of its products and excellent after-sales service. The Yamaha NS-AW150 is the most affordable in our list of the best outdoor patio speakers.
These ultra-compact outdoor speakers deliver wide sound dispersion and can be just as effective whether mounted vertically or horizontally. Yamaha recommends the NS-AW150s should be mounted no further than 6’10” apart. This will ensure good audio coverage. Should your outdoor area exceed 400ft², consider installing a second pair of NS-AW150s opposite your primary one.
Yamaha has included a magnetic shield in NS-AW150s. This will prevent any magnetic interference if placed near a flat-screen TV. The NS-AW150s speaker enclosure is sealed to protect against rain, snow, dust, and insects. While these outdoor speakers are weatherproofed, installing the NS-AW150s in a position offering some protection, like roof eaves, is advised. Yamaha has included a safety cable for each speaker.
In the unlikely event that the speakers come loose, the safety cable will prevent the speaker from falling, possibly inflicting injury. If you are installing these outdoor patio speakers in a public area, this is a safety feature most health and safety regulations will require. So this is a small convenience and cost-saving.
The Yamaha NS-AW150s are available in black or white. If you wish to customize the color, you can purchase the white and paint them. Instructions on protecting the speaker when applying paint can be found in the user manual.
Benefits
- Affordable
- Easy to mount
- Good sound on mids and highs
Drawbacks
- Bass performance could be better
- Grills can become loose over time
5. Klipsch AW-650 Outdoor Speakers
Also available from Walmart
Klipsch is undoubtedly the leader in consumer audio. This American brand designs and manufacture products to the highest quality and standards. As Klipsch is a US-based company, after-sales service and support are easily accessible nationwide. This makes purchasing any Klipsch product a safe option.
The Klipsch AW-650 Outdoor Speakers are in a UV-resistant ABS enclosure with a rustproof aluminum grille. The zinc C-bracket, stainless steel hardware, and easy-draining input cup mean the AW-650s are built to survive wet and snow conditions.
With 350W power handling and 95dB sensitivity, the Klipsch AW-650s packs a serious punch with surprising bass and definition. These outdoor speakers will easily fill most garden patios and sound crisp and clear at low and high volumes with minimal distortion. You will probably find you will rarely need to turn these outdoor speakers up full. They’re seriously loud, given the compact size. If you are serious about your outdoor speaker setup and have a good budget allocated, then the Klipsch AW-650s are the best outdoor patio speakers we can recommend.
Like most outdoor speakers on the market, the AW-650s are available in black and white, and Klipsch provides special instructions for painting the speakers inside the owner’s manual.
Benefits
- Crisp treble and midrange
- Excellent build quality
- Deep, rich bass
- Loud
Drawbacks
- Can be a bit large for some eaves designs
- Expensive
6. OSD Audio AP670 Outdoor Speakers
Also available from Walmart
OSD stands for Outdoor Speaker Depot, so these guys are focused on manufacturing the best outdoor speakers. The OSD Audio AP670 is part of OSD’s range of outdoor patio speakers. The ABS polymer frame, rustproof grille, and sealed make the AP670s fully weatherproof and protect against the elements.
The gold-plated connectors offer both resistance to rust and superior connection. Having noted these weatherproofing features, the AP670s will not stand up to excessive direct rain and wet conditions. Installing these outdoor speakers on a covered patio or under the eaves of your roof is recommended.
The OSD Audio AP670s have specially designed bass ports between the speaker driver and the tweeter. This bass port delivers improved bass, often lacking in compact speakers. The AP670s are designed to be mounted vertically and horizontally, delivering a wide sound dispersion in either position.
A pair of these outdoor patio speakers will perform well in small to medium size patios but wouldn’t be recommended for open areas. For larger patios consider adding a second pair of AP670s.
Despite the grills being sold as rustproof, the rust popping up after a while seems to be an uncommon but present problem with this speaker. This will most likely impact you if you live near the coast and have higher persistent humidity. Some customers also seem to report that their grills suffer from some chips in the paint, though these are outlying experiences.
The AP670s come in black and white, and OSD Audio has included instructions on how to paint these outdoor speakers in the owner’s manual should you wish to do so.
Benefits
- Affordable
- Good midrange sound
- Easy to mount
Drawbacks
- Grill deterioration
- Bass could be more better
7. Dual Electronics LU53P Outdoor Speakers
The Dual Electronics LU53P is the most affordable outdoor patio speaker featured in this article. At under $60, a pair LU53Ps won’t break the bank, but they probably won’t break sound records either. These low-cost outdoor patio speakers are recommended for small patios where you don’t need a significant amount of volume. With the frequency response starting at 100Hz, the LU53Ps don’t offer much bass, either.
The speakers are coated in a UV-resistant resin and housed in an ABS enclosure to protect against the elements. Gold-coated connectors prevent corrosion and offer a good audio connection. The Dual Electronics LU53P outdoor speakers are manufactured and tested to be weatherproof but not waterproof.
These outdoor patio speakers will not be affected by slight amounts of moisture from dew but will not survive wet conditions, including rain. Dual Electronics do, however, manufacture the LU53P as a waterproof rock speaker which can be placed out in the elements.
The LU53Ps deliver a wide sound dispersion. This wide dispersion is effective whether mounted vertically or horizontally. The grille on the LU53P cannot be removed and, therefore, cannot be painted to your preferred color. The outdoor speaker is however available in black, white, and waterproof rock for the garden.
Benefits
- Extremely affordable
- Easy to mount
Drawbacks
- Lacks clarity at high volume
- Lacks bass
8. Yamaha NS-AW194 Outdoor Speakers
Also available on Walmart
The simple yet stylish Yamaha NS-AW194 outdoor speakers will look good in most indoor and outdoor living spaces. The NS-AW194 is both weatherproof and waterproof, with an IPX3 waterproof rating. The IPX3 rating gives protection from direct water sprays 60° from the top of the device.
This means your Yamaha NS-AW194 outdoor speakers will be protected from rain but probably won’t survive a splash from the pool or sprinkler system, which would usually come from below the speaker. Even with the IPX3 rating, you would not want to mount the NS-AW194 speakers in a position where they will receive direct rain or sunlight. Some cover from a patio roof or eaves would be best advised.
The NS-AW194 outdoor speakers can be mounted either vertically or horizontally. In the vertical position, they deliver an 81° dispersion pattern. This is wide enough for a pair of these speakers to cover most patios. If you plan to mount them horizontally, you would want to mount them at 30°-45° downward facing. This will offer good dispersion from a wall mount. Ideally, the NS-AW194 would be best mounted on the ceiling, angled 45° down from the ceiling toward the area you wish to cover.
The Yamaha NS-AW194 will lack some bass, with the frequency response only starting from 100Hz. These speakers would be best suited for general background music or as a speaker upgrade for your outdoor TV. The Yamaha NS-AW194 is available in black or white.
Benefits
- Easy to install
- Durable construction
Drawbacks
- Bass may be a bit light for some
A Buyer’s Guide To Patio Speakers
To help you find the best outdoor patio speakers, we’ve compiled a brief buyer’s guide to help you understand the terminology and decide which outdoor speaker is right for you. One thing I cannot stress enough is always to read the user manual, especially when it comes to outdoor electronics. The manufacturer will always list the limitations of the outdoor speaker, which, if not followed correctly, could mean your outdoor speakers live a short life. We recommend following the best practices for maintaining your speakers.
Weatherproof vs. Waterproof
Be aware that there is a difference between weatherproof and waterproof speakers. A weatherproof speaker does not mean it is waterproof. Weatherproof speakers are designed to be installed outside. They can handle some moisture, rust, dust, and insects, but unless the manufacturer states the outdoor speaker is waterproof, do not assume they are.
Waterproof speakers are designed to withstand direct exposure to water, like splashes from the pool or rain. These outdoor speakers include resin-coated speaker cones sealed with rubber to prevent water from entering the speaker enclosure.
Always pay close attention to IPX ratings where provided. These will allow you to easily get an idea of what your device is manufactured to withstand and what conditions could permanently damage your speakers.
What is Frequency Response?
Many buyers overlook the frequency response when purchasing any type of speaker. Checking the frequency response of your outdoor speaker is important because it’ll tell you what the speakers will sound like. Human ears typically hear frequencies from 20Hz to 20kHz. This is typically called a full-range speaker because it is the full range of our hearing.
Bass Frequencies
20Hz to around 250Hz is your bass frequency range. Without these frequencies, your speakers will sound “thin” or treble-heavy. This will be okay for speech, but music, movies, and games won’t sound as rich.
Mid Frequencies
250Hz to around 1kHz is your mid-frequency range. This is where you get the definition in your sound. Without the mid-range, your speakers will sound muffled.
High Frequencies
1kHz to 20kHz is your treble or “highs.” This is where you get sibilance and clarity from your speakers. Without the high range, your speakers will sound muffled and harsh, much like a megaphone.
So, when selecting the best outdoor speaker, aim for a frequency range as close as possible to 20Hz to 20kHz.
Be sure to check out our frequency response article for a more comprehensive look at the frequency response and how it factors into your audio experience.
Active vs. Passive Outdoor Speakers
One of the most common descriptions of speakers is whether they’re active or passive. This is important because it will determine whether you need an external amplifier. Purchasing an amplifier or receiver for your passive outdoor speakers influences the cost.
Active Outdoor Speakers
Active or powered speakers have a built-in amplifier. This means they only need electricity from a socket and an audio feed, and you’re good to go. In a pair of active speakers, usually one is active and the other passive. The amplifier from the primary speaker powers the second speaker via a standard speaker cable.
When purchasing an active outdoor speaker, ensure that the area where you plan to install the speaker is covered. Active speakers are connected directly to your mains, so any water inside the power socket will trip your power or damage the speaker. Check whether or not your active outdoor speaker is waterproof if you intend to install it in the open.
Passive Outdoor Speakers
Passive speakers require an external amplifier or receiver to get power and an audio signal. In many cases, especially if you require stereo sound or your amplifier can only power one speaker, you will need to run two separate cables to each speaker.
Active vs. Passive – Which do I Choose?
In an outdoor environment where socket power might be far from the primary speaker, passive speakers hold the advantage, which is why you’ll see that our list only contains passive speaker options. You also need to consider audio input. A receiver for passive outdoor speakers may be easier to access and plug into your laptop, mobile phone, or TV. Audio signals for active outdoor speakers must be plugged into the primary speaker. Unless, of course, you have active wireless outdoor speakers that can be paired via Bluetooth.
What is Speaker Impedance?
The simple explanation of speaker impedance is the resistance the speaker applies to the amplifier’s current or voltage output. Typical outdoor speakers are rated at 6 or 8 ohms. This article won’t go into too much detail about the engineering side. All you want to ensure is that your outdoor speakers match the impedance output of your receiver or amplifier.
What is Speaker Sensitivity and Power Output?
Speaker sensitivity is measured by placing a microphone 1 meter away and then running the speaker as loud as possible at 1 watt. The higher your speaker sensitivity, the louder your outdoor speakers’ volume will be (assuming they have the same input). The sensitivity is measured in decibels or dB.
Speakers also have a power rating measured in watts or W. This rating recommends the amplifier output for a passive speaker. For active speakers, it tells you the power output of the built-in amplifier. The higher the wattage, the more power it needs. There isn’t a direct relation to volume cause even though a higher power handling enables the potential for more volume, one needs to consider the speaker’s efficiency. A speaker can have low efficiency with high input and generate less volume than an efficient speaker with a lower power handling.
Wireless Outdoor Patio Speakers
A feature many consumers look for in speakers today is wireless or Bluetooth. Wireless outdoor patio speakers are almost always active, making them the easiest outdoor speaker option. All you need to do is mount the wireless speakers, power them via a socket, and you’re good to go. Aesthetically, wireless outdoor speakers will look better without power and audio. Some wireless outdoor speakers come with cable and Bluetooth inputs, so you can permanently plug your primary device and then connect a Bluetooth device when needed.
Installing Outdoor Patio Speakers
When installing outdoor speakers on your patio, you need to keep a few things in mind. Outdoor conditions can be brutal for electronics. Even if your outdoor speakers are weatherproof and waterproof, you will want to try installing them where they will be at least partially covered. If you plan to install your speakers in the open, try to fit them so you can easily remove them and bring them indoors when you don’t intend to use them for extended periods. If you live near the ocean, you would want to store your speakers indoors as often as possible. Salt air is very unforgiving, even for the most waterproof outdoor speakers.
The speakers are not the only part of the installation you need to weatherproof. Make sure you include some weatherproof cabling and connectors with your outdoor speakers. Wherever possible, bury any cabling to protect it from UV and other possible damage.
If you plan to mount your outdoor speakers, consider using safety cables. Safety cables are used in professional installations as an extra safety measure in case the speaker bracket fails, or the speaker is knocked off. Not only will your safety cable stop the speaker from falling on someone, but it will also prevent damage from a fall. Safety cables can be purchased separately, or you can purchase some 7×7 stainless steel wire and make them yourself. Ensure the safety cable is rated for at least three times the weight of your speaker. This will ensure the cable will hold up against the jerk of the slack from a possible fall.
Painting Outdoor Patio Speakers
If you want your outdoor speakers to blend in with the decor or surrounding vegetation, a good option is to paint them. Most manufacturers offer a white, paintable model of their outdoor speaker. Painting speakers will involve some disassembly and covering of connectors, speaker cones, and tweeter. Details of how to paint your outdoor patio speakers and what precautions to take will be found in the user’s manual or the manufacturer’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I install patio speakers?
The installation of patio speakers varies depending on the type of speaker you’re using. For instance, an active speaker will require an outlet nearby. You’ll be able to install most patio speakers with some simple home DIY, as there isn’t any advanced electrical engineering required in the process. Depending on where you’re setting it up, you may just require some additional wiring.
Where do I place my outdoor patio speakers?
We recommend placing patio speakers under your eaves as this area is prone to less wind, rain, and direct sunlight. In addition to this, you’ll find that in most patio designs, placing them under your eaves will leave you with less visible wiring. Mount the speakers above head height and make sure they face slightly downward, angling the audio towards your most frequented locations.
How far apart do I place them?
If you have a small porch, finding the best place to install your patio speakers will be easier as you have less area of coverage to take into consideration. Placing them on either side of a small patio space will usually do well to ensure the area is well-covered. For larger patios, the location of the speaker installation will primarily depend on where on the patio you typically sit or entertain your guests. Ensure your speakers are spaced far enough apart to cover your entertainment area.
Can I attach them to my outdoor television?
Most certainly. In fact, this is one of our favorite uses for outdoor patio speakers. Outdoor TVs often offer audio quality that doesn’t quite match up with the quality of the TV visuals. To really bring your outdoor TV setup to the next level, a pair of patio speakers will do a great job.
Which are better, wired or wireless patio speakers?
You’ll find that, by and large, wired patio speakers will provide you with higher-quality audio in most situations. However, there are a number of quality wireless patio speakers that are still capable of producing high-quality audio. If you’re more focused on the ease of setup and less on the audio quality – going for a pair of wireless speakers would be the recommended option.
I have a pair of Dual Electronics LU43PW (Amazon). These sound fine and are super inexpensive. BUT, the wire connectors are spring-loaded clamps. They get rusty and the springs lose their clamping power (three years old). They still sound great – but the sound cuts out all the time despite cleaning the contacts with sandpaper and wedging the connector to clamp tighter. With a better wire connector, there would be highly recommended. As they are, I’d hook them up, confirm that they work/sound OK and then seal the connection with caulk or similar to minimize the oxidation that is making them fail for me. EDIT to say that I guess that I’m making the case to pay more for longer/better warranty and/or better/more durable connections. Check them before you buy since few reviews are conducted after the speakers have been outside for three years (like mine have).
Regards
MJ
This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information
Matt, good article that leaves me with more questions than answers. Currently I have a pair of passive outdoor speakers. Want to expand and increase the number of speakers but can not and do not want to run additional lines back to my receiver. Was considering going with Bluetooth set up. I want to have 6 speakers in different areas. The questions is how do I string active Bluetooth or wireless, for that matter, to connect to one input (Spotify, iHeart, mobile playlist…)? I can get power to each “pair” so do they get wired in a daisy chain?
Any insight will be helpful.
Hey Patrick, thanks for the question!
I am unaware of any way of achieving this with Bluetooth speakers as the pairing is a single Bluetooth device to single Bluetooth speaker. WiFi speakers can all connect to a single network which means you can have as many speakers as you like paired over a single connection. I know there are some Bluetooth speakers which allow you to daisy chain but these are portable and not the installed solution you’re looking for. This has given us an idea to research outdoor WiFi speakers which would solve this issue for you. We will certainly look into this and see what we can come up with!
– Matt
What are your thoughts on Proficient 6” outdoor speakers compared to the Klipsch 650?
Hey Drew
Thanks for reading our article. I haven’t had too much experience with the Proficient gear but, as you might have gathered from this and other articles, I’m a massive Klipsch fan. The AW-650 is just a great speaker with excellent build and sound quality. I don’t know much about Proficient, but I do know Klipsch is an industry leader for a reason. I’ve yet to come across an inferior Klipsch product.
Hi,
I’m in between the Klpisch AW 650 and KEF Ventura 6 however there are very few to none reviews comparing this 2. I have seen a lot of reviews on the Klipsch but not many on the KEF – would you be able to give me some more info comparing them?
Many thanks, Omar.
what basic amplifier would do the job for Polk atrium 5?
Would be protected from the weather