If you’re reading this article chances are you were looking for a “wireless outdoor speaker” of sorts. Here at Outeraudio, we’ve reviewed and looked at almost every kind of wireless speaker you can imagine, and we’ve come to understand that people mean different things when they mention wireless speakers.
What does wireless mean? We’re assuming it has to utilize some sort of wireless connection technology like Bluetooth, WiFi, or RF. Does it also have to be wireless in that it has a battery, or can it still rely on AC/DC power? Or maybe you’re looking for a solar outdoor wireless speaker?
The speakers discussed and listed here are meant as a permanent wireless outdoor audio solution. Some make use of traditional wireless audio transmission (not necessarily Bluetooth). They all can be mounted outside and use battery or wired AC / DC power.
The popularity of wireless outdoor speakers has grown immensely over the past several years. Installing speakers outdoors is great for music at the pool, in the garden, having a BBQ, entertaining guests, or boosting the sound on your outdoor TV.
But many consumers don’t like the hassle of running cables for power and audio feeds. Often you don’t get the results you want and you aren’t always able to hide the cables properly. For these people, there are some awesome wireless outdoor speakers on the market and we’ve sourced and reviewed the best products available
No Time? Here’s Our Quick Guide
Wireless Outdoor Speakers With the Best Bass
If you consider yourself to be a bit of a bass head, then the Monster SOLARA is going to be your party companion. The mood lighting adds to the vibe and, for daytime parties, you can charge the speaker in the sun via the attached solar panel. The mid-range and treble are also clean and clear providing you with a great audio experience.
Best Wireless Outdoor Multi-Speaker Installation
If you want to install multiple wireless outdoor speakers, then the best bet is to go with the Olafus Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers which can pair up to 200 units. I can’t see anyone needing more speakers than that for a home install.
At $170 for a pair, the Olafus aren’t cheap but they offer excellent quality, great sound, and awesome LED lighting ambiance. What’s more, when pairing multiple speakers, the music and lights will all play in sync. The speakers are IPX5 waterproof rated offering protection from splashing and a bit of rain.
Wireless Outdoor Speaker Trends
One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is more brands offering lantern wireless outdoor speakers. These speakers often incorporate LED lighting to help set the mood in your garden. Setting these to white can also offer some practicality like lighting up the area around the BBQ to see when the meat is done or lighting up a pathway. Wireless lantern speakers are great because they come with a handle allowing them to hang wherever it’s needed.
TOP TIP: A cost-effective solution for hanging your lantern speaker is using an existing pot plant hanger. If you don’t have one, you can pick them up on Amazon for under $10. Cheaper than most speaker brackets for sure!
Battery life is also improving significantly. Previously, 7 to 10 hours was considered a good battery life for a wireless speaker, now there are models offering 20 to 30 hours! Power banks are also common allowing you to charge your mobile to keep the party going longer.
Multi-speaker features are also very common. Most brands offer a stereo configuration, however, you can get multi-speaker setups allowing you to create an awesome distributed wireless outdoor speaker system.
Sound has also improved a lot in outdoor speakers. Bluetooth outdoor speakers, in general, have always sounded a little boxy in the mid-range. While this hasn’t changed a great deal, the bass response and overall intelligibility of the speakers have improved. This means you can enjoy better audio clarity at lower volumes. Good for your neighbors and your ears!
Our Selection of the 10 Best Wireless Outdoor Speakers:
While there are many great speakers on the market today, a few stand out from the crowd. Below is a look at the top wireless outdoor speakers that have a great sound quality, are durable enough to withstand the elements, and offer great value for your money.
In our selection, you’ll find speaker choices for just about every application. We have speakers which are great for some background music in the garden and others for making some noise at your next pool party. Many of these wireless outdoor speakers have LED lights so, if you’re looking to add a little vibe to your backyard, you’ll definitely want to check these out.
We’ve also made sure to include speakers of all sizes and even have one speaker that’s just bigger than palm-sized for small installations.
1. Dual Electronics LU48BTS Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speakers
If you’re looking for a full wireless outdoor speaker system, then the Dual Electronics LU48BTS is just what you’re after. With a built-in battery and Bluetooth connectivity (both to your device and between the speakers), the LU48BTS don’t require any cables to operate. This means you can use them around the house, in the backyard, for tailgate parties, or even take them away on holiday with you.
The LU48BTS features a rugged rubberized enclosure with steel grilles to hold up against most weather conditions. The speakers carry an IPX4 waterproof rating which will protect against splashing from all directions. Perfect for use around the pool and even protection from a little rain.
Each LU48BTS has a large handle on top which can be used to carry the speaker or, hung from a fixture like a hook. The speakers weigh 3.9 lbs each, so make sure whatever you plan to hang them on can handle the weight. I wouldn’t recommend installing these speakers permanently in the backyard as they will need charging so you’ll need to bring them in from time to time anyway.
The LU48BTS has a battery life of up to 12 hours playing time and even have a USB port for charging mobile devices. Great if you’re away from a power source and need some juice for your mobile to keep the party going. Important to note, Dual Electronics recommend a 24-hour first charge to ensure the best results and long term life for the built-in battery.
The LU48BTS is a 3-way speaker with a 4-inch woofer, 2.16” mid-range driver and 1-inch tweeter capable of producing up to 90W of power. The sound quality from these little Bluetooth outdoor speakers is decent, however, they’re not quite on par with premium brands like Pioneer or JBL. The LU48BTS is somewhat loud and you shouldn’t have any issues with volume or coverage on your patio or in small to medium-sized yards.
The LU48BTS wireless outdoor speaker system can be used independently or as a pair. Each speaker can connect to your mobile device via Bluetooth and the speakers also pair to each other using Bluetooth. Both speakers have a comprehensive onboard control panel so you can control your music without your mobile. This is especially useful around the pool where you might be too wet to use your phone to change songs, adjust volume, etc.
2. Acoustic Research Portable Wireless Speaker
The Portable Wireless Speaker from Acoustic Research is pretty much what it says on the tin. It’s fairly portable, thanks to weighing a mere 9 pounds, and measuring 7.38 x 13.88 x 8.38 inches (D x H x W). The enclosure resembles a lantern, and it comes in two flavors – Main Street and Mission Style. Both feature a handle where a real lantern would, so as to allow you to carry it around with you, or hook it on a nail, tree branch, or whatever protrusion seems promising.
The offer includes a single speaker and a transmitter, which is the heart of everything. It (the transmitter) allows you to connect multiple units at the same time, wirelessly, of course, to make your own acoustic environment. Moreover, it comes with 3 selectable broadcast frequencies to allow the best possible reception. As far as the range goes, it doesn’t require a line of sight and should give you about 150ish feet of range. It can operate either on 6 AA batteries or via an AC/DC power adapter. If the former, you should get up to 12 hours of continuous playtime.
The downsides, or rather, limitations, are threefold. For a start, the speaker operates on 900MHz. This, in turn, limits the quality, making it not quite HD, but still great, comparable to FM. Secondly, the sound will become slightly distorted if you crank the volume all the way up, but that’s ok, as even on medium the speaker pumps out strong tunes. Third, and final point is that you may get interference in areas crowded with other wireless devices. Then again, using portable speakers in an area where there is lots of tech kind of defeats the purpose.
3. Olafus Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers
One of the latest outdoor speaker trends is the integration of LED lighting. The Olafus Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers are one of the more popular choices and can be sold as a single light or a pair. You can connect up to 200 Olafus speakers, perfect if you’re looking to install a big party rig.
The Olafus Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers are fully wireless which means they need no cables to operate. There is a 20-hour built-in battery which is more than enough for a full night of partying (just make sure you remember to charge ‘em!). The Olafus are fast-charging speakers and just 3 hours of charge will give you 10 hours of playing time.
You have the option of Bluetooth or ⅛-inch AUX which means you can connect most audio devices. The speakers themselves connect wirelessly over a 5.8 GHz frequency which means you get superior sound quality and a range between speakers of up to 100 ft. The speakers are lantern-shaped with a handle on top so you can carry them around or hang them around the garden. The 100 ft range means you can get a nice distribution, even if you only have two speakers to work with.
One of the coolest features on the Olafus Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers is the LED lighting panel. These lights are more for mood than flashing party lights, so don’t expect strobes or any other effects. There are 8 different colors which can either be set to one state or fade between colors. Even if you have 200 lights paired, they’ll all sync to the same color and settings. You can also choose between 5 lighting intensities and set the lights to 5 different timers including permanently on.
The Olafus Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers feature an IPX5 waterproof rating which will provide protection against jets of water from all directions. This is more than sufficient for use around the pool or even in heavy rain. Having said that, I would bring these speakers indoors for storage when not in use. This will give you a chance to charge them but also prolong the life of the product.
Each Olafus is a 3-way speaker with woofer, mid-range driver and tweeter producing up to 25W of sound. The bass is nice and punchy but does lose a little power when you’re not up close to the speaker. The mid-range and treble offer good clarity and the speakers are surprisingly loud for their size.
4. Pohopa Bluetooth Waterproof Speakers
If you like the lantern-style wireless outdoor speakers and you’re looking for a deal, then the reasonably priced Pohopa Bluetooth Waterproof Speakers are definitely worth checking out. Like other lantern speakers, the Pohopa is fully wireless and comes with LED mood lighting. Important to note, the LED lights come in bright white only and don’t offer any pulsing or color variations. They’re simply there to offer simple mood lighting which is great for creating an ambiance at an outdoor BBQ.
The Pohopa are sold as a pair and wirelessly connect in a mono or stereo configuration. , this model of Pohopa speakers does not allow you to connect more than two speakers, however, there are multiple pairing options available. The speakers can only be used as a pair and can’t independently of one another. The host speaker, however, can be played on its own as this is where the inputs and controls are.
Controls are simple with play/pause, track skip/volume control. There’s a button to pair the two speakers and an on/off switch for the LED lights.
Each speaker has a built-in battery with a playing time of up to 12 hours at 50% volume with lights or 6 hours at full volume with lights. This is more than enough playing time for most BBQs and outdoor dinner parties.
The Pohopa carries an IP54 waterproof rating which protects the speaker against dust and splashing. Having said that, the LED lights are not protected so it’s not recommended to use these near the pool or leave them outdoors. The speakers will handle a little rain but you’ll want to prevent them from getting wet as much as possible.
On top of each Pohopa speaker is a handle similar to that of a lantern, however, it is a little tight for carrying the speaker. If you have big hands, you will have to carry the speaker with your fingers. For hanging, however, the Pohopa handle works perfectly and the speaker weighs just 2.42 lbs.
Each Pohopa speaker features a 3-inch woofer with a 1-inch tweeter producing 10W each or 20W combined. The sound quality is surprisingly good with a nice punchy bass sound. The mid-range is a little muddy but still offers great clarity.
The Pohopa are perfect wireless outdoor speakers for background music and outdoor dinner parties where you don’t need excessively loud music. As background speakers, the Pohopa Bluetooth Waterproof Speakers work a charm while offering some decent mood lighting too. If you’re planning an event where you want to light up a path and play music, these speakers are an excellent choice. If you’re looking for party wireless outdoor speakers, you’d be better off choosing one of the other options from our list.
5. Kicker Bullfrog BF400 Bluetooth Portable Outdoor Speaker
Kicker is renowned for designing and manufacturing quality marine and car professional audio products. As most of their speakers are built to operate outdoors, you can expect some serious R&D resulting in some of the best outdoor Bluetooth speakers on the market. The Kicker Bullfrog BF400 has become hugely popular in the camping and outdoor market. The speaker is fully wireless, can pair to other Kicker Bullfrog speakers, is waterproof and durable.
The first thing you’ll notice when picking up the Bullfrog is how well this speaker is built. The speaker features a rugged plastic exterior with a solid metal speaker grille designed to take the odd bump, scratch, and drop. Perfect for a trip into the great outdoors. The Bullfrog BF400 carries an IP66 waterproof rating protecting it against jets of water from all directions. Great for use around the pool or even in the shower. Rain won’t drown out this speaker’s party!
The Bullfrog BF400 is sold as a single speaker, but you can pair a second speaker if you choose. This includes the smaller BF100 which is also waterproof and floats! Pairing speakers can be done through the Kicker Connect app which is available for iOS and Android devices.
Using the app, you can also adjust EQ settings, play your favorite FM radio station and monitor battery levels. There is an FM antenna included with the Bullfrog BF400 so you can get the best radio reception.
The speaker can also be controlled via the onboard control panel on top of the Bullfrog BF400. Buttons include play/pause/mute, volume up and down, track skip, and power on/off. There are also battery life indicators so you know when to charge her up.
The built-in battery lasts up to 20 hours, depending on the volume you choose to play the speaker at, of course. There is also a USB power bank for charging mobile devices. Keep in mind this will affect overall battery life.
The Bullfrog BF400 features two 3-inch full-range drivers with two 3-inch x 4-inch passive bass radiators. The speaker delivers some serious bass for a speaker this size and the overall sound quality is excellent. The Bullfrog BF400 definitely meets the standards of similar-sized premium speakers like JBL or Sony.
The Bullfrog BF400 is a versatile speaker which can be used at home, on camping trips or even as a tailgate speaker. There are no lights or other flashy features, just a rugged speaker with powerful sound.
6. Monster SOLARA Solar Powered Wireless Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker
If you’re looking for an outdoor party speaker, then the Monster SOLARA is definitely what you’ve been searching for. Monster has released many portable Bluetooth speakers over the last few years, including a couple of these lantern-style models. At 14.3 inches high and weighing in at 9 lbs, the SOLARA is by no means small and certainly packs a serious punch!
The most interesting feature of the SOLARA is the large solar panel on top of the speaker for charging the built-in battery. Monster doesn’t specify exactly how long the battery lasts but it’s around 10 hours. You can get even more out of the speaker by using it out in the sun but the solar panel only adds a minimal charge, especially if you’re running at full volume with lights.
The SOLARA was built for the outdoors. Not only does it have a built-in battery and solar charger, but the speaker comes with an IPX5 waterproof rating and can operate in temperatures from 32°F to 104°F. Perfect for all year outdoor parties. The speaker is somewhat rugged but you definitely wouldn’t want to drop the SOLARA as the plastic seems like it would crack. Certainly not as durable as the Kicker Bullfrog BF400.
Just below the solar panel is an LED light surrounding the speaker. The LED can be set to a single color or pulse between the several colors available. The pulsing is slow and smooth offering a nice chilled ambiance. Great for night time pool or backyard parties. The lights can be operated via a button on the speaker or from the Monster Zone app.
Using the Monster Zone app you can also switch input sources (⅛-inch AUX, FM radio, Bluetooth), manage Bluetooth settings, adjust EQ profiles and more. The SOLARA also has two banks of buttons on the speaker to control the lights, sound, inputs, and audio playback. You can also check your battery life so you know when the SOLARA needs some juice.
When it comes to sound, the SOLARA is designed to get the party started! The speaker features four 3.5-inch full-range drivers giving you 360° of sound. In addition, you get a 6.5-inch downward-firing passive bass radiator for improved low-end performance. If you like bass, then you’ll love the Monster SOLARA because this speaker delivers a serious amount of bottom end. The mid-range is surprisingly clear with the treble offering up a nice crisp sound. For urban and dance music genres, the SOLARA is certainly going to impress.
If one SOLARA isn’t enough, you are able to pair up to eight Monster Ez-Play speakers including the GLO 2, Roam, Roam 2, RRX, RR4, RR Charge, Decora, and Retro.
7. C2G SPK-VELO-003 Wireless Outdoor Stereo Speakers
The C2G Wireless Stereo Speaker is designed to be used as a part of either a mono or stereo system. Speaking of which, the system comes with a single speaker, which, as noted can be used in either Stereo or Mono mode, but to have a stereo playback, you need to purchase another separate speaker. This is a curveball right off the bat for someone who wants a stereo system and no complications, but it’s palatable once you get to know the qualities of the product.
The rest of the set includes a transmitter and remote control. All you need to do is plug in your media platform of choice – whether it be an iPhone, iPod or iPad, desktop, stereo, MP3 or CD player (basically anything with a 3.5mm audio output), and enjoy a rich, full-bodied sound, with crisp highs, creamy mids, and tight lows. As far as the range goes, you can set your speakers up to 150 feet away and completely disregard any walls or ceilings, as the transmitter is fully able to breakthrough.
One major drawback, however, is the fact that when the speakers are in use, the transmitter will kill your WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network, for those not in the know), which cuts off wireless internet access to every and any device in the vicinity using this type connection. The problem can’t even be solved by unplugging the speakers, but you have to hard-reboot the router itself to be able to use the network again.
8. Mutant MIG-WS2-S Media Block Deluxe Wireless Outdoor Speakers
Despite the long-winded name, the Mutant MIG-WS2-S Media Block Deluxe Weather-Resistant Wireless Outdoor Stereo Speaker System is simple to explain. All you have to do is look at the name itself. For starters, the enclosure is a stylish, sleek, and sturdy piece of weatherproof plastic. True enough, it will handle a drizzle, sun, and the wind, but the design defies everything you might’ve come to expect from outdoor speakers; instead of trying to blend in, the MIG-WS2-S goes completely opposite – the speakers look so good that they can easily make for a great centerpiece.
Secondly, the speakers come with a wireless transmitter and remote control. Now, while the transmitter is excellent, the remote is not quite up to scratch, to be honest. Namely, there’s one thing to keep in mind when placing the speakers – if they’re not next to each other, the remote will affect only one at a time. Still, the system features an advanced proprietary scanning system – the Automatic Phases Lock Loop, which does an admirable job of minimizing signal interference. This makes the system great for indoors, as well as outdoors. This, arguably, would also make for the main selling point of this rig.
Speaking of the connectivity, the system is compatible with a wide range of wireless devices, as well as stereo systems, TVs, MP3 and CD players, as well as computers that are equipped with a 3.5mm audio output jack. Sound-wise, the diffusion plate built in the speakers enables them to equally distribute sound waves, which allows them to pump out the tunes at greater distances without losing on the sound quality.
If you’re looking to get the best bang for the buck, then look no further.
9. iFinity Wireless Outdoor Speakers
The iFinity Wireless Speakers are the ideal thing for an audiophile who prefers cranking the volume all the way up. Whether it’s an outdoor party, or just an attempt to annoy the neighbors from 2C who keep you awake all night, these puppies will pump out a powerful sound with an incredible amount of clarity. They work best in large spaces, though, so the first hypothetical example would be preferable. All this is possible thanks to the built-in amps that provide ear-splitting sound with virtually no distortion or clipping.
The system features a massive and rugged enclosure that comes in two flavors – black and white. More importantly, the enclosure is water-resistant, so you can organize that patio BBQ cook-off without fearing rain or accidental splashes. Each individual speaker weighs about 4.8 pounds, which makes it portable enough. On a similar note, the footprint is also almost negligible, with individual speakers measuring a neat 8.5 x 8.5″ x 8.5″ (H x D x W).
As far as the range goes, these babies rock an improved wireless receiver that enables you to connect from as far as an impressive 600 feet, if unimpeded. Better yet, it can disregard any walls or ceilings, as well any potential interference from other wireless devices, courtesy of a sophisticated proprietary frequency hopping scheme.
One downside is that the range drops sharply to about 150 feet if there are “less than optimal” conditions, in terms of obstacles. On the flip side, though, the sound will travel uncompressed, which further means true to life (as possible as it can be) sound quality. Speaking of which, you’re guaranteed to have quite a deep bass response, as well as crystal-clear highs and a full-bodied midrange, thanks to the 5-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter.
Your Buyer’s Guide to Wireless Outdoor Speakers
If you’re still unsure which wireless outdoor speakers are best for you, then take a read through our comprehensive buyer’s guide. We’ve researched all the frequently asked questions consumers have and put everything together below.
Wifi Outdoor Speakers vs. Bluetooth Outdoor Speakers
For a start, Wifi enabled wireless devices are fewer in numbers. Whereas Bluetooth is present in most of today’s smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops, the case is not the same for WiFi. On a similar note, pairing up two devices is much more convenient with Bluetooth, as Bluetooth doesn’t care about the manufacturer. On the other hand, Wifi receivers usually come with a name brand device, which means they pair with only other brand devices or even that single device.
Moreover, Bluetooth devices are able to connect with a greater range of devices at the same time. Primary devices that use Bluetooth are cell phones, computer mice, and keyboards, as well as activity trackers and a whole range of office and industrial devices. Conversely, the primary devices that use WiFi wireless connections are notebooks, laptops and desktops, as well as all the latest cell phones, and, of course, smartphones (yes, there’s a difference, on a par with the one we’re discussing here).
And that’s where Bluetooth’s edge ends and WiFi wireless takes over.
At first glance, it’s plainly visible that WiFi wireless connectivity has, at worst, a range on par with Bluetooth, and at best, much greater. For example, the usual range of a Bluetooth device is about 30ish feet, whereas, for WiFi wireless, that’s only the minimum range. If you’re using an 802.11b/g WLAN device, the typical WiFi range for indoors is around 30 feet, and up to thrice that outdoors, in optimal conditions (meaning nothing’s standing in the way. A device with 802.11n WLAN has an ever greater range, which you can enhance significantly by using antennas, as well.
WiFi also has an edge over Bluetooth outdoor speakers in terms of frequency range, bandwidth, and bit-rate.In regards to the first point, whereas WiFi operates on 2.4, 3.6 and 5GHz radio frequencies, Bluetooth is limited to 2.4GHz. This, naturally, affects the range, bandwidth, and speed. Secondly, wireless provides you with much better bandwidth, going up to 11Mbps, whereas Bluetooth rates at about 800Kbps.
This, of course, affects the bit-rate, which is more important for the topic at hand – speakers (bandwidth is commonly used in reference to networking, and bit-rate for media transfer). For wireless, the bit rate can go up to 600Mbps, while for Bluetooth, it won’t go over 2.1Mbps. Is there a practical difference? Well, yes, as the device will have to compress the data to reduce the bit rate, which affects the fidelity of the audio.
One final note before actually concluding this section – WiFi wireless outdoor speakers will tend to have higher power consumption than their Bluetooth counterparts. This will, obviously, affect the longevity of the batteries, if it’s a portable device, and portable speakers tend to fit the bill. Even so, most batteries, AA, and built-in Li-ion (or whatever type you come across) will give you at least an afternoon of continuous tune time.
So, on a balance, would it be better to get a WiFi or a Bluetooth speaker? Honestly, it depends on your needs, as with almost any product. For better range and true audio fidelity, go for the wireless WiFi type, but if you’d like longer playtime between charging and a wider compatibility range, you might prefer Bluetooth.
Benefits of Wireless Outdoor Speakers
In addition to easy installation, many people prefer wireless outdoor speakers because they do not involve any wiring that can be unattractive and risk to small children and pets if left lying on the ground.
Wireless speakers are also very portable and you can easily pick them up and move them to different locations, whenever you want. This allows you to use your speaker both indoors and outdoors if you choose. The lack of wiring also allows you to place or install the speakers anywhere in your backyard that you want to; even if there is no electric outlet.
The Downside of Wireless Outdoor Speakers
While wireless outdoor speakers are awesome, there are some drawbacks people often overlook in their excitement for a cabless installation. The first issue is actually the speaker’s greatest selling point, they’re wireless. This is great for eliminating cables but bad if you’re planning a permanent installation.
Wireless speakers have built-in batteries and need to be recharged. This is why it’s not practical to permanently install these in your home, however, there is a simple trick if you do want to install the speakers and not move them. After or before every use, run an extension lead to the speaker and charge using the power supply. Once the speaker is charged, you can put the extension lead away. It’s a bit of a hassle to do each time, but if you purchase speakers with good battery life, you’ll find you won’t have to charge the speakers very often.
Types of Outdoor Speaker Systems
If you are considering purchasing an outdoor speaker system, it is a good idea to first understand the different types of wireless outdoor speakers available. There are Bluetooth outdoor speakers that are very portable and can just be brought outside and placed on a table. There are other types of speakers that can be mounted on the walls of your home, deck or garage.
This makes the speakers available whenever you want to use them. If you are concerned about mounting the speakers to your home or garage, you can purchase in-ground speakers. This type of speaker has a stake that goes into the ground to keep it secure and only part of the speaker sticks out from above the ground. If you prefer your speakers to go unnoticed in your yard, then you can use rock speakers that actually look like real rocks and blend in with the landscape of your outdoor space.
Things to Consider
Once you know what type of speakers you want to purchase, you want to take a closer look at the various speakers available on the market. There are several different specs and features you should consider each different model of wireless outdoor speakers. Below is a look at the top five things you should compare when shopping for the right speakers for your outdoor area.
Durability
Since your speakers will be used outdoors, you must make sure they can withstand all of the weather’s damaging elements. High-quality outdoor speakers will specify that it is an all-weather product. This means that the speakers can remain outdoors during various types of weather, such as rain, hail, and snow, and still work great when using it. The speakers should have a protective covering that will ensure that it remains undamaged during bad weather.
Is Your Outdoor Speaker System Waterproof?
One of the most important features of outdoor speakers is whether or not they are waterproof. Most wireless outdoor speakers carry a splashproof rating of between IPX4 to IPX6. Here is a breakdown of what those waterproof ratings actually mean:
- IPX4 – the speaker is protected from splashes from all directions. Ok for use around the pool but not great for use in the shower.
- IPX5 – the speaker is protected from water sprayed from all directions. Ok to use in the shower, rain, and around the pool.
- IPX6 – the speaker is protected from high-pressure sprays from all directions. Fine for use around any water conditions but cannot be submerged.
While all of the above IPX ratings will protect your wireless outdoor speakers from rain, we strongly recommend against leaving these permanently outdoors. We have found wireless outdoor speakers are not as durable and weather-hardened as their wired cousins.
Sound Quality
The sound quality may be the most important aspect to consider. After all, if the wireless outdoor speakers do not sound good, then you will not want to use them. You should check several specs and features with each speaker to make sure it will produce great sound quality, such as wattage (power), frequency response (pitch), sensitivity (efficiency), and woofers (bass).
Compatibility
It is crucial that the outdoor speakers that you purchase are compatible with the stereo, projector, or other electronics that you want to connect it to. All of the speakers we found are Bluetooth compatible with most offering version 4 and higher. If you don’t have a Bluetooth device, make sure you get a wireless speaker which can take an AUX input. We have a few options listed above.
Warranty
You also want to see if the speakers come with a warranty, and if so, what is covered and how long it is. Since these speakers will be used outdoors, this is a fairly important feature to look for in each product. Companies that offer a warranty with their products are stating that they stand behind the quality of those products.
Reviews
Sometimes the best way to determine the quality of an outdoor speaker system is to see what other users are saying. See if the speakers are getting good reviews and if there are any complaints about the speakers. This may help you narrow down your selection to find the right wireless outdoor speakers for you.
Finding the Right Speakers for You
Whether you choose one of the top-rated wireless outdoor speakers listed above or find another option, is entirely up to you. Here are some parting thoughts to keep in mind when choosing the best wireless outdoor speakers.
- Make sure you look at all the features that the speakers include before making your decision.
- Take your time when comparing different brands and models and consider how you want to use these speakers. This should help you find the right set of speakers that work great for you.
- Battery life is very important. If you’re planning to use these speakers a lot or for extended periods of time, don’t go for anything with less than a 10-hour battery life.
The primary advantage of Bluetooth speakers is its portability, which makes it easy to share music and makes listening to music a social experience with other people wherever you are.
Best outdoor wireless speakers for outdoor home theater?
Hi Terry!
We’d recommend the BT Blast PRO for an average small home theater. Apart from being completely water and weatherproof, the great thing about these speakers is that they do not require an amp or receiver either. We actually feature them as our top wireless choice on this list too: https://www.outeraudio.com/patio-outdoor-speakers/
If your set up is a bit more advanced, have a look at our party speakers list. We feature a few wireless options which may suit your needs: https://www.outeraudio.com/best-party-speakers/
Are these weatherproof speakers? Any thoughts on SoundWave Concert spakers?
Hey Ace, thanks for the question!
Yes, the speakers on this list are all weatherproof. We also have these lists which feature outdoor speakers:
In-Ground Speakers
Patio Outdoor Speakers
Outdoor Rock Speakers
You can also follow this link to seach for all the articles we have on outdoor speakers.
I have heard of the SoundWave Concert speakers but never done any research on them. We’ll add this to our list and hopefully profile them on the site for the future.
– Matt
I have a Bluetooth receiver and outdoor mounted speakers that require me to run wires to the receiver. I want a cleaner look WITHOUT hiding/running wires… What wireless speakers can I still mount outside and use my Bluetooth receiver with? Thanks
Hey Drew, thanks for the question!
What you can do is connect your Bluetooth receiver to any active speaker. You’ll want to make sure of a couple of things. 1, the active speaker has an input for the Bluetooth receiver’s output and 2, the speaker is built to survive the outdoors. The only active pair I have come across is the BT Blast Pro which are features on our best list of patio speakers and wireless outdoor speaker lists. The big issue with active speakers outdoors is once something wears or breaks, the speaker takes on a little bit of water and starts tripping your power. That’s why it’s best to use passive speakers outside and find a way to hide the cables. Sorry that I can’t offer a better solution for this!
– Matt
I have a stereo system at the restaurant I work at. I want to install 2 outdoor speakers for our patio. They need to be wireless but in order for them to play the same music as the rest of the place, I need speakers that will pick up the signal from the amp. I have 2 extra pairs of speaker inputs and ideally, i would plug in a high power transmitter that will send the signal about 80 feet and through one wall and one glass wall. What do you suggest?
Thanks a lot
Hey Tyler
Thanks for your question. Without knowing the distance from your amp and other factors, I would probably go with the Dual Electronics LU48BTS. With the 12 hour playing time you can get through a lunch and dinner service on a single charge, provided you don’t crank them to full volume. The LU48BTS are IPX4 rated, which means they will survive some rain, but I would recommend you bring them in when closing up. You can install these on hooks which means setting them up and packing them away won’t be an issue.
Great article! We just installed a hot tub and built a cover over it for our patio (attached to the house). We installed a TV but with the spa jets running, at full blast the TV is still hard to hear. I’m assuming if we added some additional speakers it might address the issue. I haven’t looked at the back of the TV yet (we just mounted it last night — it’s an older model Samsung Smart TV) but I assume there’s an audio out port & USB. There would be an extra HDMI I’m sure as well. I’m also assuming it doesn’t have any built in bluetooth. Any thoughts on the best type of speaker set up. I definitely want wireless. I just don’t know the best way to connect the speakers to the TV. Do the systems typically have a dongle that hooks into either the audio port, USB, or HDMI??? Thanks for the help!!