Top Outdoor Speakers 2024 — Expert Reviews
Craving a patio audio overhaul for your alfresco festivities and spring soirées? Fortune favours you! Spring, with its whispers of summer, is an ideal moment to welcome a fresh ensemble of outdoor speakers with excellent sound quality, transforming your backyard into a non-stop concert venue with full sound. Consider the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ for an even better experience.
To enhance your patio oasis, we’ve compiled a list of the 6 best outdoor speakers, including the weather-resistant Bose SoundLink Revolve+. Their sleek design effortlessly complements any aesthetic, while their metal grilles ensure a seamless fusion of sound and sizzle with your BBQ.
But which outdoor speaker should grace your patio? Dive in as we unveil our premier selection of enduring, high-fidelity outdoor speakers with excellent sound quality and stereo sound.
Our 6 Best Overall Outdoor Speakers for 2024
Bose SoundLink Revolve+
The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ is a clear winner. With its 360-degree sound and water-resistant design, this speaker is perfect for any outdoor activity. This portable Bluetooth speaker delivers deep, powerful sound that can quickly fill any space. The rechargeable battery provides up to 16 hours of playtime on a single charge, making it perfect for long days at the beach or camping trips.
The Bose SoundLink Revolve is a meticulously constructed Bluetooth speaker that combines elegance and portability. It’s compact size and sleek design make it convenient to transport while on the go. It is designed to withstand outdoor use with dust, impact, and water resistance ratings, although we have not conducted specific tests in these areas. While the SoundLink Revolve may fall short regarding low-bass reproduction and maximum volume, it compensates with a well-balanced mid-range. This makes it particularly well-suited for enjoying vocal-centric content such as podcasts and audiobooks, where clarity and detail in the mid-range frequencies are crucial. The SoundLink Revolve+ also features a built-in microphone for taking hands-free calls and accessing your phone’s virtual assistant. Plus, with NFC pairing technology, you can easily connect your smartphone or tablet to the speaker without fussing with wires or settings. Additionally, the speaker boasts an impressive battery life that outlasts many other portable speakers on the market.
Sonos Move
The Sonos Move presents a portable Bluetooth speaker with integrated voice assistant support. Its primary purpose is to accompany you with your favourite music while moving. Equipped with a built-in handle, it offers convenient transportation, and its IP56 rating ensures resistance against dust and water. Regardless of your location, the Sonos Move's Trueplay room correction feature automatically adjusts its output to optimize the acoustics of your surroundings. You can quickly recharge it using the wireless charging base, preparing it for your next listening session. Furthermore, you can connect it with other speakers in your Sonos ecosystem, such as the Sonos Five or the Sonos Roam, enabling you to disperse sound throughout your home.
Regarding outdoor use, the Sonos Move is a highly portable speaker with a built-in handle for effortless transport. Its IP56 rating certifies water resistance for up to three minutes and dust resistance for two to eight hours. This means you can confidently bring it swimming or to the lake without worrying about water damage. With over ten hours of battery life on a single charge, it will easily last through your next adventurous outing.
Sony SRS-XE300
The Sony SRS-XE300 offers an excellent outdoor audio experience at a more affordable price. It is highly portable, making it perfect for taking along on hikes or bike rides to enjoy your favourite music on the move. Its compact and lightweight design allows for easy transportation, and although it lacks a built-in hook, you can toss it in your bag.
With an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, this speaker is well-prepared to withstand outdoor conditions. While it has no specific IP rating for impact resistance, the manufacturer ensures it is constructed to endure minor drops and bumps.
When it comes to sound quality, the Sony SRS-XE300 does not disappoint. It delivers precise reproduction of voices and other lead instruments while adding an extra punch in the high-bass range to enhance the energy in your favourite tracks. The speaker’s companion app also features a graphic equalizer, allowing you to customize the sound according to your preferences.
One of the standout features of this speaker is its impressive battery life. It provides over sixteen hours of playback on a single charge, which means you can enjoy uninterrupted music throughout your day of outdoor activities.
Overall, the Sony SRS-XE300 is an excellent choice for outdoor adventures, combining affordability, portability, and impressive sound quality.
Marshall Middleton
The Marshall Middleton portable Bluetooth speaker showcases the iconic guitar-amp style synonymous with the Marshall brand. You’ll love its compact, lightweight design and the removable carrying strap allowing one-handed transportation. Built to withstand outdoor conditions, this speaker is waterproof and dustproof. Additionally, it offers user-friendly controls for adjusting bass and treble to suit your personal preferences.
A notable feature of Marshall Middleton is its USB-C port, which serves as both a charging input for the speaker and an output that enables you to use the speaker as a portable charging bank for other devices—an added convenience for your on-the-go lifestyle.
While the Marshall Middleton is well-suited for outdoor use and boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, it should be noted that it is slightly heavier compared to smaller speakers. Nevertheless, the removable carrying strap ensures easy portability, allowing you to carry it comfortably with one hand. With a battery life of over seven hours on a single charge, it offers ample playtime for a day spent outdoors. It delivers satisfactory volume levels for smaller gatherings, although it may need help to fill larger, more open backyards with sound.
Overall, the Marshall Middleton is an appealing choice as a portable Bluetooth speaker. It combines Marshall's signature guitar-amp aesthetics with its rugged design and convenient features.
Top Budget Portable Outdoor Speakers for 2023
Portable Bluetooth speakers have become increasingly popular lately, especially for outdoor use. They allow you to enjoy your favourite wireless audio while on the go, whether at the beach, camping, or having a picnic in the park. When looking for a portable speaker, several factors must be considered to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Quality and durability are key factors. But what if you’re on a budget? Fortunately, plenty of affordable options won’t compromise sound or performance. Here are the top budget outdoor speakers for 2023. These speakers also have long battery life and powerful bass.
UE WonderBoom 3: The Dazzling Dynamo
Small in stature but a titan in performance, the UE Boom 3 packs a punch, delivering vibrant sounds that dance along with the flickering flames of your bonfire. The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is the ultimate choice for affordable outdoor speakers. In addition to its small size and lightweight design, you can effortlessly carry it in one hand, and the included strap allows you to conveniently clip it onto your bag. Despite its compact size, this speaker packs a powerful punch, making it perfect for on-the-go music enjoyment or adding some excitement to your pool parties. This speaker can float in water, making it a remarkable speaker. Additionally, it boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring its durability in various outdoor environments.
Despite its budget-friendly price, the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 delivers solid sound quality suitable for various music genres. A cool touch to the listening experience comes from its Outdoor mode, which enhances the crispness of the audio when used in larger, open-air spaces. Battery life lasts over 22 hours when fully charged, allowing you to listen to music continuously throughout the day. However, its smaller size compared to the Sony SRS-XE300 may not reproduce deep low bass as effectively, resulting in slightly less rumble in genres like dance music and hip-hop. Nevertheless, the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is an exceptional choice if you’re on a tight budget. Its dazzling colour range makes it a feast for the ears and the eyes.
JBL Flip 5
The JBL Flip 5 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that can be used indoors and outdoors. It’s waterproof and dustproof, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. The sound quality is impressive for its price range, with deep bass and crisp highs.
The JBL Flip 5, a portable Bluetooth speaker, combines a compact design with rugged construction, making it an excellent choice for enjoying your favourite music on the go. With its IPX7 water resistance rating, this speaker is well-protected against the elements, ensuring durability even in challenging environments. The JBL Portable app lets you connect it with other PartyBoost speakers from JBL’s lineup, expanding your audio experience. However, it’s worth noting that customization options for sound adjustments are not available with this speaker.
The JBL Flip 5 is a suitable option for outdoor use, thanks to its portable design and sturdy build. Its IPX7 water resistance rating provides peace of mind against water-related mishaps, and the removable strap enhances convenience during transportation. Its maximum volume level may not be sufficient for larger gatherings or backyard parties, so better choices may exist for such occasions.
The JBL Flip 5 offers a portable and durable solution for enjoying music during your adventures. Its compact design, water resistance, and easy transportability make it a reliable companion, although its volume capabilities are only somewhat suited for larger-scale gatherings.
Conclusion: Choose the Best Outdoor Speaker for Your Needs
There are various factors to consider when selecting a portable speaker or outdoor speaker. Sound quality and durability are two key features that should be prioritized. Portable Bluetooth speakers are a popular choice for those looking for high-quality audio on the go.
When buying the best outdoor speaker, it's crucial to consider sound quality. Look for speakers with high wattage, frequency response ranges, and powerful bass to ensure optimal audio performance. Bluetooth connectivity is also a significant feature to look for. Durability is crucial for outdoor speakers due to exposure to various weather conditions, so waterproofing and shock resistance are essential for longevity.
Consider your specific audio needs. Wireless speakers with Bluetooth offer more flexibility in placement and portability, making them a great choice for outdoor spaces. However, wired speakers have better sound quality due to their direct connection, which can enhance the bass.
After researching various options on the market, we have determined the best overall outdoor speaker for 2023 is still the Bose SoundLink Revolve+. This wireless speaker offers exceptional audio quality with deep bass and clear treble tones, making it one of the top bluetooth speakers available.
For those searching for a runner-up option in Bluetooth speakers, we suggest the JBL Flip 5. This portable wireless speaker offers impressive battery life, powerful audio performance, and balanced sound at an affordable price point, making it a great choice for outdoor speakers.
Step outside and let the audio float on the gentle summer breeze. There’s no day like today to amplify your outdoor living space with a symphony of sweet sounds and bass. From poolside playlists to starlit soirées, these 6 Bluetooth outdoor speakers will make your summer a sonnet of sonic bliss.
If you're considering bringing your speaker along for a beach trip, we recommend checking out our guide to the top hotels in Ibiza or our list of the best hotels in Lisbon. These comprehensive guides will provide you with valuable insights and recommendations for accommodations that will enhance your holiday experience.
