Best Outdoor Speakers For Your Next Party
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Klipsch Outdoor Speaker -
Bose 151 SE Environmental Speakers, Elegant Outdoor Speakers -
TREBLAB Ultra Premium Bluetooth Speaker -
Polk Audio Atrium 4 Outdoor Speakers -
Klipsch Black (Pair) Outdoor Speaker -
Boston Acoustics VOYAMETROII-0XX00 Voyager Metro II Outdoor Speakers -
Tannoy Di6 Outdoor Speakers -
Buyer's Guide
Bringing music outdoors can be difficult as running wires from your indoor stereo involves drilling holes through the walls of the house, and mounting speakers. If ground-based or free-standing outdoor speakers are used, cables must be buried to keep them out of site. These issues make wireless speakers a potentially better choice for outdoor areas such as the patio, poolside, and garden.
Although Bluetooth connectivity is becoming increasingly popular for wireless streaming, many wireless speakers still use either a 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz transmitter. While the 2.4 GHz frequency can reduce interference overall, it might not be as well-suited for a household that already has multiple devices operating on this band. Either way, good wireless outdoor speakers must have the ability to connect and maintain a reliable wireless link with decent range.
These best wireless outdoor speakers in 2022 on our list are weather-resistant and rugged enough to withstand impacts; our picks range from those suitable for occasional use outdoors to those made for permanent installation outside. Sound quality is evidently important, although the standard to which sound quality is held outdoors is quite different than in a closed, controlled environment. Bass response is typically where outdoor speakers struggle, and since many wireless outdoor speakers can be battery-powered, sometimes they have issues providing enough power for loud volumes. In the interest of representing multiple price points, not all of the following picks are suited for a large open space, but they can all provide decent sound quality for the money.
Detailing the Best Outdoor Speakers of 2022
Klipsch Outdoor Speaker - Best Outdoor Speakers Overall
In order to eradicate that muddy sound from occurring during outdoor pool parties due to audio bounce, Klipsch has designed an outdoor speaker series which delivers high sensitivity audio dispersion and superior power handling capabilities. The AW-400 outdoor speaker contains a 1-inch polymer dome tweeter that does an outstanding job of sending top-quality high-end audio to most any outdoor environment with precision. The 50 watts per channel this speaker disperses is more than capable of covering a wide outdoor environment with pristine audio.
For the price of about $250/per pair for these amazingly adroit outdoor speakers, any homeowner will be pleased with the level of musical clarity the AW-400 speakers will bring to any swimming pool party or family barbecue they’ll be having every summer.
Bose 151 SE Environmental Speakers, Elegant Outdoor Speakers - Runner Up
Bose has come a long way in terms of designing and developing high quality speaker systems that are easily hidden away in any environment that they are installed into. With the 151 SE Environmental outdoor speakers, this design element is one of the most attractive aspects of the 151 SE when installing these extremely durable speakers in your own home’s backyard area.
The speakers, which retail for around $280 a pair, have a very sleekly designed metal white enclosure covering the three, 2 ½ inch full-range environmental drivers contained within the speaker’s enclosure.
This metal enclosure keeps out wind, rain, sleet and snow while also optimizing the audio dispersion of the high and midrange so that everyone in your backyard area will be able to hear the music playing nearby extremely clear, with no overall noise distortion in the sound stage whatsoever.
Other outdoor speakers in the Bose product line are also very easily integrated with the 151 SE Environmental speakers as well, which means that building a much wider and louder listening area in your backyard will be simple and effortless.
TREBLAB Ultra Premium Bluetooth Speaker - Honorable Mention
It takes around 3.5 hours to charge from 0% to 100% and lasts about 6.5 hours at full volume. This implies that if you don't have it as loud as it can go, the battery will last around 10 hours. It is highly durable and can be dropped from waist height without breaking.
The sub-woofers on this Bluetooth speaker are fantastic, and you can really feel them. Given its weight of a little over 1 pound, the speaker is VERY powerful. It is around 7.1 inches in length and 3 inches in height, with a sub-woofer of approximately 1.6 inches. This speaker is water-resistant, not waterproof, which means you may take it with you in the shower but not directly beneath the stream of water.
Polk Audio Atrium 4 Outdoor Speakers - Contender
Polk Audio's Atrium Series of speakers exceed military specifications for durability in all-weather conditions, ensuring their longevity outdoors. The Atrium 4 outdoor speakers feature a weatherproof design and excellent sound quality thanks to a redesigned 0.75-inch tweeter which smoothes frequency response, while a 4.5-inch woofer delivers good bass. A steeply-angled baffle means the speakers have an improved ability to fill a large, open space with sound.
Although the low-frequency response can sometimes lack some fullness, this depends heavily on where the speakers are mounted. This is also being quite typical for outdoor speakers including those that cost much more. Installation is extremely easy with a mounting system that simplifies the process making it safer and hassle-free. Overall, the Polk Atrium 4 speakers are an affordable way to have good quality sound outdoors and they can be had for around $100 online.
Klipsch Black (Pair) Outdoor Speaker - Consider
Klipsch has a strong reputation for producing excellent audio equipment that is a no-brainer choice for almost any situation. The Klipsch AW-650 outdoor speakers feature a paintable enclosure capable of resisting UV light damage, as well as a rustproof aluminum grille. This weather-proofing allows these speakers to be installed and enjoyed for almost any outdoor occasion, whether a backyard gathering or for listening to music by the pool.
As to be expected from a Klipsch product, sound reproduction is excellent although despite their 6.5-inch woofer, these speakers do suffer somewhat from the lack in bass most outdoor speakers struggle with. However, sound is powerful and extremely detailed even at low volumes. Durable zinc C-brackets are included to allow for easy and versatile mounting options. For those who want excellent durability and all-around performance, the Klipsch AW-650 are worth the added cost.
Boston Acoustics VOYAMETROII-0XX00 Voyager Metro II Outdoor Speakers - Best Outdoor Speakers Overall
The Boston Acoustics Voyager 70 outdoor speakers deliver good overall sound quality while being suited for the rigorous conditions of both outdoor and marine use. A seven inch graphite injected woofer delivers solid bass output, while a one inch soft dome tweeter is designed to reduce the unwanted resonance that can come with outdoor-use speakers.
These speakers are rated to handle up to 175 watts; all internal parts are sealed and gasketed, while the tough exterior cabinet is resistant to both moisture and UV light damage. Mounting is simple, with adjustable C-brackets that allow for versatile mounting options, while being made from heavy-duty aluminum to resist rust and ensure durability. Although the Voyager 70 outdoor speakers aren't cheap, they offer good overall value for their durability and performance.
Tannoy Di6 Outdoor Speakers - Best Outdoor Speakers Overall
The Tannoy Di6 outdoor speakers offer a compact size and superb overall sound quality. These speakers are very weather-resistant, with durable construction and the ability to handle extreme conditions season after season. The Di6 utilizes the same drive unit used in Tannoy’s studio monitor, with excellent power handling and extended frequency response. The result is wide sound coverage with very low distortion, allowing for filling a large outdoor space with crisp and accurate sound.
These speakers can be mounted vertically or horizontally, and come with a unique multi-angle bracket that is both pre-wired and fully adjustable. The high quality, durability, and versatility of the Di6 outdoor speakers have made them an excellent choice for profession applications, such as in restaurants, theme parks, or other retail environments. Although these speakers are not cheap, they offer top-notch performance and durability.
Buyer's Guide
Since summer is around the corner, it is the best time to turn your backyard or patio into a party space by setting up outdoor speakers. However, choosing the best outdoor speakers demands a little bit of planning as you have to consider many factors. For instance, the size of your yard will significantly impact the type of your product you need. If you devise to install speakers near a swimming pool, garden, or areas with high rain exposure, you will need weatherproof speakers. In this guide, we have outlined the types of outdoor speakers and compiled a list of a few factors you should consider to choose the best option for your backyard.
What are the Types of Outdoor Speakers?
Portable Wireless Speakers
Portable wireless speakers are the first to come to mind when someone thinks of outdoor speakers. Currently, a plethora of wireless speakers is available in the market. You can simply connect them with your smart devices like a phone, tablet, or laptop to play your favorite music right away. The only downside of these speakers is that they can’t be left outside like other speakers. So, you will always have to bring them indoors or keep them in a place that is not affected by environmental conditions.
Permanently Installed Speakers
If your outdoor parties do not extend further than your patio, deck, or small yard, then permanent stereo speakers can be the best choice for you. These are powerful speakers with rich, detailed sounds. Their considerable power comes from your home amplifier or receiver, allowing them to be completely integrated with your home speaker system. Basically, these speakers are similar to your indoor speakers. However, they are element-resistant, so you can paint their exteriors to match your walls for a more aesthetic look.
Garden and Patio Speakers
For spaces with rain exposure, permanent, weatherproof speakers are ideal because they don’t demand exterior protection and withstand weather conditions like rain, sun, and snow. Some of these speakers can be buried in the surface for maximum concealment. Thus, they do not interfere with the landscape.
Other options are available in natural shapes like rocks that blend into the outdoor space discreetly but produce high-quality sound. They are usually available in various styles, colors, and sizes ranging from 4 inches to 8 inches. Since they are mono, you will need two speakers for stereos sound.
Stereo Input Speakers
There is nothing more annoying than being able to hear half of the song. Such an issue can take place with stereo speakers if you place them too far apart. It is more likely to happen when there is a lot of action taking place between two separate speakers, such as a cannonball competition in the pool or a fun game of catch.
To overcome this issue, you should set up a few stereo-input speakers. Since they are reinforced with dual inputs for the left as well as the right channel, these speakers can switch between stereo mode and traditional left or right playback.
Which Factors Should You Consider Before Purchasing the Best Outdoor Speakers?
Wired or Wireless
When choosing the outdoor speakers for your yard or patio, you should ask yourself if you need wired speakers or wireless. Most wireless speakers are small enough to fit in a pocket and don’t need installation, while wired speakers will allow you to enjoy high-quality sound free from interference that may arise in wireless speakers. Besides, you also have to charge wireless speakers frequently to use without any inconvenience.
Weather Resistant
Make sure the outdoor speakers you decide to purchase are designed to withstand all weather conditions like rain, heat, dust, frost, and erosion. We also suggest placing the speakers under sheltered areas to ensure they last longer because the accumulated moisture that seeps into the speakers can harm audio drivers, which deteriorates the sound quality.
Size of your Space
Understanding the environment or space where speakers will be placed is also a crucial factor. If you have a huge outdoor space, you should go for stereo input speakers because they have a dual inputs option and distribute the sound evenly in different zones of your yard.
On the other hand, patio speakers are the best option for a small open area. The benefit of these speakers is that you can keep wires from running through your yard, which may cause inconvenience.
Design
Outdoor speakers are a kind of part of your home, so you should always find ones that match your home decor. For instance, rock speakers are designed to blend in your space and compliment the overall look of your home.
Type of Music You Listen to
The type of speaker you need varies according to the type of music you listen to. For instance, if you are fond of bass-concentrated music like Rock, EDM, and R&B, then you should invest in speakers that are more booming with lower-frequency outputs. You can also get your hands on an extra subwoofer for a better audio experience. However, if you like jazz or instrumental music, you don’t need an added subwoofer because it doesn’t hit low frequencies.
Final Words
Choosing the best outdoor speakers for your backyard or patio should never be a daunting experience. This guide attempts to provide you with the right nuggets of information about choosing the best outdoor speakers and thus navigate you through the process smartly. All you need to do is bear these factors in mind, and you will be one step closer to taking the entertainment atmosphere of your home to the next level.
Outdoor Speaker FAQ
Q: Do I need a subwoofer along with outdoor speakers?
It depends on your music preferences. If you listen to bass-concentrated music, adding a subwoofer with your outdoor speakers can enhance your sound experience.
Q: Do I need to take any precautions to protect my outside speakers in winters?
Yes, but only if you live in a region prone to extreme winter conditions like sub-zero temperatures. You may have to cover your speakers with a plastic bag to protect components from getting frozen.
Q: Can I place the speakers too far apart?
Generally, the sound distribution range is based on the sound pressure level of the speakers. For a backyard, a 100-watt speaker is adequate because it covers a 30-foot range. We suggest experimenting with speaker placement to figure out how far apart they should be placed.
