Enjoying your outdoor space is a lot more fun when you have some music playing to bring it to life. That’s where knowing your options for outdoor speakers comes into play. Whether you’re trying to spruce up your outdoor space, throwing a party, or just want to enjoy a little music while you’re relaxing by the pool, it definitely pays to know your options for the best outdoor speakers.
There are countless benefits of listening to music, regardless of setting. A new study reveals that a patient’s preferred music effectively eases discomfort without the need for medication, enhancing an individual’s ability to cope with physical pain. Your favorite songs or performances have been shown to outperform relaxing music in reducing discomfort. All the more reason to ditch the pain meds and blast your favorite AC/DC songs to cure that nagging backache.
Turning on some tunes does more than just alleviating pain. A recent study suggests that simply listening to music can help keep our brains healthy and our minds sharp. Jamming out helps to maintain the brain’s grey matter and enhances plasticity, which refers to brain cells and their ability to adapt structurally – like exercising a muscle.
So, to move and groove wherever you are, StudyFinds did the research, consulting 10 speaker and tech review websites in an effort to bring you a consensus list of the best outdoor speakers. Our list comprises the seven most frequently listed speaker options from across these sites. Think our reviewers missed a quality model? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
The List: Best Outdoor Speakers, According to Tech Experts
1. Polk Audio Atrium 4
The top spot on the list of the best outdoor speakers belongs to the Polk Audio Atrium 4 speakers. These speakers offer everything you’re looking for in a quality sound system.
“For an affordable price, the Polk Audio Atrium 4 speakers deliver a strong balance of performance. With 80 watts of audio power, their baffle design maximizes mid- and high-frequency dispersion so you can hear audio clearly across a large area… the Atrium 4 includes an easy-to-install speed-lock mounting bracket. The speakers’ smaller size makes them ideal for tight or out-of-the-way installations,” explains Forbes.
Outdoor speakers should be heard but not always seen, and that’s exactly what the developers of the Atrium 4 had in mind. This model is powerful enough to deliver bone-thumping sound yet small enough to be concealed.
“At 8.6 x 6.7 x 5.7 inches, the Atrium 4s are small enough so that they won’t dominate your landscape and big enough to deliver full sound. While they don’t have much bass, they produce more low-end than other outdoor speakers of similar size,” writes Tom’s Guide.
The best part of these outdoor speakers is they’re waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about ruining them when a storm comes through. However, the Atrium 4 speakers do require installation, so you will need to be handy if you want to get these set up the right way.
“Polk Audio is already a well-respected leader in the field, and they continue that with the Atrium 4. You can place them in any open space, but they will require installation. However, this wired system is waterproof, so there are no worries, and Bass Boost takes your audio to the next level. Its 80 watts of power is meant to overpower background noise, so you can enjoy your music instead of the sounds of nearby traffic,” adds ZDNet.
2. Klipsch AWR-650-SM
The next spot on the list of the best outdoor speakers belongs to the Klipsch AWR-650 speakers. These speakers take outdoor sound to the next level as they’re designed to blend in with your landscaping and around your garden.
“If you’re looking to turn your patio or yard into an oasis, then one thing you might want to consider is that your speakers can’t be seen. That’s where the Klipsch AWR-650-SM comes into play. These speakers rock (I couldn’t resist). These speakers were made to blend into nature, so you can play music without anyone knowing where the sound is coming from,” explains Sound Guys.
These speakers are designed like a landscaping stone, and you can’t tell they’re outdoor speakers until you get close to them. The design alone makes the Klipsch AWR-650’s extremely cool, but they’re also great speakers that pump out amazing sound.
“Looking for a speaker that blends in seamlessly with your landscaping? We can’t promise that the Klipsch AWR-650-SM will fool everyone, but it doesn’t stick out the way conventional speakers do. Despite the Flintstones vibes, they push out rock-solid sound. The 0.8-inch tweeter and 6.5-inch woofer give you clean, clear highs, and deep, pounding lows. Just like the rock it’s imitating, AWR-650-SM can withstand all types of weather and is particularly water-repellent,” writes Popular Mechanics.
There are also different varieties available so you can customize it to your space. “The Klipsch AWR-650-SM is the most discreet outdoor speaker worth your attention. Its durable enclosure is designed to look like a rock, and you can order it with a granite or sandstone finish. Powered by a high-quality woofer and a duo of tweeters, the AWR-650-SM speakers deliver amazing sound that’s in line with the legendary brand’s heritage. The tweeters are arranged to play left and right audio channels, allowing users to enjoy stereo sound with just one speaker,” furthers Best Products.
3. Sonos Move
The third spot on the list of the best outdoor speakers goes to the Sonos Move. This brand is known for producing some of the best speakers, and the Sonos Move falls right in line with this company’s other quality products.
“Smart speakers are a great option if you’re looking for hands-free control since their built-in voice assistants are designed to respond to your commands with ease. While most are designed with in-home use in mind, the Sonos Move offers the flexibility to take your smart device outside with you. Its built-in handle makes it easier to transport to your backyard, and its IP56 rating for dust and water resistance adds some protection against the elements. It’s a well-built and premium speaker with great sound quality overall,” writes RTINGS.
Although the Sonos Move outdoor speakers aren’t entirely waterproof, they’re an excellent choice for your outdoor music. The Sonos Move is more like a portable Bluetooth speaker, but it’s designed for outdoor use.
“You can connect multiple speakers together, stereo pair two Sonos Moves, and control it all with your voice with Alexa or Google Assistant. You can stream audio directly from the Sonos S2 app, stream to the speaker over Wi-Fi using Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, or use Bluetooth from any phone. It’s not just the Move’s feature set that makes it an outdoor powerhouse, of course. This speaker sounds full, clear, and powerful, with plenty of thump for most outdoor areas,” explains Popular Mechanics.
Sonos engineers some really neat speakers, so it’s no surprise that the Move is so versatile. “The Sonos Move is a bit of a rarity in the company’s lineup—an outdoor-friendly portable speaker with Bluetooth… If you already have a Sonos speaker setup in your home, this is an excellent addition that you can easily take with you on road trips. Yes, the Sonos app works only over Wi-Fi, but you can always use Bluetooth to stream audio directly to the speaker from your phone,” adds PC Mag.
4. Dual-Electronics LU53-PB
Next up on the list of the best speakers for your outdoor spaces is an affordable pair from Dual Electronics. Their LU53-PB outdoor speakers are not only priced fairly, but they produce some excellent sound to help fuel your outdoor fun.
“These feature a 4-inch woofer, a 1.6-inch midrange cone, and a 0.78-inch tweeter, which separates out everything nicely. One thing worth noting is that these have an all-weather-resistant coating that will protect them from the average rainstorm and high temperatures,” writes Sound Guys.
With the Dual Electronics LU53PB outdoor speakers, homeowners can expect to receive an affordable yet quality outdoor speaker system. These speakers are designed to repel water and they also feature a swivel mounting system that allows you to adjust the direction of the sound as you wish.
“The speakers use a weather-resistant coating and UV-resistant resin, but that being said you may want to keep them out of the direct line of fire of downpours and other inclement weather. For those that need to adjust on the fly, the speakers offer a swivel mount, making them great for those that want to redirect the tunes toward the pool party or just away from neighbors,” adds Forbes.
“The Dual Electronics LU53PB 3-Way Indoor/Outdoor Speakers are the best speakers when you are looking for heavy bass. To deliver extra bass, these weather-resistant speakers incorporate three-way component speakers combined with a 5.25-inch woofer. With a wired design, it is suitable for a bookshelf or any other open space outside your home. Swivel mounts ensure you can place them exactly where they need to be,” furthers ZDNet.
5. Anker Soundcore 3
Anker engineers some amazing sound systems, so it’s no surprise that this company also develops one of the top outdoor speakers. “If you’re looking for a simple speaker that won’t break the bank, the Anker Soundcore 3 is worth a look. The next generation of the Anker Soundcore 2 comes in the same small and lightweight frame, so you have no trouble bringing your favorite tunes wherever you go. Take it to the backyard or on a hike, and its IPX7 rating for water resistance keeps it safe from some light exposure to the elements,” writes RTINGS.
The Anker Soundcore 3 isn’t waterproof and it isn’t a permanent outdoor speaker solution, but it’s well worth the investment. The Anker Soundcore is small and light enough to carry with you but powerful enough to fuel your backyard party.
“The speaker runs up to 24 hours on a single charge, and it has a strong IPX7 water resistance rating so you can take it outdoors without fearing poolside splashes or a sudden summer rain. The speaker uses passive dual radiators and Anker’s unique Bass Up technology to output audio with noticeable bass. The PartyCast feature lets you link up to 100 Anker Bluetooth speakers together (wirelessly) to fill an enormous space with audio that’s streamed from a single device,” adds Forbes.
The ability to link up to 100 Anker speakers together makes this outdoor speaker extremely versatile. You can invest in several of these outdoor speakers and truly customize your outdoor tunes as you see fit.
“It puts out a full sound despite its small size and even lets you make audio adjustments via an in-app EQ. A speakerphone function also adds value. If you don’t need or want a 15-pound speaker that can rattle the walls, the 8-ounce Soundcore Mini is about as small as you can go without losing out on audio quality or features,” furthers PC Mag.
6. Sonos Outdoor Speakers
Experts also rave about another Sonos product, but this time it’s the Sonos Outdoor Speakers. These speakers are a permanent sound solution for your outdoor space, and they’re some of the best outdoor speakers you’ll find.
“Most of the speakers on this list fall into two camps: wired architectural speakers or full wireless Bluetooth speakers. The Sonos Outdoor Speakers are the option for those who want the best of both worlds. These speakers aren’t powered and require that you wire them to an amp, but if you fold them into your Sonos-run system, they’ll work seamlessly with your wireless smart home,” explains The Spruce.
Sonos is the only brand to have two products on this list, so that should tell you something about the quality of these speakers. “The Sonos outdoor speakers are designed to blast the audio maker’s powerful, incredibly entertaining sound in any weather. However, you need to connect them to the pricey Sonos Amp in order to enjoy them. The above setup is worth the splurge if you have the means, though, because it will allow you to stream content on the speakers from your favorite mobile device over Wi-Fi. Such ease of use is one of the reasons why Sonos is a leading audio brand,” adds Best Products.
“These architectural speakers from Sonos and partner Sonance are a serious investment, but they’re well worth the expense if you’re looking for excellent performance and versatility that lets you grow your system as you go. Compatible with regular amplifiers and receivers, the speakers offer excellent sound quality and robust weatherproofing on their own. But connect them to a Sonos Amp wireless amplifier, and you’ll unlock a whole new dimension of possibilities,” furthers Popular Mechanics.
7. Definitive Technology AW6500
Rounding out the list of the top outdoor speakers is the Definitive Technology AW6500. This brand engineers some excellent speakers, but this outdoor set will have you enjoying your patio like never before.
“The Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker is the speaker you want when you’re prioritizing bass. You will find wired connectivity to operate the DT’s Balanced Double Surround System (BDSS) drivers, activating the bass-heavy sound of this speaker. However, while it has a durable and moisture-resistant design, this speaker is not water-resistant. That means while it is suited for the outdoors, it will need to be kept directly away from the elements,” writes ZDNet.
Heavy bass and clear sound, what’s not to love about these speakers? “In addition to standard audio drivers, each speaker packs a massive radiator, allowing it to deliver an entertaining bass without affecting the treble and midrange. The AW6500 speakers are also incredibly versatile. Their steel mounting brackets have a 360-degree rotation, so you can adjust the sound in any direction,” explains Best Products.
These speakers are loved by their owners and salespeople alike. Definitive Technology offers everything you need in an outdoor speaker. They’re affordable, they sound great, and they’re versatile enough to fuel your outdoor parties for years to come.
“They get rave reviews for ease of install, sound quality, and impressive bass response, no matter the setting. If you need a value-priced surface-mount outdoor speaker to cover a large area with excellent sound, this one should be at the top of your list,” adds Crutchfield.
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Sources:
- Crutchfield
- ZDNet
- Best Products
- Sound Guys
- Tom’s Guide
- Popular Mechanics
- Forbes
- The Spruce
- PC Mag
- RTINGS
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
