Spending time outside is a fun and relaxing way to reset your mind. Some of the best outdoor speakers for your music can elevate your entertaining space and impress guests. Plus, spending more time outdoors can help you sleep better. A recent study from the University of Washington notes spending time outside in the daylight, even when it’s cloudy, can help us sleep more soundly at night.

“Our bodies have a natural circadian clock that tells us when to go to sleep at night,” says senior author Horacio de la Iglesia, a UW professor of biology. “If you do not get enough exposure to light during the day when the sun is out, that ‘delays’ your clock and pushes back the onset of sleep at night.”

The bottom line? Get outside! If you’re gardening, grilling, reading a book, or enjoying the company of friends, an outdoor speaker can add to the ambiance. A recent study shows listening to music reduced stress during the pandemic. The study of 711 people found music also improved mood, adding to evidence that our favorite tunes are a great antidote for anxiety. So, if you tend to seek out nature when feeling overwhelmed, combine it with music and you can optimize their effects.

Whether looking to impress, sleep better, or improve your mood, a speaker for your backyard is a wonderful investment. StudyFinds compiled a list of the five best outdoor speakers on the market from ten expert websites and tech reviews. As always, we’d like to see your own recommendations in the comments below!

The List: Best Outdoor Speakers, According to Experts

1. Sonos Move 

This $399 battery-powered portable speaker works on both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Trusted Reviews found the Move “to be one of the better-sounding outdoor speakers, much like its smaller Roam sibling. It’s a neutral-sounding speaker with good amounts of detail, clarity and sharpness to its presentation.”

RTINGS.com adds, “this speaker is well-built, and its IP56 rating for dust and water resistance adds some protection against the elements. Alexa and Google Assistant have no issues hearing you clearly, even if you’re on the other side of the backyard.” 

“It has a handle, it’s weather resistant, it charges on a base, and it’ll withstand extreme temperatures,” points out Esquire.

2. Polk Audio Atrium 4 

If you are looking to add some permanent speakers to your deck or patio, for $199, these are a solid option to consider. “Polk’s Audio Atrium 4 outdoor speakers are made to withstand all types of weather. Thanks to the combination of stainless steel and brass on the speaker wire hubs and an aluminum grille and bracket on the exterior, the set can easily withstand heavy rain and other extreme weather conditions,” according to Robb Report.

The Spruce adds these speakers provide, “full, rich sound without unnecessary bells and whistles. There’s a 4.5-inch main speaker cone with a three-quarter-inch tweeter in each enclosure, so these speakers can support plenty of full-bodied bass and the focus and sparkle you’ll want at the top end of your music.”

Keep in mind, you’ll need to do some wiring. These speakers need to connect to an amplifier to use. Esquire writes: “Polk’s pair of outdoor speakers are a bit more expensive because they have better innards for better audio range—from bass to mid-range to treble tones. It doesn’t take an engineering degree to set them up, though you’ll need to buy the necessary accessories. Once you do, you can keep them outside all year round, as they’re ‘all-weather certified.'”

3. Klipsch AW-650 

At $319, the Klipsch AW-650 is more expensive. Plus, you’ll have to get your wiring tools out for this one. However, Tom’s Guide points out it’s “built like a tank, with a UV-resistant ABS plastic polymer enclosure that’s backed by Klipsch’s lifetime warranty.”

ZDNET notes, “there is a 6.5-inch long-throw Cerametallic woofer with a Tractrix® horn-loaded 1-inch aluminum tweeter for better balance.”

“When you spot a pair of speakers that look like a school’s morning PA broadcast system, you know theres tons of sound in tow. Made for the ears of audiophiles, this set of durable speakers by Klipsch will turn up a whole camp party with detailed instrumentals, crisp highs, and thunderous lows to make sure no one sleeps before 4 a.m. Bottom line, the bigger, the better,” says Esquire.

4. JBL Charge 5 

“Want a speaker roughly the dimensions of a bottle of wine that’ll charge your phone and sound great? You’ve found it,” according to What Hi-Fi? For $149.95, the portable JBL Charge 5 boasts a 20-hour battery life, and comes in a variety of colors. 

“If you want an outdoor speaker that you can take with you to the beach or that you won’t have to dive after if it accidentally falls into the pool, the JBL Charge 5 is a great choice,” adds Good Housekeeping.

Tom’s Guide says, “the Charge 5 is ideal for beach trips and pool parties. There are smaller Bluetooth speakers, but this one is still compact enough to stuff in a backpack.”

Furthermore, not only is it waterproof, it’s fully dustproof too. One note is this speaker isn’t voice assistant compatible.

5. Dual Electronics LU53PB 

At $79.99, these budget-friendly, 3-way indoor/outdoor speakers are great for bass lovers. “To deliver extra bass, these weather-resistant speakers incorporate three-way component speakers combined with a 5.25-inch woofer,” notes ZDNET.

“Each speaker has a UV resin coating and is housed in a plastic enclosure, making them both weather resistant. Users can install the speakers horizontally or vertically under a covered area,” according to Bob Vila.

These speakers do come with a built-in amplifier and swivel brackets for easy setup. However, they aren’t Bluetooth compatible, so you’ll need to wire them in.

Another great option by this brand are the Dual Electronics LU43PB speakers, which “are a fantastic budget option. The high-performance units provide quality sound through an amplifier, and the speakers include a four-inch woofer,” writes Rob Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Best Smart Speakers
• Best Bluetooth Speakers
• Best TV Soundbars
• Best Earbuds
• Best Record Players
• Best Surround Sound Systems

Sources:

• Trusted Reviews
• RTINGS.com
• Esquire
• Robb Report
• The Spruce
• Tom’s Guide
• ZDNET
• What Hi-Fi?
• Good Housekeeping
• Bob Vila

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.