Bluetooth powered speakers outdoor

The Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers to Fill Your Yard or Patio With Music

Whether you’re looking for a speaker that’s waterproof for poolside fun, is powerful enough to fill the backyard with sound, or is durable for summer camping, there’s an outdoor-friendly option here for you.

Summertime is meant for being outdoors, soaking up the sun, and spending time with friends and family—all of which can be more enjoyable when there’s music involved. Ever since the advent of the transistor radio 70 years ago, summer and portable music have been intertwined.

With Bluetooth speakers you can take your tunes anywhere you want to go in summer—beach, pool, or even the parking lot before a game or concert—and it affords many more music options than AM radio.

You can enjoy your playlist, podcast, audiobook or any streaming content, and with waterproof and water-resistant outdoor Bluetooth speakers like those recommended here, also be prepared for a passing downpour or a possible dunk in the pool. Options range from speakers small enough to put in your pocket or purse to those large enough to fill a backyard with blasting sound.

Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers

Best All Around

JBL Charge 5

Best for a Large Party

JBL PartyBox Encore Essential

Best Budget Option

Tribit StormBox Micro 2

Best Battery Life

ION Audio Sport XL

Most Portable

Soundcore Anker Mini 3

Best Backyard-Filling Sound

Ultimate Ears Hyperboom

Most Powerful

Ecoexgear EcoBoulder+

Best for Tailgating and Pool Parties

Rocksteady 2.1 Stadium Bluetooth Speaker Travel Combo

The Expert: I’ve been testing audio equipment for more than three decades for outlets ranging from Audio to Rolling Stone. I’ve also written about music for more than 25 years, which has given me the chance to interview dozens of top artists and producers to find out how their recordings are supposed to sound.

What to Look for With Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers

Sound quality is first and foremost when evaluating audio equipment and next is assessing overall aesthetic style. But just as important is a solid set of features that make the speaker easy to use and enjoyable to live with long term. Sound and style are subjective—and you can use your own ears and eyes to gauge those qualities—but certain features can make or break audio gear no matter how good it sounds or looks.

Of course, price is also a consideration. With higher cost comes more power and typically better sound quality. I’ve rounded up recommendations here that range in price from $40 to almost $400, so you can find a speaker that fits both your budget and needs.

Battery Life

Look for the longest battery life, but be aware that the stated ratings are typically lower if the speaker is played at loud volume or if light features are engaged. The outdoor Bluetooth speakers tested here offer battery life ranging from 6 to 24 hours, but that varies depending on factors such as volume level and whether built-in lights are activated. On average, expect 10 to 12 hours of jam time.

Connectivity

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that uses a radio frequency to share data over a short distance. Check if the speaker connects not only via Bluetooth, but also to Wi-Fi, which delivers better range and no interruption of music if you get a phone call. Wi-Fi also gives you the option for multiroom audio by connecting to other Bluetooth speakers from the same brand, or to Apple Airplay or Google Chromecast if you plan to make a speaker part of a larger home audio system.

Size

How do you plan to use an outdoor Bluetooth speaker? Will you toss it in your backpack when heading out for summer activities or will the speaker live outside somewhere, like by a pool? What kind of music do you listen to, and will it be for your own personal listening or serve as a music source for family gatherings and festivities? Will you use it for hands-free phone calls or listening to podcasts and audiobooks? All these answers can help determine how big or small a size speaker you should consider.

Waterproof and Weatherproof

If you plan to pump out tunes where there is water involved, look for a waterproof or water-resistant speaker. Be sure to reference the product’s IP rating, which stands for Ingress Protection. The IP ratings are written as IPXX, with the first X indicating resistance to dust and particles and the second resistance to liquid. Dust resistance IP ratings range from 0 to 6; water IP ratings range from 0 to 9.

A product with an IP67 rating means it’s theoretically impervious to damage by, say, sand at the beach and is protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Keep in mind that all IP liquid tests are performed in freshwater since testing in saltwater and chlorinated pools causes corrosion.

How We Evaluated These Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers

All summer long I surf, kiteboard, paddleboard, and swim—and I always want to have my music in, on, or near the water. I tested the speakers in early season/spring conditions in Oceanside, California and in Hood River, Oregon, on the Columbia River, where I serve as a host at a waterfront park.

I evaluated the sound of these speakers in the great outdoors where they’re meant to be used. I used a variety of streaming music, including high-resolution files. I also considered features such as battery power, lighting effects, and the ability to connect to other equipment or additional speakers. Finally, I appraised how they looked and felt. These are the best outdoor Bluetooth speakers you can buy now.

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