The Best Outdoor Speaker Deals This Week*
- Polk Audio Atrium 5 Outdoor Speakers (Pair, Black) — $258.99 (List Price $299)
- Herdio 6.5" 400W Wired Waterproof Outdoor Speakers (Pair) — $97.25 (List Price $122.66)
- Yamaha NS-AW150BL 2-Way Wired Speakers (Pair, Black) — $104.99 (List Price $129.95)
- Pyle PDWR52 Waterproof Wall Mount Speaker System (Black) — $109.99 (List Price $142.99)
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 Outdoor Speakers (Pair, Black) — $149.44 (List Price $199)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
There's a seemingly endless supply of portable Bluetooth speakers that work just fine for hotel-based travel. But what if you want something to take on your next camping excursion or trip to the beach? Here's what to look for, as well as the top models we've tested.
Table of Contents
Anker Soundcore Motion 300
Best Speaker Under $100
Why We Picked It
For under $100, the Anker Soundcore Motion 300 offers a surprisingly loud and capable stereo driver setup, a full-featured app with an adjustable EQ, and a fully waterproof IPX7 rating. It also supports the AAC and LDAC codecs in addition to SBC for higher-quality playback from Apple and Android devices. Other highlights include a clear speakerphone, rubber feet on the sides and bottom for flexible placement, and decent battery life.
Who It's For
If you want tunable stereo sound, a companion app, and a speakerphone for under $100, the Soundcore Motion 300 fits the bill. It doesn't offer the bass depth of larger models, but it still packs all the most important features of an outdoor speaker into a highly portable design.
PROS
- Impressive power for its size
- Waterproof build
- Supports the LDAC codec
- Speakerphone
- Custom EQ in app
CONS
- Digital signal processing thins out bass at top volumes
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Channels | Stereo |
| Bluetooth | |
| Wi-Fi | |
| Multi-Room | |
| Physical Connections | USB-C |
| Portable | |
| Water-Resistant | |
| Speakerphone | |
| Built-In Voice Assistant | None |
JBL Boombox 3
Best Boombox Overall
Why We Picked It
Some outdoor speakers we've tested get louder than the JBL Boombox 3, but they all start to resemble R2D2 and focus more on extras like lighting effects or karaoke inputs. If you would rather avoid toting something around on wheels or losing battery life to unnecessary features, this JBL model is the way to go. It still offers an appreciable amount of volume and can handle both poolside splashes and surprise rainstorms without issue.
Who It’s For
It's heavy at 14.7 pounds and a bit pricey, but the JBL Boombox 3 is worth lugging around if you want loud sound and deep lows to accompany your next outdoor excursion. Just note that you must plug it into an AC outlet if you want to take full advantage of its 80W sub, 40W midrange drivers, and 10W tweeters. On battery, power levels drop a bit across the board: 60W for the sub, 30W for the midrange drivers, and 8W for each tweeter.
PROS
- Good bass depth and crisp highs
- Gets extremely loud
- App includes adjustable EQ
- Waterproof and dustproof build
CONS
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Only supports SBC codec
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Channels | Stereo |
| Bluetooth | |
| Wi-Fi | |
| Multi-Room | |
| Physical Connections | 3.5mm, USB |
| Portable | |
| Water-Resistant | |
| Speakerphone | |
| Built-In Voice Assistant |
JBL Charge 5
Best Sound for the Size and Price
Why We Picked It
The JBL Charge 5 is just the right size, has a fully waterproof build, and packs a punch in the audio department. You can certainly pay more to get a bigger soundstage or stereo playback, but the driver setup here is quite good. Internally, the combination of a single 20mm 10W tweeter and a racetrack-style 52mm-by-90mm 30W woofer deliver substantial thump.
Who It’s For
This JBL speaker strikes a nice balance between size, price, and power. Other entries on this list might be smaller or get louder, but this is a reasonable place to start your search.
PROS
- Powerful, bass-forward, bright sound signature
- Gets loud for its relatively compact size
- Fully waterproof design
- USB-A port for charging mobile devices
CONS
- App lacks EQ
- No speakerphone
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Channels | Mono |
| Bluetooth | |
| Wi-Fi | |
| Multi-Room | |
| Physical Connections | USB, USB-C |
| Portable | |
| Water-Resistant | |
| Speakerphone | |
| Built-In Voice Assistant | None |
Sony SRS-XG300
Best for Mega Bass
Why We Picked It
The Sony SRS-XG300’s stylish, cloth-lined exterior and sleek, understated design might make you want to keep it in your living room, but this speaker is just as appropriate for the outdoors thanks to its portable, weatherproof design. Its drivers produce a bass-forward sound signature and you even get support for the hi-res-capable LDAC codec. Party LEDs that sync to your music add a touch of fun, but you can disable them to prolong the battery life.
Who It’s For
If you can afford its high price, Sony's fashionable and durable SRS-XG300 rewards you with some true low-end power. Few outdoor speakers have a sound that purists can enjoy, but a three-fader EQ in the companion app can help you tweak things to your preference.
PROS
- Powerful output with bass-forward sound signature
- Fully waterproof and dustproof
- App has custom EQ, battery, and LED controls
CONS
- Expensive
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Channels | Stereo |
| Bluetooth | |
| Wi-Fi | |
| Multi-Room | |
| Physical Connections | USB-C, 3.5mm, USB |
| Portable | |
| Water-Resistant | |
| Speakerphone | |
| Built-In Voice Assistant | None |
Anker Soundcore Mini 3
Best Compact Speaker
Why We Picked It
The waterproof and affordable Anker Soundcore Mini 3 comes in at just 3.3 by 2.8 inches (HD). 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.
Who It’s For
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.
PROS
- Quality audio performance for the size
- Adjustable EQ
- Waterproof build
- Clear mics
CONS
- Not for those seeking booming bass
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Channels | Mono |
| Bluetooth | |
| Wi-Fi | |
| Multi-Room | |
| Physical Connections | USB-C |
| Portable | |
| Water-Resistant | |
| Speakerphone | |
| Built-In Voice Assistant | None |
Anker Soundcore Motion Boom
Best Affordable Boombox
Why We Picked It
The Anker Soundcore Motion Boom is significantly larger and heavier than the company's Mini 3, but it's the real deal in terms of volume output. An in-app EQ lets you tweak the sound to taste, and, as a bonus, the whole thing floats.
Who It’s For
If you like the concept of the JBL Boombox 3 or the Sony SRS-XG300, but can't afford them, the Soundcore Motion Boom is a worthwhile alternative. It's not nearly as stylish, but it offers competitive audio quality.
PROS
- Powerful audio for the size, with rich lows and crisp definition
- Adjustable EQ
- Waterproof design
- Floats in water
CONS
- Not for audio purists or those seeking massive bass
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Channels | Stereo |
| Bluetooth | |
| Wi-Fi | |
| Multi-Room | |
| Physical Connections | None |
| Portable | |
| Water-Resistant | |
| Speakerphone | |
| Built-In Voice Assistant | None |
Bose SoundLink Flex
Best Affordable Bose Speaker
Why We Picked It
The Bose Soundlink Flex isn't a standout in any particular area, but it's certainly the best portable Bose model we've tested. It has a waterproof and dustproof frame and comes in black, white, or bluish-gray. Beneath the grille, a 60mm transducer delivers rich, clear audio with reliable clarity. The speakerphone mic works well, too.
Who It’s For
If you're loyal to Bose, the Soundlink Flex should be at the top of your list. Other speakers on this list are a better value, but we don't have much to complain about here otherwise.
PROS
- Powerful audio performance with rich bass depth and clear highs
- Fully waterproof and dust-tight design
- Solid speakerphone clarity
CONS
- Mono audio
- Sound signature not for those seeking accuracy
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Channels | Mono |
| Bluetooth | |
| Wi-Fi | |
| Multi-Room | |
| Physical Connections | USB-C |
| Portable | |
| Water-Resistant | |
| Speakerphone | |
| Built-In Voice Assistant | None |
JBL Flip 6
Best for Big Bass in a Small Frame
Why We Picked It
JBL's Flip 6 speaker isn't as bulky as the Charge 5 or nearly as large as the Boombox 3, but it still produces surprisingly robust sound with rich lows from its weatherproof, oblong frame, thanks in part to passive bass radiators at both ends. It also comes in an attractive array of colors.
Who It’s For
If you prefer JBL speakers, but the Charge 5 and Boombox 3 are out of budget, this is an excellent near-$100 alternative.
PROS
- Powerful audio performance with robust bass
- App features adjustable EQ
- Fully waterproof and dust-tight build
CONS
- No speakerphone
- Lacks an aux input
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Channels | Mono |
| Bluetooth | |
| Wi-Fi | |
| Multi-Room | |
| Physical Connections | USB-C |
| Portable | |
| Water-Resistant | |
| Speakerphone | |
| Built-In Voice Assistant | None |
Marshall Middleton
Best for Retro Style Fans
Why We Picked It
The rock-inspired Marshall Middleton Bluetooth speaker provides some impressively punchy bass and crisp highs. And despite looking the part of a guitar amp, it's still fully waterproof and dustproof. You can charge external mobile devices from its battery, and the top panel conveniently features discrete bass and treble controls.
Who It’s For
For those ready to rock (or anyone who wants to bring a bit of '70s glam to their next outdoor gathering), the Middleton is your best bet. Marshall makes an entire lineup of portable speakers, but this is our favorite for the great outdoors—it's compact and produces compelling, sculpted sound.
PROS
- Powerful audio with deep bass and bright highs
- Waterproof and dust-tight design
- Onboard and in-app bass and treble controls
- Can charge external devices
CONS
- Expensive
- Exterior easily attracts dust
- No speakerphone function
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Channels | Stereo |
| Bluetooth | |
| Wi-Fi | |
| Multi-Room | |
| Physical Connections | 3.5mm, USB-C |
| Portable | |
| Water-Resistant | |
| Speakerphone | |
| Built-In Voice Assistant | None |
Sonos Move 2
Best Portable Sonos Speaker
Why We Picked It
The Sonos Move 2 is a bit of a rarity in the company's lineup—an outdoor-friendly portable speaker with Bluetooth. It's on the large side, but we like the robust sound from its dual tweeters and its ability to seamlessly integrate into an existing Sonos setup over Wi-Fi. Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control options are welcome too, even if the speaker is now missing Google Assistant support. This latest version also offers far better battery life than its predecessor.
Who It’s For
If you already have a Sonos speaker system in your home, this is an excellent addition that you can easily take with you on road trips. We're big fans of the intuitive Sonos app that makes it easy to get the best sound out of the speaker in your particular environment.
PROS
- Powerful audio output with rich bass and bright highs
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming
- Excellent Sonos app
- Hands-free Alexa and Sonos Voice Control
- Improved battery life
CONS
- Not fully waterproof
- Outdated Bluetooth specs
- Expensive
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Channels | Stereo |
| Bluetooth | |
| Wi-Fi | |
| Multi-Room | |
| Physical Connections | None |
| Portable | |
| Water-Resistant | |
| Speakerphone | |
| Built-In Voice Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control |
Can You Submerge Outdoor Speakers Underwater?
Manufacturers often claim a speaker is water-resistant or waterproof, but the only true measure of protection from liquid and other potential hazards is its IP rating.
Every proper IP rating consists of either a two-digit score or an X (that acts as a placeholder) and a single digit. The first digit refers to a product's protection against solids (such as dust) and the second refers to protection against liquids. The number range for solids spans from zero (no protection) to six (dustproof), and, for liquids, it's zero to eight (waterproof and submersible beyond depths of a meter for extended periods). When you see ratings with an X, it usually means the manufacturer didn't officially test for protection but believes the rating would be higher than zero. Most portable wireless speakers fall somewhere in the IPX5 to IPX7 range.
If a manufacturer neglects to list a speaker's IP rating but makes a claim of a water-resistant design, you can probably assume that it can handle rain, sweat, and minor splashes, as well as a quick rinse in the sink now and then. But submerging it in a pool or tub is not a wise idea without knowing the IP rating.
One quick note: Bluetooth audio doesn't transmit particularly well underwater. The benefit of a waterproof design is mostly that it can survive accidents or rough conditions.
What Size Speaker Is Best for Outdoors?
Not all portable speakers are small enough to stash in your backpack. In fact, plenty of the ones we test are relatively large and heavy; they are portable in the sense that you can carry them from your car to the campfire but we wouldn't advise hiking with them.
Obviously, size plays a role in the equation concerning how much bass response and volume a speaker can project. Don't expect a pocket-sized speaker to have much, if any, bass depth. Of course, the bass frequencies don't matter nearly as much as a powerful high-mid and high-frequency response outdoors; there aren't any walls to shake and resonate powerful bass vibrations, so sound can carry only directly through the air (which is much more the treble's forte).
How Do Speakers Sound Outside?
Portable Bluetooth speakers have come a long way in the last half-decade. Today, small speakers can pack some fairly impressive firepower. This is mostly because of the near-ubiquitous inclusion of passive radiators.
Passive bass radiators use a rubber-like material that vibrates sympathetically with the output of a powered driver—like when you place a speaker on a long wooden table and you notice the table vibrating (in effect, seemingly increasing the bass response). The vibrations often create a sense of stronger bass depth, even though these radiators don't get any power. It sounds like a gimmick that shouldn't be effective, but some manufacturers have figured out a way to make it work.
Some outdoor speakers also feature outdoor listening modes. These modes tend to dial up the treble to make up for the lack of reflective surfaces when you're in the middle of a field or forest. The walls in your kitchen or office do, indeed, perform a function in transmitting audio to your ears, and without them, high frequencies, in particular, can sound dull, especially if you're not close to the speaker.
One more thing to note is whether a speaker is mono or stereo. Plenty of the Bluetooth speakers we test, especially the smaller ones, have only a single driver. Or they may have multiple drivers, but the drivers handle different frequency ranges and not left and right channels—in other words, the manufacturer decided that pumping out stronger bass matters more than stereo separation. That's not necessarily a bad approach. After all, if your left and right drivers aren't farther apart than your ears, you're not likely to hear much stereo separation. And even if you do have enough space between the drivers for stereo separation, you must still be a decent distance away from the speaker to get the full effect. Some manufacturers offer a way around this: They let you pair two units for a much wider stereo sound.
Bluetooth codecs might also be a factor for higher-end models. If you are the type that cares about bitrate (even outdoors), look for something that works with the hi-res-capable LDAC codec.
What's the Battery Life of Portable Speakers?
Many of these extra features, along with drivers that pump out big bass at high volumes, come at the cost of battery life. Just about every speaker we test uses an internal battery that you charge via a USB port or an AC power adapter.
Typical battery life for portable speakers ranges anywhere between 10 and 20 hours, depending on size and features. But keep in mind that these are estimates. Manufacturers often list a higher battery life based on the assumption that you will listen at modest volume levels. As you might expect, blasting a speaker at top volume drains the battery more quickly.
If the speaker you're considering delivers less than 10 hours of battery life, it might be worth investing in a portable battery pack to keep the party going.
How Much Should You Spend on an Outdoor Speaker?
Plenty of quality outdoor-friendly speakers cost less than $150. The top end of this price range gets you a reasonably good bass response, and, typically, stereo audio. At the lower end, you are likely to find smaller, mono speakers that struggle a bit with lower frequencies.
Below, say, $50, you're flirting with options that might not sound markedly (or at all) better than your phone. And if you're willing to reach above $150, plenty of alluring options pack far more power.
If you don't necessarily need something rugged, head to our list of the best wireless speakers overall. For budget-friendly options, check out our top picks under $100. And for more outdoor-friendly tech, see the best outdoor smart home devices we've tested.
