Best outdoor Bluetooth speakers

When you’re listening to music inside the house, there are certain aspects of a speaker you don’t have to worry about. For example, unless you bring it into the shower with you, chances are you’re not too concerned about whether or not the speaker is waterproof. How loud a speaker gets without distorting might not be an issue either because, in close quarters, a speaker probably won’t be on max volume most of the time unless you’re having a party.

However, all of that changes when you take it outside. Things that don’t matter as much in the house suddenly become much more important. So, what are the best speakers for the great outdoors? After testing countless speakers, here are our current favorites.

Editor’s note: This post was updated on May 29, 2024, to add all new top picks and notable mentions.

The Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is the best speaker for most outdoor gatherings

The Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is an excellent choice for outdoor parties and gatherings. Its durable, IPX7 waterproof build can withstand the elements, while the massive 140W output with thumping bass from dual 4.5-inch woofers keeps the party going. The LED lights and customizable EQ via the companion app allow you to create the perfect ambiance. Though hefty at 3.8kg, the built-in handle and floatable design make it ideal for the beach or poolside. With up to 20 hours of battery life, the Boom 2 Plus ensures your outdoor festivities can last all day and night.

The Anker Soundcore Motion 300 is a rugged and affordable companion for outdoor adventures. Its IPX7 waterproof build and durable rubberized design can withstand the elements, while the detachable strap allows you to securely mount it almost anywhere. Despite its compact size, it delivers decent 30W stereo sound with customizable EQ settings via the app. The adaptive EQ automatically adjusts the sound based on orientation, ensuring optimal audio whether standing, laying flat, or hanging sideways. With up to 16 hours of battery life and quick Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, the Motion 300 is a versatile and travel-friendly speaker ideal for camping trips, beach days, or backyard hangouts.

The JBL Charge 5 is best for indoors and outdoors

The JBL Charge 5 excels as a versatile speaker for both indoor and outdoor use. Its IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating allows it to withstand the elements, making it perfect for pool parties or beach trips. Yet it also delivers powerful, clear audio with thumping bass that fills indoor spaces equally well for at-home listening. The compact, portable design with up to 20 hours of battery life seamlessly transitions between environments.

While pricey, the Charge 5 provides the ultimate flexibility with PartyBoost stereo or multi-speaker support via the companion app. Whether hosting a backyard BBQ or streaming music in the living room, this rugged yet refined speaker ensures an immersive experience anywhere.

The Anker Soundcore Motion X500 packs a punch

The Anker Soundcore Motion X500 is an excellent portable speaker that punches above its weight. Its unique 3-driver design with an upward-firing center speaker delivers powerful, immersive sound with thumping bass that easily fills outdoor spaces. Yet it remains relatively compact and travel-friendly at just over 2kg. The durable, IPX7 waterproof aluminum build protects against the elements, while the 12-hour battery life and quick Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity make it ideal for adventures.

The backlit controls and customizable EQ via the companion app allow you to tailor the audio to your preferences. While lacking a 3.5mm input, the Motion X500 strikes a superb balance between sound quality, portability, and ruggedness for those seeking a premium outdoor speaker experience.

The Skullcandy Terrain Mini XT is the best budget outdoor speaker

For those on a tight budget, the Skullcandy Terrain Mini XT makes a decent budget outdoor speaker choice. Its durable, IPX7 waterproof design can withstand splashes and casual abuse, while the simple controls and no-frills Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity provide hassle-free operation. Sound quality is merely average, as expected at this $39.99 price point.

However, the ability to pair with other Terrain speakers for stereo or multi-speaker setups adds value. While lacking features like a dust rating or aux input, the Terrain Mini XT delivers basic outdoor audio capabilities for not much cash outlay. It’s an affordable, no-fuss option for backyard hangouts or beach days when prioritizing ruggedness over audio fidelity.

The best outdoor speakers: Notable mentions

• Anker Soundcore Boom 2 ($89.99 at Amazon): If you’re keen on plenty of low-end and fun LED lights but want to save some real estate, the regular Soundcore Boom 2 is more portable and still provides a good amount of bass. You still get the same IPX7 protection rating, floatable design, and companion app with EQ options, but the Boom 2 maxes out at 80 watts, compared to the Boom 2 Plus, which maxes out at 140 watts.
• Anker Soundcore Motion X600 ($149.99 at Amazon): If you’re after something more stylish, Anker’s Soundcore Motion X600 is worth a look. With five drivers, including one that fires upward, the Motion X600 can deliver a reasonably immersive listening experience with a decent amount of low-end in a modern-looking package. You still get the built-in handle for portability, IPX7 water resistance rating, and the ability to personalize your sound with the same Soundcore app as the other speakers on this list.
• JBL Boombox 3: The JBL Boombox 3 is a solid speaker for anything from house parties to pool parties to beach parties. It has a durable IP67 rating, so you can be sure it can survive wherever you take it, and it sounds great, too.
• JBL Boombox 2: This won’t exactly fit in your pocket, but you can still carry it around your backyard if you want to. With 24-hour battery life and an IPX7 Rating, it is worth considering if you want an outdoor speaker with some portability in mind.
• JBL Charge 4 ($179 at Amazon): If the near-$200 price tag of the JBL Charge 5 scares you, we’d recommend looking at the older JBL Charge 4. This speaker also comes with an aux port, which may actually make it a more attractive option for some people.
• JBL GO 3 ($39 at Amazon): The JBL GO 3 is a cheap and simple Bluetooth speaker built to handle whatever outdoor excursion you want to throw at it. It’s a pretty feature-light product, but it works well; the IP67 rating means it’s great for the beach or the trails.
• Sonos Move 2 ($449 at Amazon): If you are looking for a flexible speaker for your home and backyard, consider the Sonos Move 2. It can connect to devices over Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, or line-in, providing excellent playback flexibility.
• Sonos Roam ($418 at Amazon): The Sonos Roam fills the niche of a “rugged and portable smart speaker” rather well. If you already have a Sonos ecosystem set up, this speaker makes for a nice addition on a patio or in another room. Similarly, if you want to start a smart home journey, it’s a small and easy-to-use way to dip your toes into the water.
• Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 ($91.99 at Amazon): The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is a great portable Bluetooth speaker, good for parties and on the go. It’s small, sturdy and well built, and is light enough to easily be thrown in a backpack. However, the lack of USB-C charging does hinder it somewhat.

What you should know about outdoor speakers

Should your outdoor speaker be waterproof?

Yes, waterproofing is essential for outdoor speakers battling the elements. Look for an IPX7 rating or higher, which means the speaker can withstand full submersion in up to 1 meter of water. Anything less and you risk water damage from rain, sprinklers, or accidental spills and splashes. For a full explanation of all the numbers and letters in IP ratings, make sure to check out our full article.

Connectivity Options

While connectivity for indoor speakers is usually straightforward, outdoor models need flexibility. Look for options like Bluetooth multipoint to easily switch audio sources or the ability to connect multiple speakers together for wider sound coverage.

Sound Customization

The acoustics of indoor and outdoor environments differ greatly. Seek speakers that offer sound customization features like adjustable EQ presets or a companion app to tailor the sound to your specific outdoor setting.

Battery Life

Since outdoor speakers often need to run unplugged, long-lasting battery life is crucial. Look for speakers with a rated play time of at least 10-12 hours to avoid frequent recharging during extended outdoor use or for speakers with swappable batteries. Additionally, some of the speakers on this list can charge your phone, which can be handy if you’re out camping.

Durability

In addition to waterproofing, outdoor speakers need to withstand drops, bumps, and general ruggedness. Features like rubber casings, metal grills, and impact resistance help ensure they can handle the inevitable knocks of outdoor living.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

At SoundGuys, audio expertise is in our DNA. Our team lives and breathes speaker and headphone testing, with over a decade of combined experience evaluating audio products. We put every outdoor speaker through rigorous real-world trials across different environments, analyzing sound quality, durability, battery life, and more. Our recommendations skip the marketing fluff – if a speaker makes our “best” list, you can trust it has genuinely impressed our critics’ ears and met our stringent standards. We continually explore new offerings to ensure our picks stay current as the outdoor audio market evolves.

Frequently asked questions about outdoor speakers