The 9 Best Outdoor Speakers 2024 | AV.com Blog (2024)

Spring is here at last, and before you know it, summer will be knocking on our doors.

With the cold weather largely behind us, now is the ideal time of year to upgrade your garden or patio for high-quality sound. To lend a hand, we’ve selected thebest outdoor speakersto enhance your garden party, barbeque, or quiet evening watching the sunset.

So, as the days stretch a little longer, discover how these speakers can transform your outdoor spaces.

In a hurry?

Here are a few picks at a glance:

Why we’ve chosen these speakers

Great speakers for the great outdoors; how did we pick them?

In selecting our top contenders for 2024, we’ve homed in on a few critical features. Primarily, we’ve chosen speakers that balance sound quality and weather resistance. In the case of portable speakers, we’ve also considered battery life, smart features, and connectivity.

For those who love hiking, camping, or just listening to music in the garden without full system installation, portable speakers need to offer strong build quality and high IP ratings, guaranteeing they’re resistant to water and dirt.

Whether it’s a splash by the pool or an unexpected rain shower, you’re covered. Rest assured, that doesn’t mean sound quality takes a back seat.

We have some great picks for patio and garden setups that really blend in with outdoor spaces. Whether you’re looking for something inconspicuous or standout, these designs are intended for long-term use without becoming an eyesore over time.

The speakers we’ve chosen look the part, endure the elements, and enrich your space with high-fidelity sound.

Best outdoor speakers

1. Q Acoustics Q Install Qi45EW – a great budget on-wall speaker

Key features

• Rated IPX4
• Tough UV-resistant ABS enclosure
• 4.5″ Polypropylene woofer and 0.5″ PEI Dome tweeter

Pros

• Great value for outdoor sound
• Compact, plus easy to mount and install
• Rain-resistant design

Cons

• May be lacking deep bass

Kicking off our list is the Q Acoustics Q Install Qi45EW, a sterling example of great sound on a budget. Ideal for those eager to enhance their garden or outdoor area without breaking the bank, this on-wall speaker strikes a perfect balance between cost-effectiveness and performance.

Despite its low price point, this speaker comes with an IPX4 weatherproof rating. That means it can handle water splashes from just about any direction, but you’ll want to tilt it down so rainwater can drain away from the drivers.

The Qi45EW is built with stainless steel fittings and aluminium grilles that resist corrosion, which is a must for the longevity of your outdoor sound system. Remember that outdoor speakers don’t just have to withstand the sunny months.

Speaking of, the Qi45EW’s UV-resistant ABS enclosure withstands direct sunlight, maintaining its appearance and function over time. Available in black or white with fairly compact dimensions, these speakers blend in discreetly with a variety of architectural aesthetics.

Those with a penchant for bass-heavy tunes might find the Qi45EW’s lower frequencies a tad restrained, but its no-fuss mounting system means you’ll spend less time up a ladder and more time enjoying your music, which makes it a great place to start your first outdoor speaker system.

The Qi65EW is a larger alternative with enhanced low-frequency capabilities.

2. JBL Flip 6 – a great budget portable speaker

Key features

• Powerful JBL Original Pro Sound
• Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity
• IP67 waterproof and dustproof

Pros

• Available in a variety of vibrant colours and patterns
• Portable with PartyBoost feature for greater capabilities
• 12-hour playback on a single charge

Cons

• Again, bass might be insufficient for some at this price

The JBL Flip 6 is our first choice for the best portable speaker.

This little budget powerhouse produces reliably high-quality sound, whether you’re at the beach, park, or in your own back garden, thanks to JBL’s audio engineering: JBL Original Pro Sound.

With an IP67 rating, it’s not just splash-proof; it’s fully water-tight and dustproof, giving you peace of mind if you’re using it poolside. The Flip 6 doesn’t skimp on playtime either, offering 12 hours of battery life, making it a good choice for camping or hiking when you’re away from a power source.

Just like our previous choice, though, those who love their bass might find it a bit lacking.

That said, the Flip 6 still packs a surprisingly powerful punch for its size. If you’re looking for even more oomph, you can always use PartyBoost to connect it with other JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers like the Xtreme 3, Charge 5, or Pulse 5. Adding more speakers means amping up your music, which is great if you and your friends all have a compatible model.

(You can learn a little more about this in our step-by-step JBL guide).

Finally, the Flip 6 supports Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring a stable, high-quality audio stream and quick pairing with your devices for seamless music enjoyment without the clutter.

3. Q Acoustics Qi65CW ST – a great budget in-ceiling speaker

Key features

• Twin tweeters for stereo effect
• 6.5” polypropylene cone woofer
• Moisture and weatherproof design

Pros

• Delivers stereo sound from a single source
• Ideal for spaces where installation space is premium
• High frequency is adjustable by +/- 3dB

Cons

• More complex setup requirements

Ceiling speakers are the ultimate for invisible sound sources. That’s why we’ve included another entry from the Q Acoustics Q Install Weather Resistant range. The Q Acoustics Qi65CW ST Weather Proof In-Ceiling Stereo Speaker is designed for those who appreciate the art of hidden sound without compromising on its quality.

It’s also still fairly low cost, though you may have to consider the additional steps required for installation.

With twin tweeters, this speaker delivers a sophisticated stereo effect from a single source, ideal for tight spaces where sound quality is still paramount. Mono versions of the Qi65 are also available if you’d rather install a pair.

Opting for a pair offers more evenly dispersed sound, but it’s at the higher end of what we’d consider budget-friendly. If you’re looking to cut costs without cutting corners, the Qi65CW ST might be a better place to start.

Its design features a 6.5-inch polypropylene cone woofer, which not only ensures it’s built to last but also delivers superior sound performance, even in tough environments. Plus, its moisture-proof feature guarantees a longer life, making it a great pick when adding music to a covered seating area like a balcony, pavilion, or beer garden.

Plus, you can adjust the high-frequency output by +/- 3dB, giving you the flexibility to fine-tune the audio to match your environment and personal taste even after installation.

4. Sonos Move 2 – a great mid-sized portable speaker

Key features

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
• 11-hour battery life
• IP56 weather and drop-resistant design

Pros

• Flexible for indoor and outdoor use
• Supports voice control and multi-room setup
• Easily integrates with a Sonos ecosystem

Cons

• On the heavier side for portability

Let’s hop over the garden fence and head back out on the trail. Our next pick is another portable speaker, and this time, something a little bigger.

The Sonos Move 2 Portable Home Speaker is a superb way to blend portability with the rich sound Sonos is known for.

With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, it offers flexibility whether you’re within or out of your home network range, with an 11-hour battery life to take on the go. It’s IP56-rated and drop-resistant, meaning you don’t have to worry about the occasional shower, spill, or tumble.

If the Sonos Move 2 seems more than you need, or you’re after something a bit more compact, the Sonos Roam Portable Speaker serves as a fantastic smaller alternative. Offering sound quality that’s nearly as good, just in a smaller package, along with the advantage of being part of the Sonos ecosystem, it’s an excellent Sonos-compatible alternative to the JBL Flip 6 we mentioned earlier.

However, it’s worth noting that the Move 2, while portable, is on the heavier side. This might not be the first choice for those who prioritise lightweight design over sound quality. Yet, for audiophiles and Sonos enthusiasts looking for superior sound on the go, the Move 2 is hard to beat, effortlessly filling open spaces with high-fidelity music and sound.

5. Monitor Audio Vecta V240 – a great discreet on-wall speaker

Key features

• Low-profile on-wall design
• IP55 weather resistant
• Dual C-CAM tweeter technology

Pros

• Place flat on-wall, in tight corners, or back-to-back with a second V240
• Stylish, yet discreet
• Clear, detailed sound quality

Cons

• V-mount brackets, while versatile, are sold separately

Tucking your speakers away is going to be easy if you’re considering our next pick. The Monitor Audio Vecta V240 is a low-profile, all-weather speaker for discreet outdoor sound systems, designed to blend seamlessly in corners or under eaves.

Like many Monitor Audio speakers, the Vecta V240 benefits from C-CAM technology. This involves using Ceramic-Coated Aluminium/Magnesium alloys for the speaker cones, ensuring high rigidity and resistance to distortion.

The result is a clearer, more dynamic sound across a wide range of frequencies, enhancing your outdoor listening experience with detailed highs and mids, without sacrificing durability in outdoor conditions.

While not traditionally a “camouflaged” outdoor speaker like Monitor Audio’s Climate CLG140, which is perhaps more suitable for your flowerbed, or the Q Acoustics Q Install Qi65LW Rock-Effect Speaker, which – as the name implies – looks like a rock, the Vecta V240 offers straightforward installation. Its easy V-mount slot-bracket system accommodates tilting and corner setups to ensure perfect alignment and projection.

Moreover, with IP55 environmental protection, the Vecta V240 stands up to dust and water, making it an exceptional choice for pumping high-quality sound into any outdoor space, all while maintaining a discreet presence.

6. KEF Ventura 6 – a great patio speaker

Key features

• IP65-rated dust and water resistance
• UV-protected, high-density ABS cabinet
• High-fidelity two-way speaker design for outdoor use

Pros

• Exceptional audio clarity
• Durable construction for year-round use
• Easy installation with versatile mounting options

Cons

• Potentially a little bulkier than our other on-wall picks

As we continue down our list, the KEF Ventura 6 Outdoor Speakers step up, providing a stylish option for your patio sound system.

These speakers are made with a high level of weather protection.

Primarily, they have an IP65 rating, which basically means they’re dust-tight and can handle more than just a bit of rain, having been tested against water jets. They’re also salt spray tested and marine-compatible if you’re installing near the coast or on a yacht. Plus, the UV cabinet protection means you don’t have to hide them away.

Even if they’re wall-mounted, they’ll last through the seasons, looking good and sounding great.

For those with a bit less space or looking for something somewhat smaller, the KEF Ventura 5 Outdoor Speakers offer a similar audio quality in a more compact package. Although not as commanding as their larger siblings, they still provide the clear, detailed sound KEF is known for.

And while we are spotlighting KEF at the moment, it’s also worth mentioning that the Monitor Audio CL60 offers similar specifications and weather resistance to the Ventura 6—food for thought if you’re after a cohesive sound system following our previous recommendation.

7. Focal Littora – a great outdoor subwoofer

Key features

• 11.75″ woofer with Iris IP cone
• Burial design for discreet placement
• IP55 weather-resistant construction

Pros

• Enhances outdoor audio with deep bass
• Blends seamlessly into the landscape
• Compatible with the Focal Littora range

Cons

• Not standalone; higher investment for outdoor audio

Getting bass to really resonate outdoors can be a bit of a challenge, given how open spaces more easily dissipate sound. That’s where the Focal Littora Outdoor Subwoofer, also known as the OD Sub 12, comes into play.

It’s designed to extend the low frequencies of your outdoor space in a way that doesn’t turn your garden into an electronics showcase. The burial design ensures that the sub stays mostly out of sight, preserving the natural beauty of your garden while you get more impactful music.

This subwoofer is designed to support the Focal Littora range, mainly the OD Sat 5 Outdoor Speaker and OD Stone 8 Speaker. If you’ve been eyeing those Monitor Audio Climate Speakers we previously mentioned, you might find the Monitor Audio Climate CLG-W10 or CLG-W12 subwoofers to be a more suitable alternative at a similar price.

The thing to consider is that the OD Sub 12 is an extra piece of the puzzle rather than the whole picture, meaning your budget for outdoor sound needs to stretch further for a whole speaker system. Plus, fitting the subwoofer underground does take a bit more elbow grease. However, if you’re really after that top-notch sound outdoors, weaving a subwoofer into your system could make all the difference.

8. Escape P6 AIR – a great large yet portable speaker

Key features

• Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast built-in
• Splash-resistant IPX4 rating
• 100W RMS speaker with 360° omnidirectional sound

Pros

• Clear sound in every direction
• Twin mode lets you pair two P6 speakers
• 16-hour battery life is plenty for garden parties

Cons

• Might be bulky for some preferences

As we approach the end of our list, I think we have time for one last portable speaker. Whilst this one might be a little large to be considered “portable” in the traditional sense of the word, the Escape P6 AIR Wi-Fi Weatherproof Speaker brings a lot to the table for those needing sound in and out of the house. With its suitcase-like size, it’s the perfect way to take impactful sound out onto the patio.

What sets the P6 AIR apart is its versatility in streaming. Whether you’re an iPhone user relying on AirPlay 2, an Android fan using Chromecast, or want to stream over Roon, this speaker has you covered. The 360° sound means everyone gets the best seat at the show, no matter where they’re sitting.

While the IPX4 rating may seem a little low this far into the list, it’s still enough that you don’t have to worry about a bit of drizzle getting in the way of your tunes, and it’s portable enough for you to quickly move it somewhere dry if you prefer.

For those watching their budget or not needing Wi-Fi connectivity, the Escape P6 Bluetooth Weatherproof Speaker offers a similar experience without the premium connectivity set. If you’re all about that output, stepping up to the Escape P9 Bluetooth Weatherproof Speaker could be worth the extra investment.

9. Transparent Acoustic Sculpture – a great ornamental outdoor speaker

Key features

• Hand-sculptured, unique design
• Bluetooth 5.0 with True Wireless dual speaker streaming
• High-quality digital signal processing (DSP)

Pros

• Artistic, eye-catching appearance
• High-fidelity sound with a wide frequency range
• Future-proof with modular design

Cons

• Ornamental design comes with a premium price tag

Wrapping up our list, we wanted to shine the spotlight on this gem: the Transparent Acoustic Sculpture. Here’s a speaker doing its utmost to not conform to traditional design, even omitting “speaker” from its name entirely. It’s a piece that marries style, sophistication, and class, placing it in a league of its own among outdoor audio solutions.

Crafted on demand and shaped by the hands of Transparent’s founder, Per Brickstad, this speaker not only looks like it belongs on a pedestal but also enhances stereo separation for an immersive listening experience. If your outdoor space features a collection of statues and art pieces, then almost paradoxically, this speaker might be the best choice to both stand out and blend in.

The mix of a mineral acrylic composite with audio tech like Bluetooth 5.0 and “True Wireless” streaming hits just the right note for both audiophiles and design enthusiasts. While it’s certainly more of an investment, the Transparent Acoustic Sculpture is a statement piece. It’s the ultimate sign-off for a list that’s traversed the gamut of outdoor audio, from the practical, through portable, to the truly unique.

Things to consider when buying outdoor speakers

IP ratings

When it comes to outdoor speakers, understanding IP (Ingress Protection) ratings is crucial.

These ratings tell you how well a speaker stood up to elements like dust and water during testing. An IP rating is usually followed by two digits: the first ranges from 0 to 6 and indicates protection against solid objects (e.g. dust), while the second, ranging from 0 to 9, shows resistance to liquids.

For garden parties or poolside use, look for speakers with high second digits; ideally, you’ll want a minimum of IPX4 (splash protection), but 5 or 6 are better as the speaker will have been successfully tested against water jets.

An IPX7 rating indicates that the product is water-tight and can withstand full immersion. This isn’t critical for on-wall speakers but may be desirable for portable speakers you intend to take sea or poolside.

Higher IP ratings generally mean better defence against the whims of British weather, from a drizzle to a downpour, leaky drainpipes, and snow during winter months, safeguarding your sound system year-round.

Sound quality

Sound quality in outdoor spaces is subject to a variety of influences that don’t affect controlled, indoor listening rooms. Factors such as open areas, background noise, and a variety of surfaces can all impact the listening experience.

Interestingly, positioning your speakers nearer walls can enhance sound quality by reflecting sound waves, which increases volume and bass response. This is particularly useful in open spaces where weather conditions can make acoustics unpredictable.

Look for speakers with a broad frequency range and those that offer undistorted highs and rich lows. Outdoor speakers aren’t generally on display in hi-fi showrooms unless they also have indoor application, so inquiring with and even sharing your experience with the community could be your best way of finding first-hand information. Think YouTube reviews and forums.

The ability to deliver quality sound in an open environment, without losing clarity or power, makes all the difference in creating an immersive outdoor audio experience.

Connectivity

In the case of portable speakers, Bluetooth is the standard for connectivity, allowing you to stream music from your phone directly to the speaker without the need for internet access or cables, which can take up backpack space and are easily lost.

If you’re in the market for a portable speaker, opting for one with the latest Bluetooth technology can give you a more stable connection and help cut down on interference from other wireless signals which permeate modern outdoor spaces.

Advanced Bluetooth technology also offers an improved range, allowing you to take your audio source further from the speaker without worrying about connection loss.

On the other hand, if your speaker is Wi-Fi compatible, you can integrate it into your smart home setup. This means you’ll be able to stream music through Chromecast, AirPlay, and services like Spotify and Tidal.

This is more desirable if you’re not travelling far from your router because if your speaker supports multiroom functionality, you can sync your music inside and outside.

For fixed outdoor speakers, hooking them up to an AV receiver opens up the possibility of an outdoor home cinema, giving you more input choices and usually a stronger power supply for your speakers.

Size and portability

Portable speakers vary in size, from compact models that fit in your hand to larger ones that require a bit more deck space.

Larger speakers usually offer better sound quality and can reach louder volumes, but their size makes them a hassle to move around, especially for things like camping. On the other hand, smaller speakers are a lot easier to carry and set up anywhere you like, but they might not pack enough punch to cover wider spaces with sound.

Consider how you’ll use the speaker: is portability more important, or are you looking for something that will mostly stay in one place? If it’s the latter, maybe an on-wall speaker would suit you just as well.

FAQs

Who makes the best outdoor speakers?

JBL and Sonos are leaders in making the best outdoor speakers. Their products are renowned for portability, durability, and sound quality. Likewise, Monitor Audio and Q Acoustics offer high-quality installation speakers for outdoor spaces and a range of budgets.

How many watts should a good outdoor speaker have?

A good outdoor speaker should be at least 50 watts. This power rating ensures clear sound in an open space. Higher wattage and larger speakers can provide broader coverage and more volume, catering to greater areas and outdoor gatherings.

Do I need an amplifier for outdoor speakers?

Most outdoor speakers are passive and require an amplifier to function. You can use a dedicated amp or even an AV receiver with multizone capabilities, often indicated as “Zone 2”. Ensure the amplifier is placed in a dry area and use an outdoor speaker cable certified for water and UV resistance.

Final thoughts

So there we are, our round-up of the best outdoor speakers. We’ve highlighted a landscape of options, including portable powerhouses, unobtrusive installations, and everything in between.

Switching gears, if your interests occasionally wander indoors, consider our selection of the best bookshelf speakers for an equally impressive audio setup inside your home. And for those dabbling with portable speakers, our guide to common Bluetooth issues could save you a world of hassle.

Do any of these speakers take your fancy? Or maybe you have a trick to make installation seamless? Leave a comment below and share your insights with the community.