The best outdoor speakers in 2022 Great sound outside Tom's Guide Skip to main content Tom's Guide is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's why you can trust us.
The best outdoor speakers in 2022 Great sound outside
By Lee Dunkley published 27 September 2022 The best outdoor speakers let you enjoy your music in the fresh air - here are our top picks for any budget Included in this guide:1Polk AudioAtrium 4 SpeakerCheck Price (opens in new tab)2AnkerSoundcore 3Check Price (opens in new tab)3SonosRoamCheck Price (opens in new tab)4KlipschAW-650Check Price (opens in new tab)5V-ModaRemixCheck Price (opens in new tab)6YamahaNS-AW150WCheck Price (opens in new tab)7Ultimate EarsMegaboom 3Check Price (opens in new tab)8TribitStormBox BlastCheck Price (opens in new tab)9JBLGO 3Check Price (opens in new tab)10SonosMoveCheck Price (opens in new tab)11JBLCharge 5Check Price (opens in new tab)12Ultimate EarsHyperboomCheck Price (opens in new tab) (Image credit: Tom's Guide) The best outdoor speakers combine solid sound with rugged build to withstand the elements of a life outside. As all-weather speakers we've tested every model for their ability to shrug off splashes and a little light rain, to designs that are sufficiently protected to allow them to be left outdoors the whole year round. From the cozy confines of a patio to large backyards or public parks, with one of our best outdoor speakers to hand, you'll be able to rock out to party tunes, or create a more relaxed sound vibe wherever the mood takes you. In this buying guide, we've tested and rated each model in areas including sound quality, durability and battery life. We've tried each in different locations to see how they perform for a life outdoors. Some models also appear in our regularly maintained best Bluetooth speakers and best waterproof speakers buying guides. If you enjoy evenings on the patio with your favorite sound playing in the background, you may also want to take a look at the best patio heaters to help you stay warm. And if you want to spruce up your backyard on a budget, these awesome products are all under $50. Top 3 best outdoor speakers
(opens in new tab)Best overall: Polk Atrium 4
Although their price has increased recently, the Polk Atrium 4 speakers are still our best outdoor models for superior sound in a robust design. This mid-range speaker is small enough not dominate surroundings, and delivers more bass than most similarly-sized speaker designs at the price, making them hard to pass up. View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)Best value: Anker Soundcore 3
Our best value option has to go to the Anker Soundcore 3. For just over $50, this model delivers impressive sound in a durable, compact and entirely portable package, and has a waterproof body to handle pool parties and the odd spot of rain. A 24-hour battery helps to further this great value buy for take anywhere summer sounds.View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)Best smart portable: Sonos Roam
Like the bigger Sonos Move, the Roam is a portable smart speaker that slots seamlessly into any Sonos multi-room system via Wi-Fi. It now comes in three new colors (opens in new tab) and outdoorsy credentials extend to IP67 water resistance rating and up to 10-hour battery life, while Auto TruePlay adjusts the sound output to wherever your sat.View Deal (opens in new tab) What are the best outdoor speakers
Our testing shows that the best outdoor speaker is the Polk Atrium 4, an affordable stereo pair of speakers that delivers superior sound in a robust design. Although we haven't tested it here, we reckon the larger (and more costly) Atrium 5 would be better suited to larger gatherings, but the sheer value the Atrium 4 is hard to pass up. Our favorite budget option for outdoor sounds has to go to the Anker Soundcore 3. For just over $50, this model delivers pretty remarkable sound in a durable, compact and entirely portable package, and has a waterproof body to handle pool parties and the odd spot of rain. It might seem too small for any backyard party, but it can be partnered with multiple speakers to create a bigger and more expansive sound. It's a great travel companion that can be tossed into any laptop or gym bag, too. A 24-hour battery means you can play it all day long and is a great value buy for take anywhere sounds. The Sonos Roam is another compact design for outdoors with high-grade protection against dust and water. You'll even be able to use some of its smart features (e.g., voice controls, alarms), should your Wi-Fi signal extend outside. Read on for our picks of the best outdoor speakers. The best outdoor speakers available to buy right now
(Image credit: Tom's Guide) 1 Polk Atrium 4
The best outdoor speaker overall Specifications
Drivers: 4.5-inch mid/woofer, 0.8-inch tweeterWireless: NoOutput: 80 wattsBattery: NoneMounting hardware: IncludedWeatherproof: YesToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Crutchfield (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Large, crisp soundstage+Small size for discreet installations+Temperature and rain resistant Reasons to avoid
-Go for the Atrium 5 if you want bigger bass The best outdoor speakers have to withstand the elements and deliver robust bass, crisp treble and full midrange with enough power to be heard over both the wind and the chatter of a party. These Polk speakers check all the boxes, and still usually cost less than $200. At 8.6 x 6.7 x 5.7 inches, the Atrium 4s are small enough so that they won't dominate your landscape and big enough to deliver full sound. While they don't have much bass, they produce more low end than other outdoor speakers of similar size. With a 4.5-inch mid-woofer/tweeter and a 0.8-inch tweeter inside each speaker, the Atrium 4 aptly handled both the distorted guitars of classic rock and the thumping bass of hip-hop while producing clear vocals. If you want more bass and have the space (and some extra cash), consider Polk's larger Atrium 5 speakers, which come with 5-inch midrange woofer/tweeters. Read our full Polk Atrium 4 review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 2 Anker Soundcore 3
Best for big sound at a bargain price Specifications
Drivers: 2 x tweeters; mid/woofer; passive bass radiatorWireless: BluetoothOutput: 2 x 16WBattery: 24 hoursMounting hardware: NoWeatherproof: YesToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab)View at soundcore (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Big sound from small design+Good battery life+Waterproof (IPX7)+Useful Soundcore app and EQ modes Reasons to avoid
-Sound hardens up at higher volumes-Rubberized case marks easily The Anker Soundcore 3 is an amazing little Bluetooth speaker for outdoor sounds. For just over $50, this tiny powerhouse delivers loud, well-balanced sound within an IPX7-rated design that can survive water, dust, while the robust rubberised outer case takes care of protection from every day knocks. The speaker lasts up to a whopping 24 hours, thanks to Anker's best-in-class battery technology, and the Soundcore 3's dual tweeter drivers and central mid/bass woofer allied to a passive bass driver and Anker's BassUp technology, ensure you'll get powerful sound in any setting. The Soundcore's compact, 6.75 x 2.25 x 2.25-inch design makes this speaker perfect for tossing into your bag for a quick road trip, and SharePlay allows multiple Soundcore speakers to be synced for an even bigger sound. It's also available in blue, red and silver colors for a little extra ($50) cost in addition to the standard slick black we tested. Read our full Anker Soundcore 3 review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 3 Sonos Roam
The best outdoor speaker with an ultraportable design Specifications
Drivers: Mid-woofer, tweeterWireless: Bluetooth, Wi-FiOutput: Not statedBattery: 10 hoursMounting hardware: NoneWater resistant: Yes (IPX67 rated)Today's Best DealsView at Best Buy (opens in new tab)View at Crutchfield (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Light, portable design+Extensive connectivity+Auto TruePlay sound tuning Reasons to avoid
-No Bluetooth multipoint-Middling battery life Like the bigger, more expensive Sonos Move, the Roam is a portable smart speaker that slots seamlessly into any Sonos multi-room system you might have. Its outdoorsy credentials mainly come from even better weatherproofing: with an IP67 rating, the Sonos Roam is protected against dust ingress and can survive full submersion in water, let alone a little rain. Just because it has Wi-Fi capabilities doesn't mean you need to shackle the Roam close to your house, either. The 10-hour battery might not trouble the most long-lasting Bluetooth speakers, but it can take advantage of its handy Auto TruePlay feature wherever it is. This automatically adjusts the sound output to best suit the environment, even in an open space like a park. Read our full Sonos Roam review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 4 Klipsch AW-650
Killer sound and size Specifications
Drivers: 6.5-inch woofer, 1-inch tweeterWireless: NoOutput: 85 wattsBattery: NoneMounting hardware: IncludedWeatherproof: YesToday's Best DealsView at Target (opens in new tab)View at Crutchfield (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Big, durable design+Satisfying bass and crisp treble Reasons to avoid
-Impractical size makes them unsuitable for smaller areas If you subscribe to the "go big or go home" school of outdoor entertaining, the AW-650 speakers are some of the best outdoor speakers you can buy. These monsters of rock measure 15 x 11 x 9.5 inches and feature a 6.5-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter. The result is thunderous bass and crisp, full vocals that can easily overpower the ambient noise of the outdoors when you want. The AW-650 speakers are built like a tank, with a UV-resistant ABS plastic polymer enclosure that's backed by Klipsch's lifetime warranty. And at 9 pounds each, you'll want to make sure you securely mount them if you choose to place them up high; they would also work well at floor level. Read our full Klipsch AW-650 outdoor speaker review. (Image credit: Future) 5 V-Moda Remix
A small, but mighty outdoor speaker with a built-in amp Specifications
Drivers: Glass Fiber Dual-DriverWireless: YesOutput: 10 watts (per driver)Battery: 10 hoursMounting hardware: YesWater resistant : Yes (IP67)Today's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Newegg (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Loud, balanced audio with booming bass+Stunning design+Lots of customization options Reasons to avoid
-No multiroom solution-Can distort at high volume V-Moda's fantastic track record with headphones should already tell you that their first-ever Bluetooth speaker, the Remix, is a solid performer. This well-built and stylish speaker delivers booming bass, warm highs, and crisp mids, plus it comes with an integrated headphone amplifier. It even plays high-res audio formats (FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, WAV, and DSD). There is multiroom solution for the Remix, but at least you can daisy-chain multiple speakers to achieve stereo surround sound. Craftsmanship is also superb with the sides of the speaker made of black plastic, while the front is made of black 3D-printed fiber; V-Moda lets you customize the design for a premium. A full charge keeps this bad boy operating at 10 hours within a 50-foot range, which is much higher than the 33-feet range that V-Moda advertises. The current price drop should also make this an enticing purchase for those who want a mini boom box that pumps out loud sound. Read our full V-Moda Remix review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 6 Yamaha NS-AW150W
Affordable and flexible outdoor speakers with good overall sound Specifications
Drivers: 5-inch Polyetherimide Woofer 0.5-inch dome tweeterWireless: NoOutput: 35 wattsBattery: NoneMounting hardware: YesWater resistant: Yes (IPX7 rated)Today's Best DealsView at Best Buy (opens in new tab)View at Crutchfield (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Good sound quality with crisp treble and full vocals+Flexible mounting options Reasons to avoid
-Mediocre bass performance -Water resistant, not waterproof When it comes to the best outdoor speakers, the Yamaha NS-AW150W hit a sweet spot in sound, size and cost. They deliver good overall sound, with especially crisp treble and full vocals. The bass isn't as powerful as others among the best outdoor speakers, but few this size hammer out the low end well. The speakers produce a crisp sound with some bass, though the low frequencies may get lost among ambient sounds. The sound is also fairly narrow, meaning it doesn't spread as widely across an open backyard. Still, they produce good vocals and crisp treble, and throw in a bit of bass too - all for just $99 for the pair. Read our full Yamaha NS-AW150W review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 7 UE Megaboom 3
The best wireless Bluetooth speaker Specifications
Size and weight: 8.9 x 3.4 x 3.4 inches, 2 poundsBattery life (rated): 20 hoursMaximum sound level: 90dBVoice controls: NoWater resistance: Yes (IP67 rated)Today's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Big bass and full vocals+Good battery life+Can pair with older Megaboom and Boom models for stereo sound Reasons to avoid
-Big and heavy for a portable-No speakerphone If you're looking for the best outdoor speaker that you can take on the go - and in the pool - the UE Megaboom 3 is the way to go. Large for a Bluetooth speaker but still fully wireless and portable, the UE Megaboom 3 pumps booming sound out of its attractive, portable frame. It also carries an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it can sit by the pool, on the beach or even get dunked underwater and keep on ticking. The Megaboom 3 also stands out thanks to its 20-hour battery, which should have your outdoor pool parties filled with music all day long. Better yet, you can pair the Megaboom 3 to other UE speakers for the ultimate stereo experience. Overall, the UE Megaboom 3 is the perfect pick for those who want an outdoor speaker that can go anywhere - and sound great doing it. Read our full UE Megaboom 3 review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 8 Tribit StormBox Blast
Big boombox-style bass for outdoor sounds Specifications
Drivers: 2x mid/bass; 2x tweetersWireless: BluetoothOutput: 90WBattery: 30Mounting hardware: NonewWater resistant : IPX7 ratedToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Expansive sound+Booming bass+Battery lasts all day Reasons to avoid
-Treble can sound harsh at high volumes While it costs about $200, the StormBox Blast is not nearly as expensive as some extra-large portable Bluetooth speakers like UE's Hyperboom and JBL's Boombox 3, but it sounds nearly as good, making it something of a bargain compared to other extra-large portable Bluetooth speakers. If you're looking for a big speaker that can withstand the elements, the Tribit StormBox Blast has a lot going for it. It fills whatever space you are in with bassy sound and vocals sound clear. You can boost the bass further with the XBass button on the speaker, and you can link two StormBox Blasts together for an even bigger sound. It can play all day without needing a recharge, and it's waterproof so you don't have to worry about it falling into the pool or getting rained on for a while. And it puts on a light show if you want some visuals to go with your audio. Read our full Tribit StormBox Blast review. (Image credit: Future) 9 JBL Go 3
The best outdoor speaker for affordable portability Specifications
Drivers: Not statedWireless: YesOutput: 4.2 wattsBattery: 5 hoursMounting hardware: NoneWater resistant: Yes (IP67 rated)Today's Best DealsView at Harman (opens in new tab)View at BHPhoto (opens in new tab)View at Target (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Water- and dust-proof+Easily portable Reasons to avoid
-Sound quality lacks detail If you don't need to fill a huge area with sound, the JBL Go 3 could serve well as a budget-friendly option. It may be small but it's certainly not poorly-made, earning itself the same IP67 rating as the Sonos Roam: enough for both heavy-duty waterproofing and strong protection against dirt, sand or dust ingress. The sheer affordability is another enticing factor, and we got twice the "official" 5 hours of battery life on medium volume, though for entertaining large backyard parties you may need something more powerful. For lower-key trips outdoors, though, the Go 3 very much has its benefits. Read our full JBL Go 3 review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 10 Sonos Move
The most powerful outdoor smart speaker Specifications
Drivers: One downward-firing tweeter, one mid-wooferWireless: Bluetooth, Wi-FiOutput: Not statedBattery: 10 hoursMounting hardware: NoneWater resistance: Yes (IP56 rated)Today's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Crutchfield (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Superb audio quality+Built-in Automatic TruePlay technology+Easy Wi-Fi-to-Bluetooth connection conversion Reasons to avoid
-Smart features ups price-No smart features in Bluetooth mode Need an outdoor speaker that also doubles as a portable Bluetooth speaker? The Sonos Move will fit the bill and then some. This beefy Bluetooth speaker offers Sonos' signature high-end soundscape on top of a 10-hour battery that should last through all of your backyard festivities. On top of offering rich bass and crisp dialogue, the Sonos Move is one of the best outdoor speakers for folks who want smart features. The speaker supports both Alexa and Google Assistant for voice controls, and can switch from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi on the fly, making it ideal for just about any outdoor setting. Plus, Sonos' Auto TruePlay technology uses microphones to automatically tune the speaker for its surroundings. Add support for all major streaming services on top of all that and you have the ultimate outdoor portable speaker. Read our full Sonos Move review. (Image credit: Future) 11 JBL Charge 5
An outdoor speaker that can charge your phone Specifications
Size and weight: 8.7 x 3.8 x 3.7 inches, 2.1 poundsBattery life (rated): 20 hoursMaximum sound level: Not statedVoice controls: NoWater resistance: Yes (IP67 rated)Today's Best DealsView at Crutchfield (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+High sound quality+Water- and dust-proof+Long battery life Reasons to avoid
-Limited control app A great alternative to the Megaboom 3 is JBL's IP67-rated Charge 5. High-grade waterproofing is combined with strong protection against dust and grit, to 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. As with the rest of the Charge range, the Charge 5 can also double up as a power bank for phones and tablets - so if playing music is sapping your phone, you can top it up with the very speaker you're playing through. And if you don't need this feature, you'll get a very healthy 20 hours of listening time from a full charge. Read our full JBL Charge 5 review. (Image credit: UE) 12 UE Hyperboom
The best outdoor speaker for huge wireless power Specifications
Drivers: Dual 4.5-inch woofers, 2x 1-inch tweeters and 2x 3.5 x 7.5-inch passive radiatorsWireless: YesOutput: N/ABattery: 24 hoursMounting hardware: NoneWater resistant: Yes (IPX4 rated)Today's Best DealsView at Best Buy (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Target (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Big and balanced sound+Goes very loud+Good battery life Reasons to avoid
-Its big size means that it's not exactly portable The UE Hyperboom blends the size and power of a true outdoor speaker with the versatility of a Bluetooth speaker. This 14-inch tall speaker offers huge, balanced sound for outdoor gatherings and cookouts, and lasts for 24 hours on a charge to power your patio hangs all day and night. The Hyperboom is also IPX4 rated, making it able to withstand splashes and drizzles. With easy Bluetooth pairing to any mobile device, big bass and sharp high-end, the Hyperboom is one of the best outdoor speakers you can buy for social gatherings. Read our full UE Hyperboom review. How to choose the best outdoor speakers for you
As you shop for outdoor speakers, the first thing you'll want to look for is weather-proofing. Outdoor speakers should be at least partially water-resistant, and if you want to leave them outside all the time, they should be fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating. The next thing you'll want to consider is how the speakers will be connected. Many outdoor speakers are wired, so you'll need a power source. If that's not doable in your backyard or patio, then you will want to concentrate on portable Bluetooth speakers. Next, think about how big your space is and what kind of volume level you'll require. If you have a small patio or mainly want music for dinner parties, a smaller set of outdoor speakers may be perfectly adequate. But if you have a large suburban backyard or want to host crowded dance parties, you may want to shop for larger speakers with more audio capacity. Last but not least, there's cost. Outdoor speakers can get pricey, as they need to be tough and rugged enough to withstand the elements. You can still find great sets at any budget level. Note that Bluetooth speakers are generally going to be more expensive. How we test the best outdoor speakers
For the best outdoor speakers, we look at a number of factors. We start with audio quality: how bass, mid-range, treble and vocals sound. Are they balanced? What kind of woofer, midrange driver and tweeter do the speakers have? We also look at size and range to determine how the outdoor speaker will sound in different settings, from a large backyard to a smaller patio or deck. Will the speaker be able to fill various areas or are they better in certain set-ups? Naturally the best way to answer these questions is to play a variety of music genres, outside in the conditions you'd normally expect to find these speakers. Next, since these are outdoor speakers, we have to take weatherproofing into consideration. Are they temperature and water resistant? Does the speaker's housing ward off against bugs and dust? Other factors include how easy it is to mount/install the speakers along with using any smart technology features. And we want to test a variety of outdoor speakers at different price points, so that we can recommend one for every type of budget. If you want something even more affordable, check out the best cheap Bluetooth speakers - though only some of these will offer waterproofing. For more outdoor summertime or warm evening fun, check out our Ukiah Tailgater II fire pit review; it pulses to your music! Round up of today's best dealsReduced Price (opens in new tab)Polk Audio Atrium 4 Speaker (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$199 (opens in new tab)$169 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesDeal ends Mon, Oct 31 (opens in new tab)Anker Soundcore 3 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$50.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Sonos Roam (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$179 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Klipsch AW-650 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$399 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)V-Moda Remix (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$99.99 (opens in new tab)$84.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Yamaha NS-AW150W (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$119.95 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$199.99 (opens in new tab)$159.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)Tribit StormBox Blast (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$259.99 (opens in new tab)$159.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesDeal ends Mon, Oct 31Reduced Price (opens in new tab)JBL GO 3 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$49.95 (opens in new tab)$29.95 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Sonos Move (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$399 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by Be In the Know
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Lee DunkleyAudio EditorAs a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring. More about audio Apple Music review: Better value than Spotify Apple Music vs. Spotify: Which is the best music app?Latest Best Wordle start words to help you keep your streakSee more latest ► Topics Audio Speakers MOST READMOST SHARED1Best Wordle start words to help you keep your streak2Samsung's massive 75-inch 4K TV just crashed to $579 ahead of Black Friday3iOS 16.1 could be saving the world one charge at a time - here's how4This could be the 200MP camera for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5Best Buy Black Friday deals are live - big sales on 4K TVs, MacBooks and more1Samsung's massive 75-inch 4K TV just crashed to $579 ahead of Black Friday2iOS 16.1 could be saving the world one charge at a time - here's how3This could be the 200MP camera for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 4Best Buy Black Friday deals are live - big sales on 4K TVs, MacBooks and more5iPhone 15 with USB-C is almost certainly coming - here's why