Portable speakers are great additions to your Android stable. But maybe you want something you can leave outside, and not have to lug back and forth every time you want to remind the neighbors just how much you love Journey. Or maybe you want both. So wouldn’t it be nice to have more options for audio fixtures in your yard? We’ve rounded up the best outdoor speakers for you backyard listening pleasure, whatever your budget may be.
Blends in
Bose Free Space 51
Staff pick
In true Bose fashion, these are not wireless, but once you do wire them in outside, you are set. These speakers are designed to withstand temperatures from -40 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be in or on-ground speakers, so you can bury them up to a certain point and still receive top-of-the-line, 360-degree sound quality.
$450 at Amazon
Solid wireless speakers
Acoustic Research Hatteras Northern Lights
The Hatteras is attractively designed as a high-tech lantern, which should nicely complement most backyard aesthetics. The cool factor is its “northern lights” 360-degree light, which changes colors and operates in six modes, which include various pulsating and flashing patterns, as well as solid colors.
$180 at Acoustic Research
Affordable, battery-powered
Anker Soundcore Flare
The design of the Soundcore Flare allow for 360-degree sound, so when you and your mates are gathered around a table, you all get the same sound experience. You can get some pretty sweet bass sounds just by hitting the BassUp button on the speaker. There’s also a halo of LEDs around the bottom of the speaker that will pulse and shine with the rhythm of the music.
$65 at Amazon
Dimmable LED speaker
Phoebe LED Flame Lantern
The speaker is made up of 96 LEDs which have 3 dimmable mode settings, providing a softer background light at night. It has high-definition stereo sound with a rear-facing subwoofer that provides enhanced bass. Is water resistant (IP65). Has playback time of up to 12 hours and a wireless range of 10 metres. At $40, it’s not going to burn a hole in your pocket.
$40 at Amazon
Quality sound
Bose SoundLink Revolve+
Provides 360-degree sound coverage so you can hear wherever you are in your yard. Has a flexible fabric handle to easily move around, has a durable aluminium body and is water resistant (IPX4). You’ll get up to 16 hours playback time and can be used whilst charging.
$330 at Amazon
Low priced
NYNE Boost Portable Bluetooth Speaker
These speakers have true stereo wireless capabilities and will instantly sync with paired devices. They are IP6/7 certified, meaning they are dust-proof and airtight. You get up to 20 hours playback time. Another speaker under $100, this will cost you $48.
$48 at Amazon
Budget in-ground speakers
TIC GS-3 omnidirectional
These in-ground speakers from TIC have a neat army green finish and feature a 360-degree speaker, making them perfect for backyards. Made from ABS, a strong and durable plastic that has a much higher melting point than most other plastics, which makes them resilient in just about any climate. With 200W of peak power, you should have no trouble cranking the tunes outside.
$77 at Amazon
Wall-mounted
Yamaha NS-AW350B All-Weather
If you don’t mind a little work in installing your speakers then the Yamaha NS-AW350B speakers might be the one to go for. The 2-way speakers can deliver up to 130 watts of power. Each speaker has a 6.5-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter, giving you a dynamic range wherever you place them. They are water resistant, able to withstand light wind and rain.
$98 at Amazon
All-weather
Polk Audio Atrium 5
These Atrium speakers provide exceptionally great sound and sports a 3/4″ anodized aluminum dome tweeter, allowing for wider dispersion of sound and a very powerful bass. They are designed for all-weather durability with its rugged materials to withstand elements throughout the year.
$198 at Amazon
Boombox design
JBL Xtreme
Comes with the motto – hear the bass, feel the bass, see the bass – the JBL Xtreme has dual external passive radiators which make these very powerful speakers. It’s splashproof so it will hold up to the rain and those accidentally spilled drinks. You can take calls at the touch of a button and you can connect up to 3 devices to it. With it’s large battery capacity you can get up to 15 hours playback time.
$160 at Amazon
Pricey but so good
Sonos Architectural Outdoor Speaker
Sonos is a big name in the speaker world, they’re also pricey but you know you’re getting quality speakers. They are made by Sonance and are specifically made for the outdoors, able to withstand water, humidity, salt spray, UV rays, hot and freezing temperatures. You will need to wire them in but once installed, you’re set to go. If you want more from the speakers you can connect them to the Sonos App for a full Sonos experience.
$799 at Amazon
Blends in
Sound Appeal Rock Speakers
Sometimes you just want something that blends into the background. The KiD Rok speakers by Sound Appeal does just that and ou’re getting great quality sound in a small package. You do need to wire these in but you can then connect to them via Bluetooth to play music, which is the best combination.
$229 at Amazon
All about blending in
We’ve provided a wide range of outdoor speakers for a variety of budgets. Whether you’re looking for something aestically pleasing, something that will do the job, or a name you know provides excellent audio quality. For those on a really tight budget the NYNE Boost Bluetooth speaker is a solid choice for durability and sound quality. Of course, top of the range, you cannot go wrong with a pair of Bose speakers.
Of these options, you can’t go wrong with the Bose FreeSpace 51 speakers. For backyard speakers, you really want something to blend-in, give you awesome sound quality and also hold up to the four seasons. The Bose FreeSpace 51 does just that. It might be a little too expensive for some but they are Bose speakers and will be worth the treat to your ears.
For portability, the JBL Xtreme is a solid pick. It’s splashproof so will hold up to the rain (and those accidentally spillied drinks). It’s durable and has up to 15 hours of playback time. It’s great for the outdoors and to take with you on camping/outdoor trips too.
