Trusted Reviews is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Learn more.
Best outdoor speakers: The best all-weather speakers
In This Article
If you’re looking to head outside and listen to music, there’s no better way than with an outdoor speaker, especially if you’re sharing that music with other people.
We review plenty of the best outdoor speakers each year, and our knowledge of what’s the best will help in making your decision clearer as to what to get. Whether it’s a budget option or a more expensive speaker, we’ve got several outdoor speakers to choose from.
When reviewing outdoor speakers, we’ll take into consideration the design. How tough is it? What level of protection does it offer against the weather? Is it heavy or easy to carry? We look for answers to these questions and more.
When it comes to features we’ll take into account stereo pairing, Wi-Fi support, and in particular battery life, to see how much value these speakers offer. And of course there’s the sound quality. It has to sound good because if it didn’t, it wouldn’t be on this list.
Don’t forget to visit our other best lists, including thebest Bluetooth speakers, thebest multi-room speakers, and thebest smart speakersfor your home.
Best outdoor speakers at a glance
How we test
We play a lot of music, and we play it loud. We play it everywhere – in the house, in the garden, and even in the bath if a speaker is waterproof.We don’t just listen to the speakers; if there are special features then we make sure we fiddle with them until we’re satisfied. Some Bluetooth speakers have smart functionality, and as a result we’ve started speaking to our speakers as well. With portable speakers we take them outside and listen to them to get a feel for how they sound in the great outdoors.Of course, it always comes back to the music. Speakers are tested by reviewers who have a love of music, a knowledge of sound quality, as well as a context of the market. We’ll listen to Bluetooth speakers alongside similarly priced rivals, so when we recommend a particular model, it’s among the best you can buy for the money.
Bose SoundLink Max
Pros
Cons
TheSoundLink Maxfrom Bose is pricey, but it’s also a terrific portable speaker, especially if you want to have a party outside.
The build quality is good, the SoundLink Max never gives the impression of being anything less than sturdy; while the handle is useful for carrying it around. It is heavier than you might expect. It has anIP67 ratingso it should be able to handle use throughout all the seasons.
Battery life is up to 20 hours, but charging brings up one of our few bugbears with this speaker, which is that charging is an overly complicated process. The speaker doesn’t come with a plug (the US version does), and charging with the cable can take a long time. It’s worth buying a plug so the speaker charges faster.
The Bluetooth performance is strong, you can walk a fair distance away from the speaker without the signal breaking up, and there’s support for aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which enables high quality audio. The Bose app allows for customisation of the sound EQ, but it can be a little buggy, especially if you jump to another app and come back to it.
The sound quality is fantastic. It’s a rich but detailed sound, the soundstage is wider than the dimensions of the speaker, the bass is strong, the highs are nice and sharp and the mid-range is clear. It’s an energetic-sounding effort too, which provides songs with plenty of excitement.
The price might put some off, but we think the Bose SoundLink Max is a great-sounding portable speaker.
Reviewer:Kob MonneyFull Review:Bose SoundLink Max
Bang and Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen
Pros
Cons
TheBang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Genis a sensational-sounding speaker and, for a Bluetooth speaker, it supports smarts in the form of Alexa voice assistance.
It achieves Alexa control through a smartphone, so the Alexa app needs to be downloaded on the mobile device as the A1 2nd Gen does not natively support it. During our time with the speaker, we found summoning Alexa work rather well in a local park, proving to be responsive at handling queries. Alexa wasn’t as quick to chime in when our smartphone was performing another task, so we’d suggest you keep attempts at multi-tasking low if you want a fast response.
Compared to theBeoplay A1, battery life has also had a upgrade, with the Beosound A1 able to last for 18 hours, where the original model could only reach four hours. The B&O companion app offers some decent functionality with EQ presets and volume control, though there are fewer features than what you’d get with a Wi-Fi enabled speaker.
As a B&O product, the Beosound A1 looks the part with a stylish leather base and aluminium top surface that helps the speaker achieve anIP67 water resistance, which is the same as theWonderboom 3. It is lighter than its predecessor at 558g, which helps to make it easier to carry around, and its leather strap has been tweaked to allow for more hanging options. The tweaks to the design make it a little more convenient to carry with you.
The audio performance is one that we found to be very impressive, the sound quality was impressively clear, with good bass. Vocal clarity is excellent with voices granted plenty of space to exist, the tonal balance throughout the frequency range is great, and it’s a very dynamic and exciting. This is one of the best outdoor speakers we’ve come across.
Reviewer:Kob MonneyFull Review:B&O Beosound A1 2nd Gen
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
Pros
Cons
TheUltimate Ears Wonderboom 3continues on from where theWonderboom 2left off, and while on the surface the changes made don’t appear a massive step up, in our opinion it produces a much better sound for the same price.
It produces a more effective and rounded bass performance, as well as striking a tone that’s clearer, detailed and better balanced than its energetic predecessor. While treble notes don’t register as crisply, there’s plenty of detail at the top end of the frequency range and there’s more room within the midrange for vocals to be projected above instruments and beats. In terms of loudness, the Wonderboom 2 hits a higher volume but it isn’t as nuanced as the threequel.
Other new features includeGoogle Fast Pairfor Android devices and a slight increase to 14 hours of battery life (better than the more expensiveSonos Roam). Some will feel that the continuation with micro-USB charging is not a forward-looking decision as many devices have moved to thequicker USB-Ccharging method. The rest of the features carry on from before with Outdoor Boost making the speaker sound more expansive and bringing clarity to the midrange and treble frequencies, while Double Up adds the functionality of using two Wonderboom 3 speakers in a stereo pair. You cannot use the Wonderboom from different generations as a stereo pair, however.
The design has been slightly tweaked, the two-tone colours take on a more contrasting appearance. Otherwise there’s the scratch-proof fabric material (guarding against feral domestic pets), and with aIP67 ratingthe speaker can repel dust and water, as well dunked under water for 30 minutes (though it’s likely to bob on surface).
The changes aren’t as big as many might have expected, but in our opinion this is a better-sounding speaker for the same unbeatably low price. It’s now been replaced by the Wonderboom 4, and we’ll be hoping to review that speaker soon.
Reviewer:Kob MonneyFull Review:Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
Tribit StormBox Micro 2
Pros
Cons
We very much liked the originalStormbox Microbut felt it could be improved in a few areas. TheMicro 2seems to have taken on that feedback and it’s an improvement in pretty much every way.
The design has been tweaked with buttons coloured white to contrast against the black fabric covering and the speaker’s dimensions are bigger, holding more battery life (12 hours) and able to be used as a power bank to charge mobile devices. The useful tear-resistant strap remains, offering plenty of versatility in how the speaker can be used or transported whether it’s attached to the handlebar of a bike or connected to a rucksack.
Like many of the speakers on this list, the Stormbox Micro 2 hits anIP67 rating, insulating it against dust and water as well as being immersed within a body of water 1m deep for thirty minutes.
As we mentioned, battery life is up to 12 hours, which puts it among the likes of theSonos Roam(11) andUltimate Ears Wonderboom 3(14) except the Tribit is much cheaper than either. Also new is support for an app where the speaker’s sound can be adjusted.
In terms of its audio performance, the Micro 2 can hit higher volumes than the original, produces a bigger sound and projects audio further way from the speaker’s body. Add in to the mix better levels of clarity and detail, and music on this speaker sounds improved over the original, with bass better described, treble frequencies sharper and clearer and the midrange is more detailed and clearer.
While bass is better than before, speakers such as the Tronsmart T7 can produce more, but that speaker comes in a different form factor and isn’t as compact (or as versatile in its design) as the Tribit.
Reviewer:Kob MonneyFull Review:Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi
Pros
Cons
TheJBL Charge 5 Wi-Fiadds Wi-Fi support to the popular Charge 5 speaker, but it’s more thna just that addition that makes this an impressive portable speaker.
It is bigger than other speakers we’d consider to be portable, and doesn’t come with a handle either. Shaped like an NFL ball, it has tough, rugged design; and itsIP67 ratingensures it’s able to survive most weather situations that come its way, as well as a drop into a pool.Battery life is up to 20 hours, which is very good for a portable speaker. Wi-Fi support means you can stream viaAirPlay 2, Google Cast, Alexa Multi-Room Audio andSpotify Connect, with audio supported up to 24-bit/96kHz. With the JBL One app, you can stream directly from apps such as Tidal and Amazon Music.
We’re slightly disappointed by the omission of the PartyBoost feature that connected multiple JBL speakers together but our guess is that a) it wasn’t used a lot, and that b) Wi-Fi multi-room support means you get that feature back (in a way) with other speakers on your Wi-Fi network.
The audio performance is a step-up over the Charge 5, whether you’re listening via Bluetooth or on Wi-Fi. On a Bluetooth connection, the Charge 5 Wi-Fi’s treble is clearer, brighter, and sharper. On a Wi-Fi there are even more gains to be had in terms of overall detail and clarity.
Despite the JBL’s looks, its audio is refined and balanced. We didn’t think it merited a full five stars when it first launched, but now that it’s fallen to the same price as theRoam 2, and is a better-sounding speaker than Sonos’ effort, we’re confident in saying it’s one of the best speakers at its price.
Reviewer:Kob MonneyFull Review:JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi
Sonos Move 2
Pros
Cons
Four years after the original launched, Sonos brought the sequel to the Move in theMove 2, featuring a number of design tweaks and a redesigned audio system, though this does come at a cost, with a higher price of £449 / $449.
Nothing has really changed in the size of the speaker, we feel this remains more an outdoor speaker for the garden or to take with you in a car. It still weighs 3kg, so this isn’t really a speaker to slip in your bag and head out of the house with. The buttons have been tweaked so they’re easier to understand and use. Black, white, and a fetching green finishes are the colours the speaker comes in.
An IP56 rating means this speaker is protected against dust, water, and mud, although it’s not rated against is submersion in water. You can feel confident in leaving this speaker outside, and not having to worry about it being ruined in the morning. The battery can be replaced too, good for the longevity of the product as well as being better for the environment.
With Sonos’ AutoTrueplayfeature, the speaker is able to automatically optimise audio output based on where it is placed placement for the best sound quality when the microphone is enabled. The biggest boost is to battery life which is now 24 hours (13 hours better than the original). During an eight hour session, we found that battery life fell to 54%, which we feel is more than good enough for any occasion.
But outdoor use isn’t the only reason to get the Move 2, as with its Wi-Fi support (Spotify Connect,AirPlay 2), this speaker works like any other Sonos speaker when used indoors. There’s hands-free accessAmazon Alexaand Sonos Voice Control, but there’s noGoogle Assistanton this model.
The audio quality is another area that’s gained improvements. The speaker now supports stereo playback, producing a wider presence than original’s mono speaker was capable of. Purchase two of these speakers, and you can get full-on stereo playback. We found there was more subtlety that this speaker was capable of, better at retrieving the detail in a song, and when it needs to, it can summon plenty of punch and weight to the midrange and low frequencies.
This is an improvement on the original model, the price increase is at least justified by the better audio quality, stereo sound and improved batter life. The old Move is still a fine effort, on sale for less than £400 / $400 if you find this new speaker a little steep in terms of pricing.
Reviewer:David LudlowFull review:Sonos Move 2
Sony SRS-XG300
Pros
Cons
The XG300is part of Sony’sX-series of wireless party speakers, and if you are looking to party with a group of friends either inside or at the park (or beach), the XG300 is high on the list of speakers we’d say you should consider.
It is like mini-Boombox in its profile, taking on a svelte shape that gives it an hourglass look. The retractable handle is useful for carry considering this speaker weighs around 3kg, and with itsIP67 ratingit’s good against resisting liquids and particles such as sand and dust.
It has more physical connections than any other speaker on this list, with aUSB-Cfor charging another device, and a stereo mini-jack (cable also included) for plugging in an external source (such as a portable music player). There’s also the Light feature – or Ambient Illumination as Sony calls it – that emits a halo of light at either end of the speaker that pulses in sync with the beat, although we found at its default setting it wasn’t particularly noticeable.
Other party features include support for Fiestable app, which offers control over DJ effects, light effects and Motion Control, where playback and volume can be controlled by moving a smartphone, although this is a feature that can be hit and miss. Battery life is 25 hours, the longest of any on this list;Google Fast Pairis provided for instant connection to an Android device and there’sLDAC Bluetoothfor those that want to play tracks at a higher bitrate.
In terms of its sound, the SRS-XG300 delivers a warm, rich performance with an emphasis on bass. Those after a more neutral and balanced performance should consider theSonos Moveas an alternative, but if you like your bass assertively described, and music given plenty of drive and energy then the XG300 is a definite party starter (though B&O’sBeolit 20can summon even stronger levels of bass if that’s your fancy).
Reviewer:Kob MonneyFull review:Sony SRS-XG300
FAQs
IP stands for Ingress Protection, and it refers to a products ability to withstand ingress of dust and water. The higher the rating a product has, the better the protection.
If power is what you want, then you’d be looking at a bigger speaker, such as the B&O Beolit 20, Marshall Tufton and Sonos Move.
B&O’s Beosound A1 2nd Gen is one of the best-sounding portable speakers we’ve tested, with excellent clarity and good bass for its size.
We also considered…
One of the best mid-size portable speakers around
More of the same from Sonos’ most portable speaker
A rugged and fun-sounding portable speaker
A fun portable speaker with fun-sized sound
All-round tweaks make for an impressive sequel
Fun, affordable sound for the outdoors
We’ve reviewed
908
Portable Audio
Specs compared
Kob began his career at What Hi-Fi?, starting in the dusty stockroom before rising up the ranks to join the editorial and production team as the Buyer’s Guide editor. Experienced in both magazine and …
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Why trust our journalism?
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
