The Ultimate Comparison of Top 7 Smart Outdoor Speakers

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The best outdoor speakers offer great sound quality and are built tough to handle life outside. Whether you’re tidying up the yard, having a picnic, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a day at the beach, these weatherproof speakers are designed to withstand light rain, splashes, and some can even stay outdoors year-round. Most of them also have long-lasting battery life, allowing you to listen all day.

At Nomanzy, we’ve put these speakers to the test in real-life situations, from sudden rain showers to pool splashes, and even an accidental dip in the water. Whether you’re in the mood for upbeat party music or a chill, laid-back vibe, these speakers are ready for anything. We’ve rated them on sound quality, durability, and battery life, and tested them in various locations—from cozy patios to large backyards and public parks.

Check out our top picks for outdoor speakers, perfect for any space or budget!

Our Top Picks

• Best Speaker Under $100
  Anker Soundcore Motion 300 at Amazon $80
• Best Boombox
  Sony ULT Field 7 at Amazon $398
• Best for iPhone Users
  Beats Pill (2024) at Amazon $150
• Best Party Speaker
  Sony ULT Tower 10 at Amazon $998
• Best Compact Speaker
  Anker Soundcore Mini 3 at Amazon $41
• Best Affordable Bose Speaker
  Bose SoundLink Flex at Amazon $149
• Best for Big Bass in a Small Frame
  JBL Flip 6 at Amazon $100

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Best Speaker Under $100

Anker Soundcore Motion 300

When you’re looking for a portable speaker under $100 that delivers power without sacrificing portability, this compact option shines. With a waterproof build, it’s perfect for outdoor gatherings or trips to the pool. Thanks to the stereo driver setup, it delivers impressive sound for its size, and the customizable EQ in the app lets you fine-tune the audio to your liking. While it may not hit the deep bass of bigger models, it supports higher-quality playback through LDAC and AAC codecs, making it a solid choice for both Apple and Android users. Plus, it has a built-in speakerphone, so taking calls is a breeze.

Benefits:

• Durable waterproof design, great for outdoor use
• Stereo sound that you can adjust via the app
• Clear calls with a built-in speakerphone
• Supports high-quality codecs like LDAC and AAC
• Flexible placement with rubber feet for stability

Best Boombox

Sony ULT Field 7

If you’re after a powerful Bluetooth speaker that’s perfect for parties, this one delivers. With booming bass and crystal-clear sound, it easily fills outdoor spaces, whether you’re hosting a backyard get-together or jamming out by the pool. The dustproof and waterproof design means it can handle any environment, and it even has fun extras like LED lights to match the party vibe. For those who love karaoke or playing music, it comes with guitar and mic inputs, adding versatility. While it’s on the pricier side, its sound quality and durability make it a solid investment.

Benefits:

• Powerful sound with deep bass for big outdoor parties
• Durable dustproof and waterproof build for all environments
• Guitar and mic inputs make it perfect for karaoke sessions
• Fun LED lights enhance the party atmosphere
• Easy Bluetooth connectivity for seamless audio streaming

Best for iPhone Users

Beats Pill (2024)

For those who want a stylish speaker that delivers solid sound on the go, this portable option checks all the boxes. Its bright sound and rich bass give your music an extra kick, while the sleek design makes it a perfect match for any setting. Being dustproof and waterproof, it’s great for outdoor adventures, and the USB-C port adds flexibility with both wired and wireless playback. iPhone users will especially love the seamless compatibility with iOS, as well as the handy Find My support for Apple and Google devices. It’s a compact speaker that’s ready to travel anywhere with you.

Benefits:

• Rich, bright sound with deep bass for a better listening experience
• Sleek, portable design that fits easily in any bag
• Durable dustproof and waterproof build for outdoor use
• USB-C port for flexible wired and wireless playback
• Seamless integration with iPhones and iPads

Best Party Speaker

Sony ULT Tower 10

When you want to throw an unforgettable party, this powerhouse speaker delivers. It’s incredibly loud, with bass that can shake the floor, making it ideal for filling large outdoor or indoor spaces. Although it’s large and heavy, its features make up for it, including a customizable light show to match the mood and multiple inputs for high-quality playback. Whether you’re hosting karaoke with the wireless mic or plugging in a guitar, it’s built for fun. While it’s not waterproof and comes with a higher price tag, it’s perfect for those who want maximum volume and party vibes.

Benefits:

• House-shaking bass and incredibly loud sound for big events
• Includes a wireless mic for karaoke and a guitar input for music
• Customizable light show adds energy to any party
• Supports high-quality playback with AAC and LDAC codecs
• Multiple inputs for flexible connectivity

Best Compact Speaker

Anker Soundcore Mini 3

Looking for a super-portable speaker that still delivers solid sound? This compact option packs impressive audio into a tiny package. Its small size makes it easy to carry, yet it doesn’t skimp on sound quality. Plus, you can tweak the audio to your liking using the in-app EQ. The waterproof build means you can take it poolside or to the beach without worry. And with a built-in speakerphone, taking calls on the go is a breeze. While it’s not for bass enthusiasts, it’s perfect for those who want clear, quality sound in a super lightweight design.

Benefits:

• Compact and lightweight for easy portability
• Waterproof build for outdoor and poolside use
• Adjustable EQ to fine-tune your audio
• Built-in speakerphone for hands-free calls
• Solid sound quality despite the small size

Best Affordable Bose Speaker

Bose SoundLink Flex

If you’re looking for a reliable portable speaker that delivers solid sound, this option is worth considering. It’s fully waterproof and dustproof, so it can handle outdoor adventures without a problem. The sound quality is impressive for its size, offering rich bass and clear highs, making your music sound great wherever you are. Plus, the built-in speakerphone adds extra convenience for taking calls. While it’s not ideal for those seeking perfect audio accuracy, it offers a balanced listening experience at a reasonable price, especially if you’re a fan of the brand.

Benefits:

• Rich bass depth and clear highs for quality sound
• Waterproof and dustproof, perfect for outdoor use
• Speakerphone clarity for hands-free calls
• Durable and portable for on-the-go listening
• Available in multiple colors to suit your style

Best for Big Bass in a Small Frame

JBL Flip 6

This portable speaker is a great pick if you’re after big bass in a compact design. Despite its smaller frame, it delivers powerful sound, especially in the low-end, thanks to the built-in passive bass radiators. The rugged, waterproof, and dust-tight build makes it perfect for outdoor adventures, and you can adjust the sound to your liking with the app’s EQ feature. While it doesn’t have a speakerphone or an aux input, it still stands out for offering robust audio at an affordable price. Plus, the variety of color options makes it easy to find one that suits your style.

Benefits:

• Impressive bass for such a small speaker
• Fully waterproof and dustproof for outdoor use
• Customizable sound with adjustable EQ
• Portable and lightweight, ideal for travel
• Multiple color choices to match your preferences

How We Tested the Best Outdoor Speakers

When choosing the best outdoor speakers, we focus on several key factors. First, we evaluate the audio quality, considering how well the bass, mid-range, treble, and vocals are balanced. We check the type of woofer, midrange driver, and tweeter each speaker has to understand how it will perform in different settings, whether it’s a spacious backyard or a cozy patio. The goal is to find out if the speaker can fill a large area with sound or if it’s better suited for smaller spaces.

To truly assess their performance, we test each speaker by playing various music genres outdoors, simulating the environments where you’d typically use them.

Since these speakers are for outdoor use, weatherproofing is crucial. We examine their resistance to temperature changes, water, dust, and even bugs. We also look at how easy they are to install or mount and whether they include smart technology features.

Finally, we test outdoor speakers across a range of price points to recommend options for every budget. For those looking for more affordable options, you can also explore the best cheap Bluetooth speakers, though not all of them are waterproof.

How to choose the best outdoor speakers 

When choosing the best outdoor speakers, there are several important factors beyond just price to consider:

Design: Start by checking if the speakers are weatherproof. Ideally, they should be water-resistant or fully waterproof (IPX7 rated) if you plan to leave them outside permanently. You’ll also need to think about connectivity. Many outdoor speakers are wired and require a power source, so if that’s not possible in your setup, portable Bluetooth speakers are a better choice.

Sound Quality: Consider the size of your outdoor space and the volume you’ll need. Smaller speakers work well for intimate spaces like patios or dinner parties, but for larger backyards or big gatherings, you’ll need more powerful speakers. Some models offer apps for custom sound profiles and EQ adjustments to personalize your listening experience.

Battery Life: Most portable outdoor speakers offer about 15 to 20 hours of playtime, which is important if you want extended use without frequent recharging.

Accessories: Ensure the speaker comes with essentials like a power or charging cable and a user guide.

Pricing: Outdoor speakers can be pricey due to their rugged build, but you can still find quality options across various budgets. Keep in mind that Bluetooth speakers tend to be more expensive. While budget models are available, they may compromise on sound quality or battery life. Sometimes, spending a little extra upfront saves money in the long run by avoiding constant recharges or poor performance.

Finally, keep an eye out for tech deals, as many of the top models are often discounted online, making it easier to snag a quality speaker at a lower price.