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 the best outdoor speakers to 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:
| JBL Stage XD-5 Outdoor Speaker | A powerful, rugged on-wall speaker IP67 waterproof rating - perfect for all weathers 5.25″ polypropylene woofer and 1″ aluminium dome tweeter | Find out more |
| Monitor Audio Vecta V240 On Wall Speaker | Sleek, all-weather, compact design with Monitor Audio C-CAM drivers IP55-rated sealed enclosure for dust and water resistance Vertical, horizontal, or back-to-back placement options | Find out more |
| Q Acoustics Qi65CW | An in-ceiling speaker that keeps things discreet and sophisticated Features a 6.5" polypropylene cone woofer Moisture and weatherproof | Find out more |
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. JBL Stage XD-5 – a great weather-resistant on-wall speaker
Key features
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating
- 5.25-inch polypropylene woofer
- One-inch aluminium dome tweeter
Pros
- Fantastic weather resistance – much needed for permanent outdoor speakers
- Balanced sound with defined low-end
- Delivers a very immersive coverage thanks to its wide dispersion
Cons
-
Requires external amplification
The JBL Stage XD-5 is built to handle harsh outdoor environments and deliver a balanced, clear, and rich sound. Its IP67 rating protects against water, dust, and extreme temperatures, making it great to set up in exposed spaces while retaining peace of mind that it will stay in good condition.
Sound quality remains a priority here. The 5.25-inch polypropylene woofer offers deep and punchy bass, while the one-inch aluminium dome tweeter handles highs with clarity. An integrated acoustic lens and HDI waveguide then help deliver a well-dispersed soundstage with minimal distortion.
It’s a passive speaker, so you’ll need a separate amplifier. But the flexibility in placement and the included mounting bracket give you a range of setup options, whether wall-mounted or on a stand.
JBL have also included a zero-bezel grille to maintain acoustic integrity over time – perfect for long-term outdoor use.
If you’re after a weather-ready speaker that doesn’t sacrifice clarity or low-end response, the Stage XD-5 is ideal. This is a solidly built, well-designed, and reliable speaker with excellent sound quality that disperses well outdoors.
2. 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.
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. Kitsound Diggit 55 – a great compact, portable speaker
Key features
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 15-hour battery life
- IP66 weatherproof design
Pros
- Flexible for indoor and outdoor use
- 360-degree sound
- Comes with a removable stake for standing in the ground
Cons
- Bass could have a bit more depth and punch – but for the price, we won’t complain!
Let’s hop over the garden fence and head back out on the trail. Our next pick is another portable speaker, and it comes with a removable stake for sticking the speaker in the ground – perfect for garden and beach use.
The Kitsound Diggit 55 combines a convenient, portable design (it’s small, wireless, and has a 15-hour playtime) with crystal-clear 360-degree sound, powered by two opposing drivers and boosted by two passive radiators.
With Bluetooth connectivity, it’s easy to play your tunes wirelessly, and thanks to the Tap-to-Pair feature, you can connect two Diggit 55 speakers just by touching them together. Better still, the speaker is IP66-rated, meaning it’s weatherproof and suitable for outdoor use. And when you want to use it indoors, just simply switch to the indoor EQ mode; this will adjust the sound output to suit.
Adding an extra touch of sophistication, the Diggit 55’s LED ring brings some ambience to any evening garden party gathering. Plus, it’s super affordable! The Kitsound Diggit 55 is a fantastic, nifty speaker to pack up and take with you wherever you go.
5. 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.
6. Q Acoustics Q Install Qi65LW Weatherproof Rock-Effect Speaker – the most unique yet discreet outdoor speaker
Key features
- Granite-effect low-profile rock design
- Rugged glass-reinforced polymer cabinet
- 6.5-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter
Pros
- Blends into landscaped outdoor settings brilliantly
- Full-range sound at higher volumes
- Reliably withstands outdoor weather conditions
Cons
-
Not suitable for wall mounting
The Qi65LW is designed to be heard but not seen, with a granite-effect finish that blends into gardens and patios. It’s completely unique; with this, you won’t have a huge noticeable speaker standing among your beautiful landscaped space! Plus, beyond its looks, the speaker is also fantastically rugged, using a glass-reinforced polymer cabinet that holds up well in changing weather conditions.
Sometimes, with tech like this, which looks almost non-serious, it can be easy to think it won’t perform as well as “serious”-looking speakers. However, as the Qi65LW is a Q Acoustics speaker, this is not the case here. Sound-wise, the Q Acoustics Qi65LW is natural, clear, and balanced. The 6.5-inch polypropylene woofer and one-inch PEI dome tweeter are housed in a low-resonance enclosure, helping reduce unwanted colouration and providing consistent performance even at louder volumes.
With a frequency response of 70Hz to 20kHz, it covers the essential range for outdoor music playback, balancing form and function without compromise.
If you’re after an outdoor speaker that doesn’t interrupt the visual feel of your space, the Qi65LW offers subtle styling with solid acoustic performance and dependable weather resistance.
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. JBL Clip 5 – the most portable speaker on the list
Key features
- JBL Pro Sound
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof protection
- Auracast and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
Pros
- Ultra-portable clip-on design
- Powerful sound for such a small size
- 12-hour battery life is ideal for outdoor use
Cons
- Of course, for such a small, affordable speaker, it doesn’t have the same “oomph” of sound that others on this list have
As we approach the end of our list, I think we have time for one last portable speaker. The JBL Clip 5 is one of the most convenient little devices around, with a compact design and a handy carabiner that allows you to clip the speaker onto your bag and bring the party!
It’s also truly wireless, courtesy of Auracast and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. And as this is JBL, the sound is great. Don’t let the small size fool you, the Clip 5 delivers exceptionally clear sound with some good punch in the bass. The battery can last up to 12 hours on a single charge, which is great for outdoor use – and the IP67-rated construction means it won’t be bothered by a bit of water and dust.
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, Monitor Audio, and Q Acoustics are leaders in making the best outdoor speakers. Their products are renowned for their portability, durability, and sound quality, and you’ll find some high-quality installation speakers here 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.
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