Best Outdoor Speaker
From portable models with party features to permanent installations that blend into your home's exterior, these outdoor speakers deliver impressive sound quality in any environment. And since we know that waterproofing is one of the most important features for outdoor tech, we've included models that can handle an accidental dunk in the pool. You're bound to recognize a few of the big names in sound on our list, but the smaller brands may sway you to their side with extended battery life, enhanced bass capabilities and pairing potential.
These 10 outdoor speakers were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.
1. Epicboom | Ultimate Ears
Minimalistic and modern, the Epicboom is an eco-conscious speaker made of post-consumer recycled plastic and 100% recycled polyester. Its design is complemented by components like the Outdoor Boost button, which kicks it up an extra decibel for big sound if you're hosting a cookout. Users also praise the customizable EQ with four programmed presets that elevate your listening experience.
2. Beats Pill | Beats by Dre
Offering surprising sound quality for its size, the Beats Pill boasts a larger racetrack woofer that pushes 90 percent more air than its original. Compatible with Apple and Android devices, this Bluetooth speaker has a 24-hour battery life and can sync with another Beats Pill for double the sound. And its waterproof rating means you can bring it by the pool with no worries.
3. Move 2 | Sonos
Sonos, the inventors of wireless multi-room audio, knows better than anyone else how to create amazing sound without the need for exterior cords. The Move 2 is a prime example of this modernization, working over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and automatically tuning its output through Trueplay technology to best fit the acoustics of its surroundings. These drop, dust and water-resistant speakers effortlessly link up with other Sonos products, too.
4. Beosound Explore | Bang & Olufsen
While you'd normally cringe if your Bluetooth speaker fell in sand or water, owners of the Beosound Explore just smile, knowing its IP67 rating means it's fully dust and waterproof. A scratch-resistant, anodized aluminum shell protects the exterior in the most remote locations—just clip it onto your gear and go. As you set up camp, the rubber base grips the ground, and its extended battery provides 27 hours of playtime.
5. Boom 2 | Soundcore (Anker)
The Boom 2's integrated handle and music-synced light show make it obvious that it's meant to go places and bring the party with it. The clear 2.1-channel setup is enhanced with Soundcore's BassUp 2.0 technology, which is activated at the touch of a button. A whole new level of waterproof, the Boom 2 actually floats, so you can even confidently paddleboard with it.
6. Range Rugged Bluetooth Speaker |
Outdoor Tech
A mountain peak-inspired exterior instantly sets the Range Rugged Bluetooth Speaker apart from competitors. This is no boring, brick-shaped portable speaker. Its unique shape isn't just for show—360-degree sound waves escape from every angle. Make it the centerpiece of an evening cocktail party, and its LED lights will delight guests while its IPX7 rating will protect it from their drinks.
7. Middleton | Marshall
Designed to replicate Marshall's iconic guitar amps and speaker cabinets, the Middleton is popular with musicians loyal to the brand's signature sound. With four drivers and dual passive radiators, this speaker produces a cinematic atmosphere for outdoor movie nights, and sudden rainstorms are no big deal because of the IP67 rating. On-board bass and treble adjusters also allow you to fine-tune your music without opening the Bluetooth app.
8. FreeSpace 360P Series II | Bose
Blending seamlessly into the existing landscape, the FreeSpace 360P Series II stays hidden while soothing sounds fill your garden because of its 360-degree coverage. Though the speaker is small, it offers a frequency range down to 60 hertz, which is what you'd expect from a brand like Bose. Pesky squirrels or curious dogs pose no real threat to this permanent install either since it is tamper resistant.
9. Original: Gen 3 | TurtleBox
Now in its third generation, the TurtleBox Original maintains its rugged character by still being 100% drop, crush and dustproof. It can also handle being submerged for up to 30 minutes, although that's unlikely to happen since it floats in fresh and salt water. The new Party Mode allows you to pair your speaker with some other TurtleBox models, and the battery provides up to three days of playtime.
10. Sonance Patio Series 4.1
With four satellite speakers and one in-ground subwoofer, the Sonance Patio Series 4.1 floods spaces of up to 1,000 square feet with clear, even sound. Simply stake the speakers discreetly into your home's bushes, find a corner wall for the subwoofer and connect the five units to start jamming. An additional set can be integrated for even greater coverage.
About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards
Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.
Our Featured Panelists
Aly Walansky
Aly Walansky writes regularly about food news and trends. She has been a food journalist for over twenty years and has covered everything from budget shopping to recipes to culinary travel content for national publications that include the Food Network, Southern Living, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, The Kitchn and more. She was ranked among top 10 journalists of 2023 and top 10 freelance journalists in 2024, as well as #1 food journalist of 2022, by Muck Rack. Follow her at alywalansky.substack.com.
Mike Shubic
Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions...the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure. Learn more at MikesRoadTrip.com.
Susan Lanier-Graham
Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.
Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.