The best outdoor speakers in 2025

Take your tunes outside without losing any sound quality.
 By 
Joseph Green
 and 
Matt Ford
 on 
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Overview

Best For Battery Life

Sonos Move 2

Jump to Details
Best For Premium Sound

Bose 251 Environmental Speakers

Jump to Details
Best For Parties

Sony SRS-XV800

Jump to Details
Best For Travel

JBL Flip 6

Jump to Details
Best For Easy Installation

Polk Audio Atrium 4

Jump to Details
Best For Tight Budgets

Pyle Mini Box Speakers

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See 2 More

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Table of Contents

There are lots of reasons to equip your outdoor area with speakers: Maybe you like to dine outside, throw garden parties, or simply kick your feet up and relax when the sun is out. You could always just blast a playlist from your smartphone's speaker, of course, but it never sounds great. If you're serious about music, treat those with the respect they deserve. Invest in a purpose-made outdoor speaker.

You can think beyond your own outdoor space, too. In the Bluetooth-connected world, you can pair your smart device and play music just about anywhere. So, if you're a regular picnicker or traveller, it's good to have a portable Bluetooth speaker that you can use in just about any outdoor space — the park, the beach, the poolside, wherever.

Finding a good pair of speakers is straightforward when you're building a sound system for inside your home, but finding the same kind of high-quality audio for the outdoors can be tricky. You can't use the same speakers for your living room as you do in your garden. Not only can they not withstand the weather, but indoor speakers just aren't built to carry audio in wide-open spaces. Read on for a guide on sweet-sounding outdoor speakers, plus a selection of the best options in 2025.

Are wired or wireless speakers best for outdoors?

Ultimately, it depends how, when, and where you use them. Wireless speakers are great for their portability, which makes them super convenient, but wired outdoor speakers are likely to be more powerful, more dependable, and less susceptible to interference. And with wired speakers, you'll never have to worry about recharging the battery or walking too far out of Bluetooth range. Those are definite perks when you’re throwing an all-day, all-night party and want to mingle with your guests. Outdoor wired speakers also tend to be better at filling large spaces with an even distribution of sound, especially since you can hook up several around the garden.

Wireless speakers — which usually work via Bluetooth — have their plus points, too. Bluetooth speakers can stream audio content from your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other Bluetooth-capable device. Sometimes, these speakers will also allow for hands-free capabilities through voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. The other bonus is that you can take them to the party, so you're not bound by one location. You can also take a portable Bluetooth speaker to the park, the pool, or on holiday.

But — because of where we are with speaker technology technology right now — there are speakers that effectively fill both roles, delivering massive sound more typical of wired speakers while also offering Bluetooth and streaming technology.

Can you mount outdoor speakers?

Mounting wired speakers around your outdoor living area is an ideal choice when you have the space to place them on walls or under decks. Often, these speakers are sold in pairs and have a stereo configuration with left and right inputs to help fill your space with more complex audio. The only downside is that they have a more limited range of projecting sound as they can only be tilted so far without literally hitting a wall.

If your outdoor space is further away from mountable opportunities, however, you could opt to hide your setup in your landscaping with some in-ground speakers instead. It will involve the careful burying of some wires, but it's a great choice for dispersing audio more evenly as many ground-level speakers boast 360° sound. The only caveat? Whichever option you choose for your outdoor listening, you'll want to ensure that they are actually designed to be used outside.

Are outdoor speakers waterproof?

While on your search for outdoors speakers, look out for keywords like "weatherproof" and "water-resistant". Most outdoor speakers will clearly let you know that all the electrical stuff is safely housed inside a weather-resistant shell. This means it can withstand the elements, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. 

A high waterproof rating is standard with portable Bluetooth speakers, but less common on mountable wired speakers. That said, it's common for wired outdoor speakers to be labelled as weather-resistant rather than waterproof. If you are concerned about wild weather, you might opt to place your speakers under some sort of cover to offer them more protection.

What is the best outdoor speaker?

We've tried to narrow down your options and compiled a roundup of top speakers for a wide range of people, budgets, and activities. We’re pretty confident you’ll find what you need to enjoy the outdoors without missing a beat. We've tracked down impressive devices from top brands like Bose, JBL, and Sonos. Just pick a favourite.

These are the best outdoor speakers in 2025.

Sonos Move 2 speaker

Sonos Move 2

Best For Battery Life

The Good & The Bad

  • Up to 24 hours of power
  • Premium audio quality
  • Lots of streaming options
  • WiFi and Bluetooth
  • Not travel size
  • Not waterproof

Why We Like It

Both battery-powered and smart, the Sonos Move 2 connects via WiFi or Bluetooth, so you can easily stream your favourite playlists from a wide range of platforms and services, which includes Apple AirPlay, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, and Spotify. The streaming options really are excellent.

Following on from the first-gen model, it's built with improved audio technology, which delivers a crisp and punchy audio, as well as an all-day battery life. It also has built-in Alexa, which gives you seamless, hands-free voice control. Just ask her to turn up the volume or skip tracks. Some smart features don't work in Bluetooth mode, however. You'll need to switch to WiFi.

The speaker is water resistant but don't leave it out in the elements at all times. Fortunately, it's easy to move indoors thanks to an ergonomic handle. Portability in and around the home is kind of the point. Though be warned: It's too hefty to take on your travels.

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • Excellent sound
  • Weather-resistant
  • Huge sound field
  • Advanced driver tech
  • Premium price
  • Zero smart features

Why We Like It

The Bose 251 environmental speakers are built for two specific purposes: To sound incredible and provide resistance against extreme conditions.

A clear, powerful, high-end sound comes via 2.5-inch full-range drivers and 5.25-inch woofers, which are encased in a multi-chamber bass enclosure. As part of Bose's Articulated Array speaker design, the drivers are precisely positioned to create a large, consistent sound field.

Weighing in at almost four kilograms each, they’re sturdy, durable, and easy to mount (the mounting hardware is included). They're also made with the elements in mind, boasting an all-weather resiliency.

In fact, they’ve been battle-tested by the manufacturer to withstand very rough conditions and extreme temperatures from 60 degrees down to -30 degrees celsius, while delivering the best and brightest sound.

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • Omnidirectional, 360-degree sound
  • Karaoke and party lighting
  • Mega Bass button
  • Touch panel and app control
  • TV Sound Booster
  • Premium price bracket
  • Smart features would be nice

Why We Like It

The Sony SRS-XV800 is made for fun — you get lights, karaoke options, and a massive 360-degree sound that will reach all corners of your garden party. Fun and games aside, it's a serious piece of audio tech.

It sets the party mood with pulsing lights that sync to the beat of your tunes. Omnidirectional sound comes via its X-Balanced Speaker Units, with a "Mega Bass" button that gives it an instant oomph when the garden party turns into a full-on rave. It's deep, rich, and punchy.

The speaker has two inputs, which allow you to plug in microphones for a karaoke session (or even plug in a guitar for your Ed Sheeran impression). Don't worry about the weather, either. It's water resistant and splash proof, which is handy if you have drunken revellers in the vicinity.

As a nice non-party bonus, it has a TV Sound Booster feature that connects to your television and gives you home cinema quality audio. If there's a downside, it's the price. At £500-plus, you'd expect some smart features.

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • Fun colour options
  • 12-hour battery
  • Full bassy sound
  • Water resistant
  • Portable size
  • Casual listeners only

Why We Like It

The JBL Flip 6 isn't especially high spec. But not every speaker needs to be. It's robust and lively-sounding, with everything you need for added flexibility. In other words, it has a fast and reliable Bluetooth connection that makes this speaker ideal for both indoors and outdoors — not to mention taking on your travels. And it won't eat up too much space in your bag.

It's waterproof, so you can splash worry-free when listening in the pool or in the bath. The sound is punchy, balanced, and packed with bassy goodness. You also get the benefit of a 12-hour battery (decent for the speaker's size).

The price tag is more than agreeable for the performance and versatility. JBL makes speakers in this mid-level range better anybody else.

Details

Polk Audio Atrium 4 speakers

Polk Audio Atrium 4

Best For Easy Installation

The Good & The Bad

  • One-handed installation
  • Weatherproof build
  • Flexible positioning
  • Reliable brand name
  • More advanced tech available

Why We Like It

From a highly-rated brand of outdoor speakers, the Polk Audio Atrium 4 cut out the hard work of installation. They feature a single-click speed-lock mounting system for easy and safe one-handed installation. 

Beyond that incredible convenience, the internal tech features a broad soundscape and acoustic design that make them sing with a full-range of sound in large areas. They'e not the most advanced tech-wise, but the speakers each come with a 5.25-inch Dynamic Balance driver and 3/4-inch dome tweeter to maximise audio and bass that delivers across wide, open spaces. 

Best of all, the speakers’ rugged durability exceeds baseline industrial and military specifications, earning them an all-weather certification that makes them pretty much immune to rain, snow, and extreme heat. 

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • 360-degree sound
  • Gets very loud
  • Multi-point pairing
  • Links with Bose speakers
  • 13-hour battery
  • Premium price
  • No smart features

Why We Like It

Looking for an all-round listening experience? That’s what you get — quite literally — with the Bose SoundLink Revolve Series II. It pumps out a true 360-degree surround sound that reaches an ear-blasting top volume. It's far louder than you’d expect from this little speaker.

That’s all thanks to some cool audio tech. There are also two listening modes to choose from: Stereo mode or Party mode. If you are partying outside, it's water resistant for poolside fun.

The Bose SoundLink Revolve Series II can also be paired with a second speaker to create stereo sound. Or you can integrate it into a Bose audio system via Bose SimpleSync technology. Either way, it's very adaptable.

The Bose Connect app ensures this speaker is always user-friendly. And a built-in mic allows you to take calls or use your phone’s smart assistant — though it doesn't have its own voice assistant built in.

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • Completely waterproof
  • Compact and versatile
  • Mounting kit included
  • Loud for the size
  • Ultimately budget quality
  • Casual use only
  • No features

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for a cheap sound solution for your outdoor space, the Pyle Mini Box Speaker System represents excellent value for money. The sound is solid — if not especially refined — with plenty of volume to keep the party jumping.

Built with heavy-duty ABS construction and marine grade waterproofing, this pair of speakers will also withstand the elements.

Installation is relatively straightforward. They come with all the necessary wires and mounting kit. Best of all, they’re small enough that you can mount them in any spot and in any position. You can use them as general indoor speakers or as a low-budget home cinema system, too.

Reviewers rate the sound quality though don’t expect top end audio — these speakers are made for pumping up the volume and creating some background atmosphere. For under £30, these are a great low-cost option.

Details

Topics Bose

Photo of Joseph Green
Joseph Green
Global Shopping Editor

Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.

Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable's sister site, AskMen.

Mashable Image
Matt Ford

Matt Ford is a freelance contributor to Mashable.


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