The best weatherproof and wireless outdoor speakers in 2025

Take the tunes with you.
 By 
Joseph Green
Ashley Keegan
, and 
Matt Ford
 on 
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Overview

Best For AI

JBL Xtreme 4

Jump to Details
Best For Smart Homes

Sonos Move 2

Jump to Details
Best For Bass

Sony ULT FIELD 1

Jump to Details
Best For Party Lights

JBL Pulse 5

Jump to Details
Best For Tight Budgets

Tribit MaxSound Plus

Jump to Details
Best For Holidays

Ultimate Ears Boom 4

Jump to Details
Best For Portability

JBL Clip 5

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See 3 More

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Table of Contents

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Take a moment to picture the perfect holiday snap: You relaxing in some picturesque location, the sun shining, and a cold drink in your hand. They say a picture speaks a thousand words. But who's bringing the tunes? For that you'll need a decent speaker.

When selecting a speaker for this particular scene, there are certain features to keep in mind. Choosing a wireless speaker — one that doesn’t tangle you in power cords and can easily connect to your phone via WiFi or Bluetooth — will obviously make things easier, which is why you should primarily consider wireless for outside use.

But wireless technology isn't the only important feature. Just as crucial for outdoor use is some kind of weather-resistance or waterproofing — and speakers come with all kinds of tech and smart features. Here's a guide to everything you need to know.

Do you need a wireless outdoor speaker?

With today’s WiFi and Bluetooth technology, there’s no need to fumble around with complicated installations or bury wires in the garden to protect against wet and windy elements. You’re better off with a Bluetooth speaker that easily connects to your devices — smartphone, tablet, laptop, whatever — and seamlessly streams your tunes. Another benefit is that you can often link several Bluetooth speakers to provide complete audio coverage over your outdoor space. You can also use that tech to sync the audio playing indoors and outdoors to keep your party’s vibe consistent.

What are the important features in wireless outdoor speakers?

We have checked out a wide range of wireless outdoor speakers, and come up with a shortlist of things you should care about. These are some things to consider:

  • Battery Life — The major downside of wireless speakers is that they need to be charged periodically. Make sure that the outdoor speaker you choose has a decent battery life if you plan to use it often and don’t want to think about recharging too much. 10-12 hours is about average.

  • Durability — This might seem obvious, but you need your outdoor speaker to be durable. If it's not, then it's not going to last very long. Chances are, any outdoor speaker is going to take a few bumps and it might even get dropped. So the last thing you need is something that easily breaks.

  • Sound quality — Just like with any speaker purchase, you’re going to want to prioritise sound quality. What’s the point if your speaker doesn’t play your tunes any better than your phone? So make sure you pick something with bass, clear audio, and good volume.

  • Waterproofing — We have just mentioned how important water resistance is, but you should also look for the next step in protection. If you’re planning to use your speaker near a pool, lake, or sea, you should get one that can be submerged in water. Accidents happen, and it's best to play it safe with a waterproof speaker. Be sure to check the waterproof rating.

  • Weather-resistance — Of course, nothing is indestructible in the elements, but you will need something that can hold up at least for a little while in whatever weather conditions are common near you. This is where a speaker that's water or heat resistant can come in handy.

Keep these points in mind when shopping for your next speaker.

What is the best wireless outdoor speaker?

Once you've made sense of what matters most to you, and what you want from an outdoor speaker, you can decide on your preferred device. This isn't the easiest task, because there are a lot of options out there that tick a lot of boxes.

To make things easier for you, we have lined up a selection of the best wireless outdoor speakers, including popular models from top brands like JBL and Ultimate Ears. We've searched high and low to bring you this list, and we're confident that there's something for everyone here — not to mention every budget.

These are the best wireless outdoor speakers in 2025.

The Good & The Bad

  • Great sound and bass
  • AI Sound Boost tech
  • PartyBoost mode
  • Carry strap included
  • Built-in bottle opener
  • Loud for small spaces
  • Clunky design

Why We Like It

The JBL Xtreme 4 has everything you want in a rugged outdoor wireless speaker. It offers amazing sound, a large volume range, and durability. It’s also waterproof and dust proof and can handle more than a bit of drizzle.

It's on the heavier side, but that's offset by a handy carry strap, which allows you to take the party with you and save on bag space. That's not the only built-in extra you get with the JBL Xtreme 4 — it also has a built-in bottle opener, in case there was any question about its party credentials.

It also connects with other JBL speakers via "PartyBoost" and has a new feature called AI Boost. This is an AI algorithm that predicts the speaker's movement and adjusts in real-time using its full dynamic range, ensuring a better, more powerful sound at all times. It also reduces distortion.

The speaker also knows how to keep the party going. It offers plenty of playtime from a single charge — a massive with dual passive radiators that deliver powerful, ear-catching JBL sound that resonates loud and clear. 

Details

Sonos Move 2 speaker

Sonos Move 2

Best For Smart Homes

The Good & The Bad

  • Compatible with Alexa
  • Excellent audio quality
  • WiFi and Bluetooth
  • TruePlay technology
  • Charging base included
  • Limited in Bluetooth mode
  • Portable but not travel size

Why We Like It

The Sonos Move 2 is a durable, battery-powered speaker that can handle rain, splashes, and dust — a great option if you want something that you can move around the home and especially the garden.

It's not the easiest to take on your travels due to its bulky size — it certainly won't slip into your pocket — but there are stacks of plus points. The battery has been seriously boosted since the previous gen model, with an impressive 24 hours playtime, further bolstered by a charging dock (or simply charge it up using a USB-C). It's durable too, with a robust shell that can handle the odd drop or bump — always a hazard when your partying and taking the speaker between the BBQ and indoors.

This speaker is super easy to use: it’s quick to set up, simple to control through the Sonos app, and you can switch from WiFi to Bluetooth, giving you a huge number of streaming options. It also works with Alexa, though you can also control it via the Sonos app.

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • ULT bass button
  • Shock proof durability
  • Very portable
  • Clear voice call technology
  • Bigger batteries available
  • Not much else

Why We Like It

The Sony ULT Field 1 comes from probably the biggest and best audio brand in the world. Sony has that rep for good reason: its devices sound excellent. Part of what makes that Sony sound so excellent is its devices don't overdo the bass, often a problem on other speakers than crank up bass artificially. With the ULT POWER range, however, Sony is all about the bass.

Indeed, the Sony ULT FIELD 1 — the smallest, most portable offering from the range — comes equipped with an ULT button. Just one push and the speaker boosts the bass and ups the sound pressure.

It's highly durable, designed to withstand the elements as well as knocks and bumps, and you can take hands-free calls through the speaker. It has something called Echo Cancelling, which is a fancy way of saying it blocks out ambient noise so calls are crystal clear. There are other options as part of this range, such as the high-end ULT FIELD 7, but we're recommending this smaller version for both the portability and lower price.

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • 360-degree audio performance
  • Connects to voice assistants
  • Integrates into Bose system
  • Gets impressively loud
  • High-quality audio brand
  • No built-in smart features

Why We Like It

The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Series II is an attractive, tech-minded speaker that lives up to the idea of being an "all-rounder". It offers true 360-degree surround sound, making for an immersive listening experience that reaches every corner of the garden party. You can also pair it with a second Bose speaker to get that authentic stereo sound, though it can get very loud on its own.

It doesn't have any smart features of its own, but it connects with to your smartphone or smart device and allows you to use the device's assistant. If you connect to an Amazon Echo, for instance, you'll be able to use Alexa. You can also take calls through the speaker when your phone is connected.

And it's easy to control with the Bose Connect app, which allows you to switch between two modes — Stereo mode or Party mode — depending on your mood or preference. In short, crank up the music then call your pals to tell them the party has well and truly started.

Details

JBL Pulse 5 speaker

JBL Pulse 5

Best For Party Lights

The Good & The Bad

  • Gives an LED light show
  • Strong sound for size
  • Party Boost pairing
  • On the heavier side

Why We Like It

The JBL Pulse 5 is more than just a Bluetooth speaker. It’s also a light show thanks to an LED wrap-around panel. When you play music, the speaker will put on a multi-coloured light show that dances along to the beat. As JBL likes to say, the Pulse range delivers "sound you can see".

Both the sound and lights are 360°. Stick this speaker at the centre of the action and it will truly be the life and soul of the party.

If you want to get even more out of this device, it has a PartyBoost feature that allows you to connect and sync with other compatible JBL speakers. The JBL Xtreme 4 also has PartyBoost. Hey, why not buy them both?

The speaker is portable, though it's a bit heavier than some. On the plus side, it's very easy to connect to your phone and has a decent (though not class-leading) battery life. Dust resistance and waterproofing keeps it well protected.

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • Long battery life
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Bluetooth range of 100 feet
  • Not much at this price

Why We Like It

For its size — and its price — the Tribit MaxSound Plus does not disappoint. Considering it's on the affordable end of the scale, it's surprisingly advanced.

This speaker uses Bluetooth 5.0 (not the latest Bluetooth technology but very respectable indeed at this level) so you can rely on an instant, continuous, safe connection. Not to mention clear, crisp audio. The sound is further boosted by internal tech — advanced amplifier modules, audio processing tech, and large drivers that pump out accurate sound at any volume.

The big sell of the Tribit MaxSound Plus, however, is the whopping battery life of 20 hours. Though priced at under £60, its battery life outstrips speakers that cost four times as much. And let's be honest, a long-lasting battery is exactly what you want from a portable speaker.

As for other portable and party-friendly features, it's waterproof in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes and weather resistant. 

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • Clear 360-degree sound
  • Floats in water
  • Bluetooth range of 150ft
  • Vibrant colour choices
  • Takes a while to charge

Why We Like It

The Ultimate Ears Boom 4 produces 360-degree sound and reaches high volumes, meaning it's perfect for playing outside in large gardens, by the poolside, or at the beach. In other words, anywhere you like.

This speaker maxes out with a very impressive 15 hours of battery life — more than enough for an all-dayer in the sunshine. If you're a real raver, or you're trying to fill a wide area with rich sound, this speaker also has a bass boost mode. There are three other EQ modes, too — Cramped Spaces, Deep Relaxation, and Podcast. Connect it with other Ultimate Ears speakers for an even bigger sound. Though it's more than capable on its own.

Not only is it waterproof (a little rain is nothing to this speaker), it actually floats — handy for the inevitable moment that someone drops it in the pool. It also comes equipped with a "Magic" button, which allows you to control music playback from any streaming platform. In fact, you can set up the Magic button to access your playlist from streaming platforms with just one push.

Details

JBL Clip 5 portable speaker

JBL Clip 5

Best For Portability

The Good & The Bad

  • Carabiner carry clip
  • Small build, fun sound
  • Lots of colour options
  • Playtime Boost feature
  • JBL app control
  • Bigger sound available

Why We Like It

If being outdoors means a constant on-the-move lifestyle, as a commuter or a social butterfly, the very portable JBL Clip 5 is an ideal pick. You can hook its carabiner clip to pretty much anything — your bike handlebars, backpack, or even your belt loop — and listen while you go.

It has JBL's signature Pro sound — a great, unfussy audio that punches above the price point — and offers 12 hours of battery. But there's also a Playtime Boost button that gives you an extra three hours if and when you need it.

In terms of resistance against the elements, it protects against water, dust, and dirt, making it perfect for BBQs, picnics, beach parties, and any other type of outdoor function that requires banging tunes. And everything's controlled within the JBL Portable app, which allows you to adjust EQ settings.

Details

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
Ashley Keegan

Ashley Keegan is a freelance contributor to Mashable.

Mashable Image
Matt Ford

Matt Ford is a freelance contributor to Mashable.


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