Best outdoor speakers: 7 top buys for your next waterproof speaker

If you still yearn to be outside in the garden, the best outdoor speaker will contently stay by your side come rain or shine. One (or two) of these will provide you with top tunes on demand. Some are even compatible with Amazon Alexa so you can ask it to check the weather report for always being prepared, or what the traffic situ is like for your journey home from the park. 

To help you tune in to the best options available for your music listening we have compiled this guide of the top buys around right now. We've included outdoor bluetooth speakers, wireless speaker models and totally waterproof speakers so you can choose the most suitable option for you.

Keep scrolling to see our seven top buys then, check out our best surround sound guide for help with creating a home cinema.

What is the best outdoor speaker?

We think the Bose SoundLink Color II is the best outdoor speaker. It's small but offers quality sound, and it's water resistant, too. Find out more below.

The best outdoor speaker buys:

As expected from Bose speakers, the SoundLink Colour II comes with the promise of good quality sound, even despite its small size. While it obviously can't compete with larger models, this is the best speaker for those with a smaller outdoor space.

The only thing worth noting about the Bose Soundlink is that it's IPX4-rated water-resistant and dustproof construction, not fully waterproof, it would be a good idea to bring this one in from the garden once you're all tuned out.

It may not behold the most impressive specs but the JBL Flip 5 is still one of the best waterproof speakers you can buy, and one which won't blow too much damage to the wallet either.

Weighing in at just 1.2 pounds, this speaker is pretty lightweight so it can be easily moved. Don't be fooled by it's weightless construction because with 40mm drivers it can certainly pack a punch. And it's with this design that makes it ideal for taking outside with its IPX waterproof casing, so you're protected come rain or shine.

We LOVE the look of this waterproof speaker and it looks like you do, too. It's now out of stock and we're not sure when it'll be back, but our handy widget will let us know.

If you’ve spent a great deal of time curating your outdoor living area, the last thing you want is a brightly-coloured plasticky speaker disrupting the vibe. This low-key speaker is the polar opposite, hiding out in a decidedly rock-like housing that wouldn’t look out of place in a zen garden. 

Available in a choice of granite or sandstone, reviewers say these hidden speakers sound amazing at all volumes, and found them surprisingly lightweight considering the hardware they pack in, although if you’re after more bass, they recommend investing in a sub. 

Sure, it won’t beat an expensive set of stereo speakers for bass and volume, but as portable speakers go, the UE Megablast from Ultimate Ears can’t be beaten on that front. Reviewers found it lived up to its name with its powerful sound and rounded tone, that they got full coverage wherever they moved it to, and that the build was robust enough to stand up to raucous outdoor dos. 

It's a great option to consider for year-round use, as its Alexa-compatibility and small footprint make it ideal for everyday as well as occasions.

If you’re lacking in floor space, or simply want more of an ambient effect, look to a wall mounted outdoor speaker like this one from Adastra for your next party. It might look simple, but it’s surprisingly versatile: available in a choice of white or black to suit most schemes, it can also function as a freestanding speaker should you wish, and has two easy-select EQ settings for indoor or outdoor use. Reviewers noted that real bass heads may find these speakers wanting, but for the average user, it looks to be excellent value: well-built, sturdy and with a clear, distortionless output.

The only pair of outdoor speakers on our list, this Bass Face offering is ideal for creating all-round sound in smaller gardens, while their bargain price means it won’t sting too much if you only need them for a single event, such as a wedding reception. Reviewers have noticed that the grille is prone to rusting after a few months outside, so consider using inside a pergola or gazebo, or storing indoors in bad weather. However, users were very impressed with the sound for the very budget-friendly price, so for short-term use, they come highly recommended. 

No media room or music room — ‘garage’, to the rest of us — is complete without at least a little nod to classic rock. This beautifully designed Bluetooth waterproof speaker is more of a salute really, styled after the iconic Marshall amplifier, but it’s certainly not a case of style over substance. 

It has a silicone exterior, steel metal grille and an IPX4 rating to keep it in tip-top condition, whatever the weather. And with a single charge it’s purported to offer a whopping 25 hours of playback. It even comes equipped with a USB port so you can charge your phone while playing music from it. 

How to buy the best outdoor speaker

When looking to buy a waterproof speaker suitable for outdoor use there are a few factors which you'll need to consider:

Mains or wireless?
When choosing the best outdoor speaker, probably the first question to ask is do you want a model that replies on mains electricity or a portable, wireless speaker? 

Some outdoor speakers are basically just replacements for a Hi-Fi, and will provide top-quality audio, while others wireless models are small enough to fit in a pocket. In general, it tends to be that the smaller and lighter the model, the less accomplished the audio. But that's not to say the wireless options we have chosen aren't brilliant, just that if you are after the best of the best in terms of sound, going for a larger speaker that isn't wireless is probably your safest bet. 

Water-resistance
Next think about how waterproof you need your outdoor speaker to be. All models we have chosen are either waterproof or water-resistant. If you are going to be keeping your speaker covered in a gazebo or something similar, you can get away with a speaker that's just water resistant, but if it's going to be open to the elements or near a pool, pick a waterproof speaker to ensure that it's fully waterproof.

Bonus features
Then there are any extra features to consider. Do you need a speaker that allows you to charge your other devices? Does it need to have a microphone too so you can answer calls? Do you want more than one person to be able to control the speaker?

 Read more: 

• Get the video sorted as well as the audio with our favourite best outdoor projectors for open-air film nights
• Or take a seat inside with the best home theatre system to surround you with sound