Best outdoor speakers: soup up your garden sounds

Looking to up your outdoor party game with the best outdoor speakers? If you enjoy entertaining and have big plans in store for the summer, you'll know the importance of using music to set the mood. While most of us have a sound system set up for indoors entertaining, out outdoor spaces are often neglected in the music department.

Get set up for garden gatherings and al fresco dining with our pick of the best outdoor speakers, including outdoor bluetooth speakers and wireless speaker models.

Then, check out more buyer's guides and garden-related advice in our garden pages. 

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 waterproof, too. Find out more below.

How to buy the best outdoor speaker

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 model that'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?

As expected from Bose speakers, the SoundLink Color 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 only splash proof, as opposed to being waterproof.

Shop more bluetooth speakers at John Lewis

The JBL Charge 3 might our best speaker for small parties thanks to its tiny footprint, but it can be customised to create all-round for larger gatherings if need be thanks to its ability to be twinned with other JBL speakers. With wireless Bluetooth streaming, you can connect up to three smart devices at once, but if you do choose to plug in, you’ll get charge-and-play functionality in the bargain, and crystal clear speakerphone to get in touch with the stragglers. If you want a speaker that’s great for personal as well as party use, give this one a try. 

Shop more wireless speakers at Currys PC World

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. 

Shop more outdoor speakers at Amazon

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. Like the JBL Charge 3, this is an option to consider for year-round use, as its Alexa-compatibility and small footprint make it ideal for everyday as well as occasions.

Shop more waterproof wireless speakers

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.

Shop more weatherproof speakers at Amazon

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. 

Find more outdoor box speakers at Amazon

 Read more: 

• Keep the party going after dark with our best patio heaters and chimeneas 
• Accessorise to perfection with our favourite outdoor accessories, which also happen to be doing their bit for the planet 
• Get the video sorted as well as the audio with our favourite outdoor projectors for open-air film nights