Who doesn’t love being outdoors in good weather, whether it’s a barbecue in the garden, a picnic in the park or relaxing by the lake? Of course, you can’t do without the right music – and you need a speaker that is robust, powerful and ideal for outdoor use. In this blog post, we present the best outdoor speakers that not only impress with their clear sound, but are also weatherproof and portable. Whether you’re looking for a speaker for your next outdoor party or a practical companion for your adventures in nature – you’ll find the perfect models for every need here.
The best outdoor speakers in the test
An outdoor speaker is characterized by its robustness, weather resistance and portability. It is usually waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and designed to withstand harsh conditions such as rain or impact. These speakers also offer a long battery life, so you can enjoy hours of music outdoors. Thanks to their compact design and practical carrying options, they are easy to transport, while their powerful volume and clear sound quality are also impressive in open environments. Ideal for adventures, outdoor parties or just relaxing outdoors.
JBL Xtreme 4
The JBL Xtreme 4 is a powerful Bluetooth speaker that is characterized by its robust design and impressive sound quality. With IP67 certification, it is both waterproof and dustproof, making it ideal for outdoor use. Its more angular design compared to its predecessor and the ability to use it both horizontally and vertically give it additional flexibility.
In terms of sound, the Xtreme 4 impresses with clear treble and powerful bass that does not lose quality even at higher volumes. The battery life of up to 24 hours enables long music enjoyment without interruption. The speaker also offers practical features such as a carrying strap for easy transportation and the option of using it as a power bank.
Pros:
- Robust, waterproof and dustproof design (IP67)
- Excellent sound quality with powerful bass
- Long battery life of up to 24 hours
- Practical carrying strap and power bank function
Cons:
- With a weight of approx. 2.1 kg, less portable than smaller models
- Relatively high price compared to other Bluetooth speakers
Overall, the JBL Xtreme 4 is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for a robust and powerful speaker for outdoor use and is prepared to invest in quality.
Sonos Move 2
The Sonos Move 2 is a versatile, portable speaker designed for both indoor and outdoor use. With an IP56 certification, it is protected against dust and splashing water, making it robust and weatherproof. Its elegant design blends seamlessly into different environments and the integrated carrying strap makes it easy to transport. The Move 2 supports both WLAN and Bluetooth connections, ensuring flexible use.
In terms of sound quality, the Move 2 impresses with its balanced and powerful sound. The integration of two tweeters and a mid-range driver enables clear and detailed reproduction across different frequency ranges. The speaker also offers an automatic Trueplay function that adapts the sound to the respective environment to ensure an optimal listening experience at all times.
Pros:
- Robust, weatherproof design (IP56 certification)
- Excellent sound quality with automatic room adjustment
- WLAN and Bluetooth support for versatile connectivity
- Long battery life for extended music enjoyment
Cons:
- With a weight of approx. 3 kg, less portable than lighter models
- Higher price compared to other portable speakers
Overall, the Sonos Move 2 is an excellent choice for anyone who values high-quality sound and robust construction and is prepared to invest in this quality.
soundcore Boom 2 Plus
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The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is a powerful Bluetooth speaker that is particularly suitable for outdoor use. With a maximum output power of 140 watts and BassUp 2.0 technology, it delivers powerful sound with deep bass. Its robust design with IPX7 certification makes it waterproof and therefore ideal for outdoor activities. The integrated RGB lighting also provides atmospheric lighting effects.
The speaker has two full-range drivers and two woofers, which together provide a balanced sound image. With a battery life of up to 20 hours, the Boom 2 Plus offers long-lasting music enjoyment without interruption. Thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 and PartyCast 2.0, multiple speakers can be synchronized to create an even more intense sound experience.
Pros:
- High output power with powerful bass
- Robust, waterproof design (IPX7)
- Long battery life of up to 20 hours
- Integrated RGB lighting for atmospheric effects
Cons:
- With a weight of approx. 3.75 kg, less portable than smaller models
- No integrated voice assistant
Overall, the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful and robust speaker for outdoor use. Its high performance and versatile functions make it a reliable companion for any occasion.
Sony ULT Field 7
The Sony ULT Field 7 is a powerful Bluetooth speaker that is characterized by its robust design and impressive sound quality. With IP67 certification, it is both dust and waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor use. Its sleek, tubular design is complemented by subtle RGB lighting that creates atmospheric lighting effects.
Equipped with two 46 mm tweeters and two 114 mm woofers, the ULT Field 7 delivers an audio output of 100 watts, which can be increased to 140 watts with BassUp 2.0 technology. This enables a powerful sound with deep bass that is impressive both indoors and outdoors. The battery life is up to 30 hours, so nothing stands in the way of long music sessions. The speaker also supports Bluetooth 5.2 and offers connections for USB-A, AUX and a microphone or guitar input.
Pros:
- Robust, waterproof and dustproof design (IP67)
- High audio performance with powerful bass
- Long battery life of up to 30 hours
- Versatile connection options and integrated RGB lighting
Cons:
- With a weight of 6.3 kg, less portable than smaller models
- Relatively high price compared to other Bluetooth speakers
Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM
The Ultimate Ears Everboom is a versatile Bluetooth speaker characterized by its robust design and impressive sound quality. With an IP67 certification, it is dust and waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor use. Its compact, oval design with integrated carabiner allows for easy transportation, making it a reliable companion on the go.
In terms of sound, the Everboom delivers a powerful, 360-degree sound that provides an impressive listening experience both indoors and outdoors. The outdoor boost function amplifies the sound in open environments, while the customizable EQ setting via the Ultimate Ears app allows for individual sound preferences. With a battery life of up to 20 hours, the speaker provides enough power for long listening sessions.
Pros:
- Robust, waterproof and dustproof design (IP67 certification)
- 360-degree sound with outdoor boost function
- Long battery life of up to 20 hours
- Customizable EQ settings via the app
Cons:
- The sound quality can drop slightly at maximum volume
- No WLAN support for music streaming
- Relatively high price compared to similar models
Overall, the Ultimate Ears Everboom is a solid choice for anyone looking for a robust and powerful portable speaker that is equally at home indoors or outdoors.
Price tip: soundcore Motion 300
The Soundcore Motion 300 is a compact Bluetooth speaker that offers impressive Hi-Res stereo sound with an output of 30 watts despite its handy size. Thanks to its IPX7 certification, it is completely waterproof and therefore ideal for outdoor use. Its robust design with rubberized surface ensures a secure grip and protection against drops, while a detachable carrying strap makes it easy to transport.
The speaker has two full-range drivers and uses BassUp technology to amplify low frequencies and create a balanced sound image. With a battery life of up to 13 hours, the Motion 300 allows you to enjoy music without interruption. Bluetooth 5.3 technology ensures a stable connection, and support for the LDAC codec ensures high-resolution audio transmission.
Pros:
- Compact and robust design with IPX7 water resistance
- Hi-Res stereo sound with 30 watts of power
- BassUp technology for amplified low frequencies
- LDAC support for high-resolution audio transmission
Cons:
- Battery life of 13 hours could be short for longer use
- No integrated voice assistant
Buying outdoor speakers: What you should look out for
A good outdoor speaker is more than just a device for listening to music – it’s the perfect companion for any outdoor adventure. Whether you’re barbecuing in the garden, hiking in the mountains or relaxing by the lake, the right speaker can significantly enhance the experience. But with so many models available, it can be difficult to find the best speaker for your needs. In this article, we’ll show you what you should look out for when buying an outdoor speaker so that you’re guaranteed the perfect sound for your adventures.
1. weather resistance and durability
One of the most important features of an outdoor speaker is its resistance to the elements. If you want to use the speaker outdoors, it should definitely be weatherproof. Pay attention to the IP protection standard (Ingress Protection), which indicates how well the speaker is protected against water and dust. A speaker with an IPX7 rating, for example, is protected against rain and even temporary submersion. The higher the IP value, the better the protection against the elements.
The speaker should also be robust and impact-resistant, as it can easily be exposed to knocks or falls during outdoor activities. Models with a rubberized outer layer or a particularly sturdy housing offer additional protection.
2. sound quality and volume
An outdoor speaker must not only be portable, but also powerful. Pay attention to the sound quality and volume, especially if you want to use the speaker in open, noisy environments such as on the beach or at a barbecue. The speakers should provide clear, distortion-free sound and not lose quality even at higher volumes.
Also check that the speaker has good bass response, as the low frequencies are often quickly lost outdoors. Models with a powerful bass can significantly improve the sound and offer a better listening experience.
3. battery life
As you will probably be using the outdoor speaker without a power outlet nearby, a long battery life is essential. Most models offer between 8 and 20 hours of playtime, depending on volume and usage. If you want to use the speaker for longer periods of time – such as for an all-day festival or a weekend camping vacation – you should choose a model with a particularly long battery life.
Some speakers also offer fast charging or even the option of charging them during use via a USB cable or power bank.
4 Portability and design
An outdoor speaker should be light and compact enough to be easy to transport. Look out for models with a practical carrying handle, snap hooks or loops that you can use to attach the speaker to your backpack or belt. The design should be functional and durable at the same time so that the speaker sits comfortably in your hand even during intensive use.
Size is also important: a speaker that is too big might be impractical for hiking or short trips, while a small speaker might lose sound quality at high volumes. Find the perfect balance for your needs.
5 Connectivity
Pay attention to what connectivity options the speaker offers. Most outdoor speakers rely on Bluetooth, as this enables easy and wireless connection with your smartphone or other devices. If you regularly want to connect to several devices at the same time, a speaker with the multi-device or party mode function is a good idea.
Some models also offer AUX inputs to connect the speaker directly to devices that do not support a Bluetooth connection. Wi-Fi or NFC (Near Field Communication) can be advantageous for a stable connection, even in areas with many other Bluetooth devices.
6. price-performance ratio
Outdoor speakers are available in different price ranges. Cheaper models offer basic functions, while higher-priced speakers often have additional features such as more powerful batteries, better sound quality and special design features. Think about which features are most important to you and compare prices to find the best value for money.
Conclusion
Buying an outdoor speaker should be carefully considered, as it can have a significant impact on your outdoor experience. Pay particular attention to weather resistance, sound quality, battery life and portability to find the perfect speaker for your needs. With a robust and powerful model, you will be able to enjoy every outdoor activity with clear sound and the best music accompaniment.
