Best outdoor speaker

Create a great atmosphere when you’re welcoming friends to a get-together in your garden with an outdoor speaker. Opting for one of these means you can keep the soundtrack going when you’re simply relaxing in the backyard, or you can take it away on holiday and listen by the pool as well. Made to tolerate outdoor conditions, some outdoor speakers are even waterproof and usable in a hot tub. Find a design with the style and sound you prefer among our selections.

This outdoor speaker is relatively compact in its dimensions at 25.4-by-9.4-by-9.5 centimetres, but despite its small size, it can provide the sound you need when you’re outside your home. It can connect to Bluetooth devices up to 20-metres away, and, to make life easy, it automatically reconnects to the last paired device. The rechargeable battery provides up to 24 hours of play at two-thirds volume, so you can keep the music going. Be aware that although the speaker is splash-proof, it should not be partially or fully submerged. I like the removable strap, which makes it convenient for travel.

Take this small outdoor speaker wherever you’re going. It’s just 17.5-by-5.51-by-6.1 centimetres, and won’t weigh you down as it’s just 360 grams. The device is waterproof, so you can take it to the beach, the pool, out on the water, and even use it in the shower. A lanyard makes it easy to carry or attach to a backpack while you’re out, and with sleek curves, it looks good, too. With Bluetooth 5.0, it promises a fast connection. 

If you want to be able to turn up the volume on your outdoor speaker, it could be worth investing in this design. The device promises a stereo sound that doesn’t distort when it’s loud. I like the fact that you can customise what you hear using the Soundcore app, and you can boost the bass on the speaker, too. You won’t need to keep recharging either, with up to 24 hours of playing time. The handle makes it easy to take out into the garden or further afield, although it does give it a retro look that won’t be to everyone’s taste. This is another of the waterproof models we’ve selected, and if it goes right in, it’ll float to the top.

Intrigue little ones in the pool or add music and a light show to your hot tub sessions with this floating outdoor speaker. The LED lights provide a colourful show, and there are seven different modes to choose from, including one that works with the beat of the music. Fun in the day, it’s even better when you’re in the spa after dark. The speaker may be small, but it provides good sound, although you may find that hot tub jets compete with the tunes. With Bluetooth 4.2, it’s compatible with all suitable devices.

If you’re searching for an outdoor speaker that looks great and provides good sound in a small package, this could be the model with your name on it. We’ve picked the black option, but you can choose from a range of appealing colours. This is a splash-proof design, rather than a fully waterproof one, but that still means it’ll stand up to life by the pool and cope with a sudden shower. You could use it in the bathroom as well. The lights respond to the rhythm of the music to make it an even more eye-catching option. It has up to 15 hours of battery life and pairs with Bluetooth devices. 

Opt for this neat outdoor speaker, and you can create a pretty focal point for entertainment. It’s a flame-effect light as well as a Bluetooth device. It would look great at the centre of the table, but because it’s weatherproof, can be placed on a path or lawn without issue. It’s designed to provide a decent eight hours of music and 300 hours of light. The sound isn’t the loudest, but it should be all you need for a garden gathering. It comes with a charging cable and takes four hours to reach full power.

Our verdict

Enjoy better quality sound in the garden and at other exterior locations by investing in an outdoor speaker. Our number one is the W-King portable wireless speaker. It offers up to 24 hours of battery life, so the music doesn’t stop, and a removable strap makes it easy to take where you want.

If you like the idea of a design that’s an appealing garden feature, opt for the Luceco flame speaker. Position the lantern-style design at a table centre to provide light and music in one.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously – testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.