Our experts searched for weather-resistant speakers that provided the right combination of audio quality, durability, performance, and easy-installation. We also looked at cost versus features, examining what each speaker offered for its price. Read on to see our top picks. Built to withstand the elements, the Bose 251 are made of a water-resistant composite that’s tough enough to handle the hottest of hot (140 degrees Fahrenheit) and the coldest of cold (-22 degrees Fahrenheit). These speakers have been around for quite a while, and we’ve seen users report they still work well after five or more years outside in the elements. The design offers an extra powerful sound that’s more than loud enough to be heard whether you’re in your yard or on your patio, thanks to the 2.5-inch full-range drivers and a 5.25-inch woofer. You can easily install the Bose on a wall, overhang or even from a horizontal surface (think shelves or railings). If you’re trying to build a large set-up, you may want to read up on some tips on how to experience home theater outdoors. Number of Speakers Included: 2 | Bluetooth/Wireless: No | Weather Resistance: 140° F to -22° F, ok in snow, rain, and salt | Driver Size: 2.5-inch drivers, 5.25-inch woofer These Kicker speakers measure 17 x 10 x 16 inches and weigh around 14 pounds, so they have some weight to them, but the included mount clamps around the back of the speaker for enough support. You can rotate the KB6s 180 degrees from side to side to direct the sound, and the inside hardware is impressive. They have a 6.25-inch Kicker woofer and dual 5-inch compression-loaded horn tweeters. This is quite a lot of power for a set of speakers in this price range. Music will sound robust, with clear mids and highs, and ample bass. Number of Speakers Included: 2 | Bluetooth/Wireless: No | Weather Resistance: Waterproof and UV-treated enclosure | Driver Size: Dual 5-inch tweeter, 6.5-inch woofer Whether you live up in the North where the seasons can all happen in one day or the South where the power of the sun can beat down, Klipsch adds UV protection to the enclosure to help prevent damage from sitting out in the rays. In terms of sound quality, the rock speaker has a 6.5-inch dual voice coil polymer woofer and dual ¾-inch polymer dome tweeters, with a two-way design and two grille areas for sound to travel out of. It has a frequency response of 66 to 20,000 Hz, along with a sensitivity of 94 dB. We’d like to see a lower bass response, but the mids and lows should still sound clean. Like some of the other outdoor speakers on the list, this model has been on the market for several years now, and many users report that it still functions well after a decade or more outside. Number of Speakers Included: 1 | Bluetooth/Wireless: No | Weather Resistance: Outdoor rated, UV treated | Driver Size: 6.5-inch woofer, dual ¾-inch tweeters They have a 1.6-inch midrange driver and a 0.78-inch dome tweeter. This leads to a frequency response of between 100 Hz and 20,000 Hz, which doesn’t represent very strong bass. So, these are not ideal for those who want to blast tunes loudly in the backyard. But, for background music for small gatherings, this set can do the trick. Number of Speakers Included: 2 | Bluetooth/Wireless: No | Weather Resistance: Outdoor rated, UV treated | Driver Size: 0.78-inch tweeter, 1.6-inch midrange, 4-inch woofer The lantern speaker includes a 3600mAh battery and Bluetooth 4.2, so you can connect it straight to your phone and blast your playlist. The battery is rated for about 18 hours of playtime, and the device takes about four to five hours to charge. Number of Speakers Included: 1 | Bluetooth/Wireless: Yes | Weather Resistance: IP65 | Driver Size: N/A Bose has also added the incremental benefits of a two-channel mixer right on board, letting you plug two microphones or line-in instruments right into the device. It’s also compatible with the Bose Connect app for additional features. In terms of design, the chassis has plenty of flat edges so you can position it in any direction. It has built-in sensors that will adjust the output equalizer to match the angle. It’s all pretty ingenious, and because it’s a rugged, battery-powered amp, it’ll go wherever you take your party. Number of Speakers Included: 1 | Bluetooth/Wireless: Yes | Weather Resistance: Suitable for short-term outdoor use | Driver Size: N/A The GS4 model has dual voice coils, so in addition to an 8-inch woofer, it also has dual two-inch soft-dome tweeters. The drivers produce a frequency response of between 35 and 20,000 Hz, which is actually pretty impressive for a hidden outdoor speaker. The camouflaged unit can be buried in the ground (revealing only the grille), or you can install on the surface and let the green speaker blend in with your garden. Number of Speakers Included: 1 | Bluetooth/Wireless: No | Weather Resistance: Outdoor-rated | Driver Size: 8-inch woofer, dual 2-inch tweeters
What to Look For in Outdoor and Backyard Speakers
Weatherproofing
Solid protection against the elements—including water and ultraviolet light—is an absolute must-have. Outdoor speakers can last for years if they have decent weatherproofing, but you’ll be lucky to get a single season out of a regular speaker left outside in the same conditions.
Connectivity
Wireless outdoor speakers are extremely easy to set up and use, but wired speakers are more reliable and have the potential to offer higher-quality sound. If you plan on using your phone to play music most of the time, Bluetooth might still be the best choice, but nothing beats the reliability and sound quality of physical speaker wires.
Wattage and Sound Specs
A pair of speakers rated at 60W each will do if your yard is less than 300 square feet, but go for a higher rating if you’re working with a bigger space. (A set of 200W speakers will provide coverage for about 1,000 square feet of backyard.) Also, look at the frequency response, as this indicates the ranges of tones the speaker can produce. Usually, you’ll want to see a speaker that can go up to at least 20,000Hz.
