What is the best outdoor Bluetooth speaker?
A comprehensive comparison of the top outdoor Bluetooth speakers in 2024. We evaluated durability, sound quality, battery life, and portability to help you find the perfect speaker for camping, beach trips, pool parties, and outdoor adventures.
After extensive testing, the JBL Charge 5 emerges as our top pick for outdoor Bluetooth speakers, offering the best combination of powerful sound, rugged durability, excellent battery life, and practical features like its power bank capability. For those prioritizing portability over volume, the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is an excellent compact alternative.
Pros
- CPRO
Outstanding 20-hour battery life.
The 20-hour battery life provides power for extended outdoor activities including multi-day camping trips without requiring a recharge.
- LPRO
Fills the whole backyard.
Sound quality exceeds expectations for the portable category, with powerful bass response and sufficient volume to fill outdoor party spaces.
- SPRO
Built-in power bank is valuable.
The built-in power bank feature allows charging mobile devices directly from the speaker during outdoor activities, adding practical utility for extended trips.
- MPRO
Survived pool duty.
The IP67 waterproof rating provides reliable protection against water immersion, allowing the speaker to survive pool or beach accidents without damage.
Cons
- NCON
Not the lightest option.
It is definitely on the heavier side. Fine for car camping or backyard use, but might be too much for long hikes.
Pros
- PPRO
Bose sound is unmatched.
If sound quality is the priority, this is the one. Crystal clear highs and balanced bass that sounds right.
- EPRO
Knows which way is up.
The speaker adjusts its sound based on how users position it. Hang it, lay it flat, or stand it up - always sounds great.
- DPRO
Perfect for the pool.
Features this thing floats! Dropped it in the lake and grabbed it. No panic mode needed.
Cons
- CCON
12 hours is okay.
Compared to some competitors, the 12 hour battery life feels a bit short. Would love to see 15-20 hours.
Pros
- LPRO
Fits anywhere.
This little guy is perfect for throwing in a bag. Small enough to take anywhere without even noticing it.
- SPRO
Everyone hears it the same.
The 360-degree sound dispersion ensures consistent audio quality from any position around the speaker. Ideal for group settings where listeners are positioned in various locations.
- NPRO
Rugged drop-proof construction.
The rugged construction withstands impacts and drops without damage, featuring a shock-resistant design built for durability.
- PPRO
Best bang for the buck.
Under $100 for this quality? Its a steal. Best value outdoor speaker out there.
Cons
- MCON
Better for smaller groups.
For a big outdoor party, users might want something louder. But for picnics and beach days, its plenty.
Frequently Asked Questions
For outdoor use, look for at least IP67 rating. This means the speaker is completely dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. All speakers in our top picks have IP67 or better ratings, making them suitable for pool, beach, and rainy conditions.
Battery life varies significantly between models. Budget options like the WONDERBOOM 3 offer around 14 hours, while the Marshall Emberton II leads with an impressive 30 hours. Most mid-range speakers like the JBL Charge 5 provide around 20 hours, which is enough for a full day of outdoor activities.
Yes, most modern outdoor speakers support multi-speaker pairing. JBL speakers use PartyBoost to connect multiple JBL speakers together, while Ultimate Ears speakers use their proprietary PartyUp feature. This is great for larger outdoor gatherings where you need more volume or stereo sound across a bigger area.
The Charge 5 is worth it if you value longer battery life (20 hours vs 12 hours), louder volume, and the built-in power bank feature that can charge your phone. However, if portability is your priority and you do not need the power bank, the Flip 6 is a great choice at a lower price point with very similar sound quality.
JBL speakers are known for their powerful bass response, with the Charge 5 and Flip 6 both delivering punchy low-end that is great for electronic music, hip-hop, and pop. The Bose SoundLink Flex offers more balanced, audiophile-quality sound with still-impressive bass for its size. Marshall speakers have a warmer, mid-focused sound that is excellent for rock and guitar-heavy music.