Outdoor speakers: a buyer’s guide
The (slightly) sunnier days and lighter evenings have us daydreaming of days and evenings spent in our outdoor spaces.
So, it’s now time to think about the purchases that are going to pimp up our gardens for the spring and summer seasons.
Outdoor speakers are a must these days, and whether you’re planning on hosting parties or not, everyone loves enjoying a few beats in the garden whilst they soak in the rays.
Here, we answer the most popular questions you have about outdoor speakers – and our shopping edit of the best options available…
Can outdoor speakers be used indoors?
Many people have the misconception that indoor and outdoor speakers can be used interchangeably.
While there is no stopping you doing so, it’s unlikely to give you the desired effect.
Additionally, you’ll need to think about whether indoor speakers are weather proof.
The sound quality will be different – outdoor speakers will have wind and other background noises that can impact how it travels, while indoor speakers are not built to deal with these conditions.
An indoor speaker is built to blend into your interiors, while providing sound in one or several rooms. They can be placed strategically, mounted on the floor, wall or ceiling depending on space and the desired sound.
On the other hand, outdoor speakers need to be sturdy and durable to deal with prolonged exposure to sunlight, rain, wind and more.
With this in mind, we recommend buying speakers that are specifically designed for the outdoors.
Are outdoor speakers waterproof?
Not always, outdoor speakers are weatherproof, meaning they can be exposed to rain, humidity and snow – but they aren’t always waterproof.
If you need waterproof speakers you’d have to check with the manufacturer on purchase.
Which outdoor speakers work with Alexa?
Most outdoor speakers will now sync up to Alexa, Hey Google – or any wireless device you have.
This can greatly benefit your sound experience as you’ll have the wealth of their library to choose from.
When shopping for your outdoor speaker, it’s best to check your specific design for whether Alexa or other wireless devices are compatible.
How are outdoor speakers powered?
Outdoor speakers will need to be connected to your mains power supply or a power amplifier in order to work.
Even if you choose one that appears wireless, it will still need to be connected to a suitable power source to charge or in some cases, function at all.
Can outdoor speakers stay out in winter?
This is often a big concern for shoppers, as we often don’t have indoor storage space to house all of our outdoor equipment that we use in the summer months.
Thankfully, your outdoor speakers won’t be an issue as they can be left outside during winter.
You just need to make sure that the area around the speaker is protected from extreme weather such as high winds, rain and snow – if exposed regularly, this could permanently damage the speaker.
We would suggest covering it up in the same way you do outdoor furniture to prevent the elements getting to it.
Outdoor speakers: buyer’s guide
Consider investing in a set of stylish outdoor portable speakers that suits your style and budget.
We’ve made an edit consisting of seven of the best – no fiddly installation required!
Our shopping edit of lightweight, wireless and compact outdoor portable speakers will be music to your ears.
Boom Boom
Transform your summer with this portable Bluetooth speaker.
Known for its punchy bass and 80W max sound it will certainly bring the vibes.
The portable nature means you can quite literally carry the party to the beach, park or wherever you choose.
- Boom 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, £129.99 from Soundcore – buy here
Remote control speaker
This portable, light speaker is full of super cool features that are bound to impress your guests.
The iconic design houses a 10w RMS speaker, an interactive LED system and a rechargeable battery power system.
This is all controllable with a slim, compact remote control, and a single charge can give you up to nine hours full use.
You’ll also be able to connect to your audio devices through Bluetooth, and transport it wherever you go to spread the fun.
- Wasowsky remote control speaker with colour change LED light, £88.92 from Dusk – buy here
Compact and lightweight
Weighing in at under 700g, this compact and lightweight speaker boasts over 20 hours of portable playtime, a water resistant design, and multidirectional knob to control the volume.
So, set yourself up with a playlist of signature sounds and bathe in an audio abyss next to your paddling pool.
- Emberton II outdoor portable speaker, £149.99 from Marshall – buy here
Unique shape
Enjoy your favourite tunes in ultimate style with this uniquely shaped Halo Bluetooth speaker from Gingko.
Inspired by the nature with its walnut wood exterior, this modern speaker delivers smooth and phenomenal audio quality, whilst also looking incredibly chic and being eco friendly.
- Halo One NFC Bluetooth Speaker, £139 from Ginko Design – buy here
Park picnic companion
Want something sturdy for your park picnic that delivers on the decibels?
The T3+ from Audio Pro sets a new standard for portable audio.
With a genuine leather handle and solid aluminium details, this offers a simple yet solid design.
It lasts up to 30 hours at half volume and 12 hours at maximum volume.
- Audio Pro Addon T3+ Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speakers, £150 from Currys – buy here
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