Choosing the best outdoor speaker depends on so many things, like where you will be using the speakers, the weather conditions, etc. So, keep in mind the actual reason you want to get an outdoor speaker while going through the features of these products. Now that you are well-informed of the features to look out for let's help you pick the speaker that is best for you.
With the warm weather fast approaching, time for fun is drawing close. It is the most opportune season when you can invite friends over, go out there and fire up
the grill. But if you do not have some music to go the distance, then you might not get the best out of your chill-out plan. This is where a solid outdoor speaker that can stand the beating of harsh outdoor weather comes to play.
The first thing you can expect from an outdoor speaker is the opportunity to use as little wire coverage as possible. And with most of them featuring Bluetooth functionality, there is always an upper hand for you. If you want to listen to music files from your
smartphone or any other device that supports this wireless connectivity, this sounds like the way to go. Otherwise, you can always connect these speakers with your indoor
surround system, although this might call for some wiring.
When it comes to the aspect of attractiveness, outdoor speakers will always offer something you can turn to, and one of it is its sheer design. Most of them are built to blend seamlessly with your backyard. Giving you a patio look, where you can always sit back, listen, and behold the true magic of these music icons. Even better, if you want to get a feel of the real deal, get an outdoor speaker with LED lights that pulse in with the music beats, it will make your event not only entertaining but also impressive.
Now there is a big catch, and this comes with the portability. Well, not all outdoor speakers are built to be carried around as some can be permanently fitted. Another thing you need to keep in mind is that some speakers are not designed to store charge and might need to be plugged in to operate. Not to worry, if this is all you have, you can always get a weather-friendly wire to draw the power from any socket in the house, and the party begins. But if you are looking for an ideal speaker that you can bring on a picnic or hike, there are chargeable and portable options for you as well.
Before you proceed to check our selected products, take a few minutes and check out these features.
Price
As much as outdoor speakers might seem too high-tech, there will always be a catch when it comes to the price. It usually goes at a reasonable price range between $25 and $400, but you can always take things a bit further and get a higher quality one at a slightly higher price.
Talking of price, several factors will always come to play, and they affect the price in different ways. For example, you might have to spend a little more for a speaker with powerful bass, USB charging port or outdoor lighting. Similarly, the price might shoot a bit if you go for a sturdy material that will stand the relentless weather out there, but the quality will always be worth the cost. And if you are in for the best brand around, then you can be sure to put a little more on the line to get a good speaker from a reputable manufacturer.
Another thing you need to keep in mind is the fact that the market is also infested with low-cost speakers that could easily be mistaken for the quality ones. If you come across these cheap outdoor speakers, be very careful to avoid wasting your money on something that cannot deliver to your expectations. Most of them lack essential features like strong speakers for quality sound, an ideal casing for withstanding outdoor weather or other important functionalities.
Features
You can’t get a better way to be assured of a performing outdoor speaker than having one with the right features. These features are among the most important to go for:
- Power: When it comes to the type of the speaker you want to use for your outdoor music, the power depends on the type and size you go for. Some of them are chargeable, but others might need to be powered right from the socket. It will depend on the proximity of your house to the exact place you need to place it, and this calls for making the right decision before purchase.
- Frequency: Outdoor speakers are different. It is from the simplest speakers to the ones offering 360-degree surround sound; you have all the options in the market.
- Sensitivity: This aspect varies from one type of speakers to the other. Some have punching bass and crispy tweeters, and others may offer slightly less quality. However, in general, most of these speakers will usually give you the right value for outdoor music.
- Waterproofing: Your speakers should be built to last given the unforgiving elements out there, and water is one of them. As such, many of them feature the right cover for maximum protection against the wet outdoor environment. In many cases, outdoor speakers deliver their promise, with the ability to withstand snowy and rainy seasons.
- Size/Weight: Some speakers may be quite large and hefty, others are sleek and lightweight. The choice of the right size depends on the way you want to use it, and the options can be amazing when it comes to this aspect.
Construction and Design
As much as these speakers are built for sound, most of them are designed to blend in with the environment around them.
What is in the cabinet?
Getting the right sound on outdoors is never as easy as it is in the case of indoors. As such, these speakers are built to offer the best quality sound possible, with both high and low frequencies well represented. It is, therefore, possible to find bass speakers and tweeters in the box to cater for the different sound frequencies needed to get a bass that comes in very heavy as well as bass that pops quite well.
Power
Since you do not want to stop your party halfway through the day, you need to be sure that power will not be a challenge along the way. Not to worry, most outdoor speakers can keep charge for well long enough. Some of them can even last up to forty hours, giving you endless hours of music to keep the party going. If you are not into the chargeable ones, then others can be used directly from the socket, just plug them in and let the show begin.
Waterproof
Using your speakers outdoors means exposing them to all sorts of environmental conditions, but none can jeopardize electronics as water. To ensure your speakers are safe, manufacturers usually build them in the perfect shape to keep the risk of water getting in out of the equipment. Others feature protective covers that keep moisture at bay so that you can use them through winter or spring season without any problems at all.
Sound quality
From punchy bass to crisp treble, even 360-degree sound, outdoor speakers never disappoint, as long as you know what to go for. Besides, these speakers also come in a wide range of frequencies to give you a number of options to cater for your music needs, and most of them have the low and high-frequency speakers built into one casing for the best all-in-one sound output. Whatever your musical tastes, these speakers will take you there.
Design
If you want to add a little look to your backyard while still getting the feel of quality music when you are out for a relaxing afternoon, an outdoor speaker will definitely go a long way. With the designers bearing in mind that you will need your speakers to match the patio of the surrounding, they build them to blend in with most outdoor features. The best thing you can do is keep an eye out to get the best of the artisanship employed in making these equipments.
Performance and Ease of Use
When it comes to music systems, you need equipment that can guarantee absolute performance, and an arsenal of outdoor music is no exception. Well, with the right features, outdoor speakers are built to deliver this and much more.
Lights
If you want to add a little feel to the music, flashing in some lights can get the job done. And there is no better way to do this than with LED lights in the speakers. These additional features are designed to pulse on with the music beat, giving you an exceptional experience of the whole event. What’s more, you can also get speakers that feature outdoor lighting, although this is not a feature in every outdoor speaker, but a great addition if you want to get more with your speakers of course.
Versatility
Not everyone needs to have separate indoor and outdoor music systems. If you want to use your speakers while indoors and take them with you for outdoor fun, then you will still find something for you. Thanks to some of the portable speakers, you can always carry them around and use them whenever you deem necessary. Besides, some of them feature a mode button that helps switch between the two settings for outdoor to indoor use and vice versa.
Additional features
Outdoor speakers can blow you away with the array of features it usually comes with. Some of them have a USB port that you can use to recharge your phone as you use the speaker. Some of them have Bluetooth connectivity, which will make its use easier, especially if the idea of having to deal with a labyrinth of wires in your backyard takes you back. Not forgetting, the controls in some of these speakers are also highly tactile and super easy to adjust.
Now that you have read our review, we are sure you have more clarity in the choice of a good outdoor speaker. But if you are yet to get what you were looking for, no need to worry yet, you can browse our recommended brands for some of best outdoor speakers too. After which, go on and place that order with confidence!
