Whether in the garden, on the balcony or on the terrace: music outdoors is a must for many. But instead of cranking up the stereo indoors to even begin to hear something outside, an outdoor speaker is a better choice.
Speakers are plentiful. But while indoor cordless devices could just as easily be used outdoors, dedicated outdoor models are better suited for outdoor use. And that’s for a simple reason: they are wind and weatherproof. In other words, both the sound and the technology are not damaged if, for example, it starts to rain. In addition, most outdoor speakers are splash-proof, so they also run safely on the water – for example when stand up paddling, kayaking or dinghy riding. Depending on the manufacturer, there are both inexpensive and expensive models on the market. We present eight of them in this article.
1. Trust Rokko bluetooth speaker
By far the cheapest model comes from Trust: According to the manufacturer, the handy outdoor speaker offers a playing time of up to 20 hours (if the battery is fully charged). It’s waterproof (IPX5), weighs 464 grams and has a built-in microphone so you can use the phone anytime, even outdoors. Here you get the speaker.
2. Sony SRS-XB13 Bluetooth speaker
Sony is also advertising a portable loudspeaker that is said to be ideally suited for outdoor use: The SRS-XB13 is dust and waterproof (IP67), weighs just 243 grams and has (according to the manufacturer) a battery life of up to 16 hours . The model is available in different colors and comes with a detachable strap. Here you get the speaker.
3. Anker SoundCore 2 Bluetooth-Lautsprecher
This outdoor speaker is also dustproof and waterproof (IPX7). According to the manufacturer, the sound profile should be crystal clear and distortion-free – thanks to the BassUp technology, even deep tones are covered in detail and extensively. The device runs on batteries, but should run for up to 24 hours. Here you get the speaker.
4. UE ultimate ears Wonderboom 2 Lautsprecher
Significantly more expensive than the first models, UE comes up with a powerful outdoor speaker that is said to be dust, shock and water resistant (IP67) – and even float. The battery-powered device weighs 420 grams and runs for up to 13 hours. The model can also be connected to two other Wonderboom devices. Here you get the speaker.
5. Bose SoundLink Micro, Outdoor-Lautsprecher
It continues with a portable loudspeaker from Bose: Also battery-operated, the playback time is just up to six hours at a time. But the device is completely waterproof (IPX7) and has – according to the manufacturer – a durable housing and an integrated hands-free function. The scope of delivery also includes a retaining strap made of tear-resistant silicone. Here you get the speaker.
6. DOCKIN D FINE Bluetooth-Lautsprecher
The outdoor speaker from Dockin is significantly heavier (1930 grams) and larger. With a battery life of up to ten hours, Chip chose the device as the test winner because it was able to convince with “strong bass, clear treble and excellent and balanced stereo sound”. The model is dust and waterproof (IP55). Here you get the speaker.
7. JBL Charge 5 Bluetooth speaker
A popular classic among outdoor speakers is the JBL Charge 5: The battery-operated device is waterproof (IPX7) and is said to be able to run for up to 20 hours. With a weight of 960 grams, the model is in the middle in terms of weight – but the design should be extremely hard-wearing and robust. The device is available in ten different colors. Here you get the speaker.
8. Yamaha NS-AW592 2-Way Outdoor Speaker
At the bottom of this series is a pair of wall speakers that are mounted outside on the ceiling. This makes it not portable, but it can provide musical accompaniment for one or the other barbecue evening outdoors. Even if the combination is not exactly cheap, it should provide a rich sound. This is made possible by a waterproof housing and a waveguide horn for extensive sound radiation. You can get the speakers here.
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