The Best Outdoor Speakers For Pools, Patios, and Parties 2023

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From porch to patio to pool: today’s newest outdoor gear is flat-out awesome.

Whether a gorgeous 4K TV by the pool, beautiful music everywhere, or Wi-Fi in every corner of the yard, outdoor entertainment has come of age.

The industry’s biggest players are now duking it out, and the latest outdoor gear beats anything we had in our stores even just 5 years ago. Translated: this is a big win-win for music-lovers.

Below, World Wide Stereo technicians note the best of the best outdoor speakers by category. Each World Wide Stereo contributor not only comes to the party with serious audio credentials, but some are also serious backyard barbecuers and block partiers as well (and one has been our company badminton champ for 3 years running).

Bottom line: you wait all year for summer, so don’t blow it. Add a little sizzle to your summertime fun with the best outdoor gear for the money - engineered and tested to withstand snow, rain, salt, and temperature extremes, while not disturbing the aesthetics of your outdoor environment.

Here are our picks for the 2023 best outdoor speakers and subwoofers:

  1. The Best Outdoor All-Weather Speakers: Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 2-Way Weatherproof Indoor/Outdoor Speaker - Pair (White)
  2. The Best Outdoor Rock Speakers Under $400: Klipsch AWR-650-SM Outdoor Landscape Rock Speakers - Each (Granite)
  3. Best 4.5" Outdoor 2-Way Speakers: Rockustics Periscape 4 Outdoor Landscape 50 Watt 4.5" 2-Way Satellite Speaker - Each
  4. Best 6.5" Outdoor Rock 2-Way Speakers: Rockustics EconoRock 6.5" 2-way Outdoor Rock Speaker - Each (Sandstone)
  5. Best Garden Speakers: Focal OD Stone 8 2-Way Outdoor Loudspeaker - Each (Basalt)
  6. The Best Outdoor Speaker Under $200: Yamaha NS-AW294 High Performance Outdoor Speakers - Pair (Black)
  7. Best Outdoor In Ground Subwoofer: Rockustics Subscape 12 Outdoor 12" In-Ground Band-Pass Subwoofer
  8. Best Outdoor Speaker with Subwoofer: Rockustics Cherry Bomb 5" 3-way Outdoor In-Ground Speaker with Built-In Subwoofer
  9. Best Patio Speakers Under $150: Kicker KB6 Indoor/Outdoor Speakers - Pair (Black)
  10. Best Portable Outdoor Speaker Under $200: Sonos Roam Portable Smart Waterproof Speaker with Bluetooth (Black)
  11. The Best Outdoor Speaker Under $200: Yamaha NS-AW294 High Performance Outdoor Speakers - Pair (Black)
  12. The Best Outdoor Speaker Under $400: Bose Portable Smart Speaker (Luxe Silver)

The Best Outdoor All-Weather Speakers

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Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 2-Way Weatherproof Indoor/Outdoor Speaker - Pair (White)

Regular price $599.00
Sale price $599.00 Regular price
$799.00 Save $200.00 (25%)
  • Colors: Available in black or white
  • Drivers: One (1) 1” aluminum dome high-frequency and One (1) 5” glassfibre cone bass/midrange
  • Impedance: 8 ohms
  • Sensitivity: 86 dB (2.83v/1m)
  • Power Handling: Recommended amplifier power: 20W - 100W int 8ohms on unclipped program power
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Bowers & Wilkins of Worthing, South England – trusted and embraced by legendary studios like Abbey Road and considered by many the world’s finest loudspeaker maker for over 50 years, is our unanimous choice for “best all-weather outdoor speaker.” The press calls Bowers & Wilkins' AM-1 “the most durable loudspeaker B&W has ever made, achieved without compromising power or sound quality the way so many lessor outdoor speakers do.”

Inside the AM-1: a 2-way design with an inverted drive unit and a 25 mm aluminum-dome tweeter mounted below (rather than above) its 5-inch glass-fiber bass/midrange driver. This configuration ensures the AM-1 provides optimal dispersion of sound when mounted high on a wall or ceiling, where best-case scenario, it belongs. On the rear of the AM-1, an auxiliary bass radiator (ABR) adds exceptional bass for a speaker this size. The combination – B&W’s unique architecture and high-end drive units add up to seriously great sound, particularly when it comes to more intricate or nuanced music. (Mozart. The Roots. Beck. Miles. Etc.)

The AM-1’s weatherproof housing is sealed from the elements, mounting is easy, and recommended amplifier power = 20 W to 100 W into 8 ohms. Our opinion: Bowers & Wilkins' AM-1’s also qualify as awesome indoor speakers too, whether for stereo or home theater.

The Best Outdoor Rock Speakers Under $400

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Klipsch AWR-650-SM Outdoor Landscape Rock Speakers - Each (Granite)

Regular price $244.99
Sale price $244.99 Regular price
$329.00 Save $84.01 (26%)
  • Drivers: Two-way system using two 0.75" polymer dome tweeters and one 6.5" polymer cone dual voice coil woofer
  • Impedance: 8 ohms compatible
  • Sensitivity: 94dB @ 2.83V / 1m
  • Power Handling: 50W continuous / 200W peak
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Klipsch is the Harley Davidson of the speaker world: an American company with a great backstory and a legendary product line. Klipsch is about muscle and finesse… and whether a rip-tearing Joe Bonamassa guitar hook or a Benny Goodman clarinet lead, Klipsch serves it up like it’s happening live, right in front of you. No one does “thank you sir, may I have another?” quite like Klipsch. How fitting then, that Klipsch’s outdoor entree, the AWR-650-SM, comes in the form of a big rock, available in dirt brown or mountain black.

At 50 Watts of power each, a pair of AWR-650-SMs can handle the biggest big block party without breaking a sweat. Turned down, they’re perfect for musical chairs at a kid’s birthday party. In between, you can hear the game like you’re sitting in the press box.

Naturally, Klipsch built the AWR-650-SM to withstand extreme weather conditions (hello Florida, Texas, the Carolinas, Louisiana, and the entire left coast). Each weighs 13 pounds and features a dual voice coil polymer woofer for a powerful, precise low-end, along with dual polymer dome tweeters – so any one speaker can process both left and right stereo channels. (Most customers buy two, one left and one right for a traditional stereo setup.) Obviously, they blend in well wherever you put them, because they’re, well… rocks. That ROCK.

Best 4.5" Outdoor 2-Way Speakers

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Rockustics Periscape 4 Outdoor Landscape 50 Watt 4.5" 2-Way Satellite Speaker - Each

Regular price $263.15
Sale price $263.15 Regular price
Save $-263.15 (%)
  • Dimensions: 17.75"H
  • Weight: 5.95 lbs.
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Waterproof Rating: Fully Weatherproof
  • Stereo Pairing: N/A
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Rockustics' Periscape speakers have a unique design that makes them blend in not with the rocks or plants on your patio but with your patio lighting fixtures. It's not just so they can hide in plain sight; the periscope form factor lets you angle and aim the speaker exactly how you want it. The 4.5" driver is made of polypropylene and the 3/4" titanium tweeter delivers exceptional sound quality, yet they can withstand any weather conditions. They're designed to create the ultimate outdoor speaker system when combined with the Rockustics SubScape subwoofer in an installation. The Periscape speakers have multiple tap settings and can operate with 70V power, making them ideal for large outdoor sound system installations.

Best 6.5" Outdoor Rock 2-Way Speakers

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Rockustics EconoRock 6.5" 2-way Outdoor Rock Speaker - Each (Sandstone)

Regular price $417.05
Sale price $417.05 Regular price
Save $-417.05 (%)
  • Dimensions: 12.5" x 10.5” (W x H)
  • Weight: 17.15 lbs.
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Waterproof Rating: Fully Weatherproof
  • Stereo Pairing: N/A
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The Rockustics EconoRock is the ideal outdoor speaker for larger home gardens and patio installations. Its 3/4"" tweeter and 6-1/2"" driver can put out up to 140W, filling your outdoor space with clear, sparkling sound. Its sturdy case blends in with any yard or garden design and because it's made of proprietary resin and marble chips, it's rock-solid and can handle any weather. The speakers and all components are also completely weatherproof and corrosion-resistant, so you can install them in any climate, even near bodies of saltwater. Just imagine how good "Rock Lobster" is going to sound!

Best Garden Speakers

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Focal OD Stone 8 2-Way Outdoor Loudspeaker - Each (Basalt)

Regular price $799.00
Sale price $799.00 Regular price
Save $-799.00 (%)
  • Speaker Driver: 8” Iris IP Mid-Bass / 1” Aluminum ‘M’-shaped inverted tweeter
  • Frequency Response: 45Hz – 28kHz
  • Impedance: 8 Ohms
  • Power 100V / 70V: 5W, 10W, 20W, 40W
  • Dimensions: 11.44” x 17.44” x 17.44”
  • Weight: 14.5 lbs
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We love the OD Stone 8 unique design, but we also love its sound. It feels like Focal figured out how to have a proper bookshelf speaker live outside (not an easy task).

The OD Stone 8 has incredible dynamics as it plays thumping basslines and precise vocal reproduction with it’s 8” mid-bass drive and 1” Aluminum ‘M’-shaped inverted tweeter.

As an integrator, we really appreciate that Focal has a 5-strand cable so it can be wired to either a “traditional” 8 ohm amplifier or a 70/100 volt amplifier (which is usually saved for commercial installations).

Focal designed the OD Stone to have a physical wire to choose between the two and not a switch to engage one versus the other. This calculated design choice means there was no chance of degrading the audio by having to pass through an additional component. When you design with uncompromising audio as your end result like Focal, you know you’re in for an outdoor speaker of the highest quality.

The Best Outdoor Speaker Under $200

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Yamaha NS-AW294 High Performance Outdoor Speakers - Pair (Black)

Regular price $179.95
Sale price $179.95 Regular price
Save $-179.95 (%)
  • Colors: Available in black or white
  • Weight: 4.4 lbs. each
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Waterproof Rating: IPX3
  • Powerbank Capability: No
  • Stereo Pairing: Yes
  • USB-C: N/A
  • Wi-Fi: N/A
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These speakers have a clean, simple design that will look attractive in any location on the exterior of your house, and even present a tasteful appearance when used in an interior installation

The NS-AW294 uses a 6 1/2" woofer to help produce great sound, but if you need smaller size for your location then pick up the NS-AW194. Each model is available in white or black, so you can choose the model that best matches your desired exterior or interior installation location.

The supplied brackets allow you to adjust the speakers to match the installation location. They can be installed vertically or horizontally, and can be moved through a range of 81° to the right or left and up or down directions.

Best Outdoor In Ground Subwoofer

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Rockustics Subscape 12 Outdoor 12" In-Ground Band-Pass Subwoofer

Regular price $953.70
Sale price $953.70 Regular price
Save $-953.70 (%)
  • Dimensions: 23.5" x 15" x 26" (W x H x D)
  • Weight: 33.55 lbs.
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Waterproof Rating: Fully Waterproof and Weatherproof
  • Stereo Pairing: N/A
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Rockustics is one of the leading companies providing outdoor speaker systems. With this 300W in-ground subwoofer, it's easy to see why. You're gonna feel the music before you ever see where the sound is coming from. The SubScape 12's clever vent system makes this powerful speaker look no more obtrusive than the outdoor lighting you already have along your garden path. Since it's fully weatherproof, you don't have to worry about this speaker being damaged by water, even from routine yard watering.

Designed for easy installation into a wired, in-ground sound system in your patio — especially with the Rockustics Periscape speakers — the SubScape 12 also can operate in larger environmental installations where lower voltages of 70V allow for the use of lighter-gauge wiring. The SubScape 12s also feature multiple tapping settings, which lets you quickly set the volume for a specific area by setting the power each unit or group of speakers takes. The clever vented cap design will blend into any outdoor yard or patio design. Put some boom into your outdoor room!

Best Outdoor Speaker with Subwoofer

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Rockustics Cherry Bomb 5" 3-way Outdoor In-Ground Speaker with Built-In Subwoofer

Regular price $1,010.00
Sale price $1,010.00 Regular price
Save $-1,010.00 (%)
  • Dimensions: 26.5" H x 10.63" Diameter
  • Weight: 20.5 lbs.
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Waterproof Rating: Fully Weatherproof
  • Stereo Pairing: N/A
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When it comes to digging up your yard to install an in-ground outdoor speaker system, a couple fewer holes to dig would be very welcome. This innovative 3-way in-ground speaker is here to help you achieve precisely that and deliver even better sound to boot. The Rockustics Cherry Bomb features a 5" subwoofer, 4" long-throw midrange driver, and 3/4" titanium dome tweeter, all in a single unit that not only simplifies installation but delivers phase-accurate beautiful sound. In contrast, subs and drivers in different locations can be a challenge to calibrate. Capable of delivering up to 100W, the Cherry Bomb will help kick start your patio parties in the summer, and with its full weatherproof design will easily handle whatever weather winter has in store for it.

Best Patio Speakers Under $150

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Kicker KB6 Indoor/Outdoor Speakers - Pair (Black)

Regular price $149.99
Sale price $149.99 Regular price
Save $-149.99 (%)
  • Dimensions: 11" x 8-1/8" x 8-1/8" (W x H x D)
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Waterproof Rating: Weather Resistant
  • Stereo Pairing: N/A
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Kicker, a major player in the custom automotive sound system world, knows how to get big sounds from small products at great prices. With a 6.5" woofer and two 5" horn tweeters, the KB6 speakers are a fine example, producing remarkably clear and transparent mids, highs, and seismic bass. Ideal for patios and poolside installation, the KB6 enclosure and components are weather-resistant and can easily handle rain, mist, and proximity to freshwater environments. The included brackets make installation flexible and straightforward, and the easy pinch terminals make wiring a breeze. All this at a price per pair lower than the cost of many individual speakers.

Best Portable Outdoor Speaker Under $200

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Sonos Roam Portable Smart Waterproof Speaker with Bluetooth (Black)

Regular price $179.00
Sale price $179.00 Regular price
Save $-179.00 (%)
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 6.61" x 2.44" x 2.36"
  • Weight: 0.95 lbs.
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
  • Waterproof Rating: IP67
  • Stereo Pairing: Yes, via WiFi
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The Sonos Roam is our favorite portable outdoor speaker for lots of reasons. First and foremost, it's a true outdoor speaker. It's wonderfully waterproof and dust-proof, so when you get tired of listening to music on your patio, you can roam with the Roam anywhere. Its outstanding sound and powerful bass won't get drowned out by wind or traffic noise, and the Trueplay function automatically adjusts the sound to your environment, so you don't miss out on the lyrics. With Bluetooth and WiFi, the Roam will pair with your devices and your home WiFi setup, so your connections will always be ready to go when you're ready for some tunes. Voice control implementation lets you use Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant to access your favorite content and control your other devices. Plus, it's small, lightweight, and practically begs to go outside with you.

Also check out our Sonos Roam review.

The Best Outdoor Speaker Under $200

Product Image

Yamaha NS-AW294 High Performance Outdoor Speakers - Pair (Black)

Regular price $179.95
Sale price $179.95 Regular price
Save $-179.95 (%)
  • Colors: Available in black or white
  • Weight: 4.4 lbs. each
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Waterproof Rating: IPX3
  • Powerbank Capability: No
  • Stereo Pairing: Yes
  • USB-C: N/A
  • Wi-Fi: N/A
SHOP NOW

These speakers have a clean, simple design that will look attractive in any location on the exterior of your house, and even present a tasteful appearance when used in an interior installation

The NS-AW294 uses a 6 1/2" woofer to help produce great sound, but if you need smaller size for your location then pick up the NS-AW194. Each model is available in white or black, so you can choose the model that best matches your desired exterior or interior installation location.

The supplied brackets allow you to adjust the speakers to match the installation location. They can be installed vertically or horizontally, and can be moved through a range of 81° to the right or left and up or down directions.

The Best Outdoor Speaker Under $400

Product Image

Bose Portable Smart Speaker (Luxe Silver)

Regular price $399.00
Sale price $399.00 Regular price
Save $-399.00 (%)
  • Colors: Available in black or silver
  • Weight: 2.34 lbs.
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Battery Life: Up to 12 Hours
  • Waterproof Rating: IPX4
  • Powerbank Capability: No
  • Stereo Pairing: Yes
  • USB-C: Charging Only
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
SHOP NOW

One sure way to separate the men from the boys when it comes to portable wireless speakers: Cue up the A Capella bass harmony at the beginning of Bruno Mars “Uptown Funk” and turn it up – WAY up. We did just that with the Bose Portable Home speaker, a smart speaker Bose claims is “best at bass,” and yeah – we’re believers. At this price point, Bose crushes the competition when it comes to powerful bass in a portable package.

The Bose Portable Home speaker is an Amazon Alexa / Googe Assistant smart speaker from a company that continues to out-innovate everyone save for maybe Sonos. (Depends on who you ask.) It streams whatever you like via at-home Wi-Fi or when you leave home, it acts like any other portable Bluetooth speaker controlled via your phone or tablet. It proved excellent at hearing and executing voice commands, too – though voice commands only work when connected by Wi-Fi, not Bluetooth. As for sound quality, it’s exactly what we’ve come to expect from Bose: powerful, and remarkably crisp and clear.

With the nifty little handle on top, the Bose Portable doesn’t exactly hide its rugged portable-ness. All the controls are on top, and it comes with a USB-C cord for charging the battery, though Bose also offers a charging cradle in the $30 range. Add the cradle, and the Bose Portable begins to approach the Sonos Move with respect to price. Tough choice, for sure.

Still not sure? We got this.

If you're still not sure which outdoor speaker or system is the best for you, give us a call or send us an email. Tell us about your ideal outdoor system, and we’d be more than happy to help you pick the ideal outdoor gear for you.

One more thing:

Once you pick out your outdoor speakers and/or sound system, a last word of advice: buy it from a trusted dealer, and the more experience / the longer the track record, the better. A good dealer will take care of you in the event anything happens. Until then, check out our recent “Take It Outside Event” recap at our “Fun Reads” blog, and discover how easy (and affordable) it can be to bring your movies, music, and Wi-Fi outside this summer.

Speaking of trusted dealers...

World Wide Stereo is home to some 90+ industry-leading audio/video professionals who love what they do, and talking about it, too. We opened our doors in 1979, gained a small yet diehard following, won a slew of national awards for everything from killer car audio installations to customer service, grew the business online… and today we enjoy a faithful following of like-minded TV-watching, music-listening, gear-loving defenders of fun for the whole family. Our only rule: no one leaves unhappy. We’re brutally honest when it come to this stuff. Want to know if something is as good as advertised? Even if you're shopping somewhere else? Call us or stop by one of our showrooms — we’ll give it to you straight. We love what we do, and we love sharing that love.

With us, you get our guarantee, which includes perks like free shipping, 60-day returns, and support even years after the sale — always. Hence our rule: "no one leaves unhappy." Ever.

2023 Outdoor Speaker Deals

We’ve made it easy to find the best deals on outdoor speakers. Our deals update daily so you don’t miss a beat, and we’ve got your back through with our price match guarantee, 60-day returns, easy financing, and free shipping. Don’t see what you want on sale? Give us at 1.866.961.7781 or chat with an expert.

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