Outdoor Speakers Buying Guide - Everything You Need To Know (2024)

5 June 2023

Outdoor Speakers Buying Guide - Everything You Need To Know (1)

When it comes to enjoying music or audio outdoors, having the right outdoor speakers can make a world of difference. Whether you want to set the mood for a backyard party, relax on your patio, or simply enhance your outdoor activities with some tunes, investing in a quality outdoor speaker system is a must. This buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision when purchasing outdoor speakers.

1. Weather Resistance

One of the most crucial factors to consider when buying outdoor speakers is their ability to withstand outdoor conditions. Outdoor speakers are exposed to various weather elements such as rain, humidity, extreme temperatures, and even UV rays. Look for speakers that are specifically designed to be weather-resistant or weatherproof. These speakers are typically built with durable materials and feature protective coatings to ensure longevity and performance despite exposure to the elements.

2. Speaker Type

Outdoor speakers come in different types, each catering to specific needs and preferences. The most common types include:

Wall-mounted speakers: These speakers are designed to be mounted on exterior walls or surfaces. They are ideal for patios, decks, or any fixed outdoor structure.

Freestanding speakers: These speakers are independent units that can be placed anywhere in your outdoor space. They offer flexibility and portability, allowing you to move them around as needed.

In-ground speakers: These speakers are buried in the ground, with only the tops exposed. They provide a discreet and seamless audio experience while blending in with your landscaping.

Rock speakers: These speakers are designed to resemble rocks, seamlessly blending into your outdoor environment. They are a popular choice for gardens, pool areas, and natural landscapes.Consider your outdoor setup, space, and personal preferences to determine which speaker type is best suited for your needs.

3. Sound Quality

Sound quality is a critical aspect of any speaker system. When evaluating outdoor speakers, pay attention to factors such as frequency response, sensitivity, and power handling. Look for speakers that offer a balanced sound with clear highs, detailed midrange, and robust bass. Keep in mind that outdoor spaces can be challenging acoustically, so it's important to choose speakers that can deliver ample volume and dispersion to fill your outdoor area with quality sound.

4. Connectivity Options

Consider the connectivity options offered by the outdoor speakers. Most outdoor speakers support wireless connectivity through Bluetooth, allowing you to easily connect your smartphone, tablet, or other devices without the hassle of wires. Additionally, some models may provide wired options such as aux inputs or even built-in Wi-Fi for streaming services or multi-room audio setups. Assess your connectivity needs and choose speakers that offer the options that best suit your preferences.

5. Durability and Build Quality

Since outdoor speakers are exposed to various elements, it's crucial to invest in speakers that are built to last. Look for speakers made with sturdy and weather-resistant materials such as UV-resistant plastics, rust-proof metals, or even marine-grade components. Ensure that the speaker grilles are resistant to corrosion and that the overall build quality is robust enough to withstand outdoor conditions for an extended period.

6. Budget Considerations

Like any purchase, your budget will play a significant role in determining which outdoor speakers are within your reach. While it's essential to set a budget, keep in mind that investing in higher-quality speakers will generally result in better sound reproduction and durability. Consider the long-term value and enjoyment you'll get from the speakers when making your budget decisions.

7. Brand Reputation and Reviews

When researching outdoor speakers, it's always a good idea to check the reputation of the brand and read customer reviews. Established and reputable brands often have a track record of producing high-quality products. Customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the performance

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Outdoor Speakers Buying Guide - Everything You Need To Know (2)

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Outdoor Speakers Buying Guide - Everything You Need To Know (2024)

FAQs

What to look for when buying an outdoor speaker? ›

Look for speakers that offer a balanced sound with clear highs, detailed midrange, and robust bass. Keep in mind that outdoor spaces can be challenging acoustically, so it's important to choose speakers that can deliver ample volume and dispersion to fill your outdoor area with quality sound.

How many watts are good for an outdoor speaker? ›

A pair of 60-watt patio speakers will give you great coverage in areas less than 300 square feet. For 300 to 500 square feet, look for 80 to 100-watt speakers; 150 watts to 175-watt speakers will cover 600 to 800 square feet with clear, sharp music sound at soft volumes.

What do I need for an outdoor speaker system? ›

To install outdoor speakers, you'll need the speakers, receiver, speaker wire, banana plugs, silicone caulk, and wire strippers. Make sure to alternate your speakers between left and right channels to create good stereo sound.

What is important when buying a speaker? ›

For best results, choose speakers that can handle approximately the maximum output of your receiver. Keep in mind that there is no standard on how this is measured, so you'll want to take into account other features when comparing speakers.

What gauge speaker wire is best for outdoor speakers? ›

For most residential outdoor speaker setups, 16 or 14-gauge wires are commonly used. Direct Burial or In-Wall Rated: Outdoor speaker wires should be rated for outdoor use and capable of withstanding exposure to moisture, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations.

How do you determine a good speaker? ›

4 Things to Listen for When Choosing the Best Sounding Speaker
  1. Revealing Clarity. The easiest and most objective thing to listen for is clarity. ...
  2. Accurate Imaging and Soundstage. ...
  3. Flawless Neutrality and Refinement. ...
  4. Broad Dynamic Range.

Is A 500 watt speaker Loud? ›

A. A 500W speaker cabinet can be very loud and can cause permanent hearing damage.

Is 1000 watts loud for speakers? ›

A 1000-watt speaker will be twice as loud as a 100-watt speaker. That also means, however, that if you want to double the volume again, you are going to need 10,000 watts to do so. At the end of the day, a difference of a few hundred watts (or even 1000) means far less than a difference of 6 or 10dB.

Does more watts mean more bass? ›

How's it measured? Bass, as with most things, demands a comparison of quality vs quantity. More bass does not necessarily mean better bass. The power is determined by the wattage of the subwoofer in question, where a higher wattage demonstrates a more powerful subwoofer.

What amp to use for outdoor speakers? ›

Outdoor subwoofers are commonly low-impedance 8 ohm and a 50-100W amplifier should be able to run a pair of speakers + the subwoofer directly. But for larger systems or when you want optimal performance you should consider either a separate subwoofer amplifier or a larger overall amplifier.

Do I need a subwoofer for outdoor speakers? ›

A Subwoofer Is The Solution

By adding an outdoor subwoofer with its own amp, you add the power needed for the bass to travel to the pool. You can now also aim the speakers directly out of the house.

Do you need an amp or receiver for outdoor speakers? ›

Well the answer is yes, outdoor speakers will typically require an amplifier in order to work. The only exception is for active outdoor speakers which feature a built-in amplifier and audio source such as Bluetooth.

What is the first thing a speaker should do? ›

I also recommend beginning each public speaking engagement with something that captures the audience's attention. Usually, I begin my speech with a brief story that I believe will resonate with listeners. This tip is just one of the many public speaking tips I have picked up along the way.

How do I select a speaker? ›

Most of the speakers may not have in-depth information about the audio quality, for that we may need to physically check the audio quality. The frequency response of the speaker is also important. The lower the frequency, the better the speaker will sound. Premium-quality audio generally comes at a higher price.

What specs should I look for in a speaker? ›

A more complete, meaningful set of specifications for a single loudspeaker would look like this:
  • Anechoic frequency response ±6dB: 40Hz–25kHz.
  • Anechoic frequency response ±3dB: 45Hz–22kHz.
  • Anechoic linearity deviation between 100Hz and 10kHz: ±1.5dB.

What wattage speaker should I get? ›

For a small room (up to 150 square feet), a speaker with a wattage between 20 and 35 should be sufficient. For a medium-sized room (up to 300 square feet), a speaker with a wattage between 35 and 60 is recommended. For a large room (up to 500 square feet), a speaker with a wattage between 60 and 100 is ideal.

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