If you need the best outdoor Bluetooth speaker, durability and audio performance are essential. A good outdoor speaker offers robust sound quality, including clear highs, rich midrange, and deep bass. It must withstand the elements with features like water and dust resistance, rugged build quality, and long battery life to keep your music playing all day. Portability is also key, ensuring you can easily take the speaker wherever you go without compromising on sound.
Using a unique approach that includes True Score verification, certifying tested products, and employing a Trust Rating to eliminate fake reviews, we identified four winners. We analyzed 100+ Bluetooth speakers and filtered 1,150,545 reviews, discarding 92% of experts as untrustworthy. These top performers excelled in sound quality, durability, and portability, making them ideal for outdoor use. If you need an excellent speaker for other uses beyond the outdoors, explore our guide on the best speakers to ensure you get top-tier sound quality for any environment.
TL;DR
When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission.
How Did We Rank the Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers?
We take pride in our rigorous, evidence-based, data-driven scientific approach to creating the ultimate buying guide for outdoor Bluetooth speakers. Our process involved examining over 200 websites, analyzing expert reviews, and understanding customer feedback. This comprehensive approach helped us identify 2 required test results, 1 nice-to-have test result, and 1 must-have specification that truly matters. Our guide is designed to highlight the best speakers based on precise criteria and real-world performance insights. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must have an IPX6 rating or higher
? Test Criteria
- Battery Life: 9 hours is the length of time this Bluetooth speaker can play before the battery goes flat.
- Volume Output: Provides a dynamic and immersive sound experience, achieving volume output levels exceeding 85 decibels, delivering powerful audio performance.
? “Nice To Haves”
- Low-End Roll-Off: A low-end roll-off of <60 Hz to ensure there is some rumble in the bass to enhance your music or movie-watching experience.
Latest Updates
- 04/14/2024: Published the list of best outdoor Bluetooth speakers based on our True Score system.
Top Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers For 2025
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
For a outdoor Bluetooth speakers to earn its place on our list, it must adhere to our strict standards for audio performance and quality. Any model that fails to meet these criteria will not be on the list!
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
JBL Charge 5
Best For Golf Cart
The JBL Charge 5 excels at loud, clear outdoor music, with deep bass and long battery life. It balances durability with performance.
True Score
848513Experts
9436kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
$179.95Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof construction
- Well-balanced sound profile
- Portable 2.0-lb construction
- 14-5 hour battery life
- Dual-device Bluetooth 5.1 connection
Reasons to Avoid
- Lacks support for stereo
- Narrow soundstage
- Doesn’t support any voice assistants
- Mediocre low-bass
- Poor Bluetooth latency is not good for movies
Specifications
Battery Charge Time 4 hrs 
Battery Life 20+ hrs 
Built In Microphone No 
Charge Time 4 hrs 
Depth 3.67″ 
Height 3.76″ 
IPX Rating IP67 
Size – 
Smart App JBL Portable 
Speaker Pairing Yes 
Water Resistant Yes 
Wattage 30W 
Width 8.7″ 
Wireless Range 10 m All Specs
Test Results
Battery Life (Hours) 17 Volume Output (dB) 91 Low End Roll Off (Hz) 63 High End Roll Off (Hz) 6,640 All Retailers
$179.95Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
$179.99Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
$179.95$200Save $20Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
$179.95Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Our Verdict
If you like to play your music loud. the JBL Charge 5 is an excellent outdoor Bluetooth speaker, particularly for its impressive volume output and robust battery life. With a maximum volume of 91.5 dB, this speaker is best-in-class, ensuring your music cuts through ambient noise in any outdoor setting, from beach parties to backyard BBQs. This high volume capability and a substantial 17-hour battery life make this an excellent choice for extended outdoor gatherings where power sources are scarce.
The JBL Charge 5 goes beyond mere volume; its best-in-class low-end roll-off at 63.5 Hz delivers richer bass compared to its counterparts. However, it features the lowest high-end roll-off at 6,639.82 Hz among our selections, which may result in less clarity in the highest tones. Nevertheless, it excels in delivering clear and accurate mid-range sounds, preserving the integrity of lead instruments and vocals.
This speaker has a 10-meter wireless range along with clear, loud sound, although the Bushnell Wingman View has an impressive 331.4 feet for a better long-range option. The Charge 5’s IP67 water resistance rating adds to its appeal for outdoor use, underscoring its versatility and adaptability to different environments. While it excels in outdoor settings, this combination of durability, sound quality, and practical features also makes it suitable for indoor use or anywhere for value performance and convenience.
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Category Snapshot
Speakers
- Total Brands/Products Tested
33 Brands, 109 Products
- Top 2 Brands
Bose, JBL
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$20-$500
- Average True Score
77.25
- Important Test Criteria
Frequency Response (Hz)
Max Volume (dB or dB SPL)
- Most Trusted Testers
- Top Speaker Experts
- Typical Warranty
1-2 years
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – AKKO
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3
The WONDERBOOM 3 shines with its vast wireless range, lasting battery, and resilient build, making it a top pick for outdoor and indoor music lovers on a budget.
True Score
828126Experts
923kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $32$99.99$67.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Decent sound quality
- Great battery life
- Top-grade build quality
- Portable design
Reasons to Avoid
Specifications
Battery Charge Time 2.6 hrs Battery Life 14 hrs Built In Microphone No Depth 4″ Height 3.75″ IPX Rating IPX7 Size 4″(w) x 3.75″(h) x 4″(d) Smart App Ultimate Ears Speaker Pairing Yes Water Resistant Yes Wattage 70W Width 4″ Wireless Range 131.2 ft All Specs
Test Results
Battery Life (Hours) 22 Volume Output (dB) 87 Low End Roll Off (Hz) 180 High End Roll Off (Hz) 13.5k All Retailers
- $67.99$100Save $32
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $87.99
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
- $99.99
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $99.99
Availability
Free Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly outdoor Bluetooth speaker, the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 stands out for its exceptional wireless range and robust build, making it a prime candidate for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both quality and durability. With a wireless range of over 131 feet, this speaker ensures your music remains uninterrupted even in expansive outdoor settings, surpassing many competitors in its class. This feature and its best-in-class 22-hour battery life ensure long-lasting performance ideal for extended outdoor adventures.
Moreover, the WONDERBOOM 3 doesn’t compromise on sound quality. Its 86.9 dB volume output, only slightly below the Marshall Willen’s 87.9 dB, delivers robust sound, ensuring your music resonates clearly, whether you’re enjoying a day by the pool or trekking through trails. While it lacks deep bass due to a 179.59 Hz low-end roll-off, its high-end roll-off at 13,472.79 Hz ensures clear mids and a balanced sound profile. It is ideal for various music genres and audiobooks and is perfect for poolside relaxation or outdoor adventures.
Its rugged design and IP67 water resistance are essential for any outdoor gadget, offering peace of mind during unexpected weather changes or if it accidentally takes a dip. Additionally, its quick charge time of 2.6 hours is a testament to its readiness for spontaneous outings. This ensures you spend more time enjoying your music and less time waiting for your speaker to charge.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is a versatile companion for a variety of scenarios beyond the great outdoors. Its impressive sound quality, durability, and user-friendly features make it perfect for indoor gatherings. Whether for casual hangouts or impromptu dance sessions, this Bluetooth speaker offers a budget-friendly solution for music enthusiasts seeking reliability and convenience.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Marshall Willen
For versatile music lovers, the Marshall Willen excels outdoors, especially with vocal tracks. It offers clarity and convenience in a compact, durable package.
True Score
80788Experts
90987Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $40$119.99$79.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Average sound output
- Good battery life
- Exceptional build quality
- Good portability
Reasons to Avoid
- Underemphasized bass output
- Sound compression at max volume
Specifications
Battery Charge Time 3 hrs Battery Life 15 hrs Built In Microphone Yes Charge Time 4 hrs Depth 4″ Height 4″ IPX Rating IP67 Size 1.6″(w) x 4″(h) x 4″(d) Smart App Yes Speaker Pairing Yes Water Resistant Yes Wattage 10W Width 1.6″ Wireless Range 10 m All Specs
Test Results
Battery Life (Hours) 15 Volume Output (dB) 88 Low End Roll Off (Hz) 180 High End Roll Off (Hz) 17k All Retailers
- $79.99$120Save $40
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $79.99$120Save $40
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $79.99$120Save $40
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Our Verdict
If you like a variety of music, the Marshall Willen is a solid option for outdoor Bluetooth speakers, especially for vocal-centric music and other audio content. Particularly, its best-in-class high-end roll-off frequency, at 16974.66 Hz, showcases its ability to deliver crisp and clear high-frequency sounds. While it doesn’t have a great low-end roll-off, at 179.59, it is suitable for various genres of music, but don’t expect thumping bass if you like dance or Hip-Hop. Reaching a maximum volume of 87.9 dB, which edges out the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3’s 86.9 dB, ensures your playlists are clearly heard, even at large outdoor events.
Its compact design, combined with a 10m wireless range, provides the flexibility to roam freely, perfect for any outdoor escapade. The inclusion of a built-in microphone facilitates hands-free conversations, though it lacks voice assistant functionality, broadening its practicality beyond just music. This makes the Willen a go-to choice for those who appreciate sound quality wrapped in convenience, whether they’re avid adventurers or enjoy casual listening. Its 15-hour battery life and IP67 water resistance rating ensure it holds its ground in varied scenarios, from a quiet evening at home to a lively gathering outdoors, underlining its capability to adapt to different environments, further broadening its appeal.
The Marshall Willen’s performance, particularly its high-frequency clarity, and adaptability through a built-in microphone, make it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium audio experience. Whether used indoors for a personal listening session or outdoors amidst the elements, it can rise to the occasion.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Bushnell Wingman
For outdoor enthusiasts who don’t mind paying a premium for quality and convenience, the Bushnell Wingman View stands out with its remarkable sound, exceptional range, and fast charging.
True Score
71712Experts
82237Customers
Mixed Reviews
Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Produces balanced sounds
- Supports stereo
- Built-in GPS and golf score memory tool
- Good battery life
Reasons to Avoid
- Doesn’t support multi-device pairing
- So-so Bluetooth latency
- No dustproof rating
- Mediocre bass
- Lacks a graphic EQ
Specifications
Battery Life 10 hrs Built In Microphone No Charge Time 3 hrs Depth 2.9″ Height 7.4″ IPX Rating n/a Smart App Bushnell Golf App Speaker Pairing Yes Water Resistant No Wattage 20W Width 2.8″ Wireless Range 10 m All Specs
Test Results
Battery Life (Hours) 16 Volume Output (dB) 92 Low End Roll Off (Hz) 397 High End Roll Off (Hz) 13.9k All Retailers
Our Verdict
If you don’t mind paying a premium, the Bushnell Wingman View is a great outdoor Bluetooth speaker for its sound quality and impressive features tailored to outdoor enthusiasts. Its best-in-class 334.1-foot wireless range outpaces its competitors, and its IPx6 water resistance rating ensures your music stays connected even in expansive outdoor settings.
The speaker’s volume output of 88.8 dB allows for clear audio in outdoor environments, a critical feature for gatherings or outdoor events where background noise can be a factor. With a low-end roll-off at 179.59 Hz and a high-end roll-off at 14481.55 Hz, it strikes a balance between bass and treble clarity, ensuring that every note is heard, even in bustling outdoor settings.
This speaker impresses with a remarkably quick 1-hour charge time, a standout feature compared with the 4-hour charge time of the similarly priced JBL Charge 5. This rapid charging capability is a boon for those constantly on the move who need their speaker powered and ready quickly. Despite its 12-hour battery life being the lowest among its peers, it remains adequate for a full day’s outdoor activities, ensuring uninterrupted audio playback for your music or podcasts.
The Bushnell Wingman View’s robust build and features, like impressive range, excel in more rugged outdoor activities, such as camping or beach outings, where its quick charge time and sufficient battery life would be particularly beneficial. The speaker’s overall performance and features make it a versatile option not just for casual listening but also for those who require a durable, reliable audio companion for a variety of outdoor adventures.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 1 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these Bluetooth speakers and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a speaker that is right for you.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Life (Hours) | > 9 Hr | Yes | The length of time a Bluetooth speaker can play before the battery goes flat. |
| Volume Output (dB) | > 85 dB | Yes | The maximum volume that a Bluetooth speaker is able to output when turned to max. |
| Low End Roll Off (Hz) | < 60 Hz | No (nice to have) | The point at which bass response starts to fall sharply, causing it to rapidly become inaudible. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 50+ Bluetooth speaker reviewers and only 9 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for Bluetooth speakers.
- Becca Fischer – Rtings, MuckRack
- Michelle Powell – TechGearLab, MuckRack
- Brent Butterworth – Wirecutter, MuckRack, LinkedIn
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every Bluetooth speaker review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Bluetooth Speaker Test Data & Results
1. Battery Life Test Results
Your Bluetooth speakers are more than likely going to be battery-powered. They might not run solely on battery power, but it is more common than not for Bluetooth speakers to be able to play without being plugged into a wall. That means, you’ll want your speaker to be able to play for as long as possible without having to be plugged in to charge, so even if you forget your charging cable, you’re not shackled to 4 hours of play time.
It’s for this reason that we recommend that Bluetooth speakers have at least 9 hours of playtime – enough to get you through a full day of playing your speakers. That said, there’s no upper limit to battery life – the more you can get “under your belt”, the better. If your speaker can deliver more than 17 hours of battery life on a single charge, you’ve got more than enough for two days and change, which is plenty of time to remember you need to plug the speaker in.
Battery Life
> 9 Hours
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of time speakers can play before the battery dies.
Units of Measurement: Hours
Tools to Measure: Timer
Why It’s Important:
Battery life is what keeps your speaker going when you’re out and about, otherwise your speaker can’t survive heavy usage in a day or a weekend.
Battery Life (in hours; higher is better)
2. Volume Output Test Results
Volume Output
>85 dB
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The maximum volume that a Bluetooth speaker can hit at 100%.
Units of Measurement: dB (Decibels)
Tools to Measure: Sound level or decibel meter
Why It’s Important:
Max volume is how you ensure you’ve got enough volume to hear your music at a party without audio becoming heavily distorted.
Maximum volume is the most straightforward test to grasp when it comes to Bluetooth speakers: it simply refers to the loudest level at which the speaker can play. However, the importance of having a high maximum volume might not be immediately obvious. Beyond the ability to fill rooms with sound or serve as party speakers, higher maximum volumes play a crucial role in ensuring audio clarity at typical listening volumes.
This concept is known as “headroom.” Adequate headroom in a Bluetooth speaker means it can reproduce sounds at a level that is both loud enough and clear enough, ensuring that your usual listening levels for music or podcasts are crisp and free from distortion. Your Bluetooth speaker should have a minimum of 85 dB of maximum volume. The higher the maximum volume, the better the speaker is at delivering sound that can fill increasingly large spaces without sacrificing sound quality.
Volume Output (in dB; higher is better)
3. Low End Roll Off Test Results
The low-end roll off is key in determining how deep the bass on your Bluetooth speaker will sound. A Bluetooth speaker with a roll off that doesn’t start at a sufficiently low frequency leads to bass that sounds weak or is missing entirely, which makes music sound weak. Essentially, the deeper the bass can extend before rolling off, the more robust the sound.
For the majority of Bluetooth speakers and typical usage scenarios, aiming for a roll off that begins no higher than 60 Hz is advisable. However, the lower the frequency where roll off begins, the better the bass experience. It’s important to understand that there’s a limit to how low the roll off can go, so expecting Bluetooth speakers to achieve roll off points in the teens might be unrealistic. It’s also important to remember that Bluetooth speakers don’t have subwoofers and are also generally small, which limits how deep their bass can get.
Low End Roll Off
< 60 Hz
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The point at which bass begins to sharply decline and becomes rapidly inaudible.
Units of Measurement: Hz (Hertz)
Tools to Measure: Oscilloscope
Why It’s Important:
If bass takes longer to start rolling off, it’ll generally be more present in your speaker’s output, which will give music much more “punch” and depth.
Low End Roll Off (in Hz; lower is better)
Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers: Mistakes To Avoid
- Overlooking Durability: Outdoor speakers, like the best tailgate speakers, are exposed to harsh weather conditions, so durability is paramount. Avoid speakers without proper weatherproofing or rugged construction, as they may not withstand outdoor use.
- Ignoring Waterproofing: Even if you don’t plan to submerge your speaker, outdoor activities can expose it to rain, splashes, or spills. Look for speakers with an appropriate IP rating for water resistance to prevent damage. For those spending time on the water, the best boat Bluetooth speakers are specifically designed to handle marine environments, ensuring your music plays on despite the elements.
- Focusing Solely on Loudness: While loudness is essential for outdoor use, prioritize sound quality as well. Don’t sacrifice clarity and balance for sheer volume. Look for speakers that offer a good balance of loudness and sound quality. If you need even more volume, understanding how to make a Bluetooth speaker louder can be useful. Techniques like positioning the speaker near a wall or using multiple speakers in sync can amplify the sound without compromising the audio integrity.
- Disregarding Battery Life: Outdoor speakers should have long battery life to last through extended use sessions. Ignoring battery life can result in the speaker dying out in the middle of your outdoor activities.
The Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Battery Life
|
Volume Output
|
Low End Roll Off
|
High End Roll Off
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 |
|
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|  $179.95 |
| 82 |
|
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|  $67.99 $100 $32 |
| 80 |
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| $79.99 $120 $40 |
71 |
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