10 Best Outdoor Speakers 2026 in the United States

The Sony ULT Tower 9 is a robust party speaker designed to deliver impressive sound and lighting effects, making it a great choice for outdoor gatherings or karaoke sessions. It offers 360° sound that fills the space evenly, enhanced further by an easy-to-use bass boost button for deeper, richer audio. The built-in 360° party lights add a lively atmosphere to any event. One of its strongest features is the long battery life—up to 25 hours—which ensures your party can last without constant recharging, and the quick charge function provides a few hours of playtime from just a short charge.

Connectivity relies on Bluetooth, which works well for wireless streaming from smartphones or other devices, though it doesn’t have advanced weatherproofing details, so it might be best kept under cover during bad weather. The speaker is quite heavy (over 65 pounds) but includes a convenient handle and wheels for easier transport, and it’s designed to stand on the floor rather than be wall-mounted. While the plastic build and floor-standing style suit parties and home use, it may not be the most rugged option for rough outdoor conditions.

The inclusion of a 10-band equalizer allows you to customize sound to your liking, and you can even connect an additional speaker for stereo sound. If you want powerful, portable sound with fun lighting and long battery life for outdoor parties or karaoke, the Sony ULT Tower 9 is a strong contender, though it's less suited for those needing a lightweight, highly weatherproof outdoor speaker.

The JBL Charge 6 is a solid choice for outdoor use, thanks to its strong weather resistance and durability. It has an IP68 rating, meaning it's both waterproof and dustproof, and can survive a drop from about 1 meter, which is great for active outdoor settings. Sound-wise, it offers powerful bass and clear high frequencies, enhanced by AI Sound Boost technology that adjusts the sound automatically to reduce distortion. This makes it enjoyable for parties, gaming, or casual listening outside.

Connectivity is straightforward with Bluetooth and USB options, plus a unique Auracast feature lets you pair two speakers or connect multiple JBL speakers for a larger sound area. The battery life is impressive, delivering up to 28 hours of playtime on a single charge, and it even doubles as a power bank to charge your phone, which is handy when you’re away from outlets. The speaker is designed mainly for floor standing and comes with a sturdy removable strap for easier carrying, although it does not offer wall-mounting options. It does require you to use your own USB-C charging cable.

Weighing just over 2 pounds, it is fairly portable but not ultra-light. For those seeking a durable, weatherproof speaker with great sound and long battery life for outdoor activities, the Charge 6 is a fitting option, though users should consider the absence of included charging cables and limited mounting versatility.

The Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 Architectural Monitor is a high-performance, weather-resistant loudspeaker ideal for outdoor use in patios, gardens, and poolside areas. One of its standout strengths is its robust weather resistance, thanks to its rust-proof aluminum grille and rigid glass-filled plastic cabinet that can endure extreme dust, moisture, and UV exposure. This makes it a reliable choice for varied outdoor environments. The speaker also undergoes rigorous weather tests, ensuring its durability over time.

Sound quality is another significant strength of the AM-1. It features a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter, a 5-inch glassfibre cone bass/midrange driver, and an Auxiliary Bass Radiator (ABR). This combination ensures rich, high-quality audio with optimal sound dispersion, particularly when mounted high on a wall. The connectivity is wired, which might limit flexibility compared to wireless options, but it ensures a stable and reliable connection. The power source is corded electric, so an outlet will be necessary for operation.

In terms of mounting options, the AM-1 excels with its included cast aluminum wall bracket and a one-plug mounting system, allowing for easy installation. The speaker can be mounted in either landscape or portrait orientation and rotated 110 degrees in both directions for maximum flexibility. However, it is worth noting that the AM-1 operates in mono mode, which might be a drawback for those seeking stereo sound from a single unit. Despite this, the speaker's premium build quality and versatile application make it suitable for both outdoor and indoor use, such as in bars, restaurants, and other communal areas. The Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 is a solid choice for those needing a durable, high-quality outdoor speaker with flexible mounting options, though its wired connectivity and mono output mode are considerations to keep in mind.