If it ever might seem like something is missing as you hit the beach, cruise into a pool party, or tee things up at a lakeside BBQ, there’s a very good chance that some tunes are what’s missing. If you’re on the hunt for the best outdoor speakers or the best outdoor audio, there’s no better time than the present to sort out a solution before you arrive to the lake empty-handed (speaker-wise, that is).
Even a day hike (as you take a much-needed rest at a scenic outlook) can be made all the better by some tasteful tunes. The great news is, there are audio makers out there delivering rugged, hard-working sound that’s more than fit for the sun, the sand, the wind, the trail or the cabin outpost, and just about everything in between.
The joy of music, after all, comes in sharing a knowing look as that unexpected gem, that long-forgotten favorite, that iconic chord, rides into view. No matter where you find yourself this season, when played at the proper volume and done up in tasteful fashion, the best outdoor speakers and the best outdoor audio gear can certainly get the job done.
Photo via JBL
For the Poolside Jam: JBL Flip 7
Reliably rugged performance can be hard to pair with crystal clear listening. But not for JBL. The company is famous for its durable speakers, which happen to have a true bounce to them in matters of both sonic quality and performance around the pool. Don’t worry if this speaker (in its many vibrant color options) gets knocked off your table poolside in a raucous occasion. It can certainly handle it, all without skipping a beat.
Photo via Bose
For The Scenic Route: Bose SoundLink Micro Portable Speaker
It’s a wonder what the right set of earpods or headphones can deliver in matters of sonic clarity and exceptional sound. Shouldn’t the same hold true as you take a load off and catch up on a much-needed touch of rest during a day hike or a leisurely park stroll? Be considerate of the volume, sure, but rest easy knowing the IIP67-rated, highly compact, ultra-durable yet booming sound of this Bose portable speaker leads the way. As the company sagely says, it even fits in the palm of your hand.
Photo via Marshall
For the Cabin Getaway: Marshall Willen II Portable Speaker
As any fan of good, old-fashioned rock n’roll knows (especially those who cherish the likes of Marshall-stacked AC/DC), there’s something to be said for a balance between ear-splitting volume and remarkable clarity.
Marshall manages to pack a hefty dose of each into this portable speaker. The brand makes handsome bookshelf speakers in their own right, but if you find yourself on the go this season (at a golf weekend away, at a bachelor party, at your own bachelor party), then this highly durable, surprisingly stylish speaker delivers a dependable punch.
Photo via TurtleBox
For the Sandy Surfer: TurtleBox Ranger
If the journey is the destination, then you might as well have some fun getting there, right? TurtleBox delivers a seriously playful and yet rich sonic punch with its lineup of world-class speakers, which are primed for long hours on the beach, plentiful days on the water and somewhere in between. The company even notes this option offers up optimal sound for anywhere from one to 10 people. Let the party begin.
The company offers limited-edition colors in its Original Gen 3 lineup (including a suitably Americana-themed colorway), and the Gen 3 is another beastly, rugged speaker worthy of your consideration.
When it comes to the Ranger, TurtleBox simply gets it, using a lightweight (sub-three-pound!) design plus magnet-mount utility, a range of handsome color options, and some of the most durable construction around for one of the best outdoor speakers on the market.
