What actually makes the best Bluetooth speaker for outdoors? With a portable, battery-powered Bluetooth speaker, you can turn up your music outdoors. Bluetooth speakers for on the go should not only be battery-operated, but also waterproof and dust-resistant. What could be more natural than listening to music while on vacation, camping, hiking or at the beach?
The best Bluetooth speakers for outdoors at a glance
STEREO GUIDE had many models from well-known manufacturers such as JBL, Sony and Co in the review. Among them are also some gems in metal cases or retro looks. Mobile in the sense of wireless are actually all Bluetooth speakers with built-in battery. However, short battery life, shock-sensitive edges or bulky casing make outdoor use a no-go for many popular models. If you do not only want to listen on the terrace or balcony and otherwise use the speaker as an indoor sound system.
Therefore, first a short guide to what really matters in the best mobile Bluetooth speakers, if they are to be good for hiking, biking, the outdoor pool or the beach. An overview of the best Bluetooth speakers that are guaranteed to be good for camping, hiking, biking, beach or park parties can be found below, divided into four size categories.
Pay attention to these things when choosing the right mobile outdoor speaker!
Tip 1: Factor in shape factor and weight!
Many buyers reach for a battery-powered Bluetooth speaker, which is inexpensive and plays loud in comparison. But beware: Many models that score well in their price range in the sound test get their dynamic sound from unwieldy angular cases and heavy materials like metal.
You’ll regret this at the latest when you have to carry a heavy load on a mountain tour or can’t even get the angular cube into your backpack. Flat case shapes and strongly rounded edges as well as cases made of sturdy plastic are often the better choice than the fancy metal latch.
Tip 2: How to check how a Bluetooth speaker withstands water, sand and shocks!
If you want to take a mobile speaker with you for outdoor use beyond the balcony and terrace, you should pay attention to three things. That would be 1. protection against sand and dirt, 2. protection against water and 3. scratch as well as impact resistant surfaces. The first two criteria are adequately defined with the IP protection class (guide to this). To prevent sand from getting into the speaker and a heavy rain shower from destroying the electronics, we recommend at least protection class IP55 or higher for tougher outdoor use. IP67 is optimal and also allows a brief immersion in the sand or water. You can then really use such a waterproof Bluetooth speaker in outdoor use everywhere.
Tip: Always tightly seal all rubber plugs of the sockets and terminal covers. Otherwise, the dust and water resistance is in no way guaranteed!
Most impacts are more of a visual problem for sensitive Bluetooth speakers with metal or wooden surfaces. However, a fall to the floor quickly ruins especially heavy boxes, if they fall awkwardly on a corner. Fabric coverings, on the other hand, quickly get caught somewhere and tear out. Soft rubber shock absorbers on the edges and sturdy braided metal grids are the features of choice.
Tip 3: Pay attention to the right sound tuning for outdoors
No one will expect hi-fi quality and deep bass from a small speaker on a mountain hike or during an after-work beer on the riverbank. Stereo imaging and high levels should also not be a priority in normal outdoor use.
How much bass and level you need can only be found out by a field test! And if you only need more level now and then: Many Bluetooth speakers have a party function that allows you to pair two or more speakers of the same type (or from the same manufacturer). Ideal for garden parties! Then on the mountain tour you only have to lug one.
Our experience: a full sound with a healthy bass foundation can not hurt even at minimum levels around the campfire or picnic. This is because especially in free-field operation the bass sounds slimmer and thinner than in a room or near a wall. So if in doubt, buy the more powerful speaker for outdoor use.
Tip 4: What to look out for in terms of battery and connections
Compared to headphones and smartphones, Bluetooth speakers for outdoors need a lot of power. Charging without a power adapter and outlet, for example with a powerbank, is a hopeless endeavor. So, if you need a speaker for beach parties or camping, you should rather pay attention to a really long battery life.
Many models even offer a powerbank function, where the smartphone can be charged from the Bluetooth speaker’s battery. A function that is really worth its weight in gold.
If you do not want to primarily play from your smartphone, but still use an old MP3 player, for example: A Bluetooth speaker with an additional analog input is recommended here.
Our buying tips: The best Bluetooth speakers for various outdoor applications
Whether it’s a bike tour or a party at the beach: Instead of a list of the best, which would not be able to meet the completely different demands anyway, we have rather picked out tips for the best mobile speaker per application area. Our reviews of mobile Bluetooth speakers are separated into four size/weight categories: mini, small, medium and large.
We have not included Bluetooth speakers that have limitations according to the above 4 tips for mobile use in the canon of our recommendations. For example, the IKEA Vappeby offers a lot of sound per euro and also has a practical lamp function. Who is just looking for a practical system for the caravan – perfect. However, the dimensions and weight are simply unsuitable for all other mobile applications in relation to the result.
The Mackie Thumb Go 8″, probably the most dynamic portable Bluetooth speaker for outdoors, is also a hot recommendation. It offers the sound of a small PA system in hand luggage dimensions and trumps almost all outdoor speakers in terms of pressure. Likewise, for us, the Klipsch Gig XXL is the most balanced and hi-fi mobile Bluetooth speaker. However, both Mackie and Klipsch cannot tolerate dust or water and are therefore excluded from this list.
JBL Clip 5clip 5: Good sound even for your handbag
If handling and a backpack-compatible housing are the most important factors, the JBL Clip 5 (read our detailed review) is our tip. It is lightweight, perfectly stowable, sufficiently sand and water resistant with IP67. In addition, the tiny Bluetooth speaker is more full-fledged in sound than most competitors in this extremely handy format. The only disadvantages: At up to 12 hours, the maximum battery life away from charging options is quite okay. Up to 15 hours are possible with the Playtime Boost function. However, the bass, which is not exactly lush anyway, is then completely lost in order to save energy. You shouldn’t expect high party levels from this mini, which is barely bigger than a pack of cigarettes, either, even if you pair two into a stereo pair.
Sony SRS-XB100: The long-running alternative among the minis
With up to 16 hours of battery life at a weight of only 274 grams, the Sony SRS-XB100 (read our detailed review) is recommended as an alternative for longer hikes and trips far from a charging option. It is also practical to transport with a carrying strap and is also protected against water and dust according to IP67. And it plays quite fully with punch for its weight class, though not overly fine or loud. It surpasses its predecessor, the Sony SRS-XB13, in terms of sound, especially with its more brilliant treble and jcarer midrange reproduction. One should keep in mind that the almost can-shaped speaker is bulky despite its nominally compact dimensions. Thus, it does not store well in flat handbags.
Teufel Rockster Go 2: Maximum sound for mountain tours, camping and more
Our next recommendation is as rugged as possible, not too heavy, backpackable, and still level. For us, the Teufel Rockster Go 2 (read our detailed review) is the best compromise in the compact Bluetooth class. Thanks to its IP67 certification, rubber edges and robust mesh fabric, it is unaffected by sand, water or impacts. Its flattened shape makes it easier to stow than its dimensions would suggest. And the fastening strap is really convenient. Thanks to Dynamore mode, the sound is not only amazingly spacious for a small Bluetooth speaker. The Rockster Go 2 also sounds very dynamic, detailed and powerful – and lasts up to 15 hours. In Eco mode, even up to 26 hours are possible.
JBL Flip 7: Even better sound in the new generation
Thanks to its 2-way speaker system, the JBL Flip 7(read our detailed review) is the better alternative to the widespread full-range speakers for small Bluetooth speakers. It is smaller and lighter than the Teufel Rockster Go 2, but doesn’t deliver quite as spacious a sound. It is now even better protected against sand and water to IP68 than its competitors and predecessors. On top of that, its battery now lasts up to 14 hours. With the Playtime Boost function, even up to 16 hours are possible with reduced bass playback. And we consider the JBL Flip 7 to be one of the best current outdoor Bluetooth speakers, especially with the sound improvements through AI bass control, especially as it has a considerable price advantage over slightly superior sounding challengers such as the B&O Beosound A1 Gen. 2.
For open-air parties: JBL PartyBox Stage 320
JBL has given its popular PartyBox an update – and it’s something to be seen and heard. The JBL PartyBox Stage 320(click here for the review) remains true to its predecessor, but has been improved in all the right places: more practical use, the same great sound, more freedom on the go. At a good 16 kilos, it is no lightweight, but thanks to its telescopic handle and wheels it is easy to move – much more suitable for everyday use than some of its bulkier competitors. The housing is partly made of recycled material, which is well received. Instead of a fixed battery, there is now a replaceable battery. Take it out without tools, put a new one in – done. One charge lasts up to 18 hours at medium volumes.
Two 6.5-inch woofers and two tweeters provide plenty of power. The bass is powerful, the treble sometimes pushes a little too much, especially at high levels and with voices. Mids? They’re there, but more party-oriented than hi-fi. Not made for classical music, but unbeatable for electro, pop or hip-hop. The bass boost function has two levels: Number 1 for more fullness, number 2 for a kick. You have to dose it according to the room and the music – otherwise it’s too much of a good thing. Set up correctly, however, the Stage 320 delivers an impressive performance. The new user interface is well thought out. Controls for microphone, echo, instruments – all directly accessible. And then there’s the revised app: 5-band equalizer, DJ effects, light settings for the integrated light organ.
More Bluetooth speakers for outdoors in our best list
In any case, the JBL party speaker is currently one of the best Bluetooth speakers for outdoors for the editors of STEREO GUIDE, just like all the other systems recommended here. You can find more mobile speakers in our Bluetooth speaker best list.
