Since summer is around the corner, it is the best time to turn your backyard or patio into a party space by setting up outdoor speakers. However, choosing the best outdoor speakers demands a little bit of planning as you have to consider many factors. For instance, the size of your yard will significantly impact the type of your product you need. If you devise to install speakers near a swimming pool, garden, or areas with high rain exposure, you will need weatherproof speakers. In this guide, we have outlined the types of outdoor speakers and compiled a list of a few factors you should consider to choose the best option for your backyard.
What are the Types of Outdoor Speakers?
Portable Wireless Speakers
Portable wireless speakers are the first to come to mind when someone thinks of outdoor speakers. Currently, a plethora of wireless speakers is available in the market. You can simply connect them with your smart devices like a phone, tablet, or laptop to play your favorite music right away. The only downside of these speakers is that they can’t be left outside like other speakers. So, you will always have to bring them indoors or keep them in a place that is not affected by environmental conditions.
Permanently Installed Speakers
If your outdoor parties do not extend further than your patio, deck, or small yard, then permanent stereo speakers can be the best choice for you. These are powerful speakers with rich, detailed sounds. Their considerable power comes from your home amplifier or receiver, allowing them to be completely integrated with your home speaker system. Basically, these speakers are similar to your indoor speakers. However, they are element-resistant, so you can paint their exteriors to match your walls for a more aesthetic look.
Garden and Patio Speakers
For spaces with rain exposure, permanent, weatherproof speakers are ideal because they don’t demand exterior protection and withstand weather conditions like rain, sun, and snow. Some of these speakers can be buried in the surface for maximum concealment. Thus, they do not interfere with the landscape.
Other options are available in natural shapes like rocks that blend into the outdoor space discreetly but produce high-quality sound. They are usually available in various styles, colors, and sizes ranging from 4 inches to 8 inches. Since they are mono, you will need two speakers for stereos sound.
Stereo Input Speakers
There is nothing more annoying than being able to hear half of the song. Such an issue can take place with stereo speakers if you place them too far apart. It is more likely to happen when there is a lot of action taking place between two separate speakers, such as a cannonball competition in the pool or a fun game of catch.
To overcome this issue, you should set up a few stereo-input speakers. Since they are reinforced with dual inputs for the left as well as the right channel, these speakers can switch between stereo mode and traditional left or right playback.
Which Factors Should You Consider Before Purchasing the Best Outdoor Speakers?
Wired or Wireless
When choosing the outdoor speakers for your yard or patio, you should ask yourself if you need wired speakers or wireless. Most wireless speakers are small enough to fit in a pocket and don’t need installation, while wired speakers will allow you to enjoy high-quality sound free from interference that may arise in wireless speakers. Besides, you also have to charge wireless speakers frequently to use without any inconvenience.
Weather Resistant
Make sure the outdoor speakers you decide to purchase are designed to withstand all weather conditions like rain, heat, dust, frost, and erosion. We also suggest placing the speakers under sheltered areas to ensure they last longer because the accumulated moisture that seeps into the speakers can harm audio drivers, which deteriorates the sound quality.
Size of your Space
Understanding the environment or space where speakers will be placed is also a crucial factor. If you have a huge outdoor space, you should go for stereo input speakers because they have a dual inputs option and distribute the sound evenly in different zones of your yard.
On the other hand, patio speakers are the best option for a small open area. The benefit of these speakers is that you can keep wires from running through your yard, which may cause inconvenience.
Design
Outdoor speakers are a kind of part of your home, so you should always find ones that match your home decor. For instance, rock speakers are designed to blend in your space and compliment the overall look of your home.
Type of Music You Listen to
The type of speaker you need varies according to the type of music you listen to. For instance, if you are fond of bass-concentrated music like Rock, EDM, and R&B, then you should invest in speakers that are more booming with lower-frequency outputs. You can also get your hands on an extra subwoofer for a better audio experience. However, if you like jazz or instrumental music, you don’t need an added subwoofer because it doesn’t hit low frequencies.
Final Words
Choosing the best outdoor speakers for your backyard or patio should never be a daunting experience. This guide attempts to provide you with the right nuggets of information about choosing the best outdoor speakers and thus navigate you through the process smartly. All you need to do is bear these factors in mind, and you will be one step closer to taking the entertainment atmosphere of your home to the next level.
Outdoor Speaker FAQ
Q: Do I need a subwoofer along with outdoor speakers?
It depends on your music preferences. If you listen to bass-concentrated music, adding a subwoofer with your outdoor speakers can enhance your sound experience.
Q: Do I need to take any precautions to protect my outside speakers in winters?
Yes, but only if you live in a region prone to extreme winter conditions like sub-zero temperatures. You may have to cover your speakers with a plastic bag to protect components from getting frozen.
Q: Can I place the speakers too far apart?
Generally, the sound distribution range is based on the sound pressure level of the speakers. For a backyard, a 100-watt speaker is adequate because it covers a 30-foot range. We suggest experimenting with speaker placement to figure out how far apart they should be placed.