JBL Blogs

Help me choose

The best outdoor speaker

As soon as the first rays of sunshine appear, we all like to sit outside and enjoy the sun. With a drink in your hand, you can sit in your garden, in a park, on the beach or on a terrace. And what makes such moments even more enjoyable? The right music, of course! That's why a good speaker is really important. Here's how to choose the best speaker for enjoying music outdoors all summer long.

Dustproof and water resistant - it's a must!

Water is obviously the worst thing that can happen to an electronic device, and dust is not very good for them either. Outdoors there is a risk of both. You can easily tell if the speaker you want is suitable for outdoor use by looking at its IP rating.

IP stands for 'international protection rating' and indicates how well a device can resist dust or water. An IP code consists of 2 numbers. The first digit stands for dustproofness and the second digit stands for waterproofness. The higher the number, the better the rating. See the scale below.

IP-code and meaning:

Dustproofness IP-X		Waterproofness IPX-
Code	Meaning	Code	Meaning
IP0x	No protection	IPx0	No protection
IP1x	Large particles. Protected against penetration by particles larger than 50 mm	IPx1	Splash-proof type 1 - No damage in case of drops of water falling vertically
IP2x	Medium-sized particles. Protected against penetration by particles larger than 12.5 mm	IPx2	Splash-proof type 2 - No damage in case of drops falling at an angle
IP3x	Small particles. Protected against the penetration of particles larger than 2.5 mm	IPx3	Spray-proof
IP4x	Sharp objects. Protected against penetration by particles larger than 1mm	IPx4	Splashproof from any direction
IP5x	Dust protection. The housing is completely sealed. Not 100% protection but enough not to impede operation.	IPx5	Watertight
IP6x	Dustproof. Fully protected against dust.	IPx6	Water-resistant
		IPx7	Immersion-proof
		IPx8	Waterproof
		IPx9	Waterproof against high-temperature water

For an outdoor speaker that doesn't need looking after, it is best to have a waterproof rating of at least 6 and dust protection of at least 5. If you are near a swimming pool, a higher waterproof rating may also be useful.

Robust design and size

If you are going to take your speaker to the park, to the beach or on a boat, it is important that it can withstand rough handling. Obviously, fragile materials are not suitable for this purpose.

Also, check if the speaker is easy to carry. You may want a speaker that is small and fits easily in a bag or a speaker that is large but does not weigh a ton.

Battery life

Endless summer evenings with great music are made possible by powerful batteries. Battery life of a few hours is fine for a picnic, but if you're going to be hanging out until late, then you'd be better going for a battery life of 10+ hours.

Wifi or Bluetooth speakers?

Wireless outdoor speakers are the easiest to use. But what is the best way to listen to your music?

Bluetooth is by far the easiest and sometimes the only way to listen to music outdoors! For Wifi, you need a Wifi network to which your phone and speaker are connected; this often takes about 10 minutes, whereas Bluetooth connects with just a push of a button.

If you want a speaker for use in your backyard and your Wifi signal is strong, then you can choose a Wifi speaker!

Tip: Bluetooth does use up some extra battery from your phone so take a powerbank with you!

Need more help with your choice?

If you're finding it hard to decide what speaker suits your needs, check out our help section. You'll also find an 'Outdoor use' section where you can easily compare our speakers!

Related Products

JBL Go 3

Portable Waterproof Speaker

$59.95

Learn More

JBL Clip 4

Ultra-portable Waterproof Speaker

N/A

Learn More

More from JBL

Lifestyle Try these tricks to help fix muffled headphones Muffled headphones? Get them sounding smooth again with our troubleshooting tips.

Lifestyle JBL Grip or Flip 7: Which portable speaker brings the right vibes FOR YOU? From sound to size—see how their specs  stack up.

Lifestyle How Dolby Atmos can turn your home into an actual home theater Dolby Atmos technology enables movie theater-quality sound. Here’s how to experience it.

Lifestyle These are 2025’s best gifts for the music lover who knows everything Can’t tell a cowbell from a decibel? Win at holiday gifting anyway.

Lifestyle JBL QuantumENGINE is the audio app every gamer needs Spatial sound. Customizable EQs. AI filters. The game is about to change.

Lifestyle What is Dolby Atmos? An Audio Enthusiast's Guide We’ve all been there: you’re mid-run, deep in a podcast, or just trying to get through the daily commute when one of your earbuds makes a break for it.

Lifestyle Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones in Australia (2025 Guide)

Are you on a quest to find the best noise-cancelling headphones or a noise-cancelling headset with a mic?

Lifestyle Are Soundbars Better Than Speakers for PCs? TL;DR, no, soundbars are typically not better than dedicated speakers for a PC, as speakers (especially gaming speakers) typically provide superior sound quality

Lifestyle The Official JBL Guide to the Best Wireless Headphones in Australia Skip the tangled mess. We live life wide open here in Australia, from the morning surf checks to the city hustle

Lifestyle The Best Outdoor Speakers for Aussie Adventures: JBL Charge 6 & Flip 7 Discover the best outdoor speakers Australia has to offer! JBL Charge 6 & Flip 7 portable speakers deliver 24+ hours of playtime for your adventures.

Lifestyle 2025 Guide to the Best JBL Wireless Earphones

Freedom has never sounded so good. Celebrate the rush of cutting the cord with wireless earphones, knowing JBL is present for every iconic listening moment.

Lifestyle Soundbar vs Speaker: Which One’s Right for You? When choosing between a soundbar and speakers, the decision comes down to what matters most: convenience or customisation, simplicity or sound precision.

Lifestyle Best JBL Headsets in Australia (2025 Guide)

Whether you’re gaming deep into the night, zoning out on your daily commute, or vibing to your favourite playlist, you deserve sound that hits differently.

Lifestyle Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds in Australia (2025 Guide)

The world is full of distracting background noise.

Lifestyle JBL Tour Pro 3: The Best Earbuds for Airplane Travel Finding the perfect travel headphones can feel like navigating a crowded airport terminal — noisy, uncomfortable, and full of distractions.

Lifestyle What is Dolby Atmos? An Audio Enthusiast's Guide Dolby Atmos is a surround-sound technology that has revolutionised how we experience audio, moving beyond traditional channel-based systems to create a true three-dimensional soundscape.

Lifestyle Best Sports Headphones in Australia (2025 Guide)

When you’re hitting the gym, catching a wave, or training outdoors, having the right soundtrack to move to is totally non-negotiable.

Lifestyle The Official JBL Guide to Australia's Best Over-Ear Headphones Over-ear headphones are all about immersion. From silencing noisy city commutes to creating a distraction-free zone for working from home

Lifestyle The 2025 Ultimate JBL Christmas Gift Guide For Anyone & Anything

Christmas is coming in hot, and you know what that means. It's time to trade in boring socks and basic candles for gifts that actually do something.

Lifestyle Air Conduction vs Bone Conduction: Which Headphones Suit You? Hunting for the perfect headphones? It all starts with how you hear your tunes.

Lifestyle What is Spatial Audio? JBL’s Guide to Immersive 3D Sound Ever wished you could be more present in your favourite music, movies, or games?

Lifestyle JBL Live 3 Series: The Best Earbuds for Everyday Use Get ready to experience sound that moves you wherever life takes you!

Lifestyle JBL Christmas Gift Guide: Presents That Rock 'n' Roll 'Tis the season to spread joy and cheer! And what better way to do that than with the gift of legendary JBL sound?

Lifestyle The Official JBL Guide to the Best Earphones and Earbuds of 2025 Your search for the best earphones has led you here, because finding the perfect pair in a crowded market can feel like a real mission.

Lifestyle How to Become a DJ in Australia: Your Guide to Rocking the Decks From Sydney to Perth, Aussie dancefloors are calling! From pumping clubs playing house and hardstyle to beachside bars spinning chilled-out indietronica, the scene is vibrant and always growing, so exciting opportunities await aspiring DJs who want to share their music with the world.

How To Guide How To Clean Your Wireless Headphones And Earpads For music lovers, headphones are more than just an accessory; they're an essential part of daily life, providing a private sanctuary of sound. However, with this frequent use comes a downside

Lifestyle PC Gaming Accessories: Find the Perfect Headset with JBL Your headset isn't just an accessory, it's your weapon in the virtual battlefield.

Lifestyle What Are the Best Speakers for a House Party? From the chilled-out vibes of a backyard barbecue playlist to the heart-thumping beats that get everyone on the dance floor, music sets the tone for an unforgettable house party.

Lifestyle JBL Gift Ideas: Find the Perfect Audio Gift for Every Occasion Ditch the ordinary and surprise your loved ones with the gift of JBL — the soundtrack to unforgettable experiences.

Lifestyle How to Prepare for a Party with JBL: Gearing Up for Epic Celebrations Get ready to throw a party that will have everyone talking! This checklist, powered by JBL, covers everything you need for an epic celebration. Whether you're planning a birthday bash, a holiday gathering, or a casual house party, there's always a buzz of excitement and anticipation.

Lifestyle What Is the Best Mother's Day Gift? Unwrap These Top Picks Finding that perfect present can sometimes feel like a quest, but fear not!

Lifestyle Best AirPod Alternatives: Top JBL Earbuds for Every Listener Looking for earbuds that deliver exceptional sound, innovative features, and style all their own? Look no further than JBL — the perfect alternative to AirPods and AirPods Pro.

How To Guide JBL & Auracast™: Share the Vibe, Not the Earbuds Ever been stuck sharing one earbud with a friend, desperately trying to catch the lyrics of your favourite song?

Lifestyle What to Gift on Father's Day 2025: The Ultimate Audio Guide for Dads Dads. They might not always say it, but in their own weird, goofy ways, they love us fiercely. So, for a dad who has everything and offers everything, what else can we give this Father’s Day that truly hits the mark?

Help me choose Open-Ear, In-Ear, Over-Ear, On-Ear, and Open-Back: Which Headphones to Choose? The perfect pair of headphones can make a difference between an ordinary day and an extraordinary one.

How To Guide Best Headphones for Studying and Work for Ultimate Concentration Whether you're in a bustling office or a packed cafe, unwanted noise can kill your productivity.

Lifestyle The Best Soundbar For Your TV & Home Audio Soundbars have become commonplace in many homes and offices thanks to their premium sound quality, ease of use, and sheer aesthetic appeal.

Learn More Noise Cancellation or Noise Reduction: Find the Right Sound From bustling city streets to crowded offices, the world can be a noisy place.

Lifestyle JBL Soundbar: How to Fix an HDMI ARC That’s Not Working We're all aware of the pivotal role an HDMI ARC plays in facilitating a seamless connection for our audio-visual devices. It may thus be puzzling when your audio fades off quickly, or the speaker remains silent after you’ve connected your sound bar to the TV.

Help me choose Choosing the best headphones for kids

Children have delicate ears, so it’s vital to find the right headphones to protect their hearing. Find how to choose the best headset for your child with JBL AU.

Lifestyle Tips on choosing the best gaming headset Whether it’s Call of Duty, Fortnite, Red Dead Redemption, or something more under the radar, choosing the right gaming headset can make all the difference to your performance.

Help me choose How do noise-cancelling headphones work? Noise-cancelling headphones have changed the game when it comes to headphones. As well as playing your favourite music or podcast, they can diminish or erase the sounds around you.

Lifestyle How To Choose The Best Headphones For Running Headphones can improve your performance and enjoyment on a run. Here’s what to look for in the best running headphones for you, from fit to water resistance.

Lifestyle How To Connect JBL Soundbar To TV This quick guide will run you through how to connect a JBL Soundbar to TV with an HDMI cable, an optical cable, and with Bluetooth connectivity

Help me choose All about wireless headphones Wireless headphones have been popular from the moment they were released, but now as more and more phone brands remove the headphone jack, wireless is becoming a necessity as well.

New Product Amidst a world cluttered with noise, what if you could create your own sound sanctuary? Here, you command the auditory elements, shaping them to resonate in harmony with your mood, your thoughts, and your very being.

Help me choose On-Ear vs Over-Ear Headphones: Specs, Performance, Use-Cases & More When it comes to audio fidelity, the debate often lands on one crucial choice: are on-ear or over-ear headphones better?

Lifestyle 5 tips to make the most
of your time at home Right now a lot of us are suddenly sitting at home and cant go to the office to work. There are many advantages to working from home, such as not having to travel, working in your pajamas and setting your own time table.

Help me choose Music in the shower? Go for Waterproof!

Would you like to have your music in the shower? Or do you want to listen to a podcast in the bath?

Help me choose The best outdoor speaker

As soon as the first rays of sunshine appear, we all like to sit outside and enjoy the sun. With a drink in your hand, you can sit in your garden, in a park, on the beach or on a terrace.