APPLE CHOICE Group test
Best outdoor speakers
Enjoy music anywhere with these weatherproof speakers
When the summer arrives people like to make the most of the good weather (okay, occasionally better weather), heading to parks, pools or even just the garden to enjoy the outdoors. The more adventurous might even go hiking or camping. Happily there’s never been a better time to take your music with you, thanks to the amazing range of wireless outdoor speakers available. As well as sounding great, all the speakers on test here are waterproof to varying extents, with some working just fine while floating in a pool. They’re also rugged and designed to be moved around as well as shaking off the occasional knock.
While there are plenty of small speakers, we’ve focused on midsized and larger models, partly because of their superior sound quality but also because they have larger batteries and hence better battery life, as well as in some cases higher-end features like voice assistants or external inputs. They all work with Bluetooth and some are able to work as power banks, while all have companion apps for set-up and management. Whatever your budget, our guide will tell you which speaker is best for you.
Group test
Reviewed by HOLLIN JONES
ON TEST…
> Bose SoundLink Max
> JBL Charge 5
> Sonos Move 2
> Soundcore Boom 2 Plus
> Sony ULT Field 7
> Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4