As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
In this article, I compare the seven very best Alexa outdoor speakers that you can buy right now. I’ll include some great-sounding options for beach, yard, pool, and patio. To not keep you in suspense, here are my picks for the best Alexa speaker for outdoors:
- #1 – Bose Soundlink Revolve: Top Pick
- #2 – Sonos Move 2: Solid Runner Up
- #3 – JBL Charge 5: Poolside Favorite
- #4 – OontZ 3 PRO: Budget Pick
- #5 – Bose Portable Smart: Premium Sound
- #6 – Sonos Roam 2: Hip on the Go
- #7 – Bose Soundlink Max: Best Newcomer
Click any link in the list above to jump down to my mini-review for that product.
What Outdoor Speakers Work with Alexa?
This summer, I found myself hauling my 5th Generation Amazon Echo speaker to the patio just to enjoy music outside. As a smart home enthusiast and Alexa superfan, I knew it was time to upgrade to a portable Bluetooth speaker with Alexa built-in. That led me on a journey to find the best options for outdoor use, focusing on top-notch sound and smart features.
After testing three speakers I already own and checking out others at my local Best Buy, I narrowed down my list to seven excellent picks. These recommendations are based on extensive research, hands-on experience, and standout features for outdoor listening.
While some come with a premium price, deals during Prime Day or Black Friday make them more accessible. Four of my picks are from familiar brands like Bose, Sonos, and JBL, but I think the 5th one may surprise you.
The global Bluetooth speaker market is booming, estimated at USD 15.24 billion in 2024 by Modor Intelligence and grow at a CAGR of 11.7% through 2030 according to Grand View Research .
This article dives into my top seven choices, comparing their features, tech specs, pros and cons, and overall value.
Let me start with a features comparison so you can see the key features of my favorites side-by-side.
Comparison of Best Alexa Outdoor Speakers
The following comparison table highlights the key features of the best Alexa outdoor speakers side by side for my top four picks.
Last update on 12/13/2024 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#1 – Bose Soundlink Revolve+: Tim’s Choice
First on my list of best Alexa outdoor speakers is another speaker made by Bose: Bose Soundlink Revolve.
While Alexa and Google aren’t built into this speaker, you can connect up with them via another Echo device using Bluetooth. This is true of the rest of the products reviewed here.
Like the Bose Portable Smart Speaker, it is also IPX4 rated, which means you can splish-splash around it all you like. Mine got pretty damp one day after a steam shower and I had no issues whatsoever.
The sound on this speaker is similar to the Bose Portable Smart speaker, although not quite as good. While I didn’t buy this one for extensive testing. I did go into my local Bose store and tested them literally side by side.
There was a slight tinier sound at full volume and at full volume, it would not go as loud as the larger Bose Portable Smart speaker.
There are really two main differences between this and the Bose Portable Smart. One, there is no direct integration with Alexa and Google, so you will need to set this up via a hack. Two, the lack of Wi-Fi support means that you can’t stream directly to your favorite music services without help from your smartphone.
Still, this is a solid choice for a great-sounding portable speaker. But if you really want Alexa or Google, spend the extra money and go with the Portable Smart model.
Pros
Cons
Video
Erin Lawrence provides her usual stellar video review of two great Bose SoundLink Revolve speakers.
#2 – Sonos Move: Solid Runner-Up
Next on my list of best Alexa outdoor speakers is the Sonos Move.
This is one of the best-sounding Sonos speakers I have tested, with the second-highest waterproof rating on my list. While it cannot be fully submerged in water, it can handle high-pressure water jets from any direction. Not sure why you would do that, but there it is.
According to Sonos, it can also stand up to humidity, rain, snow, dust, salt spray, U/V rays, and extreme heat and cold. Now that is really pretty cool – or hot – depending on your point of view.
This would have taken the top spot over the Bose speaker if it weren’t for two key things. First, it is significantly larger and heavier, making transport a bit more clunky if you are someone like me who is always on the go. That said, with its extreme weather resistance, it could make a great outdoor poolside speaker, for example.
The second place it falls short is its battery life. While Sonos claims it will play for 11 hours on a charge, customers have complained that after a few months, this drops down to 8-9 hours. Still, a corded option is provided.
Pros
Cons
Video
Thanks to Smart Home Sounds Ltd for teaching me everything I needed to know about Sonos Move in under five minutes.
#3 – JBL Charge 5: Poolside Favorite
Next on my list of best Alexa outdoor speakers is the JBL Charge 5. This is one of the best outdoor speakers I have tested and I have even left it out on heavy rain. This is my go-to outdoor Bluetooth speaker for inclement weather. Like Bose Soundlink, the JBL Charge 5 does not have Alexa built-in.
However, you can connect an Echo Dot or other Alexa speaker via Bluetooth connection to use it along with everyone’s favorite voice assistant. I don’t have Google Home so I was unable to confirm this will work with Google Home myself, but my research says that it will.
Some key benefits of the Charge 5 are that is both dust-proof and water-proof, it has an hour longer battery life than both Bose speakers featured here (20 hours), it includes a 3.5mm audio jack, and a sleep timer.
I found the sound to be closer to Bose Soundlink Resolve than Bose Portable Smart, but it still packs a pretty serious punch and sounds much bigger than you would think for such a small package. Oh, it comes in a variety of colors including the very cool-looking Green Camo one that I own.
My camo JBL Charge 4 Speaker – Should I upgrade?
Pros
Cons
Video
Thanks to Jordan over at Product Lab for his nice YouTube review of JBL Charge 5.
#4 – OontZ 3 PRO: Tim’s Budget Pick
For a great outdoor speaker on a budget that you can also take with you in the shower, the OontZ Upgraded Angle 3 Shower Plus Edition from Cambridge Soundworks is definitely worth a look. I have been rocking out to this speaker for almost a year now and I am thoroughly impressed.
Here’s what it looks like hanging in my shower.
While you aren’t going to get the same level of sound that you get with Bose or JBL, the sound is decent from this little speaker. It has good Bluetooth / Wi-Fi range (perfect for my outdoor patio) and the sound really does come close.
With solid “all-day” battery life on a single charge, you can take your time to make sure you get all of those nooks and crannies squeaky clean. There are more Oontz Bluetooth speaker models in a variety of colors if you want a more general purpose speaker. If you press a button on the device, you can use Alexa voice commands directly with this external speaker.
This works great as a beach speaker too. It’s more lightweight than others here so it will fit in your suitcase no problem.
Pros
Cons
Video
Here is an unboxing video that I did recently over on my YouTube channel. No that isn’t me. LOL.
#5 – Bose Portable Smart: Premium Sound
Next on my list of the best Alexa outdoor speakers is the Bose Portable Smart Speaker.
Indoors or out, this is one of the coolest-sounding speakers I have heard in a long time. It packs a lot of punch into a small roughly 7.5 x 4.5-inch thermos-like package. You are sure to impress your friends if you go with Bose.
The highs and lows are pretty close to perfection, and the mid-range is perfect.
While it isn’t cheap, I justified getting this because I also use it indoors as part of my Echo multi-room music configuration for some killer stereo sound. It doesn’t disappoint in my living room. This would be great for cranking up your favorite songs via voice control, even in large rooms actually. Bose must have worked out a sweet deal with Amazon because Alexa is directly integrated into this smart speaker.
And the Alexa integration just works flawlessly after the initial setup. The battery doesn’t last as long as other models here, but unless you are throwing a “rave,” do you need to play music for more than 12 hours without a charge?
Pros
Cons
Video
Thanks to NCT for the helpful unboxing video.
#6 – Sonos Roam 2: Hip on the Go
About the size of a small thermos, the Sonos Roam 2 is an outstanding choice for those seeking the best Alexa outdoor speakers. With its durable design and build, this portable speaker combines style and functionality for music lovers on the move.
As an Alexa-enabled outdoor speaker, it allows you to play music, check the weather, or control your smart home with ease. Its IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating ensures it’s perfect for outdoor adventures, whether you’re enjoying a beach day or relaxing in the backyard. The 10-hour battery life provides plenty of playtime to keep the party going.
The Sonos Roam 2 delivers impressive sound quality, thanks to precision-engineered drivers and automatic Trueplay technology, which adjusts audio to match its environment. Its compact and versatile design makes it an excellent addition to any setup, whether it’s standing upright on a table or lying flat on a picnic blanket.
Pros
Cons
#7 – Bose SoundLink Max: Best Newcomer
A newcomer and already highly rated, the Bose SoundLink Max earns its spot among the best Alexa outdoor speakers.
Larger than most portable Bluetooth speakers, this premium device is designed for those who demand big sound and deep bass wherever they go.
With an impressive IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, the SoundLink Max is the last of my top picks. It built to withstand the elements, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings, poolside relaxation, or backyard parties.
The 20-hour battery life ensures your tunes last from sunrise to well past sunset, and the USB-C charging port can even keep your other devices powered on the go.
Whether you’re looking for an outdoor audio setup or a great alternative to other home speakers, the SoundLink Max offers both detailed sound and deep bass frequencies. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio cable option also provides versatility for connecting older models of audio devices. This makes it a top pick for those who want premium, reliable outdoor sound.
Pros
Cons
Best Alexa Outdoor Speakers: Sound Off
So what do you think of my picks for the best outdoor Alexa speakers?
Believe me when I tell you that the Bose speakers sound pretty impressive. I think all of my picks for each of these best portable Bluetooth speakers are cool in their own way. These outdoor audio setups are designed to offer immersive sound for your favorite tunes, whether you’re setting up in your outdoor space or by the pool.
Is waterproof rating the main consideration for you? How about portability? What’s your feeling about the price point of these products? Do you prioritize clear sound or compatibility with other smart home devices like Amazon Echo devices? With voice assistants becoming more integrated, having compatible devices makes all the difference in convenience.
I hope you will leave me a comment below and let me know.
Oh, and if you want some more cool tech ideas for outside, don’t miss this other article I wrote: 11 Wicked Smart Home Yard Ideas
Until next time, keep on rocking!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tim Brennan, a tech blogger and host of the @TecTimmy YouTube channel, writes about smart homes at oneSmartcrib, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews, and AI in writing at Writeinteractive. He holds a Journalism degree from Northeastern University and has covered technology for three decades. He lives on the ocean in Nahant, Massachusetts.
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel for a fun take on all things tech.