Best outdoor speakers: get the party started for under £50

Outdoor parties are one of the best ways to enjoy great weather, and a Bluetooth speaker can help get that atmosphere just right. Plus it doesn’t have to cost the earth either, with prices starting as low as £30.

But portable speakers can also be a minefield, with many offering disappointing, tinny sound with weak bass. So that's where our expert audio lab comes in, meticulously testing dozens of portable speakers available to buy so we can definitively tell you which are the very best.

Head to our reviews of wireless, bluetooth and smart speakers to see all the models we've put through our tough lab tests. 

Best portable speakers for 2024

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How much do you need to spend for a good outdoor speaker?

For £30 or less you’d generally get a tiny palm-sized Bluetooth speaker capable of entertaining a few guests – but quality at this price can be a mixed bag. While we’ve found some great models, sound quality from speakers this small frequently lacks bass and can be pretty tinny.

At the other extreme are so-called ‘party speakers’ that can cost hundreds of pounds. They’ll certainly be heard right down the street (and probably on the neighbouring estate too), but the cost, aside from the higher price, is often a lack of portability. They’re designed for gig-style events to pump out the bass, not really a traditional garden party – they’d probably rattle the teaspoons.

Mid-sized speakers typically cost between £80 and £200 (designer and premium brands such as Bose and Sonos often cost more), and our testing reveals superb options at all these prices. Another thing to consider is battery life – our reviews reveal how long Bluetooth speakers last under typical use.

For all the 50+ portable speakers we've tested that have achieved 4 out of 5 stars for battery life or better, head to our wireless and Bluetooth speaker reviews.

Popular outdoor speakers under £100

Most of the Bluetooth speakers below are not only battery powered but water resistant, so they’ll be the last thing to worry about in the event of a shower. We also test the real world battery life and maximum volume of every speaker we test too – just click through the links below to our reviews for all the need-to-know details.

Lenrue A15 – the ideal picnic basket accessory, original price £39.99

It seems there’s no better bang for your buck than the Lenrue A15 – it’s a pencil case-sized speaker at a price where you’ll usually only find apple-sized speakers. It’s available in blue or black, and its twin 7W speakers make it a little more powerful than many similar-priced models.

We liked: Build quality is good, there's a handy lanyard for carrying and it’s waterproof, too.

So how good is the bass, and will the battery life go the distance? Find out in our expert Lenrue A15 review, or check prices below.

SoundCore by Anker Motion 300 – more power without the bulk, original price £90

Small Bluetooth speakers usually aren’t particularly powerful, but this little speaker has a pretty decent maximum volume. It offers a handy strap to conveniently attach it to your hamper or rucksack, and it’s IPX7 rated for both waterproofing.

We liked: It’s compact and easy to carry, simple to use and quick to connect to your smartphone. You can even connect two together for stereo sound.

Can it truly deliver bass-rich sound despite its tiny size? Find out in our SoundCore by Anker Motion 300 review, and check prices below.

Ikea Vappeby (3rd Gen) 20x20 cm (with battery) – the perfect picnic partner, original price £74

This mid-sized speaker seems perfectly suited to quick trips round the home and garden. Its handle makes it convenient to carry compared to many bigger speakers – a lifesaver for moving a more substantial speaker like this about.

The price of £74 is for both the speaker (£55) and the battery pack, sold separately for £19. It's intended for home use, but the battery option gives it handy portability.

We liked: Easy controls lets you turn it on and off, adjust the volume, treble and bass – no need to fiddle round with buttons. Simply adjust and enjoy the party.

Our professionals guide you through this speaker’s strengths and weaknesses in our comprehensive Ikea Vappeby (3rd Gen) (20 x 20cm) review.

Buy it now for £55 from Ikea, and pick up the additional battery pack for £19.

JBL Flip 6 – the dependable campsite companion, original price £80

If you’re considering spending this much on a Bluetooth speaker, it’s a good idea to get an all-rounder that’ll suit all sorts of occasions. JBL looks to have this style of speaker down to a fine art – the JBL Flip 6 would look right at home on a camping holiday or any other outdoors event.

With a convenient wrist strap for easy carrying, it’s also fully waterproof (just like all the models we’ve featured except the Ikea above), meaning it can be submerged in up to one metre of water for 30 minutes, meaning it’s also a safe pool-side accessory.

We liked: Cylindrical design can be positioned either horizontally or vertically, or even hang from the roof of a tent. At 0.55kg, it’s not that heavy, too. 

Our professionals give the definitive verdict in our JBL Flip 6 review.

Popular outdoor speakers for larger parties

LG XG7QBK – a mid-size speaker for more volume, original price £200

This LG would look right at home at more lively events with its optional light effects on each side. It's not too weighty at 1.1kg and it's a powerful beast with a pretty high maximum volume.

You can even link up a stereo pair for even more oomph, and there's lots of settings available in the accompanying LG XBOOM app.

We liked: Robust build quality, mood lighting, can charge portable devices like your smartphone (if you're running low during the party)

So is the sound worth the money? Our experts tell you all you need to know in our comprehensive LG XG7QBK review.

JBL Charge 5 – powerful sound for larger events, original price £180

For a street party or park gathering, you’ll need a more substantial speaker with some added power behind it. Weighing 1kg and being 22cm long and 10cm wide, it’s still portable but you’ll want a bag to carry it further than down the street.

We liked: Sturdy build quality, and it can even charge your smartphone. JBL claims up to 20 hours’ battery life – we put this to the test in our full review.

Is this speaker worth the money? Find out in our extensive JBL Charge 5 review, and check current prices below.

Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II – glorious for garden parties, original price £300

It’s certainly not the choice for a bargain-hunter, but this lantern-like speaker fits right in on the patio or at a picnic.

It couldn’t be easier to transport with its carry handle and slimline design, and it claims to be pretty powerful too with a high maximum volume. It's also a much more premium-looking offering for smarter gatherings, compared to many party-styled speakers.

We liked: IP55 water and dust protection (don’t fully submerge), well-built, extra features in the Bose Connect app for your smartphone.

Our lab experts put it through its paces in our full Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II.

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