9 Best External Speakers For Outdoor Projector in 2022
By Robert Jones · 2021-06-02
The majority of projectors come with in-built speakers. These speakers give good
Right, a lot of you lot are probably wondering about hooking up some proper sound to your outdoor projector. Most projectors, bless 'em, come with some tiny little built-in speaker. And let's be honest, they're not exactly going to fill your garden with glorious sound, are they? If you're planning a proper movie night under the stars, you're going to need something a bit beefier. Something that can actually project the dialogue and the explosions properly. I've been doing this for over twenty years now, testing all sorts of speakers in all sorts of environments. And with outdoor sound, it's a different beast entirely. You've got the wind, the general background noise, maybe some chirping crickets. You need speakers that can cut through all that and give you a clear, enjoyable sound experience. So I've rounded up a few that I've personally had good experiences with, or that have come highly recommended from trusted contacts. We're looking for clarity, decent bass, and importantly, something that can handle a bit of British weather. ## Why Bother with External Speakers? Honestly, it's the difference between a passable picture with frankly rubbish sound, and a proper outdoor cinema experience. Imagine watching a big action flick with all the explosions sounding like tiny firecrackers. No thanks. External speakers bring the film to life. They make the dialogue understandable, the music immersive, and the whole thing just much more enjoyable. It's an investment in your entertainment, really. And let's not forget, some projectors don't even *have* built-in speakers. Or they're so quiet you can barely hear them over the projector fan. So, yeah, external speakers are pretty much essential for a decent outdoor setup. ## What to Look For? First off, **weather resistance**. This is top priority. You don't want to be buying a new pair of speakers every six months because they can't handle a bit of drizzle. Look for IP ratings if you can. IPX4 is a good start, but higher is always better for outdoor use. My workshop speakers, for instance, are IPX5, and they've handled everything I've thrown at them. Next, **sound quality**. Obvious, I know, but vital. You want clear mids and highs, and a surprising amount of bass if possible. You're not expecting concert-hall performance, but you want something that sounds full and rich, not thin and tinny. I always test speakers with a mix of dialogue-heavy scenes, a bit of orchestral score, and something with some proper low end, like a sci-fi film. **Portability and power**. Are they battery-powered? Do they need to be plugged in? How easy are they to move around? If you're going to be setting them up and packing them away regularly, weight and ease of connection become important. Some of the bigger passive speakers will need an amplifier, adding another layer of complexity, but often better sound. **Connectivity**. Bluetooth is your friend here. It's simple, it's clean, and most projectors support it. If your projector doesn't have Bluetooth, an aux input on the speaker is your next best bet, running a cable from the projector's headphone jack, if it has one. Now, let's get to some of my picks. --- ## Our Top Picks for Outdoor Projector Speakers ### 1. JBL Flip 6 I've been taking a Flip 6 out to the garden for years now. It's a cracking little speaker. Small, properly rugged with its IP67 rating, and the sound it puts out for its size is genuinely impressive. It's not going to shake the foundations, but for a smaller gathering or just a casual movie, it's more than enough. The battery life is decent too, easily lasting a long film or a couple of shorter ones. **Pros:** * Excellent portability * Very durable and waterproof (IP67) * Good sound for its size * Solid battery life **Cons:** * Not the loudest for a big crowd * Limited bass depth ### 2. Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Plus This one is a fantastic option if you want something a bit bigger and louder than the Flip, but still easily portable. It's got a handle, which makes carrying it about a doddle. The Soundcore branding has really impressed me over the last few years, offering great value. The Motion Boom Plus punches above its weight, particularly with bass, which is always welcome for movies. It's also IP67 rated, so no worries about a sudden shower. **Pros:** * Much louder than smaller portable speakers * Good bass response * Excellent battery life * Durable and waterproof (IP67) **Cons:** * A bit chunkier to carry around * Sound can be a little unrefined at max volume ### 3. Sonos Roam SL (and Roam if you need a mic) Sonos, everyone knows Sonos. And these little Roam speakers are brilliant for outdoor use, especially if you're already in the Sonos ecosystem. They're not going to be as loud as some of the dedicated party speakers, but the sound quality is typically excellent – clear and detailed. You can stereo pair them, which makes a huge difference to the cinematic experience. And they're IP67, naturally. The SL version saves you a few quid if you don't need the voice assistant. **Pros:** * Excellent sound quality * Can be stereo paired for immersive sound * Integrates with existing Sonos systems * Portable and waterproof (IP67) **Cons:** * More expensive than many portable options * Not the loudest single speaker ### 4. Yamaha NS-AW150WH Now we're getting into something a bit more permanent, or at least, something you'd mount rather than carry around every time. These Yamaha outdoor speakers are a classic. I've installed pairs of these for friends in their conservatories and outdoor kitchen areas, and they just keep going. They're passive, so you'll need an amplifier to drive them, but that gives you more control over the sound. They're built to withstand the elements, though I'd always advise covering them or bringing them in during prolonged bad weather. The sound is clear and solid, ideal for a fixed setup. **Pros:** * Excellent, solid sound quality * Designed for permanent outdoor installation * Durable construction * Good value for a fixed setup **Cons:** * Requires an external amplifier * Less portable * Weather resistance is good, but not fully submersible like portable options ### 5. Polk Audio Atrium 4 Similar to the Yamahas, these Polk Atrium speakers are another great choice for a more permanent outdoor fixture. Polk knows a thing or two about speakers, and these deliver a really full, balanced sound. They're great for both music and movie dialogue, with a surprising amount of low-end grunt for their size. Again, you'll need an amplifier for these. They're built with plenty of weatherproofing features, including aluminium grilles and brackets, resisting rust and corrosion. A solid, dependable choice. **Pros:** * Rich, balanced sound * Excellent weather resistance for fixed install * Durable materials * Easy to mount with included brackets **Cons:** * Requires an external amplifier * Not designed for portability ### 6. Klipsch AW-650 If you want to go big and loud with a fixed installation, the Klipsch AW-650s are a serious contender. These things are beasts. I've heard them in a few setups, usually around larger pools or patios, and they really fill a huge space with sound. Klipsch known for their horn-loaded tweeters, which means they're incredibly efficient and can get seriously loud without much power. The bass is substantial too. They're built like tanks for outdoor use, with UV-resistant ABS enclosures and rustproof aluminium components. If you've got the space and the budget, these are top-tier. **Pros:** * Incredibly powerful and loud * Excellent sound clarity and bass * Extremely durable and weather-resistant * Great for large outdoor spaces **Cons:** * Expensive * Requires a powerful amplifier * Very large and not discreet ### 7. Bose SoundLink Flex Bose makes quality stuff, and the SoundLink Flex is no exception. It's a compact, tough little speaker that sounds bigger than it looks. It's got a really well-balanced sound profile, classic Bose really – clear and articulate. Perfect for taking to the park or just having by the garden lounger. It's IP67 rated, floats (I've tested this, accidentally!), and has excellent battery life. If you want something that's super portable and still sounds great, this is a solid choice. It does particularly well with dialogue clarity, which is great for movies. **Pros:** * Excellent sound quality and clarity * Rugged and waterproof (IP67, floats) * Very portable and stylish design * Good battery life **Cons: * Bass isn't window-shattering * A bit pricier than some similarly sized options ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### Do I need a special amplifier for outdoor speakers? If you're going for passive outdoor speakers, like the Yamaha or Polk ones, then yes, you'll need a separate amplifier. Your projector won't have the power to drive them. Something like a basic stereo receiver or a small dedicated power amplifier will do the trick. Make sure it's rated to handle the impedance of the speakers. ### Can I use regular indoor speakers outside? In a pinch, for a one-off event, maybe. But I wouldn't recommend it for anything serious or long-term. Indoor speakers aren't built to withstand moisture, temperature changes, or UV exposure. You'll ruin them pretty quickly, and they won't sound great battling the elements anyway. ### How do I connect my projector to Bluetooth speakers? Most modern projectors have Bluetooth built-in. You just go into the projector's settings, usually under "Audio" or "Bluetooth," and pair it like you would your phone to a speaker. If your projector doesn't have Bluetooth, you can often use a Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the projector's headphone jack (if it has one), then connect that to your speaker. ### What about power outdoors? Do I need long extension cords? If your speakers need mains power (and most do if they're not battery-powered), then yes, an outdoor-rated extension cord is usually a must. Make sure it's a proper outdoor one, with waterproof sockets if possible, and always be mindful of tripping hazards. For permanent setups, proper outdoor wiring by a qualified electrician is the safest bet. ## My Final Thoughts Setting up an outdoor cinema is a fantastic bit of fun, especially in the warmer months. But don't let poor sound spoil the magic. A good set of external speakers will transform your viewing experience, making movies more immersive and music much more enjoyable. Whether you go for a small portable Bluetooth speaker or a full-on fixed installation, there's an option out there for everyone. Have a look at what fits your budget and your space, and get ready for some proper outdoor entertainment. You won't regret it. I certainly don't when I'm out in the garden with the family, watching a classic film with some decent sound backing it up. Makes all the difference, it really does.