The best outdoor bluetooth speakers, according to Consumer Reports |
The best outdoor bluetooth speakers, according to Consumer Reports
Open air kills sound that carries easily indoors. Consumer Reports tested 7 waterproof speakers on audio and usability to find the best outdoor picks
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Outdoor entertaining season has arrived, and the portable speaker market has never been more crowded. Dozens of Bluetooth models now carry IPX7 or IP67 water-resistance ratings, but those say nothing about how a speaker actually sounds outdoors. Not every speaker justifies its price point once you leave the showroom and head outside.
Consumer Reports evaluated seven waterproof wireless models on sound quality, ease of use, and versatility. Here are the ones that made the list.
With an IP67 rating, the Sony $SONY ULT Field 5 is sealed against both dust and water, surviving submersion up to one meter deep. Consumer Reports describes the $329.99 speaker as a serious contender for anyone wanting substantial volume and bass from a medium-sized outdoor speaker, noting its restrained LED lighting is aimed at adults around a fire pit, not kids at a sleepover. CR adds that the size........