5 Top Wireless Outdoor Speakers

My wife and I are quite proud of our backyard. We’ve tried to create for ourselves an oasis of rest and relaxation in the middle of our hectic lives. We spent a lot of time, money and effort on the pool, decking, landscaping, etc. We spend a lot of time there and also enjoy sharing our little oasis with family and friends with barbecues, pool parties or just plain relaxing.

An essential part of our backyard getaway is the sound system which allows us to enjoy music, sports, TV or whatever we want even in the backyard. When we installed our outdoor sound system we opted to use wireless outdoor speakers for a couple reasons. The first was ease of installation. There are no long wire cable runs that need to be trenched or disguised. There are no wires to get tangled up or to trip over. They are, after all, wireless!

Second, because they are wireless they can easily be reconfigured. If you don’t have the sound coverage or quality you desire, you can simply move the speakers into a better position.

Third, wireless outdoor speakers are easily incorporated into your landscaping plan because of the wide variety of shapes and sizes available. Some are incorporated into standard landscape lighting, some look like Chinese lamps and some are disguised as landscape rocks. They can be placed on your patio, around your deck, pool or garden. Some waterproof units are even designed to float in your pool!

One drawback to wireless outdoor speakers is the power situation. They typically operate on batteries that either need to be recharged or replaced. Rechargeable system will require you to run a cable to the speaker system to allow recharging. Once charged, the power cable can be unplugged and then stored out of the way. Systems that use regular non-rechargeable batteries will periodically need them replaced. Thus, it is a good idea to keep a supply of fresh batteries on hand because they will invariably die at the worst possible time!

There are two primary types of outdoor wireless speakers: radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) technologies. RF systems work by sending radio waves between the source and the speakers. RF can typically can pass through walls and other objects making for an easier installation. IR systems transmits signals using invisible light beams in the infrared portion of the spectrum. These signals can’t travel through walls and other obstacles so a clear line of sight is necessary between the source and the speakers. As a result, IR wireless speakers are typically used indoors while RF systems are used both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor wireless speakers can typically transmit up to 150 feet using your existing AM/FM receiver, mp3 player, iPod, PC, TV (satellite or cable) and more.

You should do some research up front to be certain the speakers you choose will meet the requirements of your installation. Things you should consider include the aesthetics, sound quality, battery life, maximum usable range and whether or not they are waterproof. You will need to know that the wireless outdoor speakers you choose are designed to withstand the extremes of your environment. Will they be exposed to blistering sunlight and heat, snow and extreme cold or lots of rain? A little research up front will save you money down the road.

Keep in mind that the best wireless speakers on the market today are not necessarily the most expensive. It’s true that you get what you pay for but the best speakers for you are those that meet your needs and your budget. Here are a few quality systems that have been ranked highly by users that you should consider for your outdoor wireless speaker installation.

Adiovox Acoustic Research AW825 Mission Style Wireless Speaker

This high-performance system includes a fully weatherproof two-way speaker unit and a powerful wireless transmitter.  Housed in a bronze mission style lamp housing, it will make a beautiful addition to your landscaping.  The speaker includes a 3-inch woofer and 2-inch tweeter powered by a 5-watt RMS internal amplifier.  It features push-button tuning that easily locks onto the transmitter's signal. The AW825's portable design allows speakers to conveniently hang or stand with easy wireless installation, and its housing is designed to resist a variety of weather elements so you won't have to worry about rust, electrical shorts, or other damage.

The compact stereo transmitter unit uses an omni-directional 900-MHz signal with an effective range of up to 150 feet depending upon your environment. Phase-locked loop (PLL) circuitry and three selectable broadcast frequencies ensure that your signal will be clean and steady.

The transmitter and included mini-jack to stereo lead adapter allow you to connect this system to a variety of components, including home stereos, MP3 players, computers, and more. It's also easy to expand your sound by simply adding additional Acoustic Research outdoor speaker units.

This system includes one speaker unit, one wireless transmitter, two AC power adapters, one mini-jack to stereo lead adapter, and a user's manual. This system is backed by a one-year limited warranty.

Weather-Resistant Indoor/Outdoor Wireless Speaker

This portable indoor/outdoor wireless speaker from Brookstone has full, clear 360 degrees so so it won't matter where you stand in relation to where the speaker. . It weather-resistant design is ideal for use outdoors especially around the pool.

The stylish transmitter easily connects to your stereo system, television, iPod, mp3 players and just about any audio component with standard connectors.  With an effective range of 150 feet, it will work through walls and around corners.  Your choice of 3 separate channels helps ensure an interference free, clear connection.

The built in carry handle is ideal for carrying the speaker into or outside of the house to enjoy the clear, crisp sound wherever you want. The bass can be boosted with just a press of a button. You have the option of using this system wirelessly with batteries or in a wired configuration.

Audio Unlimited 900MHz Wireless Rock Speaker System

The Audio Unlimited outdoor wireless rock speaker system is weather-resistant and provides the clear, crisp audio you demand.  It utilizes 900MHz Phase Loop Lock circuitry which automatically locks in and keeps the audio signal clear and strong up to a range of 150 feet without any line of sight limitations. It delivers a crystal clear signal through walls or any other obstacles in your yard providing you with a variety installation options. The system transmitter supports all types of audio inputs including RCA inputs for home stereo receivers, iPods, MP3 players, computers and more.

Ideal for installation around the pool or spa, on the patio, near the BBQ, in the garden or on the deck.  The rock design allows it to become part of your landscape design.   Weatherproof cabinets can be placed anywhere and resist weather and even pool splashes.  The speakers can either be powered using 6 C cell batteries or with the included AC adapter.

Cables Unlimited Audio Unlimited Premium 900Mhz Wireless Indoor/Outdoor 4 Speaker System

The four speakers in this premium allow you to surround yourself with crisp, high quality sound.  These high-quality, weather-resistant speakers can even be used in wet areas. They utilize 900MHz Phase Loop Lock circuitry which automatically locks in and keeps the audio signal clear and strong within a range of up to 150 feet with no line of sight limitations.

The system transmitter supports all types audio inputs including RCA inputs for home stero receivers, MP3 players, iPods, computers and more. It's the perfect solution for adding music around the pool/spa, on the patio, near the BBQ, in your office, garage, in the garden, or out on the deck .

These stylish portable speakers come with a remote, so you can fine tune without having to play with the unit itself. Have time for fun with your guests, not a bunch of buttons.

Bose 251 Environmental Premium Outdoor Speakers

Anyone who has heard of Bose knows the name is synonymous with quality.  With conventional outdoor speakers, sound can only be heard with impact in a few "sweet spots" instead of the broader range of your patio, pool or yard. But Bose® 251 environmental speakers produce remarkably rich sound across a much wider listening area. Vital to that performance is Articulated Array® speaker design, which houses two speakers set at precise angles in each enclosure. This produces an extremely wide sound field so that you experience consistent stereo effects as you move around outdoors.

The small cabinets of conventional outdoor speakers often can't produce the low notes that provide impact. The 251 speakers blend with your outdoor surroundings, yet their technology and design eliminate the audible distortion often heard in other speakers. You can enjoy full, rich music without the need for large, bulky speakers. Bose 251 speakers are engineered and tested to withstand snow, rain, salt and temperature extremes of 140° F to -22° F. These speakers deliver a level of performance many conventional outdoor speakersand most indoor speakerssimply cannot match. They are also protected by a five-year limited warranty.