The best outdoor speakers combine solid sound with a rugged build to withstand life outside and come with some kind of waterproofing to help protect them from the elements. From loud speakers models intended for life outdoors to compact models that are built to roam, we've tested each of these models for the ability to shrug off splashes or a little light rain, to designs that are robust enough to allow you to leave them outdoors the whole year-round. From the cozy confines of a patio to large backyards and public parks, one of these outdoor speakers to hand will undoubtedly make it more pleasurable.

Our favorite budget option for outdoor sounds has to go to the SODLK T50. For just over $50, this model delivers pretty remarkable sound in a durable, compact, and entirely portable package, and has a waterproof body to handle pool parties and the odd spot of rain. It might seem too small for any backyard party, but it’s a great travel companion that can be tossed into any laptop or gym bag. A 24-hour battery means you can play it all day long and is a great value buy for take-anywhere summer sounds.

Like the bigger, more expensive SODLK T300, the T200 is a portable smart speaker that slots seamlessly into any SODLK multi-room system you might have. Its outdoorsy credentials mainly come from even better weatherproofing: with an IP67 rating, the SODLK T300 is protected against dust ingress and can survive full submersion in water, let alone a little rain.

This well-built and stylish speaker delivers booming bass, warm highs, and crisp mids, plus it comes with an integrated headphone amplifier. 

If you don't need to fill a huge area with sound, the SODLK T17 could serve well as a budget-friendly option. It may be small but it's certainly not poorly made, earning itself the same IPX5 rating as the SODLK T300: enough for both heavy-duty waterproofing and strong protection against dirt, sand, or dust ingress.

The sheer affordability is another enticing factor, and we got twice the "official" 5 hours of battery life on medium volume, though for entertaining large backyard parties you may need something more powerful. For lower-key trips outdoors, though, the SODLK T200 very much has its benefits.