What to Look for in a Portable Speaker for Camping, Beach and Pool Days
A great portable speaker turns any campsite, beach or backyard into a party. But outdoor use is tough on electronics. Here is what to look for.
Durability first
Outdoors means sand, dust, splashes and the occasional drop. Choose a speaker with at least an IPX7 waterproof rating and a rugged, rubberised body.
Battery life
You won’t always have a power outlet nearby. Aim for 15 hours or more of playtime so the music lasts the whole day. Some speakers can even charge your phone via USB.
Sound that carries
Sound disperses quickly outdoors, with no walls to bounce off. Look for a speaker with strong bass, often labelled as an “extra bass” or “bass boost” mode, and enough volume to fill open space without distorting.
Stereo pairing
Pairing two speakers together for left and right stereo sound gives a much bigger, fuller sound, which is great for larger groups.
Size and portability
A speaker that fits in a backpack side pocket or comes with a carry strap is far more likely to come along on every trip.
Be a good neighbour
Keep the volume considerate at campsites and beaches, and check any local rules about amplified music.
Packing checklist
- Fully charged speaker
- Charging cable and a power bank
- Offline playlists downloaded in advance
- A dry bag for extra protection
Our pick
The StormBox offers IPX7 protection, an Extra Bass mode, 20 hours of playtime and stereo pairing. Check out the StormBox Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker in our shop.
[Demo comment] Downloading playlists before a camping trip is such an obvious tip but I always forget.
[Demo comment] Thanks! Offline playlists have saved many a camping trip.
[Demo comment] Stereo pairing two speakers makes a huge difference at the beach.
[Demo comment] Thanks for the reminder about being considerate with volume at campsites.