The Ultimate Guide to Buying an Outdoor Soundbar: What to Look For

If it's true that the best way to beat the hustle and bustle of everyday life is to relax with your favorite music, then it's time to upgrade your outdoor listening experience with an outdoor soundbar. Whether you’re looking for cinematic sound quality or to add aural power to your outdoor entertaining set up, a soundbar is a perfect choice. But before you make a purchase, you should consider some key features and options when making your selection. In this blog post, we’ll offer up The Ultimate Guide to Buying an Outdoor Soundbar: What to Look For, so you can make the right decision. So put on your detective hat and dig into the details – it pays to be informed when it comes to soundbars!

Quick Insight

When looking for an outdoor soundbar, first consider the size, power output, and weatherproof rating of the product. Additionally, check what surround sound capabilities the soundbar has and if it comes with mounting hardware.

What to Look for in an Outdoor Soundbar?

When it comes to outdoor soundbars, there are a few key things you should consider when deciding on the right one. The two main areas to look for are audio quality and portability.

For audio quality, you want to consider the types of audio that your soundbar can produce. You’re looking for a balanced sound – one that gives you both trebles and basses without any distortion or faltering. Pay attention to dB levels as well; higher dB levels will give you more power and volume output.

Portability is also an important factor when selecting an outdoor soundbar. Look for features such as Bluetooth compatibility so you can easily move the speaker around without having to worry about wires. Additionally, check the size of the speaker and how much power it requires– if it’s too large or heavy, it won’t be practical for taking with you on the go.

When it comes to getting the most out of your outdoor soundbar, understanding these facets is key. Aspects like audio quality and portability will ultimately determine how effective your purchase will be and how convenient it is to operate in outdoor settings. With this understanding in mind, let’s look at another important area of consideration when buying an outdoor soundbar –materials and design.

According to a survey conducted in 2020, outdoor soundbars are becoming increasingly popular with 62% of surveyed respondents indicating they either own one or are planning to buy one soon.
Studies show that customers prefer outdoor soundbars with higher wattage as they provide greater performance and better clarity.
Research has revealed that weatherproofing is an important factor when choosing an outdoor soundbar – 44% of surveyed customers said they would only purchase a model with waterproof protection.

Top Points to Remember

When selecting an outdoor soundbar, it is important to consider audio quality and portability. For audio quality, look for balanced sound and higher dB levels. For portability, check features such as Bluetooth compatibility, size, and power requirements. In addition to these aspects, materials and design should also be taken into consideration to get the most out of the soundbar.

Material and Design

When investing in an outdoor soundbar, one should also be aware of what materials and design the soundbar is made up of. Durable material is the key to ensuring that your outdoor soundbar will have a long life despite all the elements and weather it may face. Additionally, an aesthetically pleasing design will help to supplement and amplify your outdoor activities.

So, which type of material and design should you look for when buying a soundbar? Generally speaking, it has been shown that aluminum-bodied speakers tend to hold up well outdoors over time. According to consumer testimonials, the sturdiness provided by the aluminum body helps reduce audible distortion from impacts due to windy conditions. Similarly, fabric grills are great for protecting both the internal components of the speaker as well as providing a visually appealing exterior look that won't easily corrode or wear away over time compared with plastic enclosures. Additionally, designs constructed with slim profile keep these speakers discreet while not sacrificing style and performance.

While there are many types of materials and designs to choose from when searching for an outdoor soundbar, considering durability first is often key to making sure that your device will last through the long haul -allowing you to enjoy your favorite tunes during those sunny days spent outside. Now let’s shift our focus to another attribute – wattage and loudness - in order to provide even better sound quality without compromising on other important factors.

Wattage and Loudness

After having discussed the material and design of a soundbar, it is important to consider wattage and loudness. The wattage determines how much power the soundbar can output and is an integral factor to consider when choosing the right one for your outdoor space. If you intend to have large-scale gatherings or parties outdoors, then investing in a higher wattage will be beneficial in order to create the optimal audio experience for all attendees. However, this does not mean that you should go for a higher wattage as bigger isn't always better - oftentimes, lower wattage outdoor soundbars work just as well and if used at a reasonable volume, won't disturb the neighbors either.

At the end of the day, it's all about finding the balance between necessary power output and avoiding potential noise complaints. The best way to determine what works for you is to do some research into different brands and find one that fits your own audio needs while still making sure it’s compliant with local noise ordinances.

Now that we’ve looked at wattage and how this affects loudness, let’s move on to discussing another key factor when buying an outdoor soundbar: connectivity and features.

Connectivity and Features

Now that you’ve considered wattage and loudness, it’s time to look at the soundbar’s connectivity and features. Many soundbars come with a range of ports, allowing you to plug in devices like gaming consoles, TV sets, DVD players, etc. Some soundbars are also compatible with Bluetooth technology, giving you more control over your audio experience. It’s also important to note if the soundbar is wired or wireless.

If you prefer a wired setup, it’s worth looking for a soundbar that has an HDMI ARC port for enhanced stereo linking with other HDMI-enabled devices. In addition, a 3.5mm aux port and TOSLINK optical port will let you connect your laptop or television directly to the soundbar.

On the other hand, some users may find convenience in a wireless system since it offers more flexibility with where it can be placed without having bulky cables running around the room. Wireless systems usually use Wi-Fi, allowing them to access music or movies on different devices like smartphones or tablets. However, it’s worth noting that some wireless systems provide less features than their wired counterparts due to weak signal strength and lower quality components so it’s best to do research on each product beforehand and weigh up all the features available before making a purchase decision.

Whichever type of connectivity or setup you prefer, it’s important to make sure your outdoor soundbar has enough ports and capabilities that can match your needs. With this information in mind, let's move onto looking at yet another feature: Bluetooth connectivity.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Bluetooth Connectivity is an important feature for many people when considering which outdoor soundbar to buy. On one hand, it offers convenience and flexibility, as you can quickly sync up a Bluetooth device to your soundbar and play audio wirelessly. On the other hand, there are varying degrees of quality in wireless connections so it may not be reliable if you choose a budget soundbar that relies on a less performant wireless protocol such as Bluetooth 2.1 or 3.2.

You should also consider factors such as range (the maximum distance your Bluetooth device can be from your soundbar) and latency (the amount of time for audio data to travel from the source device to the speaker). A good benchmark of quality is whether or not the sound remains consistent at long distances from your device. If you don’t need portability, other connection types such as Wi-Fi or AUX might offer better performance and reliability.

No matter which type of connection works best for you, understanding connectivity options available and researching their associated benefits will help provide insight into what kind of soundbar will work best for you and meet your individual needs. With that knowledge, you can make an informed decision about which outdoor soundbar will bring the clearest, highest quality audio experience possible to your outdoor entertainment space. Now let's explore some other features to consider when purchasing an outdoor soundbar - HDMI inputs.

HDMI Inputs

Once you have determined that your outdoor soundbar has a Bluetooth connection, take a look into the HDMI ports that it offers. If you want to connect more than two devices at once, such as a DVD player, gaming system, and streaming device, then having multiple HDMI ports will prove incredibly helpful. For those with basic needs, one or two HDMI ports should be adequate.

When shopping around for an outdoor soundbar with HDMI ports, examine the specifications closely. Some may offer a higher refresh rate than others, or may support higher bandwidths with uncompressed audio and video. Look for soundbars with HDMI Arc technology for simplified control of connected devices and seamless sound integration.

The bottom line is that if you have multiple devices at home that you'd like to connect to your outdoor soundbar, make sure it has enough ports to give you this option. It's also wise to check reviews from previous buyers to know how reliable each port is and if any downsides exist in terms of their usage and performance. Once you have taken these important points into consideration, the next step is to think about the quality and volume of audio output the soundbar can produce.

Quality and Volume

When it comes to sound quality, volume is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting an outdoor soundbar. You should make sure that the soundbar is capable of producing a loud enough volume to suit your needs and preferences. To get good sound quality at great volume levels, look for a unit with a high level of wattage or output in order to truly enjoy your listening experience outdoors.

In addition, another factor that contributes to quality is the type of speakers used in the unit. While more expensive options feature balanced surround-sound speakers, cheaper options often include lightweight speakers that lack depth and clarity which can be inadequate if you want an immersive listening experience.

Still, it is worth noting that although having a higher wattage may guarantee better sound quality and louder audio levels, it is also important to evaluate other features such as speaker placement, connections, and setup. Each soundbar model has its own unique design and performance; thus, it can take some trial and error to find the right combination of volume, clarity and comfortability best suited for your outdoor space.

Now that you have a better picture of what to look for in terms of quality and volume, consider how weight and portability play a role in choosing the perfect outdoor soundbar for your needs.

Weight and Mounting

It is important to consider the weight and mounting of outdoor soundbars for several reasons. Generally, heavier outdoor soundbars are sturdier, but with that comes the issue of being difficult to install or move. Consider the location where you plan to mount the soundbar, as well as how often it will be moved if at all, before deciding on a model. On the other hand, lighter models may be more manageable and easier to carry when necessary but might not be as durable or provide such high quality sound. There are some compromises to be had in this area but not every model has to sacrifice quality and volume for the sake of weight or mounting size.

When researching an outdoor soundbar’s weight, it is essential to check whether there are any accessories like wall-mounts included in the package which could potentially make installation simpler while potentially increasing the robustness of your setup. The same goes for any brackets or mounting screws included in the package that you may need to make your setup a success. Be sure to always double-check what items are included with the soundbar before purchasing due to their integral role in installation and durability.

Having considered both quality and volume as well as weight and mounting capabilities of potential outdoor soundbars, one's next step in selection should focus on waterproofing and installation setup options available for each model. In order to ensure that your dream audio setup can stand up against even the harshest weather conditions and continue delivering exceptional quality, be sure take this into account during your purchase process.

Waterproofing and Installation Setup

When it comes to selecting an outdoor soundbar, waterproofing and installation setup are important considerations to keep in mind. In terms of waterproofing, choosing a soundbar with a waterproof rating of IPX5 or higher is best practice. Such ratings indicate that the soundbar can withstand exposure to water and moisture without sustaining any damage. Outdoor soundbars should also provide adequate protection from dirt and dust, which can compromise performance over time.

When it comes to installation setup, the greatest challenge is in determining how you want to physically mount the soundbar. Some prefer to mount the soundbar directly onto a wall or railing, while others may opt for a freestanding setup. Wall mounting provides increased stability which may not be suitable for all locations. Alternatively, freestanding setups allow for greater flexibility when positioning the soundbar, but could be prone to accidental knocking or tipping if not properly secured. It’s important to carefully plan out how you would like to position your outdoor soundbar before settling on a particular type of installation.

In addition, some outdoor soundbars have additional features such as WiFi connectivity or voice control capabilities. If these features are important to you, then be sure to select an outdoor soundbar that provides the necessary functionality along with the desired waterproof rating and installation setup. Ultimately, taking into account all these different elements will help you select an outdoor soundbar that meets your needs and provides long-lasting performance.

Common Questions and Explanations

What is the difference between indoor and outdoor soundbars?

The key difference between indoor and outdoor soundbars is that outdoor soundbars are designed to withstand the elements, such as extreme temperatures, wind, rain, and dust. They usually have sealed enclosures with waterproof grilles and are built with durable components so they can withstand being outdoors without being damaged. Outdoor soundbars also typically offer higher wattage, which can produce more robust audio for greater coverage in larger outdoor spaces.

What features should I consider when buying an outdoor soundbar?

When buying an outdoor soundbar, there are a few features to consider. First, look for an all-weather model that can withstand the elements of your climate. Next, look at the wattage of the soundbar to ensure it has enough power to get the sound quality you desire. Also, if budget allows, consider investing in a multi-speaker system that will provide optimal stereo sound. Additionally, opt for a wirelesst system with bluetooth connectivity so that you can easily sync your devices and stream music. Finally, be sure to choose one with voice control capabilities so that you can adjust the volume and settings without leaving your seat.

Which brands are most reliable for outdoor soundbars?

Reliability is key when shopping for an outdoor soundbar, so it's important to make sure you choose a reputable brand. Popular brands such as Sonos, Bose, JBL and Yamaha are all well known for their reliable soundbars. All have long track records of producing high-quality audio solutions. They also offer generous warranties and great customer service. There are plenty of other excellent brands on the market too, so research thoroughly before making your purchase to ensure you're getting what you need.

Conclusion

By keeping these five things in mind, you're sure to find the perfect soundbar for your home theater setup. And if you're still not sure which one to choose, just remember - at the end of the day, it's all about the reviews.

Are you ready to feel the impact of amazing outdoor sound with your next musical experience? Click the button below and explore our list of the best outdoor soundbars, perfect for any occasion.

Get ready to enjoy blasting tunes whether you're relaxing in the comfort of your own backyard or out camping under the stars!

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