Choosing an Outdoor Sound Bar

No backyard barbecue is complete without quality audio entertainment. Because what’s better than being outside, at the helm of your roaring grilling, enjoying your own curated audio experience? Whether it's music, movies, or the big game, soundbars allow your outdoor events to become immersive, thanks to their impressive sound. Plus, the durable, weatherproof design of these products ensures they are fixtures of your space for the years of get-togethers to come.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound, few products can rival the audio quality of an outdoor soundbar. This is especially true of outdoor-rated TVs. Below is a quick breakdown in all the ways a soundbar outperforms the built-in speakers of an outdoor TV. In other words: why you should be adding a soundbar to your outdoor space.

  • Sound Clarity - As soundbars include multiple speakers and advanced audio processing technology, they offer enhanced clarity of dialogue, music, and sound effects.
  • Volume - Outdoor soundbars are often more powerful than built-in speakers and can produce higher volumes without distortion.
  • Bass Response - With built-in woofers, outdoor soundbars offer an improved bass response on your audio entertainment (versus an outdoor TV’s built-in speakers) for a richer, more immersive experience. There are also soundbar models that can wirelessly connect to a subwoofer.

Subwoofer or No Subwoofer

Some outdoor soundbars come bundled with a subwoofer, which is a specialized speaker designed to enhance the low-frequency audio range, better known as bass. This speaker can reproduce deep, powerful sounds that add a rich and immersive element to your outdoor audio experience.

There are also options for soundbars without a subwoofer. These units are often less expensive and take up less floor space. In certain settings, like smaller outdoor spaces, a well-designed soundbar without a subwoofer can effectively deliver balanced audio. Plus, if deep bass is not a priority, this kind of soundbar may be a better fit.

Connectivity

Most outdoor soundbars come with several connectivity options to accommodate various audio sources and configurations. Below is a list of some of the most common types of connectivity, which may vary depending on the brand or model of your soundbar.

Bluetooth

The standard feature for most soundbars, Bluetooth allows you to wirelessly stream audio from compatible devices. This connection offers true convenience when listening to audio content from a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Wi-Fi

Like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi offers wireless connection to an audio source but does so with greater stability at longer ranges. Wi-Fi also allows for use across several rooms and can be integrated with any smart home system you may have.

HDMI

An HDMI plug-in offers a high-quality audio connection and can support surround sound configurations and is common with outdoor TVs or home theaters.

DIN Connecter

SunBrite outdoor soundbars use a 5-pin DIN connector for plug-and-play connectivity with compatible outdoor TVs. These were more prevalent in the past and have become less common in modern consumer electronics.

Mounting Options

No matter what soundbar you go with, we recommend taking the time to consider the mounting options that work best for your outdoor area. This includes surveying your patio’s space, the sound coverage you’re looking for, and any features the soundbar includes. Of course, before mounting your outdoor soundbar, be sure to consult the manufacturer instructions and consult a licensed professional if necessary. If mounting isn’t an option, try placing your soundbar atop your existing entertainment console. This will allow you to have the soundbar at ear level while sitting (though it may require you to hide some wires if connected to a TV).

Wall

Many outdoor soundbars come with the appropriate mounting brackets that allow them to be attached to a wall. This option is perfect if you’re looking to position your soundbar ear level for optimal audio performance or if your outdoor area has limited space.

Attached to the TV Mount

Soundbars usually follow VESA pattern standards, and with the right mount, can be attached to the outdoor TV mount. This allows for good directional audio if you have a full motion TV mount, in which your audio and video are always pointing the same way.

Weather Resistance & Durability

By virtue of being an outdoor product, soundbars are constructed with weatherproof materials to function despite exposure to the elements. This includes UV-resistant coatings on their exteriors to protect against sun damage and any discoloration.

Soundbars are also made with rust-resistant components, such as connectors, grilles, and any other metal parts, and they include sealed speaker enclosures to maintain the integrity of and the internal parts. This allows them to operate in a variety of temperatures and climate settings, from freezing cold to extreme heat, especially in humid or coastal environments.

The best outdoor soundbar for your patio will depend on your specific preferences, budget, and the features that matter most to you. Whatever brand or model you choose, your outdoor experience (and that of your guests) will be greatly enhanced by a soundbar’s superior audio entertainment. Just don’t be surprised when you’re asked to host every major sporting event in the future because of your next-level setup.