Outdoor entertaining areas are increasingly coveted by homeowners looking to blend the comforts of indoors with the accessibility to nature that backyards provide. Homeowners do much to enhance the comfort and functionality of backyard spaces, and one way to elevate these spaces is through the installation of audio capabilities.

The ability to listen to an audio book while floating in the pool or stream a party playlist while hosting a barbecue enhances outdoor spaces. Individuals have various options to consider when seeking to upgrade their outdoor sound capabilities.

Portable Bluetooth speakers. Bluetooth technology revolutionized the way various devices exchange data. Bluetooth utilizes short-range radio waves to connect and share information without a need for wires. That means it can connect devices like smartphones and computers to items like headphones and speakers. Homeowners who want a simple way to bring audio outdoors can look to portable speakers, which range in size from tabletop versions to larger, tailgate-style speakers. Many offer quality sound that is easily queued up when needed.

Wireless stationary speakers. Similar to portable speakers, wireless stationary speakers designed for the outdoors employ Bluetooth technology through portable speakers or a networked computer Wi-Fi connection. Each are mounted to deck railings or are placed around the yard. Interference can affect these types of speakers, depending on placement and distance from the device that is playing the music. They may be sufficient for the casual listener.

Wired outdoor speakers. Wired outdoor speakers need to be hooked up to an amplifier inside a home with wires. Although it sounds complicated, typically it’s a job a do-it-yourselfer can handle; otherwise, qualified technicians can do it for homeowners. Wired systems may not come with the same hassles of connectivity dropping or even having to replace/recharge batteries, depending on the model chosen. Plus, once they are installed, homeowners have little to do other than utilize the speakers and enjoy their time spent outside with music, sports games, podcasts, and more.

Cone size and wattage matters. Cone size and wattage of the speakers affects the ability of the speakers to provide quality audio, according to Outdoor Speaker Depot. Larger cone size will offer superior, low-frequency response, which helps in large backyards. The larger the cone, the more bass it will provide. A greater wattage range also enables a better volume increase and improved sound quality at lower volumes. For 300 to 500 square feet, wattage of 80 to 100 might suffice. Larger areas will need wattage of 150, 175 or higher for clear, sharp sound.