If you’re ready to take your outdoor music experience up a notch, then you know that investing in the right outdoor subwoofer is key. Whether you’re hosting an epic backyard barbecue, enjoying some tunes with family or friends on a summer day, or simply indulging in some solo chill time by the pool, having a quality subwoofer can help bring out all the vibrance of your favorite tunes and keep everyone grooving.
In a hurry, these are the 5 Best Outdoor Subwoofers that we are recommending:
- Dayton Audio IOSUB 10" Subwoofer
- TIC GS3-8" Outdoor In-Ground Speaker
- Earthquake Sound Granite-10 Outdoor Rock Subwoofer
- OSD Forza-8 Outdoor Subwoofer Omni 8"
- OSD 8” 500W In-Ground Outdoor Subwoofer
To check on our reviews of these subwoofers and the specifications that you should know, click here to go directly.
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When it comes to outdoor audio, we believed that having the best and most powerful subwoofer is key for creating the optimal experience. It can take your sound from good to great. Imagine being able to hear the deep bass instead of just the mid-range to the high note. This truly enhances the sound quality of music, movies, or any audio content, and can add an immersive element to your outdoor events.
We have conducted a comprehensive review of the best outdoor subwoofers currently on the market and present our top picks here so that you can make an informed decision that fits into both your budget and your lifestyle when purchasing an outdoor subwoofer.
Read on to learn more about each speaker's sound and move forward with confidence in knowing you have made the right choice.
Gracious Outdoor Living with beautiful patio furniture - Super Charged With Great Outdoor Music
What is Outdoor Subwoofer?
An outdoor subwoofer is a type of speaker designed to produce low-frequency range sound (bass) and is specifically designed for use in outdoor environments, such as gardens, patios, pool areas, and outdoor entertainment areas.
The purpose of an outdoor subwoofer is to enhance the listening experience by providing a powerful and deep bass sound that can complement the other speakers, including satellite speakers, in the outdoor sound system, which can be difficult to achieve with regular outdoor speakers.
Since outdoor environments can have a lot of ambient noise, an outdoor subwoofer helps to ensure that the bass frequencies are still audible and can be felt, even in noisy surroundings.
Outdoor subwoofers are designed to be weather-resistant, so they can withstand exposure to rain, heat, and other outdoor elements. They often feature durable, waterproof enclosures, and weather-resistant components that can withstand extreme temperatures and humidity. This makes them a practical and reliable option for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor audio experience.
Outdoor Subwoofers 101
What are the benefits of using outdoor subwoofers and are they worth it?
(In a hurry? Click here to go straight to How we choose the Best Outdoor subwoofers and our recommendations for the 5 best outdoor subwoofers).
Outfitting your outdoor audio system with an outdoor subwoofer can be a highly worthwhile investment. There are several distinct advantages to using an outdoor subwoofer in an outdoor speaker system.
Improved Sound Quality: An outdoor subwoofer is designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds accurately and powerfully, which can significantly improve the overall sound quality of an outdoor audio system. With a subwoofer, you can enjoy a richer and more immersive audio experience that is closer to what you would get in a high-end indoor audio system.
Better bass response: Without a subwoofer, outdoor speakers can struggle to produce bass frequencies effectively. An outdoor subwoofer can help to improve the bass response, making it more audible and powerful, even in an outdoor environment with a lot of ambient noise.
Even sound distribution: By adding an outdoor subwoofer to your audio system, you can achieve a more even distribution of sound across your outdoor space. This is because the subwoofer can handle the lower frequencies, leaving the other speakers to focus on mid-range and high-range frequencies.
Increased volume: Since an outdoor subwoofer is designed to handle more power than regular outdoor speakers, it can help to increase the overall volume of your audio system. This is especially important in larger outdoor spaces where you may need to crank up the volume to overcome background noise.
There's nothing quite like feeling the deep bass thump through your body as you get lost in the music or movie experiences. That deep and powerful thumping beat prompting and pushes you to move with it, creating an out-of-this-world feeling as you groove along. Such an immersive and surreal feeling!
Types & Designs of Outdoor Subwoofers
There are two main types and several different designs of outdoor subwoofers, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Types of Outdoor Subwoofers
Sealed and ported subwoofers are two common types of subwoofer enclosures, and they differ in the way that they are designed to handle air pressure within the enclosure.
Sealed subwoofers are enclosed in a sealed box, which means that the air pressure within the enclosure is equalized and contained. This design results in a tighter, more accurate bass response, with less distortion at low frequencies.
However, sealed subwoofers typically require more power to achieve the same volume levels as ported subwoofers, and they may not produce as much output at the lowest frequencies.
They are generally smaller and easier to install and they are more forgiving of placement and room acoustics.
Ported subwoofers, on the other hand, are designed with a port or vent that allows air to escape from the enclosure. This design allows for greater efficiency, as the air movement within the enclosure is assisted by the port, resulting in more output at the lowest frequencies.
However, ported subwoofers can be more difficult to design and tune correctly, and they may not be as accurate as sealed subwoofers at higher frequencies. The port is tuned to a specific frequency which allows the subwoofer to produce more bass output at that frequency.
The subwoofers are less forgiving of placement and room acoustics. In addition, they have a more boomy sound, but this can be a desirable effect for certain types of music.
While both sealed and ported subwoofers have their pros and cons, sealed subwoofers are generally considered to be better suited for outdoor use due to their compact design and better ability to handle outdoor conditions such as rain and sunshine.
Designs of Outdoor Subwoofers
There are several different designs of outdoor subwoofers, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types of outdoor subwoofers:
In-ground subwoofers: These subwoofers are designed to be buried in the ground, with only the top of the enclosure exposed. They are typically made of durable materials like fiberglass or PVC, and they can be installed in areas like gardens or lawns. In-ground subwoofers can provide an excellent bass response, but they require some digging and installation work.
Rock subwoofers: These subwoofers are designed to look like rocks or boulders, so they blend in with the natural surroundings of outdoor spaces like gardens or pools. They are typically made of weather-resistant materials like polyethylene or fiberglass, and they can provide a good bass response. However, rock subwoofers may not be as powerful as some other types of subwoofers.
Cabinet subwoofers: These subwoofers are housed in weather-resistant cabinets that can be placed on a patio or deck. They are typically larger and more powerful than in-ground or rock subwoofers, and they can provide an excellent bass response. Cabinet subwoofers can be a good choice if you have a large outdoor space and want to create a powerful, immersive audio experience.
Planter subwoofers: These subwoofers are designed to look like planters or flower pots, so they can be integrated seamlessly into outdoor spaces like patios or decks. They are typically made of weather-resistant materials like fiberglass or concrete, and they can provide a good bass response. Planter subwoofers can be a good choice if you want to add some greenery to your outdoor space while also enjoying high-quality audio.
Tube subwoofers: These subwoofers are long and cylindrical, and they can be mounted vertically or horizontally in outdoor spaces like patios or decks. They are typically made of weather-resistant materials like polyethylene or PVC, and they can provide a good bass response. Tube subwoofers can be a good choice if you want a subwoofer that can be mounted in a discreet location without taking up too much space.
What do we look for in an Outdoor subwoofer?
When selecting an outdoor subwoofer, there are several essential and must-have specifications that you should consider to ensure that the subwoofer will meet your needs and perform well in your outdoor audio system. Here are some of the key specifications to look for:
Frequency response: The audio frequency response of a subwoofer refers to the range of frequencies that it can accurately reproduce. Look for a subwoofer with a frequency response that extends down to at least 20Hz, which is the lower end of the audible frequency range.
Power handling: The power handling capacity of a subwoofer determines how much power it can handle before distorting or becoming damaged. Choose a subwoofer with a power handling capacity that matches or exceeds the output of your amplifier. Especially for the outdoor subwoofer, it is better to have higher power handling due to the design constraint of the sealed subwoofer.
Sensitivity: The sensitivity of a subwoofer refers to how efficiently it converts power into sound. Look for a subwoofer with a high sensitivity rating, as this will allow it to produce more sound with less power.
Impedance: The impedance of a subwoofer is the resistance that it presents to the amplifier. Choose a subwoofer with an impedance that matches the output of your amplifier.
A subwoofer with a lower impedance (2 ohms) will draw more power from the amplifier than a subwoofer with a higher impedance (8 ohms), which can result in a louder and more powerful bass. However, the amplifier must be able to handle the additional power demands.
Build quality: Since outdoor subwoofers, unlike most indoor subwoofers, will be exposed to the elements, it's important to choose a subwoofer with durable and weather-resistant build quality. Look for a subwoofer with a weather-resistant enclosure, rust-resistant hardware, and waterproof connectors.
Size: The size of the subwoofer can also be an important consideration, as larger subwoofers generally produce more bass than smaller ones. However, larger subwoofers may not be practical for smaller outdoor spaces.
Our Guidelines for Choosing the Best Outdoor Subwoofers
When looking for the best outdoor subwoofer, it can be tough to determine what factors are important and how to compare different models.
There are a lot of different outdoor subwoofers on the market, and it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. Not all outdoor subwoofers are created equal- some are better for smaller spaces, while others are designed for larger areas.
The guidelines that we have set for this review set the stage for the selection of those outdoor subwoofers to be included in our final product portfolio presentation to you.
- Power Handling: Max 500 watts. Typical power is normally around 200-350 watts.
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 300Hz. The sweet spot is up to 150Hz.
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Woofer Size: 8" to 10"
- Build Quality & Waterproof: IP66 rated, 100% sealed.
- Size: Flexible, depending on the design.
- Type & Design: Sealed / Depending on Landscape and outdoor design.
We look at these key factors and their performance score. We also read thousands of reviews on these Outdoor subwoofers and their uses on Amazon, paying attention to the buyer's feedback & reviews. We've taken the time to carefully review and rank the best outdoor subwoofers available
Finally, we compared, consolidate, and arrived at the five Best Outdoor Subwoofers.
Disclosure: Trusted Outdoor Gear highlights products we hope you might find interesting and useful. If you buy them, we get a small share of the sale revenue from our partners at no additional cost to you. This compensation never drives our decision as to whether a product is featured or recommended, our research does.
Our Five Best Outdoor Subwoofers
The Short Version:
- Dayton Audio IOSUB 10" Subwoofer
- TIC GS3-8" Outdoor In-Ground Speaker
- Earthquake Sound Granite-10 Outdoor Rock Subwoofer
- OSD Forza-8 Outdoor Subwoofer Omni 8"
- OSD 8” 500W In-Ground Outdoor Subwoofer
Dayton Audio IOSUB 10" Subwoofer
Best Outdoor Subwoofer for Patio & Outdoor Lounge
This is our best choice. The clear bass, solid tight bass, and high power handling is out of this world. Read on .....
Elevate your outdoor audio experience and add a bass response with Dayton Audio’s IOSUB 10” Outdoor Subwoofer! Combining power and convenience, the compact design fits in unobtrusively and delivers exceptional powerful and tight bass sound quality for any outdoor setup.
The IOSUB is equipped with a 10" high excursion woofer with a peak power handling of 300 watts, and exclusive acoustic tuning to provide maximum bass performance without taking up too much space. Its unobtrusive compact size lets you conveniently place it around patios, gardens, and pools, or even when placed in challenging areas like under decks or behind bushes you will experience deep clean bass that makes listening outdoors even more enjoyable.
Durable IP66 weather-resistant construction ensures sound quality, protecting the sub from environmental conditions so that you can rely upon it for years.
If you are looking to revamp your outdoor audio experience without having to break the bank then look no further than the Dayton Audio IOSUB 10" Indoor/Outdoor Subwoofer - an affordable and powerful option for your outdoor soundscape.
Here's What You Need To Know:
- Power Handling: 150 RMS with peak 300W. This is a powerful subwoofer.
- Frequency Response: 28Hz to 150Hz. The low-end frequency will ensure tight bass.
- Impedance: 4 ohms. With 4 ohms and 250 watts, you can expect powerful bass output.
- Woofer Size: 10". More low frequency and bigger output.
- Build Quality & Waterproof: IP66-rated, UV-resistant polyethylene enclosure and a water-resistant aluminum grille.
- Size: 16.5" Dia. x 12.2" Ht.
- Type & Design: Sealed. The sub fires downward and is omnidirectional. Its placement is less critical and can easily be placed outdoors, especially with its four legs.
- Others: It features an anti-theft built-in eyebolt secure installation.
Enhance your outdoor soundscape today. When you're looking for a reliable bass solution in a big open area – look no further than the weatherproofed security provided by the IOSUB - ultimate auditory thrills!
TIC GS3-8" Outdoor In-Ground Speaker
Best Outdoor Subwoofer with Tweeter for Garden & Landscape
The TIC GS3-8" Outdoor In-Ground Speaker & Subwoofer is a superior piece of outdoor audio equipment. The oversized housing and reflection cone help promote an omnidirectional sound soundscape experience, meaning every detail of the music will balance evenly across your landscape. Offering an unparalleled 360° soundscape experience more akin to immersive surround sound than traditional in-ground audio solutions
That beautiful cone is expertly crafted from weather-resistant ASB polypropylene, ensuring it will withstand even the toughest test of Mother Nature's elements. It's finished with a subtle natural color to help blend in with your lawn or shrubs and an oversized dome that protects it from rain and snow.
With a peak power handling of 200W and a low 45Hz frequency response, you can be sure of hearing that strong solid bass all over your patio or outdoor space. Together with the in-built tweeter, the high frequency will significantly enhance the audio experience with crystal clear high notes. Especially if there are existing mid-range speaker systems.
Transform your outdoor space into a veritable oasis of music and entertainment by introducing the TIC GS3-8" Outdoor In-Ground Subwoofer - the ultimate tool for creating an unforgettable immersive listening experience that surely delights you.
Here's What You Need To Know:
- Power Handling: 100 RMS with peak 200W.
- Frequency Response: 45Hz to 20kHz. The low-end frequency will ensure tight bass together with high of 20kHz.
- Impedance: 8 ohms.
- Woofer Size: 8" & 2" Tweeter | 2-way up-facing co-axial driver.
- Build Quality & Waterproof: Water-proof design and made of durable ASB polypropylene housing. Durable for all weather.
- Size: 12.0" Dia. x 13.5" Ht.
- Type & Design: Sealed. In-ground or surface mount installation with full range co-axial speaker.
With this TIC GS3-8" Outdoor In-Ground Speaker you get rich, deep bass and crystal clear high coupled with superior engineering meant to last season after season! And it blends well into your garden, is semi-hidden, and is a pleasing addition to your green garden.
Earthquake Sound Granite-10 Outdoor Rock Subwoofer
Best Outdoor Subwoofer for Landscape
Add some modern-day quality and power to your outdoor area with the Earthquake Sound Granite-10 Outdoor Rock Subwoofer.
This sub is designed to look like a rock, bringing you an unobtrusive yet stylish addition to your outdoor décor. Its unique rock-like appearance and its single voice coil ensure the delivery of a crisp and dynamic sound whether you’re listening to EDM or rock music (talk about grooving to rock music from a rock subwoofer!).
The Granite-10 ROCK-on subwoofer was built using UV-treated, weather-resistant enclosure materials and heavy-duty epoxy resin construction so you can trust it to endure even the toughest conditions. The 'S-shaped port prevents water from entering, so you can feel secure knowing your audio will stay dry & safe.
With its 10" woofer, low-frequency response down to 30Hz, max 400 watts handling, and ported design, this subwoofer will rock your backyard or patio with strong bass and turn your outdoor space into an entertainment center.
Here's What You Need To Know:
- Power Handling: max 400 watts.
- Frequency Response: 30Hz to 100Hz. The low-end frequency will ensure tight bass.
- Impedance: 8 ohms (Single Voice Coil)
- Woofer Size: 10".
- Build Quality & Waterproof: The speaker is made from a waterproof propylene injection molded cone, and the surround is made of butyl rubber and is sealed. UV coated.
- Size: 21.0" x 18.5" x 14.0"
- Type & Design: Ported. An S-shaped port to prevent water from getting trapped inside.
Make your outdoor area one of a kind with the Earthquake Sound Granite-10 Outdoor Rock Subwoofer and experience incredible sound outdoors. And it does look like a real rock from a distance. Talking about a rock!
OSD Forza-8 Outdoor Subwoofer Omni 8"
Best Outdoor Subwoofer for Garden & Backyard.
Unleash powerful bass with the OSD Forza-8 Outdoor Subwoofer Omni 8". Lightweight and compact but robust, this subwoofer offers a 200-watt power output, ensuring you're never short of thunderous audio. This subwoofer also features a built-in crossover network to fine-tune the low frequencies for an even more improved sound.
Protection against Mother Nature's elements is taken care of thanks to its heavy-duty ABS plastic construction that is specially treated and sealed to keep out water, dust, and dirt - it provides unbeatable sound quality both on your patio or even at the beach.
Its classic looks give it an aesthetically pleasing finish in your backyard. You can hide it in gardens or grass or leave it in full view with its pleasing design. Its omni-directional sound will radiate evenly in a 360-degree pattern.
Here's What You Need To Know:
- Power Handling: max 200 watts.
- Frequency Response: 50Hz to 250Hz. The low-end frequency will ensure tight bass.
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Woofer Size: 8" Polypropylene and built-in advanced crossover network.
- Build Quality & Waterproof: Rated IP65, built of heavy-duty ABS plastics, treated and sealed to protect components from water, dirt, snow, and dust. All-weather subwoofer.
- Size: 14" Dia x 17" Ht.
- Type & Design: Sealed. An all-weather passive omnidirectional outdoor
Let summer melodies fill your outdoor living space! Enjoy a distinct, powerful listening experience while you relax with friends by the pool. With just one button press, turn up the sound of nature and drown out any noise from your windy backyard patio.
OSD 8” 500W In-Ground Outdoor Subwoofer
Best Outdoor Subwoofer for Garden and Landscape.
Be the envy of your neighbors with our all-new OSD Audio GLS8, an 8” 500W In-Ground Outdoor Subwoofer. This powerful and innovative subwoofer is designed to bring a deep clean bass audio experience to your outdoor retreat, perfect for tuning into those low tones that you never thought possible from an outdoor system.
And since most of the subwoofer is housed underground and out of sight, you never have to worry about unsightly wires or bulky speakers blocking your view – just the port needs to be visible. The downside is that you have to bury the bass chamber in the ground, and you need burial cables too.
Immerse yourself in music’s lowest tones while enjoying your outdoor retreat with this powerful 500W in-ground subwoofer. The in-ground design brings well-defined deep bass to your backyard way down to 28Hz and with 500 watts! Imagine your friends feeling the pounding of the bass racing up their spine, and trying to figure out where it comes from.
Here's What You Need To Know:
- Power Handling: max 500 watts. Massive power handling.
- Frequency Response: 28Hz to 200Hz. The low-end frequency will ensure tight bass.
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Woofer Size: 8" Polypropylene and built-in advanced crossover network.
- Build Quality & Waterproof: Rated IP65, built of heavy-duty ABS plastics, treated and sealed to protect components from water, dirt, snow, and dust. All-weather subwoofer.
- Size: 14" Dia x 17" Ht.
- Type & Design: Sealed. In-ground design.
- Others: Exposed vent can be painted to blend with your surrounding.
This OSD 8” 500W In-Ground Outdoor Subwoofer will take your backyard party up a notch. Enjoy clear and generous sound that blends into your existing outdoor space and be ready for explosive bass. You won't see it, well just a little .. but it is there, buried! You will hear and feel it! Surreal! Unearthly!
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Subwoofers
Are outdoor subwoofers worth it?
It depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy outdoor entertainment and want a more immersive audio experience, then it is worth it. Most outdoor speakers are not designed to cover lower frequencies, and you only get to hear the higher frequencies, without the heart-pounding low sound.
A subwoofer can enhance the bass frequencies, creating a fuller and more impactful sound. It can make a huge difference in the quality of the sound you experience.
Dedicated subwoofers are a critical component of a complete audio system as it delivers lower frequencies between 20Hz - 200Hz which cannot be handled by mid-range frequencies to high-range frequencies speakers.
Are in-ground subwoofers better?
In-ground subwoofers have some advantages over traditional above-ground subwoofers. They can provide a more aesthetically uncluttered pleasing setup since the subwoofer is hidden underground with only the neck above ground.
In-ground subwoofers provide a better bass response since they can use the ground as a sound wave amplifier. This can translate to cleaner and better-defined bass, giving it a greater sense of depth and impact. Low frequencies are non-directional, and the bass will appear to come from everywhere, a surreal experience.
However, in-ground subwoofers require installation such as the need to run speaker wire, and can be more difficult to access for maintenance or repairs.
How do I protect my subwoofer outside?
Most outdoor subwoofers are incredibly durable and waterproof, mostly rated IP66. If you should choose to protect them further, just cover them with weather-proof hard plastics, to serve as a front-line defense against the elements.
What is the best placement for an outdoor subwoofer?
The best placement for an outdoor subwoofer will depend on various factors such as the size of the outdoor space, the characteristics of the subwoofer itself, location of other speakers, among others.
In general, keep the subwoofer near the other speakers in the system. This help gives a balanced sound. Avoid placing the subwoofer in a corner as this can lead to uneven or too much bass response. But placing them nearer to the wall can increase the bass output. Experiment with different placements to get the best response. Try moving the subwoofer to different locations and listen for changes in the bass response.
If the subwoofer is sufficiently powered, place the subwoofer in an open area where the sound can radiate more freely and evenly.
Consider burying the subwoofer, such as using an in-ground subwoofer. You get a better bass response.
Should outdoor subwoofers be sealed or ported?
Sealed subwoofers enclosures provide an accurate and tight bass response, and are often preferred for critical listening applications.
Ported subwoofers enclosures provide greater efficiency and output at the lowest frequencies and are preferred for home theater or music playback where more bass output is desired.
Sealed subwoofers typically require more power to achieve the same volume level as ported subwoofers.
Most outdoor subwoofers are sealed enclosures, given the environment in which they have to perform in. Special design considerations have to be accorded for the Ported outdoor subwoofer.
What is an active subwoofer?
Active subwoofer, also known as powered subwoofers have their power source such as a built-in amplifier. They generally are more expensive than passive subwoofer. However, most passive subwoofers require a subwoofer amplifier, typically a mono subwoofer amplifier.
Construction & Features of Subwoofer
For a better understanding of subwoofer, its design, construction and features, including the frequency range and response, amplification, equalization and more, click here to read.
Our Final Thoughts - Best Outdoor Subwoofer
An outdoor subwoofer will help create an immersive and enjoyable listening experience, whether that's for watching a movie on the patio or hosting a party in the backyard. We hope this comprehensive review has been useful to you and that our top picks give you insight into the best choices for your personal needs.
Our top 5 picks will give you a head start on gathering information to help guide you in making your purchase decision and getting the most out of your outdoor home audio system.
Click here to go back to our five suggested models. Go ahead and pick one out today! Tap on that green button to check the price for the best outdoor subwoofer at Amazon.
Thanks for reading! And have a blast chilling off in your backyard!
Just my suggestion ....
If you are still thinking about which one is the best for you among the five best outdoor subwoofers, I would like to share the one I like most - Dayton Audio IOSUB 10" Subwoofer. With peak power handling at 250 watts with 4 ohms impedance and going low to 28Hz, you will get loud solid clean bass in an aesthetically designed enclosure. Easy placement of the subwoofer and a great affordable choice. Just click on the green button below to check the prices on Amazon.
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Time Of Your Life - The Joy of Outdoor Living!
