Any backyard is made more lively and party-ready by outdoor speakers. Even if they are becoming more affordable, it is still a good idea to protect your investment. Maintaining your outdoor speakers for many years does not have to be difficult.
But how long do outdoor speakers last?
Outdoor speakers can last anywhere between 5 and 12 years. Some marine-grade speakers can last up to 26 years. However, the durability of speakers depends a lot on maintenance. The speaker’s brand is also important. You should inspect your speakers, cables, and mounting hardware on a regular basis.
But what else can you do to make your speakers last longer? And how long does the speaker’s longevity differ amongst brands?
Let’s dig into the specifics and go over each of these issues one at a time.
Typical Lifespan of Outdoor Speaker
Outdoor speakers are essentially portable or Bluetooth speakers. However, some are Bluetooth-based, while others are battery-operated. Some also offer both of these choices.
These speakers generally last short, but they’re still more long-lasting compared to car speakers.
In terms of durability, outdoor speakers are comparable to standard portable speakers. They are more robustly made to endure the harsh environment without major harm. A few distinct kinds of outdoor speakers exist. For instance-
Weather-Resistant Box Speakers:
Typically used on a patio, deck, poolside, or spa, these are great for wall mounting. The weatherproof integrated speaker system has a 100-watt RMS and a peak power of 200 watts.
Despite being weatherproof, the durability depends on how well you care for it. These should last at least 5-10 years. But the chemicals and spa water in a spa or pool can cause speakers to degrade quickly.
But several people have even claimed that these barely lasted for 5–6 months. Although these are rare occurrences you should take good care of your speakers for longevity.
Marine Speakers:
If you want to enjoy high-quality audio while boating, marine speakers are your best bet. These audio systems have a long lifespan and are weatherproof.
There are numerous factors that can affect how long a particular marine-grade speaker will last. These include build quality, frequency of usage, and basic user care and maintenance.
Some speakers, according to Sound & Communications, can have a lifespan of up to 25 years. Marine speakers will last at least 8 to 10 years if installed properly and maintained regularly.
Rock Speakers:
Rock speakers are a fantastic addition to any home, both aesthetically and sonically. The most recent versions of rock speakers seamlessly fit into your house. These have charging options for both Bluetooth and USB.
The typical recharge time is 3 to 4 hours. These speakers can last anywhere between 6 and 10 hours. Some companies feature speakers that can last up to 20 hours.
The maintenance is what determines how long they can provide you with service. Some brands might provide you with trouble-free service for up to 5-7 years. But you should get good sound quality for 3-4 years from a regular brand.
Longevity According to Brands of Outdoor Speakers
Outdoor speakers need to be built using quality materials. An outdoor speaker’s durability is influenced by a number of factors. Conditions such as temperature, humidity, sunshine exposure, and the stability of wires all have an impact.
Seals and other mounting tools are also essential in this. Speakers get worn down more quickly in corrosive environments than they would be under normal circumstances.
In adverse weather, such as extreme heat or freezing cold, the battery will deplete more quickly. The outside charging ports are not waterproof, in contrast to the speakers. So make careful to keep the dock safe and in a small space.
Let’s now examine how longevity varies from one brand to another.
Bose Outdoor Speakers:
Bose speakers have a strong reputation for resilience in challenging outdoor environments. Bose outdoor speakers can last up to twelve years with regular upkeep and cleaning.
One of the most powerful wireless outdoor speakers available is the Bose 251 Environmental Outdoor Speakers. The speaker is sturdy, watertight, and user-friendly despite its small size.
Bose FreeSpace 360 is also great if you’re into in-ground setup.
Even if the blue yeti’s mute button malfunctions, this speaker will most likely still work. The Bose Speaker 500 has 20-hour battery life. You don’t need to charge it every day in order to use it on a daily basis.
JBL Outdoor Speakers:
JBL has the best battery life for outdoor speakers. When taken care of properly, JBL outdoor speakers can last up to ten years.
The most potent Bluetooth boombox speaker, for instance, is the JBL Boombox. It’s basically a JBL Charge that’s been blown up and given a robust plastic handle.
Despite its small size, the speaker is incredibly sturdy, waterproof, and simple to use. Furthermore, it sports a massive 20,000 mAh battery. This is the one that we always suggest for pool parties.
The JBL Boombox battery can operate continuously for up to 24 hours on a single charge. For daily use, you don’t need to charge it every day.
Along with that, JBL Professional Control 25-1-WH is also compact yet powerful. The pair can act both as an Outdoor Background/Foreground Speaker.
Sonos Outdoor Speaker:
You may enjoy a variety of high-quality audio with the Sonos outdoor speakers. These speakers are capable of coping with humidity, water, salt, heat, UV radiation, and frigid temperatures.
Under heavy use, Sonos Outdoor speakers can last for five years. This is when you play them repeatedly at maximum volume.
They can, however, endure up to 10 years if played moderately. This is possible because of advanced weatherproofing technology.
A massive 36Wh battery powers the Sonos outdoor speaker. It’s more than enough for outdoor sound systems. With a moderate volume, it can offer up to 11 hours of battery backup.
Klipsch Outdoor Speaker:
The outdoor speakers from Klipsch are said to be weather and water-resistant. The battery and its components are protected from burning up by UV and splash protection. They have a lifetime warranty from a licensed dealer.
For instance, Klipsch AW-525 and Klipsch KHO-7 are two of the best-selling outdoor speakers.
These speakers should last about 4-5 years with heavy use. Certain types may serve as both interior and outdoor speakers. For instance, the Klipsch AW-650 Speaker.
But the Klipsch AW-400 Speaker model has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
A 2000–3000 mAh battery powers the majority of Klipsch outdoor speakers. As a result, they may play for up to 8 hours on a single battery.
However, utilizing the speaker at a low volume can give you up to 10 hours of playback. That would be adequate for a half-day gathering.
As for durability, these speakers are on the rugged side, which gives them an edge in durability compared to other speakers.
5 Factors that Decrease Your Outdoor Speakers’ Lifespan
Every electronic gadget has an average lifespan. This includes outdoor speakers as well. The following mistakes, however, can cause your speaker to last a lot less than usual
Dust:
Dust can be the biggest threat to your outdoor speakers. Although outdoor speakers are built in a weather-proof way, dust can still get into your speakers.
The wire connectors on your speakers could become clogged with dust. Electric signals could be interfered with as a result. Furthermore, the speakers’ wiring may become damaged by dust over time.
Moisture:
Another formidable enemy of speakers is moisture. The cold temperatures cause moisture to gather on the speaker. This moisture is really bad for the speaker.
The speaker’s metallic components will oxidize as a result of moisture condensation. This causes rusting and corrosion. The speaker may also sustain damage from short circuits brought on by dampness.
Bad Wiring:
A speaker can be destroyed by poor wiring in a couple of minutes. There are numerous locations where wires can be put in correctly.
Installation errors might occur with the speaker cabinet, speaker cables, or wiring from the amplifier. Even when you double up the speaker wires in your wiring, things can still go wrong. A speaker can be damaged because of transients and an intermittent signal caused by all of this.
High Volume:
The speaker elements can become overheated when played for a long time at a high volume. Extending the excursion limits of speakers can cause speakers to tear or rip the suspension or cone.
Vocal coils inside the speaker operate at extremely high temperatures. They frequently function at temperatures around 400-degree F.
That temperature will increase more if there is excessive current. This can cause the adhesive holding the voice coil in place to blister. This may even blow the voice coil like a fuse.
Overdriving:
Overdriving is when you drive the speaker with more power than it is rated for. A magnet is moved against a coil’s magnetic field to produce sound in speakers. Louder sound is produced by larger motion.
Cones may shatter, tear, or even rip if the motion is too strong. Afterward, these are typically audible as a considerable loss of bass. Moreover, as the loose parts collide with one another, they will make a buzzing, or grating sound.
Tips to Increase the Longevity of Outdoor Speakers
Choosing the appropriate maintenance strategy can be the difference between a one-year lifespan and a 10-year lifespan. So why don’t we look at these tips to help speakers live longer-
Routinely Inspect Outdoor Speakers:
Owning outdoor speakers requires regular inspections, which are crucial. You can detect minor issues with your speaker before they turn into a more major problem.
It is important to check speaker housings for cracks and excessive dust. Weatherproof seals must be inspected for excessive wear and strain.
Copper is used to make speaker cables. While excellent for transmitting audio signals, this can corrode and oxidize. This is particularly typical in humid areas or on patios with pools.
Use Speaker Covers:
Some people might find this advice to be blatantly obvious, while others might question its relevance. You may have waterproof speakers, but it doesn’t imply they’ll withstand excessive dirt or heavy rain.
The durability of the waterproof sealing on your speakers may be indicated by their IP rating. Speaker covers shield your speakers from dirt and moisture.
It also protects speakers from UV rays and heat. The grill fabric and metal or plastic housings can fade in the sun.
Use The Right Equipment:
The speaker itself is always the most prominent component of a backyard speaker system. You can use indoor speakers for occasional use. But choosing specific outdoor ones is the best choice for permanent installment.
The mounting hardware also needs to be in good condition. Mounting gear is occasionally included with speaker kits. We advise using coordinating anchor screws or anchor brackets.
The speaker wire needs to be resistant to the weather. We would advise using speaker wire with a gauge of 12 or 14 for outdoor cable runs. A correct speaker gauge will maintain crystal-clear music.
The CL rating of the speaker wire controls its voltage and fire resistance. The maximum electrical surge that a CL2 speaker wire can sustain is 150 volts. But the CL3 can withstand 300 volts.
Choose the Cl grade that best suits your wire run and location using your best judgment. Choose CL3 if you’re unsure.
Another factor to consider is installing speaker wire at any point along your route. If so, a speaker wire with a tough cable jacket should be used. And you will almost certainly need CL3.
If you do everything right, you can get a good affordable setup like this guy’s-
Now, let’s move on to the next segment.
Speaker Placement & Location:
The “optimal location” depends on the individual. The optimal location for your listening experience will vary from the spot to maximizing the speaker’s longevity.
The most obvious suggestion is to put the speaker away from the pool. This is mostly intended for families with younger children who enjoy splashing around.
Waterproof speakers perform an excellent job of resisting rain and splash. But their seals can wear out with time. We wouldn’t be concerned about splashes if you regularly test the sealing on your speakers.
Deep Clean Your Outdoor Speakers:
Aside from removing dirt and debris from the speaker’s top, the inside also requires a serious cleaning.
Clean the speaker housing thoroughly by using a soft-bristled brush. To get rid of any difficult stains, use lukewarm water. Even a waterproof outdoor speaker shouldn’t be cleaned with a hose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Outdoor Speakers be Left Outside In the Winter?
As long as they are not exposed to moisture, you can leave them in the cold. If you have permanent outside speakers, it is best to build a cover to shield them. Cold weather will not permanently damage your speakers.
Is It Necessary to Cover Outdoor Speakers?
Since many outdoor speakers aren’t weatherproof but rather weather-resistant, they’ll need some protection. Install speakers underneath a cover to keep them out of the rain. Just make sure that you don’t mount them higher than 10 feet far above the listening area.
What Is the Recommended Height for Outdoor Speakers?
10 feet is the recommended height. Installing speakers 10 feet above the ground will help you create balance. As a result, audio quality won’t have to be compromised. It will be able to travel a long distance without any distortion or noise.
End Words
That is the end of our discussion on how long do outdoor speakers last. We hope this clears up any questions you had about the battery life of outdoor speakers.
It is guaranteed to serve you for a long time as long as you keep them well-covered. And do regular cleaning of the speakers. Consult a specialist about this if any major issues emerge.
Until then good luck!
