Looking for a good speaker for an outdoor gathering or party? You fell in the right place that has gathered the elite of tailgate speakers!
All of the best tailgate speakers, by nature, provide a high quality of sound and therefore tend to be a little more expensive.
However, we have ensured that we have included a range of the best rated tailgate speakers to suit every budget.
Of course, there are also a number of other features that make a great tailgate speaker but whatever you are searching for, you’ll be glad to hear that we have covered them all in this guide.
We’ve covered everything you need to know about the best tailgate speakers in 2023!
Quick List: The Top 9
- ECOXGEAR EcoBoulder+ Rugged Waterproof Floating Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Best Overall
- Sylvania Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Best Budget
- ION Audio Tailgater Plus – Best Bluetooth
- Soundcore Anker Motion Boom Speaker – Best Portable
- TAMPROAD Portable Bluetooth Speakers
- Aiwa Exos-9 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- JBL Boombox 2 – Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- ION Pathfinder 4
- ION Tailgater Express Game Day Bluetooth Speaker
Researching Tailgate Speakers
Good tailgate speakers vary greatly in price and we have made sure, while researching, to include the best tailgate speakers across the entire price range. However, budget was by no means the only or most important consideration that we took into account whilst writing this guide.
Since tailgate speakers are most often used outdoors, durability is, of course, an important factor. We’ve also made sure to research the best portable tailgate speakers for buyers who want to easily transport their speakers to a range of outdoor events. We showcase some of the best portable speakers for sports and many other activities.
We’ve described which speakers offer the best Bluetooth connection, and while all of the speakers in our list provide a great quality of sound, we have made sure to specify those which enhance parts of the sound range or provide a particularly loud sound.
Our research also takes into account the number of extra features that these speakers offer, from radios to high-quality microphones.
The best overall tailgate speaker on our list offers a great number of these features for an affordable price but many buyers are likely to find that one of the other top speakers suits their specific requirements as well.
If partying is one of your favorite things to do you might want to look at the best party speakers as well.
The Best Tailgate Speakers In 2023
1. ECOXGEAR EcoBoulder+ Rugged Waterproof Floating Portable Bluetooth – Best Overall
- 100% Waterproof and dustproof - meets IP67 international standards, no worries with rain, dirt or snow, drop the EcoBoulder+ in your pool, lake or ocean, no worries - it floats
We’ve already included a number of contenders for the title of best overall tailgate speaker and yet none of them combine as many great features as this one!
✔️ What we like: Great sound and durable design
❌ What we don’t like: Not the longest-lasting speaker
Standout Features
- Dustproof and waterproof
- 100 feet of Bluetooth connection
- Voice assistant enabled
- AM/FM radio
- 50 hours play-time
The ECOXGEAR EcoBoulder+ is built ready to match any tailgate party there could be! One of our favorite things about it is that, not only is it light and fairly easy to carry, but it’s incredibly sturdy. You can use the EcoBoulder+ in any outdoor environment and never worry about damaging it. It’s so waterproof that you can submerge it in the pool and it even floats!
It’s also dustproof which is super important for those tailgates that occur in dusty or sand environments. Usefully, the EcoBoulder+ even has a waterproof storage compartment for you to place your phone in. Even the weather can’t stop you partying with the EcoBoulder+.
Some users have reported that this speaker didn’t last as many years as they would have liked but, at just less than $20, the EcoBoulder+ still provides great value for money.
It includes the latest Bluetooth technology, equipped for connection up to 100 feet away, and it even works with Siri and other voice assistants. It includes an AM and FM radio too.
Of course, we didn’t choose the EcoBoulder+ as the best overall tailgate speaker on our list without taking into account sound quality. Not only does the EcoBoulder+ provide a razor -sharp sound but the 100-Watt amplifier really provides an unparalleled volume. If you have a higher budget, you could even buy two of the EcoBoulder+ speakers and create an awesome surround sound.
2. Sylvania Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Best Budget Option
- portable bluetooth speaker, with long lasting rechargeable battery
If you are searching for a great tailgate speaker for an affordable price, you can’t go wrong with the Sylvania.
✔️ What we like: A number of great features for a great price
❌ What we don’t like: Not the most durable option
Standout Features
- Great design
- Very portable
- High-quality Bluetooth
- AUX cord
- Rechargeable
The Sylvania is a tailgate wireless Bluetooth speaker that is incredibly impressive. It can play music at an amazing volume despite its compact size and it has separate controls for treble and bass which allow you to match the speaker exactly to the type of music you are listening to.
Not only does the Sylvania have a hi-fi sound but it looks equally high-quality. It comes in a range of colored designs- from red to silver. What’s more, the blue LED light that provide a cool glow to the speakers give them a really unique look and definitely fit them out for any party or outdoor event.
The awesome design of the Sylvania goes way beyond just appearance. The Sylvania speaker is very lightweight and even comes with a handle for portability. This is the perfect speaker for buyers who want to use their speaker in a range of locations and to be able to move it between them easily.
The only downside to the Sylvania speakers is that they are not the most durable option on our list. At less than $40, though, this is not a huge issue. The speakers definitely make up for this lack of durability with a number of great features!
These speakers are easy to set up and equally easy to use and, whether you are a music tech expert or not, you’ll appreciate the great display of controls that the Sylvania speaker offers.
3. ION Audio Tailgater Plus – Best Bluetooth
- This Bluetooth speaker packs a punch – powerful robust woofer, bass boost control and wide dispersion tweeter deliver deep, driving and vibrant sound, plus 50 watts of power pumps up the volume
Whilst the TAMPROAD offers an impressive Bluetooth quality, if you are looking for a tailgate speaker with the best Bluetooth integrated and you have a slightly higher budget, the ION Audio Tailgater Plus could be ideal for you.
✔️ What we like: Up to 100 feet of Bluetooth connection
❌ What we don’t like: FM radio isn’t of the highest quality
Standout Features
- Karaoke microphone included
- Bass boosting controls
- Long-lasting rechargeable battery
- High volume output
If you’re looking for the best bluetooth speaker for loud or large outdoor events, you’ll definitely need to take a look at the ION Audio Tailgater Plus. Not only does it provide up to 100 feet of high-quality Bluetooth connection but it is one of the loudest speakers on our list so you won’t need to worry about hearing it from 100 feet away either!
The bass boosting controls allow you to match the sound of the speakers to the type of music you are listening to. The Ion Audio Tailgater Plus would definitely be at the center of any tailgate! It even comes with a karaoke microphone which is perfect for party karaoke sessions or more serious situations like outdoor public speaking events.
The Ion Audio Tailgater Plus includes an FM radio but it can be hard to get a good signal on this speaker system so we would not recommend choosing this speaker if the radio element is important to you.
Aside from this, though, the Ion Audio Tailgater Plus is really without faults. It is light enough to move around but sturdy enough to withstand any outdoor events. What’s more, its rechargeable battery lasts for up to 50 hours, which is definitely longer than even the wildest of parties!
4. Soundcore Anker Motion Boom Speaker – Best Portable
- Incredible Sound Loved by 20 Million+ People
While we have already explored several portable tailgate speakers in this list, none compare to the Motion Boom in this respect.
✔️ What we like: Highly versatile and portable
❌ What we don’t like: Not as loud as other options on the market
Standout Features
- Floatable and waterproof
- Bluetooth 5.0 for ultra-stable connections
- Precise sound quality
- Minimal distortion
The Motion Boom uses a boombox-inspired aesthetic. It weighs less than 5 pounds but is smaller than typical boomboxes. Due to its IPX7 waterproof certification and ability to float on water, you can use the Motion Boom in any situation.
Anker’s products often have good battery life. Before requiring a recharge, the Motion Boom may work for up to 24 hours. While the speaker operates, you may charge other USB-powered devices using the charge-out connector. The Motion Boom features Bluetooth 5.0 pairing for ultra-stable connections across a greater range in terms of connectivity.
I have no complaints about the Motion Boom’s audio quality because it operates in a frequency range from 60Hz to 20kHz with no variation from a “flat” response and an incredibly low distortion level, even at high volumes.
The Motion Boom is appropriate for smaller tailgate gatherings with a few friends, but expect to blast it over the parking lot as some of the other alternatives on our list do due to its lower volume.
The Motion Boom will surely draw attention at a tailgate party at the stadium, neighborhood, or picnic location because of its accurate sound quality. I can confidently state that the Motion Boom is one of the better-sounding Bluetooth speakers I have heard after listening to various musical genres on it.
5. TAMPROAD Portable Bluetooth Speakers
- Portable Multi-function Speaker: Our 2019 version of S37 Bluetooth Speaker Support Bluetooth connection, Support FM radio, TF Card music playback, AUX input, U-disk music playback, intelligent remote...
Another nice option if you are on a budget is the TAMPROAD. For just under $40 you’ll get a great clear sound, along with a number of other awesome features.
✔️ What we like: Great sound, particularly in the bass
❌ What we don’t like: Doesn’t produce the highest volume of sound
Standout Features
- FM radio
- 33 feet Bluetooth range
- Very portable
- Nice light feature
- TF card compatible
The TAMPROAD is one of the lightest tailgate speakers on our list as well as one of the most compact at just 5.12 x 6.69 x 7.87 inches. It is for this reason that the TAMPROAD does not offer the highest volume output ever, though it will still be plenty loud enough for most occasions.
It is only marginally more expensive than the Sylvania and though it lacks the Sylvania’s volume capacity, it makes up for this with a crisp, high-quality sound throughout the entire range and a particularly great, thumping bass. If you are looking for a good tailgate speaker for an affordable price that you can use at smaller outdoor events or parties, the TAMPROAD could be perfect for you. It’s incredibly durable and very easy to carry.
Not only this but it is very easy to stream music to the TAMPROAD. It comes with an AUX cable and is compatible with a TF card but it also has a really great quality of Bluetooth integrated. You can stream music from any device up to 30 feet away and swap between devices quickly. This makes the TAMPROAD perfect for small gatherings where your friends want to play their own music without interruption.
6. Aiwa Exos-9 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- HOME-STEREO SOUND, INSIDE OR OUT - With 200 watts of continuous power and 5 drivers, including a 6.5" dual-voice coil subwoofer, the Exos-9 delivers amazing stereo sound with deep bass, crisp treble...
The Aiwa Exos-9 is more expensive than the speakers we have mentioned so far, at around $330 dollars, but it really has a lot to offer. It combines high-quality Bluetooth with an exceptional sound output.
✔️ What we like: Incredible sound across the entire range
❌ What we don’t like: Not the most portable speaker
Standout Features
- Stereo sound
- Great controls
- Bluetooth lock function
With a 6.5″ subwoofer and high-quality tweeters included, the Aiwa Exos-9 pays incredible detail to your music at every part of the range and at every volume level too. If you are looking for a good tailgating speaker with real stereo sound that can enhance any outdoor (or indoor) atmosphere, this will not disappoint you.
It is fit with great, extensive controls that allow you to fine tune the settings to fit your music exactly. If you aren’t a music tech whizz, the four pre-set options will definitely work to enhance your music. It offers the highest volume capacity of the tailgate speakers we have explored so far.
If you are looking for a top rated tailgater speaker that you can move around easily, however, this will not be the best option for you. The Aiwa Exos 9- is fairly lightweight but, with all that sound to pack in, is definitely not the option if you’re going to be carrying this top quality speaker around a lot.
If you are planning to keep your speaker in just a couple of places, though, the Aiwa Exos-9 is an amazing option. It has around 9 hours of battery life and a fast, high-quality Bluetooth service. The Bluetooth even comes with a locking function which stops other devices connecting so, if you’re someone who likes to be in control of the DJing, this speaker will definitely be for you!
7. JBL Boombox 2 – Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- POWERFUL JBL ORIGINAL PRO SOUND AND MONSTROUS BASS: Get the loudest, most massive JBL Original Pro sound on our most powerful portable JBL Boombox 2 speaker. It pumps out powerful, deep bass just like...
Their Boombox 2 functions admirably in several other situations and is a superb tailgate party speaker in this case.
✔️ What we like: Powerful Bluetooth speaker and user-friendly
❌ What we don’t like: Missing the bass boost function
Standout Features
- Powerful with clear sound
- PartyChain pairing for a larger sound system
- Long-Lasting
- Indoors and outdoors
The Boombox 2 has the strong sound that JBL is known for, and it can produce sounds that are extremely loud while yet being crystal clear.
The JBL sound may not be to everyone’s taste since, as its increased low-end and brighter highs make evident, it was created for listening to dance, pop, and hip-hop music, while the middle clarity suffers. Not that listening to spoken word, jazz, or rock is inaccessible to the speaker. The car-like sound qualities can irritate you if you’re searching for a more versatile speaker.
With PartyChain coupling available on the Boombox 2, you may connect several JBL Boomboxes to create a bigger system or stereo pair.
The Boombox 2 lacks the bass boost functionality, a typical addition to JBL’s bigger speakers. Although it’s helpful, JBL’s customary bass-enhanced sound character somewhat makes up for this.
The Boombox 2 is a fantastic all-purpose Bluetooth speaker, whether you’re throwing a tailgate party or searching for a speaker you can carry inside or outside. Although it is not precisely inexpensive, it will last a lifetime.
8. ION Pathfinder 4
If you looking for a tailgate speaker that is durable and well-suited for even the wildest tailgates, you should take a look at the ION Pathfinder 4.
✔️ What we like: Super practical design
❌ What we don’t like: Bluetooth can be temperamental
Standout Features
- Easy app for controls
- Built-in bottle opener
- Water-resistant
- Wireless phone charging
- Affordable price
For just less than $150, in the ION Pathfinder 4, you will find many of the awesome features that the other speakers on this list offer but for only a fraction of the price.
The ION Pathfinder 4 is water-resistant, so you will have no problem using this speaker at rainy events or by the beach. It is also incredibly sturdy and offers a number of unique, practical design features. The built-in bottle opener is one of our favorites, as it definitely makes the ION even more perfect for those long tailgate evenings.
With 50-100 hours of battery life, the ION Pathfinder 4 is well equipped for whatever event you might have planned, and, what’s more, you can be too with the wireless phone charging function enabled in the speaker system. This quick, wireless charging function means you’ll never run out of the charge needed to keep streaming that awesome music late into the night!
The only negative aspect of the ION Pathfinder 4 is that the Bluetooth connection can be a little temperamental. Some users have noted that it cuts out occasionally whilst streaming. However, this is definitely not a common or major issue.
You can use the app to control the music and the light feature that the ION Pathfinder 4 provides… and what a light features they are too!
9. ION Tailgater Express Game Day Bluetooth Speaker
- 50 watts of dynamic power for memorable tailgating fun, Robust woofer and wide-dispersion tweeter deliver high-quality sound
You really can’t go wrong with a tailgate speaker from the ION range. We decided to end this guide with another of our favorite ION models- the 9. ION Tailgater Express Game Day speaker.
✔️ What we like: Great sounding 2 way speaker system
❌ What we don’t like: Sound can become distorted at highest volumes
Standout Features
- Microphone included
- AM/FM radio
- Long-lasting rechargeable battery
- Bright LED display
- USB Charging port
Like the ION Pathfinder 4, the 9. ION Tailgater Express Game Day is very well kitted out to support long days and nights tailgating. It includes a charging port for your phone, an AUX input and a high-quality Bluetooth connection. It also boasts one of the best play times with a battery life of up to 50 hours.
At less than $80, many users will be surprised to discover just how good the sound quality of the 9.ION Tailgater Express Game Day is and, while this sound does become a little distorted at the highest volumes, this speaker really is ideal for smaller outdoor events and tailgates.
The ION Tailgater Express Game Day might not have the durability of some of the more expensive speaker models in this list but it’ll definitely survive the odd drink spill or splash of rain. It’s a really well-built, sturdy piece of equipment that strikes the balance between being tough enough to withstand the outdoors and light enough to carry.
It again includes a microphone and AM/FM radio and, unlike many of the other speakers in our list, it even includes a brightly lit LED display that makes this system incredibly easy to use.
A Guide To Choosing Tailgate Speakers
Budget
As you will have noticed throughout this list, tailgate speakers can really vary in price. Any tailgate speakers worth any money at all offer a decent volume output and a good crisp sound. However, there are, of course, a range of tailgate speakers available at different price points and with different qualities of sound to suit different needs.
At the highest end of our price range is the JBL Boombox 2, a speaker with a truly impressive sound quality that would be able to match any outdoor event- which costs just under $1000. On the other end of the spectrum, we have our best budget tailgate speaker, the Sylvania which is great value for money when you consider the great quality of sound that it is capable of producing.
Throughout the rest of the guide, there are a range of speakers to suit different budgets. How much control you want to have over the way your sound plays and how loud a volume you think you will need are two important things to consider when looking into the best tailgate speaker to suit you. Sometimes it can be worth investing a little extra cash to get exactly the right option for you.
Portability
Another key thing to think about when choosing your tailgate speaker is where and when you are hoping to use it. If you are going to carry it round to a number of locations, portability is important. The most portable tailgate speaker on the market is the Fisher FBX1244K with its carry handles and rolling wheels. None of these speakers are bulky or very heavy though,
Durability
When considering the design of the speaker, you also need to factor in the situations you plan to use it in. If you are mainly going to be using it for a tailgate in a field on a sunny day, for example, you won’t need to pick an incredibly sturdy option. On the other hand, if you wanted to use your tailgate speaker in a rainy or dusty climate, you could take a look at either of the ION models or the ECOXGEAR EcoBoulder+. If you want a tailgate speaker that you can also use freely around the pool, the ECOXGEAR would be best.
Bluetooth
Whilst the speakers in our list allow you to connect to them in a number of ways including TF cards and AUX- and all of them offer Bluetooth connection. We have made sure only to include tailgate speakers that offer a good quality of Bluetooth connection but, if you are looking for the very best, be sure to check out the ON Audio Tailgater Plus.
Bonus Features
Whilst assessing which tailgate speaker could be best for you, don’t forget to check out the number of cool bonus features that these speakers offer. Many of them include radio within them and a good number also include light features. If you are looking for the best light feature to bring life to your tailgate, check out the TAMPROAD.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a more practical feature, make sure to take a look at the models which incorporate phone charging. The ION Pathfinder 4 offers wireless phone charging and the ION Tailgater Express Game Day includes a USB charging port alongside a bottle opener…because who doesn’t love a beer at a tailgate?
Tailgate Speakers For All Budgets!
No tailgate is complete without a good speaker… but choosing the best tailgate speaker is no easy task. Whether you’re a true audiophile or just someone looking to liven up your next tailgate, it can be difficult to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Stress no more!
Not only did we make sure to include speakers at every price point but we’ve also included speakers to suit a range of specifications.
Below are some other excellent tailgating speaker options from Ion Speakers & JBL that are worth taking a look at:
So, we’re sure that, whatever your requirements, you will find the best tailgate speaker to suit your needs in our buyers guide.
With that said, all there’s left to do is to get out and enjoy tailgating!
Further Reading:
- 10 Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $200 In 2022 – Our Top Picks Only
- 10 Best In-Wall Speakers In 2022 (Under $50 to Over $500)
- 10 Best Party Speakers In 2022 (Bluetooth & Portable)
- 10 Best Portable CD Players In 2022 (Affordable & Reliable)
- 10 Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers In 2022 (Multiple Budgets)
Trent is a music lover, musical instrument player and passionate audio afficionado.