Over the past few years, many people have been adding soundbars to their home theater setups. The convenience and versatility of a soundbar are hard to match.
We know that it can be a great addition to your entertainment room, but can a soundbar be used outside?
You can use a soundbar outside, provided that you are mindful of the climate and weather. You should exercise care when using your soundbar outside. Always pay attention to the weather and moisture levels in the environment.
In this article, we will discuss how the outdoors can affect your soundbar, how a soundbar works, and some precautionary measures you can take to ensure the longevity of your soundbar.
We will also briefly discuss the best and worst times to use your soundbar outdoors. Read on if you are interested and want to know more about this topic.
How Does the Outdoors Affect Your Soundbar?
As with any electronic device, extra precautions will need to be taken to prevent the equipment from becoming damaged or destroyed by the elements when using a soundbar outdoors.
It may also be worth cautioning that when using a soundbar outdoors, always consider your neighbors in residential areas. Compact soundbars are capable of outputting incredible volumes that can travel great distances.
The following section of this article will elaborate on the various elements of the outdoors which may pose a threat to the well-being of your soundbar.
We will advise you on how to identify these factors and what should be done to avoid or lessen their detrimental effects.
Water and Moisture
Without a doubt, the biggest problem that may occur when using the soundbar outside is the risk of damage by water and moisture. Fortunately, there are a few things we can do to minimize water exposure.
The first and most effective way to ensure it remains in good condition will quite simply be to bring the soundbar inside when not using it.
Soundbars are typically lightweight, making them very portable, so bringing it to and from your home should not be overly difficult. At the very least, try to bring your soundbar in the house during rain, snow, and particularly humid days.
The next recommendation for keeping your soundbar in pristine working condition long term when using it outdoors is to make sure it stays off the ground.
Dew is most common during the night and early morning and tends to collect on or near the ground. This makes it very important that your soundbar is kept in an elevated location: such as a high shelf or table.
Sun Damage
The next thing that must be considered when using a soundbar outdoors is sun damage. Direct sunlight can wear out and drastically reduce the lifespan of your soundbar.
For this reason, it is crucial that you keep your soundbar out of direct sunlight, in a shaded area, and pay attention to overheating that can be felt to the touch.
If you notice that your soundbar is becoming overheated, turn off the power, unplug the unit, move it to a shaded area with a cool or neutral temperature, and leave it there until the heat emitted from the soundbar has subsided.
Temperature
The third and final factor in using a soundbar outdoors is the temperature. Although cold and even below freezing temperatures do not pose an immediate risk to your soundbar as water or direct sunlight, freezing temperatures can wear down adhesives inside the unit.
This can force metal components to contract and warp and invite condensation formation inside the soundbar, making ice or excess water within. For this reason, it is recommended you refrain from using a soundbar outdoors during the winter months.
How Does a Soundbar Work?
A soundbar is a one-piece compact speaker system that typically works in conjunction with a TV to amplify audio output at high quality into a room and enhance the user’s entertainment experience.
Soundbars are available in many different sizes and shapes. However, they are commonly flat and long as this is the optimal design for distributing sound throughout a particular room or area.
One of the most appealing aspects of audio soundbars is their Bluetooth pairing capability. This allows users to quickly pair any nearby device with the soundbar and begin enjoying almost immediately.
This may lead many people to want to take their soundbar outside with them, for barbecues, lounging, and social gathering, particularly during the summer months.
Inside a typical soundbar, you will find many wires, screws, brackets, and other metal components. These elements are susceptible to rust and corrosion when exposed to excessive moisture levels for a prolonged period.
Keeping that in mind, a little bit of preventative care goes a long way in preserving the integrity of your soundbar.
Recommended Soundbars for Outdoor Use
Although the following soundbars are not all specifically designed for outdoor use per se, considering the factors above, you should not have a problem utilizing this equipment outdoors if done with care.
Listed below are some of the most reputable and affordable soundbars currently on the market:
Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System
The Bose Solo 5 is, without a doubt, the leading product as far as soundbars are concerned. It comes with built-in Bluetooth capability, and when paired with the Echo Dot, it can also accommodate Alexa voice command technology.
This soundbar is also equipped with fiber optic technology, the fastest and most high definition method of connection. When partnered with a compatible fiber optic device, this feature is guaranteed to bring your sound experience to life.
The Bose name has earned its spot in the audio industry by being reliable and going above and beyond to give the buyers their money worth without exception.
BenqBot Portable Soundbar
The BenqBot portable soundbar is advertised as an indoor and outdoor soundbar, which makes it unique in that regard. This soundbar comes fully equipped with Bluetooth technology, remote control for easy adjustment, and includes an 18-month warranty and a 90-day in-home trial.
Another great thing about this soundbar is that it comes with 4 different methods of connection. The multiple connection methods are Bluetooth, RCA cable, AUX, and TF card or micro SD. Having many different connectivity options is beneficial because it allows the soundbar to be used in tandem with a larger assortment of different devices.
PowerBass XL-800
Last but certainly not least is the PowerBass XL-800. This soundbar is specifically designed to function in and withstand harsh climates. It is marine rated so it will have no problem with general outdoor use, and it also has a built-in amplifier making it an all-in-one unit. As is the case with the previously mentioned soundbars, the PowerBass also features Bluetooth technology.
Moreover, the PowerBass soundbar comes in various sizes and outputs to meet your needs. In addition to the XL-800, it is also available in the XL-1000 and XL-1200 (8, 10, and 12 speakers, respectively).
Conclusion
So if you are wondering whether or not you can use your soundbar outside, fortunately, the answer is yes. However, precautions must be taken, and common care practices should always be applied.
Exposure to the elements will be a key point of consideration, and extreme conditions should always be avoided. Water damage and rust, and overheating from sun exposure are the main dangers to be mindful of.
As long as you are mindful of these factors, you should have no problem enjoying your favorite songs outdoors in good company, all summer long.
Also, check out:
- Can You Use a Soundbar as a Center Speaker?
- Can a Soundbar Replace a Receiver?
- Can Echo Studio Be Used as a Soundbar?
Jason is a home theater expert with over 10 years of experience in setting up home cinema rooms and systems. What started out as a hobby soon transformed him into an authority in the audio-visual field. He is passionate about providing readers with accurate and up-to-date information on the latest audiovisual technologies and their applications for home theaters. Read more about Jason.