The 5 Best Tailgate Speakers in 2024

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By

Evan Shephard Avatar

Reviewed By

Evan Shephard
Updated Apr 14, 2024 4:32 PM
best tailgate speakers guide that shows the top best bluetooth speaker model

A whopping 75% of electronic and appliance reviews are untrustworthy. That’s why every reviewer gets a Trust Rating so our True Score System filters out the fake reviews. See how we do it.

For tailgating, you need a great speaker that delivers robust sound quality and can withstand outdoor conditions. High volume output, deep bass, and clear treble are essential for cutting through the noise at a tailgate party. Look for speakers with long battery life, ideally over 9 hours, and rugged build quality, including water resistance, to ensure they handle the elements and keep the party going strong.

We reviewed over 100 Bluetooth speakers and analyzed 1,149,542 reviews to find the top 5 for our buying guide. Our unique approach certifies products as tested and uses Trust Score to filter out fake reviews. A striking 92% of experts failed due to unreliable reviews. These winning speakers excelled, delivering impressive performance in various conditions.

How Did We Rank the Best Tailgate Speakers?

Analyzing over 200 websites, we crafted the definitive buying guide for tailgate speakers. We assessed various testing methods, scrutinized customer reviews, and considered expert opinions to identify 2 key test results, 1 desirable feature, and 1 must-have specification. Our True Score system translates these findings into an authoritative buying guide. Choose the best tailgate speaker with confidence, backed by our thorough research. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.

?️ Minimum Specifications

  • Must be a tailgate speaker

? Test Criteria

  • Battery Life: At least 9 hours is the time the Bluetooth speaker can play before the battery needs recharging.
  • Volume Output: The speaker should deliver powerful and immersive sound performance, exceeding 85 decibels in volume output.

? “Nice To Haves”

  • Low-End Roll-Off: A low-end roll-off of <60 Hz to ensure there is some rumble in the bass to enhance your music-listening experience.

Latest Updates

  • 04/14/2024: Published the list of best tailgate speakers based on our True Score system.

Top Tailgate Speakers For 2024

Prices accurate at the time of publishing

See how we test the testers

To snag a spot on our list, tailgate speakers must meet our stringent criteria for audio performance and quality. If it doesn’t meet these standards, it won’t be featured!

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Tribit Stormbox Blast

    Ideal for long music sessions, the Tribit Stormbox Blast combines affordability with performance, boasting an impressive battery life and versatile use from tailgates to home.

    Tribit Stormbox Blast Review →

    True Score

    84
    83
    6

    Experts

    95
    2k

    Customers

    SAVE $50
    $199.99
    $149.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    JBL Partybox 110

    The JBL Partybox 110 is an excellent mid-range tailgating speaker. Its robust sound, durability, and versatility make it a solid choice for both outdoor and indoor events.

    JBL Partybox 110 Review →

    True Score

    84
    83
    2

    Experts

    94
    4k

    Customers

    SAVE $50
    $399.95
    $349.95
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Bose S1 Pro+

    With its impressive volume, the Bose S1 Pro+ excels in unmatched loudness and quality. It is ideal for diverse music and robust outdoor use at a premium price.

    Bose S1 Pro+ Review →

    True Score

    83
    82
    2

    Experts

    94
    790

    Customers

    $699.00
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    JBL Boombox 3

    The JBL Boombox 3 excels in bass-heavy outdoor settings, offering durability, long battery life, and a wide range, making it versatile for any occasion.

    JBL Boombox 3 Review →

    True Score

    82
    81
    6

    Experts

    93
    3k

    Customers

    SAVE $123
    $549.99
    $426.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Sony XP700

    Ideal for tailgate fans seeking volume without the premium price, the Sony XP700 offers robust sound and versatility for both outdoor and indoor settings.

    Sony XP700 Review →

    True Score

    82
    81
    4

    Experts

    92
    3k

    Customers

    $548.00

Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Tailgate Speakers?

By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 1 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these Bluetooth speakers and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a Bluetooth speaker that is right for you.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
Volume Output (dB)> 91 dBYesThe maximum volume that a Bluetooth speaker is able to output when turned to max.
Battery Life (Hours)> 9 HrYesThe length of time a Bluetooth speaker can play before the battery goes flat.
Low End Roll Off (Hz)< 60 HzNo (nice to have)The point at which bass response starts to fall sharply, causing it to rapidly become inaudible.

Our Trusted Data Sources

We looked at 50+ Bluetooth speaker reviewers and only 9 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for Bluetooth speakers.

  1. Becca Fischer – Rtings, MuckRack
  2. Michelle Powell – TechGearLab, MuckRack
  3. Brent Butterworth – Wirecutter, MuckRack, LinkedIn

Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every Bluetooth speaker review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.

Bluetooth Speaker Test Data & Results

1. Volume Output Test Results

Maximum volume is the most straightforward test to grasp when it comes to Bluetooth speakers: it simply refers to the loudest level at which the speaker can play. However, the importance of having a high maximum volume might not be immediately obvious. Beyond the ability to fill rooms with sound or serve as party speakers, higher maximum volumes play a crucial role in ensuring audio clarity at typical listening volumes.

This concept is known as “headroom.” Adequate headroom in a Bluetooth speaker means it can reproduce sounds at a level that is both loud enough and clear enough, ensuring that your usual listening levels for music or podcasts are crisp and free from distortion. Your Bluetooth speaker should have a minimum of 85 dB of maximum volume, but 91 dB or even higher is ideal. The higher the maximum volume, the better the speaker is at delivering sound that can fill increasingly large spaces without sacrificing sound quality.

Volume Output (in dB; higher is better)

2. Battery Life Test Results

Your Bluetooth speakers are more than likely going to be battery powered. They might not run solely on battery power, but it is more common than not for Bluetooth speakers to be able to play without being plugged into a wall. That means, you’ll want your speaker to be able to play for as long as possible without having to be plugged in to charge, so even if you forget your charging cable, you’re not shackled to 4 hours of play time.

It’s for this reason that we recommend that Bluetooth speakers have at least 9 hours of playtime – enough to get you through a full day of playing your speakers. That said, there’s no upper limit to battery life – the more you can get “under your belt”, the better. If your speaker can deliver more than 17 hours of battery life on a single charge, you’ve got more than enough for two days and change, which is plenty of time to remember you need to plug the speaker in.

Battery Life (in hours; higher is better)

3. Low End Roll Off Test Results

The low-end roll off is key in determining how deep the bass on your Bluetooth speaker will sound. A Bluetooth speaker with a roll off that doesn’t start at a sufficiently low frequency leads to bass that sounds weak or is missing entirely, which makes music sound weak. Essentially, the deeper the bass can extend before rolling off, the more robust the sound.

For the majority of Bluetooth speakers and typical usage scenarios, aiming for a roll off that begins no higher than 60 Hz is advisable. However, the lower the frequency where roll off begins, the better the bass experience. It’s important to understand that there’s a limit to how low the roll off can go, so expecting Bluetooth speakers to achieve roll off points in the teens might be unrealistic. It’s also important to remember that Bluetooth speakers don’t have subwoofers and are also generally small, which limits how deep their bass can get.

Low End Roll Off (in Hz; lower is better)

Best Tailgate Speakers: Mistakes To Avoid

  1. Underestimating Power and Volume: Tailgate parties often involve large crowds and outdoor settings, so choosing a speaker with sufficient power and volume to fill the space is crucial. Much like when searching for the loudest Bluetooth speakers, avoid selecting speakers with low wattage or output that may struggle to produce loud, clear sound in noisy environments.

  2. Ignoring Portability: Tailgate speakers, like the top party speakers, should be easy to transport and set up at various outdoor locations. Avoid bulky or heavy speakers that are difficult to carry or maneuver, especially if you need to move them frequently between your vehicle and the tailgate area. Look for compact, lightweight speakers with built-in handles or carrying straps for added portability.

  3. Neglecting Durability: Outdoor gatherings expose speakers to potential hazards like dust, moisture, and accidental bumps or drops. Avoid choosing outdoor Bluetooth speakers with fragile construction or inadequate protection against the elements. Opt for models with rugged, weatherproof designs that can withstand outdoor conditions and rough handling.

  4. Not Considering Connectivity Options: Tailgate speakers should offer versatile connectivity options to accommodate different audio sources and devices. Avoid speakers with limited connectivity or outdated connection methods. Look for models that support Bluetooth, AUX-in, USB, and SD card inputs for seamless integration with smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, and other devices. If you need a new cable, we have a list of the best aux cables to ensure you have a reliable connection for all your audio needs.

The Best Tailgate Speakers Tests Compared

Product
True Score
Battery Life
Volume Output
Low End Roll Off
High End Roll Off

Tribit Stormbox Blast

  • Best for Best Overall

84
  • 32.1 Hrs

  • 96.7 dB

  • 57.39 Hz

  • 15.34k Hz

$149.99
$200
$50

JBL Partybox 110

  • Best for Tailgate Speakers

84
  • 14.7 Hrs

  • 98.3 dB

  • 63.5 Hz

  • 17.73k Hz

$349.95
$400
$50

Bose S1 Pro+

  • Best for Boombox

83
  • 10.8 Hrs

  • 105.3 dB

  • 59.07 Hz

  • 17.73k Hz

$699.00

JBL Boombox 3

  • Best for Boat

82
  • 29.7 Hrs

  • 94.45 dB

  • 52.63 Hz

  • 15.79k Hz

$426.99
$550
$123
82
  • 16.9 Hrs

  • 99 dB

  • 64.42 Hz

  • 10.09k Hz

$548.00

Tailgate Speaker Questions (FAQ)

What features should I look for in a tailgate speaker?

When choosing a tailgate speaker, look for features like high wattage for loud, clear sound; a long battery life to last through your event; multiple connectivity options (Bluetooth, USB, AUX); rugged and durable design to withstand outdoor conditions; and additional features like built-in lights or microphones for added entertainment.

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