Outdoor movie nights are a classic summertime activity. Watching films outdoors surrounded by nature is the perfect way to spend time with friends and family. While drive-in theaters used to be the go-to for outdoor movie viewing, improvements in technology now allow anyone to create their own outdoor theater right in their backyard.
One of the key developments making DIY outdoor cinemas possible is the advent of portable Bluetooth speakers. These compact yet powerful speakers can provide room-filling sound without requiring bulky wired speaker systems. Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to pair your smartphone, tablet or laptop to wirelessly stream audio. This gives you the ability to pump up the volume on your favorite movies, TV shows and more while enjoying the great outdoors.
When selecting Bluetooth speakers for an outdoor home theater setup, there are a few key features to consider:
- Portability – Look for compact speakers with handles or straps so you can easily move them outside and position them around your viewing area. Speakers that weigh under 10 pounds provide an ideal balance of power and mobility.
- Battery Life – Long battery life is crucial for uninterrupted outdoor viewing sessions. Look for speakers that can last 10 hours or longer per charge. Some models have batteries that can be swapped out for continuous playback.
- Wireless Range – With Bluetooth, your speakers should reliably cover at least 30 feet of wireless connectivity from your sound source. Longer range allows more flexible placement.
- Durability – Outdoor conditions require rugged speakers that can withstand moisture, dust and drops. Rubberized exterior housing helps protect against weather and accidental bumps. Some speakers also have waterproof designs.
- Sound Quality – A minimum of 20 watts of power per speaker ensures sufficient audio volume and clarity for outdoor film viewing. Higher wattage translates to louder, richer sound.
- Setup is easy with Bluetooth speakers – simply turn them on, pair them with your device, cue up your movie and enjoy cinema-style sound. Position speakers in front of your seating area and experiment with angles and distance to optimize audio quality.
To complete the outdoor theater effect, utilize a blank wall, garage door or white sheet as a projection screen. HD projectors work great, but you can also get by with a laptop or tablet screen. Make popcorn on the stove or over a campfire. Lay out cozy blankets and lawn chairs for front row comfort.
Here are some top Bluetooth speaker options for backyard movie nights:
- JBL Charge 5 – With punchy sound, 30 hours of battery life and IP67 waterproof/dustproof rating, the Charge 5 is built to soundtrack outdoor fun.
- Anker Soundcore Flare 2 – The colorful, waterproof Flare 2 delivers 360° sound with bass you can feel. Link two together for left/right stereo separation.
- Sony SRS-XB43 – The XB43 pumps out powerful audio and flashing lights thanks to its live sound and speaker lightshow modes.
- Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM – This party speaker cranks up the volume with deep bass. The adaptive EQ keeps audio optimized for any location.
- DOSS SoundBox Pro – Affordably priced, this portable speaker provides 20W output and 16 hour battery life.
With a pair of quality Bluetooth speakers, your backyard, porch, patio or campsite can transform into a cozy outdoor theater. Turn your next movie night into an immersive audiovisual experience under the stars! Friends and family will be amazed at your outdoor cinema setup. Just be sure to avoid bothering any neighbors with late night viewings! Creating the backyard movie party of your summer dreams is easier than ever with portable technology.