Are you setting up an outdoor home theatre for a movie night in your backyard, or hoping to enhance your speakers’ sound at your next garden party?
If so, your question may well be: can I use a soundbar outdoors?
Fortunately you'll find there are multiple types of soundbars that are suitable for outdoor use and can be installed outside.
People have been using soundbars outside for years, but the impacts of Covid-19 saw that small social gatherings and events were moved outside as well.
So more and more people are turning to the idea of using a soundbar outdoors - they’re just wondering if and how they can.
We’re here to answer several questions regarding the use of soundbars outdoors so that you can feel confident you’re using your audio equipment safely and soundly.
Will the Weather Damage Your Soundbar if You Use it Outdoors?
A soundbar is an electrical piece of equipment, and like any electrical device, you'll need to make sure that you’re careful to avoid damaging any of the components or inner workings.
This includes keeping the soundbar sheltered from water and other extreme weather conditions when you’re using one outside. Damage from the sun, moisture, and too-high temperatures, all work to reduce the life expectancy of your soundbar.
Water and moisture will do the most damage for obvious reasons, but allowing your soundbar to overheat will also have a significant impact on how well your soundbar performs and the quality of sound that it is able to produce.
This means the soundbar should be kept somewhere outdoors where it will not be left in direct sunlight for long periods of time.
There is less cause for concern at the colder end of the temperature spectrum, but consistently low or near-freezing temperatures can ultimately begin to wear down the adhesive used inside the unit to keep everything held together and working properly.
Where is the Best Place to Set Up Your Soundbar Outdoors?
For the weather-related reasons we ran through in the last section, the best place to set up your soundbar outside is somewhere that has enough covering or shelter to protect it from the elements like rain, direct sunlight, and wind, which could cause it to fall from its perch.
Keeping your soundbar at an elevated height is a good idea for many reasons.
This is mainly because it will improve the quality of the sound of what you’re listening to, but also because it'll be less exposed to any moisture or morning dew that collects on the ground.
Something like a raised shelf or a coffee table would be a great surface for your soundbar to sit on as it will be level and out of harm’s reach. Just be careful not to knock the table over!
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of installing a new soundbar, and your main focus can soon become how to make sure it’s producing the best sound for you and your needs.
Remember though, you need to consider any neighbors or other residents who live in your area.
Can You Leave a Soundbar Outside?
You can use your soundbar outside.
Most of the time.
Provided you have taken the proper care and precautions, there'll be no issues.
But leaving your soundbar outside permanently or when it’s not actually in use is another matter entirely.
The best way to ensure that your soundbar doesn’t accidentally become damaged due to outdoor conditions is to bring your soundbar indoors when you’re not using it.
This means there is minimal risk of damage so the next time that you use it, you’ll know it should be in fairly good condition - or at least the same condition as it was in last time!
The good news is, the majority of soundbars are compact in size and shape, as well as being lightweight enough to be easily transported between indoor and outdoor locations.
If you are planning on leaving your soundbar outside for an extended period of time, you’ll need to take extra care to make sure you’ve only installed it in one of the places we mentioned in the previous section.
This minimizes the risk of damage occurring.
How Do You Connect to an Outside Soundbar?
Do you have concerns about how to connect your speakers to your soundbar when it’s been set up outside?
You’ll be pleased to know this part of the installation process really isn’t as difficult as you might think.
Most soundbars these days come with a set of setting up instructions that are detailed enough that they’re easy for you to follow.
When buying a soundbar for outdoor use, you'll be better off opting for one that is able to connect to your home internet Wi-Fi and speakers via a Bluetooth connection rather than being physically connected via an HDMI port or another type of output.
This means you won’t have to worry about complicated piles of extension leads snaking through the house and into the garden. You'll avoid trip hazards that put both your guests and your soundbar (and any other equipment!) at risk of injury or damage.
You will, however, need to make sure that you’re careful not to install your soundbar at a distance that’s too far away to achieve and maintain a successful Bluetooth connection.
Final Thoughts on Can I Use a Soundbar Outdoors
We hope this article has been helpful to you and that now you’ve reached the end of it, you’re feeling more clued up on all you need to know about using a soundbar outside.
To recap.
Always position your soundbar so that it is protected from the elements, such as intense rain, wind, or sunshine.
Try to bring your soundbar inside whenever you’re not using it, as this helps to extend its lifespan.
Also, look for a soundbar that features Bluetooth connectivity for an easier set-up process.
And finally, choose a soundbar you'll love!