UPVOTED OUTDOOR SPEAKERS

Game for a garden party? Chris Rowlands pumps up his summer playlist to select the best Bluetooth boxes for al-fresco audio…

The wily wedge Sonos Roam

Don’t know your way around an equaliser? This satchel-friendly Sonos does the adjusting for you: shift to a different arena and Auto Trueplay tunes the output to suit your surroundings. Its premium build is worthy of a headline slot, while an IP67 rating makes it an all-weather performer. £179 / sonos.com

The tuneful tube Loewe We Hear 2

Cylinders are a great way to share sounds at a summer shindig: whip out a didgeridoo and you’re sure to impress the neighbours. Or, try this sonorous column instead. Sealed ports keep it splashproof, while strap loops make it easy to tote. And with 17hr battery life, it can outlast the lengthiest droning solo. £179 / amazon.co.uk

The boxy blaster Ultimate Ears Hyperboom

Toddlers might be entertained by empty boxes, but it takes more than cardboard to start a proper party. This megalithic cuboid hits the right angles: with power in spades, it majors on outdoor oomph. An IPX4 rating means it’s safe to splash, and it allows quick switching between four sources.

£410 / ultimateears.com

The flexible floater Bose Soundlink Flex

Boat parties might be a holiday highlight, but a submerged speaker will soon sink the vibes. Keep the fun afloat with this hardy hailer: buoyant by design, it’ll bob back up if you drop it in the drink. Positioniq smarts optimise the audio based on its orientation, whether lying on deck or hanging up to dry. £130 / bose.co.uk

The sonic sling Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Plus

Trekking wisdom dictates that shoulders are for supplies. Trouble is, there are only so many melodies you can make by drumming on empty tins. Leave the backpacks to your hiking buddies and haul this hi-fi into the hills: lug it by belt or handle and your reward will be 20hrs of punchy waterproof audio. £170 / uk.soundcore.com

The clip-on cranker Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore

Nothing says rugged like a built-in carabiner. Small but tough, B&O’S clippable barrel is designed to take a beating: its anodised aluminium armour can survive adventures without being a burden on your backpack. Beneath the hard shell live omnidirectional drivers and a battery good for 27hrs. £169 / bang-olufsen.com

The durable diffuser Sony SRS-XE300

Putting the ‘fun’ in ‘fundamental scientific principles’, this pentagonal player employs the physics of diffraction to spread the aural energy. Channelling sound through a narrow slot, it fires the waves over a wider area for a consistent listen all round. Battery life is impressive too, at 24hrs.

£139 / sony.co.uk

The handled heavyweight JBL Boombox 3 Wi-fi

Forget tepid cider and charred patties: garden barbies are all about that bass. And if meaty tunes are on the menu, this waterproof whopper is what you need. Beefy at 9.6kg, it packs two tweeters, two mid-range drivers and a powered sub. Plus this edition is seasoned with Wi-fi. £530 / uk.jbl.com

The robust rocker Marshall Middleton

Between big gigs and tourbus benders, life on the road can take its toll. Luckily, this mini amp from Marshall has the build to match its rock-star styling. Reassuringly solid at 1.8kg, the mighty Middleton is IP67 dust/water-resistant. A multi-directional driver setup immerses all your roadies in the post-show playlist, while Stack mode lets you build a wall of sound with multiple Middletons. And its sturdy shell uses 55% recycled plastic, because nothing says ‘punk’ like sustainability. £270 / marshallheadphones.com