Tailgate parties can sometimes be more fun than the game itself. Whether you’re just spending time with your family or having a few drinks and taunting nearby fans of the opposing team with your boys, having the right speaker for the job is essential. Don’t make the mistake of buying just any speaker for tailgating though, as there are specific features you want to have available. In this list, we’ll highlight the best tailgate speakers for every budget and run you through what to look for when buying.
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How Tailgate Speakers Differ From Regular Party Speakers
While some traditional party speakers can be used for tailgating, one needs to be selective and ensure they carry the correct set of features. Most party speakers are designed for the indoors and offer mediocre weather protection. They also have features and functionality that isn’t always necessary for a tailgating event, meaning you may be paying for features you don’t use.
Tailgating Speakers Are Easier To Move
Party speakers are often very large, and can weigh more than 70 lbs in some cases. No one wants to deal with the nightmare of those logistics. That’s why tailgating speakers are usually more compact, ranging between 10 and 30 lbs in most cases. This saves you from the logistical nightmares of moving to and from games.
Party Speakers May Require an AC Outlet
Since parking lots aren’t exactly a common source for power outlets, having a built-in battery is essential. Some of the larger party use so much power that it isn’t viable to feature a battery, instead relying on an AC outlet as a power source. Not only do the best tailgate speakers include batteries, but the amount of playtime also tends to be more impressive than regular party speakers.
Sonic Differences
It’s not just the design that differs though, there’s even differences in the way that party speakers are tuned compared to tailgating speakers. Believe it or not, the way a speaker’s sound is tuned by the manufacturer will determine how well suited it is for indoor or outdoor listening.
Tailgate speakers tend to have a bit more vibrancy in the upper mids and highs, which can help vocals to project better in the outdoors and help to create a more detailed sound in open air. They also often have emphasized bass, which also helps to project sound in what can be a noisy environment.
The Differences in Weather Protection
Party speakers often lack the durability found on tailgating speakers, especially with regards to waterproofing and protection from the sun. Let’s be real, tailgating isn’t always the most comfortable conditions. Even with an endless supply of beer, depending on where you live, the heat can become challenging.
Since most traditional party speakers are made for indoor use, they can easily overheat in hot conditions. Some tailgating speakers protect against this by offering better heat resistance, but even then I recommend following our tips on keeping your speaker cool.
It’s not just heat though, some rain isn’t uncommon at events and having waterproofing should be considered essential for full versatility. This is where IPX ratings come into play, while party speakers usually have an IPX4 waterproof rating which protects them slight splashes and sprays, but tailgate speakers tend to have more comprehensive protection, sometimes up to IPX7 (which is considered the best option).
Opting for a higher IPX rating (IPX6+) will not only allow you to keep tailgating in the rain, but it also makes cleaning the speaker easy. Just take a light to moderate pressure garden hose and rinse it down.
Similarly, some speakers have a dust protection rating which is another useful feature when frequently using a speaker outdoors.
Calculating Your Required Battery Life
Regardless of whether you prefer short pre-game events or tend to spend the whole day partying, it’s important to think about the type of battery life you’ll need. It isn’t as simple just reading the manufacturer’s spec sheet either, as these estimates are based on low listening volume without special features enabled.
The types of features used has a direct influence on the overall playtime, and it’s not uncommon for actual playtime to be around 30 to 50% less than what the spec sheet says when a lot of these features are enabled.
| Feature | Additional Battery use |
|---|---|
| Lighting Effects | 10-30% |
| Microphone Use | 5-15% |
| Bass Boost | 10-20% |
And then of course, volume is a major contributor to battery usage. Most estimates assume a volume of around 30 to 50%.
With this in mind, it’s relatively simple to get a gauge on the kind of battery life you’d need. For example, if your tailgating events tend to last 3 to 5 hours and you want to use all the features listed above – you’d want a speaker that’s rated to provide between 12 and 18 hours.
Keeping your speaker cool can also help to improve the longevity of battery life, especially in the long term.
A Curated Selection of The Best Tailgate Speakers
Best Overall
Large and powerful, the Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 offers some of the best battery performance on the market, with up to 100 hours of playtime. No matter how loud it’s being played or how many features are being used it’s guaranteed to last throughout any tailgating event. The ‘270’ in the name refers to the wide 270-degree sound design that ensures everyone around the speaker gets to enjoy the music. Its IPX4 water-resistance rating could be better though, and one will need to be cautious when using it in bad weather.
Best Under $100
Compact and affordable, the ION Tailgater Boom is specifically designed for tailgating parties. Despite costing less than $100, it has all the essential features and some. EQ control makes changing how the speaker sounds quick and easy. Stay up to date with the game from the parking lot with the built-in FM radio, or use the microphone input for MCing. Its IPX5 waterproof rating also makes it easy to clean with a low pressure hose and protects it from accidental drink spills.
Most Durable
Rugged and waterproof, the ECOXGEAR EcoTrek is a great choice for those who want a speaker that will last. Its strong outer shell protects it well during transit and with an IP67 waterproof rating it’s also water and dustproof. This speaker will keep playing come rain or sun, while still offering all the essential features. It has an FM radio, aux in and microphone input. The preset equalizer even lets you adjust the sound with the push of a button.
Best Compact Tailgate Speaker
At just 10 lbs, the ECOXGEAR Defender is an easy to carry solution that won’t take up half your car when transporting it. We’ve thoroughly tested this speaker and were shocked by how well it performs. It gets extremely loud, despite its size and sounds good both indoors and outdoors. The Defender isn’t limited to tailgating either and can be effectively used for social gatherings in and around the home. Waterproof and dustproof, the Defender can be used in any weather and is extremely easy to clean after use.
Best Sound Quality
The ION Block Rocker is a tailgating OG, but now with updated 5.3 Bluetooth connectivity for improved sound quality and wireless connection. This speaker sounds great, thanks to its multi-driver setup that features an 8″ woofer for deep and powerful bass, the dual 4″ wide-range drivers for broader sound dispersion and 2″ tweeter that delivers clear details in the highs. Packed with features and a backlit control panel, it’s easy to see why the Block Rocker is considered a staple in tailgating. It features a long lasting battery life and also includes mobile app support.
Keeping Your Tailgating Speaker Cool
Speakers can overheat, and although a few models are designed with withstand harsh, direct sunlight, many aren’t. This is especially concerning for tailgating where you may be outdoors all day. However, there are still options to keep your speaker functioning at its best.
Consider using an umbrella or other cover to provide shade to the speaker. There’s a dramatic difference in temperatures in the shade and sun, and placing it in the shade will also keep it out of direct UV light, which can damage the plastic and paint over time.
Quality of Life Features
If you appreciate quality of life features, some tailgating speakers will get you excited. Features like cup holders and bottle openers aren’t exactly standard, but they’re also not too uncommon. Although most of these features are novel, they can also prove to be convenient.
Picking The Right Sized Speaker
Since tailgate speakers are regularly transported back and forth from events, careful consideration should be given to the logistics. Those with flatbed trucks will find few limitations on what they’re able to carry, but if you’ve got a small car packed with coolers – you may struggle to transport larger speakers.
In addition, larger speakers may be more difficult to carry. But nowadays, built-in wheels and handles can make the process more simple.
Audio Playback Options & Connectivity
Most tailgate speakers will rely on a Bluetooth connection, so you can play music from your phone. However, some also feature auxiliary input, which allows listeners the ability to connect a device with a 3.5mm cable.
Some also allow more than one person to connect to the speaker at a time, allowing you and your buddy to each play the role of DJ.
Outside of this, FM radio is another potentially useful feature that can also be used to listen to radio broadcasts of the games you’re attending.
Essential Features Of Tailgating Speakers
- Durability & waterproofing
- Loudness
- Microphone ports
- Long-lasting battery
Tailgate Speakers Should Be Durable & Water-Resistant
Tailgating events can be a little chaotic at times and with drinks flowing, it isn’t exactly a place where delicate electronics are safe, so a tailgate speaker needs to be durable. This includes a waterproof rating. I’d recommend opting for at least IPX4, but a higher IPX rating will add further peace of mind. For added durability, an IP65 or IP67 rating will give comprehensive water and dust resistance.
Since these speakers are going to be moved around a lot, they also need to have a durable outer shell that won’t break when transported in the back of a pickup or in the trunk of a car. There isn’t any official rating for a speaker’s general durability, but avoid speakers with glass touch panels or those with weak grilles, as these are commonly damaged.
Sufficient Volume Will Ensure Your Music Is Heard
Since there’s often a lot of noise around you, from other enthusiastic sports fans, you’ll also want to ensure you’ve got enough volume to compete, or at a minimum to still be able to hear your music while those around you are pumping their own tunes. Not only should it be able to get loud, but it also needs to retain enough clarity at high volume levels.
Microphone Inputs For The MCs
While MCs aren’t essential for every tailgate event, for many the ability to create excitement is an important part of the process. Many of these tailgating speakers will come with microphone ports that can turn the speaker into an affordable PA system. Some even have multiple mic ports so you and your friends can hype up your team support.
Battery Life That Will Last
Tailgating events can last for hours, and if it’s a big game, depending on how you party, it can go on all day. The last thing you want is to run out of battery half way through the event, which is why it’s important to have a long lasting battery in your tailgate speaker.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Watts Should My Tailgate Speaker Be?
The power of your tailgate speaker depends entirely on how far and wide you want to be heard and the size of your group of guests. For an average tailgate party around a car, we’d suggest something between 100W-150W. If you plan a smaller, more intimate party, some of the 60W speakers on this list will serve you just fine.
Am I Allowed to Take My Tailgate Speaker to Any Game?
While many sporting events allow tailgating, the rules surrounding it ultimately depend on the venue or the actual event organizers. Make sure you find out what those are before heading out.
What Waterproof Rating Will Protect Against Spilled Drinks?
A simple IPX 4 rating should be sufficient to protect your valuable tailgate speaker against accidental drink spillages. Anything above that is a bonus.
Update History
2023/04/23 – Added Pros and Cons and made changes to product rankings
Thank. U. So much. It. Help. Me. A. Lot
I have an s-27 system and my wife and I love it, I like the multiple types of media that can be played in the unit. we also like the kareoki screen. I need to know where I can order a new screen (my son broke my screen).
Would like opinions for on 2 different speakers ; the soundboks 2 VS Bose S1 pro – PA (with the optional battery)
Is there a huge difference in the loudness of both ?
is the bose sound quality way better ?
I like bose products, but the soundboks seems to have good reviews and a good product.
Let me know your thoughts,
Thanks!
Miguel