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Best Tailgating Speakers For Your Tailgate Party | Reviews & Buying Guide

Tailgate parties are an interesting way of socializing with different people. Even with good food and drinks, music becomes the highlight of a tailgate party. A poor speaker will spoil the overall experience by failing to produce audio notes effectively. A tailgate speaker can save your tailgate party and your favorite music from getting ruined.

Tailgate speakers are specially designed for outdoor usage. They are powerful and portable versions of indoor speakers. These speakers can be mounted on the cargo bed or back side of cars for easy access and zero restrictions to the sound output. Before buying a tailgate speaker, there are certain factors and qualities to expect from it.

  • Audio quality: A tailgate speaker’s most sought-after feature is the ability to produce high-quality sound. Various factors are responsible for the audio quality you get from a speaker. It must produce sound frequencies audible to humans. The balance between bass and treble makes certain parts of a song more immersive.
  • Speakers type: There are various types of speakers based on their technical specifications and design. The design of speakers helps in producing a certain type of audio range. The size of these different types of speakers also varies from being compact to being massive units
  • Battery life: Most of the tailgate speakers come equipped with rechargeable batteries. Due to their outdoor operations, a good battery backup is important. Batteries play a major role in the portability of speakers by minimizing the dependency on power outlets. The battery life is dependent on various factors like overall capacity and playtime.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can select a good tailgate speaker. Due to the adoption of newer technologies, tailgate speakers have become more advanced. To ease your selection process, we have compiled a list of the best tailgate speakers available. The article will also walk you through a “Buying Guide” and answer some FAQs to help your selection process.

Best Tailgating Speakers List

tailgating speakersSpeaker typeConnectivity technologyBattery lifeBuy Now
ION Audio Tailgating SpeakersWoofer, tweeterBluetooth, USB, AUX50 hourCheck On Amazon
Aiwa Tailgating SpeakersSubwooferBluetooth, AUX9 hoursCheck On Amazon
ECOXGEAR Tailgating SpeakersTweeter, full-range, subwooferBluetooth, AUX, USBUp to 50+ hoursCheck On Amazon
QFX Tailgating SpeakersWoofer, amplifierBluetooth, RCA, SD card, USB, AUX6 hoursCheck On Amazon
ION Tailgating SpeakersWoofer, tweeterBluetooth, AUX, USB, NFCup to 50 hoursCheck On Amazon
LG Tailgating SpeakersSubwoofer, tweeterBluetooth18 hoursCheck On Amazon
SOUNDBOKS Tailgating SpeakersSubwoofer, tweeterBluetooth, Auxiliary40 HoursCheck On Amazon
Sony Tailgating SpeakersWoofer, tweeterBluetooth, Auxiliaryup to 13 hoursCheck On Amazon

Best Tailgating Speakers Reviews

1. ION Audio Tailgating Speakers

ION Audio Tailgating SpeakersION Audio is a well-known name in entertainment technologies. It has a wide range of wired and wireless audio accessories that deliver an immersive sound experience.

The ION Audio Portable Tailgate Speaker is a performance-oriented unit. It has a powerful 8-inch woofer and a wide dispersion tweeter, which takes care of your audio requirements. The amplifier is capable of churning out a maximum power of 100 Watts, delivering powerful audio. A dedicated bass-boost button is also provided to improve depth in the bass signature.

With a battery life of 50 hours, you can play your favorite audio tracks without worrying about power. The speaker supports wireless connectivity with any Bluetooth-enabled device. You can even connect a 3.5mm AUX or USB cable to the speaker. To move the speaker to the desired location, it comes equipped with a telescopic handle, carrying handle, and wheels.

Best Features:

  • Portable speaker with 8-inch woofer and wide-dispersion tweeter
  • The maximum power output of 100 Watts
  • Overall battery life of 50 hours
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • USB port and AUX 3.5mm jack
  • Supports FM radio

Pros:

  • It is suitable for playing a wider range of audio
  • The speaker can be easily transported anywhere with the help of an integrated handle and wheels
  • The depth of the bass can be increased with a bass-boot button, depending on the user’s need

Cons:

  • The speaker does not come with waterproof or dust-proof ratings

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2. Aiwa Tailgating Speakers

Aiwa Tailgating SpeakersAiwa is a manufacturer of professional audio equipment. It focuses on developing products capable of delivering excellent audio quality. By investing in high-quality materials and components, it caters to consumer demands.

The Aiwa Exos-9 Portable Tailgate Speaker is a subwoofer unit. It comes with a 6.5-inch dual coil subwoofer along with 5 different drivers. Working in sync, these drivers can produce a perfect stereo sound with balanced bass, treble, and mid-range. The speaker can produce a maximum power of 200 Watts to effortlessly handle the audio output. To further customize audio, the built-in equalizer has 5 default settings to choose from.

You won’t have to worry about the power supply as the rechargeable battery will keep the speaker running for 9 hours. Enabled with Bluetooth 4.2 technology, the speaker can be connected to any device to stream your favorite music track. The 3.5mm audio jack allows a wired connection between the speaker and other devices.

Best Features:

  • Portable speaker with a 6.5-inch subwoofer and 5 drivers
  • A maximum power output of 200 Watts
  • A battery backup of 9 hours
  • Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 4.2
  • Equalizer with 5 default settings
  • Dedicated 3.5mm audio jack
  • Supports FM radio

Pros:

  • The speaker produces a balanced bass, treble, and midrange
  • The Bluetooth automatically connects to the last device
  • This unit comes with a 2-year warranty

Cons:

  • Transporting the speaker is tricky since it lacks a handle or wheels

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3. ECOXGEAR Tailgating Speakers

ECOXGEAR Tailgating SpeakersEcoxgear has been manufacturing audio solution products for more than a decade. It develops audio products for indoor as well as outdoor applications. Its products are known for good quality and durability.

The Ecoxgear Eco Trek GDI-EXTRK210 Tailgate Speaker has a sturdy build quality. The speaker comes equipped with a pair of 2.5-inch tweeters, 5.25-inch full-range drivers, and 5.25-inch subwoofers. With a maximum power output of 100 Watts, the speaker can produce balanced stereo audio with clear vocals, high range, and deeper bass. The speakers can run for 10 hours on maximum volume and 50 hours on lower volumes.

This speaker is rated with a standard waterproof and dustproof IP67 rating. You can use this subwoofer speaker anywhere outdoors thanks to the Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, which offers a range of 100ft. The Ecoconnect technology helps you connect with other speakers within a 30-feet range. It is even compatible with Google Assistant and Siri for voice commands. To connect devices or other speakers, a dedicated AUX port is also provided.

Best Features:

  • Portable speaker with 2×2.5-inch tweeters, 2×5.25-inch full-range drivers, and 2×5.25-inch subwoofers
  • A maximum power output of 100 Watts
  • Battery backup of 10+ hours (full volume) and 50+ hours (normal volume)
  • Supports wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 4.2
  • Dedicated AUX port, microphone jack, and USB port
  • Supports Google Assistant and Siri voice commands
  • Equalizer with 6 settings
  • FM radio playback

Pros:

  • With an IP67 rating, the speaker can be used outdoors against water and dust attack
  • The speaker can play deep bass signature and can shift to higher pitch audio
  • The speakers come with a 1-year warranty

Cons:

  • The Ecoconnect feature only works with speakers of the same brand

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4. QFX Tailgating Speakers

QFX Tailgating SpeakersQFX is a leading manufacturer of high-end speaker systems. The products are designed for maximum durability. With affordable pricing, the products meet all the quality standards.

The QFX PBX-61081-RED Portable Tailgate Speaker is a powerful unit. This speaker has a built-in 8-inch woofer and amplifier. Pairing this with a peak power output of 2,600 Watts, the speaker does wonders with audio. With a battery life of 6 hours, you get to enjoy uninterrupted music. It supports Bluetooth connectivity for a seamless transmission of data.

You can control the functions of the speaker with the help of the dedicated remote controller. To establish a physical connection with the speaker, an auxiliary port and SD card slot are provided. For easy movement of the speaker, a retractable handle and wheels are fitted on the outer body. You can also play FM radio with this unit.

Best Features:

  • Portable speaker with 8-inch woofer and amplifier
  • The peak power output of 2,600 Watts
  • Overall battery life of 6 hours
  • Enabled with Bluetooth connectivity
  • Dedicated ports for USB, RCA/AUX cables, and SD card slot
  • Supports FM radio

Pros:

  • The speaker produces clear and loud audio with zero distortion
  • Transporting the lightweight speaker is easy with the help of an integrated handle and wheels
  • It is the most affordable and powerful unit on the list

Cons:

  • The speaker is not resistant to damage from water and dust

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5. ION Tailgating Speakers

ION Tailgating SpeakersAnother product from ION’s long catalog of audio systems has made it to the list. The following product is a younger sibling of the previously mentioned speaker from ION. It also delivers good audio quality along with a bunch of important features.

The ION Audio Portable Tailgate Speaker comes equipped with a powerful woofer and wide dispersion tweeter. With a maximum power output of 50 Watts, it produces a wider range of frequencies from punchy bass to high pitch. Taking care of the power needs, the rechargeable battery keeps the speaker running for 50 hours.

The speaker can be connected wirelessly with Bluetooth and NFC-enabled devices. You even get a dedicated 3.5mm aux port to connect other devices and speakers via an auxiliary cable. A high-quality microphone is also provided with the speaker to have immersive karaoke sessions. The speaker can also play music from FM radio with 10 presets to choose from.

Best Features:

  • Portable speaker woofer and wide dispersion tweeter
  • A maximum power output of 50 Watts
  • Overall battery life of 50 hours
  • Enabled with Bluetooth and NFC wireless connectivity
  • Dedicated port for AUX and USB cables
  • Karaoke microphone included
  • FM radio with 10 presets

Pros:

  • It produces accurate audio notes covering a wider frequency range
  • The speaker can charge other devices via a USB port
  • The compact design helps in carrying the speaker anywhere

Cons:

  • It is not tested for waterproofing

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6. LG Tailgating Speakers

LG Tailgating SpeakersLG is already a popular name in the electronics market. Its range of audio systems is developed on the core values of reliability and best quality. The sound systems are capable of producing a rich and immersive listening experience.

The LG PK5 Xboom Wireless Tailgate Speaker is a compact unit. It has a dual-firing speaker setup to produce loud music with zero distortion. The depth of the bass can be improved with the help of the “enhanced bass” button. Within a single charge, the rechargeable battery keeps powering the speakers for over 18 hours. The speakers support Bluetooth connectivity for smooth streaming of music.

You can also receive calls from the speakers. To carry this compact unit to the desired location, the body has integrated handles. The IPX5 rating ensures that the speaker can survive water splashes and resist environmental attacks. It also has LED lighting, which blends with the party atmosphere. The speaker can be wirelessly connected with other speakers to active dual-play mode.

Best Features:

  • Portable speaker with dual-firing drivers
  • Battery backup of 18 hours
  • Enabled with Bluetooth connectivity
  • Integrated handles
  • LED lighting with multiple colors
  • Dual-play mode to connect two speakers
  • Built-in microphone with filters

Pros:

  • The speaker undergoes advanced signal processing, resulting in excellent audio quality
  • A dedicated “Enhance bass” button increases the depth of bass
  • It can withstand water splashes due to the IPX5 rating

Cons:

  • The speaker does not have any tweeters

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7. SOUNDBOKS Tailgating Speakers

SOUNDBOKS Tailgating SpeakersSoundboks has a global presence in the audio accessories market. Its audio systems are designed to be the center of attraction with good audio reproduction.

The Soundboks 2 Wireless Tailgate Speaker will quench your thirst for performance. This unit comes with a pair of 10-inch drivers and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter. Pairing this with a collective output of 216 Watts, the speaker produces 122 dB volume. Even after being loud, the speaker maintains treble and depth in bass. To control the audio output, the inbuilt dynamic equalizer can be set to custom settings.

The rechargeable battery powers the speaker for over 40 hours continuously. With Bluetooth, the speaker can be wirelessly connected to other devices. For Non-Bluetooth devices, a 3.5mm jack is provided. The 33 lbs speaker can be easily carried to any location. Being resistant to water and dirt, the speaker is a suitable choice for outdoor parties.

Best Features:

  • Portable speaker with 10-inch driver and 1-inch tweeter
  • A combined power output of 216 Watts (3×72 watts)
  • Maximum volume of 122dB
  • Overall battery life of 40 hours
  • Enabled with Bluetooth connectivity
  • 5mm audio jack

Pros:

  • It is resistant to damage from water and dirt, making it suitable for outdoor applications
  • The built-in equalizer offers a variety of settings to customize the audio output
  • It is one of the loudest speakers on the list

Cons:

  • The speakers lack wheels for easy transportation

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8. Sony Tailgating Speakers

Sony Tailgating SpeakersSony is a synonymous name with high-performance audio solutions. It consistently provides the best quality audio systems with unmatched durability.

The Sony GTK-PG10 Portable Tailgate Speaker has a stylish design. This unit comes with a woofer and front-firing tweeters. The unique design of the top panel converts these front-firing tweeters into up-firing tweeters. The audio output of the speaker dramatically increases due to this design. The speakers can run for 13 hours before needing a charging session.

It can be wirelessly connected to devices with the help of Bluetooth technology. For devices without Bluetooth technology, a 3.5mm aux port is provided. The top panel is splash-proof and can be used for holding cups or snacks. For karaoke sessions, the PG10 microphone can be connected to the speaker.

Best Features:

  • Portable speaker with woofer and front-firing tweeters
  • Battery backup of 13 hours
  • Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth technology
  • 5mm audio jack
  • Splashproof top panel
  • FM radio enabled

Pros:

  • The party mode changes the position of the tweeters for louder output
  • It is suitable for outdoor applications
  • The speaker can be connected to multiple devices at a time

Cons:

  • The foldable design is not suitable for limited space conditions

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Buying Guide For The Best Tailgating Speakers

The tailgating speakers offer a boost in performance, replacing the regular indoor speakers. Their ability to produce loud music makes them suitable for outdoor applications. What makes these tailgating speakers different from other speakers? To understand this, we have to go through some important factors that govern the performance of these speakers. This buying guide will cover every important aspect of the tailgate speakers to address any confusion.

1. Speakers Type

There are various types of tailgate speakers with different designs and specifications. Speakers usually play audio between the frequency range of a human ear. Every frequency range has its own natural sound. A high-frequency speaker will not be able to produce a low-frequency signature or vice versa. To get a better understanding of them, all types are explained below.

a. Full-range Speaker

A full-range speaker is designed to produce a wide range of audio frequencies. It is able to do so without needing an external setup of drivers. It is basically a stand-alone unit with small drivers capable of producing high-frequency and low-frequency audio. The design of cones assists the speaker in broadening its range delivery.

b. Woofers and Subwoofers

A woofer and subwoofer are drivers that can produce lower frequencies. They are bass-rich speakers used for getting that punchy bass note out of the audio. The woofer speaker operates between 300 Hz to 1000 Hz, a mixture of bass and lower midrange. Subwoofers are usually used for applications below 300 Hz, considered as a bass-oriented range. They are designed in a way to withstand the heavy vibrations caused by low-frequency notes. Due to these properties, woofers and subwoofers are also called bass speakers.

c. Mid-range Driver

The mid-range drivers, as the name suggests, work in the middle-frequency range. With an operating range of 1000 Hz to 5000 Hz, these speakers can recreate the sound of instruments and human voices. They are equipped with special diaphragms that reduce distortion in the audio output.

d. Tweeter

The tweeter speakers are responsible for higher-pitch sounds. They are suitable for reproducing accurate notes of acoustic instruments, vocals, etc. Tweeters can easily reproduce higher frequency notes, from 5000 Hz to 20 kHz. Some professional versions have even gone beyond the 20 kHz limit. These speakers are integral parts of surround sound systems and are also popularly used for large concerts.

2. Battery Life

Most of the tailgate speakers are mounted over beds or in boot spaces of cars. They are equipped with batteries to avoid dependency on power outlets. Therefore, good battery life becomes essential for the tailgate speaker. Usually, the battery life of a speaker is based on the overall runtime at 50-60% volume. At higher volumes, the speaker consumes more power, and hence the overall battery backup decreases. The battery capacity also plays an important role in enhancing battery life. Large-capacity batteries hold more power and thereby offer better battery life. A speaker thereby becomes more portable.

3. Connectivity Options

Various tailgate speakers come with numerous connectivity options. Bluetooth technology helps in streaming music between the speaker and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. It has a good range and offers data transmission without lag. For physical connectivity, the speaker also comes with various ports. A USB port is used to connect devices via USB cables. RCA, AUX, or optical cables can be connected to the speaker via dedicated ports. They help in linking the speakers with other speakers. Some speakers also come with slots for TF or SD cards.

4. Audio Quality

Tailgate speakers are designed in a way to produce good quality audio. They are expected to be louder than regular speakers. The wattage and sensitivity of speakers govern the overall audio quality. A higher wattage means the speakers can handle higher power input. The sensitivity of a speaker determines how loud it will sound. Usually, any speaker above 80 dB is considered best. Apart from being loud, the speakers must reproduce accurate audio notes. A good balance between bass, mid-range, and treble is equally important. It helps in reducing distortion in audio output, resulting in clean sound delivery.

5. Durability

Durability justifies your investment in tailgate speakers. These speakers have a robust construction thanks to the body design and metallic reinforcements. A tailgate speaker is usually used for outdoor parties and hence becomes vulnerable to various environmental attacks. With the help of good weatherproofing, any damage to the speaker is avoided. Waterproofing is helpful against light splashes of water. It also makes the speakers resistant to moisture attacks. Some speakers are also provided with dust proofing to prevent damage by dirt particles. The outer layer of the speaker is covered with UV-resistant materials to avoid damage from sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the importance of Bluetooth versions for tailgate speakers?

Ans: Bluetooth helps in establishing a wireless connection between devices and speakers. The connection is based on the version of Bluetooth. Being reverse compatible, Bluetooth connection between older generations is possible. The actual data transmission will be based on the older version between the speaker and devices.

2. What is the ideal size of tailgate speakers?

Ans: Selecting the size of a tailgate speaker depends on how much distance you want to cover. A large speaker comes with high power delivery but at a hefty price tag. For smaller parties, mid-size speakers are an ideal choice. You can also select multiple small-size speakers and connect them to produce immersive audio.

3. Why is frequency range important for speakers?

Ans: The frequency response of a speaker decides its frequency output. It must lie between the human hearing range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Every frequency has its own unique tone. A speaker which produces a wide range of frequencies can play audio more accurately.

4. What is a crackling phenomenon in speakers and how can it be avoided?

Ans: Whenever the electrical signal between the speaker and drivers is disturbed, crackling happens. This leads to an uneven audio delivery. To fix this, the wires must be checked for any damages. Troubleshooting the connectivity cables or devices can help in solving the issue.

Conclusion

Tailgate speakers are an integral part of tailgate parties. They can uplift the party mood with their superior sound quality. Buying a good quality speaker is an easy task once you have enough knowledge about them. This article helps you understand the tailgate speakers closely. On the other hand, the buying guide and FAQ section deal with all the confusion regarding the speakers. By keeping all this discussion in mind, we have selected our favorite tailgating speakers from the list.

  • For the perfect blend of performance and affordability, the QFX Tailgating Speakers is an ideal option. It has an 8-inch woofer paired with 2,600 Watts of power. As a result, accurate audio with a balanced bass and treble is delivered. For an uninterrupted party, the speaker can continuously run for 6 hours. The Bluetooth technology enhances wireless connectivity with zero lag. The speaker can also be connected to other devices via an auxiliary cable. You can play your favorite music via SD cards or with the help of FM radio.
  • Our next option is loaded with performance-oriented features. The ECOXGEAR Tailgating Speakers has pairs of tweeters, full-range drivers, and subwoofers. By syncing with each other, these drivers produce balanced stereo audio. With a maximum output of 100 Watts, the speaker produces powerful audio waves. You can run the speaker for 50 hours without needing external power. With wireless Bluetooth connectivity and voice command support, the need for physically changing music is eliminated. The speaker can also connect to other speakers instantly, to work as a pair. With an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, this speaker is an ideal option for tailgate parties.
  • The ION Tailgating Speakers is the value-for-money option from the list. It houses an 8-inch woofer and wide dispersion twitter, which reproduces distortionless audio. With a maximum power output of 100 Watts, the powerful audio requirements are taken care of. The bass-boost feature helps in improving the depth of the bass. A battery backup of 50 hours keeps the speaker powered till the party ends. For seamless connectivity, the speaker is enabled with Bluetooth technology. For wired connectivity, AUX and USB port are also provided. The speaker has a telescopic handle and wheels for easy transportation. It also supports FM radio when music is not available. With these features and an appropriate price tag, this unit deserves the value-for-money tag.

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