When selecting commercial outdoor speakers for long-term outdoor use, it is important to know that they will stand the test of time when exposed to nature. Extreme temperatures, wind, humidity, UV radiation, and rain can wreak havoc on an outdoor PA speaker system unless it's designed specifically to survive in the often harsh environment of the outdoors.
Whether you are searching for weatherproof outdoor speakers for a sports stadium, golf course, event center, outdoor oceanfront restaurant, amusement park, public pool, or any other outdoor space, you need to understand the differences in ratings for weatherproof vs waterproof and what to look for in outdoor speakers. One common measure of suitability for outdoor use is a code or rating called IP rating that tells you the 70V outdoor speaker’s water, solids, and impact resistance levels.
We are going to fully explain the IP rating system, what IP ratings are suitable for outdoor use, and then we will review our 5 best high-end outdoor speakers for music and paging from Atlas Sound, SoundTube, Community, Apart Audio, and One Systems.
What Are IP Ratings?
IP ratings or 'Ingress Protection' ratings are a quick way to know a speaker's protection capabilities, or the protection the speaker offers from substances getting inside. Unlike words like 'waterproof' or 'water-resistant', IP ratings are standardized by the IEC or the International Electrotechnical Commission, the international organization that forms global standards for electronic related technology. This means you can expect the same level of protection across every brand and model with the same IP rating.
IP ratings are written in an IPXX format. The first 'X' represents the numerical scoring of the speaker’s ability to protect against foreign solids like dust, while the second 'X' represents its numerical ability to protect against liquids such as water. For rare instances where the solid and liquid protection is the same such as a 6 solid and a 6 liquid rating, it’ll be rated as IP6.
The first digit: Solid Object Protection
1 = Protected against a solid object greater than roughly 2 inches, such as a hand
2 = Protection against a solid object greater than roughly 0.5 inches, like a finger
3 = Protection against a solid object greater than roughly 0.1 inches, like a thin tool
4 = Protection against a solid object greater than 1mm, like a wire
5 = Protection against dust for between 2-8 hours
6 = Fully dust-tight
The Second Digit: Liquid Ingress Protection
1 = Dripping water (vertically falling light rain and condensation)
2 = Dripping water tilted at 15° (light rain)
3 = Water sprays up to 60° vertical (rain or spray)
4 = Water splashes from all directions
5 = Low-pressure jets from a nozzle with a 0.25 inch (6.3mm) diameter in any direction (direct contact with water like rain)
6 = High-pressure jets from a nozzle with a 0.5 inches (12.5mm) diameter from any angle (direct contact with water and are suitable for outdoor use)
7 = Full immersion for up to 30 minutes at depths between 6 inches to roughly 3.3 feet (this would be more for a marine speaker)
8 = Extended immersion under higher pressure
9 = Protection against high pressure, high-temperature jet sprays, wash-downs, and steam cleaning
It should be noted that a higher IP rating doesn't also necessarily mean that it's better suited for outdoor use. You should always read product descriptions and specifications thoroughly for the intended use of the speaker.
IP ratings are useful, but they aren’t the only thing to pay attention to when choosing an outdoor speaker. You’ll also need to take into account where you want to mount your outdoor speakers as well as some additional information that the manufacturer may provide. Here are some of our favorite outdoor commercial speakers.
Atlas Sound SM52T 5.25" 2-Way Strategy Series Surface Mount All-Weather Outdoor Speaker
The Atlas Sound SM52T made its way onto our list of best quality commercial 70 Volt outdoor PA speakers because it offers weather resistance, quality sound reproduction, and contemporary styling all in a compact enclosure.
*Audio Features of the Atlas Sound SM52T All-Weather Loudspeaker
- 1" Ferrofluid™ cooled dome tweeter
- All 1/4"-20 hardware inserts allow easy integration of "off the shelf" security hardware
- Atlas Sound Polyguard™ high-frequency circuit diverts damaging transient signals to protect the tweeter
- Atlas Sound TRX Waveguide™- a constant directivity style high-frequency waveguide system provides accurate, even high-frequency coverage
- Color-matched heavy-duty zinc chromate plated & powder coated "C" bracket (included)
- Compact, two-way loudspeaker systems for exceptional performance in sound reinforcement systems
- Also available in white
- Five-year warranty
*Weather-Resistant Features of the Atlas Sound SM52T All-Weather Loudspeaker
- Weather-resistant construction for year-round indoor or outdoor use
- UV-resistant talc impregnated polypropylene
- Injection-molded, weatherproof enclosure powder-coated aluminum grilles and all brass hardware inserts
- 100hr salt spray test per ASTM B117
- Not only tested for high pressurized water but also corrosive salt
SoundTube RS62-EZ 6.5" Coaxial Pendant Weather-Resistant Outdoor Speaker
The SoundTube RS62-EZ also made it onto our list because it is such a great option for open-ceiling uses. It is an economical speaker that provides both weather resistance and attractive styling.
*Audio Features of the SoundTube RS62-EZ Weather-Resistant Pendant Speaker
- One 6.5" (165 mm) coaxial driver with BroadBeam Ring technology for consistently smooth high-frequency dispersion
- 16 Ohm impedance for easy daisy-chaining in low voltage systems
- Built-in thermal fuse
- Includes hanging hardware with galvanized steel cables and hanging bracket for fast, easy, and secure installation
*Weather Resistant Features of the SoundTube RS62-EZ Weather-Resistant Pendant Speaker
- Weatherized components for indoor and outdoor applications
- Includes hanging hardware with galvanized steel cables and hanging bracket for fast, easy, and secure installation
- Enclosure constructed of injection-molded ABS with glasber reinforcement for lasting durability in indoor or outdoor applications
- Aluminum grille with protective powder-coated finish
Community R.5-94Z 2-Way Outdoor Horn Speaker
We are fans of the Community R.5-94Z as a great weatherproof outdoor PA speaker because its wide range, smooth frequency response, and high efficiency ensure both high fidelity music reproduction and superb projection of clear intelligible speech with very low distortion.
*Audio Features of the Community R.5-94Z Loudspeaker
- Two-way, full-range loudspeaker system
- Engineered to provide quality full-range sound projection in a variety of outdoor and indoor applications
- Pattern control down to 630 Hz
- High power passive crossover
- Integral mounting points
- DYNA-TECH protection circuitry
*Weather Resistant Features of the Community R.5-94Z Loudspeaker
- Weather-resistant, rotomolded UV enclosure
- Environmental IP55W per IEC 529, designed to MIL-STD-810G
- Weather-treated drivers and crossovers
- Corrosion-resistant zinc-rich epoxy dual-layer
- Powder-coated steel grille and yoke
Apart Audio MASK6C 6.5" 2-Way 8 Ohm Surface Mount Indoor Outdoor Speakers
The unique design of the Apart Audio MASK6C landed it on our top best list as well. It is a low impedance loudspeaker that delivers a crystal-clear sound for indoor and outdoor background sound up to dance level music. It is also super easy to install with its revolutionary ClickMount bracket.
*Audio Features of the Apart Audio MASK6C Surface Mount Speaker
- High-quality and long-lasting performance
- Delivers 200W of powerful audio @ 8 Ohms
- Perfect for background music up to dance music
- Black and white available
- Supplied with ClickMount bracket for a quick and easy install
*Weather Resistant Features of the Apart Audio MASK6C Surface Mount Speaker
- IP64 Rated for indoor and outdoor use
One Systems 106.HTH 2-Way 6.5" Small-Format Direct Weather-Resistant Speaker
The One Systems 106.HTH completes our list of top-rated outdoor speakers with its unbeatable combination of excellent sound quality, output-per-size, and comprehensive direct-weather performance. It can be used anywhere outdoors - including on ships or near ocean applications. It may not be dust-tight, but it can take direct high-pressure jets, meaning that you can put it inside a water park or car wash.
*Audio Features of the One Systems 106.HTH Loudspeaker
- Easily configurable Hi Z (50W) multi-tap or Lo Z (8-ohm) operation
- Combined 70.7Vrms or 100Vrms operation
- No performance degrading or dynamics limiting passive protection devices
- 100W continuous, 400W peak power handling in the Lo Z mode
*Weather Resistant Features of the One Systems 106.HTH Loudspeaker
- Marine-grade (316) stainless steel rigging and structural support
- Marine-grade (316) stainless steel U-bracket included
- IEC 529 IP 56 ingress protection
If you have any more questions about the best outdoor speakers for your application, give us a call at (888)-256-4112, or email us at [email protected]. Our commercial outdoor PA sound system experts are happy to help!
