Best Tailgate Speakers
Tailgating is one of the greatest pastimes in America, and with good reason. You get to meet lots of new people, and it’s a great place to unwind and have some fun with friends and family. However, if you want to keep the party going then you’ll need some great music too!
We’ve done all the research so you don’t have to and compiled a list of the best tailgate speakers currently available. Our list includes different options to suit a variety of needs (and budgets!).
ION Audio Block Rocker Plus
The ION Audio Block Rocker Plus is the tailgate speaker to have! This 100W speaker boasts 50 hours of battery power, excellent sound quality, durability, and portability. It has everything you could possibly need for your tailgate party!
- ION Explorer XL vs Monster Rockin Roller 270X
- Best Value Tailgate Speaker
- Loudest Tailgate Speaker
- Best Battery Life Tailgate Speaker
- Best Tailgate Speaker with Microphone
- Best Tailgate Speaker on Wheels
- Most Rugged Tailgate Speaker
- Most Waterproof Tailgate Speaker
- Best Tailgate Speaker (Best Overall)
If you’re stuck trying to decide between the ION Explorer XL and the Monster Rockin Roller 270X, pick the ION Explorer XL. It features an improved waterproof rating (IPX5) and offers 98 dB of volume. The ION Explorer XL is louder and offers better value for money!
The ION Audio Block Rocker Plus is the best value pick of our tailgate speakers. For less than 160 dollars, this little powerhouse features 100W power and a battery life lasting for up to 50 hours! Not just that, beyond its versatility with Bluetooth capability, it also includes a cable microphone which guarantees you’ll be able to have your voice heard at any tailgate event!
If you’re looking for a tailgate speaker that can be heard across the parking lot, then look no further than The SoundBoks Gen.3! With an outstanding volume of up to 119dB, this is one of the loudest portable speakers on the market. It boasts a sleek and beautiful design with sound quality unmatched by any other device in its price range: it’s not cheap but boy does your music shine like never before!
If you’re looking for a tailgate speaker that won’t die when the party starts, then look no further than the Monster Rockin’ Roller 270. Boasting an impressive 100-hour battery life to ensure your music will never stop playing! In addition, it has enough juice to charge all of your electronics on hand too!
The Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 is our best tailgate speaker for karaoke. It has a ¼ inch input for any microphone, guitar, or two microphones and an echo effect that you can change to your liking on either channel so the vocals sound perfect in every way.
The ION Explorer Outback 2 is one of the best tailgate speakers on wheels. With an IPX5 waterproof rating, you can enjoy your music while drinking and tailgating without worrying about getting it wet or ruined by pesky water splashes! The speaker is rugged for those who love to rough around in their vehicle before heading out into the parking lot but don’t want to bring a bulky piece of equipment with them at all times.
The Altec Lansing XPEDITION 4 is the best choice for any music-loving tailgate party. The rugged outer casing can withstand anything from water to a direct drop and still play your favorite tunes, while its 200W of power will fill up even the largest space with quality sound!
The ECOXGEAR EcoBoulder+ and Altec Lansing XPEDITION 4 are both IP67 rated, meaning they can survive a 1m submersion. The ECOXGEAR has an extra compartment that holds your phone or other device while in the water so you don’t have to worry about losing data if it drops out of reach during some rough times on the river bank. Both speakers offer great features for those who like their tailgate parties wetter than most!
The ION Audio Block Rocker Plus is the tailgate speaker to have! This 100W speaker boasts 50 hours of battery power, excellent sound quality, durability, and portability. It has everything you could possibly need for your tailgate party!
What Is A Tailgate Speaker?
Tailgate speakers are very similar to party speakers in that they should be loud and able to produce a decent amount of bass. However, that usually means they need to be large in size (in the case of party speakers). Conversely, tailgating events generally take place in parking lots and tailgate speakers need to fit on the back of your truck. This means they need to be modestly sized and ideally weatherproof too. Additionally, the best tailgate speaker is a wireless speaker. This ensures you won’t need to worry about power outlets or draining your car battery.
A tailgate speaker should:
Tailgate Speaker Components – Quick Guide
The tailgate speaker is built like all other speakers in that it has three main parts – a low-frequency driver (subwoofer), a high-frequency driver (tweeter), and an amplifier. The tailgate’s different from regular speakers because it’s designed specifically for tailgating events, hence its size being bigger than most other types of speakers!
Subwoofer
The subwoofer is a speaker that specializes in producing low frequencies. This is what gives your speaker bass. The subwoofer is usually the biggest component in your tailgate speaker system.
Tweeter
A tweeter is a speaker that plays the higher frequencies in a tailgate speaker system. A tweeter is sometimes also referred to as a high-frequency driver. Tweeters usually have thin, small cones that are light and easy to vibrate at high frequencies. This is why they’re often called tweeters.
Amplifier
An amplifier is a device designed to increase the power of an electrical signal by amplifying it. The tailgate speaker has an amplifier to make the tailgate speakers louder. It’s also what causes tailgate speakers to be called “powered” tailgate speakers or amplified tailgate speakers.
Our Selection of the 10 Best Tailgate Speakers
Tailgate speakers are a must-have for any tailgater. Whether you’re tailgating in the parking lot of your favorite sports team or at home with friends, tailgate speakers will make the party that much better. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best tailgate speakers to help you find the perfect one for your needs.
1. ION Audio Block Rocker Plus
Specs & Features
| Speaker Power | 100 Watts |
| Battery Life | 50 Hours |
| Weight | 20.7 pounds |
| Dimensions | 9.9 x 17.3 x 14.5 inches |
Speaker Features
The ION Block Rocker Plus is a black, sleek-looking speaker, similar to the Tailgater Plus. The Block Rocker Plus is also rectangular, but it’s a little bigger. With its telescopic handle and built-in wheels, the Block Rocker Plus is even more of a portable tailgate speaker than its sibling, measuring 17.3 inches in height and 14.5 inches in width.
The Block Rocker Plus’s wireless Bluetooth capability, as well as its Easy Pair function, which connects your NFC-enabled smartphone to the soundbox with only one tap, make music streaming simple. The Block Rocker Plus makes the cut as a fantastic contender for even the longest and most memorable parties if you require superb sound reinforcement but don’t have access to AC power, with a battery life of up to 50 hours. Despite the fact that the battery is shorter than its counterpart, it is easily rechargeable, allowing for a speedy return to service.
Speaker Inputs
The ION Audio Block Rocker Plus works with both wired and wireless connections. This means that it doesn’t matter what kind of smartphone or tablet you’re using to record audio.
It offers Bluetooth wireless connectivity, as well as an NFC link option and a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) aux input for non-Bluetooth devices. The dedicated playback buttons on the front make controlling playback a breeze. The Block Rocker Plus is compatible with virtually all of your electronic devices.
Speaker Controls
The Block Rocker’s control panel impressed me, with all of the knobs and switches being well-made and pleasant to use. I appreciate the LED display on the panel of the ION Audio Block Rocker Plus, which shows the current battery level, bass boost mode on/off state, and radio station connectivity.
What’s in the Box?
- ION Audio Block Rocker Plus Speaker
- Microphone with cable
- 3.5mm stereo AUX
- Charging cable
- User manual & quick start guide
ION Audio Tailgater Conclusion
The ION Audio Block Rocker Plus is a multi-functional tailgate speaker that checks all the boxes! A karaoke machine, an AM/FM radio, and a high-powered, wireless, rechargeable speaker system all in one. The ION Audio Block Rocker Plus is an excellent choice if you want the best tailgate speaker that’s an economical and easy alternative. In more ways than just sound quality, the Block Rocker Plus outperforms the previous ION Audio Tailgater (iPA77). It offers more power and a convenient carry feature, making it far more manageable for only one person.
2. Monster Rockin’ Roller 270
Specs & Features
| Speaker Power | 200 Watts |
| Battery Life | 100 Hours |
| Weight | 31.6 pounds |
| Dimensions | 21.6 x 17.9 x 13.2 inches |
Speaker Features
The Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 speaker is perfect for tailgates and indoor parties alike. This portable speaker has 200 watts of power, which means it’s loud enough to be heard over crowds at outdoor events like football games or concerts. It also features a Qi charger that will charge any device wirelessly – no need for cords! Plus, this tailgate speaker is IPX4 water-resistant, perfect for tailgating in the rain or enduring drink spills.
Speaker Inputs
The Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 has a plethora of input options to choose from. You’ll never have to worry about battery life because it comes equipped with a USB power bank and Bluetooth for wireless music streaming. The 3.5mm aux input is perfect if you want wired sound quality and two ¼-inch inputs are included for microphone connectivity. Finally, the Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 even offers QI Wireless charging as well as FM Radio!
Speaker Controls
With the control panel on its front, you’ll find everything that comes in handy for any situation. Two gain knobs allow for optimal sound and clarity while TWS echo controls give a little extra something to anything you’re listening to. The LED display shows what’s wrong so it can be corrected before your ears are deafened by distortion or killed off by high volume levels without warning! There is also a bass boost button that will take all of those deep low frequencies with ease. The back panel of the speaker houses the power switch along with an input power port.
What’s in the Box?
- Rocking Roller 270 Speaker
- 3.5mm (⅛-inch) AUX cable
- Power cable
- User manual
Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 Conclusion
If you tailgate often, the Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 tailgate speaker is an excellent investment. It can withstand rain and drink spills while packing a punch with its 200-watt sound power. The tailgating speaker includes several input options for wired or wireless music streaming as well as control panels that make it easy to adjust volume levels and bass boost when needed. You’ll never have to worry about your tailgating gear getting lost in the crowd because this water-proof device also comes equipped with Qi charging!
3. The SOUNDBOKS (Gen.3)
Specs & Features
| Speaker Power | 216 Watts |
| Battery Life | 40 Hours (per battery pack) |
| Weight | 34 pounds |
| Dimensions | 31.5 x 19.7 x 15.8 inches |
Speaker Features
The SOUNDBOKS (Gen.3) features two powerful 10” woofers and a single 1″ tweeter that delivers an amazing sound, perfect for a large tailgating event. The first generation of Soundboks was not perfect. There were two tweeters and it was just a little too harsh on the high-end. This newest model, though, is much smoother even when at full volume because there is now only one tweeter instead of two! The speaker is housed in a beautiful black powder-coated grille and the enclosure is made from 9mm thick poplar plywood.
The SOUNDBOKS (Gen.3) is a battery-powered amp that can produce crisp, clear sound in extreme weather conditions. The speakers are rated to work from -4F up to 122F and no outdoor activity will stop you from being able to hear your jam! There’s also an aluminum grille for the tough tailgate environment where beers spill often.
The SOUNDBOKS features an impressive 40-hour battery, which is slightly less than the ION Audio Tailgater. However, with a second battery pack included, you’ll get a total of 80 hours of battery life! The five-stage meter also lets you see how much juice is left in one glance so there’s no guessing when it comes time to recharge or swap out those fresh batteries before their next use.
Speaker Inputs
The SOUNDBOKS speaker is the ultimate portable music machine. It includes an AUX cable, Bluetooth 5.0 capability, and XLR combo socket for powerful sound that can blast through any environment or setting with ease!
Speaker Controls
The control panel offers simple controls to toggle between indoor and outdoor modes, as well as a volume control that goes all the way up to 11. The SOUNDBOKS offers an impressive frequency response of 40Hz – 20kHz, making it a speaker that delivers superior clarity and bass.
What’s in the Box?
- The SOUNDBOKS (Gen.3) Tailgate Speaker
- BATTERYBOKS (extra battery pack)
- Power cable
The SOUNDBOKS (Gen.3) Conclusion
The SOUNDBOKS (Gen.3) is a tough, powerful speaker that offers heavy-duty sound and durability. The only downside of this rugged outdoor performer is its weight; at 34 pounds it’s not as portable or lightweight for compact travel as the ION Audio Tailgater. While it’s not an easy speaker to carry on your own, there are two carry handles on either side which lets 2 people carry the speaker around. You can also purchase a SOUNDBOKS Backpack which makes it far easier for one person to carry around. If you need a durable tailgate companion to keep up with your epic tailgate party then this bad boy won’t disappoint!
4. ECOXGEAR EcoBoulder+
Specs & Features
| Speaker Power | 100 Watts |
| Battery Life | 50 Hours |
| Weight | 29 pounds |
| Dimensions | 12.0 x 15.0 x 20.0 inches |
Speaker Features
One of the best waterproof portable speakers you can find anywhere, ECOXGEAR’s EcoBoulder+ is made from a soft silicone rubber material that resists dirt and moisture. It carries an IP67 rating which means it will survive being submerged in water up to 1m (3.3ft). You don’t have to worry about dropping this speaker into deep waters because not only does it float but its connectors are sealed behind a watertight-fitting cap on one side while the other side offers a bottle opener and a removable waterproof bag, ideal for storing items such as your phone or car keys.
The EcoBoulder+ is a high-quality sound system, the perfect speaker for those wanting immersive sound at their tailgate event. The powerful 8” driver and 3” tweeter will knock your socks off while you enjoy a full range of music genres in crystal clear quality thanks to its built-in equalizer with adjustable bass and treble settings as well as 5 different genre presets.
The high-definition 8-inch woofer on the front combined with its dual bandpass design offers remarkable audio clarity that can fill any room or outdoor space easily without distortion. In addition, it features an 8-inch subwoofer which provides some extra punch.
Speaker Inputs
The EcoBoulder+ was designed with the user in mind. Its features are functional and convenient. An EcoConnect button enables you to pair two EcoBoulder+ speakers together, while a built-in microphone and EcoTalk button now allow you to directly connect to the voice assistant on your smartphone. This means you’ll be able to adjust the volume and track selection by voice command. Other inputs on the EcoBoulder+ include a USB charger with a 3.5mm (⅛-inch) AUX input and an AC power input.
Speaker Controls
Thanks to its 18 buttons, the EcoBoulder+ is easy-to-use and completely versatile. It has a backlit control panel that lets you operate even in poor lighting conditions. The LED display indicates your selected mode as well as battery level, radio frequency, Bluetooth pairing status, and charging information for complete peace of mind while making adjustments on the go!
What’s in the Box?
- ECOXGEAR EcoBoulder+ Speaker
- Waterproof pouch
- Power cable
ECOXGEAR EcoBoulder+ Conclusion
The EcoBoulder+ is ECOXGEAR’s go-to speaker for tailgating. The 50-hour battery life and the inclusion of cupholders, a bottle opener, and eco talk/eco connect functions make this a versatile purchase. If you’re in need of a speaker that can take the wear and tear from all four seasons, then EcoBoulder+ is your best bet.
5. Aiwa Exos-9 Bluetooth Speaker
Specs & Features
| Speaker Power | 200 Watts |
| Battery Life | 20 Hours |
| Weight | 13 pounds |
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 11.7 x 19.4 inches |
Speaker Features
The Aiwa Exos-9 features the most impressive speaker configuration on a portable Bluetooth speaker. It has two 1-inch tweeters, two 3-inch mid drivers, and a 6.5-inch subwoofer that deliver 200W of power and over 100 decibels of sound! The frequency response for this system is 40Hz – 20kHz which provides stereo imaging with crisp highs in vocals as well as bass accompaniment to give an amazing listening experience for any tailgate event.
With a battery pack that lasts 18 hours, you can listen to your favorite music all day long without having to worry about recharging the device. The Exos-9 also has an auto power-saving mode which shuts down the subwoofer when it’s not in use and saves on energy consumption so don’t miss out!
Speaker Inputs
The Aiwa Exos-9 offers Bluetooth and NFC pairing for a more convenient listening experience. Users can also connect to their device using the 3.5mm (⅛-inch) AUX input, great in case you’re not near any other devices with Bluetooth capabilities! With a USB output on the rear of the speaker, users will never be without power again when they need to charge up their phone or tablet during those long trips away from home.
Speaker Controls
The Exos-9 speaker has a touch panel that allows you to change the sound quality of your music. It offers four presets, but if you want something more customized for what’s playing now then just adjust each band accordingly until it sounds perfect!
What’s in the Box?
- Aiwa Exos-9 Speaker
- Battery pack
- Power cable
Aiwa Exos-9 Conclusion
The Aiwa Exos-9 speaker is perfect for tailgating. It’s lightweight and easy to carry with one hand, making it great as a portable option that can be moved around easily from car to truck bed or ground without the risk of dropping the unit. This single-handle makes carrying incredibly convenient – so much easier than lugging an amp! The battery pack also comes in handy when you’re on the go for extended periods without access to power sources.
6. ION Explorer Outback 2
Specs & Features
| Speaker Power | 100 Watts |
| Battery Life | 100 Hours |
| Weight | 22 pounds |
| Dimensions | 21.0 x 14.0 x 21.0 inches |
Speaker Features
With a 100-hour battery and two USB charge ports, the Outback 2 has all of your tailgating needs covered. It’s got an 8-inch subwoofer with 3 inches tweeter delivering up to 110 watts of power.
The Ion Audio Outback 2 is an impressive speaker that has been tailored to the needs of tailgaters. It features two cup holders, a bottle opener on one of its handles, and an IPX5 waterproof rating so you don’t have to worry about it breaking while you’re playing music at a tailgate party. It also comes with a microphone, allowing you to use it as a PA system or for some impromptu karaoke.
Speaker Inputs
The Outback 2 offers Bluetooth pairing and a 3.5mm (⅛-inch) AUX connection to work with your non-Bluetooth devices. It also features a microphone input (¼ inch) with its own volume control so you can adjust the levels for your mic.
Speaker Controls
The control panel features a Bluetooth button that lets you connect to any device wirelessly. It also offers a built-in FM radio with 6 programmable buttons to save your favorite stations for quick access without having to change a station manually. There’s also a Bass Boost feature that amplifies bass so you can really feel all those low frequencies.
What’s in the Box?
- Explorer Outback 2 Speaker
- Microphone
- Microphone cable
- Power cable
ION Explorer Outback 2 Conclusion
The ION Explorer Outback 2 has all the features you need for a tailgater. Its IPX5 waterproof with a telescoping handle and wheels makes it easy to transport from place to place. The built-in cup holders can hold your drink of choice as well as their bottle opener accessory that will make even more friends at tailgates than ever before! The speakers are loud enough for any outdoor party while also being water-resistant so you don’t need to worry if a few drinks are spilled!
7. Altec Lansing XPEDITION 4
Specs & Features
| Speaker Power | 200 Watts |
| Battery Life | 24 Hours |
| Weight | 10.6 pounds |
| Dimensions | 16.0 x 8.6 x 7.0 inches |
Speaker Features
The XPEDITION 4 is the most powerful, portable speaker on the market. With two full-range drivers and a tweeter, it can produce 200 watts of power in an ultra-light 10-pound package! You get one free shoulder strap with your purchase so you’ll be able to take this amazing sound system everywhere.
This speaker is built to be durable and there are a lot of features that make the XPEDITION 4 different from any other tailgate speaker on the market today. For starters, Altec Lansing has created a water-resistant casing to protect against rain or being submerged 1m deep for around thirty minutes and still keep playing! In addition to this incredible durability feature, there’s also an IP67 rating which means you can submerge your device up to 40 inches underwater without feeling guilty about destroying something as amazing as this product.
The XPEDITION 4 is a powerful speaker that, in BEAST MODE, will deliver more bass and volume. This system also has a LINK button that allows you to link two speakers together for even louder sound!
Speaker Inputs
The XPEDITION 4 has a Bluetooth input and a 3.5mm (⅛-inch) AUX. Bluetooth is really quick to pair with a solid connection range of 33ft, while Android users can also use NFC for their devices as well!
Speaker Controls
The XPEDITION 4 is a speaker that will always make you want to party! With strobe lights on either end and circular LED lights around the drivers, this beast of a machine can be easily activated with clearly labeled buttons. In the center of it all lies an illuminated volume knob which also glows in red when turned up.
What’s in the Box?
- Altec Lansing XPEDITION 4 Speaker
- 3.5mm (⅛-inch) AUX cable
- Shoulder strap
- Power cable
Altec Lansing XPEDITION 4 Conclusion
The Altec Lansing XPEDITION 4 is the perfect tailgate speaker for when you want to party hard. The BEAST MODE will ensure that your music is loud and clear, with a power of 200W and 100% waterproof design it can handle anything thrown at it!
8. Sharper Image SBT1009BK
Specs & Features
| Speaker Power | 60 Watts |
| Battery Life | 4 Hours |
| Weight | 19.7 pounds |
| Dimensions | 23.2 x 14.4 x 12.4 inches |
Speaker Features
The Sharper Image SBT1009BK Speaker features a disco ball that looks pretty at night with all the colors. A set of wheels and telescopic handle means you can wheel around your party, attracting some new friends in the process. Delivering 60W of power, all in an unassuming package, the On-The-Go speaker is perfect for tailgates and parties on the go!
Speaker Inputs
With the SBT1009BK Speaker, you’ll always be ready for a party! It features a 3.5mm (⅛-inch) AUX input, Bluetooth, and dual ¼-inch inputs for connecting a microphone.
Speaker Controls
The Bluetooth-enabled control panel lets you easily operate any paired devices and charge your phone while on the go. The rechargeable battery only lasts for 4 hours, so make sure to pack it in before going all day!
What’s in the Box?
- Sharper Image SBT1009BK Speaker
- 3.5mm (⅛-inch) AUX cable
- Microphone
- Microphone cable
- Power cable
Sharper Image SBT1009BK Conclusion
With the Sharper Image SBT1009BK, tailgating has never been more fun! It’s affordable and easy to transport. Transporting this speaker is a breeze because of its compact design that weighs less than two pounds so you can pack it away in your bag or leave it in your car without any hassle at all.
9. Sony GTKXB90 High Power Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Specs & Features
| Speaker Power | 200 Watts |
| Battery Life | 16 Hours |
| Weight | 36.5 pounds |
| Dimensions | 29.1 x 15.9 x 16.3 inches |
Speaker Features
The Sony XB90 speaker features two powerful seven-inch woofer drivers coupled with three sets of tweeters producing loud, rich audio reproduction from clean highs down into the deep lows thanks to its Extra Bass feature which enhances any lower frequency notes played through the speakers. Sony’s battery is built to last, with up to 16 hours of playback at moderate volume and around 4 hours on max.
Speaker Inputs
The Sony XB90 has a variety of input options, including an RCA line-in and output. There is also a USB port that can be used as both a power bank or wireless Bluetooth transmitter. NFC pairing with compatible devices makes connecting your device quick and easy on the go!
Speaker Controls
Sony’s XB90 speaker offers an incredible amount of functionality with its onboard controls and the ability to control it wirelessly through your smartphone. The integrated sound center app for audio lets you easily adjust volume, bass, and treble levels or select from a list of music genres like pop, rap/hip-hop, or rock while Fiestable provides lighting effects such as strobe light flashes in time to the rhythm and moods ranging from calm bluesy tunes upbeat funk jams so no matter what kind of party vibe you’re looking for Sony has got you covered!
What’s in the Box?
- Sony GTK-XB90 Speaker
- Power cable
- Instruction manual
- Warranty card
- Quick setup guide
Sony XB90 Conclusion
Sony’s XB90 tailgate speaker is a must-have for any outdoor event. It features Bluetooth connectivity, so you can use it with your phone or tablet to play music that everyone will enjoy while sitting outside and grilling up some food! The powerful 200W output sound offers clear crisp highs, deep lows, and plenty of bass without distortion. The addition of a strobe light and sound effects make this tailgate experience one for the books!
10. QFX Portable Bluetooth Speaker – PBX-61081BT
Specs & Features
| Speaker Power | 300 Watts |
| Battery Life | 6 Hours |
| Weight | 12 pounds |
| Dimensions | 12.4 x 12.4 x 20.9 inches |
Speaker Features
When it comes to tailgating, you want the perfect mix of sound and portability. The QFX Tailgate Speaker checks off both requirements with an 8-inch woofer that offers clear quality audio while being lightweight and easy to carry!
The QFX Tailgate Speaker really brings the party to your tailgate. The speaker has an 8-inch woofer, amplifier, and equalizer delivering quality sound without distortion. Equipped with a microphone for taking calls or performing speeches on the go, as well as features like EQ and remote control (you can even preselect up to 6 songs), you’re always set up and ready for what’s next! With its rechargeable battery that lasts 5-6 hours of continuous playtime before needing charging again – not including when it is plugged in via AC cable – this lightweight 12lbs speaker will be great at any outdoor event where power outlets are scarce.
Speaker Inputs
The QFX Tailgate Speaker is the perfect way to stay entertained at your tailgate event. The speaker has an FM Radio, Bluetooth, and Aux Inputs for any of your favorite music devices as well as USB/TF card Ports so you can charge up all those electronics! It also includes microphone inputs in case you want to do some karaoke with friends or have an impromptu speech at your next tailgating party.
Speaker Controls
The speaker’s back houses the control panel. Here, you’ll find all of the input ports as well as a variety of knobs to adjust microphone volume, echo, and bass levels. There is also an on/off switch that can be used when not in use or for power-saving reasons. It has both AC input and DC 12V inputs so it works with any car battery pack – perfect no matter what your vehicle type!
What’s in the Box?
- QFX PBX-61081BT/B Speaker
- Remote control
- UL adapter
- User manual
- Power cable
QFX PBX-61081BT/BL Conclusion
The tailgate speaker QFX PBX-61081BT/BL is a great choice for tailgaters looking to enjoy their favorite music without the hassle of setting up an amplifier or power outlet. The 12lbs tailgate speaker has both AC input and DC 12V inputs so it can be used with any car battery pack, no matter what your vehicle type! It has Bluetooth, FM Radio Inputs as well as Auxiliary Inputs which means you’ll never have to worry about running out of ways to play your favorite tunes. This tailgate speaker also includes microphone inputs in case you want to do some karaoke at your next tailgating party or give a speech!
Key Features to Look for When Buying a Tailgate Speaker
Now that you know what the speaker components are and their general use, we will go over some key features to look for when purchasing a tailgate speaker.
Bass Quality
First on our list of tailgate speakers features is bass quality. This can be broken down into 2 categories; output and extension. Output is how much bass a speaker puts out at full volume without distorting or clipping and lower frequency extension is how far down in frequency the speaker produces clean sound. A good tailgate speaker will have both of these qualities throughout the entire frequency spectrum from low frequencies to higher frequencies.
Power Capacity and Sound Quality
Next on our tailgate speakers feature list is power capacity and quality which relate to each other. If a speaker has a high power capacity, the sound quality will usually be diminished so as to not tear apart your tailgate speakers. A tailgate speaker with both good power capacity and excellent quality can put out very loud but clear bass without needing an amp.
Durability
Also on our tailgate speakers feature list is durability because you want them to last through several tailgates in all types of weather.
Price
Last on our tailgate speakers features list is price, which is rather self-explanatory since more expensive tailgates generally have better components.
Integrated Power Supply
Some tailgate speakers have an integrated power supply which makes it easy to plug your tailgate speakers into any power outlet while tailgating. You can use these tailgate speakers on football game days outside or inside using a standard 12-volt, 10-amp tailgate power cord. These tailgate speakers allow you to tailgate with ease since your tailgating equipment will be wherever you tailgate at without the need for additional construction or mounting of external tailgate speakers.
Built-In Equalizer and Controls
An equalizer is a control that tailgate speakers usually have which allows the listener to select different settings or modes on the tailgate speaker such as bass boost or lower tones. The controls section goes hand in hand since this is where those setting would be accessed. But if there are no controls, they are most likely built-in like with external tailgate speakers.
Waterproofing
When tailgating in the cold or rain, you will want tailgate speakers that are water-resistant and are not made of materials that rust easily like steel. If tailgate speakers do not have a sealed enclosure, then it is recommended to use tailgate speaker covers during tailgating because moisture can get into the tailgate speakers and cause them to rust out before their time. Tailgate Covers will also protect your tailgates from scratches which may no longer be covered by warranty if they scratch too much.
Wattage
Wattage is a tailgate speaker’s power. The higher it is, the louder and more powerful they are. The coverage area is also affected by wattage. The tailgate speakers with the highest wattage will be able to cover a larger tailgating space and may have more power output. However, tailgate speakers with average or high power ratings can still put out very loud bass if designed properly which makes tailgate speaker watts less of an important factor than other tailgate speakers’ features.
Decibels
Decibels are how loud a tailgate speaker is. This is usually measured in 2 ways; peak decibels or RMS decibels. Peak decibels are the tailgate speaker’s maximum output, while RMS decibels are the tailgate speaker’s average output. While tailgating, you will want tailgate speakers that put out between 90 and 105dB of sound range since that will be loud enough for tailgating.
Frequency Response
Measured in Hertz (Hz), the human ear can hear sounds with high, low, and varying bass tones from 20-20,000 Hz. Ideally, tailgate speakers should be able to handle all of these frequencies well. Full-range tailgate speakers are tailgate speakers that cover all frequencies from very low to very high tones. A tailgate speaker with a good frequency response should be able to play low frequencies (bass) well as well as high frequencies. The average human ear can only hear frequencies between 20Hz and 20kHz, so speakers with this range will be marketed as having a full range.
Sensitivity or Efficiency
Sensitivity or efficiency is tailgate speakers’ ability to convert power into volume. Sensitivity is usually measured as 1 watt of tailgate speaker power into a tailgating space of 1 meter. The higher the rating, the louder tailgate speakers can play in a tailgating space or vehicle. Tailgaters usually have tailgate speakers that are very sensitive since they want their tailgate party sounds to be heard by everyone tailgating near them. However, tailgate speakers that are too sensitive may overpower the tailgating sounds of a tailgater with lower tailgate speaker power if he or she turns up their tailgate party sound system volume to compete. So sensitivity is best when high but not so loud that it overwhelms your tailgating parking spot.
ION Audio Block Rocker Plus
The ION Audio Block Rocker Plus is the tailgate speaker to have! This 100W speaker boasts 50 hours of battery power, excellent sound quality, durability, and portability. It has everything you could possibly need for your tailgate party!
