A portable tailgate speaker can be transported to tailgate party locations for an unforgettable night. Smaller tailgate speakers have foldable handles to move them to different locations, whereas larger ones feature wheels and a retractable handle. If you're buying the speakers for the first time, you'll need to focus on certain parameters, such as power output, volume, frequency response, charging options, battery life, etc.
Additionally, you'll need to understand how to charge tailgate speakers outdoors. Jackery Solar Generators are portable and eco-friendly solar-powered generators that can charge different sizes and types of tailgate speakers. They feature a compact design and sturdy handle, making it easy to move them to outdoor tailgate locations and charge most outdoor appliances, such as tailgate speakers, lights, cooking equipment, and even portable fans.
Key Takeaways
- A tailgate speaker can set all the attendees up for a round of karaoke.
- The speakers are portable and come with rechargeable batteries for quick charging.
- When choosing the best tailgate speaker, you must consider its power output, volume, frequency response, battery life, charging options, and other features.
- Some good tailgate speakers include JBL PartyBox Encore Essential, Ecoxgear EcoTrek, ION Block Rocker, Aiwa Exos-9 Portable Tailgate Speaker, and Monster Rockin' Roller.
- A portable power station or a solar generator can recharge the tailgate speakers outdoors.
Why Tailgate Speaker Is So Important
Tailgating is not just a pre-game party. Instead, it is a social event that brings family and friends together to celebrate, eat, and spend some good time together. However, one thing that's more important in a tailgate party is the music and sound. And for this, you'll need the right tailgate speaker to make or break the entire party vibe. The right tailgate speaker can set the mood or set everyone in the party for a round of karaoke.
If you're still unsure why you need to invest in a tailgate speaker, here are a few reasons that will help you make up your mind:
- Tailgate speakersare portable, meaning you can take them anywhere. Most modern tailgate speakers come with a built-in or rechargeable battery that can hold up to 5 - 40 hours of charge. This means you can enjoy your favorite music for long hours.
- If you plan to leave the tailgate vehicle and take the music wherever you go, all you need to do is grab the speaker and move. Besides tailgating, these portable speakers can be used for various other events.
Unlike the truck's speakers, tailgate speakers often provide powerful and targeted sound. Remember, even if the truck's sound system seems powerful, it is limited to the cabin. On the contrary, tailgate speakers generate high-quality sound that can be projected in any direction.
Understand Tailgate Speaker Specs
When looking for the right tailgater speaker, you'll need to focus on the technical specifications and ensure it meets your needs. You'll need to focus on speakers that offer the highest possible sound quality, have a deep bass and a rich middle range, and have a clear treble. If you're purchasing tailgate speakers for the first time, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Power Output
It's often said that "the bigger, the better." Well, that's not always true when it comes to choosing the best portable Bluetooth speakers. Power output, which is measured in watts, can affect the quality and clarity of the sound or music produced by the speaker, especially at higher levels. Remember, while the bigger speaker might offer more power output, it is not always the loudness.
Volume
The volume of the speakers defines their loudness. A louder speaker means the Bluetooth speaker can produce powerful and high-quality sound. You should look for speakers with higher wattage, as they generally produce louder and clearer audio. In addition, you should check other features, such as tweeters, subwoofers, and dual drivers, which contribute to fuller sound with crisp highs and deep bass.
Frequency Response
The frequency response typically measures the sound range a speaker can produce. Ideally, a speaker with a wide range can better reproduce audio as it was intended to be heard. Since humans can hear between 20Hz and 20kHz, it's better to look for speakers that can hit those spots.
Bluetooth Version and Range
The Bluetooth version can directly influence the range and audio quality of the speaker. For instance, Bluetooth 5.0 is the latest and generally offers a range of up to 800 feet in open space. It's better to look for a recent Bluetooth version to ensure good sound and wide connectivity.
Battery Life
The battery life of the tailgate speaker will ensure your favorite tune remains uninterrupted. You should consider investing in a tailgate speaker with a decent battery life or at least come equipped with rechargeable batteries.
Charging Options
The tailgate speaker you choose should have multiple charging options, such as USB-C or wireless. If you have a tailgate speaker and are planning extended parties, you can carry a portable power station like Jackery Solar Generator. It is light in weight and can charge different Bluetooth speakers.
Water and Dust Resistance
Many people love picnics on a dusty trail or a beach party, which means you'll need a tailgate speaker that is water—and dust-resistant. Generally, IP67 or IP68-rated speakers are ideal for outdoor tailgate parties.
Design & Portability
The best Bluetooth speaker isn't always the largest one. Since you will be carrying the speaker to outdoor locations, you should consider a smaller, lighter model that you can throw in your backpack without a second thought. In addition, it should have a solid build quality that can withstand a few drops.
What to Consider Before Choosing A Tailgate Speaker
If you are hosting the first tailgate party, you'll need the right tailgate speaker to make it a success. The best tailgate speakers can produce loud music, making them suitable for outdoor applications. The right tailgate speaker will help you transform the tailgate party from a casual gathering into an unforgettable party.
Durability of the Speaker
An ideal tailgate speaker should be able to handle the outside elements, such as rain, wind, sunlight, moisture, etc. You can also choose waterproof speakers that can withstand rain and spilled drinks. Some speakers also come with dustproofing to prevent damage by dirt and dust particles. You can look for speakers with UV-resistant materials to avoid sun damage.
Ask Questions from Yourself
Second, before choosing the best tailgate speakers, you should consider the answer to the following question: How meticulous are you regarding sound quality? Your sound preferences will depend on the music style you listen to and whether you prefer more bass or high-end. It's worth noting that super bassy speakers can create a massive low end, but they fail to generate quality mids and highs.
Consider the Battery Capacity
Next, you should also consider the battery capacity of the tailgate speaker. For example, some speakers can last for 10+ hours without depleting. However, some others only last 5-6 hours. Remember, the battery life will decrease if the speaker has many features, such as lights, a powerful amp, lights, and a loud volume.
Tailgate Speakers Recommends
Tailgating parties bring like-minded sports fans together in celebration. Music and microphones are important for tailgating — and having the best tailgate speaker is paramount. We have spent time researching the 40+ tailgater speakers, and here are the top 5 picks:
JBL PartyBox Encore Essential
JBL PartyBox Encore Essential is one of the smaller speakers, which is great for tailgating. The speakers' IPX4 water resistance rating protects them from sprays and gentle splashes, including light rainfall. The speaker's exterior is made from a durable handle that can handle bumps.
Features
- Built-in lightweight
- Bass boost function
- Supported by the JBL PartyBox App
Pros
- Easy to carry and compact design
- Mobile app support
- Balanced sound
Cons
- Limited waterproofing
- Does not have many additional features
Ecoxgear EcoTrek
The Ecoxgear EcoTrek Bluetooth speaker is a powerful tailgate speaker and incredibly versatile. It features IP67 weather resistance ratings to withstand water and dust. The EcoTrek is user-friendly and supports a wide range of connections, including auxiliary input, Bluetooth, and AM or FM radio. It also has playback or speaker features.
Features
- Water and dust-resistant
- Microphone input
- Voice assistant support
Pros
- Weather resistant with an IP67-rated
- Shockproof and durable
- Versatile connectivity with Bluetooth, AM/FM, and AUX
Cons
- Cup holders might not be useful for everyone
- Cluttered control panel layout
ION Block Rocker
The ION Block Rocker is another ideal for tailgating parties. It features a built-in microphone, an IPX5 waterproof design, and a long-lasting battery to keep the party going throughout the day, regardless of weather. It also has a handle and built-in wheels to move the speaker anywhere you want.
Features
- FM Radio
- Built-in wheels
- IPX5 rated waterproof
Pros
- Mobile app for additional control
- Clear sound
- Long-lasting battery
Cons
- May be too bulky for certain environments
- No dust protection rating
Aiwa Tailgating Speakers
The Aiwa Exos-9 Portable Tailgate Speaker produces stereo sound with balanced bass, mid-range, and treble. It has a built-in equalizer with 5 default settings to further customize audio. The speaker is powered by Bluetooth 4.2 technology, so it can easily be connected to any device to stream any music track.
Features
- Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 4.2
- Equalizer with 5 default settings
- Supports FM radio
- Dedicated 3.5mm audio jack
Pros
- The speaker produces a balanced bass, mid-range, and treble
- Bluetooth automatically connects to the last device
Cons
- Does not have handles or wheels for transportation
Monster Rockin' Roller 270
If you're looking for a tailgate speaker that can even be used in other scenarios, the Monster Rockin' Roller 270 is known for its sustained battery life. With the QI wireless charging technology, the on-board battery can even charge your mobile device. It also directs sound in a 270° radius because of the front and side-mounted drivers.
Features
- QI wireless charging is available
- Long-lasting battery life
- Powerful sound
Pros
- Built-in wheels available for easy transportation
- Supports Bluetooth pairing
- Bass or treble boost function for further sound enhancement
Cons
- Larger size and weight compared to other speakers
- Limited sound customization options
How to Charge Tailgate Speakers
Solar generators are eco-friendly and portable. They can charge a variety of appliances, including tailgate speakers. Speakers can consume around 50W—200W of electricity per hour and are suitable for large or outdoor events. Solar generators do not emit noise or toxic fumes, which makes them ideal for gatherings.
|
Tailgate Appliances |
Wattage |
Hours |
Power Needed |
|
JBL PartyBox Encore Essential |
100W |
5H |
500Wh |
|
Ecoxgear EcoTrek |
100W |
5H |
500Wh |
|
ION Block Rocker |
120W |
5H |
600Wh |
|
Aiwa Exos-9 Portable Tailgate Speaker |
200W |
5H |
1000Wh |
|
Monster Rockin’ Roller |
200W |
5H |
1000Wh |
Jackery is a well-known brand that manufactures solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations for indoor and outdoor purposes. The Jackery Solar Generators combine highly efficient Jackery Portable Power Stations and foldable Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels. The solar panels absorb the sunlight to produce DC, which is converted to AC electricity by the pure sine wave inverter of the Jackery Portable Power Stations.
Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus
If you're looking for a compact tailgate generator that can offer power on the go, the Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is an ideal solution. At only 11 lbs, the solar generator can be easily transported to tailgate locations. The portable power station can be recharged with iPad-sized solar panels and easily fits into a backpack.
Appliances Running Time
- Tailgate Speaker (100W) = 2.4H
- Portable Fan (50W) = 4.8H
- TV (100W) = 2.4H
- Cooler (250W) = 58 minutes
- Lights (50W) = 4.8H
Customer Review
"The perfect power for my overall use. It comes with me everywhere and charges all my items. Love it!" — Terry.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus can charge various tailgate appliances, including portable speakers. If you're looking to cook outdoors and are planning to carry some outdoor kitchen appliances like grills, freezers, etc., this large solar-powered generator would be a great choice. It has a foldable handle and compact design, so you can move the generator anywhere you like.
Appliances Running Time
- Portable Grill (1000W) = 1.0H
- Tailgate Speaker (100W) = 10.7H
- Portable Fan (50W) = 21.4H
- TV (100W) = 10.7H
- Cooler (250W) = 4.2H
- Lights (50W) = 21.4H
Customer Review
"Jackery was easy to set up and put into operation. Runs the basics I need, i.e., accessories charging, light & fan with power to spare. Love it!" — Robert LaQuerre.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
If you often plan outdoor events like tailgating with your friends, you would need a larger solar-powered generator like the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. It has a large battery capacity and can charge portable grills, lights, fans, and ACs for long hours. It's also expandable by nature, and with the help of the additional Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus, it can expand from 2kWh to 24kWh.
Appliances Running Time
- Portable Grill (1000W) = 1.7H
- Tailgate Speaker (100W) = 17.3H
- Portable Fan (50W) = 34.7H
- TV (100W) = 17.3H
- Cooler (250W) = 6.9H
- Lights (50W) = 34.7H
Customer Review
"I went off-grid with it, and we love it. We live in a camper and power up everything for at least 2 days without charging but using everything, so I'm very happy that we got it." — Marcin Powichrowski.
How to Choose the Best Tailgate Speaker
The technical specifications can quickly become overwhelming when you're trying to weigh your options and choose the best tailgate speaker that meets your needs. To help you pick the best tailgate speaker, here are some key things to check out:
Karaoke Features
Many modern tailgater speakers support karaoke playability, where you can connect a microphone to the tailgate speaker and sing your favorite tracks. You should always look for how many inputs the speaker can accept and if any other features are available, such as reverb, auto-tuning, or other effects.
Audio Quality
Tailgate speakers are designed to produce good-quality audio and are expected to be louder than regular speakers. Audio quality depends on the wattage and sensitivity of the speakers. Ideally, a higher wattage means the speakers can handle high power input, and sensitivity determines how long they will sound. A speaker above 80dB and with a good balance between mid-range, bass, and treble is considered best.
Speaker Type
There are various types of tailgate speakers available on the market, and they usually play audio between the frequency range of a human ear. For example, a high-frequency speaker cannot produce a low-frequency signature or vice versa. Here, we have explained different speaker types:
Full-Range Speaker: It is designed to generate a wide range of audio frequencies and does not require an external driver setup. It's a standalone unit with small drivers capable of generating low- and high-frequency audio.
Woofers and Subwoofers: They are bass-rich speakers and do not produce lower frequencies. The woofer speaker generally operates between 30Hz to 1000Hz. Subwoofers are used for applications below 300Hz, which is a bass-oriented range.
Mid-Range Driver: As the name suggests, mid-range drivers work in the middle-frequency range. They have an operating range of 1000 - 5000Hz and can recreate instrument sounds and human voices.
Tweeter: These speakers can produce higher-pitch sounds and are suitable for reproducing accurate notes. They can also reproduce notes with a higher frequency of 500Hz or higher.
Tailgate Speaker FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need for my tailgating?
The size of the solar generator needed for tailgating will directly depend on the wattage of the appliances you wish to charge during the party and the number of hours you want to power them.
For example, if you are charging a portable grill (1000W), tailgate speaker (100W), and portable fan (50W) at the same time with the help of the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, the working hours can be calculated as follows:
Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh × 0.85 ÷ Operating Wattage of the Appliances = 2042.8Wh × 0.85 ÷ 1150W = 1.5H
Note: We have multiplied by 0.85 because there will be some power loss when charging the appliances.
What is a tailgate speaker?
A tailgate speaker is a portable all-weather speaker with a powerful sound system. It can deliver high-quality sound performance no matter the situation or location.
How to charge an iLive tailgate speaker?
An iLive tailgate speaker usually consumes 40W of electricity per hour and can be easily charged with the help of Jackery Solar Generators. For example, the small Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus can charge an iLive tailgate speaker (40W) for 6.1 hours.
Do wireless speakers need charging?
Yes, most wireless speakers use AC adapters and can be plugged into any power outlet or power strip. Some wireless speakers use rechargeable batteries to become fully wireless, and this feature requires charging.
Do Bluetooth speakers have to be charged?
Yes, Bluetooth speakers provide around 8 - 12 hours of playback time before they require a recharge.
Final Thoughts
Whether hanging out in a parking lot for the game or getting together in the backyard to cheer your favorite team, no event is complete without a tailgate speaker. Many modern speakers are portable and can easily be recharged with the help of power stations. Jackery Solar Generators feature multiple output ports to charge a wide range of tailgate appliances, such as portable grills, speakers, coolers, fridges, etc. They are compact in design and feature foldable handles to move them to the tailgating location without any hassle.
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