Sound systems are made so that they provide fantastic performance in various environments. People thinking that indoor speakers also work outside the house is more common than you’d think.
However, indoor speakers are made especially for indoor situations, and you’re going to be disappointed with their performance when taking them outside.
Without any other introduction, let’s see leads to the differences between indoor and outdoor speakers:
- The design
It’s probably the first thing that you’re going to notice on the outdoor speakers. They have to handle the outdoors, which means that their built has to be more durable and robust. Outdoor speakers are made of sturdy and long lasting material which explains the weight and the bigger size as well.
For the indoor speakers, looks are, and it’s an important aspect to consider when buying. Their design is supposed to be fresh and refreshing, and they’re supposed to change the vibe in a room for the better.
In the case of outdoor speakers, it’s the functionality and durability that count the most. People don’t just hurry up on using the outdoor speakers inside the house as they don’t look good inside.
- All weather resistant build
All good outdoor speakers are made with durable and water-resistant materials since they’re build to withstand the elements a lot better than the indoor opponents. Good quality outdoor speakers can take some fall rain, without failing on the performance in any way.
The outdoor speakers can also handle the impact of objects hitting them. No indoor speaker is going to handle the challenges of a big outdoor concert for the same reason. You should always go with the outdoor speakers if you need them for an outdoor event as they’re made to be durable and dependable, no matter the harsh weather conditions.
Not only that the material of indoor speakers isn’t water resistant, but it’s easy to damage too. They’re made with materials that ensure amazing sound indoors, but the materials cannot withstand the outdoor conditions.
- Durability
You rarely want to take your excellent indoor speaker outside on your patio. Even a small wind can blow it and knock it down, damaging it for good. Indoor speakers aren’t waterproof and cannot handle a fall on some hard surface either.
On the other hand, the outdoor speakers are going to handle the harsh conditions (falling on hard ground, a strong wind, severe temperature, and many more). It’s one of the reasons for which the outdoor speakers are always going to be pricier than the indoor opponents.
You may think that you can take the indoor speaker outside and cover it for protection, but it’s not that easy as you may think. Many things can affect the indoor speakers that you’re not aware of.
On top of everything else, the indoor speakers aren’t made of rustproof materials, and the risk for corrosion is high when you use them in places with high moisture.
- Sound quality
Indoor speakers are designed for smaller enclosed spaces, whereas the outdoor speakers give nice sounds over a wide area.
The volume also makes a difference with the volume of outdoor speakers reaching high without any interference issues, whereas the indoor speakers are only going to be capable of a lower volume as opposed to the outdoor type. The volume hits the wall inside, bouncing back or the walls are going to absorb it in the case of indoor speakers. The outdoor speakers come with the bass built into the enclosure; in the case of indoor speakers, they come with an independent woofer.
- The omnidirectional sound
Outdoor speakers are a single point so that they let the left and right inputs into the speaker. It’s what makes the speaker create omnidirectional surround sound, covering a vast space. The sound is going to spread over a circular area that improves the output, which is why everybody enjoys the same sound. The omnidirectional sound covers a generous space too.
For the significant outdoor events and shows, several omnidirectional speakers are going to be used.
Unlike the outdoor speakers, the indoor speakers are single directional and unable to give that kind of effect. It’s expected that the sound of indoor speakers not to face resistance. However, indoor speakers provide fantastic sound output according to the power of the system. You don’t even need to use the high volume on an indoor speaker for getting better sound – it’s on the cause of the indoor conditions.
- The bass
The lack of reflective surfaces in the outdoor is going to modify the speaker, reducing the bass output. You need to amplify the bass for better sound.
Outdoor speakers are made of sturdy and robust material which may improve the bass within the surface. The entire design of the outdoor speakers takes the impact of outdoor conditions into consideration.
There’s no secret that indoor speakers are going to give impressive bass, no matter their size. But it’s the presence of the reflective surfaces (walls) and the stable air condition (no wind) that sustain the nice bass of indoor speakers.
- Input power
There are two main categories for the outdoor speakers: the active and the passive speakers. There are plenty of sound obstacles that can alter the sound performance of outdoor speakers. Wind or background noise makes the sound disperse, the bass gets lost, and the entire quality sound worsens.
Therefore, the outdoor speakers need to be larger and to use high power input to give an excellent sound performance.
Obstacles aren’t a problem for the indoor speakers, which is why the bass sounds better indoors (thanks to the reflective surfaces inside). You typically install the indoor speaker within various systems (home theaters, woofers, and Hi-Fi systems). Any of these systems also come with built-in amplifiers that don’t need a high power supply, as opposed to the great amps that outdoor speakers need for better performance.
- Blending abilities
The outdoor speakers are made to blend in comfortably in all kinds of environments. Many of them resemble benches, trees stumps, benches, or flower ports. After all, you place them outside, and you need them to fit in.
Even if the looks aren’t fundamental for the outdoor speakers, they still manage to look nice for decorating your garden.
It’s not the case of indoor speakers as they’re also made to impress. Great sound and beautiful aesthetics are often enough for sealing the deal. Modern designs and unique profiles are more common amongst the indoor speakers, but it’s merely because they also play a big part in how your home is going to look.
One final note
Each of the indoor and outdoor speakers comes with its ups and downs. Each of them works best in a specific situation, so you need to choose the one that fits the space the best way possible. There is no such thing as the best speaker for your home, but only the best for your specific indoor or outdoor scenario!
Other resources
https://speakerchampion.com/outdoor-speakers-vs-indoor-speakers/