Introduction
The word “tailgate” reminds you of driving and cars. Most often the word has been associated with the boot of a car or kind of driving where another driver follows another car from behind closely. However, when it comes to the music world, the word “tailgate” is a verb and the action that comes to fore is partying which involves music—loud music.
Mobility has become the hub of the present age. Everyone is moving from one place to another and because music and events has also become an integral part of our lives, we desire to move with our music everywhere and have our own events.
One of the most popular outdoor mobile events that requires loud and clear music is the tailgate parties and the speaker that best suit this purpose are the tailgate speakers. The tailgate speakers are designed with modern technological features such as Bluetooth connectivity etc. In addition to this, the tailgate speakers are portable, easy to handle and control and some of them are also modified to have wheels for easy mobility.
There are many types of tailgate speakers in the market and if you want your tailgate party to hit the rock hard, I guess you are thinking of buying one. However, the parties of yesterday were rocked with the tailgate speakers of yesterday. Therefore, they may not be suitable for your tailgate parties. Amongst the many options out there, we will be guiding you through a well-researched information that will lead you to walk into any music store with a list of preferences all starring on the six best tailgate speakers in 2020.
The six best tailgate speakers to buy:
1. ION AUDIO IPA77 TALIGATER AND PA SYSTEM
There are many versions of the Ion Audio Tailgater speakers such as the Ion Audio Express Tailgater and Ion Audio Flash Tailgater but for your 2020 all-night tailgate show or party, Ion Audio IPA77 Tailgater is the best tailgate speaker you could wish you had in your music arsenal and getting one isn’t beyond your reach. With its robust woofer and wide-spreading tweeter, you are assured of both sound quality and music frenzy.
Special Features
- Power Output: 50W
- Battery: 50 Hours
- Bluetooth: Yes, with NFC technology
- AM/FM Radio: Yes
- AUX and Jack Output: Yes
- Microphone Input: Yes
- Wheels: No, but it has side handles for easy mobility
- Navigation: LCD display and well-labeled buttons for easy control
The features of Ion Audio IPA77 Tailgater make it the ideal tailgater for your tailgater party and other outdoor and travel events. It is portable and has a long-lasting rechargeable battery that could keep you going for days and still provide you to adequate power to charge other devices. In addition to this, you could keep track of latest happenings around you anywhere with the AM/FM feature with this tailgater. Ion Audio IPA77 Tailgater is a Bluetooth tailgater and has an AUX and a Jack ports for devices without Bluetooth and for microphone use respectively.
Pros
- Easy to navigate through and use
- Long-lasting battery life
- Durable body design
- NFC sensor technology
- In-built power bank
Cons
- No wheels
- Playback reduction when using power bank
Ion Audio IPA77 Tailgater remains one top-notch choice for you in 2020.
2. SOUNDBOKS
As the name implies, SoundBoks Tailgate speaker is both “sound and bucks.” This Tailgater gives you a supernal loud sound with an awesome audio quality but it will cost you a real fortune to purchase one. Still yet, it is not beyond your reach!
Special Features
- Power Output: About 200W
- Battery: 40-120 Hours depending on the playing volume (at the highest volume it can last for 8 hours)
- Bluetooth: Yes
- AM/FM Radio: No
- AUX Output: Yes
- Microphone Input: No
- Wheels: No, but it has side handles for easy mobility
- Navigation: LCD display and well-labeled buttons for easy control
The most distinctive feature of SoundBoks Tailgater is the loudness of the sound it gives. SoundBoks Tailgater gives about db122 at a frequency of about 40Hz to 50Hz which makes it the ideal Tailgater for your invited crowds. In addition to this, it is designed to work with two powerful removable rechargeable batteries that allow you to use one while the other is charging and at the same time, you could purchase an extra one and have more than two batteries. It is a durable, robust and water resistant Tailgater that would work great irrespective of any prevailing weather condition.
Pros
- Robust and Durable
- Sound supreme
- Water resistant
- Easy to use
- Removable and Rechargeable batteries
- Automatic Indoor and Outdoor Mode
Cons
- Expensive
- Less versatile
- No AM/FM radio feature
- No microphone input source
- Heavy to carry, yet without wheels
- Long battery recharge time
If you desire to host a Tailgater party or public event where loud and clear sound is so important, then SoundBoks Tailgater is the choice to make and every bucks will be rewarded with a supernal sound.
3. SHARPER IMAGE SBT1009BK ON-THE- GO TAILGATER
Sharper Image SBT1009BK On-The-Go Tailgater is a Bluetooth Tailgater that is designed with a Karaoke function and a disco ball light on its top to give your Tailgate party both sound and audio live as well as superb attraction. Simply put, this special disco light ball feature makes this Tailgater an ideal choice when you desire your all-night party to beam with the elegance of a grand disco hall.
Special Features
- Power Output: 60W
- Battery: 2-4 Hours depending on the playing volume
- Bluetooth: Yes
- AM/FM Radio: No
- AUX Output: Yes
- Microphone Input: Yes
- Wheels: Yes
- Navigation: LCD display and well-labeled buttons for easy control
The features of Sharper Image SBT1009BK On-The-Go Tailgater are mind blowing especially its distinctive feature, the disco multi-colored light ball. In addition to this, is the presence of moving wheels and a sleek handle that makes it lightweight and easily movable. This Tailgater comes with a Bluetooth feature also for easy connectivity alongside an AUX output source. In addition, it doesn’t just come with a microphone input feature but with a microphone that allows you sing and pass party information to your audience and guests.
Pros
- It has wheels for easy mobility
- Multi-colored disco light ball
- Follow-come wired microphone
- Sounds with great audio quality and clarity
- Lightweight, sizeable and portable tailgate speaker
Cons
- Short-lasting battery
- No in-built power bank
- No AM/FM radio feature
For your self-publicizing Tailgate party where you want everyone who passes by to get attracted and stroll in, Sharper Image SBT1009BK On-The-Go Tailgater remains one of the best Tailgater in 2020.
4. SYLVANIA SP328-BLACK PORTABLE BLUETOOTH TAILGATER
Sylvania SP328-Black Tailgater is an ingenious compromise between budget friendly spending and efficiency. This Tailgater is notorious for its portable size which gives you convenience while it is being moved. In addition to this, Sylvania SP328-Black Tailgater sounds great and clear sound and it comes with a rechargeable battery that could take you all-night.
Special Features
- Power Output: 6W
- Battery: 8-12 Hours depending on the playing volume
- Bluetooth: Yes
- AM/FM Radio: No
- AUX Output: Yes
- Microphone Input: No
- Wheels: No
- Navigation: No LED display but well labeled buttons are distinct
Sylvania SP328-Black Portable Bluetooth Tailgater system is formulated with a blue LED light back-lit that adds color to your party strides. This Tailgater is readily affordable, easy to control, and easy to move and will do the job seamlessly. It has a rechargeable battery that could last for a few hours and gives you multiple connection option with its Bluetooth and AUX feature.
Pros
- Affordable
- Portable and easy to carry
- Blue LED back light
- Multiple connections option
Cons
- Not too durable
- No in-built power bank
- Short-lasting battery life
- No microphone input
- No AM/FM radio feature
If you have exhausted your budget item and suddenly remember that you need to rock and roll, then Sylvania SP328-Black Tailgater is your best bet at getting your Tailgater party on the run at a low cost.
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5. ECOXGEAR ECOBOULDER GDI-EXBM 901 WATERPROOF TAILGATER
This Tailgater is designed to give you reliable protection for your Tailgate speaker amidst party madness because it is dust proof and waterproof which also allows you to take it to the beach or the pool for your Tailgater party. The precise point here is that, in addition to everything you could expect from a reliable Tailgater, Ecoxgear Ecoboulder GDI-EXBM 901 Waterproof Tailgater offers you an extra peace of durability.
Special Features
- Power Output: 100W
- Battery: 10 Hours at maximum volume. (100 Hours on standby)
- Bluetooth: Yes
- AM/FM Radio: No
- AUX Output: Yes
- Microphone Input: No
- Wheels: Yes
- Navigation: No LED display but well labeled buttons are distinct
This Tailgater is just there to light your party dance floor. It has a rechargeable battery that also serves a power bank to give you that travel spare power for charging other devices such as your mobile phones and tablets. It is portable and easy to move around due to its telescopic handles and wheels. However, one awesome feature about this music box is that it has a safety compartment that allows you keep other devices from dust and water too.
Pros
- Easy to navigate
- Portable and easy to move
- Water and dust proof
- In-built power bank
- Long-lasting standby mode battery
- Extra compartment for water and dust proof storage
Cons
- No AM/FM
- Heavy
- At maximum volume, little distortion could be heard
If you desire a durable party box then Ecoxgear Ecoboulder GDI-EXBM 901 Waterproof Tailgater is out there as one of the best Tailgater and it is not beyond your reach.
6. SONY GTKXB90 TAILGATE SPEAKER
Sony GTKXB90 Tailgate Speaker is notorious for a unique bass sound. This Tailgater is designed with a unique colored back-light that adds some extra vibes to your party. In addition to this Tailgater have some mind blowing features like the ability to loop it to other speakers even through Bluetooth to give you a wireless party chain.
Special Features
- Power Output: 180W
- Battery: 16 Hours (3.5 Hours at maximum volume)
- Bluetooth: Yes with NFC technology
- AM/FM Radio: No
- AUX Output: Yes
- Microphone Input: Yes
- Wheels: No
- Navigation: No LED display but well labeled buttons are distinct
With this Tailgater, you are assured of quality sound, easy connectivity to both wired and wireless devices and a microphone input source. It is easy to carry and produce a unique colored backlight that is similar to the disco ball of Sharper Image Tailgater. It comes with a natural Sony app that allows you to easily preset the Equalizer to your desired specification.
Pros
- Can create both wired and wireless party chain with multiple speakers
- NFC technology
- Easy EQ preset app
- Multiple color back-light
Cons
- Not too durable
- Not versatile
- Short battery life at maximum volume
- No in-built power bank
COMPARISON TABLE
| S/N | TAILGATER | WEIGHT
(Pounds) |
BATTERY STRENGTH (Hours) | POWER OUTPUT (Watts) | AM/FM RADIO | BLUETOOTH | AUX OUTPUT | MICROPHONE INPUT | WHEELS | BUY HERE |
| 1 | Ion Audio iPA77 | 16.98 | 50 | 50 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | BUY |
| 2 | SoundBoks | 35.8 | 40-120 | 200 | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | BUY |
| 3 | Sharper Image SBT1009BK | 11.5 | 2-4 | 60 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | BUY |
| 4 | Sylvania SP328 | 4 | 8-12 | 6 | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | BUY |
| 5 | Ecoxgear Ecoboulder | 27 | 10 | 100 | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | BUY |
| 6 | Sony GTKXB90 | 36.5 | 16 | 100 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | BUY |
BUYERS GUIDE:
Even amongst the six best Tailgate speakers in 2020, there are some differences that would advise you on which one best suit your music or party goals and some of these considerations will be outlined here.
- Portability: Tailgate speakers are most often associated with mobility or travelling and you would not want to be travelling with something that is as heavy as a cement bag. Therefore, if you are always on the road, then you need to choose something light. However, it is important to note that this does not relate to only weight but handling. A weightier tailgate speaker with wheels and telescopic handles may be more portable than another which weighs lighter without these innovations.
- Affordability: Cost is always a factor for any purchase you want to make. As you set out to stage one of the best parties in 2020, ensure you plan based on your purchasing power.
- Versatility: This is so important! Ion Audio IPA77 Tailgater is the most versatile amongst them all. It offers you dual connectivity means, AM/FM radio feature and an in-built power bank for charging your other devices.
- Sound Quality: This feature is the main reason why you need a Tailgater. Sound, loud sound! Therefore, when choosing which Tailgate speaker that you would buy, consider the quality and dispersion range of the sound you stand to gain.
- Battery Power: You want a Tailgater to rock your show with or without power. When choosing consider how long the battery will last.
OUR BEST PICK
All the Tailgaters listed above are superb but Ion Audio iPA77 Tailgater trump them all and the key factor for this is its versatility.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Where can I purchase my choice Tailgater?
There are many music stores around you. However, to explore a better range of options, online stores are the best places to go. Still yet amongst these online stores, Amazon tops the list. To purchase any of the six best tailgate speakers that we’ve described above, click the amazon product link above.
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Can I get a Tailgater with a CD player?
Yes! Although it did not featured on our list of best tailgate speakers, Ion Audio iPA57 Bluetooth Tailgater has this feature. So, you could also purchase this by clicking here.
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Do all Tailgater have a Bluetooth feature?
One key feature of Tailgaters is their Bluetooth feature especially in this age of smartphones and tablets. This because, with Bluetooth connection you could keep your music source which could be your smartphone or tablet from a safe distance from the public standing Tailgater.
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How do I make my Tailgater which has no wheels to become more portable?
It is not that every Tailgater that comes with the wheels. Some just have side handles. However, there is some modified Tailgater back pack that has wheels. This allows you to either drag your Tailgater or carry it on your back easily.
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Are Tailgaters expensive?
Well, this depends on your purchasing power. Every Tailgater is affordable however they don’t have the same price tag. So, based on your purchasing power, you could secure one for your Tailgater party and it will deliver to you enormous music value beyond the monetary calculations (at times it is important to pamper your heart and soul, tailgating rocks 🙂 ).
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Can I use my Tailgater as a PA system?
Of course! But this dependence on the versatility of your tailgater because to use it for this function, you will need a microphone and not all Tailgaters has a microphone input source. This is the reason why versatility should feature on your consideration list before you purchase a Tailgater.
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What is NFC?
NFC means Near Field Communication. It is a communication protocol that allows two devices to establish a connection easily once they are about 1.6 inch close to each other.