As more people treat their backyards like an extension of their home, technology is playing a bigger role outdoors. From streaming your favorite show under the stars to changing your lighting with a tap on your phone, the latest in outdoor tech is about making your yard and patio feel as connected and comfortable as the inside of your home.
We're not focusing on luxury upgrades. We're looking at improvements that are easier to add than you might think. The ones that make a real difference in how you'll use the space.
Outdoor Living Spaces Remain Big
The line between indoor and outdoor spaces is fading fast. Homeowners continue to expect their patios, decks, and backyards to feel like a natural extension of their home.
“As homes are becoming smaller on the inside, outdoor space is growing in importance for customers and essentially becoming another room of the house," shared Lee Crowder, National Director of Design and Model Experience at Taylor Morrison. "People are treating [outdoor spaces] like a living room.”
That means comfy seating, screens for movies or games, outdoor speakers, and exterior lighting that feels just right—not just for parties but for everyday life.
Entertainment That Goes Beyond the Game
Big-screen TVs aren’t just for the living room anymore. “Entertainment is a top area because it is relatively easy to make upgrades whether it’s adding electrical or mounting a TV,” notes Crowder. Streaming shows, watching live sports, or letting kids watch cartoons—all of it can now happen outside.
“People don’t just want to watch the game anymore; they watch kid’s cartoons or a favorite show outside,” she adds. A weather-resistant TV and a shaded spot are all you need to turn your patio into a home theater.
Music, Lights, Action
Music is another part of the outdoor experience that’s gotten easier to upgrade. “Music outside is popular and having speakers like Sonos are so easy to install and connect to your phone,” shares Crowder.
Wireless speakers are getting better every year. They’re louder, better suited to withstand weather conditions, and easier to control with your phone or voice assistant.
Lighting is also stepping up. “LED smart lights add to the ambience, whether it’s the café lights or it’s fun lights that you can make a certain color for holidays or to match your favorite team’s colors when they play,” she adds. This isn’t just about looks—it’s also about convenience. Controlling the brightness of ambient light and vibrant color from your phone or a voice command means fewer homeowners are fiddling with switches or timers.
Connectivity Is the Foundation
Your outdoor setup needs one thing to work well: a strong Wi-Fi signal. If your router is tucked in a corner of your house, the smart technology in your backyard might not get much coverage. A Wi-Fi extender or mesh system can solve that. Once the connection is strong, everything else—TV, weatherproof speakers, lights—works better.
What’s Popular Right Now
Here are some of the most common upgrades people are adding to their backyards:
- Outdoor TVs (made of weather-resistant materials and easy to mount)
- Smart lighting (color-changing LEDs you can control with an app)
- Great speakers (high quality like KEF and Sonos, or Bluetooth options like products from JBL that offer greater user mobility)
- Outdoor-rated power outlets (for plugging in gear safely; worth hiring an electrician!)
- Wi-Fi extenders (eero Outdoor 7 is cream of the crop)
- Mounted fans or heaters (for all-season comfort)
- Outdoor kitchen features (mini fridges, grills, cabinetry, and sinks can transform your space)
FAQ
Can smart home systems control backyard tech?
Yes. Many outdoor devices, like lights, speakers, and even TVs, now work with smart home systems like Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. You can group them together and control everything with voice commands or a phone app.
Do I need a contractor to install backyard technology?
Not always. Some upgrades, like Wi-Fi speakers or plug-in string lights, are simple enough to install yourself. For things like wiring for an outdoor theater or permanent landscape lighting, it may be smart to hire a pro—especially if it involves running new power lines.
