Many speakers are available on the market today besides stereo speakers. You can look for a Hi-Fi system, a surround sound system, etc. However, they all demand a lot of space in the room. Having a proper space for big speakers in your room is a blessing, but bookshelf speakers will work just as fine. Most notably, when you do not have the space or the budget for a bigger home theater setup. These speakers are perfect for the small corners in your room, study table, or at the top of a bookshelf.
Bookshelf speakers are comparatively smaller but provide sound quality equal to high-end speakers. They are great for listening to your favorite great all-around songs while working or studying. Such speakers are pretty handy, and you can move them around your place according to your mood.
Since getting smaller-sized bookshelf speakers is becoming a priority, many companies constantly develop better designs. Yet, this quantity of choice might make things more difficult. So, if you plan to get a bookshelf speaker, we will help you make your decision.
Table of Contents
What to Look For in a Bookshelf Speaker?
When you go out for bookshelf speaker shopping, expect to spend some time combing through everything. Many similar products are on offer, but that doesn’t mean they are the same. So, you should know how to select the quality ones. Here are some pointers that’ll ease up this process.
● Sound Quality
Since bookshelf speakers are smaller, it is understandable that they have some limitations. But some companies produce exceptional quality speakers, ensuring excellent sound quality. So, while getting a bookshelf speaker, consider the sound quality and then get the one that matches your requirement and tastes.
● Durability
Another essential factor is the product’s durability. Speakers are usually a long-term investment. Therefore, they should serve you for at least a few years. So, you should pay close attention to the longevity and durability of the product before making the final purchase.
● Brand Reputation
Before trusting any brand, you should get familiar with its background. For this, feel free to consult some past users’ opinions. If there’s a history of positive feedback, it might be a trustworthy company.
● Customer Service
Before settling for a brand, explore the limits of its customer support service first. They should be fast to answer your queries before the panic builds up too high. For this, there should be a dedicated team, preferably available 24/7. Reliable customer service should be your top priority before trusting a brand with your money. Otherwise, you can face technical issues without any solid solution.
● Material
The material of the speakers should be high quality and shock-resistant to an extent. Also, look for rubber pads beneath the body to prevent slipping when on top of your shelf. At the same time, make sure that the wires of your speaker are strong enough to withstand a sudden minor shock. If you neglect those aspects, things might get dangerous. So, take your time and make your decision after deliberate research.
This article reviews the best overall bookshelf speakers for all budgets. If you have a specific price range in mind, take a look at these other articles below:
- Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $2000
- Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $1000
- Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $500
- Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $200
- Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $100
The 8 Best Bookshelf Speakers
To help you make the right decision on a good basis, we have jotted down a list of the best eight bookshelf speakers. These products have excellent quality and perform exceptionally in action. The reviews and ratings of these speakers are also amazing, which brought them to our attention. So, without further delay, let’s begin with our list.
1. Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers – Best Overall
Edifier is a prominent name in the speakers and headphones industry. They create great products that satisfy any avid music fan. So, if you are a music lover, you must have already heard about this brand.
Today, we have Edifier Powered bookshelf speakers on the top of our list. It is an excellent addition to your setup due to its attributes. It provides a crisp audio output while taking up a small space on your desk or table.
Also, these speakers are quite stylish and add value to the vibe of the whole room. If you want to get a speaker that looks good, then this is the option for you.
It is a versatile speaker that gives fantastic performance by keeping the sound quality as natural as possible. The Edifier bookshelf speakers provide precise control for the user to fine-tune the bass, volume, and treble according to their mood.
Since every person has different priorities, Edifier provides customization features for their preferred audio experiences.
The speaker comes with a remote control so you can adjust the volume from a distance without much hassle. It also has a built-in autotune system in the active speaker. Plus, you can connect this speaker to multiple devices at one time with a dual RCA input.
This masterpiece is truly worth every penny at such an affordable price. It is an affordable and high-quality product that will enrich your home theater. Or it can be your perfect study or work partner as well.
Ratings
- Sound quality: 9
- Brand repo: 9
- Durability: 9
- Customer service: 8
- Material: 9
Product Specs
| Dimensions: | 6.9 x 9.5 x 5.8 inches |
| Warranty: | 2 years |
| Material: | Wood finish |
| Device Connection: | 2 x AUX inputs |
Pros
- Small and stylish
- Affordable
- Speakers sound natural
- Superb audio quality
- Great material and finish
Cons
- Short wires
- No tech support
2. Polk Audio T15 Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers — Best Budget Speakers
Another brand famous for its quality products, especially when it comes to speakers, is Polk. It is a well-known brand, which earned a reputation within a very short period. Hence, Polk’s Audio T15 bookshelf speakers will be a notable addition to your setup.
Furthermore, adding these speakers will result in a”home theater”-like experience for the listeners. In practice, it is difficult to identify that the music is coming only from bookshelf speakers. The speakers come with a 0.75-inch tweeter and 5.25 inches balance speaker drivers.
It produces natural and well-balanced sound even at the lower frequencies. By investing in this speaker, you will create enjoyable audio surroundings. You can further enhance the system by adding a few compatible products. For example, feel free to combine it with other speakers from the Polk’s T series.
Since the brand strives to produce affordable products for the customers, these bookshelf speakers come at a reasonable price. Also, they are easy to install practically anywhere in the room.
Thanks to the latest technology, the bookshelf speakers by Polk have excellent audio quality for music, TV, and movies. As such, they provide a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a product you’ll have no trouble implementing or getting used to.
Ratings
- Sound quality: 9
- Brand repo: 9
- Durability: 8
- Customer service: 9
- Material: 8
Product Specs
| Dimensions: | 7.3 x 6.5 x 10.7 inches |
| Peak power handling: | 100 watts |
| Driver size: | 0.75 inches tweeter and 5.25 inches balance driver |
| Frequency range: | 60Hz-24Hz |
Pros
- Clear sound
- Reasonable price
- Easy to install
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Not the best choice for larger rooms
3. Klipsch R-41M Powerful Detailed Bookshelf Home Speaker – Best Value for Money
Klipsch outdid itself with the R-41 M bookshelf speakers for quality and versatility. The brand is popular for creating innovative products that add value to its users’ lives. They strive to provide great value as affordable as possible, thus earning a place among the best bookshelf speakers.
The speaker’s compact design allows for an effortless setup process. You can even mount these on your wall if you prefer. The speaker weighs only 7 pounds, so you can easily move it around.
Also, this elegant pair of speakers adds to the aesthetics of the whole room. On the other hand, this speaker is also good for high frequencies with the 90 x 90 tractix square horn technology. As a result, the sound will not seem artificial. Due to this technology, the listener can enjoy music with the appropriate clarity and texture.
A one-inch aluminum tweeter ensures no distortion in the sound, making it super smooth and enhanced. At the same time, it has a low-frequency response due to copper IMG woofers.
However, it needs a good quality speaker wire and other parts to shine. If you do not get those with the box, you should buy them separately and quickly connect everything.
In short, if you love music, you’ll love Klipsch’s extremely lightweight speakers. They are reliable if you value excellent sound quality and volume. Also, these speakers provide the option for controlling the bass and treble. By tinkering with those, you can adjust every aspect to sound great.
Ratings
- Sound quality: 8
- Brand repo: 8
- Durability: 9
- Customer service: 8
- Material: 7
Product Specs
| Dimensions: | 7.87 x 5.75 x 11.3 inches |
| Material: | Textured vinyl |
| Power handling: | 200 watts |
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Physically beautiful
- Sturdy build
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- High-quality cables are needed to enhance the sound quality
4. ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC is one of the oldest names among the best bookshelf speakers manufacturers. To this end, they’ve always followed suit with the latest tech. Due to never compromising on quality, ELAC remains one of the most lauded brands online. They have a huge line-up of debut 2.0 speakers, so you have a lot of variety when selecting a pair of ELAC bookshelf speakers.
This line-up became popular almost upon launching, as customers were quick to notice. The B5.2 pair has a front-facing port which is super convenient for speaker placement. Hence, you do not have to worry about putting the speaker against the wall. You can also get speaker stands and place this pair of speakers on them.
It has a newly developed one-inch soft-dome tweeter which helps in increasing the frequency response up to 35 kHz. The woofer has a clean and tight pattern that keeps the bass response clean even at high frequencies. Moreover, the speaker cabinet does not vibrate with loud sounds, which is why the sound quality remains top-notch.
ELAC truly fulfills the qualities of a good pair of speakers for the price. This speaker’s clear sound, bass quality, and mid-range are excellent. Since it checks all those boxes, there’s little doubt why it is such a popular product.
As a result, the ELAC bookshelf speakers offer an above-average sound quality. The speakers are also highly durable. Hence, they are easy to acquire, effortless to connect, and serve you for a long time.
Ratings
- Sound quality: 7
- Brand repo: 9
- Durability: 8
- Customer service: 7
- Material: 8
Product Specs
| Dimensions: | 7.09 x 13.43 x 9.21 inches |
| Frequency range: | 46Hz to 35kHz |
| Material: | Vinyl |
| Tweeter: | one-inch soft-dome |
Pros
- Modern design
- Amazing sound and bass response
- Natural sound quality
- No distortion
Cons
- Tricky to tune
- It needs an amplifier for the best results
5. Triangle Borea BR03 Hi-Fi Bookshelf Speakers
Next up, the brand that we are going to discuss is Triangle. Triangle’s Hi-Fi pair of speakers is not inexpensive, but they are worth every penny. They are the kind that keeps you hooked for years and years without feeling the need for upgrades. The Hi-Fi speaker rattled the masses soon after the announcement, but was all the hype worth it? After testing it prudently, we can indeed confirm that question. Overall, it’s a great choice for your room’s physical space.
The fancy-looking pair of speakers looks quite at home whenever you decide to rest them. The color and the build of the speaker are very attractive, and guests are sure to take great interest in them. On a related note, the speaker weighs only one pound, so you can carry it around freely.
These Hi-Fi speakers by Triangle are perfect for any music lover who likes to listen closely. The Hi-Fi system enhances the entire experience via the clear signal output. It comes equipped with a 25mm EFS silk dome tweeter and 16 cm mid-range or bass driver to a great effect. You just have to tune them correctly and relax to your favorite tracks. So, learning how to utilize all options is important. Hence, you should give some adjustment period.
Thanks to the small dimensions, you can reposition the speakers as much as you want, just to find that perfect angle. You can even mount it on any flat surface since it’s so lightweight and compact.
All in all, this is a great pair if you can afford it. Once set, these speakers will change the way you perceive music or even watch TV shows and movies. On the same note, they won’t disappoint when it comes to YouTube videos and podcasts, too. In short, they’ll always be up to the task.
Ratings
- Sound quality: 8
- Brand repo: 8
- Durability: 8
- Customer service: 9
- Material: 8
Product Specs
| Dimensions: | 8.11 x 12.36 x 14.96 inches |
| Frequency range: | 46 Hz to 22 kHz |
| Power handling: | 100 watts |
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Clear and Irish sound delivery
- Worth the price
- Hi-Fi sound system
Cons
- It lacks a bit of bass response
6. AmazonBasics Bookshelf Speakers with Active Speakers
AmazonBasics is a favorite brand among music lovers and one that is yet to let them down. They create top-notch products with no notable shortcomings. Best of all, they tend to keep the low asking price as well. Throughout the years, Amazon Basics became synonyms with innovative ideas and high-end tech.
Thanks to the policy of thorough research and development, they are one of the pioneers in the industry. Even today, they don’t divert from this path. Hence, the active speakers from AmazonBasics are a classic balance of quality and good appearance.
The physically admirable pair of speakers portray the wooden craftsmanship with hints of black. The sleek design of the speakers looks modern while placed on your study table or display. The build quality is excellent, due to which the speakers do not vibrate even on loud volumes. For that, there is the one-inch tweeter that governs the overall sound.
However, these speakers are comparatively larger speakers. As a result, they are heavier too but provide better audio quality as well. Therefore, ensure to reserve enough space for this product.
These pairs of speakers have wireless connectivity, so you can use Bluetooth to pair them with your phone PC. You can do this even at a distance of up to 33 feet. On the other hand, the active speakers have a maximum power output of 80 watts.
With these speakers comes a remote control that you can use to adjust the settings from a distance. This tool adds to the overall convenience and efficacy of these items. As such, you can easily switch to using them as they become your favorite media peripheral.
Ratings
- Sound quality: 8
- Brand repo: 8
- Durability: 7
- Customer service: 6
- Material: 7
Product Specs
| Dimensions: | 7.66 x 10.59 x 13.46 inches |
| Weight: | 23 pounds |
| Power output: | 80 watts |
| Material: | Wood |
Pros
- Sleek and elegant design
- Great active speakers
- Wireless connectivity
- Remote control
Cons
- No volume level display
7. Singing Wood T25 Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Next up, we have Singing Wood which has a wide range of audio gear that many enthusiasts search for. This brand doubles down on producing eye (and ear)-catching music devices for a great price. To that end, they always improve upon their previous offering. As a result, they often put up the best bookshelf speakers.
The T25 passive bookshelf speakers by Singing Wood are another great addition. Yet, since these are passive bookshelf speakers, you will need to attach modern amplifiers or receivers to use them. The speakers have a classic outlook that complements any bookshelf in good taste. The audio-grade MDF wood reduces the chances of vibration and cabinet resonance. Thus, you’ll hear every note clearly. Plus, there’s the built-in wall-mount feature, allowing you a ton of options when installing them.
Another noteworthy element is the four-inch bass driver. With it, you can quickly adjust the sound’s texture or experiment to your fancy. So, it is perfect when you put on some bass-heavy music. A high-quality 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter is also present in these speakers, and it helps produce correct frequency responses.
The fantastic customer service by Singing Wood is also a fan-favorite. It’s one of the reasons why people stick with the brand. Moreover, you also get a 24 monthly exchangeable warranty with two years service warranty.
Undoubtedly, these are some of the best bookshelf speakers available on the market. Also, they are compatible with most receivers, amplifiers, and Hi-Fi systems. Because of that, you are certain to find much use in this great product. Finally, you won’t need to break the bank when purchasing them.
Ratings
- Sound quality: 7
- Brand repo: 7
- Durability: 8
- Customer service: 7
- Material: 8
Product Specs
| Dimensions: | 5.2 x 7 x 8.9 inches |
| Weight: | Wood |
| Warranty: | 1 year |
| Frequency response: | 55Hz to 20kHz |
Pros
- Detailed and smooth tweeter
- Natural sound
- Strong build
- Decent bass response
Cons
- It needs an amplifier or receiver to function
8. Acoustic Audio AA321B Mountable Indoor Speakers Bookshelf
Acoustic Audio produces some excellent speakers and related audio gear. It is a well-known brand that consistently evolves with the times. Hence, many cite it as their first choice.
For this list, we have the AA321B speakers from Acoustic Audio as one of the best bookshelf speakers. They pack a lot of power in their compact design and are also easy on the pocket. So, they might be the answer when you need new music devices on a budget.
Furthermore, these mountable wired speakers are an excellent choice for people who listen to music often. They are multipurpose speakers with various setups, great even for surround sound systems.
The build and material of these speakers are durable and long-lasting. Plus, there is the polypropylene full-range woofer that does much of the heavy lifting and also diverts attention. Therefore, you can easily pair these with any stereo system.
To get the maximum output, you need to use a good quality amplifier or receiver with these speakers. Either way, they won’t restrict your space since they are small and cute. In that way, they are a strong candidate for your next upgrade.
Ratings
- Sound quality: 7
- Brand repo: 8
- Durability: 7
- Customer service: 6
- Material: 7
Product Specs
| Dimensions: | 3.5 x 3.5 x 4.5 inches |
| Frequency response: | 150 Hz to 20kHz |
| Power: | 200 watts |
| Weight: | 1.3 pounds |
Pros
- Small size
- Clear sound
- Super affordable
- Great overall performance
Cons
- No cables included
Buying Guide
In an expanding market, it might get time-consuming to find just the right product for you. Most notably, when it comes to widely used items like bookshelf speakers. However, there are a few things that you should always keep in mind. In other words, fundamental starting points. Utilizing them correctly is a learned skill, though. So, read on and find out how to stay “in-tune” with the best bookshelf speakers available today.
● Wired or Wireless
Before going bookshelf speakers shopping, you should consider your requirements and comfort level. Once you understand your priorities, you will be able to decide whether you want wired speakers or wireless. Both speaker types are readily available on the market.
However, in any case, wireless speakers are much easier to operate than wired ones. You have to keep the speakers at a specific distance from the socket if they are wired, but you can put wireless speakers anywhere you like. Moreover, it is a huge plus point if the speakers have wireless connectivity too; they are super convenient to use.
● Passive or Active Speakers
It depends on personal preference and budget regarding the right speaker type. Generally, if you can afford a separate amplifier, you may want to opt for passive speakers. Otherwise, look for an active type. According to statistics, people often settle for the latter due to its convenience.
● Size
The size matters a lot when it comes to bookshelf speakers because you want to place them in a small space or corner. So, to get the perfect bookshelf speakers, you should look for small speakers with excellent audio quality.
● Audio Tests
Speakers have variable audio qualities, so it is always better to do the audio test in the store. So, take your time there and check a few tracks. While doing so, make sure to follow along and note if any background noise makes an appearance. Also, you should play audio according to your choice to test their real potential.
● Cost
Though most bookshelf speakers do not cost an arm and a leg, some are quite expensive. When getting small-sized speakers, you do not want to spend too much money on them. So, you should inquire about the general price ranges of these speakers first. Next, set your budget accordingly before going out to purchase them. As evident by this guide, there are several affordable bookshelf speakers that you can go for.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which are better: active or passive speakers?
An active speaker comes with a built-in amplifier, and you can instantly start using it without buying extra audio gear. Most people find it convenient due to this utility. On the other hand, passive speakers require an additional amplifier to really function.
However, that setup might provide better results in the end. Yet, it’s the costlier and more time-consuming of the two.
Hence, an active speaker is the better option by itself. Also, it is reliable when it comes to good quality sound, most notably regarding the bass and frequency ranges. So, it is safe to say that you should get a pair of active speakers if you’re looking to save some bucks.
2. Is a subwoofer necessary for bookshelf speakers?
No, bookshelf speakers will work perfectly fine without a subwoofer. However, adding a subwoofer to your bookshelf speakers will improve their output. Hence, a true audiophile would always look for a compatible subwoofer to bring it all together. So, it all comes down to how much you’re willing to spend.
3. Do I need to place bookshelf speakers on the bookshelf only?
No, you are not bound to place your bookshelf speakers at any specific place. It depends on your mood and preference; position them wherever there’s enough space for it.
4. Should I get a stand for my bookshelf speakers?
You can place your speakers on a stand if they have their design allows it in the first place. However, most speakers cannot be placed on any stand due to lack of support, meaning they might fall off. So, you should confirm this aspect before settling for a choice.
5. Do bookshelf speakers have good bass?
It depends on the quality of the speakers in question. Every pair has a different bass level, so you should inquire about the bass range. This is yet another point you should focus on promptly.
Conclusion
Bookshelf speakers are an innovative product that combines quality and portability. Even if you have a small room, you can install them and enjoy some good hip hop or any other genre of your liking. Thus, not having much choice in that manner is not a handicap since there’s always a ton of options. When one has limited space, getting bookshelf speakers might be the only substitute to surround speakers.
This guide points to some of the best choices around. We’ve included trustworthy brands who like to improve and provide for their customers. So, by opting for any of these eight best bookshelf speakers, you can improve the vibe of your room.
To accommodate all tastes, this list holds items with various asking prices. In that way, you can easily select the one that matches your budget. Then, let us know which one comes up on top for you. We’d love to hear your feedback, so feel free to sound off in the comments!
Expert Tip
Do not go for the most expensive bookshelf speakers because you can get a proper sound system for that same price instead. Instead, look for affordable and compact items that you can easily accommodate even in the kids’ room.
Did You Know?
Bookshelf speakers were first manufactured in 1975 by Spencer Hughes and Dudley Harwood. Since then, we have seen better and improved versions every day. However, the industry will not forget their contributions any time soon.
John Fleming is the senior editor for Audiophilez.com, covering everything from headphones to smart speakers. He is a graduate of Music Production and Technology. Before Audiophilez, John began his career as a staff writer for two different magazines, where he became a skilled storyteller across different mediums. When he isn’t writing, he can be found biking, reading books, and playing the piano.
