Speakers are the cornerstone of your entire audio experience. And with countless speaker brands, models, and designs — each with its own distinct sonic character — there’s more variety than ever to help you build the perfect setup.
These days, your audio source could be anything: a Spotify or Tidal stream from your smartphone, a warm analog signal from a turntable, a powerful stereo or integrated amplifier, or a full-blown Dolby Atmos mix from your AV receiver. No matter the source, your speakers are what ultimately bring it all to life — and the right ones can make all the difference.
But with so many options out there, what do you need? A set of towering floorstanding speakers to fill a big space, or will a pair of compact bookshelf speakers do the trick? Maybe a wireless Bluetooth or Wi-Fi speaker is all you need for your everyday listening.
Thankfully, today’s speakers come with more connectivity options than ever — Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, optical, USB, and classic analog RCA — giving you incredible flexibility. And while all that choice is great, it can also be a bit much. That’s where we come in. We’ve reviewed and spent time with some of the best speakers available right now to help you find the perfect match for your space, setup, and sound.
The best floorstanding speakers
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Solidly built
- Articulate and dynamic mids and highs
- Beautifully wide soundstage
- Not ideal for smaller rooms
| Specification: | |
| Size (DxWxH) | 38.3 x 7 x 13.7 inches; 42.9 pounds |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Active / Passive | Passive |
| Power | Recommended with 30-150-watt speakers into 8 ohms |
If you're new to the world of floorstanding or even bookshelf speakers, Wharfedale might not be a brand name that you've heard, which is something that needs to be rectified right now, because they make fantastic-sounding loudspeakers. And while we haven't officially reviewed the Diamond 12.3s, we have spent enough time with them and their smaller bookshelf siblings to know just how good they are.
While not the top of the Wharfedale range, the 2.5-way Diamond 12.3 floorstanding speakers strike a rare balance of price and performance at just over $1,000 a pair. Not too big and not too small at just under a meter in height, they deliver a broad soundstage, a 45Hz to 20kHz frequency response, offer punchy and full low end — especially at volume and with bass-heavy music like hip-hop and heavy rock — and articulate musicality across all kinds of genres. If you're worried about them filling a large room, don't be, just give them a little space apart and sit them out from the wall a bit and you'll be richly rewarded.
Solidly built and substantially weighted at just under 43 pounds each, the cabinets are highly anti-resonant. Available in three gorgeous finishes — black ash, walnut, and white oak — the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 look and feel premium because they are, only not at a premium price.
Best budget bookshelf speakers for music and TV
Fluance Ri71 Reference Stereo Powered Bookshelf Speakers
- Articulate, balanced sound
- 120-watts of clean power
- Elegant, wood-grain finishes
- Bluetooth aptX HD and HDMI ARC
- Excellent value for price
- No Wi-Fi or optical connectivity
- Remote is a bit basic
- No phono input
| Specification: | |
| Size (DxWxH) | 12.2 x 7.2 x 7.8 inches; 25 pounds (both) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, SBC, AAC), RCA, HDMI ARC, subwoofer out |
| Active / Passive | Active |
| Power | 120-watts (2 x 60 RMS) Class-D |
Bookshelf speakers might not be the first solution that comes to mind when you're thinking about a versatile audio solution for things like playing music, watching TV, or gaming. But powered speakers? They're quickly becoming the go-to for anyone who wants great sound without the hassle (or expense) of a traditional amp and passive speaker setup, or even a soundbar replacement. And Fluance — the Canadian brand that’s been quietly crushing it with turntables, home theater systems, and hi-fi gear — has a new contender that deserves your attention.
The Fluance Ri71 Reference Stereo Powered Bookshelf Speakers are a compact, $400 pair of powered speakers with way more punch and flexibility than you’d expect at this price. Delivering a solid 120-watts of power, they’re ideal for small-to-medium spaces and versatile enough for your TV, turntable, or even your laptop.
What makes them stand out so much that we awarded them four out of five stars in our review? They come packed with a ton of inputs: HDMI ARC for TV connectivity, RCA for your analog gear, and hi-res Bluetooth aptX HD for all your music streaming services. No receiver required. And if you need even more oomph, there’s a subwoofer out.
Oh, and they sound great for the price you pay, with soundstage for days, and some decent height for when you’re watching movies. Musically they’re balanced and clear (a little tinny in the highs at first, but once seasoned, that smooths out), and have punchy mids and lows. The Ri71s are a smart, stylish, and sonically-satisfying way to upgrade your setup without overcomplicating it.
Best passive bookshelf/standmount speakers
Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3
- Near unrivaled clarity and precision
- Clean, tight mids and lows
- Big bass for their size
- Good, but not cheap
| Specification: | |
| Size (DxWxH) | 8.5 x 6.5 x 11.8 inches, 10.3 pounds total |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Active / Passive | Passive |
| Power | 30-100 watts into 8 ohms |
From analog-loving vinyl nerds to even the most discerning of digital defenders, audiophiles across the spectrum can agree Bowers & Wilkins is synonymous with great-sounding speakers.
B&W's 606 and 607 S2 Anniversary range of bookshelf speakers, the former of which previously held a spot on this list, sold like hot cakes, and are thus not so easy to get your hands on anymore. But never fear, last year B&W unleashed a new crop of 600-series speakers for the taking, with our focus being on the smallest and most affordable in the range: the 607 S3 bookshelf/standmount speaker, coming it at a well-worth-it $900 a pair.
With several upgrades take from its 700 and 800 series speakers, including a redesigned titanium tweeter and improved cabinet construction for better imaging, the 607 S3 maintains B&W's prestige as one of the clearest, well-balanced, and most articulate speakers on the market. Imaging and soundstaging is superb, no matter the music you listen to, ensuring you'll hear all the little details in your music that you love.
Still available in black, white, and oak finishes, you just can't go wrong with these speakers. And if you like them and feel like expanding the system to accommodate your home theater, the new 600 series includes floorstanders, the slightly bigger 606 S3 bookshelves, and the HTM6 S3 center speaker, too.
For the audiophile music streamer
KEF LS50 Wireless II
- Clean, bold sound
- Easy to use
- Wi-Fi, USB, and HDMI ARC inputs
- Expensive
- Lacks RCA input for turntables
| Specification: | |
| Size (DxWxH) | 12.2 x 7.9 x 12 inches |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, coaxial, optical, 3.5mm AUX, subwoofer out, ethernet |
| Active / Passive | Active |
| Power | 100 watts to the tweeter, 280 watts to the mid/bass driver |
| Streaming | Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, UPnP, Roon Ready |
Known for their gorgeous detail and flat response, the wired iteration of KEF’s LS50 Meta bookshelf speakers have long ranked among the most beloved compact speakers in the audiophile world. But since then, the company introduced an internally amplified wireless iteration in 2017 that now has a successor all its own.
KEF didn't have to go back to any drawing board because this iteration carries over the power, precision, and beauty that made the LS50 Wireless a joy to look at and listen to. At the core of the LS50 Wireless II is a technology called Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), which is a clever way of saying the speakers can absorb unwanted sound in the tweeter's rear so that it doesn't affect the forward output.
Controlled by a smartphone app, they support Wi-Fi streaming from your device’s library, as well as Tidal, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer. The Connect app can access Internet radio stations, and the speakers can play network audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution, including built-in support for both AirPlay 2 and Chromecast. There's even Bluetooth, plus a slew of wired inputs, including HDMI, optical, coaxial, USB-A, and RCA so you could even connect a turntable.
Each speaker contains two built-in amplifiers — one for the woofer, one for the concentric tweeter — that combine for up to 280 watts per channel. That’s more than enough volume to blast music in all but the largest spaces and makes the LS50 II Wireless versatile enough to function well where some may have considered placing floor-standing speakers.
If you’re looking for big sound without the hassle of outboard amplifiers, preamps, and other gear, there is no better option than the KEF LS50 Wireless II, though you can easily fill a room even further through their two subwoofer outputs.
With easier use cases, new colors to choose from, and even better sound quality, the KEF LS50 Wireless II are the kind of 21st-century speakers that you’ll rave about for a long time to come.
Svelte and classic-looking powered speakers
Klipsch The Sevens
- Incredible sound
- Top-quality design/materials
- Generous inputs
- Adjustable EQ
- No Wi-Fi connection
- Can't see indicators when seated
| Specification: | |
| Size (DxWxH) | 10.8 x 8.13 x 16.3 inches; 22.3 pounds for the active speker, 20 pounds secondary |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, phono, USB, optical, 3.5mm AUX, subwoofer out |
| Active / Passive | Active |
| Power | 200 watts RMS |
Klipsch's excellent Heritage Wireless Room Speaker range not only sport a beautiful and classic wood finish that adds retro cool to your setup (they're also available in black, just in case), but the Sevens — the middle child in the range that includes The Fives and the big old The Nines ($1,500) — offer up a beefy 200 watts (400 peak) of volume and beautiful bass response so you don't need to add a sub. They're not overly small, and you might have a tough time setting them up on either side of your TV (should you want to use them as such), so it's a good thing they look so good.
Which brings us to their connectivity options. The beauty of many powered speakers is their versatility, and The Sevens are no different. HDMI-ARC means they'll sound great with your TV, but they also feature a phono preamp for connecting a turntable, digital optical should you want to stream hi-re lossless from a network streamer, RCA and USB inputs, and Bluetooth 5.
One of the unique features of The Sevens (and the rest of the Heritage range) is their top-mounted controls, which look sexy and include a source switch volume dial that's easily accessible — no reaching around the the back or the need to use an app, which The Sevens also have.
Our reviewer, Simon Cohen, loved the sound of The Sevens, praising the clarity of their 6.5-inch woofers and the overall clarity, precision, soundstage, and bass response, which also gets a boost from Klipsch's Dynamic Bass EQ feature. The only downside, Cohen points out, is that they don't do Dolby Atmos, something to keep in mind if you intend to use them as your daily TV driver. As primarily a music system, it's hard to beat The Sevens, but they'll also sound great in your TV room. Plus, if you want even more power, but like what Klipsch is doing here, check out The Nines.
Most versatile Bluetooth speaker system
Q Acoustics M20 HD Powered Wireless Music System
- Clear, refined sound with any music
- Wide soundstage in any room
- Versatility of placement
- Tons of connectivity options
- aptX HD Bluetooth
- A bit big for desktops
- Better with a subwoofer
| Specification: | |
| Size (DxWxH) | 11 x 6.7 x 11.6 inches; 11.2 pounds |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-A, 3.5mm aux, RCA input, digital optical, LFE output |
| Active / Passive | Active |
| Power | 64 watts |
The way we listen to music and other audio is changing and will continue to change, as consumers explore formats like vinyl records and lossless audio streaming servies, and even integrate their TV and movie watching experiences with their sound systems and setups.
Component audio systems are great, but they can be expensive and complicated. More desktop solutions, like the Q Acoustics M20 Bluetooth speakers, are going well beyond basic Bluetooth speakers to offer a more complete "music system," as we discovered when reviewing them. Sure, they're a great set of desktop speakers, but with a ton of connectivity options, including RCA, optical Toslink, USB, 3.5mm AUX, and aptX HD Bluetooth for high-resolution streaming at 24-bit/48kHz, and some innovative digital processing that lets you tell the speakers where they're being set up (in a corner, against a wall), the M20s are easily one of the most versatile and configurable sets of powered speakers that can serve a variety of sound functions.
Connected to a TV, computer, turntable, DVD player, you name it, the M20s sound big, clear, and dynamic, no matter what you play through them. The only area we found could use a little help was the low end, which could easily be remedied by adding a subwoofer (there's a sub-out port, too). Well worth the $600 price tag.
If you like the look and the features of the M20s but think you might need something bigger and louder, Q Acoustics recently launched the $999 M40 powered tower speakers as well.
Best desktop computer speakers
Kanto Ora
- Small, discreet footprint
- Impossibly clear reference sound
- Mids and highs that shine
- Killer low-end, especially with a sub
- 100 watts of power
- USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity
- A bit pricey
- No Bluetooth aptX support
- An optical input would be nice
- Doesn't come with cables
| Specification: | |
| Size (DxWxH) | 6.9 x 3.9 x 7.4 inches |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB-C, RCA input, LFE output, AC power |
| Active / Passive | Active |
| Power | 100 watts peak |
There's no rule that says that your office desk or PC gaming setup shouldn't have absolutely killer sound, even if you don't have a lot of space for big speakers. The Kanto Ora Reference Desktop Speakers are perfect for listening to music when you work, especially if that work involves mixing music or editing sound in videos.
As reference speakers, the Kanto Oras offer up precise, accurate sound with a flat frequency response that adds no color to the sound, meaning the music sounds just as it was recorded. And when I reviewed the Oras, they delivered — their sound is crystal clear, with particularly dynamic and beautiful mids and high frequencies that never fatigue the ears. And while the low frequencies of the Oras are full and rich on their own, especially for a set of speakers no larger than a small box set of DVDs, adding a subwoofer through their built-in output elevates the sound of these tiny speakers (each with a ¾-inch silk dome tweeter and a 3-inch woofer) to the truly remarkable.
The Kanto Oras feature all the key inputs needed for a range of connectivity, including RCA line in for a turntable or other analog sources, USB-C for a computer connection capable of up to 16-bit/48kHz playback, and Bluetooth (although, just SBC).
At $350, the Kanto Oras seem a bit pricey, but their 100 peak Class D watts of power (50 watts of bi-amplified power per speaker),and their pristine sound quality make them well worth the price.
Best overall Bluetooth speaker
JBL Xtreme 4
- Warm, rich, and dynamic sound
- Clear at higher volumes
- Insane 30-hour battery life
- Replaceable battery
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Expensive
- No AUX input
| Specification: | |
| Size (DxWxH) | 5.6 x 11.7 x 5.9 inches; 4.6 pounds |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 USB-C Auracast |
| Power | 100 watts |
| Water/dust resistance | IP67 |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours |
Following in the footsteps of the super-popular JBL Xtreme 3, JBL's latest model for 2024 is so far the best-sounding mid-sized Bluetooth speaker we've heard all year, landing it at the top of our best Bluetooth speakers list.
Why? Because its classic JBL sound signature sounds excellently balanced, big and smooth on the low end, and articulate and lively in the mids and highs, no matter the kind of music you like — and it can all be tweaked through the JBL Portables app.
For its rugby-ball sized design, the 100 watts of volume the Xtreme 4 pumps out is loud enough to fill whatever room you place it in, wherever you take it. And you will take it with you — its handy shoulder strap (with built-in bottle opener!) and IP67 dust and waterproof rating will make sure of that, removing any trepidation you might have about setting up next to a pool or on a dock.
One of the most significant upgrades the Xtreme 4 has received is in its battery life, with a huge step up form the Xtreme 3's 15 hours to a huge 24 hours (30 if using the Xtreme 4's Playtime Boost feature). But that isn't even the best part. Like several of JBL's newest speakers, the Xtreme 4 has a removable and replaceable battery pack, meaning you can extend the life of the speaker indefinitely.
The only hurdle some may not be able to get over is the Xtreme 4's $380 price, which we think is well worth it for the quality, ruggedness, portability, and longevity the speaker brings to the table.
The best Wi-Fi speaker
Sonos Era 100
- Big, expansive sound
- Bluetooth now built-in
- Optional analog line-in
- Super-easy room tuning
- No Google Assistant option
| Specification: | |
| Size (DxWxH) | 5.14 x 4.7 x 7.1 inches; 4.4 pounds |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, |
| Active / Passive | Active |
| Streaming | Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, Amazon Music, and Apple Music, AirPLay 2, Sonos Radio |
Sonos has been around for a minute, and when it comes to Wi-Fi-powered listening, it's one of the best brands in the world. For years, the Sonos Play:1 and One speakers were a Digital Trends favorite, and the only reason the previous generation is being nixed from this roundup (and discontinued from Sonos' lineup, actually) is because Sonos has an all-new lineup of Wi-Fi speakers. And for our money, the Sonos Era 100 is the best networkable speaker for most folks.
It all starts with the engineering and precision that has been such a staple of Sonos speakers for generations. Regardless of its small cylindrical shape, the Era 100 pushes out an impressively large amount of sound, and that's before we get into features like Automatic TruePlay (for iOS only), a returning calibration tool that fine-tunes the Era's projection based on your listening environment.
One of the best additions to Sonos' latest and greatest Wi-Fi speakers is the inclusion of Bluetooth as an alternative means of portable listening. Unlike the Sonos Move 2 or Roam 2 though, you'll need to have the Era 100 connected to a power source at all times. We're also excited to see the return of Alexa-powered voice controls and Sonos' own Voice Controller tool, but the lack of Google Assistant makes us a little sad.
If there was anything that would knock the Era 100 (or any Sonos speaker, for that matter) off this list, it's the issues that the once-brilliant Sonos app has been going through over the past year. While the app has bounced back a bit and does a decent job at controlling all your Sonos equipment, streaming music to all your networked speakers, and more, hopefully the updates will continue moving in the right direction.
The Sonos Era 100 is a world-class WI-Fi speaker, but honorable mention goes to its bigger and Dolby Atmos-capable sibling, the $450 Sonos Era 300.
Frequently Asked Questions
That's hard to say, as sound can be highly subjective. That being said, brands like Bose, Klipsch, JBL, Bowers and Wilkins, and KEF tend to be recognized as some of the best speaker names in audio. It also depends on what you'll be using your speakers for. The best home theater speakers may not show off a fine collection of jazz vinyl. On the other side of the token, you wouldn't blast superhero films through a record connoisseur's bookshelf set. For a more thorough look, check out our roundup of the best speaker brands of 2024.
It depends on what you're looking for in a speaker. Let's say you're after a great-sounding portable speaker. You'll want to look for a product that can handle the elements, and provide multiple forms of connection (auxiliary, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.), along with plenty of battery life for the times when you don't have ready access to a charging station. If you're looking for a dedicated set of home theater speakers, you'll want to focus on features like wattage, resistance, driver and cabinet materials, as well as aesthetic craftsmanship. After all, no one wants to own a premium set of hi-fi speakers that have no chance of blending in with home decor.
Wattage doesn't necessarily translate to "quality." Wattage is merely a measure of how much power a speaker is capable of outputting. While a 1,000-watt speaker may be louder than a 100-watt speaker, what tends to matter most is the engineering that goes into the speaker as a whole, accounting for everything from cabinet to drivers, woofers, and tweeter(s).
Not necessarily. Yes, there are high-wattage speakers that pack quite a punch in terms of volume and sound incredible, but most folks will be more than happy with a 50-watt set of high-quality bookshelf speakers that focus more on design and engineering rather than pure power.
There are a number of things you can do to bolster the sound quality of your speakers. For starters, take a look at your listening space. Would moving a couch or chair benefit your experience? What about the speakers themselves? Typically, you'll want to try and triangulate your seating to place you in the center of the listening space, with your speaker drivers aimed towards you. Subwoofers are a whole different story.
If your speakers are placed on the floor, try and place them on shelves or speaker stands. Bookshelf speakers will often sound better when matched to your ear height when seated.
There are also a number of EQ options you can probably play with on your A/V receiver or stereo amplifier. Open these menus up and tweak things like speaker size, decibel output, and sound formats to see if it makes a difference in the final sound.
Everything from size, cabinet/driver design, power handling, and frequency response goes into what makes a top-tier speaker a top-tier. Typically, offerings from dedicated audio companies will be the better choices, but there's a host of incredible speakers produced by TV companies and other electronics umbrellas. Ultimately, the final word comes down to what you think. Wire up, sit back, and soak in the sound.
Yes, many powered speakers support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Just make sure that you check the specs and consider device compatibility before you purchase.
Yes, absolutely. Google Assistant and Alexa are supported by a growing collection of smart speakers, portable speakers, soundbars, and receivers.
That depends. If you are in a small space, we don’t recommend it, but if you’re looking to make a small pair of speakers perform better with hip-hop, dance music, or for more cinematic sound, we recommend considering a good subwoofer to reach the lowest end of the frequency spectrum. Most pairs of speakers do not come with a subwoofer unless indicated, but most soundbars do.
Unless your speakers are powered, you will need some form of stereo or integrated amplifier or AV receiver to power them.
Some powered speakers do have USB inputs to support digital music — just make sure to check the spec list if this is desired.
Most powered speakers do offer a 3.5mm input. Most amplifiers and receivers offer an RCA input, but you can use an adapter to easily connect a 3.5mm source.
Technically yes, but you’ll want to make sure that the impedance matches, and you might want to consider a larger, more powerful amplifier for larger speakers. As a general rule, it is usually better to have too much power than not enough (although you’ll want to be careful to make sure you don’t damage your speakers).
We test speakers the way normal people live.
We run every speaker through a rigorous process over the course of several days or weeks. That includes playing them in all sorts of scenarios, be it in the listening room, computer room, or at the office, and playing back from our device library, CDs, vinyl, and streaming services like Spotify.
For wireless speakers, we also test range, connection stability, and interference in areas with a lot of radio frequency interference. For non-powered speaker models, we listen via a variety of amplifiers, ensuring we have a good idea of what each model is doing given different power and sources.
Finally, we compare each speaker to some of our go-to models, both in their class and price point, as well as a level or two above to find out if they can punch above their weight. This ensures that we are putting them in perspective with the larger industry, and also cements the way that we think about the price-to-performance ratio of each speaker we test.
