From casual listeners to self-proclaimed audiophiles, to those who just want to enhance their movie experiences, audio is important to all of us. We care about the quality of the speaker system when we hear our favorite songs, movies, and TV shows coming out of. True Audiophiles are always in search of the best speakers for their home.
The market for speaker models has an expansive and oversaturated range and can be extremely confusing. From Sony to Polk Audio, and JBL, and Klipsch—all great brands—the choices are endless.
First, it’s important to determine what type of speakers you are looking for, whether you are looking for something as simple as something to listen to music quietly within a small bedroom, looking for something to play your tunes at the beach, or trying to transform your living room, basement, or den into the ultimate home theater.
On top of all this, it may be hard to know if the speaker you’re thinking of buying is worth the cost or not. What is the quality of the brand and model you are looking at, and how does its value look when considering cost?
We understand that this is a big decision, and are excited to share with you an overview of the 12 best speaker brands out there so you can get started hearing a whole new world of sound through your new high-quality audio system. Without further adieu, let’s jump right into our top 12 list detailing the best speaker options.
The Best Speakers for Your Home | Frequently Asked Questions
We found and answered a few important frequently asked questions regarding speakers.
- What Speakers Should I Choose Based on My Usage?
- Can I Mix Speaker Models or Brands?
- Can I Buy a Different Subwoofer than My Speakers’ Brand?
- Do I Need Two or More Subwoofers?
- What Is the Overall Price Range of Speakers?
1. What Speakers Should I Choose Based on My Usage?
Casual Music Listening
If you primarily listen to quieter music, one pair of speakers will most likely offer what you need, and you can even enjoy the occasional TV program or movie with them as well. Two-speaker sets are usually perfect if you are a passive music listener, and you don’t see yourself taking the time to sit down and enjoy your music for prolonged periods of time. A pair of quality computer speakers, bookshelf speakers, or even a smart speaker that will allow you to use Amazon Alexa, may be your ticket to success.
For the Audiophile
If you want more bass, you may even want to consider adding a small subwoofer into the mix. If you’re an active listener and you want a seriously booming sound from your Spotify playlist that will blow your hair back, a pair of monitors or floor-standing speakers are your best bet for stereo speakers to achieve the great sound you are looking for and will provide a great listening experience in your living room.
2. Can I Mix Speaker Models or Brands?
You can, but we wouldn’t recommend it. When you’re using 2 speakers, one speaker plays the left signal, the other plays the right (they are different signals, giving you a stereo sound).
If you have two different brands (or even two different speakers), you’re going to be hearing the signal differently. Not the end of the world, but an odd thing to do on purpose.
3. Can I Buy a Different Subwoofer than My Speakers’ Brand?
This is another case of easily being able to do this, and in this case, there’s nothing wrong with that. Subwoofers are mono and built to sound different than speakers anyway—and you already have your left and right speaker.
The sub is a big part of a high-performance home theater system, and it is important to choose it carefully. When people think of subwoofers rattling car trunks might come to mind. No! Subwoofers are just about delivering the low end that smaller speakers can’t—a subtle low end goes a long way.
4. Do I Need Two or More Subwoofers?
2 subwoofers for one system within a home isn’t necessary. While a single subwoofer will do fine on its own, there are some advantages to adding a second subwoofer, the main one being that it offers double the bass.
Keep in mind if you get two subwoofers, each one will have to do less work on its own, and your overall sound will be much more clear and balanced. Two subs will also work together to even out “dead spots” in the room where the sound isn’t as good.
5. What Is the Overall Price Range of Speakers?
Speakers have immense price ranges, and it can be difficult to tell if you’re getting a good deal or not.
For our top 12 list, we only picked those models we feel offer the best value for the money and are the perfect choices for our budget-conscious readers. The overall price range for our top 12 list is around $50 to $2,500.
How We Reviewed the Speakers on This List
In this review, we bring you an unbiased best-of list of some of the best speakers—for all purposes. This list includes Bluetooth speakers, sound bars, surround sound systems, bookshelf speakers, and more.
While you obviously wouldn’t use them interchangeably, we know that true audiophiles are always looking for a speaker or two for every occasion.
In this buying guide, we review these different speakers based on the following parameters: their respective unique features, as well as their pros and cons.
What Speakers We Reviewed:
- Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Bose Soundlink Revolve+ Bluetooth Speaker
- Floor Speakers: Klipsch Reference Series Dual 8″ 2-way Floor Speaker
- Bookshelf Speaker: Elac Uni-Fi UB5
- Sound Bar w/Subwoofer: Vizio SB3621
- Wireless Bookshelf Speakers: KEF LS50 Wireless
- Portable Smart Speaker: Sonos One
- Computer Speakers: Aperion Allaire
- Bookshelf Speaker: Q Acoustics 3020i
- Sound Bar: Yamaha YAS-207
- Studio Monitors w/Sub: JBL 306P MkII
- Floor Speakers: Emotiva Airmotiv T1
- Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: JBL Flip 3
Bose Soundlink Revolve+ Bluetooth Speaker
Features
This portable Bluetooth speaker is the music festival camper’s dream. It is water-resistant and features a convenient top carrying handle and even resembles a lantern in its shape.
It offers Voice command options for Bluetooth connection. The Bose Soundlink Revolve+ is also compatible with Siri and Google Assistant and has speakerphone capabilities.
Its lithium battery allows for 16 hours of use on a single charge. One more unique feature of this device is that it has tripod mounting capabilities with its threaded universal mount, so it will work with almost any tripod.
Pros
- Pristine sound quality
- Appealing design
- Rated by most as “easy to use”
- Very durable, great for the outdoors
- Excellent compatibility
- Loud enough to throw neighborhood social distancing parties
- 360-degree speakers, so everyone gets the same experience
- Features “Party Mode” and “Stereo Mode”
- Great battery life
Cons
- Customers have complained the app doesn’t work great
- Somewhat expensive when compared to other portable Bluetooth speakers
Price
Around $300
Warranty
There are two options for protection plans. The 2-year protection plan costs an extra $24.99. The 3-year protection plan is available for only $33.99
Klipsch Reference Series Dual 8″ 600-Watt Passive 2-way Floor Speaker
Features
This speaker is great for medium to large size rooms and offers very crisp, clear, and robust audio, and is very stylish-looking with its wood-grain finish.
It has two copper-spun high-output IMG woofers.
Pros
- Comes with a free four-month subscription to Apple Music for new users
- Powerful and crisp sound
- Very stylish
Cons
- Not necessarily a con, as it is meant to be a standalone speaker, but it should be noted that this speaker is sold individually
- Subwoofer is also sold separately
Price
About $300 each
Warranty
This one also has the same two options as above for protection plans. The 2-year protection plan costs an extra $24.99. The 3-year protection plan is available for only $33.99
Elac Uni-Fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers
Features
This high-quality bookshelf speaker is great for audio lovers with smaller rooms and serious listeners.
This speaker has a tweeter inside a 4-inch midrange driver (that’s known for enhancing clarity).
This driver combines with a 5.25-inch bass driver to offer flat and dynamic response regardless of the music genre.
Pros
- Elegant look with silver accents adorning the outside each speaker cone
- Solid construction that is built to last
- Tweeter inside a 4-inch midrange driver
- 5.25-inch bass driver for flat and dynamic response
Cons
- None worth noting
Price
About $530 for a pair.
Warranty
Three-year warranty
Vizio SB3621 Sound Bar w/Subwoofer
Features
These models offer an Amazon exclusive with DTS Virtual:X that delivers a virtual overhead sound for an immersive sound experience. The wireless subwoofer will allow you to experience room-shaking bass, and the Bluetooth capabilities allow you to listen from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. You’ll enjoy the 100 dB of room-filling crystal clear sound.
Pros
- Wireless subwoofer
- Bluetooth capabilities
- Less than 1% total harmonic distortion
- Easy setup
Cons
- Pairing multiple devices with Bluetooth may cause problems
- Bass can be overpowering
Price
About $180
Warranty
One-year warranty
KEF LS50 Wireless Powered Music System
Features
This dual speaker set is perfect for the streaming music enthusiast who wants the best possible wireless sound.
These bookshelf models are revered among the audiophile world with their powerful and precise sound.
They are controlled by a smartphone app; they support Wi-Fi streaming, and will stream network audio at up to 24bit/192kHz resolution.
Each speaker has two built-in amplifiers (one for the tweeter, one for the woofer) that combine up to 230 watts per channel.
Pros
- Great for the streaming enthusiast
- Control the speakers through a smartphone app
- Supports streaming up to 24bit/192kHz resolution
- Two built-in amps per speaker
Cons
- None worth noting
Price
About $2,500 for a pair
Warranty
One-year warranty
Sonos One (2nd Gen)
Features
This model integrates Alexa voice control (similar to the Echo but with better sound quality).
It offers most of Alexa’s smart home controls, and its far-field microphone performs similarly to an Echo.
It works seamlessly as part of a multi-room system by Sonos and can pair with another of its model for real stereo sound.
Pros
- Offers Alexavoice control
- Step up from the Echo
- Far-field microphone
- Can be easily paired with other ones for a surround sound experience
- Google Assistant
Cons
- No Bluetooth
Price
About $200 for one
Warranty
One-year warranty
Aperion Allaire Computer Speakers
Features
This speaker model has an outstanding sound quality, great looks, and easy connectivity.
It’s great for the headphone weary computer listeners and jack-less phone owners.
This compact model offers a great combination of high-end sound quality, versatility, and connectivity.
It has Bluetooth, a digital optical input, an analog input, a subwoofer output, and a USB port for charging devices.
You can also place them on your bookshelf because the 1-inch dome tweeter and 4-inch woven fiberglass woofer are powered by two 50 watt built-in amplifiers per speaker.
Pros
- Great for any small to medium-sized room
- Many connectivity options
- Great for computers, phones, and on bookshelves
- 1-inch dome tweeter with 4-inch fiberglass woofer
- Two 50-watt built-in amplifiers per speaker
Cons
- Speaker cannot be paired with a basic universal remote for TV usage
- Unable to change the volume using a remote
- Not great for TV usage
Price
About $400 for a pair
Warranty
One-year warranty
Q Acoustics 3020i Bookshelf Speakers
Features
This affordable bookshelf loudspeaker offers a smooth, rich sound in a relatively compact design. The model itself is well-built, looks handsome, and is available in a vast number of attractive finishes.
Pros
- Advanced low distortion and wide dispersion
- 5-inch drive unit
- Impressive frequency response
- Excellent warranty
Cons
- Not suitable for wall-mounting
Price
About $315 for a pair
Warranty
Five-year warranty
Yamaha YAS-207 Sound Bar w/Subwoofer
Features
This soundbar and subwoofer model is loaded with bells and whistles and offers amazing sound. It’s great for those who want a simple option with excellent features and great performance.
It’s jam-packed with features, including an HDMI input with 4K HDR pass-through at up to 60 frames per second to connect a Blu-ray player or streaming device.
It also has an HDMI ARC connection with CEC for control of the soundbar with your TV remote, decoding for both DTS and Dolby sound, and DTS Virtual:X for height-based virtual surround sound.
Pros
- Traditional setting
- Clear, bombastic, full sound
- Wide stereo image and effects that go well beyond the width of the bar
- Great for music, movies, and Bluetooth streaming
Cons
- iPhone app is somewhat unreliable
- Setup can be a bit confusing
Price
About $300
Warranty
Two-year warranty
JBL 306P MKII Studio Monitors w/Subwoofer
Features
This model is sold as a single speaker—a standalone powered studio monitor that offers flat, studio-style sound and is great for musicians, podcasters, videographers, and other creative hobbyists who find audio quality important.
These flat studio models have a full 6-inch woofer that offers a bigger bass response for even more accurate mixing. It comes with a 1-inch silk dome tweeter to provide a full-spectrum response on each side.
The improved waveguide technology will allow you to get an even wider stereo image that allows you to pan mixes with impressive detail.
Pros
- 1-inch silk dome tweeter
- 6-inch subwoofer for bigger bass response
- Great for creative hobbyists who use audio regularly
- Flat studio models with waveguide technology
Cons
- They only have balanced XLR and TRS inputs (no RCA)—this means for better quality anyway
Price
About $635 for everything
Warranty
One-year warranty
Emotiva Airmotiv T1 Floorstanding Speaker
Features
This large 2-way floorstanding pair of speakers features high-end appointments, including a folded ribbon tweeter.
Its sound quality offers full, punchy bass, expressive midrange, and airy highs.
This is just what you’d want in a high-quality speaker set.
The bass response is deep enough to forego the need for a separate sub in smaller rooms.
Pros
- Superb sound quality
- Advanced Air folded ribbon high-frequency driver
- Woven fiber midrange for uncolored sound
- Advanced low-frequency drivers
Cons
- A separate subwoofer may be desired needed for larger rooms
Price
About $350 for each speaker
Warranty
One-year warranty
JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Features
This highly portable Bluetooth speaker is splash-proof and designed to be used horizontally or vertically.
It sounds excellent and plays very loudly for its size.
It’s great for taking on the go—going camping or hanging out by the pool.
It offers great battery life at up to ten hours of playtime on one charge. You can also wirelessly link up multiple Flip 5 models using the free JBL connect app.
This speaker is also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about damaging it in the outdoors.
Pros
- Highly portable
- splash-proof
- Excellent quality for the size and price
- Up to ten hours of playtime on one charge
Cons
- None worth noting—this is a great Bluetooth speaker
Price
About $120
Warranty
One-year warranty
The Verdict
It’s hard to pick our “favorite” because all of these speakers have vastly different purposes.
For on the Go: the JBL Flip 5
If you are interested in portable speakers that have plenty of battery life and easy Bluetooth connectivity, we recommend the robust and affordable JBL Flip 5 because of the value and more affordable price.
For Your Living Room: Elac Uni-Fi UB5 or the Emotiva Airmotiv T1
If you are looking to enhance the sound in a small to medium size room, we recommend the bookshelf models we reviewed, such as the Elac Uni-Fi UB5…Check Price On Amazon
