The Best Bookshelf Speakers
Smaller is definitely better, especially when the most powerful, high-quality audio can come from a speaker that fits squarely and conveniently on a bookshelf. Bookshelf speakers not only sound amazing and fit almost anywhere, but they're also beautiful to look at as well, featuring wood trim and other accents that match the décor of your home. But just like your parents' bean bag chair and lava lamp, there are also dozens of dozens of makes, models, and features to choose from. So, crank-up your favorite 8-track tape and read on as we take a deeper dive into the best bookshelf speakers.
Edifier Powered Bookshelf Speakers
The Bookshelf Speaker That's Better Than Books
Edifier Powered Bookshelf Speakers combine studio-quality sound with must-have accessories in a beautiful design, earning them our top award. Featuring 4-inch woofers, 3-inch multi-band tweeters, and front-facing sound ports, the Edifier Bookshelf Speaker has some of the best sound quality we’ve heard. And, with the 3-band tone filter, you can adjust the EQ just the way you like it.
With dual RCA inputs, you can connect these speakers to multiple devices, including your laptop or desktop computer in addition to stereos and turntables. There’s also a convenient AUX input for hooking up your mobile devices (though you may need an adapter for the 3.5mm input jack). These not only sound amazing but look amazing as well, with classic, stained-wood vinyl siding that blends perfectly with oak, pine, and other wood shelving.
Pros:
- 2-year parts and labor warranty
- Handy remote control included
- Only weighs 10 pounds
Cons:
- Remote doesn’t feature on/off switch
- No 1/4-inch or XLR jacks
Polk Audio T-15
So Much In So Little
What’s amazing about the Polk Audio T-15 Bookshelf Speakers is all the features you get for one incredible price: 100 watts of powered, high-resolution audio, Dolby and DTS sound compatibility, and an easily-mountable design for home theater systems. We especially like that the Polk T-15s can help you create a Surround Sound system at an affordable price, as these speakers are compatible with most home theater AV receivers for single-room or multi-room options. You can also combine the Polk T-15s with other Polk speakers to create the ultimate home theater experience. With a 5.25-inch driver and Polk’s proprietary Dynamic Balance technology, you’re sure to get excellent audio quality.
Pros:
- Perfect as rear Surround Sound speakers
- Compact at under 11 inches
- Gold-plated binding posts
Cons:
- Requires external amplifier
- Lower bass response than some models
Pyle PBKSP22 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Don't Get Your Wires Crossed
For many of us, our library of music is stored on our phones and music streaming apps. This renders the classic stereo system obsolete for the most part… except for the speakers. There’s just no replacing an excellent pair of high-quality speakers, which is why the Pyle Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers are perfect for mobile device users. With a wireless range of 30 feet and 300 watts per channel, the Pyle PBKSP22’s may be the only piece of audio equipment your home needs. And with a frequency range of 50hz to 20khz, you’ll be more than happy with the studio-quality sound.
Pros:
- Bluetooth connection is fast and reliable
- Includes RCA and AUX inputs
- 16GB thumb drive port
- Can also be wired to a stereo
Cons:
- Not the loudest
- Cannot pair with other sets
Neumi BS5
You Know It's All About That Bass
Audiophiles know what they want, and sometimes they just want bass and plenty of it. For anyone looking for the bounce, the Neumi BS5 delivers with its 5-inch fiberglass woofer. Featuring rounded vertical corners, the BS5 reduces baffle diffraction and allows for placement right up against the wall, making bass response even better. Combine this speaker set with a 1-inch silk dome tweeter with waveguide and you have crisp high frequencies atop low bass frequencies without annoying distortion, even with occasional volume blasts up to 100db. Best of all, Neumi BS5 Bookshelf Speakers actually fit on a bookshelf at a mere 10.6 inches in height.
Pros:
- Great for desktop computers
- Crisp midrange response
- Custom-tuned crossovers
Cons:
- Require external amplifier
- No warranty included
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called a bookshelf speaker and not simply a speaker?
Bookshelf speakers are designed to be compact and look more like furniture or home decor than other speakers. In other words, they are speakers that are not only designed to fit on the average bookshelf but also blend in with the other furnishings in your home. This is a departure from older stereo speakers that weren’t designed with aesthetics in mind. Just as important, bookshelf speakers are not meant to be mounted (like surround sound speakers, for example), but merely “placed” where you want them to be.
What is a “powered” speaker?
A powered speaker amplifies the incoming signal with an internal source. To put it in simple terms, powered speakers have their own built-in amplifier. This is especially important if the stereo (or mobile device) you’re using to play music does not have its own amplifier. If you have a more sophisticated stereo system – or perhaps an older one – it may come with its own amplifier. In that case, you don’t need powered speakers, as the external amplifier provides the power your speakers need.
What’s that thing that looks like a hole in the speaker cabinet?
Fortunately, it’s not a design flaw. It’s a port for the speaker’s woofer or subwoofer which provides the bass response in your speakers. Some bookshelf speakers are designed with a port in front, which disperses the bass frequencies throughout the room. Others have their port in the back or on the side. This placement serves an interesting purpose: with backports, you can place the speaker within a few inches of a wall, and the wall will vibrate to act as its own woofer. If you’re looking for the ultimate in bass response, we recommend the back-port design.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.