The Best PA Systems
To amplify your voice along with music, there's nothing better than a good PA system. These pair nicely with an extra speaker or two and a microphone, letting you set up a concert, presentation, or karaoke party in a snap. If you'd like to try one for yourself, we have you covered. Read on, and we'll divulge our top picks for the best PA systems on the market.
What to Look For
In our quest for the best PA systems, we looked at price, speaker and mic quality, and portability. We found some winners, like the super-powerful and portable option from Pyle. You can connect your phone to it via Bluetooth while also using the included wireless microphone. But for something more powerful and professional, we recommend Rockville’s PA system. It has its own mixer and amp, plus two microphones, letting you jam right away. To learn more about these top PA systems, keep reading below.
Earise T26 Bluetooth PA System with Wireless Microphone
Let your voice be heard
Wires are so last century. This PA system ditches cumbersome cables for a Bluetooth speaker and wireless microphone combo. It’s a great PA for karaoke, presentations, and casual events. It might not have the power of a wired PA system, but it still packs a punch. The microphone sounds decent, certainly good enough for singing with friends but perhaps not for professional singers. The main draw of this PA is the ability to instantly play music from our phone and not mess with wires.
Pros:
- You can use an external wired microphone while still playing music from your phone over Bluetooth.
- The speaker is incredibly light. It’s easy enough to carry with one hand, for instance.
- The battery lasts around 4.5 hours, and it charges fairly quickly.
Cons:
- The microphone isn’t the best, and its durability is questionable. Still, it does the job and can be replaced easily.
SHIDU Portable Bluetooth PA System with Microphone
Speak with confidence
When it’s time for the big presentation, you want your voice to be heard. This mini PA system does a great job of amplifying your voice. Just put on the wired microphone headset, turn on the speaker, and you’re ready to go. It’s ideal for small to medium rooms where you don’t need too much amplification. When you need a small speaker for casually listening to music, this also doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. This even plays music off SD cards, so you don’t always need your phone to play some tunes.
Pros:
- This is great for communicating in loud areas, especially if you have a soft voice.
- You can use external microphones since this accepts a standard 3.5mm audio jack.
Cons:
- The sound can get a bit tinny at higher volumes.
LyxPro SPA-8-8″ Compact Portable PA System
Amplify on the go
If you need a powerful PA that doesn’t weigh a ton, this might just be the one you’re looking for. It comes in various sizes based on your needs, all the way up to 15 inches. The bigger you go, the louder and more expensive they get. But one thing remains the same: they’re super lightweight and easy to cart around with the built-in handle. Street performers and gigging musicians will love this for its bombastic sound and long battery life.
Pros:
- Several models in this line have built-in wheels, letting you move them around with ease. The lighter-weight options don’t have wheels, but their sturdy handles still make transportation a breeze.
- There are multiple input types, including XLR, standard 1/4-inch auxiliary, and even USB.
Cons:
- No microphone is included.
Rockville RPG2X12 Package PA System Mixer and Amp
For a room-filling sound, you’re going to need some powerful speakers. This professional PA system is great for outdoor events, restaurants, and anywhere else you need to project sound. We found this deal attractive because of the eight-channel mixer — perfect for band performances, karaoke nights, book readings, and more. It would be a steal with just the speakers and mixer, but they also include two great microphones to add. You might be surprised at how good they sound.
Pros:
- These are ideal for outdoor events when you need to amplify your voice or music. The two 700-watt speakers project well enough to cover ambient noise from crowds, traffic, etc.
- The mixer uses standard XLR connectors, so you can always add to this system with upgrades down the line.
- The tripod mounts are stable and don’t tip over easily.
Cons:
- Because of their size, these speakers are pretty heavy, though they do have wheels for moving them around.
Pyle Wireless Portable PA Speaker System
The performance boost
If you’re in search of a PA system to turn up the party, this PA speaker might be for you. It has a huge sound thanks to its 700-watt speaker. It also includes a wireless mic but also accepts external microphones, so you and a couple of bandmates can jam out together. And unlike smaller speakers, this one includes a subwoofer for proper bass output. On top of all that, it has its own party lights to add ambiance. Overall, this system comes at a high-value price point, considering the power, portability, and wireless capabilities.
Pros:
- The PA speaker gets quite loud, so this is perfect for large venues and outdoor events.
- The sound is crisp and clear, and the Bluetooth signal is reliably stable.
Cons:
- Tuning the radio can be finicky.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PA system?
PA stands for public address, so PA systems are used to amplify voices, music, or other media. They’ll often include speakers and a microphone or other input devices. PA systems may also include amplifiers and mixers to control the audio.
What is a subwoofer?
A subwoofer is a speaker designed for low frequencies, like bass guitars. Powerful subwoofers can produce a bass rumble that you can feel more than you hear. Some PA systems include them, but most wireless speakers won’t.
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