The 8 Best Affordable Bookshelf Speakers of 2022
The 8 Best Affordable Bookshelf Speakers of 2022 Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Best Products > Audio 51 51 people found this article helpful
Where should I place my speakers? This can be a little different depending on if you're using a stereo, 5.1, 7.1, or 9.1 setup. However, there are a couple of evergreen rules to follow regardless of how many speakers you're using. This will obviously depend on your room layout, but you should try and have your speakers equidistant from each other with surround speakers placed in the corners around your listening area. You should also try to keep your speakers free of obstructions and if you can safely mount them on a wall, even better.
How many subwoofers do I need? This all depends on the size of your room, more subwoofers give you a better bass quality and offer you more flexible placement when looking for the best spot for optimal sound quality. However, having more than a single subwoofer in a small listening area may be overkill. Also, some single speakers provide enough bass as standalone options that an additional woofer isn't required.
The Best Affordable Bookshelf Speakers With Clear, Crisp Sound
Find quality speakers that won't blow your budget
By Patrick Hyde Patrick Hyde Writer University of Houston Texas A&M Patrick Hyde has 4+ years' experience writing about consumer technology and electronics. His work has appeared in Los Angeles Review of Books, Reactual, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 17, 2021 Fact checked by Stephen Slaybaugh Fact checked by Stephen Slaybaugh New York University London Metropolitan University Stephen Slaybaugh is a fact checker and music writer with with more than 20 years experience writing about internet retail and consumer tech. He has been featured in Digital Trends, DealNews, and TechRadar. He is a content designer at Bose Corporation and is completing his Master of Arts in Digital Media. lifewire's fact checking process We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Tweet Share Email Audio Speakers Headphones Earbuds Home Theater Instruments Accessories The best affordable bookshelf speakers can tie together your perfect audio setup, or they can function on their own. You don't need to buy high-end speakers to get amazing quality. These speakers all blast clear, crisp sound while maintaining a lower price tag. When searching for your new speakers, you will need to keep in mind the size, Bluetooth capabilities, and powered vs passive output. Those points should be the key factors in your decision. Make sure to measure the spot you decide to make your designated speaker area to ensure a perfect fit. If weight can be an issue, make sure to purchase lightweight speakers. Next, if you will be streaming audio from your smartphone or computer, Bluetooth is a crucial feature you will need. Lastly, powered speakers can work without any outside devices. If you do not want to purchase something from our list of best receivers, you will need to make sure your new pair of speakers are not passive models. No matter what customizations you decide on, the best affordable bookshelf speakers are available to you! The Rundown Best Overall: Edifier R1280T at Amazon Jump to Review Best Bluetooth: Edifier R1700BT at Amazon Jump to Review Best Value: Klipsch R-14M Reference Speaker at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Polk Audio T15 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Klipsch R-41PM Bookshelf Speakers at Amazon Jump to Review Best Bass: Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf System at Amazon Jump to Review Most Compact: Polk Audio Signature S10 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Passive Bookshelf Speakers: Micca MB42X at Amazon Jump to Review in this article Expand Our Picks About Our Trusted Experts What to Look for in Affordable Bookshelf SpeakersBest Overall: Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
3.9 View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Best Buy What We Like High-quality sound Beautiful design Reasonable price What We Don't Like Lack of connectivity options Little sound-shaping controls A little heavy and bulky Edifier R1280T Speakers Review: Beautifully Simple Sound These best-selling bookshelf speakers evoke a retro feel with their classic wood finish, but the sound quality is very modern. The combination of grained walnut brown wood and a smart grey speaker grill looks great in any room, while the two sets of RCA inputs and easy aux setup make for a flexible option for any sound system. The active loudspeaker comes with a built-in tone control that can adjust treble and bass from -6 to +6db. A remote gives control over volume from across the room, while 100-240v full range voltage input makes it easy to listen. Sound is amazing for the price, thanks to 42 watts RMS power 13mm silk dome tweeters, and a four-inch full range woofer. Because you can use this incredible pair of speakers on their own or as part of a larger audio set-up, they are ideal for just about anyone but the most discerning audiophiles. Size: 6.9x9.5.x5.8 inches Controls: Remote Input: 2x aux or dual RCA, Bluetooth Power: 21Wx2 "On music listening alone, these speakers punch above their weight." — Jason Schneider, Product TesterBest Bluetooth: Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
3.8 Lifewire / Jason Schneider View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Best Buy What We Like Great sound quality Beautiful design Bluetooth included What We Don't Like Heavy, bulky footprint A lack of sound-shaping options Bargain brand name Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Speaker Review: Rich, Beautiful Audio These Bluetooth-connected speakers offer a hassle-free wireless audio experience that pairs well with any Apple or Android device. They also have two aux inputs where you can simultaneously connect two devices, as well as a remote to control the action. Inside, clear sound comes from a 19mm dome tweeter and a four-inch bass driver that make for a well-rounded sound. Low frequencies are enhanced by a front-facing bass reflex port, which routes to give more bass power. You have further adjustment options with included digital volume control, including bass and treble adjustment between -6b and +6db. The pair of speakers are constructed with classic high-quality MDF wood and have an attractive walnut finish. One speaker is active with a five-pin connector to the passive speaker and both include RCA input. Size: 6.0x8.0x9.75 inches Controls: Remote Input: 2x aux or dual RCA, Bluetooth Power: 15Wx2 + 18Wx2 "Edifier has put its classic spin on these speakers by putting two walnut/cherry planks on the sides of each speaker." — Jason Schneider, Product TesterBest Value: Klipsch R-14M Reference Bookshelf Speakers
3.7 Lifewire / Jason Schneider View On Amazon View On EBay What We Like Full bass response Sleek, impressive look Reasonable price point What We Don't Like Lacks detail at low volumes Small speaker drivers Requires subwoofer for full experience Klipsch R-14M Reference Speaker Review: Powerful Speakers Klipsch, an iconic American audio manufacturer, has designed a remarkable pair of copper and black bookshelf speakers that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you fire them up. The small, versatile speakers are built with one-inch aluminum linear travel suspension horn-loaded tweeters and a four-inch copper high-output IMG woofer. A proprietary 90x90 Tractrix Horn pairs with the tweeter for crystal clear high-end response, resulting in a dynamic and natural sound. Meanwhile, copper-spun Injection Molded Graphite woofer minimizes cone breakup and distortion, creating a remarkable low-frequency response. Together they produce speaker efficiency and clean sound unrivaled in its price range. This is all packed in a black polymer veneer cabinet with a rear-firing port with five-way binding posts, so it's ideal for connection flexibility that will work with your setup. Size: 7.5x5.9x9.8 inches Controls: Amp required Input: 5-way binding Power: Passive (amp required) "With about 90 decibels of power and 8 ohms of resistance, we were pleased with the power of these speakers when we hooked them into our home theater setup." — Jason Schneider, Product TesterBest Budget: Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers
3.7 Lifewire / Jason Schneider View On Amazon View On Best Buy What We Like Great value Well-rounded sound quality Substantial build What We Don't Like Some roughness at high volumes Safe, boring design No bells and whistles Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers Review: Simple and Effective This pair of Polk bookshelf speakers has been a mainstay on the market for a few years now, but it is still the best entry-level option. The case is finished with minimalist black polymer veneer, matched by a black mesh speaker grill. Inside, you will find a polymer composite 5 ¼-inch woofer and a silk ¾-inch tweeter that can handle 100 watts at an overall frequency of 60Hz-24kHz. The wide dispersion drivers and tweeters are enhanced by Polk’s exclusive Dynamic Balance function that delivers a cinematic wide response and low distortion. The pair of speakers have magnetically shielded enclosures for reduced distortion and improved clarity, while the engineering ensures the speakers work in a synergistic manner, performing complementary tasks for the best sound performance. Size: 6.5x10.63x7.25 inches Controls: Amp required Input: 5-way binding Power: Passive (amp required) "They’re the perfect speakers for your first home audio setup, or if you just want to put some reference speakers next to your TV and don’t want to dip into your savings." — Jason Schneider, Product Tester The 7 Best Speakers of 2022Best Splurge: Klipsch R-41PM Bookshelf Speakers
Amazon View On Amazon View On B&H Photo Video What We Like Excellent sound quality No receiver required Built-in Bluetooth What We Don't Like No automatic connectivity Klipsch has carved out a reputation for its high-quality audio devices, and the R-41PM bookshelf speakers are no exception, fusing a classic, compact appearance with room-filling sounds. Measuring just 10 inches tall and well-suited for integration into many décor schemes, the speakers boast a built-in, custom-engineered amplifier designed to fill your space and create your ideal ambiance. The dynamic volume control adapts based on the human ear’s ability to hear different frequencies, providing a new standard of listening experiences, and Tractrix Horn technology aims high frequencies at listeners to minimize artificial reverberation. Thanks to Bluetooth wireless technology, an integrated phono preamplifier, and analog RCA and USB inputs, gone are the days of needing an A/V receiver, opening up the possibilities of connecting the speakers with any of your devices, from turntables to cell phones to televisions. The speakers come with Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) woofer cones that are both light and rigid, but another subwoofer can easily be added to boost low frequencies. Size: 8.51x5.75x11.3 inches Controls: On-speaker Input: 3.5mm analog mini jack, USB, digital optical, analog RCA, Bluetooth Power: 70W (240W peak) The 8 Best Bluetooth Speakers for Under $100, Tested by Our EditorsBest Bass: Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System (Black)
Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On B&H Photo Video What We Like Robust, triple-driver design High max power Great bass and overall audio What We Don't Like Dull design Fill your room with an unprecedented and expansive audio experience with these Core Series speakers from Sony. They feature a three-way, three-speaker bass-reflex system that stays in harmony with your room, whatever its layout may be. The speakers are constructed with foamed mica woofer diaphragms that deliver supple sound and balance low weight with a powerful and deep bass response from a 5¼-inch foam woofer. The woofer is complemented with a one-inch polyester main tweeter and a ¾-inch Sony Super Tweeter. The super tweeter delivers ultra-responsive high-frequency audio up to 50kHz. The speakers have a 100-watt max input power that delivers clear and powerful audio. Size: 7.18x13.25x8.75 inches Controls: None Input: Wired Power: Passive (amp required) The 9 Best Headphones for Music Lovers, Tested by LifewireMost Compact: Polk Audio Audio Signature S10
Amazon View On Amazon View On B&H Photo Video What We Like Compact bookshelf design Room-filling sound Supports surround sound What We Don't Like Lacks low-end audio Polk Audio is known for being a reasonably affordable brand, but the Signature S10 line comes in at a slightly higher price point than normal. This pair of satellite speakers offers you a great look in a compact size, whether you’re using them as a small pair of bookshelf speakers or as part of a larger surround system. There’s a four-inch, mica-reinforced woofer that will pack a good amount of oomph and a one-inch high-definition tweet that adds presence and punch. Pair that with Polk’s engineered audio power to bolster the chassis with directional sound support. and you have a really powerful system. It’s easily mountable, too, with a threaded screw insert and keyhole slots so you can add this speaker to any system or living room setup—whether you have a shelf or not. Size: 6.1x5.4x8.4 inches Controls: None Input: Wired Power Output: Passive (amp required) The 6 Best Overall Stereo Speakers for Under $1,000Best Passive Bookshelf Speakers: Micca MB42X
Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Highly affordable Compact design Crisp sound signature What We Don't Like Won't fill room as well as more powerful options Passive speakers require an amplifier or stereo receiver, but if you are ready to build a complete audio center, these budget bookshelf speakers are a great option. The speakers are built in a ported enclosure that balances a four-inch woven carbon fiber woofer with a .75-inch silk dome tweeter. They also contain an 18dB crossover and baffle step compensation, creating a balanced and dynamic sound that faithfully reproduces highs and lows. The tweeters and woofers are housed in a classic back polymer casing with a mesh grill. The sophisticated design looks great in any room, while the frequency response of 60Hz-20kHz and impedance of 4-8 ohms sounds great. Size: 9.5x5.8x6.5 inches. Controls: None Input: Wired Power Output: Passive (amp required) Final Verdict Our top choice for an affordable bookshelf speaker is the Edifier R1280T (see at Amazon). It boasts great sound and a beautiful design at a reasonable price, you'll be hard-pressed to do much better than this pair of bookshelf speakers. For a wireless option we like the Edifier R1700BT (see at Amazon), the connectivity is barebones, but it works well with Apple and Android devices while still offering solid audio.About Our Trusted Experts
Patrick Hyde lives in Seattle where he works as a digital marketer and freelance copywriter. With a Master’s degree in history from the University of Houston and a job in Seattle's booming tech industry, his interests and knowledge span the past, present, and future. Jason Schneider is Lifewire's audio expert. Jason has reviewed hundreds of products ranging from headphones and soundbars to speakers and receivers. He's also a musician and contributing writer for Greatist and Thrillist. FAQ Will the distance of my speakers from the audio source affect my sound quality? Yes, while it's not always possible, for the best audio quality, you'll want to keep the length of cable tethering your speakers to your receiver as short as possible. Although your sound quality won't suffer very much unless they're 25 feet or more from your receiver. For any wired speakers, you should use a 14-gauge cable, and potentially use a 12-gauge cable for any speakers extending past 25 feet from the receiver.Where should I place my speakers? This can be a little different depending on if you're using a stereo, 5.1, 7.1, or 9.1 setup. However, there are a couple of evergreen rules to follow regardless of how many speakers you're using. This will obviously depend on your room layout, but you should try and have your speakers equidistant from each other with surround speakers placed in the corners around your listening area. You should also try to keep your speakers free of obstructions and if you can safely mount them on a wall, even better.
How many subwoofers do I need? This all depends on the size of your room, more subwoofers give you a better bass quality and offer you more flexible placement when looking for the best spot for optimal sound quality. However, having more than a single subwoofer in a small listening area may be overkill. Also, some single speakers provide enough bass as standalone options that an additional woofer isn't required.