Whether you’re someone looking to improve your speaker system or home studio, create a more complete home theater or gaming system, or simply enjoy listening to music, picking the best bookshelf speakers is a very important and worthwhile consideration.
These bookshelf speaker options are meant as a great alternative between the floor-standing speakers and the built-in device speakers, offering great powerful sound without needing nearly as much space or price.
Below, we’ll go over some of the best bookshelf speakers that will be available as well as some key things to consider, such as choosing powered speakers or passive speakers, and think about when it comes to what you’re looking for in good bookshelf speakers so that you end up getting exactly what you want for your listening enjoyment and pleasure.
Best Bookshelf Speakers: Our Overall Choice
The PreSonus Eris E4.5 bookshelf speakers are a pair of small-scale powered bookshelf speakers monitors that are universally loved by DJs and music producers alike.
3 Top Bookshelf Speakers Picks – Best, Premium & Value
Below, we’ll take the time to check out some of the best bookshelf speakers currently on the market while also giving you some tips on what to expect and look out for when getting the correct speaker setup that’s correct for you.
1. PreSonus Eris E4.5 (Editors Pick)
No products found.
The Presonus Eris E4.5 bookshelf speaker is known for having an impressive amount of sound accuracy while also being incredibly compact and borrowing both from studio monitors and some of the best bookshelf speakers out there.
Simply put, they are fantastic around powered speakers.
These powered bookshelf speakers come with standard speaker wire inputs while also including RCA and 1/4-inch TRS inputs There is also an AUX port as well as a headphone jack, a front-facing power switch, and volume control.
The PreSonus Eris E4.5 has a 4.5-inch woven-composite woofer as well as a 1-inch silk dome tweeter that allows them to push out up to 100dB of max volume. This speaker system has a frequency range that sits between 70Hz and 20kHz.
Dimension-wise, the bookshelf speakers have a 9.45-inch height, a 6.42-inch width, and a 7-inch depth. Each speaker weighs around 2lbs, meaning that you’ll have a total of 4lbs per pair.
In terms of some bookshelf speaker pitfalls, these bookshelf speakers aren’t the most bountiful in terms of their overall sound. Because of their smaller size, they aren’t able to push their sound out to quite the same degree, causing it to sound a bit strained, especially at higher volume levels.
Natively, they also don’t come with Bluetooth, though you can get it for an additional $30. This is a shame since most bookshelf speakers don’t normally skimp out on these features.
Still, because this is meant for music producers and DJs, they probably aren’t going to operate their music in separate rooms anyway.
What We Like:
- Perfect For Music Producers & DJs
- Great Sound
- Includes A Headphone Jack
- Bluetooth Speaker Capabilities
What We Do Not Like:
- The Bass Isn’t Super Impressive
- Can’t Get Super Loud
Editors Pick
2. Sonos Five (Premium Pick)
No products found.
While certainly on the pricier side of the best bookshelf speakers’ conversation, the Sonos Five makes a point of offering some of the best and most powerful sounds available.
This is especially true when you consider that it’s all coming from a pair of single horizontally-placed speaker units.
Not only is this bookshelf speaker excellent even in horizontal mode, but when flipped vertically, it can produce a sound quality that isn’t too far from floor-standing speakers or a super impressive stereo surround sound option.
The bookshelf speakers weigh around 14lbs each and are 14.33 inches in height, 8.03 inches wide, and have an individual depth of 6.06 inches.
The speakers have a frequency range between 23Hz and 18.8kHz, while their maximum peak volume reaches upwards of 94dB.
The Sonos Five can be connected to both turntables as well as disc players, though it seems to thrive best when running on either Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet using its source for streaming and audio playback through Apple AirPlay 2 or the Sonos S2 mobile app.
This app allows you to play music as well as stream podcasts, audiobooks, or Internet radio.
The bookshelf speakers are easy to set up in their most optimal placement and position and can be set in most areas without needing to run speaker wire through or play with the EQ sound settings.
What We Like:
- Works Horizontally & Vertically
- Multiple Connectivity Options
- Easy To Set Up
What We Do Not Like:
- Doesn’t Include Bluetooth
- Needs A Solid Wi-Fi
- Pricey
3. Edifier R1280T (Value Pick)
No products found.
Though there are some other budget bookshelf speakers out there at an even more affordable price range, the Edifier R1280T bookshelf speakers simply offer a look, sound, and feel that few speakers at or around this level of affordability can match.
These bookshelf speakers, priced at just under $100, the R1280T bookshelf speaker offers some incredibly warm and balanced sound and makes themselves accessible to just about anyone seriously considering a good set of bookshelf speakers.
They are about 9.5 inches wide, 6.9 inches in height, and 5.8 inches in depth with a body that weighs around 10.80lbs. It comes with a remote control, cloth grilles, and cables for two AUX inputs. It has a 4-inch woofer and a 13mm silk dome tweeter.
In terms of a satisfying sound output, these bookshelf speakers can crank out 96dB at maximum, with a frequency range that sits between 75Hz and 18kHz.
If you’re willing to shell out $10 more for a bookshelf speaker setup, you can get an included subwoofer output to amp up your bass. Definitely a cut above most other budget speakers.
What We Like:
- Super Clean Look
- Bass & Treble Dials
- Affordable
What We Do Not Like:
- Limited Connectivity Options
- No Native Subwoofer Option
Our Alternative Top Bookshelf Speaker Picks
If the three options above aren’t well-suited to you, there are still a host of quality best bookshelf speakers to choose from. Our team also highlighted the following options for those in search of fantastic bookshelf speaker options.
4. KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers
No products found.
The KEF LS50 Meta bookshelf speakers are some of the most recent inclusions in an otherwise tremendous line of top-tier best bookshelf speakers meant for the audiophiles’ ears.
Here, the LS50 Meta bookshelf speaker carries on that tradition with some stunning levels of sound clarity that are difficult to compare along any other lines.
The LS50 Meta bookshelf speakers weigh around 17.2lbs each and have a height of 12 inches, a width of 8 inches, and a depth of 11 inches.
The bookshelf speakers use a 12th-generation Uni-Q speaker driver with a 1-inch tweeter embedded into a 5.25-inch woofer. This can produce a single-cone sound and look that integrates with their MAT technology (Metamaterial Absorption Technology) that reduces sound distortion.
The end result is a stunning design and an entrancing sound.
The LS50 Meta has a frequency response rate between 47Hz and 45kHz while being able to push out a max output of 106dB. Regarded as a passive speaker set, the LS50 Meta requires a good amount of power to push its sound out.
There are some great alternative inclusions, but the fact that you need them at this price is worth noting.
What We Like:
- Offers a Warm Sound
- The audio is Crisp, Clear, & Transparent
- Great Build Quality
What We Do Not Like:
- Expensive Side
- Low-End deep Bass is Average
5. Audioengine A2+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers
No products found.
The Audioengine A2+ Wireless powered bookshelf speakers are able to combine the non-intrusive size and footprint of such a compact speaker with the warm and crisp sound of something far larger and (seemingly) more capable.
The A2+ wireless bookshelf speakers are incredibly small and lightweight, with a total weight of 6.61lbs while having a height of 5.25 inches, a width of 4 inches, and a depth of 6 inches.
The bookshelf speakers have a silk soft dome tweeter that is 0.75 inches while its woofer is 2.75 inches and made from aramid fiber.
These Bluetooth speakers have a frequency response that ranges between 65Hz and 22kHz with a peak power of 60W and a full-powered push at 88dB.
This wireless speaker option comes come with an analog RCA as well as a minijack connection along with a USB option for connecting with your computer using them as computer speakers
In addition to its number of connectivity options, the A2+ also has a Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility option that can be used for high-quality audio when used with codecs like aptX HD for Android and AAC for Apple.
What We Like:
- Compact & Lightweight
- Surprisingly Loud
- Bluetooth Speakers
- Great Build Quality
- Multiple Connectivity Options
What We Do Not Like:
- Because Of Small Size, Sound Cohesiveness Isn’t All The Way There In Large Spaces
- Not Quite As Bass Heavy As It Could Bee
Best Bookshelf Speakers: Buyers guide
There are a lot of things you’ll want to be aware of before deciding on the best bookshelf speakers you end up with.
Things like size, looks, compatibility, and price are all very important considerations and should be strongly factored in.
You’ll also want to think about whether you want active or passive bookshelf speakers as well as things like connectivity and if the speaker should include an amp or receiver.
Passive Speakers Vs. Active Speakers
Probably the most important thing you’ll want to decide on is whether your bookshelf speakers are going to be passive or active speakers.
Passive bookshelf speakers refer to speakers that require an external amplification of some kind to hit higher sound levels. This is usually via an amplifier component, audio/video receiver, or a digital audio converter (DAC for short).
Passive speakers usually only include speaker wire which is used to connect to the separately purchased amplifier.
Active speakers (also known as “powered” speakers) have an internal amplification and don’t need anything additional. Powered speakers are much easier and more convenient, though also their price can vary based on the type of powered speakers you choose and the features and setup included.
While most people will naturally lean towards the more active speakers for their simplicity and ease of use, audiophiles, audio enthusiasts, and those that love sound clarity naturally defer to traditional passive speakers.
This is because the sound is not locked in the same way it is with an active speaker, able to be switched and mixed with other amplifiers based on that person’s tastes. Passive speakers also don’t include a power outlet plug, meaning they can be placed just about anywhere in a home.
They’re also lighter and smaller while offering a generally cleaner sound quality
Regardless, deciding which one you want is a very important decision and will be pretty much a key distinction on if you’ll get everything all at once or have to buy multiple different pieces for a potentially better and more expressive sound.
Bass Speakers
Just as it’s important to know the type of speaker you are interested in, you also need to determine how important bass and bass response are for you.
For example, in most cases, bookshelf speakers aren’t going to have the same low-end power that you’d expect from a floor-standing speaker simply due to the reduced size.
These natural limitations can make getting a quality bookshelf speaker with some oomph a lot more difficult if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
Another factor, outside of the strict size of the speaker itself, is the size of the woofer and the rest of its accommodations.
In most cases, most of the best bookshelf speakers will only have a woofer range between 4 and 5.25 inches. Not only that, but these bookshelf speakers will also need to include a reasonable mid and high-end frequency range as well.
In many cases, you may have to decide whether you want a deep bass or a present mid or treble frequency.
Your best bet is to consider looking into a quality woofer offering a quality subwoofer output. These can help supplement your bass without worrying about dealing with any sound distortions or taking away from the mid-range frequencies or tweaking your EQ too much and causing the sound quality to go crazy.
Subwoofers generally have a range between 20Hz and 200Hz. This is more than enough of a boost to improve the sound’s bass response and low-end frequencies without dealing with any of the issues that can come from pushing the volume too high.
While they can cost an extra bit of money, based on the type and quality, they’re a great way to improve your movie, gaming, and music listening experience, presenting all of these venues in the way they were originally intended to be.
Overall Sound Quality
Bookshelf speakers, on the note of the sound quality, sit as a sort of intermediate alternative between floor speakers and single-unit speakers.
As with all of the other aspects that make up the three different classes of speakers, bookshelf speakers can vary greatly in terms of price and great sound quality.
In general, you want a pair of bookshelf speakers that focus on sounding as good as possible. The closer you can get to the quality of floor speakers, the better off you’ll be.
Affordability Vs Quality
For many people starting out, it can be difficult to mentally justify the costs for some of the more expensive speakers out there, bookshelf or otherwise. This is where some of the more affordably priced options come in.
Instead, when it comes to affordable bookshelf speakers, you always have to grade them on something of a curve.
Speakers like the Presonus range are highly regarded because they are great options at their respective prices. Generally, average bookshelf speakers have sound quality that, while not “great” is certainly acceptable and respectable.
Similarly, they have pretty reasonable builds and a decent bass along with smooth trebles and mids at their price.
Best Bookshelf Speakers: The Verdict
When it comes to picking the best bookshelf speakers, they are more than just their namesake. Our top pick for the best bookshelf speakers is the PreSonus Eris E4.5. A complete all-rounder and speakers.
No products found.
Bookshelf speakers essentially offer a way to improve your audio listening experience quickly and in as easy a manner as possible. The best Bookshelf speakers are able to deliver a better experience pound-for-pound compared to wireless speakers as well as built-in device speakers.
Not only that, but they’re able to do this without costing as much or taking up as much space as floor-standing speakers.
If you want to find the best bookshelf speakers for yourself and your home, you need to first determine your preferences and what you’re looking for.
Consider how much space you have, how much money your budget allows for, and what type of style you’re interested in having.
This will help filter out a lot of what you’d otherwise be overwhelmed with.
Then, once you know what to look for, consider one of the options listed above. Not only are these the best options on the market, but they are the best in their own respective fields.
On top of that, they are the perfect starting guide for 90% of people that want a quality set of bookshelf speakers but don’t know where to start.
Do that, and I’m certain you’ll turn your music room or studio into something really special.
