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A pair of bookshelf speakers is one of the best investments you can make if you would like to bump your listening experience to the maximum while also adding an aesthetic factor to your home. Bookshelf speakers do the best job at recreating the space where the music was created, giving you the illusion of being right there with the artist.
Several factors go into choosing the best bookshelf speakers for your setup, such as portability, sound quality, and design. Luckily, the market is flooded with options nowadays.
In this article, we review the 10 best bookshelf speakers of 2022. I’m Ian, a music producer, and audio enthusiast, and I will use my knowledge to help you choose the best product for you! Let’s get into the article.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Bookshelf Speakers
- Buying Guide – Things to Consider Before Buying Bookshelf Speakers
- Passive Vs. Powered Bookshelf Speakers
- Conclusion
10 Best Bookshelf Speakers
| Best Bookshelf Speakers | Rating | Price | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audioengine HD6 150W | 4.6 | Check Amazon Check B&H Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Edifier R1280DB | 4.7 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Klipsch R-41M | 4.7 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Sony SSCS5 | 4.7 | Check Amazon Check B&H Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Polk Audio T15 | 4.7 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Audioengine A2+ | 4.6 | Check Amazon Check B&H | Read Review |
| Jamo S 803 | 4.7 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Dayton Audio B652 | 4.5 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Micca OoO | 4.5 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Saiyin Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers | 4.4 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
1. Audioengine HD6 150W
Specifications
- Powered Bluetooth Shelf Speakers with Integrated DAC
- RCA Input/Output
- Optical Input
- 3.5mm Input
- Subwoofer Connection
- 150 Watts of Power
- Wireless and Bluetooth Connectivity
Review
The Audioengine HD6 150W looks good at first glance with its wooden design. While not the most affordable pair of bookshelf speakers out there, it is definitely a worthy long-term investment.
We like the fact that Audioengine is very transparent regarding the components that are inside these units. For example, the top-of-the-line DAC ensures the product will give you the best sound without any distortion, even at high volumes.
This pair of bookshelf speakers are very versatile as well, offering all of the connection types you might need: RCA, optical, 3.5mm, and even wireless and Bluetooth.
Overall, these bookshelf speakers are perfect for any situation, but we strongly recommend them for a home theater system due to their versatility and quality-of-life features.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- These bookshelf speakers have an excellent design.
- The HD6 features amazing components.
- Several connection options, including wireless and Bluetooth.
- Excellent for home theater systems.
Cons
- More expensive than most options on the list.
– – –
2. Edifier R1280DB
Specifications
- Active Bookshelf 2-Way Speakers
- 0.5-Inch Silk Dome Tweeter
- 4-Inch Woofer
- RCA Input/Output
- Optical Input
- Coaxial Input
- Analog Output
- 42 Watts of Power
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Includes Remote Control
Review
Edifier is one of the most famous brands in the world of consumer-grade audio products. The R1280DB is one of their best models, considering price versus value. It isn’t one of the most affordable units but is definitely a great investment.
The design and build quality of these bookshelf speakers are quite impressive. They are sturdy and very well-built, featuring wooden cabinets and removable grilles.
Regarding features, these bookshelf speakers offer all of the standard connections you would expect from a pair: RCA, optical, coaxial, and analog inputs/outputs, as well as Bluetooth connectivity for added quality of life.
One feature we like is the side panel controls. They are placed conveniently for easy access. This is great if you’re using these on a computer setup, for example.
We recommend the Edifier R1280DB for any application, but they are excellent for home theater systems. Thanks to their portability, you could easily take them with you for gatherings and parties as well.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great design and build quality.
- Great value for the price considering all of the features.
- Conveniently-placed side panel controls.
- Portable.
Cons
- None.
– – –
3. Klipsch R-41M
Specifications
- Passive 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers
- 1-Inch Aluminum Lts Tweeter
- 4-Inch Spun-Copper Img Woofer
- Stereo Input
- 200 Watts of Power
Review
The Klipsch R-41M is a pair of passive bookshelf speakers. These speakers are very simple, and they don’t offer as many features as other options on the list, only a stereo input.
If you want an all-in-one solution, we wouldn’t recommend the R-41M, but if you want to fully customize your home theater system, then they might be a great addition.
We like the fact that Klipsch is very transparent regarding the components used in these bookshelf speakers, such as the single 4″ spun-copper img woofer. The nomenclature might sound complex, but it helps to know what materials are being used in the product.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very simple and basic, excellent for custom home theater systems.
- Great design that will fit most interiors.
- 200 watts of power.
- Built with excellent components and materials.
Cons
- Needs an external amplifier or powered input to work properly.
– – –
4. Sony SSCS5
Specifications
- Passive 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers
- Dolby Atmos Ready
- ¾-Inch Supertweeter
- 1-Inch Tweeter
- 5.12-Inch Subwoofer
- Stereo Input
- 100 Watts of Power
Review
Just like the previously reviewed Klipsch R-41M, these are passive speakers that need to be powered by an external amplifier or powered input.
The design of these speakers is very simple, but they work quite well for most situations and won’t stand out too much in your living room. It is one of the most sturdy and durable options on the list as well, thanks to its thick wooden cabinet.
One feature that separates these from most other models on the list is that the SSCS5 is a 3-way speaker, meaning it features a super tweeter apart from the traditional tweeter and woofer, giving it an extra boost in the high frequencies.
These bookshelf speakers are recommended if you’re building a custom Dolby Atmos surround sound home theater setup, as they are fully compatible with the technology.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent build quality. One of the most sturdy units on the list.
- Simple design.
- 3-way design. Features a supertweeter for added performance on high frequencies.
- Fully compatible with Dolby Atmos surround sound.
Cons
- Needs an external amplifier or powered input to work properly.
– – –
5. Polk Audio T15
Specifications
- Passive 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers
- 0.75-Inch Tweeter
- 5.25 Inch Dynamic Balance Woofer
- Keyhole Slot for Wall Mounting
- Stereo Input
- 100 Watts of Power
Review
The Polk Audio T15 is a pair of passive 2-way bookshelf speakers with an impressive performance in low frequencies. The frequency response of 45Hz-24kHz might allow you to use these even without a subwoofer, depending on what music genres you’re listening to.
One feature we like about these speakers is that they are compatible with a wide range of setups and can be used as front, left-right, surround, or rear speakers.
Regarding design and build quality, the T15 is pretty standard and similar to models such as the Sony SSCS5. They are well-built but not particularly stylish. They are all about performance.
We recommend these if you’re looking to build a custom surround sound home theater setup. Take a look at the other models from the brand as well, as they could come in handy while building your own system.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent performance in the low frequencies. Can even be used without a subwoofer.
- Compatible with a wide range of different setups.
- Great build quality and a sturdy design.
- Excellent for home theater and surround sound systems.
Cons
- None.
– – –
6. Audioengine A2+
Specifications
- Active 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers
- 0.75-Inch Silk Dome Tweeters
- 2.75-Inch Custom Aramid Fiber Woofers
- RCA Input/Output
- USB Input
- Mini Jack Input
- Analog Input
- 30 Watts of Power
- Bluetooth Connectivity
Review
The Audioengine A2+ is one of the best bookshelf speakers on the list, simply because the unit combines a beautiful design with many modern technologies and features.
The material used on the outer case is premium and sturdy. Plus, they are portable enough for those who need a compact solution.
While not as large and powerful as some other options on the list, the A2+ can still provide plenty of power and sound, being excellent for applications such as computer setups. They are not so great for home theater systems, though.
We like the fact that these speakers come with a lot of extras as well, including a USB cable, a speaker wire, a mini-jack audio cable, a power supply, and microfiber cloth speaker bags. This set of speakers also features Bluetooth that connects seamlessly to your device up to 100ft away.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent value for the price.
- The design feels premium and very sturdy.
- Comes with a lot of extras.
- Apart from being very portable, it includes microfiber cloth speaker bags for safer transportation.
Cons
- Not as powerful as loud as other options on the list.
– – –
7. Jamo S 803
Specifications
- Passive 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers
- 1-Inch Soft Dome Tweeter
- 5-Inch Polyfiber Woofers
- Dolby Atmos Ready
- WaveGuide Acoustic Technology
- Analog Inputs
- 160 Watts of Power
Review
At first glance, the design of the Jamo S 803 looks amazing. The S 803 is a premium unit for the price range it falls under.
The specifications are quite impressive as well. These bookshelf speakers feature 1-inch soft dome tweeters and 5-inch poly-fiber woofers. The woofers are large enough to provide a solid response in the low and mid frequencies.
The Jamo S 803 is very minimalist when it comes to its features. As it is a pair of passive bookshelf speakers that should be powered by an external preamp or powered input, it only features analog inputs.
The company also states that the WaveGuide technology improves high-frequency sounds.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- One of the best designs on the list.
- Affordable considering the value for the price of these speakers.
- Excellent performance in the low and mid frequencies.
Cons
- Needs an external amplifier or powered input to work properly.
– – –
8. Dayton Audio B652
Specifications
- Passive 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers
- 1-Inch Tweeters
- 6-½-Inch Woofers
- Analog Input
- Black Ebony Pica Vinyl Cabinet Finish
- Removable Grill Cloth
- 80 Watts of Power
Review
If you’re on a budget, then the Dayton Audio B652 is a great choice. It is one of, if not the most, affordable pair of bookshelf speakers on the list.
As you might expect, these passive bookshelf speakers are very simple, featuring only an analog input. This shouldn’t be a problem if you’re building a custom home theater system that features a powered AV receiver.
When it comes to sound quality, these are not the best on the list, but they perform well, especially if you pair them with other units.
In fact, if you want to save money so you can buy a subwoofer to go with your bookshelf speakers, then we definitely recommend the Dayton Audio B652.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- One of the most affordable pairs of bookshelf speakers on the list.
- Decent construction, considering the low price.
- While not the best on the list when it comes to sound quality, these perform very well when paired with other units.
Cons
- You will need an external amplifier or powered input for those to work.
– – –
9. Micca OoO
Specifications
- Passive 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers
- 0.75-Inch Silk Dome Tweeter
- Dual 3-Inch Woofers
- Surround Sound Ready
- 6dB/Octave Low Pass Circuit
- Analog Inputs
Review
These speakers from Micca really caught our eye due to their unusual design. The Micca OoO is slim and can be used both vertically and horizontally, but stills perform just as well as a pair of larger speakers.
Despite their small size, these bookshelf speakers feature dual 3-inch woofers, which is something we haven’t seen with other models on the list. This contributes a lot to the low and mid frequencies’ performance, especially if you’re not sure about pairing them with a subwoofer.
Another interesting feature is the built-in 6dB/octave low pass circuit, which can help clean the muddiness in case you pair it with a more powerful subwoofer, for example.
If you’re tight on space in your home but would still like a pair of bookshelf speakers that performs well, then we definitely recommend the Micca OoO.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unique slim design that can be used both vertically and horizontally.
- Dual 3-inch woofers that contribute to the performance of the low and mid frequencies.
- Built-in 6dB/octave low pass circuit, which helps clean up the muddiness.
- Excellent if you’re tight on space in your home.
Cons
- None.
– – –
10. Saiyin Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Specifications
- Active 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers
- 0.7-Inch Silk Dome Tweeters
- 5.2-Inch Woofers
- RCA Input
- AUX Input
- Optical Input
- Subwoofer Output
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Includes Remote
Review
The Saiyin Bluetooth is an affordable pair of bookshelf speakers with excellent features. It has a great design and good construction.
For a pair of budget bookshelf speakers, the audio quality of this unit is pretty good, with a great response to the lows and highs of the frequency spectrum. Its other features include Bluetooth connectivity.
These bookshelf speakers also feature 3 equalizer sound modes that you can easily cycle through via the built-in buttons on the top of the unit, which is easily accessible.
Overall, we recommend these for computer setups and small parties and gatherings. If you’re planning to build a home theater, then these might be too small.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very affordable.
- Solid construction for the price.
- The audio quality is decent, and the Saiyin performs well across the frequency spectrum.
- Very portable.
Cons
- Might be too small for some applications.
– – –
Buying Guide – Things to Consider Before Buying Bookshelf Speakers
Let’s take a look at some of the most important factors you should keep in mind when shopping for this product.
Size
As you can see on the list, there are bookshelf speakers of all sizes on the market. This is an important factor to consider, especially if you’re planning to build a home theater setup: we always recommend you plan the layout before buying.
Larger bookshelf speakers are not necessarily better than smaller ones. It will depend on how you plan on using the unit. Despite this, larger speakers tend to feature larger-sized drivers.
Build Quality
Build quality is an important factor when buying a pair of bookshelf speakers because, after all, you’re making an investment. While it is difficult to judge the construction of a pair of speakers when shopping online, we always recommend you check customer reviews to be sure you’re buying a durable product.
Another useful place to check for information is on the manufacturer’s website. Most manufacturers list what materials are used on their bookshelf speakers, and with a little bit of research, this could help you ensure you’re buying a quality product.
Audio Quality
What would a pair of bookshelf speakers be useful for if they don’t have good audio quality? Just like the build quality factor, judging the system’s audio quality while shopping online is a complex task.
Again, we suggest you look at customer reviews. You can also check for specifications, such as the frequency response of the speakers, which states how low and high the unit can go in the audio frequency spectrum. Products with a wider frequency response can give you a more transparent performance.
If you can, test the bookshelf speakers in person, as this is the most surefire way to ensure their audio quality.
Surround Sound Compatibility
Many customers want a pair of bookshelf speakers to build a custom home theater system. If that’s your case, make sure to check if the pair you’re planning to buy is compatible with surround sound technology.
Most bookshelf speakers nowadays are compatible with the technology. The information should always be stated on the product page or on the manufacturer’s website.
Price
You don’t need to spend a lot to buy a quality pair of bookshelf speakers. Nowadays, you can find affordable options that can very well suit your preferences.
For example, if you want portable bookshelf speakers, then you shouldn’t be investing in a passive pair. This depends entirely on your needs, as you can see.
Passive Vs. Powered Bookshelf Speakers
You might have noticed that we included both passive and powered bookshelf speakers on the list, but what are each of them suitable for?
Passive bookshelf speakers are the ones you usually find on home theater setups. As the name implies, they must be powered by an external amplifier or a powered input to work properly. This is usually the case for speakers that connects to AV receivers.
Active or powered bookshelf speakers, on the other hand, don’t need any external amplifiers. This is the most common type of speaker and the most recommended if you’re looking for a unit to include on your computer setup or for hassle-free music listening.
As you can see, the best option between passive and powered bookshelf speakers will depend on how you plan to use the unit. We only recommend passive units for those who are aware of what extra equipment they will need to properly power their setup.
Powered bookshelf speakers are the best choice for casual music listening. If they feature quality-of-life options like Bluetooth and USB connectivity, then it is best to go with a unit of this type.
Conclusion
There are a ton of options for bookshelf speakers on the market nowadays, with many different features and technologies. It wouldn’t be too hard to find a unit that suits your personalized taste.
Always consider your expectations and priorities when choosing the unit. When shopping, keep in mind the factors we discussed: make sure you’re getting a product with good audio quality and sturdy construction because, after all, you’re making an investment.
Now, let’s look at our top pick for the best bookshelf speaker of 2022.
Audioengine A2+ – Best Bookshelf Speaker of 2022
We chose this pair of active bookshelf speakers as our favorite on the list, thanks to their unmatched design and build quality. The Audioengine A2+ is the best unit on the list and has all of the features you might need, including Bluetooth connectivity.
We hope our article was helpful. Make sure to research extensively before making any purchases, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
Hello, my name is James Longman.
I’m a writer and editor at AudioReputation. I disassembled my first portable AM/FM radio when I was only 8. At the age of 11, I burned the circuit board on my old boombox cassette player. I’m not going to explain how but it was reckless and stupid.
Since then, I have become much more careful around radios, boomboxes, and other audio devices (at least, I like to think so) but I have never lost the passion for audio equipment. Throughout 20 years of my professional career, I’ve been working for various audio equipment manufacturers and even started building speakers on my own in my little workshop.
I love the work we do here at AudioReputation. Testing, comparing, and evaluating all kinds of audio devices (speakers, soundbars, headphones, home theater systems, etc.) is something I truly enjoy. I try to be unbiased and give you my honest opinion on every piece of equipment I test. Still, you should take my reviews with a pinch of salt and always be just a little bit skeptical. The fact that I liked some speaker or soundbar doesn’t mean that you are going to love it. If you have the opportunity, you should test it/hear it before buying it.