Whether we’re streaming music or watching the latest movie, many of us can benefit from better speakers. However, not all of us want the bulky design that takes up a lot of floor space, and others simply don’t have room.
That’s why bookshelf speakers are the way to go. The best bookshelf speakers add not only function but also style to your standard, regular bookshelf. And, thanks to their compact size, they fit neatly, emitting sound from the nestling perch.
To get you started, we’ve rounded up and ranked the best bookshelf speakers for your home or office.
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- wonderful sound
- explosive bass
- Great connectivity
- Some types of plastic used in construction
- auxiliary remote control
Specifications: Dimensions: 8.5 x 7 x 13.3 inches | Weight: 10.6 pounds | Bluetooth: Yes | Watts: 60W
The Klipsch R-51PM delivers a powerful punch. It features two-way audio, a 1-inch aluminum diaphragm compression tweeter, and a 90 x 90-degree Tractrix horn to reduce artificial reverberation. In addition, Dynamic Bass EQ matches the ear’s ability to hear lower frequencies.
Two line-level and phono inputs let you easily switch between turntables and other wired sources. In addition, the speaker offers excellent connectivity with both Bluetooth and wired connectivity for all your listening needs.
- User-friendly
- durable construction
- Detachable grill
- sub bass
- Not great for high volume
Specifications: Dimensions: 6.4 x 7.1 x 11.8 inches | Weight: 10.43 pounds | Bluetooth: No | Watts: 75W
If you don’t have a lot of money to spend, the Dayton Audio B652 is a great option for the best cheap bookshelf speaker. Each speaker is less than 1 foot tall and 6.5 inches wide but still has great bass for its size. With a removable baking sheet, you can enjoy a clean, streamlined design for your bookshelf with an ebony vinyl pica cabinet finish.
- Great sound performance
- Both wired and wireless options
- attractive designs
Specifications: Dimensions: 9.2 x 15.6 x 13.1 inches | Weight: 27.2 pounds | Bluetooth: Yes | Watts: 120W
The Fluance Ai61 brings a classic feel to your bookshelf, delivering big sound in a very attractive package. With both Bluetooth and USB connectivity, you can choose between wireless or wired connectivity with RCA, Optical, and USB Type-C inputs. Either way, there’s no sound of sacrifice. These speakers feature 120W amplifiers, neodymium tweeters and 6.5-inch woven fiberglass drivers, and MDF cabinetry to deliver realistic sound.
- deep bass
- obviously great
- Beautiful design
Specifications: Dimensions: 7.87 x 11.02 x 11.89 inches | Weight: 17.2 pounds | Bluetooth: Correct| Watts: 75W
If you have more money to spend, check out the KEF LS50 Meta bookshelf speaker. To eliminate distortion, it features exclusive Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) that reduces high-frequency vibrations for a cleaner sound. Two-way bass-reflex enclosures provide deeper bass and no grilles or design impediments. Uni-Q® helps disperse music throughout the room for a more even listening experience.
- great bass
- Obvious improvement
- attractive aesthetic
Specifications: Dimensions: 8.5 x 7 x 13.3 inches | Weight: 10.6 pounds | Bluetooth: No | Watts: 120W
The Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is a special commemorative design. You can enjoy superb clarity from the 6-inch continuous mid-bass drive units with better frequencies from the dual-layer aluminum dome and neodymium magnet.
The built-in stream port reduces air turbulence so it doesn’t interfere with bass. In addition, decoupled double-dome tweeters help ensure sound is evenly distributed throughout the room.
The best bookshelf speaker is the Klipsch R-51PM, which offers ultimate affordability and performance in a compact, lightweight package. To see how it compares, here’s an overview of the best bookshelf speakers you can buy today.
|
Best bookshelf speakers |
Value |
Wattage |
Weight |
|
Klipsch R-51PM |
$328 |
60W |
10.6 pounds |
|
Audio Dayton B652 |
$45 |
75W |
10.43 pounds |
|
Fluency Ai61 |
$300 |
120W |
27.2 pounds |
|
KEF LS50 Meta |
$1,600 |
75W |
17.2 pounds |
|
Bowers & Wilkins Anniversary Edition 606 S2 |
$1,000 |
120W |
10.6 pounds |
Our expert recommendations can help you find the best bookshelf speakers for your home or office.
|
Check out this best bookshelf speaker… |
If you want… |
|
Klipsch R-51PM |
Exceptional performance at an affordable price |
|
Dayton B652 . Sound |
Best cheap bookshelf speakers |
|
Fluency Ai61 |
Bluetooth-enabled bookshelf speaker |
|
KEF LS50 Meta |
To spend a little more |
|
Bowers & Wilkins Anniversary Edition 606 S2 |
Best high-end bookshelf speakers |
When looking for the best bookshelf speakers, we consider a number of factors, including these.
- Sound quality: If you can’t test the sound yourself, consider the construction of each speaker, such as the tweeter, woofer, and built-in amplifier. You want to make sure you’ll love the sound it comes out with, because that’s the whole reason to buy a speaker in the first place, after all.
- Connect: If you like voice assistants, look for bookshelf speakers with smart technology including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.
- Design: Because this speaker will be front and center of your bookshelf, we’re looking for bookshelf speakers that complement your home decor without leaving a large mark on your bookshelf.
- Price: The cost of bookshelf speakers can vary considerably, depending on the features and design you choose. We’ve picked the best bookshelf speakers to suit different budgets, so there’s something for everyone.
There are several manufacturers that make bookshelf-worthy speakers. However, the best bookshelf speakers come from brands like Klipsch, Fluance, and KEF.
A bookshelf speaker is a compact speaker that often incorporates aesthetics into its design, such as the classic look of the Fluance Ai61 or the innovative design of the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition. It should be small enough to fit on a rack and should have a flat surface for proper placement.
A bookshelf speaker can cost anywhere from under $100 to several thousand dollars, depending on factors like design and built-in features. The best bookshelf speakers range in price from $45 to $1,600, depending on the model you choose.
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