Bookshelf speakers can be a fantastic way to enjoy music in the comfort of your home thanks to their well-sized nature- allowing them to slot into a wide variety of spaces – and sophisticated design.
Whether it is whilst you are reading, working, or doing your chores throughout the house, an excellent pair of bookshelf speakers can keep your tunes blaring and look good whilst doing it.
With the technology in music systems advancing constantly, it has become more and more difficult to make a choice when it comes to products such as bookshelf speakers. Not only that, but they can also be pretty steep in terms of price.
Don’t worry too much about it, though, as we’re here to help narrow down your options when it comes to the best bookshelf speakers!
We have compiled a list that focuses specifically on the best choices of bookshelf speakers in terms of sound quality and practicality, but we are also keeping the price in mind and focusing only on speakers that don’t crawl over the $2000 mark.
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Pair of Bookshelf Speakers
The ELAC brand of bookshelf speakers is a stylish, practical, and highly affordable choice. These speakers utilize a new form of tweeter (tweeters are stereos that will produce smaller soundwaves with higher frequencies).
The tweeter used in this speaker is a newly developed one, featuring a one-inch soft-dome that allows for wider sound dispersion. It also has a wide-roll surround, which raises the frequency response to 35KhZ.
As well as a new tweeter, the ELAC bookshelf speakers also have a newly developed woofer (the larger stereo which is responsive to lower frequencies of sound) that utilizes a tighter weave pattern to improve the quality of the bass and make the sound crisper and clearer.
In terms of placement, the front-firing port can reduce any issues that come with speakers having to be close to a wall, whilst the internal bracing feature reduces vibration, allowing the high sound quality to be maintained even when contained in a cabinet
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Newly developed tweeter and woofer
- Simple and contemporary style
- Internal bracing feature
- Front-firing ports
Cons:
- This particular speaker doesn’t offer any other color options other than black
Also available on Elac.com
Polk Audio T15 100 Watt Home Theater Pair of Bookshelf Speakers
The T15 Polk Audio Speakers are another incredibly affordable choice that has a modern and versatile style, easily able to fit in with a wide variety of home decor themes whilst being a practical pair of speakers.
These speakers can be used to get that sought-after home theater experience- thanks to the immersive surround sound courtesy of the 0.75 inch tweeter and the 5.25 inch dynamic balance driver-, but they can also be used for a softer and more gentle sound too.
The speakers can be mounted on the walls thanks to the built-in keyhole slot, allowing for some versatility in terms of placement as well as sound.
Able to be used as double rear surround speakers as well as bookshelf speakers, the Polk Audio Speakers are an excellent choice if you are looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers that could be used throughout the house in a wide variety of ways.
Pros:
- Very versatile.
- Built-in keyhole allows for wall placement.
- Splendid value for money.
- Natural and well-balanced sound.
- A classy black oak finish.
- They can be used as rear surround speakers as well.
Cons:
- Whilst the black oak finish is stylish, there are no other finishes available.
Also available on PolkAudio.com and BestBuy.com
Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf System (Pair)
Sony’s take on the bookshelf speaker is a versatile, affordable, and sophisticated option that offers crystal clear quality audio and a highly immersive audio experience. The compact design of the speakers makes for a perfect addition to a bookshelf, as well as any other small space.
As the name suggests, the speakers are 3-way, 3 driver speakers, featuring two tweeters- one 0.98 inch tweeter for an authentic sound and one 0.75 inch super tweeter for more precise high-frequency notes- and a 5.12 MRC woofer, allowing for strong and dynamic bass.
As well as that, the 3-Way 3-Driver Sony speaker is beautifully made, with a gorgeous black wooden finish, a durable and firm structure allowing for richer acoustics, and premium components, such as high-quality film condensers, silicon steel plates, air-core inductors, and thick winding materials.
Pros:
- Another speaker that is excellent value for money.
- Well sized for bookshelves, but versatile enough for other placements.
- High-quality components and structure.
- Sleek wooden finish.
- Strong audio with rich bass thanks to the 5.12 MRC woofer.
Cons:
- This is another speaker that hasn’t got much diversity in terms of different colors or materials.
Also available on Sony.com and BestBuy.com
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
The Edifier is a well-made bookshelf speaker that combines both modern and classical styles to create an incredibly stylish and highly functional speaker.
These speakers have a four-inch driver which features a calibrated, flared bass reflex port to create the richest and most robust bass that is sure to resonate around your home.
The speakers also offer a more natural sound thanks to the combination of this bass with the 13mm silk dome tweeter.
You also have precise control with this choice of speaker, thanks to the volume dials that also allow you to control the level of the treble and the bass in your active speaker, offering an extra hint of personalization. You can also take control with a handy remote control that is included in the package.
Connecting to multiple audio devices is also possible thanks to the inclusion of dual RCA inputs built into the back panel. This allows you to conveniently connect any device that has dual RCA output or a 3.5mm headphone output.
The combination of contemporary and traditional designs with the Edifier comes from the classic vinyl wood finish, made from high-quality MDF wood.
Pros:
- One of the more stylish designs of bookshelf stereos.
- Easy connectivity with the audio inputs.
- Great value for money.
- An included remote control that can fine-tune treble, bass, and volume to your personal tastes.
- Rich bass and natural, high-quality sound.
Cons:
- Music devices can only be connected via cables, as there is no option for wireless Bluetooth.
Also available on Edifier.com and BestBuy.com
Klipsch R-41M Powerful Detailed Bookshelf Home Speaker Set of 2
The Klipsch bookshelf speaker is another excellent option when it comes to bookshelf speakers that aren’t going to set you back thousands of dollars.
The Klipsch utilizes Tractrix horn technology- created by Klipsch themselves to create clearer and more precise acoustics- which reduces any artificial reverb from the bounce of sound off the walls and offers a sense of clarity.
The Klipsch exclusive Linear Travel Suspension aluminum tweeter- made from rigid yet light materials- enhances the sound resolution whilst minimizing distortion.
Klipsch has their own woofer cones too (four of them to be exact!)- made from spun copper injection-molded graphite- that are rigid and light and can create a low-frequency response for the richest bass without any audio distortion.
The Klipsch speaker has a sleek and modern design thanks to the flexible and strong magnetic grilles, exposed fasteners, and the textured wood grain vinyl exterior (scratch resistant to stop clumsy users from creating unwanted marks!).
As well as being highly stylish and versatile enough to fit into all kinds of living areas, the Klipsch is a practical and affordable bookshelf speaker that speaks for itself in terms of quality and value.
Pros:
- Made from high-quality materials, including Klipsch’s own design of woofers and tweeters.
- Simple and stylish design.
- Great balance of sound.
- Excellent value for money.
- Compact for placement in small spaces.
- Removable magnetic grille.
Cons:
- Much like the other speakers we have talked about, this is another speaker that does not offer any alternative colors or designs in terms of aesthetics.
Also available on Klipsch.com
Buyers Guide
This list has hopefully shown that you don’t have to dig into your savings if you want to buy yourself a bookshelf speaker. There are tons of choices that are great value for money whilst maintaining exceptional quality.
That being said, there are still certain factors that you will need to consider before you go ahead and make your decision on what kind of bookshelf speaker would suit you best. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of these factors and their importance when it comes to your choice.
Size
By nature, bookshelf speakers tend to be compact, as they are designed to fit into bookshelves (unless the name wasn’t a dead giveaway!).
However, bookshelf speakers still have a tendency to vary in size. Make sure you know exactly where you plan to put your speaker and measure the area carefully so that you can then look for a size that fits into your designated area.
Sound Quality
Sound quality can be a big deciding factor for some, especially particularly passionate audiophiles that only want a certain level of quality in their sound.
If you know you are a stickler for sound quality, check the specifications of your chosen speaker carefully before you make your final decision.
Extras
Depending on how you plan to listen to music with your bookshelf speaker, you might need additional features.
If you listen to music on your phone or MP3 player frequently, then you may want to opt for a speaker that features audio inputs so that you can connect your music more easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Optimum Placement for a Bookshelf Speaker?
Bookshelf speakers are designed to be placed on elevated surfaces, such as a table or- as the name suggests- a shelf.
Anywhere should be fine as long as it has some elevation. The only place that these kinds of speakers are not suitable for is the floor.
Can Bookshelf Speakers be Used as Part of a Home Theater?
Yes! A fair amount of the best quality home theater systems utilize bookshelf speakers into their setup to make for the best possible audio balance.
How do I properly position a bookshelf speaker?
Always try and angle your bookshelf speakers in the direction of the listener to optimize the sound quality. The trick is to make sure that the tweeters at directly at ear level to make for the best possible sound.