The Best Powered Speakers (Our Top 10) • Audiostance (2024)

1. Edifier R1280T

Finding the perfect powered speaker is difficult, but the Edifier R1280T comes close. It manages to bring the affordability of the Edifier R980T and the sound quality of the R2000DB all into one glorious bookshelf speaker. Therefore, it’s our choice for the best overall powered speaker on our list. At around $100, you cannot match the price and value.

When unboxing the R1280T for the first time, you’ll immediately notice that these are a beautiful pair of speakers. Everything about the design is sleek and classy, from the subtle wood tone to the light-gray grille. There’s also a thin metallic accent line that runs down the middle, and the same material is used for the Edifier logo at the bottom. The speakers just look so premium you’d think the entire budget went into the design. If you haven’t noticed already, we are big fans of a naturally tanned look with a 70s undertone.

The Edifier R1280T is the perfect size for bookshelf speakers. Each unit measures 5.7 x 9.5 x 7 inches and can fit onto most desks/shelves. Under the hood, you’ll find a 13mm silk tweeter, a 4-inch woofer, and a calibrated, flared bass reflex port. The Edifier R1280T might not have the biggest drivers, but they sure found a way to use them (but more on that below) effectively. The R1280T also works with most devices, including computers, tablets, smartphones, and record players. The only shortfall was that it did not have Bluetooth, but that’s a small sacrifice for a great speaker under a hundred dollars.

The Edifier R1280T offers a neutral, detailed sound signature with enough power to fill an entire room. Unexpectedly, the speakers provide better bass than some of its 5-inch woofer competitors. These speakers punch well above their weight at just 50% volume and without the need for an additional subwoofer. In the high frequencies, treble is well-balanced, and unlike its budget Edifier R980T brother, you won’t find any ear-piercing discomfort even at maximum volume. Instead, the high-end remains bright but extremely textured at the same time.

The midrange is where the R1280T shines and separates itself from the competition in this price range. Vocals and acoustics are smooth and refined, with genres like jazz and indie music sounding incredible. While watching movies and playing video games, we liked that the bass never overpowered vocals, even at low levels, so you could theoretically enjoy the speakers late at night and still hear what the characters are saying. However, if you want to rattle the windows, you can adjust the bass/treble on the knobs on the right speaker’s side. With its excellent sound and design quality, you can’t go wrong with the Edifier R1280T.

2. Kanto YU6

Power

100W

Input

AUX, Bluetooth, RCA

Weight

11.4 lbs

Size

6” x 8” x 10″

Check Price

A powered speakers list wouldn’t be complete without something thunderous, and that’s where the Kanto YU6 comes in. With a Class D amplifier that pumps out 200W of peak power, the YU6 will let you (and your neighbors!) enjoy your favorite tracks as if you were at a live performance.

The Kanto YU6 powered speakers are beautiful with various finishes and color schemes. You can choose between bamboo, gloss red, gloss white, gloss black, matte black, matte white, and walnut. The elegant design has soft rounded edges, woven Kevlar drivers, and silk dome tweeters. The construction is sturdy, and when ramping up the volume, we were happy to find that the YU6 doesn’t shake uncontrollably.

The YU6 also has all the features you’d find on higher-end powered speakers. It has a built-in phono amp that connects it directly to a turntable. Users can change between Phono and Line inputs with a single switch. If you’re a vinyl fan, you’ll love the YU6. Regarding connectivity, the speaker has Bluetooth, RCA/AUX inputs, Optical inputs, a subwoofer output, and a USB charge port. The YU6 is quite interesting because it’s the only powered speaker on our list with a dedicated USB charging feature. This sounds cool, keeping your phone battery from dying, but it would have been even better if the USB could connect to the PC.

Right off the bat, the first apparent aspect of the Kanto YU6 is power. Lots of manufacturers advertise ‘loudspeakers’, but Kanto delivered. There’s a lot of headroom, with vocals carrying their full weight accompanied by a neutral low and high range. Some brands get power wrong and overemphasize the bass, which tends to drown out the artist, but Kanto has managed to strike the right balance without any tuning required.

The instruments always sounded clean and authentic. We listened to tracks involving pianos, guitars, and the violin and really enjoyed the accuracy of the Kevlar woofers and silk dome tweeters intertwining. Getting the vocals right is one thing, but maintaining the same standard through all ranges is even more impressive. One downside we did notice, though, was the Bluetooth connectivity. It did tend to drop and stutter sometimes, and we have yet to determine the reason.

Nevertheless, the Kanto YU6 is still an excellent powered ‘loudspeaker’ with so many alternative connectivity options. If you want to go big and rock out in your living room, these won’t leave you disappointed.

Why We Recommend It

The Kanto YU6 powered speakers boast 200W peak power and a built-in phono amp. They come in various finishes and have connectivity options, including Bluetooth, RCA/AUX inputs, Optical inputs, a subwoofer output, and a USB charge port. They deliver clean and authentic sound.

Pros

• Powerful 200W Class D amplifier
• Beautiful design with various finishes and color schemes
• Versatile connectivity with Bluetooth, RCA/AUX inputs, Optical inputs, subwoofer output, and USB charge port

Cons

See Also

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• Bluetooth connectivity can drop and stutter
• USB charge port cannot connect to PC

3. Yamaha HS5

Power

70W

Input

XLR, TRS

Weight

11.7 lbs

Size

11” x 6” x 8″

Check Price

What do most people look for in a studio monitor? Perhaps amazing stereo imaging, neutral sound, high volume levels, a wide frequency response, or minimal distortion. It could be all of the above, so our best studio monitor award goes to the Yamaha HS5. As the smallest speaker in the Yamaha HS series, the Yamaha HS5 with newly developed transducers aims to provide quality sound for both professionals and amateurs.

To ensure your speakers are studio-level, a manufacturer must ensure that the design and build quality is durable and efficient. Yamaha has always been regarded as a brand associated with value, and the HS5 is no different. The speakers are constructed with a sturdy MDF board that minimizes unwelcome resonance. The speakers in classic white and black look great in almost any environment. They have the minimalistic appeal to fit any studio.

Customization and placement are everything in a studio to create new music, and that’s where the new HS Install Versions come in. You can mount the speakers on ceilings or walls (the brackets are sold separately). The HS5 is also small in dimension at a budget price at only 11.2 inches high, 6.7 inches wide, and 8.7 inches deep. The HS5 weighs around 11.7 lbs, so we advise putting it on a stand or isolation pad if you aren’t ready for a wall or ceiling mount.

Finally, there are two connectivity options, a balanced XLR input and a TRS input. It’s somewhat disappointing that these cables are not included. Sure, you can add them to the cart, but it can be frustrating if you want them to work right out of the box.

Looking at the inside of the Yamaha HS5, you’ll find a 5-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter. 5 inches are generally recommended for small/medium studios. As mentioned in the introduction, the HS5 comes with newly developed transducers with an amazing frequency response of 54Hz – 30kHz, covering the lows to highs very nicely. The tweeter and woofer have a dedicated amp that ensures a clear, flat, but neutral sound that producers favor with its bi-amp design.

If you’re an ordinary listener or new to the industry, you might be confused about all the praise surrounding the HS5 when you first use the monitor. A neutral flat response allows producers to listen to music in its purest state to highlight and remove faults. Unlike general Hi-Fi systems you may be used to, the HS5 is not overly colorful or vibrant. It doesn’t ramp up the bass or exaggerate the mids/highs. That’s not to say the sound quality isn’t brilliant, but it isn’t enhanced for dramatic effect. But if you’re someone looking for the best studio monitors, that probably sounds ideal.

Why We Recommend It

The Yamaha HS5 studio monitor wins the best studio monitor award due to its amazing stereo imaging, neutral sound, high volume levels, and wide frequency response. The speakers have a sturdy build quality and come in classic white and black. It has a bi-amp design with a dedicated amp for the 5-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter. The HS5 also has two connectivity options: a balanced XLR and a TRS input. However, it’s disappointing that these cables are not included.

Pros

• Sturdy, durable design with a minimalistic appeal
• Newly developed transducers for clear and neutral sound
• It can be mounted on walls or ceilings

Cons

• Cables not included
• Not enhanced for dramatic effect
• Small in dimension, may need a stand or isolation pad

4. Edifier R980T

You may not want to break the bank if it’s your first time heading into the powered speaker’s world. Perhaps you’re looking for a computer speaker on a budget with decent sound and a low price to match. Well, if this sounds about right, then you’ll like the Edifier R980T bookshelf speaker. It’s affordable and provides good audio with all the necessary features you might want in a powered speaker.

The Edifier R980 is smaller, measuring 5.5 x 8.9 x 7.75 inches. Each speaker weighs approximately 4 pounds, so they’re pretty easy to move around and adjust. The design itself is very basic. The outside has an all-black wooden finish with a cloth grille that you can remove. There are also four rubber feet, which prevent sliding and unnecessary vibrations. It’s not the prettiest of speakers around, but it still looks modern and neat.

There are two auxiliary inputs, a 3.5mm jack, and a dual RCA output to connect your computer and other sources. There are knobs to control the volume and bass found on the same panel as the ports. Again, we were impressed that the manufacturers included the RCA and 3.5mm cables together with a speaker wire, making it a plug-and-play system immediately upon unboxing.

Going into a budget speaker, you never know what to expect. Did the manufacturers spend the entire budget on the design, or did they somehow manage to balance everything? In this case, it’s the latter. Edifier has somehow managed to pull off a decent-sounding powered speaker. We wouldn’t say great, but for under $100, you can’t expect premium quality.

Inside the R980T, you’ll find a small 4-inch woofer accompanied by a 13mm silk dome tweeter. The overall sound signature is warm. The mids are accurate, and the highs are fairly detailed. The speakers only have 24W of power, but we wouldn’t advise increasing the volume. As the volume cranks to the max, the bass will begin to crackle, and the highs will screech. There is a bass reflex port, so perhaps you can improve the lows with the addition of a subwoofer. Whatever you decide, the R980T has a lot of value for money. If it’s your first time buying powered speakers, and money is tight, these are a good option.

5. Edifier R2000DB

The Edifier R2000DB powered bookshelf speakers are branded as “versatile while maintaining an authentic listening experience.” Founded in 1996 under Beijing Edifier Technology Company Ltd, there’s a lot of hype around these speakers as they’re made for computers, gaming consoles, and mini-home theatre systems. With such a range of capabilities, can the R2000DB still deliver great audio throughout various genres?

The Edifier R2000DB design is modern and sleek and available in two finishes. The front panel is textured, while the sides are either high-gloss piano black or woodgrain. The speakers are angled in a way that they almost lean upwards, so they deliver music straight to your ears without needing to position them at head height. Regarding dimensions, the R2000DB will take up a decent amount of space, and we’d advise that you measure the depth beforehand if you’re looking to place them on your desk. The tuning controls are also situated at the back, so you’ll need to consider that if you want regular easy access.

The paneled MFD design makes the cabinet feel premium, and the speakers include covers that help protect against dust and small objects. Connectivity-wise, you can connect two devices through the dual RCA, link your smartphone via Bluetooth, and connect your television via the optical output. Finally, you can also connect other media devices via optical, 3.5mm to RCA, and dual RCA cable. Our only criticism is that we would have liked to see a dedicated sub-out option for subwoofers.

As advertised, the Edifier R2000DB is being marketed for just about anything audio-related. There is a high-quality 5-inch woofer that outputs respectable bass and a 1-inch silk ‘eagle eye’ tweeter that delivers clear mids and highs. The frequency response is 55Hz to 20kHz, so there’s plenty of room to rumble in those deep lows while maintaining a balanced sound signature. Is it professional studio quality? Yes, the reproduction is very accurate. Will it be good for video games and movies? Again, thanks to the 85dBA, there is plenty of power to go around, whether that means hearing enemy footsteps behind you or getting that immersive movie experience.

You can also alter the sound via the two EQ settings. Dynamic Mode will give you a boost in the lows, which is great for fans of EDM music. Secondly, you can choose Classic Mode, which soothes things with a neutral signature. We found this best for watching YouTube videos or instrumental/vocal music. If you want further customization, you can also find treble/bass controls on the speaker’s back. Hence, you’ll need plenty of space if they’re fitted on your desk. The Edifier R2000DB offers a great all-around experience at a middle-to-high-end price tag. There’s enough power, smoothness, and customization for just about anyone.

6. Audioengine A5+ Wireless

Audioengine has been around for over 15 years and has made waves in the audio industry, popular throughout Europe and the United States. With years of experience, they are always willing to try new things, and one of their latest projects is the Audioengine A5+ Bluetooth speaker.

The Audioengine A5+ is available in three finishes: matte black, natural bamboo, and high-gloss white. It measures 10.8 inches high, 7 inches wide, and 7.8/9 inches deep. The second speaker’s depth is because it houses the controls and connections and the heat sink at the back panel. The corners have also been rounded to give it a soft but classic bookshelf look to fit into any setup.

The left front speaker of the Audioengine A5+ includes a LED power indicator, volume knob, and remote receiver. The remote has four buttons, volume up, down, mute, and sleep mode. Each speaker has a 5-inch Kevlar woofer and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter. One drawback of the design is that the drivers aren’t angled upward, so if you’re using them on your desktop, you will need to try to match the height of the tweeters with your ears. However, if the speakers are positioned in a larger room, you shouldn’t have any issues.

You’ll find the connections on the back of the left speaker: a Bluetooth antenna, pairing button, RCA inputs and outputs, 3.5mm aux input, and a banana plug cable that links the left speaker to the right. You will also find a voltage select switch, a fuse, a power button, and a connection for the power supply.

Before we dive into the sound, how easily does the Audioengine A5+ pair to your smartphone? Well, pretty effortlessly. Simply turn on the system, and the device should immediately appear in your Bluetooth menu. So, your powered Bluetooth speakers are now ready, and we’ll start with the bass. They have some power to them but are not thunderous in any way. There’s great depth while still maintaining control before distortion occurs.

Less bass-intensive tracks better indicate the overall sound signature, which is full, warm, and natural. Vocals especially are clear and crisp; even with the addition of drums, the lows remain rich without being overbearing. Mids-to-Highs are, therefore also balanced, with no frequency range favored over the other. Some may view this as a flat-style frequency, but it could accommodate all listening types.

That’s not to say the A5+ does not have power. Orchestral tracks sound amazing and robust. String and brass instruments are bright but always stay accurate rue to the intended recording. If you’re looking for a neutral-sounding well-balanced pair of powered speakers, then the A5+ has lots to offer.

7. Klipsch R-15PM

Klipsch is known for its excellent quality. It is often recommended by audiophiles, home theatre enthusiasts, and those working inside studios. The R-15PM Bluetooth-powered monitor offers the connectivity and stereo separation of a receiver-speaker combo while maintaining the simplicity of a soundbar. In terms of sound, it’s up there with the Audioengine A5+ Wireless, but this time, it’s a hundred dollars less.

The Klipsch R-15PM has a nice retro appeal with a black polymer veneer finish complemented by orange woofers. Although the powered speakers can fill a room with sound, they won’t take up much space at just 12.5 inches high, 7 inches wide, and a depth of 8.11 inches. Inside the speaker, you’ll find a 5.25-inch copper spun magnetically shielded IMG woofer and the innovative 1-inch aluminum diaphragm compression driver mated to 90° x 90° square Tractrix Horn.

Why is the tweeter cavity horn shape cool? It completes the task of sound collection and diffusion, which avoids possible resonance during output sound and harmful reflections. You’ll find a volume knob and a signal source button at the back of the speaker. You’ll also be able to connect via RCA, USB, Digital optical, 3.5mm mini-jack, and Bluetooth. Additionally, a bass output interface strengthens low frequencies through a subwoofer.

Klipsch has included a remote that comes with all the basic features and more: volume control, bass increase/decrease, input channels, forward/backtrack control, play/pause, and source selection.

The Klipsch R-15PM might be a small powered speaker, but its output is relatively bright. The midrange is clear and colorful, giving life to various vocal genres. Treble is controlled nicely while maintaining enough detail in the higher frequencies. When we ramped up the volume, it was also great to see that there wasn’t any piercing sound or overwhelming instruments that overpower the vocals. Similar to the Audioengine A5+, the sound signature was very natural. With that being said, the lows were somewhat lacking. Perhaps Klipsch didn’t want to risk the bass sounding muddy, but you may find the lows underwhelming if you’re a bass-enthusiast. As always, a simple fix would be adding a subwoofer.

We are also glad that Klipsch has gone with a modern connectivity route. Having the ability to connect the speakers directly to your PC and then effortlessly switch to your mobile phone via Bluetooth is a game-changer. For the casual listener, movies, and music will perform great. There’s enough here to impress those used to basic stereo sound. If you are an audiophile or sensitive listener, the bass can be a drawback, especially in studio recordings where accuracy is everything.

8. Klipsch R-51PM

Our best-powered speaker list has many speakers, which include Bluetooth connectivity, but none match the performance of the Klipsch R-51PM. None were found when trying to distinguish the differences between wired and wireless. The Klipsch R-51PM might be your smartphone’s new favorite companion with its warm sound signature.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Klipsch R-51PM is that it looks similar to the Klipsch R-15PM, but there are some differences. For starters, it has a larger horn opening, with an improved radiation angle, resulting in better bass coverage and consequently extending the medium to high frequencies. The Klipsch R-51PM is available in black and includes the popular horn tweeters and copper-colored woofers. These are protected by a magnetic cloth cover that can be removed or replaced. Covers can sometimes diminish sound, but Klipsch has made these sounds perfect, whatever your preference may be, so hats off to them.

The speakers are sold as a set, with the right being the master and the left connected by wire. In other words, all your inputs and controls are found on the right. Although this is our favorite Bluetooth-powered speaker, it doesn’t fall short on connectivity options. There’s optical for TV, 3.5mm for AUX, USB for PC, and a phono or line input for a turntable. You will also find an LED on the right speaker that shows you which input is currently selected, but you can also turn this off to avoid distraction.

We wouldn’t label the Klipsch R-51PM as a party speaker, but it does lean towards a warm sound signature that is rich and vibrant. Rock and pop music will sound great, so perhaps the R-51PM was intended for larger spaces. Thanks to the Dynamic Bass EQ, this also makes sense, which delivers deep clear bass, no matter the volume level. Emphasis should be placed on ‘clear bass’ as there isn’t distortion when you ramp things up. Sure, you could keep these in your bedroom, but they do have enough power to get the party thumping.

The R-51PM is also a clear winner if you’re looking for the best powered Bluetooth speaker. Connectivity-wise, the quality never drops, even when venturing 500 feet from the source with your phone in hand. Additionally, the included remote can control your music while connected to Bluetooth. This might come as a surprise, but you can only control the music via the Bluetooth device in most cases. Friends can therefore skip tracks or adjust the volume on the remote while you have iTunes playing in the background of your smartphone. Consequently, you don’t have to hand your phone over to select music. Yay for privacy!

9. Audioengine HD6

The Audioengine HD6 is designed primarily for audiophiles looking for high-fidelity sound. It’s a highly versatile speaker with various Bluetooth options, making it perfect for Hi-Fi systems, computers, televisions, record players, and gaming consoles. The HD6 is also the most expensive powered speaker on our list, with realistic and detailed sound complimented by the premium build quality. Let’s find out if it’s worth the money.

The design and construction of the HD6 are first-class. The speakers include custom 5.5-inch Kevlar woofers with die-cast aluminum baskets and a custom 1-inch silk tweeter with neodymium magnets and ferrofluid-cooled voice coils. The cabinet itself has been hand-built with black, walnut, or white finishes. You’ll find detachable magnetic speaker grills and threaded inserts to fasten the speakers to stands on the outside.

The Audioengine HD6 has plenty of connectivity options. Smartphones and tablets can be connected via Bluetooth, while CD players, tape decks, turntables, televisions, and gaming consoles can be linked through the RCA and 3.5mm jack inputs. The speaker also includes a basic aluminum remote, input/output cables, and microfiber/cable bags. You won’t also have to take our word for the sturdy construction. Audioengine included a 3-year warranty with the HD6, which is quite the upgrade compared to your standard 1-year powered speaker return policies.

Audiophiles can be difficult to please, but we’re certain these will meet expectations and more. The Audioengine HD6 speakers are one of the best-sounding powered speakers available. Depth is otherworldly, having heard sounds I have never noticed in music before. Vocal performances are clear, natural, and amplified as if the artist is standing in the room with you. The treble is well-articulated, while the mid-bass remains balanced without distortion. Out of all the powered speakers on this list, we can reassure you that this monitor won’t require an additional subwoofer for all you bass lovers.

The speakers are a great choice for entertainment or professional use. Movies were engaging, and video games had great audio separation. If you went into the studio to focus on classical or instrumental music, the experience would also be satisfying. We’d advise using a turntable together with the HD6 to appreciate the sound quality and detail truly. Artists like Mozart sound remarkable with amazing precision. The HD6 is somewhat expensive, but it’s worth every penny if you have the budget.

10. JBL 305P MKII

The JBL 305P MKII features next-generation JBL transducers, new boundary EQ, and a refreshing blacked-out design. Marketed at both casual listeners and audiophiles, can the 5-inch woofer pack enough power to please everyone?

JBL has built a reputation around a brand that prioritizes quality and innovation while keeping most products within the average consumer’s price range. The new 3rd generation MKII series comes in a smooth, shiny finish. It looks bold, with some reminiscing of 90’s flashy speakers, but without being over-the-top with RGB lighting. Shiny finishes tend to look great until dust and fingerprints arrive. We would have preferred it in a matte finish, but hey, if you put them on your desk and wipe them every so often with a microfiber cloth, it should be perfectly fine.

The JBL 305P weighs around 10 lbs and measures 11.75 x 7.3 x 9.1 inches in actual size. The monitor isn’t notably bulky or heavy but rather balances quality and portability. You should note that since the 5-inch monitor has a rear-facing bass port, a low-end build-up can occur if placed against a wall. Therefore, if you want the best possible listening experience, you should keep these at head height and, ideally, as far away from your wall as possible.

The 305P MKII is designed for near-field listening. If you sit far away from your desk or wherever you plan to mount the speakers, you might be disappointed. The 5-inch woofers are ideal for small-to-medium-sized studios, and since it’s powered, you won’t have to plug in an external amplifier. Frequency-wise, JBL advertises the 305P MKII to range between 43 Hz to 24 kHz and has a 49 Hz to 20 kHz response. There is plenty of leeway to work with here and enough detail for a pleasant listening experience for genres of all kinds. The 305P can reach 108 dB in terms of raw power, but an additional subwoofer can always improve it.

The05P MKII offers some unique features, looking at the actual sound quality. JBL uses Image Control Waveguide, which gives its speakers a wider sound stage. In other words, you’ll find greater depth and ambiance during recordings. The speaker shines most in its lows, with enough bass for all genres while maintaining control without distortion. The medium to high range is also relatively good, with a warm soundstage that is crisp during vocal tracks and clean during instruments. The 305P MKII also gives you the option to tune your output and adjust the speaker to your needs; therefore, you’ll be able to configure the device to your personal needs and environmental elements.