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The best affordable bookshelf speakers can tie together your perfect audio set up, or they can function on their own. You don't need to buy high-end speakers to get amazing quality. These speakers all blast clear, crisp sound while maintaining a lower price tag. Our top pick, Edifier R1280T at Amazon, is only $100!
When searching for your new speakers, you will need to keep in mind the size, Bluetooth capabilities, and powered vs passive output. Those points should be the key factors in your decision. Make sure to measure the spot you decide to make your designates speaker area to ensure a perfect fit. If weight can be an issue, make sure to purchase lightweight speakers. Next, if you will be streaming audio from your smartphone or computer, Bluetooth is a crucial feature you will need. Lastly, powered speakers can work without any outside devices. If you do not want to purchase a receiver, you will need to make sure your new pair of speakers are not passive models. No matter what customizations you decide on, the best affordable bookshelf speakers are available to you!
These best-selling bookshelf speakers evoke a retro feel with their classic wood finish, but the sound quality is very modern. The combination of grained walnut brown wood and a smart grey speaker grill look great in any room, while the two sets of RCA inputs and easy aux setup make for a flexible option for any sound system.
The active loudspeaker comes with built-in tone control that can adjust treble and bass from -6 to +6db. A remote gives control over volume from across the room, while 100-240v full range voltage input makes it easy to listen. Sound is amazing for the price, thanks to 42 watts RMS power 13mm silk dome tweeters and a four-inch full range woofer. Because you can use this incredible pair of speakers on their own or as part of a larger audio set-up, they are ideal for just about anyone but the most discerning audiophiles.
These bluetooth-connected speakers offer a hassle-free wireless audio experience that pairs well with any Apple or Android device. They also have two aux inputs where you can simultaneously connect two devices, as well as a remote to control the action. Inside, clear sound comes from a 19mm dome tweeter and a four-inch bass driver that make for a well-rounded sound. Low frequencies are enhanced by a front-facing bass reflex port, which routes to give more bass power. You have further adjustment options with included digital volume control, including bass and treble adjustment between -6b and +6db.
The pair of speakers are constructed with a classic high quality MDF wood and have an attractive walnut finish. One speaker is active with a five-pin connector to the passive speaker and both include RCA input.
Klipsch, an iconic American audio manufacturer, has designed a remarkable pair of copper and black bookshelf speakers that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you fire them up. The small, versatile speakers are built with one-inch aluminum linear travel suspension horn-loaded tweeters and a four-inch copper high-output IMG woofer. A proprietary 90x90 Tractrix Horn pairs with the tweeter for crystal clear high-end response, resulting in a dynamic and natural sound. Meanwhile copper-spun Injection Molded Graphite woofer minimizes cone breakup and distortion, creating remarkable low frequency response. Together they produce speaker efficiency and clean sound unrivaled in its price range.
This is all packed in a black polymer veneer cabinet with a rear-firing port with five-way binding posts, so it's ideal for connection flexibility that will work with your setup.
This pair of Polk bookshelf speakers has been a mainstay on the market for a few years now, but it is still the best entry-level option. The case is finished with minimalist black polymer veneer, matched by a black mesh speaker grill. Inside, you will find a polymer composite 5 ¼-inch woofer and a silk ¾-inch tweeter that can handle 100 watts at overall frequency of 60Hz-24kHz.
The wide dispersion drivers and tweeters are enhanced by Polk’s exclusive Dynamic Balance function that deliver a cinematic wide response and low distortion. The pair of speakers have magnetically shielded enclosures for reduced distortion and improved clarity, while the engineering ensures the speakers work in a synergistic manner, performing complementary tasks for the best sound performance.
Klipsch has carved out a reputation for its high-quality audio devices, and the R-41PM bookshelf speakers are no exception, fusing a classic, compact appearance with room-filling sounds. Measuring just 10” tall and well-suited for integration into many décor schemes, the speakers boast a built-in, custom-engineered amplifier designed to fill your space and create your ideal ambiance. The dynamic volume control adapts based on the human ear’s ability to hear different frequencies, providing a new standard of listening experiences, and Tractrix Horn technology aims high frequencies at listeners to minimize artificial reverberation. Thanks to Bluetooth wireless technology, an integrated phono preamplifier, and analog RCA and USB inputs, gone are the days of needing an A/V receiver, opening up the possibilities of connecting the speakers with any of your devices, from turntables to cell phones to televisions. The speakers come with Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) woofer cones that are both light and rigid, but another subwoofer can easily be added to boost low frequencies.
Fill your room with an unprecedented and expansive audio experience with these Core Series speakers from Sony. They feature a three-way, three-speaker bass-reflex system that stays in harmony with your room, whatever its layout may be. The speakers are constructed with foamed mica woofer diaphragms that deliver supple sound and balance low weight with powerful and deep bass response from a 5-¼-inch foam woofer. The woofer is complemented with a one-inch polyester main tweeter and a ¾-inch Sony Super Tweeter. The super tweeter delivers ultra-responsive high-frequency audio up to 50kHz. The speakers have a 100-watt max input power that delivers clear and powerful audio.
Polk Audio is known for being a reasonably affordable brand, but the Signature S10 line comes in at a slightly higher price point than normal. This pair of satellite speakers offers you a great look in a compact size, whether you’re using them as a small pair of bookshelf speakers or as part of a larger surround system. There’s a four-inch, mica-reinforced woofer that will pack a good amount of oomph and a one-inch high-definition tweet that adds presence and punch. Pair that with Polk’s engineered audio power to bolster the chassis with directional sound support. and you have a really powerful system. It’s easily mountable, too, with a threaded screw insert and keyhole slots so you can add this speaker to any system or living room setup — whether you have a shelf or not.
Passive speakers require an amplifier or stereo receiver, but if you are ready to build a complete audio center, these budget bookshelf speakers are a great option. The speakers are built in a ported enclosure that balances a four-inch woven carbon fiber woofer with a .75-inch silk dome tweeter. They also contain a 12dB crossover and baffle step compensation, creating a balanced and dynamic sound that faithfully reproduces highs and lows.
The tweeters and woofers are housed in a classic back polymer casing with a mesh grill. The sophisticated design looks great in any room, while the frequency response of 60Hz-20kHz and impedance of 4-8 ohms sounds great.
If you don’t know about Monoprice, then you’re missing out on an entire site’s worth of amazing products for affordable prices. What’s extra cool about Monoprice’s speaker line is that they take their direct-from-manufacturer pricing and get creative with the products themselves. The cross-hatching on the grill of these speakers harkens back to a time of records and console systems. But don’t let the look fool you — these speakers have plenty of modern features. There’s a four-inch polypropylene woofer to add richness to the central sound spectrum and there’s a one-inch silk tweeter for sparkling highs. The system covers you from 65Hz to 20kHz, so you’ll need a subwoofer to cover the bottom end, but otherwise, you’re good. It operates via a quarter-inch balanced input and it ships with the mounting system ready to go on the back. Plus, that great design also offers rugged construction, which — paired with the one-year Monoprice warranty — will ensure these speakers are adorning your system for a long while.
Powered vs. passive - Check to see whether the speakers you are purchasing are passive or powered. A set of powered speakers can be plugged into the wall and begin working immediately. However, a pair of passive speakers will require you to purchase an additional amplifier to get them to produce sound.
Size - With speakers, sometimes size does matter. While you might be inclined to search out the smallest and cutest pair you can find, know that a larger couple will generally offer fuller sound. Additionally, as bookshelf setups typically lack a subwoofer, you will be relying on your two speakers to produce sufficient bass.
Bluetooth - Do you want to stream music from your smartphone or computer? Check to see if the speakers you are seeking offer Bluetooth streaming built in. The wireless technology will allow you to send music from any modern device to your speakers with the push of a button.