16 Best Bookshelf Speakers to Upgrade Sound Quality in 2020

Quite a lot of people value their home entertainment system as an essential part of the home experience. Rather than go to a smelly theater, they can instead enjoy the latest superhero movies on HBO or get into the Game of Thrones bandwagon. You can use the best bookshelf speakers instead of 5.1 speakers or some best home theater systems.

List of the Best Bookshelf Speakers

#1. Q Acoustics 3020 Bookshelf Speakers

A perfect set of small speakers that produces quality sounds is the best gift for people who live and breathes music. A compact bookshelf speakers like Q Acoustics 3020 is a good addition to any shelves, tables, or limited areas that need some a bit of atmosphere enhancements through sounds.

The problems encountered from past speakers that Q Acoustics has developed were fixed and some features are improved on this newer version of their bookshelf speakers. It is completely braced on its sides that add to its stability and resonance control.

The speaker terminals, which was once located under the base in past series, is now located in a more accessible location on the back of the speakers. Q Acoustics also let go of the dual wiring arrangement and settled for a more simple single wiring which is better.

When it comes to its performance, it provides an enhanced and precise output of instruments while the dynamics that it boasts are very impressive. Since Q Acoustics is known to provide subtle and refined sound quality, this bookshelf speaker is no exception in laying down this superb technology that is partnered with a rhythmic drive that will send your ears to paradise.

The whole system is easy to install and use and doesn’t require any experts to make it work.

Conclusion:

The Q Acoustics 3020 Bookshelf Speakers is a great addition to your solemn entertainment system since it can produce very good quality sound with such a small casing. All you need to do is to handle it with care since it is quite fragile. You can also check out our list of the best bookshelf speakers under 500, if you have a tight budget.

#2. Klipsch RP-160M Bookshelf Speaker

This bookshelf speaker from Klipsch offers a number of features that make it one of the best options that you should take into consideration. For one, it introduces a 90×90 Hybrid Tractrix Horn. This redesigned feature uses a circular horn throat that is partnered with a square horn mouth in order to improve high-frequency response further, along with the extension. These are done while improving dynamics and imaging.

It is also built-in with a compressed molded rubber construction which further adds high-frequency damping in order to enhance detail and resolution. As a result, you can expect the most natural and cleanest sound possible. Another feature that you can expect includes Linear Travel Suspension Titanium Tweeter. The use of this technology ensures detailed and enhanced performance.

With its sun copper cerametallic woofers, this speaker maintains an amazing level of rigidity, along with lightweight construction, thus resulting in minimal distortion and cone breakup. When this model is partnered with the Tractrix LTS tweeter, you can only expect speaker efficiency which is the highest in its category.

Conclusion:

If you are a lover of sound and music, no doubt you will really enjoy the sound that this speaker produces. With all of the features that are installed in this model, including the use of LTS Titanium Tweeter. This feature minimizes distortion while ensuring a detailed and enhanced performance. For this reason, this speaker is one of the best out there.

#3. ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers

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ELAC has known to produce quality and affordable bookshelf speakers that provide good sounds for a great movie watching or music listening experience. As the years go by, ELAC has been developing several of these while eradicating the problems experienced in the past by other customers. With this one, the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers, they took it to a whole new level in a way that they increased its size.

These bookshelf speakers will require a larger bookcase for them to stand sturdy and secure. Compared to other bookshelf speakers that are compact and can fit in even small bookshelves, this one doesn’t have the chance of sticking in on the typical bookshelf stands. This is one of the problems that people pointed out with this new product from ELAC.

It stands at a height of 14.8″, 7.7″ wide, and 10.6″ deep while it may sound big enough to carry a good performance, we still suggest that you add up some amplifiers to further heighten its capacity. In comparison with the ELAC Debut B5.2, the B6.2 doesn’t need any subwoofers as an accessory device since it can already produce a wide array of sounds.

On the other hand, it is typically better to go with the B5.2 plus an additional subwoofer compared to having the B6.2 due to its capability of providing better stereo sounds with such a small caliber body.

Conclusion:

The ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers are made for those people who love an easy listening music experience. Although there may be a problem with its size, which is quite contrary to the term “bookshelf”, it can be a good addition to your entertainment system since it can still give out quality sounds at an affordable price.

#4. KEF LS50 Mini Monitor

This latest evolutionary bookshelf speakers from KEF boasts an improved drive unit complement from their patented Uni-Q technology. It may seem like that the Uni-Q is a single unit but in actuality, it is a dome-sized tweeter of 25mm aluminum material that is located on the middle of a magnesium or aluminum-coned bass of 13cm in dimension. This technology and design help in the even dispersion of sound.

The front side of this bookshelf speaker, situated on the tweeter, is a waveguide that increases the performance of the high-frequency output.

The curved front of this bookshelf speaker is made from Dough Moulding Compound which is a combination of resin, calcium carbonate, and glass fiber. This material was chosen due to its inertness and mass. As for the rest of the body, its main material is of MDF and is completely braced and damped for decreased resonance.

Although it has a small body, it provides a big and solid sound quality that people will surely love. The first thing that you will notice is the evident performance of its base which is very much commendable. These speakers provide strong and deep lows and compared to other compact bookshelf speakers, this one doesn’t overdo everything and keeps everything in balance.

This KEF speaker continues to impress us with its capability of providing quality sound even if you increase the frequency up. Everything is still crystal clear from the instrumentals down to the vocals. Read more…

Conclusion:

It is considered one of the best stand mounters on the market that comes at a cheaper price. Aside from that, it is also known as the best KEF speakers up to date on sale.

#5. Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Enjoy convenient connections to any device that has a 3.5mm headphone output or dual RCA output with the Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers. These are two active near field monitors or studio monitors speaker with a wooden enclosure. These speakers have studio sound quality to give you natural sound reproduction. You will also love the classic wood finish which will match your indoor décor. It comes with a remote control so you can adjust the volume easily. You can control bass and treble control found at the side of the main speaker.

The amazing reproduction of the sound and performance of this speaker will be your dream come true. You will enjoy classic tunes for the best audio experience with modern-day audio technology from the Edified R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers.

Conclusion:

The Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers is a pair of classic bookshelf speakers that comes with great sound quality for natural sound production. The classic wood finish will make an interesting feature in your home. And with the handy remote control, you can easily adjust the volume as well as the inputs of this pair of speakers easily. Compared to the Edifier R1700BT and S1000DB, the Edifier R1280T has earned a score of 9.77 out of 10. Same general quality but slightly ahead of the other two.

#6. Polk Audio Signature S20 American HiFi Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers

You will enjoy clean, rich and a full range of sound for movies, TV shows, and music using the Polk Audio Signature S20 American Hi-Fi Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers. This comes with a new dynamic balance designed acoustic array. It is built with durable and high-quality components like a high-resolution terylene tweeter for a vivid high-frequency response. Also, it comes with mica-reinforced polypropylene cones for improved bass and linearity. Another thing, it comes with the Polk power port for improved impactful bass and works with most modern amplifiers and receivers.

This pair of speakers may look small and cute but you can count on these to provide you with great audio for movies, videos, gaming, and more. It is made from quality materials and will surely stand the test of time.

Conclusion:

The Polk Audio Signature S20 American HiFi Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers promises a clean and rich full range of sounds for movies, gaming, TV, or music. It plays great audio but too bad it cannot connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It does not have a remote but overall, it is a good bookshelf speaker to use for your home or office.

#7. Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speaker

Klipsch is a popular brand of high-quality speakers. One of their successful products is the Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speaker.

This bookshelf speaker has a copper-spun woofer, glossy design, and outstanding sound quality. The speaker looks compact and small with a clean midrange. Thus, it is a good addition to all setups.

Its centerpiece is a copper spun injection-molded graphite woofer that is a little darker compared to normal copper. On the top, you will see the LTS or linear travel suspension tweeter. This feature will help the copper spun woofer in minimizing distortion during playback for improved top-end. The LTS is aluminum and paired with the signature 90 by 90 Tractrix Horn technology.

Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speaker can produce clear, crisp, and loud sound despite its size. It can also reproduce low frequencies with no cone distortion or breakup. It allows the speakers to produce better sound. The speakers are only one foot tall and seven inches wide.

Conclusion:

Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speaker is one of the best speakers available in the market. This bookshelf speaker produces fantastic sound with keen detail in those areas where other speakers fail. In general, the speaker looks elegant with nice copper spun woofer and black edges. Therefore, Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speaker is a compelling choice to consider when looking for a bookshelf speaker with good performance and decent features.

#8. Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers – Active Near-field Studio Monitors

Play music from your phone, tablet, or computer with the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers. This speaker pair lets you play music hassle-free with an amazing wireless experience. This is compatible with any iOS, Windows, Mac or Android device. It comes with 2X auxiliary inputs with a convenient connection to any device that has a 3.5 mm headphone output or dual RCA. You will be able to connect to two devices via AUX at the same time. No need to plug or switch your inputs.

You will be able to switch input sources, control volume, and to mute or unmute the system with convenient remote control. And of course, there is no doubt that the classic wood finish makes a great accent in any living room or study. This has a wood build finished with a walnut wood effect vinyl. A simple control found at the side of the speaker lets you control bass and treble.

Conclusion:

The Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers is a speaker system with a lovely natural wood design. This can easily connect to any Bluetooth-capable device so you can play your favorite tunes from your phone, tablet, or laptop. There may be a few flaws to this speaker system but no doubt it is still a great system to have in your living room or study. This particular speaker product for your bookshelf serves as a great pair of bookshelf speakers with bass. The Edifier R1700BT is a 9.75 out of 10 pairs of speakers for sure.

#9. Edifier S1000DB Audiophile Active Bookshelf Speakers

If you are an audiophile then you will find this your dream speaker system. The Edifier S1000DB Audiophile Active Bookshelf Speakers is a Bluetooth 4.0 capable speaker system that can let you stream high-quality sound wirelessly from any Bluetooth-capable device with minimal loss. This has optical and coaxial plus aux inputs that will let you attach this to multiple sources at the same time.

This comes with a 5.5” subwoofer with Digital Sound Processing technology to give you 120 watts RMS quality sound. You will also appreciate this speaker system because it comes with a convenient remote control which you can use to switch input sources and control the volume without having to stand from your chair. You can also get more value out of your money because it comes with a 2-year warranty. It is guaranteed high quality and reliable. Should any parts need to be replaced, you can get these replaced easily with a labor warranty for two years in the USA and Canada.

You can check out the deeply review of the Edifier S1000DB Audiophile Active Bookshelf Speakers here.

Conclusion:

The Edifier S1000DB Audiophile Active Bookshelf Speakers is a Bluetooth capable speaker system that offers great sound with DSP technology. It comes with remote control for easy input changes and volume control. There are some flaws to this speaker but all in all, this is a good bookshelf speaker for your money with its features and 2-year warranty. So what does the second Edifier speaker bring to the table? Pretty much the same thing as last time (bookshelf speakers with subwoofer), explaining why it has such a similar (but lower) score of 9.7 out of 10.

#10. Klipsch R-14M 4-Inch Reference Bookshelf Speakers

If you have a small to the medium-sized room to fill with music or audio then the Klipsch R-14M 4-inch Reference Bookshelf Speakers should do the trick. This is a powerful speaker with lifelike audio quality that will surely boost your movie nights, stereo system listening, or your video gaming with your family and friends. The Klipsch R-14M comes with superb components. It has a 1-inch aluminum linear travel suspension horn-loaded tweeter as well as a 4-inch copper-spun high-output IMG woofer.

You can also guarantee that this will last for a long time because of its sturdy construction with a brushed black polymer veneer cabinet. This speaker will blend well with your room décor or with your modern home décor. And if you are looking for a computer system speaker, the Klipsch R-14M will surely work best with any operating system you may have.

Conclusion:

The Klipsch RM-14M is a reference bookshelf speaker that will give a small to medium-sized room great audio. This is because of its efficient construction and well-made components. There are a few flaws to this system but despite these, the Klipsch RM -14M remains a good stereo speaker system to use for your home or office with small to medium space or area. The absolute gorgeous black-and-gold design of these bookshelf speakers black is heart-melting as far as I’m concerned. As an added bonus, this is a Klipsch product, which is the DeWalt brand of the speaker world. I rate this speaker as 9.7 out of 10, like the Edifier S1000DB.

#11. KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers

If you are looking for a speaker that will enhance your movie nights and video gaming events then the KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speaker is for you. It is the newest addition to KEF’s award-winning Q series with a new cabinet, sleek new finish, and an improved 6.5” Uni-Q driver array. This has an enhanced design that will improve treble frequencies and reimagined crossovers to improve cleaner and more accurate bass.

The front port of the speakers has been moved to the back of the Q350 and the internal structure has been completely overhauled to reduce internal resonances and improve audio clarity and provide complete audio clarity. This speaker can be used for computer gaming, console gaming, home theater systems, and for listening to music. The sleek black color is perfect for a modern and chic room but these are also available in white vinyl finishes.

Conclusion:

The KEF Q350 bookshelf speakers are a pair of reengineered speakers with an improved design to produce better audio quality. It has an enhanced driver array, new cabinet design, improved finish, and enhanced speaker architecture to give you the best audio performance. There are hardly any disadvantages to its use except for complaints about warranty and shipment from different sellers other than these; this is a great bookshelf speaker to try. The design of the KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers shows that sometimes simple is best. The pricey bookshelf speakers kef gets a decent score of 9.6 over 10, which means mostly Edifier or Klipsch speakers are better than it.

#12. Dynaudio Xeo 2 Wireless Bookshelf Speakers

The Dynaudio Xeo 2 are wireless bookshelf speakers that come with improved connectivity. You will be able to enjoy music as it should be. These speakers have made cable amps and preamps things of the past. It connects wirelessly without compromising high-end sound quality for movies, games, and music. The Xeo 2 offers plug and play functionality. It connects via Bluetooth but it is also capable of a wired input for lossless high-resolution playback. No need for a Xeo Hub or Dynaudio Connect to use this speaker. All you need to do is to connect your source to the speaker via optical analog or Bluetooth and the signal is streamed wirelessly. This comes with DSP filters, true-time coherent phase linear FIR filters, improved sound power, and Adaptive Bass Technologies, all of which improve your overall audio enjoyment.

Conclusion:

The Dynaudio Xeo 2 wireless bookshelf speakers also offer a wired option. It offers plug and plays functionality, with active filters, improved and optimized sound power, adaptive bass technology, and improved overall design. This comes with a remote control to easily control the volume and change inputs. Overall this is a good speaker system to use despite a few flaws. The beautifully designed gray and blue speakers can serve as the centerpiece of any household. It’s more than just looks, though, hence it’s 9.5 over 10 scores. It’s definitely a bookshelf speakers reddit candidate.

#13. Audioengine A2+ Powered Desktop Speakers

Presenting the new standard for audio: the Audioengine A2+ Powered Desktop Speakers. These are small but high performance speakers that are perfect as a computer speaker. This comes with a digital-to-analog converter to send high-quality digital audio directly from your computer’s USB port. You will love its hand-finished wood cabinets with a cool retro red design. You will also love its many features and enhancements: variable audio output, custom Kevlar woofers, silk tweeters, and power-saving idle mode cables that will let you work with Mac or PC. There is no software needed to enjoy these speakers.

You can also use this to work with turntables with built-in or external preamps. It can also be used with all iDevices, music players, desktop computers, laptops, TVs, and analog output CD and DVD players. You can also use all video game consoles.

Conclusion:

The Audioengine A2 Powered Desktop Speakers is a pair of cool retro red speakers capable of high-performance audio and can be used on all kinds of inputs. You can use this as your computer speaker, television speaker, video game console speaker or your turntable speaker. It is made from hand-finished wood which will surely be an eye-catching part of any room. Here’s another beautiful pair of speakers, this time designed with vibrant red colors. These are bookshelf speakers under 300, and they’ve earned a score of 9.5 over 10, like with Dynaudio Xeo 2.

#14. Klipsch R-15PM Powered Monitor

These pair of Klipsch R-15PM powered monitors will surely provide your room with amazing sound without taking a lot of space. These are connected via RCA and has a switch for phono/linen inputs. It also has a USB digital audio port which can connect to a PC or Mac. It can also connect to a laptop or gaming console for an improved gaming experience. This also has a digital optical input, mini-jack line to connect to more devices. These speakers can be your audio companion when you watch movies, play video games, or simply to listen to music.

But aside from connected via wired connections, the Klipsch R-15PM can connect wirelessly. It supports Bluetooth technology so you can play your favorite tunes from your cellphone, tablet, or music player. It also comes with an IR remote so you can control volume and inputs without leaving your seat.

Conclusion:

The Klipsch R-15PM Powered Monitor is a pair of speakers that are capable of supporting different input connections. It comes with a remote, can connect using Bluetooth, and can work with a variety of Bluetooth devices. There are some issues with pairing and unpairing devices with this speaker system but all in all, this is a must-have for great audio enjoyment. Klipsch is one of the premier names in the world of speakers and the R-15PM earns its stripes. This is a 9.3 out of 10 speakers in many other bookshelf speakers reviews.

#15. Raumfeld Stereo M Wireless Streaming Bookshelf Speakers

This pair of wireless bookshelf speakers offer powerful, high definition audio. The Raumfeld Stereo M Wireless Streaming Bookshelf Speakers are high-definition sound capable which can stream music from nearly all sources. You can directly stream 100+ music apps with Chromecast technology that is built-in on one or more of the speakers. This comes with an integrated 320 watt amplifier and 3-way arrangement for stereo imaging with amazing sound detail.

You will love the clean and stylish speaker designs with controls readily available from the front panel of the right speaker. This is called the Bauhaus design that uses only select materials like wooden cabinets, brushed aluminum controls, and a lacquer finish.
These are Wi-Fi speakers so you can play your favorite tunes via live streaming. You can also play podcasts, videos and use them for a computer or online games. This comes with the Raumfeld app which has a lot of music playlists to choose from.

Conclusion:

The Raumfeld Stereo M Wireless Streaming Bookshelf Speakers is Wi-Fi capable therefore it can stream up to 100+ music apps. It can also be used to play music or audio from different sources. It is exclusively built with select materials and is capable of amazing music from any source. Too bad it does not come with remote control. Pun unintended but there are some of the most “stereotypical”-looking bookshelf speakers wifi or wireless around. It earns an 8.9 over 10 because of quality issues though.

#16. JBL ES20 Bookshelf Speaker

Currently unavailable

JBL ES20 is able to separate itself from the other bookshelf speakers by being bigger than a pair of bookshelf speakers sony. This is why it’s rated by me as 9.5 out of 10.

Pros:

• Stylish black speakers which look good anywhere in my opinion.
• Bass-reflex port (JBL propriety tech) that gives you less turbulence and deeper bass.
• Frequency expansion of up to 40 kHz through a UHF (ultra-high frequency) tweeter to reproduce hi-def audio.

Cons:

• Not a very durable product considering its hefty price point.
• It has a lifespan of 3 years and one or the other speaker suddenly stops working.

Value Section on Bookshelf Speakers

With every home entertainment system, there are audio concerns. As an audiophile, you want to get the best speakers available for your system but you probably can’t (or won’t) shell out the expensive one for the best floor standing tower speakers, so you instead shop for the next best thing, which is the best bookshelf speakers.

With that said, here are the things to remember when determining which bookshelf-sized or book-sized speakers you should buy in order to create the ideal sound for you.

• Bookshelf Speaker Characteristics:

  These speakers work best with a bookshelf or any other type of shelf that raises it up, like a china cabinet or a glass case. A bookshelf is just one of many ways to make your speaker work (along with a bookshelf speaker wall mount). Actually, an open table here it’s placed like a vase works better because nothing is covering the sound. A wall mount actually works better to raise the quality of the speakers as well. They’re also best bought as a set.

• Bookshelf Speaker Components:

  There are a number of bookshelf speaker components for you to get, such as the bookshelf speakers amp, subwoofer, rear speakers, bass, and the like. Many of these components, like the bass or amp, are already included with the speaker itself or the speakers themselves. They need these accessories in order for them to produce a wide range of sounds, from treble to bass and so forth.

• Bookshelf Speaker Roles:

  A bookshelf speaker can fulfill quite a number of roles in your home entertainment audio system, such as bookshelf speakers as front speakers, as rear speakers, as studio monitors, as computer speakers and bookshelf speakers as surrounds. The more speakers you have and the more roles they fulfill aside from being front speakers, the richer and livelier your sound system will become (but mostly the bookshelf speakers audiophile cares about such things).

• Bookshelf Speaker Capabilities:

  The roles that your bookshelf speakers should fulfill will depend on what they’re capable of, whether you buy your bookshelf speakers at best buy or at Amazon.com. Some speakers are good for producing high-range sound while others provide a fuller sound range. Your bookshelf speakers and subwoofer or bass will also help out in stretching out the truthfulness or fidelity of the sound of your speakers.

• Bookshelf Speaker Drivers:

  The tweeter and the woofer serve as the main drivers of your bookshelf speakers. Sometimes there’s a third driver known as the bookshelf speaker midrange driver. The ones that actually make the sound from digital or analog signals are the woofer and tweeter cones. The high-frequency tones are covered by the tweeter and the bass is covered by the woofer. When shopping for speakers, check how their tweeters and woofers go about producing sound.

• Bookshelf Speaker Placement:

  The placement of the speakers can affect their quality. Make sure you have some sort of sturdy surface to place them on so that you can get the clearest possible sound from these devices. Don’t allow them to remain in an enclosed area for too long like some sort of book. Cramming them inside the door of an entertainment center’s enclosed area prevents their sound from flowing as freely and smoothly as they could.

• Placements to Use and Avoid:

  Rest the speaker on a speaker stand or mount instead of leaving them inside a bookshelf (despite their moniker). This will allow you to unleash the full potential of your bookshelf speakers use. However, speakers that sit near hard, flat surfaces tend to have their sound quality go down. Soft surfaces like furniture cushions or plants, do the same thing. It’s better to let the speaker rest on stands with rubber stops and whatnot to allow them to get the perfect sound bubble.

More:

Speaker Reviews of Best Satellite Speakers.

Conclusion:

Hands down, the winner of this bookshelf speaker competition (whether you buy them as bookshelf speakers best buy or as bookshelf speakers amazon) is the Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers. It’s the option with the least amount of flaws and the most number of interesting features that make it a worthwhile buy in light of its price, like the presence of remote controls and Bluetooth tech. The bookshelf speakers edifier also suffer from the least amount of negative feedback on poor quality control among the above speakers on this list. Many speakers came close, but their critics or lack of attention dragged down their otherwise excellent scores.

P.s: If you need the high-quality indoor sound system, then check out 2.1 speaker system.