Will the distance of my speakers from the audio source affect my sound quality?

Yes, while it's not always possible, you'll want to keep the cable tethering your speakers to your receiver as short as possible for the best audio quality. However, your sound quality will only suffer a little if they're 25 feet or more from your receiver. For any wired speakers, you should use a 14-gauge cable and a 12-gauge cord for any speakers extending past 25 feet from the receiver.

Where should I place my speakers?

The ideal speaker placement depends on whether you use a stereo, 5.1, 7.1, or 9.1 setup. However, there are many evergreen rules to follow regardless of how many speakers you're using. This will depend on your room layout, but you should try and have your speakers equidistant from each other, with surround speakers placed in the corners around your listening area. You should also keep your speakers free of obstructions, and if you can safely mount them on a wall, even better.

How many subwoofers do I need?

This all depends on the size of your room; more subwoofers give you better bass quality and offer you more flexible placement when looking for the best spot for optimal sound quality. However, having more than one subwoofer in a small listening area may be overkill. Also, some single speakers provide enough bass as standalone options that an additional woofer isn't required.

The Best Affordable Bookshelf Speakers of 2024

When searching for new speakers, the critical factors in your decision are the size, Bluetooth capabilities, and powered vs. passive output. Measure the spot you decide to make your designated speaker area to ensure a perfect fit. If weight can be an issue, make sure to purchase lightweight speakers.

Best Overall

Edifier R1280T

PHOTO: Amazon

$120 at Amazon $120 at Best Buy $120 at B&H Photo Video

Pros

High-quality sound
Beautiful design
Reasonable price

Cons

Lack of connectivity options
A little heavy and bulky

These 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 looks excellent 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 has a built-in tone control that adjusts treble and bass from -6 to +6db. A remote controls volume from across the room, while 100-240v range voltage input makes it easy to listen. The sound is fantastic for the price, thanks to 42 watts of RMS power, 13mm silk dome tweeters, and a four-inch full-range woofer.

Because you can use this incredible pair of speakers independently or as part of a more extensive audio setup, they are ideal for just about anyone but the most discerning audiophiles.

_{Size: 6.9x9.5.x5.8 inches | Controls: Remote | Input: 2x aux or dual RCA, Bluetooth | Power: 21Wx2}

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers Review

Best Bluetooth

Edifier R1700BT

PHOTO: Amazon

$150 at Amazon $150 at Walmart $150 at Best Buy

Pros

Great sound quality
Beautiful design
Bluetooth included

Cons

Heavy, bulky footprint
Bargain brand name

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 to connect two devices and a remote to control the action.

Clear sound comes from a 19mm dome tweeter and a four-inch bass driver, making 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 speakers have classic, high-quality MDF wood and an attractive walnut veneer. One speaker is active with a five-pin connector to the passive speaker, and both include RCA input.

_{Size: 6.0x8.0x9.75 inches | Controls: Remote| Input: 2x aux or dual RCA, Bluetooth | Power: 15Wx2 + 18Wx2}

Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Speaker Review

Best Bass

Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf System

Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System (Black)

PHOTO: Amazon

$198 at Amazon $198 at Walmart $148 at B&H Photo Video

Pros

Robust, triple-driver design
High max power
Great bass and overall audio

Cons

Dull design

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.

The speakers have foamed mica woofer diaphragms that deliver supple sound and balance low weight with a powerful and deep bass response from a 5¼-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, and the speakers have a 100-watt max input power that provides clear and powerful audio.

_{Size: 7.18x13.25x8.75 inches| Controls: None | Input: Wired | Power: Passive (amp required)}

Best Passive Bookshelf Speakers

Micca MB42X

PHOTO: Amazon

$90 at Amazon

Pros

Highly affordable
Compact design
Crisp sound signature

Cons

Won't fill room as well as more powerful options

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 made in a ported enclosure that balances a four-inch woven carbon fiber woofer with a .75-inch silk dome tweeter.

They also contain an 18dB crossover and baffle step compensation, creating a balanced, 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 excellent.

_{Size: 9.5x5.8x6.5 inches. | Controls: None| Input: Wired | Power Output: Passive (amp required)}

Budget Buy

Klipsch R-14M Reference Speaker

Klipsch R-14M Reference Bookshelf Speakers

PHOTO: Amazon

$133 at Amazon

Pros

Full bass response
Sleek, impressive look
Great price for what you get

Cons

Lacks detail at low volumes
Small speaker drivers
Requires subwoofer for full experience

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 a remarkable low-frequency response. Together, they produce speaker efficiency and clean sound unrivaled in their price range.

This is 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.

_{Size: 7.5x5.9x9.8 inches | Controls: Amp required | Input: 5-way binding | Power: Passive (amp required)}

Klipsch R-14M Reference Speaker Review

What to Look For in Affordable Bookshelf Speakers

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 because their amplifier is built-in.

For example, 100-240v range voltage input tends to be standard for powered speakers, with the two speakers being capable of between 40-100W.

The downside of the powered speaker is that they tend to weigh more. However, a pair of passive speakers will require you to purchase an additional amplifier to get them to produce sound, requiring a bit more setup and expenditure.

Speaker wire typically comes in 100-foot spools, offering some flexibility in the placement, though the process is undoubtedly more involved.

Size

With speakers, sometimes size does matter. You can search out the smallest and cutest pair; a larger set generally offers fuller sound.

Additionally, as bookshelf setups typically lack a subwoofer, you will rely on your two speakers to produce sufficient bass. If you're keen on the room-filling sound, you'll want to look for bookshelf speakers that are compatible with surround sound setups so you can augment their audio.

You'll want to watch the standard audio channels for 2.0, 2.1, 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1.

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 latest standard is Bluetooth 5.0, but older speakers tend to have Bluetooth 4.1 or 4.2.

The Bluetooth range averages 33 feet for a reliable connection, so if you want anything longer, your best option may be wired. The wireless technology will allow you to send music from any modern device to your speakers with a button.

This can help you cut the cord, though most bookshelf speakers also have more traditional inputs.

FAQ

Will the distance of my speakers from the audio source affect my sound quality?

Yes, while it's not always possible, you'll want to keep the cable tethering your speakers to your receiver as short as possible for the best audio quality. However, your sound quality will only suffer a little if they're 25 feet or more from your receiver. For any wired speakers, you should use a 14-gauge cable and a 12-gauge cord for any speakers extending past 25 feet from the receiver.
Where should I place my speakers?

The ideal speaker placement depends on whether you use a stereo, 5.1, 7.1, or 9.1 setup. However, there are many evergreen rules to follow regardless of how many speakers you're using. This will depend on your room layout, but you should try and have your speakers equidistant from each other, with surround speakers placed in the corners around your listening area. You should also keep your speakers free of obstructions, and if you can safely mount them on a wall, even better.
How many subwoofers do I need?

This all depends on the size of your room; more subwoofers give you better bass quality and offer you more flexible placement when looking for the best spot for optimal sound quality. However, having more than one subwoofer in a small listening area may be overkill. Also, some single speakers provide enough bass as standalone options that an additional woofer isn't required.