The 8 Best Powered Speakers

1. Edifier R1280T

The Edifier R1280T bookshelf speakers offer premium design and great sound quality for under $100. They feature a 13mm silk tweeter, 4-inch woofer, and calibrated, flared bass reflex port, providing a neutral and detailed sound signature with impressive bass. The midrange shines, and vocals and acoustics sound incredible, making it a great option for jazz and indie music. Although it doesn’t have Bluetooth, the Edifier R1280T is a top choice for the best overall powered speaker.

2. Kanto YU6

Power

100W

Input

AUX, Bluetooth, RCA

Weight

11.4 lbs

Size

6” x 8” x 10″

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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 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.

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3. Yamaha HS5

Power

70W

Input

XLR, TRS

Weight

11.7 lbs

Size

11” x 6” x 8″

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The Yamaha HS5 studio monitor has 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.

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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 R980T is an affordable powered speaker with decent audio quality and all the necessary features. Measuring 5.5 x 8.9 x 7.75 inches, it has an all-black wooden finish, two auxiliary inputs, and knobs to control volume and bass. Its sound signature is warm, with accurate mids and detailed highs, and it comes with 24W of power. A good option for those on a tight budget.

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.

8. 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.

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.