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Before we jump into it, if you're not familiar with ~speaker lingo~, here are some basics:
Those circular-shaped things? They're called drivers.
"There are three drivers that are each responsible for a different frequency of sound," says Colin Toh, founder of Headphonesty. "The tweeter is responsible for high-frequency treble, the midrange is responsible for midrange frequencies, and the woofer is responsible for low-frequency bass."
Then we have two-way and three-way speakers.
Two-way speakers usually just have a woofer and a tweeter, while three-way speakers have a woofer, tweeter, and a midrange driver. Lastly, there are full-range speakers, which are capable of reproducing the full audio spectrum.
Oh, and if you want to amplify bass at even lower frequencies, a subwoofer can work wonders (seriously, just try playing "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons with one, and you'll see what I mean).
All that said, onto the actual speakers!
1. A set of three-way, three-driver Sony bookshelf speakers approved by self-proclaimed audiophiles who've had these babies for years and still can't believe they didn't cost five times more.
Pro tip: "A speaker with three drivers can produce a more rich and robust sound than a double or single driver speaker can. It’s also far more customizable, so you can fine-tune your sound exactly to your preferences. If you really want to be able to experience high-quality audio, this is the type of speaker you want to choose." —Colin Toh, founder of Headphonesty
Promising review: "How good could a pair of speakers be in this price range? Well, let me tell you. The word 'amazing' comes to mind. I've been an 'audiophile' for going on 40 years. Simply put, these speakers are solid, well made, and have an incredibly warm and accurate sound. They can easily compete with speakers up to the $500 price range – well, compete is not the word…blow the doors off of speakers in that price range is more like it. I would even be so bold to say that in a blind study (if you had no idea what speakers you were listening to in a side-by-side comparison), you may find yourself choosing them over speakers in the $1,000 range. That's right! I said it! It had to be said! I don't know what Sony did to these little buggers, but they are magnificent. After hearing them, I'd pay double. Utterly impressed, and they are not even 'broken in' yet. If you are in the market for excellent bookshelf-sized speakers, look no more. Don't let the low price fool you…you've found them. Cheers, guys!" —Chuck
Get them from Amazon for $228.
2. A pair of bestselling Edifier bookshelf speakers boasting classy wooden enclosures if you're looking for something that'll fit in with the rest of your modern home decor.
Promising review: "THESE KICK ASS!!! I cranked these speakers up so loud I thought they were going to melt. The bass notes were clean and solid. The specs on these speakers say 75 to 18K frequency response, but it sounds like a much bigger range than that. The vocals are clear; the guitar breaks will give you chills. I played the "New Age Piano Solo" channel and lowered the volume down to a whisper. Beautiful, beautiful clean full music! These Edifiers are the best bookshelf-size speakers I have ever owned!! I am really impressed. I wish everyone could come over to my house, and I'd put on a thrilling rock party for you (even at 70 I've still get the itch for a party). It works great with smartphones, tablets, and laptops. I am very pleased with these speakers. I wish you could hear what I hear. You can!! GO BUY YOUR OWN. PLAY IT LOUD and ENJOY!" —DJmaxx
Get them from Amazon for $99.99.
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3. A versatile two-way JBL bookshelf loudspeaker offering professional-grade quality sound that'll make you feel like you've snagged front-row concert tickets even if you're dancing around in your pajamas in the living room. Quick, someone grab me my hairbrush mic!
Promising review: "These robust speakers sound excellent. The treble and mid-range are very clear and detailed. You may hear things you've never noticed before in some recordings. Bass is exceptional for only a 5 1/4" woofer, though you'll need a sub for the deepest frequencies. The imaging is excellent as well. I really like that whenever you're in the sweet spot the speakers appear that they're not even playing. Build quality is strong, and I like its appearance." —Speaker enthusiast
Get it from JBL for $599.95.
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4. A set of Polk Audio bookshelf speakers capable of producing well-balanced sound that'll permanently upgrade your movie nights. It'll almost be like Chewbacca is sitting right next to you! Impressive, I know.
Promising review: "How can something be TOO good? Well, I purchased these Polk speakers to just play background music in my den while working on projects. Immediately after setting up the speakers, I tuned to my favorite FM station, which just happened to be broadcasting a live jazz concert. The sound quality was so captivating that I found myself listening rather than doing any project work. The larger 5-inch woofer does make quite a difference." —Stefan Wajs
Get them from Amazon for $99.
5. A budget-friendly pair of wired Acoustic Audio bookshelf speakers ideal for squeezing into compact spaces. You could even mount them to the walls to save table space!
Promising review: "You can't get better speakers for the price. You will be amazed at the sound these little guys produce. When I turned them on, my wife and I were like, 'WOW, how can these little low-cost speakers sound so loud and clear?' They are pretty amazing. When you hear them, you will think you paid a lot more for them." —Abraham Sanfiorenzo
Get it from Amazon for $36.88.
6. An overachieving bookshelf speaker from SVS promising to deliver robust sound to allow you to hear *every* part of your favorite songs. Bet you never noticed how great those background vocals are!
Promising review: "This is the best pair of speakers I have ever heard. I spent a lot of time reading reviews and bouncing back and forth between different models in this price range. I went to Best Buy and demoed what I could but still ended up ordering these. I am glad I did; they sound absolutely amazing. I have them about 18" out from the back wall on stands, and they sound great with plenty of low end." —Dan
Get it from SVS for $299.99 (available in two styles).
7. A versatile pair of Polk Audio speakers for you to keep on your bookshelves or on the wall because you deserve both options — and don't be fooled by their small size, these babies deliver some serious sound.
Promising review: "I'm using these as atmos speakers in a 5.1.2 system, and they take the soundscape to the next level. I bounce them off a 9-foot ceiling using their built-in wall bracket nut with a bolt screwed in as a third leg to regulate the angle. Multiple configuration option plus their small size make these speakers a great addition to your home theater setup." —Experienced Customer
Another promising review: "Polk is a brand that has loyal followers, such as myself. They are committed to high quality at reasonable prices, and these speakers are no exception. They sound great, especially for surround speakers in my home theater setup, and they look fantastic. Several different mounting and positioning options (including standing on a table or shelf) make these so easy to place just as you want them. I have them mounted directly in the corner of the walls. Installing was simple, secure, and they look perfect." —GaryH
Get them from Amazon for $179 (available in two colors).
8. A pair of two-way Micca bookshelf speakers with the ability to fit in with virtually any type of interior aesthetic so you can spend more time basking in the fact you've made a ✨ stellar ✨ purchase and less time worrying about where you'll put it.
Promising review: "Y'all, these speakers are freaking AMAZING for the price. I wanted small, bookshelf-sized speakers to use with both my TV and my record player, and these REALLY do the trick. When I first wired them to my stereo receiver, the speakers sounded a bit tinny, but I adjusted the levels, and they sound so full and beautiful. My friends come over to watch movies, and they can't BELIEVE how amazing they sound coming out of these small speakers. I love the way my records sound through them too. You will NOT be disappointed in these! Give them a try." —JenniLynn
Get them from Amazon for $89.99.
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9. A set of Yamaha three-way three-driver bookshelf speakers reviewers swear will dramatically raise your speaker standards. There's a reason Yamaha boasts such a solid rep!
Promising review: "These are fabulous. A little large for most bookshelf applications, but the sound is amazing. Yamaha truly makes the best speakers, hands down. When you hear most modern music, it’s been mixed using Yamaha reference monitors, which are the industry standard being utilized in almost every major studio around the globe; with these, you'll hear the music the way it was intended to be heard." —Russell Henderson
Get them from Amazon for $169.95.
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10. A set of two-way Micca bookshelf speakers ideal for anyone looking for an affordable option *without* compromising on sound quality. Just don't be surprised when all your friends start coming to you for some ~sound~ advice when they're purchasing their own set.
Promising review: "Holy showboat. These little things ROCK. I'm an audio enthusiast and enjoy both analog and digital sources in my system. I plan to pair these boxes with a subwoofer, but for now I'm listening to the Miccas by themselves — and I'm blown away. Even with the volume cranked up, they sound clear and powerful. No distortion, brilliant highs — those 808 hi-hats in Marvin Gaye's 'Sexual Healing' are a nice way to test HF output — and whether it's classical, bluegrass, trance, or hard rock, the sound is just SO ENJOYABLE. At high volumes, there's even something resembling actual bass. In general, drums come across with a nice punch despite lacking the truly deep bass frequencies. I really have nothing but praise for these little buggers. SIX STARS." —Jan Bister
Get them from Amazon for $49.99.
11. A set of Bluetooth bookshelf speakers that comes with a remote control to easily adjust the volume so you can still jam out to "All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor's Version)" from the other room.
Promising review: "These speakers are honestly one of the best pair of speakers I've ever seen. The sound quality with the added bass in them is really phenomenal. They can be connected by Bluetooth, audio jack, or the red and black connection cables. They come with a remote to control them too. The sound quality though is really fantastic for the price. Highly recommend." —Michael
Get them from Amazon for $67.95.
12. A luxe pair of Shinola Bluetooth bookshelf speakers totally worth the splurge. The gorgeous oak composite cabinet makes these equal parts high-quality speaker and equal parts modern decor. Plus, they're produced by Barefoot Sound (a worldwide leading electronics manufacturer), so you know these are the real deal!
Promising review: "These are gorgeous speakers in looks and sound quality. Substantial bass response from a modestly sized set, tight and clean. The highs are crisp and articulate. The various connectivity makes these a perfect home use set of speakers. So glad you guys brought in Barefoot Sound to take bookshelf speakers to the next level!" —Adam L.
Get them from Shinola for $1,500.
Plan on using these to binge your favorite movies? Here are some really great products you'll love to use while watching TV.
You, living your best life and jamming out to all your favorite records once your bookshelf speakers arrive:
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.