The Best Home Loudspeakers For 2024

Harlan Ellison By, Harlan Ellison
Updated
Atrium5-All Weather Outdoor Loudspeakers with 5" Drivers
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Atrium5-All Weather Outdoor Loudspeakers with 5" Drivers

Atrium5 Outdoor Loudspeakers are designed to live and play outdoors. These speakers can be installed in any open space and will deliver exceptionally great sound with their rugged durability, high environmental endurance and superior quality. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Mackie THUMP Series, 12-Inch 1300-Watt Loudspeaker

The Mackie THUMP Series 12-Inch Loudspeaker is a high-output woofer with an ultra-efficient Class-D power amplifier system. It comes with an anodized dome compression driver and next-generation system protection and thermal limiting to keep your system safe. Read Review

3. Best Compact: JBL C1PRO High Performance 2-Way Professional Compact Loudspeaker

The JBL C1PRO High-Performance 2-way Professional Compact Loudspeaker is the latest in JBL's Control 1 series. This high-performance professional sound system has been designed for both fixed installation and live sound applications. Read Review

4. Best Versatitle: Electro-Voice EKX15 15" 2 Way Full Range 1600W Passive Loudspeaker

EV-patented Signal Synchronized Transducers (SST) waveguide design provides precise and consistent coverage 90˚ x 60˚ pattern for best coverage on mid-size stages. Read Review

Whether you listen to music every day or just once in a while, music undeniably impacts our lives. A good set of speakers will make your listening experience more pleasant and increase its quality. With so many options, choosing the right speakers for your home can be tricky.

Whether you are looking for wireless speakers or traditional ones with wires, there are different types based on size and usage. The main categories include bookshelf speakers, floor speakers, center channel speakers, and a subwoofer. This article will go through some of the best home loudspeakers you should consider when upgrading your audio setup at home.

Our team had to focus on researching and sifting through 14 hours to get such results for readers. These studies are based on customer star reviews and interviews about their feelings when using the product. When it comes to finding the best home loudspeakers, we believe our  Atrium5-All Weather Outdoor Loudspeakers with 5" Driverswith its rugged durability, high environmental endurance, and superior quality is a worth buying. If you're looking for additional options and more in-depth advice, you may check out the following.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Atrium5-All Weather Outdoor Loudspeakers with 5" Drivers
Our Score:
9.7
Polk Audio
  • THE SPEAKER FOR ALL SEASONS – it’s rugged durability, high environmental endurance and superior quality has helped Polk Outdoor Speakers win the all-weather certification. They EFFORTLESSLY WITHSTAND EXTREME TEMPERATURES AND HEAVY RAIN year after year
  • CREATED TO LIVE AND PLAY OUTDOORS, your Atrium Speakers can be installed in any open space—by a pool, in the patio or a sunroom, or tucked away somewhere in the backyard. They will deliver EXCEPTIONALLY GREAT SOUND
  • ONE OF THE BEST-LOOKING OUTDOOR SPEAKERS - The outer profile EASILY BLENDS INTO THE CORNERS OF EXTERIOR WALLS, giving a minimalistic look & a steeply-angled baffle design fills open spaces with big full-range sound that is sure to leave you baffled!
  • WIDER SOUND DISPERSION & SURPRISINGLY POWERFUL BASS – Features a 5" mineral filled Dynamic Balance driver, a 3/4" tweeter, neodymium motor structure & PowerPort bass venting gives deeper bass and CUTS THROUGH LOUD, JARRING BACKGROUND NOISES
  • Atrium's one-click SPEED-LOCK MOUNTING BRACKET offers EASY, ANTI-SLIP ONE-HANDED INSTALLATION allows you to mount these speakers vertically or horizontally. Simply mount the swiveling C-bracket, adjust the angle and fasten the speaker with a click
TOP Choice #2 Mackie THUMP Series, 12-Inch 1300-Watt Loudspeaker
Our Score:
9.6
Mackie
  • Next-generation system protection and thermal limiting keep your system safe
  • 12″ high-output woofer / 1.4″ tit1300W of ultra-efficient Class-D power (LF-1000W, HF-300W)anium dome compression driver
  • 1300W of ultra-efficient Class-D power (LF-1000W, HF-300W)
  • Dual angle design perfect for use as stage monitor
TOP Choice #3 JBL C1PRO High Performance 2-Way Professional Compact Loudspeaker
Our Score:
9.5
JBL Professional
  • Variable angle wall brackets enable multiple uses and angles
  • It features magnetically shielded transducers for near monitor or ear TV applications
  • It features SonicGuard HF overload protection
  • Latest 150W Pro quality version of JBL Control 1 for shelf or wall mount
  • Professional drivers and high quality crossover gives a faithfull and transparent sonic performance
  • 90˚ x 60˚ pattern for best coverage on mid-size stages. 40˚ monitor angle with rubber feet
  • Lightweight, compact 15-mm wood enclosure with internal bracing, and durable EVCoat finish. Axial Sensitivity (SPL, 1 W @ 1 m)- 96dB (Full Space Measurement)
  • 1600 W (peak), 132 dB peak SPL utilizing high-sensitivity transducers designed and engineered by EV
  • Eight M10 threaded mounting points, aluminum pole mounts, and all-metal handles
  • EV-patented Signal Synchronized Transducers (SST) waveguide design provides precise and consistent coverage
  • EASY CARRY: Integrated carrying handles with reinforced easy grip and interlocking corner supports
  • STUDIO OR PARTY: Ideal loudspeakers designed for your music studio or party DJ setup
  • DURABLE DESIGN: Rugged corner braces protect corners and interlock when units are stacked and features a metal grille that protects drivers from damage
  • BOASTS POWER: 300 watts of peak power and 150 watts of RMS power
  • WOOFER SIZE: 12-inch woofer 1-inch horn loaded tweeter
  • Wall mount brackets included for sub and speakers
  • Contains: 1 JBL Control 50S/T 150-Watt low-profile subwoofer + 4 JBL Control 52 50-Watt full-range satellite mini-speakers
  • Selectable 70V/100V for distributed lines, or low impedance
  • Wide-coverage speakers (150 degrees nominal)
  • Satellite brackets can angle up to 45 degrees
  • Dual 6.5-Inch (200mm) Low-Frequency Transducers with PolyPlas cones
  • 1-Inch (25mm) High-Frequency Compression Driver
  • 3/4-Inch (19mm) ultra-ridged MDF Enclosure
  • Glass-filled ABS Bi-Radial High-Frequency Horn
  • Exclusive Design
  • Coverage: 90 Conical. 70V/100V Taps: 6W, 3W, 1.5W (0.75W at 70V only). Termination: Bare Wires. Clear, High-Fidelity Performance. Dog-ears for easy Blind Mount Installations
  • Features: (4) JBL 8128 8" Full Range 70V/100V 6 Watt Commercial Ceiling Speakers for Restaurant/Bar/Cafe. Component: 8" Full-Range Driver. Frequency Range: 50 Hz 16 kHz. Sensitivity: 97 dB
  • Product Dimensions (Diameter x Depth): 11.3" x 4.1" inches. Product Weight: 3.0 Lbs.
  • High Sensitivity (93 dB, 1W, 1m) for Maximum Power Efficiency. 6W Transformer for use of 70V / 100V Distributed Lines. Included Accessories: Sculpted Grille
  • Dual conduit/Cable clamps
  • Components:165 mm (6.5 in) high output driver with polypropylene cone and butyl rubber surround19 mm (0.75 in) soft-dome liquid-cooled tweeter
  • Combined 70V/100V and low impedance direct operation50 Watts at 8Ω nominal setting 30W multi-tap at 70V/100V
  • Blind-mount back can for quick and easy install
  • 62 Hz - 20 kHz bandwidth with wide 110 Degree coverage
  • Bring the bass to any bash with this MTX Thunder Pro2 10 Inch 2 Way 200 Watt 4 Ohm Full Range Cabinet Loudspeaker
  • Specifications:
  • RMS Power: 100 watts
  • Impedance: 4 Ohms
  • Peak Power: 200 watts
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best home loudspeakers?

Until now, numerous customers trust the information and advice we offer them, which means our offers to you are accurate and up to date all the time. This objective is being pursued with tremendous zeal and attention. 

It's necessary to keep in mind the following points for selecting best home loudspeakers:

Size And Styling

All of these speakers can be used in a living room, den or bedroom. Our best computer speakers guide will help you find the right speaker for your needs. The speakers we selected were small enough that they could be placed on large shelves or credenzas, but large enough to provide enough bass to operate on their own.

Sensitivity

The speaker's sensitivities are a measurement of its effectiveness. Speakers with high sensitivity produce higher volume at given voltages. You can use this information to determine how large an amplifier is needed to power the speakers. The measurement can be expressed in decibels per 2.83V input. Example: "88dB/2.83V." You don't need a huge amplifier to drive speakers, but you do want at least 86dB. 88dB is better.

Matching With The Right Components

Match speakers with the correct amplifiers or receivers to get best results. The range of power required to power each unit is usually specified by manufacturers. A speaker might require 30 to 100 watts to function well.
For performance reasons, it is best to stick with one brand of speaker if you are using surround sound or multichannel speakers. You may need to fine tune the mix-and match situation.

Connectivity

It is essential that the speaker has good connectivity. A Bluetooth speaker that supports NFC is a great option for all types of connectivity. This makes it compatible with any device and allows for easy connection, even at low speeds. An additional advantage would be a speaker with a wired connection, in addition to wireless connectivity.
You can connect a speaker via wired or wireless connectivity. An audio system that is wired would connect to the speakers where the sound comes from. A wireless subwoofer, on the other hand, will connect to speakers via Bluetooth or WiFi.

Power Handling

The power handling indicates how strong the speaker can withstand without causing damage. A speaker rated as "100W maximum" should not be considered dangerous if it is equipped with a 200-Watt amplifier. You won't likely put this much power in the speakers. A loudspeaker's damage is usually caused by a small amplifier that drives it too high. It is the loud-level distortion that causes the most damage.

Types Of Speakers

You have many options when it comes to speakers. It can be overwhelming to choose from so many options. However, it is possible to narrow down your search by choosing the type of speaker you prefer.
There are many types of speakers, including floor-standing, bookcase, satellite, subwoofers, soundbar, portable and others. While some types, like on-wall speakers can be placed right away, others, such as in-ceiling or in-wall, may need special installations and/or fixtures, and are best plugged in within a few minutes. You have the option of wired or wireless speakers, as well as multi-channel surround sound or a stereo pair. Your personal preference should guide your decision.

Sound Quality

The quality of sound is an individual judgment. Every person has different taste preferences, and what is great to one may not be for another. No one speaker is the best, but there are many that appeal to different ears.
Listen to as many speakers models as you can with the music you are familiar with when shopping. To get an idea of the speaker that interests you, bring along CDs and flash drives with digital music.
You can also evaluate speakers by listening to live music. You should find the music to be natural and enjoyable for long periods.

FAQs

Do Higher Watt Speakers Sound Better?

Not necessarily. There are some high-wattage speakers out there that sound amazing and pack a lot of power, but the majority of people will be happy with 50-watt bookshelf speakers. These speakers focus on engineering and design more than just pure power.

Will Speakers Work With Any Receiver?

Although technically yes, you will need to match the impedance. You might also want to invest in a bigger, stronger amplifier to support larger speakers. It is better to have more power than less, but you should be cautious to not damage the speakers.

What Features Do The Best Overall Speakers Offer?

This all depends on your needs. Consider a portable, great-sounding speaker. Look for something that is weather-proof and can connect to multiple sources (e.g. Bluetooth, Wi Fi, auxiliary). You will also need plenty of power for times when you can't access a charger. You should consider features such as wattage and resistance. It's not a good idea to have a set of high-end hi-fi speakers which are difficult to blend in with your home.

Do I Need A Subwoofer With My Speaker Setup? Will It Come With One?

It all depends. It depends on where you live. If not specified, most speakers don't come with subwoofers. However, soundbars usually do.

How Can You Improve Speaker Quality?

You can improve the quality of your speakers' sound by doing a few things. First, look around at the space where you listen. Moving a chair or couch could improve your listening experience. How about your speakers? You'll need to triangulate the seating arrangement to position you at the middle of the listening area, and your speakers pointed towards you.
Try placing your speakers on the ground. Instead, place them on shelves and speaker stands. Bookshelf speakers can often be matched with your height while seated.

How Many Watts Is A Good Speaker?

The term "wattage" does not necessarily mean quality. It is simply a measurement of the power that a speaker can produce. A 1,000-watt speaker might be louder that a 100-watt one, but what matters most is how the engineer built the speaker. This includes everything, from the cabinet, drivers and woofers, to the tweeter.

Will Speakers Accept A 3.5mm Input?

Most speakers have a 3.5mm input. Many amplifiers and receivers have an RCA input. However, you can connect a 3.5mm source with an adapter.


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About Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison is a writer and audio equipment enthusiast. He's particularly interested in home theater HiFi audio, and he has been the editor of The Audio Insights since its inception. Harlan is known for his sharp wit and scathing critiques, but he also has a great love of music and audio gear. When he's not writing or editing, Harlan can be found listening to music or watching movies with his wife.