The 10 Best Satellite Speakers, Tested And Researched

Harlan Ellison By, Harlan Ellison
Updated
Definitive Technology ProMonitor 800 Satellite or Bookshelf Speaker
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Definitive Technology ProMonitor 800 Satellite or Bookshelf Speaker

This small speaker delivers great sound. It comes in satin black, gloss white, or gloss black and is your perfect choice whether you are looking for the ideal satellite or bookshelf speaker to compliment your home theater system. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Dayton Audio SAT-BK 3-3/4" 2-Way Satellite Speaker Pair Black

Producing excellent clarity and detail, these Dayton Audio speakers are perfect for indoor or outdoor use. With a black ABS frame and a weather-resistant design, they'll be in good hands even when the weather turns bad. Read Review

3. Best Performance: KEF T101WH Satellite Speaker - White (Pair) Pure White/Satin

The KEF T101WH Satellite Speaker is a pair of speakers that use KEF's signature technologies, to deliver high-quality sound. Thanks to the wide range of mounting options, you can enjoy your music from a desk stand or from floor stands. Read Review

4. Best Sound Quality: SVS Prime Satellite Speakers - Pair (Piano Gloss White)

The SVS Prime Satellite Speaker is the ultimate way to enjoy your favorite music, movies and games. It features a high-quality metal dome tweeter for accurate highs and a woofer for deep bass. The speaker offers a great 8 ohms impedance for universal compatibility with most electronics. Read Review

The best home theater setup requires a lot of work and research. Once you’ve picked out the right receiver, speakers, and subwoofer, though, you still need to select your speakers’ satellite speakers. The quality of your home theater audio experience is directly proportional to the audio components you use.

If you don’t have the time or resources to build a new home theater system from scratch, but you have a small budget for satellite speaker upgrades, then this article is perfect for you! We’ll explore some of the best options for buying new satellite speakers in your budget. Read on to learn more about everything you need to know about finding and buying the best satellite speakers for your home theater setup!

With Definitive Technology ProMonitor 800 Satellite or Bookshelf Speaker, you will have no difficulty finding anything to meet your needs! To help you find the best fit for your needs, we've put up a purchasing guide and also show other great options for you to consider.

Before finalizing your selection, our staff advises that you look into these additional important resources. They may help narrow down your selection and clarify things to locate the right fit. Look no further than Dayton Audio SAT-BK 3-3/4" 2-Way Satellite Speaker Pair Black since you're seeking the budget-friendly option. Our top models are equipped with features to meet every requirement. 

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Definitive Technology ProMonitor 800 Satellite or Bookshelf Speaker
Our Score:
9.7
Definitive Technology
  • LONGSTANDING BEST-SELLERS - The ProMonitors have been around for quite a while and are just as popular. These precision sound loudspeakers from Definitive Technology are the best sounding speakers to add to your home and will stand the test of time
  • VERSATILE USAGE - Use as standalone speakers in a 2.0 channel system, or in a 2.1 channel system with a powered subwoofer, or as satellite surround speakers in your existing home theater setup
  • CREATE A COMPLETE PROCINEMA SOUND SYSTEM FOR A THRILLING and IMMERSIVE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE – With a ProCenter 2000 center channel, a ProSub Subwoofer and 4-8 ProMonitor 800 speakers, you can build an unbeatable home theater in your living room or bedroom
  • SMALL SPEAKER, BIG SOUND – At a little over 8” tall, ProMonitor 800 features a proprietary 4-1/2" BDSS driver coupled to a 4-1/2" pressure-driven planar low-frequency radiator, and a 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter for DETAILED AUDIO and DEEP POWERFUL BASS
  • MULTIPLE PLACEMENT OPTIONS – The included pedestal foot helps you safely place the speaker on a shelf or a ProStand (sold separately). For wall/ceiling mounting, use the rear-panel keyhole slot or a 1/4"-20 threaded insert on the back of the speaker
  • UNIQUE DESIGN FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE - The perpendicular woofer and bass radiator, with an elliptical cabinet reflects Definitive Technology's exemplary design engineering, capable of filling any room with three-dimensional surround sound
TOP Choice #2 Dayton Audio SAT-BK 3-3/4" 2-Way Satellite Speaker Pair Black
Our Score:
9.5
Dayton Audio
  • Optimized long-excursion woofers
  • Excellent clarity and detail
  • Indoor or outdoor use
  • Magnetically shielded to prevent interference with TV screens and computer monitors
  • Flat, neutral frequency response
  • Included Components: Part
  • Beautiful white finish with silver accents. Silver floor stands sold separately.
  • KEF T101WH satellite speaker - white (Pair)
  • Desk stand and wall mounting bracket included
  • Tweeter-to-woofer crossover: 2.3kHz (12dB/octave slopes)
  • Rated bandwidth: 69Hz - 25kHz (±3dB)
  • Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
  • Sensitivity: 85dB (2.83V @ 1 meter full-space 300-3kHz)
  • Recommended amplifier power: 20 - 150 watts
  • KEF T301WH satellite speaker - white (Pair)
  • Ability to intermix with JBL Control 42C in-ceiling and JBL Control 62P pendant satellite speakers
  • See the JBL Control 50S/T Surface-Mount Subwoofer for subwoofer base, or the JBL C50Pack for the complete speakers + sub system
  • Wall-mount brackets included
  • 16 Ohms impedance and 140 Hz – 20 kHz frequency range
  • Stylish, unobtrusive design fits into a wide variety of decors
  • Recommended amplifier power: 20 - 150 watts
  • Tweeter-to-woofer crossover: 2.3kHz (12dB/octave slopes)
  • Sensitivity: 85dB (2.83V @ 1 meter full-space 300-3kHz)
  • Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
  • Compact 2. 5" (60 mm) driver with 3/4" (20 mm) copper-clad aluminum voice coil
  • Includes main and safety suspension cables, each consisting of 15 ft long high-tensile galvanized-steel wire rope suspension Cable with fasteners for infinitely adjustable height
  • Can intermix with control 52 surface-mount and control 42C in-ceiling Satellite speakers
  • Durable enclosure is Rated for humidity, salt spray, temperature & UV, while the zinc-plated steel grille features powder-coat finish and foam backing
  • Nominal coverage angle: 140 Degree (+25 Degree/-50 Degree)
  • 30 WATTS MAXIMUM POWER: Featuring a maximum power of 30 watts and an RMS of 10 watts, this pair of 3” satellite speakers will be the perfect combination for your subwoofer in your home theater, producing a fuller and clearer sound for your audio
  • GREAT FOR VARIOUS USES: This pair of satellite speakers can be used for home entertainment, multi-room, conference room, and more. It is also made to be compact and discreet for excellent sound quality and not eye-bugging for the audience
  • STYLISH, MINIMALISTIC DESIGN: Although this satellite speaker is styled to be less noticeable to keep you focused on what’s playing on the screen, it is also pleasing to the eye when looked at, keeping a black, sleek, and minimal aesthetic
  • QUALITY SPEAKER AUDIO: With an 8-ohm impedance and a good frequency range, this pair of mini satellite speakers will be great as a compliment for your subwoofer and will also be a great upgrade for your home’s entertainment system
  • BUILT TO LAST: Made with engineered ABS, this pair of satellite speakers will surely prove its longevity for long-term use. It also includes a ball-joint full-motion plastic bracket for surface mounting and allowing you to angle it to your liking
  • Quality at a fair price: Monoprice's rugged design and rigid quality control standards deliver high quality products at fair prices
  • Immersive sound The immersive, upward-firing Driver adds a new dimension to movie soundtracks, making the sound come alive from all directions and creating a 3D space. The upward-firing Driver Projects sound towards the ceiling, with the ceiling reflecting the sound back down into the listening space. With this system there is no need to install in-ceiling speakers for height channels! This driver arrangement and connectivity is fully compatible with Dolby atmos@enabled receivers and soundtracks
  • Compact size These immersive satellite speakers measure just 4S x iOS x 53, weigh in at only 29 pounds eacrv and are equipped with a Universal 1/4"X20 threaded insert mounts
  • Tweeter: 3/4" Aluminum dome | woofer: 3" Polypropylene | Input power: 100 watts | sensitivity: 88 dB | immersion height Driver: 3" Polypropylene | impedance: 80 | connectors: Binding post | Dimensions: 4.5" X 10.5" X 5.3"
  • Buy with confidence: Monoprice not only stands behind every product we sell with a 1 year Replacement warranty, We offer a 30-day money back guarantee as well!
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What Factors Should You Consider While Choosing best satellite speakers?

Getting to the best decision for a product purchase may take a bit of time. In a nutshell, we're available to serve you with your product problems at all hours of the day and night!

You can rest assured if you consider the following points before selecting best satellite speakers:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In general, product information and news are now available to users. In addition, as previously said, the Internet is constantly updated with new technology. Thus, customers will need to be informed so please subscribe to our newsletter or visit our website frequently to check the latest information.

Do you have any product-related questions or concerns you'd like to share? As a result of your efforts, we will attempt to ensure even greater standards of excellence!


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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.