Whether your home audio setup is geared towards movies and TV or your focus is music (vinyl or digital, it doesn't matter), having a great set of speakers is key.
And while you may feel the draw towards a honking set of tower speakers, we've always had a soft spot for bookshelf speakers. They're more compact, sound fantastic, and are versatile as heck -- you can add a booming subwoofer for huge sound or add them to a surround sound configuration, for the ultimate Dolby Atmos experience.
Brands like Bowers & Wilkins and Klipsch have been producing bookshelf speakers for decades, so you can bet your bottom dollar our list includes a pair of bookshelves from both. But there’s a bunch of other bookshelf speakers that deserve your attention, too, which is why we’ve rounded up all our favorite bookshelf speaker options for 2025 here. Be sure to check back often to see what new speakers we’ve added and which sets might be on sale!
Best overall passive bookshelf speakers
Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3
- Classy design
- Rich and balanced B&W sound
- Energetic in the mids and highs
- Excellent for jazz, classical, and singer-songwriter genres
- A bit pricey
- Not ideal for hard rock and metal
| Specification: | |
| Size (HxWxD) | 11.8 x 6.5 x 8.2 inches; 10.3 pounds |
| Drivers | 1 x 1-inch tweeter, 1 x 5-inch bass/mid cone |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Frequency response | 52Hz - 28kHz |
When it comes to audio royalty, Bowers & Wilkins is a brand that deserves all the prestige it can get (not that it's wanting for it). From its amazing floor-standing speakers to its subs and satellites, B&W’s dedication to quality and performance always shines through. And as far as bookshelf speakers go, we can’t think of a better name to call our favorite.
The overall soundstaging on the S3s is wide and immersive. In execution, the B&W 607 S3s are best used as hi-fi speakers, but with a little finesse, they work pretty well with most home theater setups, too. When it comes to music playback, we would be careful with genre-matching, though. B&W speakers are stellar for jazz, classical, and vocally-driven singer-songwriter tracks.
This isn’t to say you can’t head-bang to a little Metallica with them, but you may be a bit disappointed by the 607 S3’s lack of aggression — adding a subwoofer can help with that. These are exquisite and refined bookshelf speakers that do quite a nice job at shining a light on your music.
Best budget passive bookshelf speakers
Klipsch RP-600M II
- Rich and powerful sound quality
- Great for music and home theaters
- Unique design
- Supports bi-wiring
- Cosmetics may not be for everyone
- A little drop off in the midrange
| Specification: | |
| Size (HxWxD) | 15.7 x 8 x 13 inches; 18 pounds (both) |
| Drivers | 1 x 1-inch tweeter, 1 x 6.5-inch mid-low range |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Frequency response | 44Hz - 25kHz |
What’s any home theater/hi-fi roundup without a Klipsch entry? If you’re looking for an excellent hi-fi pairing to listen to your favorite music with, the RP-600M II are a fantastic choice. The RP-600M II delivers a rich stereo soundstage, complete with excellent highs and mids and even a good amount of thump. Should you decide to use them as home theater speakers, just a little EQ calibrating is likely all you’ll need to get them in sync with whatever floor-standing speakers, subwoofers, etc., you already own (or are thinking of buying).
Thanks to Klipsch’s Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) tweeters and Tractrix horns, a Klipsch staple, high frequencies are given special treatment. And because the LTS design is meant to counter standing waves, too, the RP-600M II are engineered from the ground up to reduce distortion. There’s even a Tractrix port on the back of each speaker to bump up the bass delivery. We’re also glad to see that Klipsch has implemented a 70% larger voice coil for both 6.5-inch drivers for improved sound quality.
Delivering up to 100W RMS and supporting a frequency range between 44 and 25,000Hz, the Klipsch RP-600M II may not be the bookshelf speakers for everyone (mostly when it comes to cosmetics), but Klipsch isn’t an audio brand to disappoint.
Best overall powered bookshelf speakers
Edifier S1000W Wireless Hi-Fi Bookshelf speakers
- Extremely versatile
- Supports hi-res formats
- Great Alexa integration
- Loud and clear sound
- No LFE output
| Specification: | |
| Size (HxWxD) | 7.8 x 13.6 x 11.6 inches; 37 pounds |
| Drivers | 1 x 1-inch tweeter, 1 x 5.5-inch mid-range/bass |
| Impedance | N/A |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, Optical, Coaxial, RCA, AirPlay 2 |
| Frequency response | 44Hz - 25kHz |
The Edifier S1000W is the type of speaker that houses many amazing capabilities, but without being all in-your-face about it. Seemingly, this is just a beautiful pair of powered bookshelf speakers that happen to sound great, too. What we actually have on our hands though is an excellent set of wireless hi-fi speakers that are built to tackle whatever audio sources you have in mind.
In terms of connectivity options, the usual suspects are all here, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, digital optical, coaxial, and analog RCA. But when you consider the fact that the S1000W supports 24-bit/192kHz playback, the $550 price becomes quite the steal. Being able to listen to lossless recordings is a privilege normally reserved for a stellar pair of headphones (that may cost as much as the S1000W), which makes the S1000W even more appealing.
We’re also big fans of the Alexa integration. Having a bunch of Echo speakers scattered around your home can start to make one manic, so the fact that the S1000W has its own far-field mic system is a bit of a blessing. This means you’ll be able to enjoy the full benefits of your Alexa ecosystem, without adding another Echo Dot to your living room.
While the addition of an LFE output would sweeten the deal even further, we can’t fault Edifier for not wanting to introduce the extra signal path. Plus, the company is cool enough to give you access to the Edifier Home app (for iOS and Android), which you can use to stream tunes via AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and Tidal. The best part? There’s no paywall to have to break through.
Best powered bookshelf speakers for turntables
Kanto YU6 powered speakers
- Fun design
- Numerous analog and digital ports
- Nice sound
- Built-in phono preamp
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
- Lackluster remote
- No app
| Specification: | |
| Size (HxWxD) | 10.6 x 6.9 x 10.2 inches; |
| Drivers | 1 x 1-inch tweeter, 1 x 5.25-inch midrange; 11.4 pounds (active speaker), 8.7 pounds (passive speaker) |
| Impedance | N/A |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth (with aptX), 3.5mm AUX, RCA with phono stage, Optical TOSLINK |
| Frequency response | 44Hz - 25kHz |
Hi-fi listening is particularly satisfying when you’ve got the right speakers working with the right record player or turntable. Finding this ideal matchup can be difficult though, which is why we’re glad that the talented minds at Kanto have developed the YU6 model. At first glance, these look like just about every other pair of affordable bookshelf speakers out there, but the YU6 houses an entire hub of inputs and outputs. Oh, and chief amongst these ports is the hard-to-find built-in phono preamp for wiring up your record player, whihc is one of the many reasons we recommend the YU6 for those who may be picking up a new turntable for the firt time.
The phono preamp means you can interface your turntable directly with the Kanto YU6 bookshelf speakers, even if the turntable doesn'y have it's own built-in preamp, so no worrying about integrating a separate amplifier or receiver. Decibel output maxes out at 200 watts and hovers around 100 watts RMS for the average-listening volume, which means these puppies can get plenty loud for whatever listening space you need to fill. We can also thank the YU6’s 5.25-inch Kevlar driver, 1-inch silk dome tweeter, and handcrafted MDF cabinetry for giving these speakers extra power and personality.
Even if you don’t plan on hooking up a turntable, the Kanto YU6 are also a phenomenal set of bookshelf speakers for Bluetooth. Once paired to your phone, tablet, or computer, the YU6’s Qualcomm aptX support guarantees some incredibly detailed sound when streaming music from platforms like Apple Music, Tidal, and Qobuz.
While we do wish there was a companion app to go along with these speakers, the included remote control does let you adjust tone, balance, volume, and playback. The YU6 also come in several different finishes (bamboo, walnut, and white), so you’ll be able to snag a pair that best matches your LP lair as you build your record collection to respectable heights.
Best for Bluetooth connectivity
Q Acoustics M20 HD Wireless Music System
- Clear, refined sound with any music
- Wide soundstage in any room
- Versatility of placement
- Tons of connectivity options
- aptX HD Bluetooth
- A bit big for desktops
- Better with a subwoofer
| Specification: | |
| Size (HxWxD) | 11 x 6.7 x 11.6 inches; 11.2 pounds (passive speaker), 12.2 pounds (active speaker) |
| Drivers | 1 x 0.87-inch tweeter, 1 x 4.9-inch mid/bass driver |
| Impedance | N/A |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 (with aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency), USB, Optical, RCA, 3.5mm AUX |
| Frequency response | 44Hz - 25kHz |
Computer speakers are a dime a dozen, and the reality is that not many of these products are very good. Sure, for as little as $20 or $30, who wouldn’t want to invest in a pair of desktop monitors that say they sound great on the box? But if you’re the type of person who cares about your PC audio, you should get comfortable with the idea of spending just a little more. And if you really care about your desktop sound, you’ll buy the Q Acoustics M20.
Yup, they’re going to run you $500 after tax, but bear with us here. These powered bookshelf speakers are incredibly versatile. One look at the back of these will reveal a host of analog and digital ports, but you can also enjoy your music wirelessly, thanks to the M20’s Bluetooth 5.0 support. Now throw aptX Bluetooth (with aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency support) and hi-res music streaming support on top of it, and you’ve got yourself one handsome speaker sundae.
With its two Class D amps per speaker and excellent cabinet bracing, these are probably best suited for those of us who want a solid set of PC gaming speakers, or even an alternative set of studio monitors for working with music-editing software. This isn’t to say that watching YouTube videos on your MacBook with the M20 won’t be amazing; they just may be a bit overqualified for lighter media.
One or two grievances: We don’t care for the remote, and we wish the speakers could be connected to Wi-Fi. Neither of these qualms are deal-breaking, but the controller is about as plain as they come, and for $500, we’d like more than just Bluetooth for wireless streaming options.
Best powered desktop reference speakers
Kanto Audio Ora
- Small, discreet footprint
- Impossibly clear reference sound
- Mids and highs that shine
- Killer low-end, especially with a sub
- 100 watts of power
- USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity
- A bit pricey
- No Bluetooth aptX support
- An optical input would be nice
- Doesn't come with cables
| Specification: | |
| Size (HxWxD) | 6.9 x 3.9 x 5.6 inches; 2.1 pounds each |
| Drivers | 1 x 0.75-inch tweeter, 1 x 3-inch woofer |
| Impedance | N/A |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, RCA, USB-C, subwoofer out |
| Frequency response | 44Hz - 25kHz |
File the Kanto Oras at the top of the heap of small, but mighty desktop speakers. Canadian speaker brand Kanto Audio has been cranking out excellent sounding, compact, and connectivity-rich speakers for some time now, and it has so far been having a banner year in terms of new speaker releases.
Released late last year, the Kanto Oras are diminutive reference speakers that fit discreetly on any desktop, tucked away behind a monitor. But as the name says they're "reference" speakers, which means that they're specifically tuned with a flat and accurate frequency response so the sound you get is exactly as it was recorded. This makes them perfect for sound or video editors. But, as we learned in our review, they also sound fantastic.
Clean, crisp mids and highs is what you get with the Kanto Ora, as well as a nicely balanced low end. But if you really want to have your hair blown back, try adding a subwoofer. Our reviewer did, and was thoroughly impressed with the room-filling rumble driven by their 100-watt Class D amplification.
At $350, they're not the cheapest little speakers, but the sound they produce will make you forgive that, quickly. Inputs include RCA line-in (for turntables with a built-in phono preamp or an external preamp), USB-C capable of delivering up to 16-bit/48kHz CD-quality playback, and Bluetooth (only SBC and AAC, sadly).
Best Wi-Fi bookshelf speakers
Sonos Era 100
- Big, expansive sound
- Bluetooth now built-in
- Optional analog line-in
- Super-easy room tuning
- No Google Assistant option
| Specification: | |
| Size (HxWxD) | 7.2 x 4.7 x 5.1 inches; 4.4 pounds |
| Drivers | 2 x angled tweeters, 1 x midwoofer |
| Impedance | NA |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C |
| Frequency response | 44Hz - 25kHz |
Wi-Fi music streaming is a next-level experience. And when it comes to Wi-Fi-equipped bookshelf speakers, Sonos is one of the top names in the game. About as intuitive as plug-and-play operation gets, the Sonos Era 100 is the company’s next-gen version of its Sonos One speakers, and they’re everything we could want from the brand’s latest and greatest.
Considering the Era 100’s woofer is 25% larger than the Sonos One’s, we expected some fairly big sound from the speaker, but in our testing of the product, we were utterly blown away by its decibel delivery. Listeners can expect well-balanced mids, crystalline treble, and punchy low-end performance. Sure, there’s some distortion at extremely high volumes, but considering how much reach the Era is capable of at only 60% or 70% volume, we doubt you’ll need to crank it past 11 (if you know, you know).
Like Sonos speakers of years past, the iOS-friendly TruePlay feature is here, but with a new twist for Android devotees. Thanks to some improvements to the calibration tool, Android device owners can now use the Era’s built-in mic to calibrate audio to a listening space. Technically though, this is the “quick” version of the function though, and the more advanced version of TruePlay is still an iOS exclusive. We've also got a helpful roundup on how to place and position any Sonos speakers, including the Era 100s, anywhere in your home.
On top of Wi-Fi connectivity, the Era 100 also supports Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay. You’ll also be able to control the speaker using both the Sonos S2 app (iOS and Android) and Alexa. Due to an ongoing dispute between Sonos and Google though, you won’t be able to interact with the speaker using Google Assistant.
Best bookshelf speakers for dynamic high-end
Wharfedale EVO4.2 bookshelf speakers
- Ribbon tweeters deliver ultra-rich highs
- Immersive stereo soundstage
- Classy design
- Excellent for home theaters
- Cannot be wall-mounted
- On the pricey side
| Specification: | |
| Size (HxWxD) | 17.9 x 9.8 x 13.4 inches, 29.5 pounds (both) |
| Drivers | 1 x 1 by 2-inch Air Motion Transformer (AMT) ribbon tweeter, 1 x 2-inch midrange driver, 1 x 6.5-inch bass driver |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Frequency response | 44Hz - 25kHz |
It’s hard to beat the ultra-smooth frequency response that a well-placed ribbon tweeter delivers. While this technology is sparingly implemented in the greater world of bookshelf speakers, companies like Wharfedale really push ribbon tweeters to their limit, with its Air Motion Transformer (AMT) technology that the compzny says more efficiently moves air and "achieves low distortion and delivers exceptional musical detail without being “bright,” harsh, and fatiguing."
The Wharfedale EVO4.2 Bookshelf Speakers are a brilliant example of ribbons in play, and they have a pristine-looking appearance, too (especially if you opt for the Walnut finish, though they’re also available in Black Oak and White Oak).
These speakers aren’t just great for vocals and woodwinds, either. Thanks to Wharfedale’s three-way design, which adds a two-inch midrange driver and a 6.5-inch woven Kevlar woofer below the tweeter, the EVO4.2 are able to cover a broad frequency spectrum, making the speakers an ideal choice for a hi-fi stereo setup. They’re also an excellent fit for a home theater, though we’d recommend using them as your front left-right channels to best take advantage of the ribbon tweeters.
Standing nearly 18-inches tall and measuring 13.4 inches from front to back, the Wharfedale EVO4.2 are on the larger side when it comes to bookshelf speakers, and there are no key holes on either speaker’s housing, so these have to go tabletop or stand-mounted.
