Best overall: Polk Reserve R500Best smart speaker: B&W ZeppelinBest for home: Bluesound PULSE SOUNDBAR+Best wireless: KEF LS50 Wireless IIBest budget bookshelf: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2Best budget floorstanding: Fluance Ai81 Elite Powered 2-Way Floorstanding Tower Speakers
How we chose the best stereo speakers
To select the best stereo speakers from hundreds of choices, we narrowed our focus to specific applications, focusing on listening to music in indoor spaces, with the caveat that many listeners enjoy music and movies on the same media system. We concentrated on speakers that best balance proven sonic performance, versatile connectivity features, and universal appeal. Our team of musicians, producers, and gear junkies compared, well, notes, along with input from peers, experts, and actual users. We investigated time-honored classics and the newest developments in each category, putting new speakers through hands-on listening tests whenever possible. by rounding up our favorite models in various categories, from traditional towers to smart speakers, focusing on models that overperform but can be considered a bargain.
The best stereo speakers: Reviews & Recommendations
The best brand of speakers is a subjective choice. That said, the companies profiled here are well-known for their groundbreaking speaker technologies and have invested decades in acoustics engineering and materials R&D. Some of the most widely known brands—including Bowers & Wilkins, Bose, Klipsch, KEF, and Polk—have been making top-of-the-line speakers for audiophiles for more than 50 years; others—like JBL, Dynaudio, Focal, and Quested—are market leaders in pro industries and have ported their studio-monitor and touring sound system innovations over into their consumer speakers. These companies are committed to developing great-sounding, reliable speakers that elevate the listening experience. When shopping, it’s fine to care about recognizable names, and a good idea to compare reviews, but sound is so subjective that the best approach is to set your budget, decide which features are the best fit for your space and lifestyle, and audition models in person whenever you can.
Best overall: Polk Reserve R500
Why it made the cut: This value-priced speaker is packed with flagship acoustic technologies, exemplifying Polk’s goal to offer “great sound for all.” Specs
Drivers: 3 (one 1”, two 5 ¼”)Dimensions: 10 1/8″ x 41 1/8″ x 13 3/4″Frequency response: 32 Hz – 50 kHzConnectivity: 5-way binding posts
Pros
Pinnacle Ring Radiator smoothes high-end dispersionAdvanced cabinet bracing minimizes resonancesRefined cabinet finishes elevate home decor
Cons
Larger Reserve towers offer more sophisticated port technologies
Cabinets are finished in black, white, or walnut woodgrain, and have strategically angled bracing for smooth, peak-free response with open, uncolored bass and midrange. The R500 is High-Res Audio certified, as well as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX, and Auro 3D certified. Polk’s Reserve Series, introduced in 2021, aims to offer the ideal combination of fidelity and value, bringing acoustic technologies from the company’s flagship Legend Series to versatile, affordable sound systems for music, movies, and gaming. Nine models are available: three floorstanding speakers, three center channels, two bookshelf speakers, and a height module for spatial audio content. The R500 compact floorstanding speaker, at $599 each, is an affordable entry into the Reserve tower lineup. While it won’t reach the sonic summit, it also won’t cost the tens of thousands of dollars that achievement costs; what sets this speaker apart is the amount of people it can satisfy overall. The R500 borrows a lot of innovations from Legend speakers: If you’ve ever seen high-end Polk speakers, you’ve probably noticed the distinctive, Hershey’s Kiss-esque waveguides protruding from their tweeters. That’s Polk’s Pinnacle Ring Radiator, which disperses high frequencies evenly around the room for a wider sweet spot while squashing resonances for crisper, more detailed highs, and it’s a key feature of the R500. Dual 5 ¼-inch Turbine Cone midrange woofers features molded ridges that increase stiffness without adding mass, for a clearer, more detailed sound, and the R500’s bass-reflex enclosure with patented Power Port and X-Port technologies is optimized to cut down on air turbulence, minimizing chuffing and other noises that can mask the clarity of midrange sounds. The overall frequency response is 32 Hz – 50 kHz. (Need more dynamic range but not ready to add a subwoofer? Step up to the 6.5-inch woofers of the R600 and or the 8-inch woofers of the R700.)
Best smart speaker: B&W Zeppelin
Why it made the cut: This audiophile-grade smart speaker borrows drivers from B&W’s top-of-the-line systems. If sound and style are your biggest priorities, Zeppelin is the one to beat. Specs
Drivers: 5 (two 1”, two 3.5”, one 6”)Dimensions: 28 x 12 x 11.6 inchesFrequency response: 35 Hz – 24 kHzConnectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB (service only)
Pros
Audiophile-grade speaker arrayShowstopping aestheticsCan be updated with new features and services
Cons
Not ideal for bookshelf placement
Zeppelin is all about simplicity in design and function, packing five drivers and 240 watts of amplification into an elliptical enclosure measuring two feet wide, its grille sheathed in mesh fabric. (Choose from deep, black-ish “midnight grey” or light “pearl grey” finishes.) A hidden LED status indicator shining from Zeppelin’s base onto its pedestal creates a halo effect; it can be dimmed or turned off entirely. Embossed icons on the back side indicate volume and playback controls, an Alexa voice control/mic mute button, and a multifunction/pairing button. A power plug, reset button, and USB-C service port round out the back. Like many wireless smart speakers, Zeppelin has no HDMI connection or audio I/Os. Due to its atypical shape, the Zeppelin might not fit with the best bookshelf speakers; it’s more at home taking center stage atop a console or pedestal in an open-sided space. (For more options, a wall bracket is available for $100.) The app currently streams at 24-bit/96 kHz resolution. Still, since the speaker’s converters can accept 192 kHz files, you can feed it higher-resolution audio by streaming that content over AirPlay 2 or aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, as I did. Alexa voice control works like any smart speaker, and like most smart speakers, Zeppelin lets you mute its field microphones if you’re worried about Big Tech listening to you. To achieve true stereo sound from a single speaker, Zeppelin features a carefully oriented five-driver complement that borrows acoustic technologies from B&W’s flagship speaker families. The array features two 1-inch, decoupled double-dome aluminum tweeters, also used in B&W’s 600 Anniversary Series loudspeakers. Dual 3.5-inch midrange drivers are borrowed from B&W’s $40,000 800 Series Diamond Line, and a 6-inch subwoofer sits in the center. The drivers deliver a frequency range of 35 Hz to 24 kHz; everything is powered by 240 watts of Class D amplification. When I got an opportunity to spend some hands-on time with Zeppelin, I streamed high-res TIDAL MQA tracks directly. Listening to Diana Krall’s classic “The Look of Love,” Zeppelin revealed every nuance of Krall’s luxurious silk-and-sandpaper vocal stylings in a very direct, lifelike presentation. I was struck by Zeppelin’s tight, defined low-end response; piano notes were defined across the entire register, and I could practically feel Christian McBride deftly pulling his fingers across the bass strings. Regarding stereo imaging, Zeppelin does an impressive job producing a broad, defined soundstage, with distinct separation at close range. While the lush string arrangements may not have felt as sweeping as they would on a pair of speakers, the soundstage was expansive for a single enclosure, especially inside a distance of about 4 feet. Zeppelin is equally satisfying for those seeking room-filling sound. Going full-bore with Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls On Parade,” the speaker delivered every gut punch with authority and clarity. The speaker never distorted, delivering clean, clear sound at levels loud enough for my neighbors to stop by and ask me what the heck was going on. No matter what I listened to, I found Zeppelin’s tonal balance pleasing and natural, with muscular yet controlled bass; a warm, detailed midrange; and crisp highs. Zeppelin may be pricey, clocking in at $800, but it’s the best-sounding smart speaker I’ve heard. If superior sound and showstopping style are your top priorities in a smart speaker, let your search begin and end here.
Best for home: Bluesound PULSE SOUNDBAR+
Why it made the cut: Home theatre meets hi-fi in this audiophile-grade soundbar that can serve as the hub of a wireless whole-home entertainment ecosystem. Specs
Drivers: 6 (two 1”, two 2”, two 4”), 2 4” passive radiatorsDimensions: 42 1/4″ x 5 5/8″ x 3 3/4″Frequency response: 70 Hz – 20 kHzConnectivity: HDMI eARC in, USB Type A in, Toslink in, 3.5mm analog in, RCA mono subwoofer out, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Pros
Supports high-res audio up to 24-bit/192 kHzCan serve as the hub of a connected home ecosystemMovie, Music, and Late Night modes optimize sound for a range of scenarios
Cons
Wall mount is somewhat flimsy
The updated PULSE SOUNDBAR+ underscores Bluesound’s commitment to superior sound quality and performance, packing audiophile-grade drivers, a high-performance digital-to-analog converter, and clean, powerful amplification behind its tall aluminum grill. Inside, a six-speaker front-facing array features two 1-inch drivers, two 2-inch inch drivers, and two 4-inch drivers, with two passive radiators beefing up the bass; built-in digital amps supply 120 watts of power. An all-new quad-core processor features a chipset optimized for music streaming, delivering high-quality audio at ultra-fast speeds. According to our associate managing editor, who has auditioned the PULSE SOUNDBAR+, it is authoritative, throaty even, in a good way when playing vocal material recorded in standard stereo. The presentation overall is balanced, never sacrificing texture for artificial excitement. Lows and mids have warmth but don’t get fuzzy, while treble is precise without harshness. It’s not the sparkliest response but projects a clean, clear atmosphere. There is limited EQ available in the app and bass extends naturally, but you’ll want to add the Pulse Sub+ wireless powered subwoofer to achieve full slam. Up-converting audio (which requires two toggles in the app) results in perceivable spaciousness, though engaging more in its width than its height, given the lack of up-firing drivers. Depth does mean sacrificing some immediacy, however, so unless playing around with audio encoded specifically for Atmos (tested through TIDAL and Apple Music) the PULSE SOUNDBAR+ is most compelling musically without any processing and staged within a small- to medium-sized room. Decoding Dolby Atmos films, the PULSE SOUNDBAR+ is both direct and nuanced, casting dynamic, detailed imaging that separates dialogue and action deftly but not distractingly. And not only does the PULSE SOUNDBAR+ work well on its own, but it can also be a part of a whole-house high-res music system by combining with other Bluesound components, such as the Pulse Mini 2i all-in-one bookshelf/desktop speaker, Pulse 2i wireless smart speaker, or Pulse M omni-hybrid streaming speaker. These can either pair and expand the soundbar’s soundstage, or you can pass your music off to their various zones effortlessly if they are situated around the house, allowing you to have multiple stereo systems without needing separate sources.
Best wireless: KEF LS50 Wireless II
Why it made the cut: High-res audio support, extensive acoustic upgrades, and future-proof connectivity enhance this audiophile-grade wireless bookshelf speaker update. Specs
Drivers: 2 (one 1”, one 5 ¼”)Dimensions: 12 x 7.9 x 12.2 in.Frequency response: 45 Hz – 28 kHzConnectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI eARC, Ethernet, coaxial and optical ins, subwoofer out, 3.5mm aux ins
Pros
Robust amplification delivers clean sound at any volumeTons of connectivity optionsFuture-proof app tech
Cons
Speakers and stand are both pricey
In 2016, KEF introduced the LS50 Wireless, a version of its iconic LS50 bookshelf speaker with built-in amplification and streaming features. KEF’s new LS50 Wireless II takes that evolution further, refining acoustics, expanding connectivity, and improving the KEF Connect control app—making the LS50 Wireless II one of the best powered speakers on the market. Available in signature KEF Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, Mineral White, and Crimson Red finishes (with available matching stands), the LS50 Wireless II is a stylish addition to any space. The cabinet is offset by KEF’s iconic, copper-hued Uni-Q driver, which places a 1-inch vented aluminum-dome tweeter in the acoustic center of a 5 ¼-inch magnesium-aluminum alloy woofer cone to create a wider sweet spot; Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) minimizes distortion in the tweeter assembly. A bass-reflex cabinet with elliptical rear ports is engineered for more accurate, musical low end. Each speaker houses two custom amps that deliver 280 watts to each woofer and 100 watts to each tweeter, for plenty of room-rocking power and clean, distortion-free sound at any volume. Built-in digital signal processing lets you tweak sound to fit your space. Start with the easy Beginner mode and take more control in Expert mode; and make adjustments on-speaker or in the free KEF Connect app. It all adds up to clean, detailed sound with an expansive soundstage; support for Hi-Res Audio further elevates audio quality. (Network file support is 24-bit/384 kHz; a wireless setup supports 24-bit/96 kHz audio resolution, or connect the speakers with the supplied CAT 6 cable for 24-bit/192 kHz support.) At $2,799/pair (plus $449 for optional S2 floor stands), the LS50 Wireless II is pricier than the other speakers on our list. Still, its versatile connectivity makes it an ideal all-in-one listening system. You might be able to save a few hundred dollars on older-version LS50 Wireless speakers, or save over $1,000 by choosing KEF’s most compact streaming system, the LSX II. But if your budget supports it, we recommend going with the most recent generation LS50 for its improved acoustics and future-proof format support. Of course, if you want to double down, the LS50 Wireless II has an amazing synergy with the ultra-compact, incredibly expressive KC62 subwoofer. Or, if you want to expand the frequency response and your budget but keep things integrated, the surprisingly slim but shockingly sinuous KEF LS60 Wireless streaming floorstanders are a great choice. As for KEF’s passive options, the LS50 Meta, successor of the original LS50, remains one of the best compact speakers for music lovers that prefer to build their signal chain.
Best budget bookshelf: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
Why it made the cut: Significant acoustic enhancements elevate this revamped bookshelf speaker to new, high-res-ready heights. Specs
Drivers: 2 (one 1”, one 5 ¼”)Dimensions: 13.5 x 9.3 x 7.1 inchesFrequency response: 46 Hz–35 kHzConnectivity: 5-way binding posts
Pros
Extended high-frequency responseForgiving of placementRobust build quality
Cons
Tons of worthy competition at this price point
Elac’s Debut 2.0 Series, a refresh of the company’s iconic Debut Series speaker family, incorporates new drivers, waveguides, cabinets, and networks, for significant performance improvements and easier setup. We’re partial to the Debut 2.0 B5.2 entry-level two-way passive bookshelf speakers, representing an incredible value in an acoustically advanced line. Driver updates include new silk-dome tweeters that extend high-frequency response to 35 kHz, and a redesigned, woven-aramid-fiber woofer that boasts improved stiffness and damping, for tight, defined bass. Thick MDF cabinets, finished in black ash vinyl, are internally braced to reduce vibrations, and a dual-flared bass port has been moved to the speaker’s front for more flexible speaker placement against walls or in bookshelves. (Ideally, place on rigid stands for the best performance.) The Debut 2.0 B5.2s requires power; an amp offering a minimum of around 40W/6 ohms is adequate for smaller rooms; move up to about 140W/6 ohms for larger rooms and higher listening levels. It’s no surprise that the Debut 2.0 B5.2s is a continual best seller: This speaker is solidly built, forgiving in setup, and most importantly, delivers robust, balanced, defined sound, all for a mere $279/pair. And its extended high-frequency range helps make the most of high-res audio formats. There are tons of worthy contenders in the sub-$1,000 speaker market. But if you’re looking for a versatile bookshelf model that’s easy to configure, easy to listen to, and easy on the wallet, the Debut 2.0 B5.2 is the one to beat.
Best budget floorstanding: Fluance Ai81 Elite Powered 2-Way Tower Speakers
Why it made the cut: Two-way audio at its best, these speakers have excellent dual midrange drivers, a tweeter, and down-firing acoustic bass enhancement built into their design, which integrates Class D amplification and Bluetooth 5.0 for modern sonic connectivity. Specs
Channels: 2 channels: 2 x 6.5-inch drivers + tweeterConnection: 2x RCA L/R, Bluetooth, & Digital Optical TOSLINKPower: 2 x 75 watts RMSDimensions: 37.8 x 8.50 x 10.24 inches
Pros
Acoustic bass enhancement built into the designGood frequency responseCan be paired with a subwooferEasy connectivity from multiple sources
Cons
Requires multiple power outletsNo active bass
Usher your home audio into the stratosphere with the Fluance Ai81. Eschewing the need for an amplifier, these two-channel speakers are internally powered, with 150 watts of RMS divided between the two units. Each speaker contains two 6.5-inch woven glass fiber drivers and a neodymium tweeter. The speakers are also built around a down-firing natural concavity that enhances bass acoustically. With a 30 Hz–20 kHz response (DSP enhanced), these speakers do a solid job with most of the audio spectrum passing through your living room. However, their 30 Hz low-end might not have enough oomph for some, but that’s okay because connecting a subwoofer to this system is easy. And, at only $499 a pair, these speakers leave you with enough money in your budget for some external augmentation or high-end sources. With attractive walnut, ash, or bamboo sides, this beautiful speaker system will augment any home entertainment system visually and audibly. With multiple connection options—including RCA, Optical, and Bluetooth 5.0—it’s ready for anything you want to play.
Things to consider before buying the best stereo speakers
Selecting the best stereo speakers is a very personal decision. Many factors determine a speaker’s sound, including build quality, materials, and components; amplification and inputs; and the size and sound of your room also play big roles. (And, if you’re new to the foundational technologies, check out our primer on what makes up a speaker.)
What size speakers should I get?
Picking the right size speakers for your room is important. The larger the speaker, the more powerful its output and the deeper the bass it can produce. But bigger isn’t always better. You want loudspeakers that are large enough to effortlessly fill the room with sound but small enough to perform efficiently in that space. For example, bookshelf speakers might be perfect for your home office, but floor-standing speakers might better fit your living room. Your speakers should be able to effortlessly reproduce your most dynamic content, but if they’re too powerful for the size of the room, you can’t play them at their optimal levels and they can end up sounding boomy.
Should I get active or passive speakers?
Active, or powered, speakers have built-in amplification. In contrast, passive speakers need to be powered by an external amplifier, which can take the form of an A/V receiver or dedicated power amp. If you’re a gear minimalist, powered speakers mean fewer components and less cable clutter, and you don’t have to worry about matching your speakers to the right amp. Audiophiles tend to prefer passive speakers because, with less circuitry being placed inside the enclosure, they generally allow for designs that sound better than equivalently priced powered speakers and allow more flexibility mixing and matching and upgrading components for their specific sonic characters (or lack thereof, for those that prize neutrality). And because passive speakers don’t have to plug into a power outlet, they allow for more placement options in some spaces, speaker wires allowing.
Do I need a subwoofer?
Sometimes it makes sense to extend the low-end range of your system with a subwoofer. Bass frequencies need big drivers to reproduce them, and speakers won the smaller side, like bookshelf speakers, can’t always deliver brawny bass by design. Consider a sub if your speakers don’t produce a sound that extends to the lowest frequencies or if your speakers produce bass that you can hear, but you want more powerful, intense bass that you can feel—especially if you like bass-heavy music like hip-hop or EDM. Subwoofers are also a common choice if you’re using your speaker system for both music and movies because they’ll add that cinematic rumble. Some speakers come with subwoofers, while others are matched to subwoofers by the same manufacturer. And if you’re not sure if a sub is the right investment, you can always add one down the line if you feel your current setup isn’t bringing enough thump and thunder.
What kind of connectivity should I look for?
Speaker connections can range from the ultra-minimalist (the B&W Zeppelin, for example, has no physical audio connections) to fully loaded products that offer a range of analog and digital I/Os, including USB audio inputs and HDMI ARC ports for home theater. Your audio sources will dictate which connections you need. For example, you’ll need a phono-level analog input to connect a turntable.
What about Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support?
Some speakers support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or both; these speakers are labeled “wireless speakers” (despite their need for a power cable—you’ll never confuse them for portable party speakers). Bluetooth technology lets you stream music from your mobile devices, while Wi-Fi lets you stream from the internet or a computer on your home network. (Bluetooth links devices directly; Wi-Fi requires a router to connect the devices to and through a local network.) Most speaker manufacturers offer free companion apps to streamline the process.
The final word on the best stereo speakers
The “best” stereo speakers mean different things to different people, and the products we’ve profiled here support a range of home music-listening scenarios. First and foremost, speakers should sound incredible, reproducing every nuance of your favorite music and movies with depth and detail, effortlessly filling the room and delivering power and impact without coloring or distorting sound. Then, it’s all about prioritizing the factors that are important to you, like smart-speaker functions, connectivity features, and style. By any of these measures, choosing one of the models here will not disappoint you.
