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Whether you’re interested in background music for your next party or you’re looking to upgrade your stereo system, there’s a speaker set ready for you. Headphones tend to be designed with a specific purpose in mind. For example, you may need speakers for your TV, Computer headphones Or set for a specific room. Or maybe you need a laptop Bluetooth speakers To take a trip. There is a speaker for every situation.
Bluetooth headphones offers this week
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Not all speakers are created equal
I’ve highlighted the best wired and wireless speakers I’ve tested that cost between $50 and $1,000. While most inline systems are powered speakers, you’ll also find passive speakers Bookshelf speakerslike Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2which only needs to be paired with Great AV receiver.
from Smart speakers For outdoor speakers to immersive Home theater systemsEach model I chose boasts great sound quality and is the best speaker in its respective category. I’ll update this list periodically as we review new products, so you can take your audio setup to the next level.
Read more: The best speakers of 2025
With great sound, a small size, and built-in Alexa voice assistant, the Sonos Era 100 has a lot of features, making it the best smart speaker for the money.
Elac has been delivering classic, affordable designs since its debut in 2015. The Debut 2.0 embodies the brand’s appeal for both the budget-conscious and audiophiles. It offers lively, punchy sound and attractive looks for around $400.
Pros
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Large, generously proportioned speakers
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Excellent sound quality ideal for long sessions
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Nothing holds a candle to the money
cons
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It could be smoother, especially with the lower register
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The dust caps didn’t line up exactly
Want bigger sound? You’ll need big speakers. The fit and finish of the Fluance XL8’s large towers is unmatched by other speakers at its price. The XL8F’s sound is open and exciting, but never harsh, and when fed a movie soundtrack, these speakers simply sound. They’re no slouch with the music either. If you really want to get the most out of a speaker for your money, the massive Fluance XL8F is like no other.
Pros
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Very compact (pocket friendly)
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More bass and volume than most small speakers
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Water and dust resistant (IP67)
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Integrated belt
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Can be linked to another StormBox Micro for stereo mode
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USB-C charging
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8 hours of battery life
cons
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Not as durable as the Bose SoundLink Micro
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It is slightly distorted at higher volume levels using certain tracks
Budget Bluetooth speakers seem like a dime a dozen, but among the countless options there are some gems. The $50 Tribit Stormbox Micro is a compact, portable speaker that offers water resistance and excellent sound for its size.
Pros
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Compact, easy to set up and affordable
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Excellent dialogue reproduction
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The tried and true Roku experience
cons
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Lacks bass in movies and music
The $130 Roku Streambar is a 4K speaker-video streaming hybrid, and the most welcome surprise is that it’s able to do both tasks well. Pair it with your bedroom TV and optional TV en wireless sub For a killer home theater setup.
If ever there was a bargain in home theater, it was this – for about the same price as the Elac speakers above, you can get a full Dolby Atmos setup. With sub! The sound quality is excellent and the Klipsch kit includes all the cables you need in the box.
The Edifier R1280DB offers almost everything you want in a PC speaker – excellent sound, a range of connections including Bluetooth and a small footprint – all for a reasonable $150. However, it doesn’t offer USB, so connect your headphone/line out of your computer to it instead.
Pros
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Excellent sound in a small size
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Amazon Alexa is on board
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DTS Virtual:X
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Clear subwoofer
The Yamaha YAS-209 is one of the most distinctive amplifiers the company has ever offered—especially at the price. With Alexa connectivity, HDMI, and a wireless subwoofer, this speaker doesn’t need anything. The sound quality is great too.
Pros
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The motorized speakers work well.
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Excellent sound for movies and music.
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Lots of communication
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Includes rears and wireless sub.
cons
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It’s not as easy to use as the Sonos Arc
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There is no support for Apple AirPlay
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The surrounding cables are fairly short
The Vizio Elevate may have a big gimmick at its core, its rotating height speaker, but it also delivers the sound quality to back up the LG sound. This is a 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos soundbar, with a massive subwoofer, and its performance is equally impressive in both movies and music. Add a host of streaming features and you’ve got the best surround system in a wide range.