A bookshelf speaker is a speaker that mounts on the wall or stands on its shelf, and these speakers are typically smaller than floor-standing speakers because they produce less bass and need to be placed closer to the listener to make up for this sound quality crisp highs, crystal clear lows and well-balanced mids. Without bookshelf speakers, you are missing out on a lot of music that won’t be heard. Bookshelf speakers can produce sound by either firing the audio forward or having an inbuilt option to fire it from both sides for a more significant stereo effect. If one side is damaged or broken, the speaker will usually still provide mono sound (from just left/right).

There are some people who buy bookshelf speakers to use at their desks at work, and there are others who use them to enhance the sound of their TVs in other rooms. Bookshelf speakers are a sweet pair of powered speakers that can be used for various functions as part of your home theater system or in conjunction with other hi-fi audio equipment. If you’re looking for the best bookshelf speakers under $200, we have compiled a list of the options that can fit your budget while still providing fantastic sound quality.

The list includes Polk Audio RTI A1, Edifier R1280T, Edifier R1280DB, Klipsch R-14M, BIC America DV62si, Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, Polk Audio TSi100, JBL Arena B15, and Edifier R980T Bookshelf speakers and are perfect for smaller spaces and provide a fantastic listening experience and comes in various style and has a higher quality build.

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 Edifier R1280T Budget Bookshelf Speaker Powered Bookshelf Speaker Edifier R1280T Budget Bookshelf Speaker Read More See On Amazon
Edifier R1280DB Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers Wireless Bookshelf Speaker Edifier R1280DB Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers Read More See On Amazon
Edifier R980T 4-Inch  Bookshelf Speaker Computer Bookshelf Speakers Edifier R980T 4-Inch Bookshelf Speaker Read More See On Amazon
Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Bookshelf Speakers Home Audio Bookshelf Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Bookshelf Speakers Read More See On Amazon
Polk Audio TSi100 Black Bookshelf Speakers Mid-Range Bookshelf Speaker Polk Audio TSi100 Black Bookshelf Speakers Read More See On Amazon
 BIC America DV62si Bookshelf Speaker Best Premium Bookshelf Speaker BIC America DV62si Bookshelf Speaker Read More See On Amazon
Klipsch R-14M Reference Bookshelf Speaker Active Bookshelf Speaker Klipsch R-14M Reference Bookshelf Speaker Read More See On Amazon
JBL Arena B15 Bookshelf & Surround Speaker Surround Speaker JBL Arena B15 Bookshelf & Surround Speaker Read More See On Amazon
Polk Audio RTI A1 Bookshelf Speakers Good Bookshelf loudspeaker in 2023 Polk Audio RTI A1 Bookshelf Speakers Read More See On Amazon

Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $200 Reviews

Edifier R1280T Budget Bookshelf Speaker (Image credit: Amazon)

Edifier R1280T Budget Bookshelf Speaker

Powered Bookshelf Speaker

SPECIFICATIONS

Design: CLASSIC WOOD FINISH | Sound Quality: Natural sound | Bluetooth: None Bluetooth version |AUX INPUT: 2 x | REMOTE CONTROL: Yes

Pros

+ Combined a retro look.

+ Versatile bookshelf speakers.

+ Has 4-inch bass driver.

+ Features Handy remote control.

Cons

- Not good bass response.

The Edifier R1280T bookshelf speaker would be perfect for full-range sound as it has two drive units on each side, delivering high-frequency response with clarity. 

The Edifier R1280T has a subwoofer/bass unit of 4 inches (106mm), 6Ω to provide a deep bass response and has Φ13mm silk domed tweeter, 4Ω with a silk dome diaphragm that is great for high frequencies as it makes clear mid-range tones and extended frequency response.

The Edifier R1280T speaker is specially designed and made with quality materials that allow the sound to flow from the inside and produce more prosperous, powerful sounds. 

The Edifier R1280T has a classic wood finish (mahogany, oak, and walnut wood) that is perfect if you are looking for high-fidelity stereo imaging and deep bass response.

Over 50 years in the industry means Edifier must be doing something right with its products, so you can be confident of their quality.

Edifier R1280DB Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers (Image credit: Amazon)

Edifier R1280DB Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers

Wireless Bookshelf Speaker

SPECIFICATIONS

Total Power Output: R/l: 21w+21w Rms | Signal To Noise Ratio: ≥85dba | Input Sensitivity: Line In1: 450±50mv , Bluetooth: 700±50mffs | Bass Driver: 4 Inch | Remote Control: Yes

Pros

+ Features Bluetooth wireless technology.

+ Contemporary style Variant.

+ Side Panel Controls.

+ Newly redesigned wireless remote.

+ Optical and coaxial inputs (upgrade)

Cons

- Low Dolby 5.1 decryption.

- Some signals are too quiet.

Edifier R1280DB is a perfect choice and is quite powerful yet not too bulky, and it has a nice look to boot; the finish is matte black with silver accents that make for an attractive design. 

The Edifier R1280DB speaker looks great sitting on your desk or mounted on the wall because there are mounting points on the back of each speaker. The Edifier R1280DB is a great bookshelf speaker for those who want to mount them in their office or bedroom because it doesn’t have to be anchored with screws; use the built-in mounts and hang them from your wall. 

The best is you can use one as a computer monitor speaker by connecting Edifier R1280DB to your laptop or pc. The Edifier R1280DB speaker features excellent specifications like it has a noise level of ≤25dB (A), a frequency response of 55Hz-20kHz, a Bass unit of 4 inches (116mm) where has a Tweeter unit of Φ13mm silk dome tweeter.

If we compare Edifier R1280DB with Polk Audio RTI A1 and Edifier R1280T, then we find that it has a great feature which is Bluetooth connectivity, as other both speakers dont have it yet.

So, overall the Edifier R1280DB is an excellent set of bookshelf speakers for your desk or office; its Bluetooth wireless is a great feature, and the sound quality is pretty good.

Edifier R980T 4-Inch Bookshelf Speaker (Image credit: Amazon)

Edifier R980T 4-Inch Bookshelf Speaker

Computer Bookshelf Speakers

SPECIFICATIONS

Total Power Output: Rms 12w × 2 | Signal To Noise Ratio: ≥85dba | Frequency Response: 70 Hz-20 Khz | Input Sensitivity: 700±50mv | Active/passive : Active

Pros

+ Provides Enhanced quality Bass.

+ Adjustable Bass option.

+ Flared bass reflex port.

+ Features Dual Inputs.

+ Are Compact in size.

+ Volume and bass knobs.

Cons

- Mid-range frequencies.

Edifier R980T is an all-rounder and the perfect bookshelf speaker for a medium to large room. The Edifier R980T uses two-way speakers with one tweeter and one woofer, which allows it to produce deep bass and high-quality treble frequencies. This means that you can hear everything from the delicate sounds of a violin or flute to the deep bass of a drum or kick drum.

The Edifier R980T has an impressive frequency range from 70 HZ-20 KHZ +/-9db, meaning that you can hear all those subtle and not-so-subtle nuances in your favorite song or movie score. The Edifier R980T bookshelf speakers have built-in amplifiers for great power handling.

Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Bookshelf Speakers (Image credit: Amazon)

Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Bookshelf Speakers

Home Audio Bookshelf

SPECIFICATIONS

Structured Surface Woofer: 4” | Soft Dome Tweeter: 1" | Element Sophisticated Crossover: 6 | Power Handling: 80 Watt | Sold as a Pair: Yes

Pros

+ 6 component high quality cross over.

+ True bass performance.

+ Authentic audio reproduction.

+ Professional-quality sound.

+ Curved-cabinet design.

Cons

- Low-frequency hum.

The Pioneer SP-BS22-LR is a perfect choice for people who are in search of the most conventional bookshelf speakers.  The Pioneer SP-BS22-LR speakers come in black colors and have RF Molded curved cabinets, which look pretty awesome.

The Pioneer SP-BS22-LR features power handling of 80 Watts and has 4 inches structured surfaced woofer and a one-inch soft dome tweeter.  The bass of SP-BS22-LR speakers is tight and punchy, giving you that great music experience at home or the office.

The Andrew Jones-designed SP-BS22-LR is a budget speaker that can offer outstanding sound quality that will be very clear and detailed. Moreover, SP-BS22-LR has a front-firing bass port internal crossover network design, making these speakers highly acclaimed.

Polk Audio TSi100 Black Bookshelf Speakers (Image credit: Amazon)

Polk Audio TSi100 Black Bookshelf Speakers

Mid-Range Bookshelf Speaker

SPECIFICATIONS

Woofer: 5.25 inch | Tweeter: 1 inch | Frequency: 53Hz 25kHz | Mounting Type: Keyhole Hanger | Speaker Type: Bookshelf

Pros

+ Solid MDF (3/4-inch baffles)

+ Beautiful pewter accents.

+ High gloss piano-finish.

+ Dynamic Balance technology.

+ Klippel motor optimization.

+ 5-way binding posts.

Cons

- Normal Bass.

The Polk Audio TSi100 is a medium-quality bookshelf speaker with having 5 1/4-Inch driver for professional-quality sound.

The TSi100 has solid MDF enclosures with 3/4-inch baffles (damps energy-stealing vibration)and has high gloss piano-finish black, which looks very lovely.

The Polk Audio TSi100 has a Vertical orientation and height of 11 inches, a width of 7 inches, a depth of 10.25 inches, and an overall weight of 4.54 kg, which is very lightweight.

The Polk Audio TSi100 has a 5.25" woofer and 1-inch tweeter for the top of quality sound. If we talk about TSi100 specifications, it has a frequency response of 53 Hz - 25,000 Hz,8 ohms of nominal impedance,89 dB of sensitivity, and last but not least, it features 20 watts - 100 watts of power handling. 

So overall, the Polk Audio TSi100 will bring your music to life with its fantastic sound quality, great features, and affordable price.

Mounting Location:

  • Back of Speaker
  • Top of Speaker
  • Near: Top, Center

BIC America DV62si Bookshelf Speaker (Image credit: Amazon)

BIC America DV62si Bookshelf Speaker

Best Premium Bookshelf Speaker

SPECIFICATIONS

RMS: 175-Watt | Woofer Size: 6-inch poly/graphite-blend | Grilles: Yes | Manufacturer: BIC America | Audio Output Mode: Surround

Pros

+ Accurate extended bass.

+ Unique front cabinet angles.

+ Black laminate finish.

Cons

- Average sound.

- Average sound and mid range tones.

BIC America DV62si, a compact bookshelf speaker with a high gloss black finish and rounded corners and is available in white and cherry wood.  The BIC America DV62si model features an MDF construction molded into two chambers for an improved bass response while still producing some clear mids and highs.

The BIC America DV62si bookshelf speakers are housed on either side of the cabinet and feature a 6 1/2″ poly/graphite woofer and 3/4″ poly soft dome tweeter (custom designed), and it has a frequency response from 43Hz – 21kHz (+/- 3dB); it also has an impedance rating of eight ohms. 

So, overall the BIC America DV62si is the best bookshelf speaker under $200 that offers a simple design and easy setup.

Klipsch R-14M Reference Bookshelf Speaker (Image credit: Amazon)

Klipsch R-14M Reference Bookshelf Speaker

Active Bookshelf Speaker

SPECIFICATIONS

Woofer: 4" IMG woofer | Tweeter: 1" | Cabinet: Veneer cabinet | Best Fits For: Small to medium rooms | Rear-Firing Port: Yes

Pros

+ Linear Travel Suspension.

+ Spun Copper IMG Woofer.

+ Black polymer veneer cabinet.

Cons

- The voice of the male announcer on the TV will be echoed.

The Klipsch R-14M is a pair of bookshelf speakers that are the most trustworthy bookshelf speakers on our list because they take much less power and are cheaper than other products mentioned before.

The Klipsch R-14M comes with an MDF construction, making it very durable and filling a larger area than other bookshelf speakers, and two beautiful color options are Cherry and Ebony, which looks pretty elegant.

The Klipsch R-14M speakers are 10 inches taller and 6 inches wider, and their substantial depth at about 7.5 inches; this speaker has a brushed black polymer veneer finish that looks pretty awesome, and on the front, you will find the black mesh grille which keeps protect speakers and increase their beauty more and on the grill you will find the beautiful looking Klipsch’s classic rose-gold logo.

 The Klipsch R-14M bookshelf speaker is perfect for minor to medium rooms and can be placed anywhere. The bookshelf speaker by Klipsch (R-14M) has a frequency response of 64-24,000 Hz (±3dB), impedance of 8 ohms, sensitivity of 90 dB wheres 4" copper spun IMG woofer and 1" LT’s aluminum diaphragm compression tweeter.

  • 90° x 90° Hybrid Cross-Section Tractrix horn
  • Bass-reflex design
  • Removable grilles

So, overall the Klipsch R-14 M’s sound quality is impressive as it can deliver clean, clear, high-definition vocals with good bass and is the best bookshelf speakers under $200.

JBL Arena B15 Bookshelf & Surround Speaker (Image credit: Amazon)

JBL Arena B15 Bookshelf & Surround Speaker

Surround Speaker

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency Response: 100Hz - 40kHz | Sensitivity: 86 dB | Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms | Soft dome tweeter: 1-Inch | Woofer 5.5-inch

Pros

+ Has Soft dome tweeter.

+ Wall-mountable bookshelf speaker.

+ HDI Waveguide and 1" Tweeter.

+ Polycellulose Woofer.

+ Woofer brings room-filling.

+ For movies, gaming, TV shows.

Cons

- Normal quality mounting brackets.

- Normal bass.

Now we will take a look at JBL Arena B15 bookshelf speakers, which are mostly used for home theater, music, gaming, and movies to get full-range sound. The JBL Arena B15  has a frequency response of 100 Hz - 40kHz with an input sensitivity of 86 dB, and the nominal impedance is eight ohms.

The  JBL Arena B15 speakers are Ideal for small rooms or apartments, and if we take a look at the design, these bookshelf speakers have a nice built quality and easy wall mount because they have great wall mounting features. Their enclosure is of round shape and has a classic matte finish and a total height of 13-7/16 inches and a width of 7-13/32 inches.

The JBL Arena B15 features a 1-inch soft dome tweeter and 5.5 inches of poly cellulose woofers. So overall, in terms of great sound quality and portability the JBL Arena B15 are the best bookshelf speakers under $200.

See: Which Way Should A Subwoofer Face In Home Theater

Polk Audio RTI A1 Bookshelf Speakers (Image credit: Amazon)

Polk Audio RTI A1 Bookshelf Speakers

Good Bookshelf loudspeaker in 2023

SPECIFICATIONS

Video-shielded | bass-reflex (ported) design | 60-26,000 Hz (-3dB) | 8-ohm impedance | 2 Self-tapping screws

Pros

+ Easily portable design.

+ Quality construction and finish.

+ Exceptional for the price.

Cons

- Small for large spaces.

- Lacking in bass.

This high-quality, energy-efficient Polk Audio RTI A1 bookshelf speaker is both an affordable, stylish solution to your audio needs and delivers the performance you expect from Polk Audio.

As well as its lightweight and durable polymer composite woofer, the Polk Audio RTI A1 features Dynamic Balance, which means power is dispersed evenly across the cone area for superior sound quality, and also it features increased power handling and accurate sound reproduction.

With Polk Audio’s RTI A1 bookshelf speaker, you can connect multiple speakers together to create a powerful sound system using PowerPort technology (with PowerPort technology, you can connect your Polk Audio speaker to other devices with a power jack, such as a laptop or amplifier). In addition to being portable, Polk Audio’s RTI A1 speaker allows you to take the speaker anywhere. 

 The Polk Audio RTI A1 has 89 dB sensitivity and a 5-way binding post terminal. High-quality RTI A1 speaker terminals are compatible with most sound systems and can daisy-chain speakers for better sound and ensure consistent sound quality with an advanced digital amplifier and built-in crossover.

 With a frequency range of 60-26,000 Hz (-3dB) and the ability to handle 20-125 watts, the Polk Audio RTI A1 is ideally suited for large rooms and events.

The RTI A1 bookshelf speaker’s real wood veneer finish looks more like a piece of furniture than a speaker, and the veneer is applied to the entire front and sides of the speaker, giving it a sleek, professional look to enhance any space and make music more enjoyable.

This Polk Audio RTI A1 comes with eight self-adhesive rubber feet so you can place it flat on a surface; also, this bookshelf speaker is easy to install and can be mounted on the wall. 

This Polk Audio bookshelf speaker delivers a clear sound with minimal distortion thanks to its powerful woofer and sensitive tweeter. 

The RTI A1 is also simple to set up and use so that you can enjoy your music immediately, and there is also an adjustable bass and treble knob for a personalized sound.

The RTI A1 produces a rich sound that fills any room because of advanced acoustic technology to create precise sound waves. Besides providing the best sound, Polk Audio RTI A1 speakers are the best on the market if you aren’t concerned about price. So overall the RTI A1 is the best bookshelf speakers under $200.

James Review: My Polk Audio bookshelf speaker RTI A1 bookshelf speakers live up to my expectations. Despite being lighter than the Klipsch bookshelf speakers I previously owned, they still perform extremely well despite being less heavy. Since I bought the Polk Audio RTI A1 Bookshelf Speakers, I’ve been very happy with them. 

Are Polk Audio RTI A1 Bookshelf Speakers perfect for a small room?

The Polk Audio RTI A1 is designed for medium-sized rooms with low-frequency dispersion, and it is possible to use them in small rooms, but you may want to upgrade to a larger size if your room is bigger. You can connect the RTI A1 speakers to a stereo and enjoy rich, powerful sound in a small room with vocals or instrumentals.

Can I use Polk Audio RTI A1 speakers with a laptop?

You can listen to music and movies on your laptop using the RTI A1 speakers because they can be plugged into any USB or rechargeable battery and are easy to use.

Sensational bookshelf speakers are a significant investment if you want excellent sound from all aspects of your life and are suitable for stereo or home cinema systems. They are typically less expensive than floor-standing or tower speakers and won’t take up as much space in the room. You will have more options when choosing bookshelf speakers because such a wide variety of options are available.

How we tested: Team Wooster Audio has considered these bookshelf speakers after using them with two systems, checked their sound quality, size, and versatility, and examined their performance in real-life situations.

Explore More Audio Gadget Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Things To Look Before Purchasinf Any Bookshelf Speakers?

Bookshelf speakers require a few considerations.

  • First, we need to consider speaker size; a small room requires small speakers, while a large room might require larger ones.
  • Furthermore, you should ensure the speaker can handle the type of music you listen to; if you listen to a lot of bass-heavy music, you will need a more powerful speaker.
  • How accurate and clear the sound is depends on the frequency response of the bookshelf speaker.
  • Protecting your Bookshelf speaker investment is important by getting a good warranty.

Is it possible to use 4 bookshelf speakers as surround speakers?

Even though it is possible to install four bookshelf speakers, the sound quality will be better than that of a dedicated surround sound system. Since bookshelf speakers are designed to produce different frequencies than dedicated surround sound systems. Also, you would need to place the four bookshelf speakers around the room to create a true surround sound experience, which can be problematic in some rooms.

How long will my bookshelf speakers last?

It depends on several factors, including how often it is used and how well it is maintained, whether a bookshelf speaker will last several years before needing to be replaced. If you take good care of your speakers and don’t use them excessively, you can expect them to last for decades.

Are bookshelf speakers best for bass?

Generally, bookshelf speakers aren’t a good choice if you want a louder bass response. Due to their smaller size, bookshelf speakers cannot move as much air as large floor-standing models, so they don’t produce good bass. Getting good sound from bookshelf speakers is possible if you have a limited budget and want to maximize your sound. However, if you can afford floor-standing speakers, you should consider them.

William
William is technical editor of Wooster Audio, an audio enthusiast passionate about cutting-edge technologies. He has been working with us for three years, meticulously reviewing and evaluating wireless (speakers & soundbars), hi-fi, and home cinema equipment, and has covered 1000+ audio products. His background is based in Audio engineering and he has an ardent passion for building home theater systems and audio systems and loves audio mixing, editing and sound designing. This allows William to share this knowledge on Wooster audio site. He provides the most comprehensive audio information available by tapping into his expertise and keen insights. He can guide you to audio excellence on Wooster Audio with his discerning ear and commitment to quality. Contact William for any question (william@woosteraudio.com)