The best powered speakers in 2023

Fill your space with sound, not extra components, when you plug in and bliss out to these top-tier powered speakers.

Prosumer connectivity and hi-res streaming meets precision tuning in a premium speaker ideal for both pro and casual listening.

This beloved powered bookshelf doubles as a full-featured hi-fi wireless hub.

Power performances and parties with an ultra-portable all-in-one PA you can carry in one hand.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

Powered speakers are a minimalist's dream. Because they feature built-in amplification, there's no power-matching, no racks of components, and cable clutter is essentially nonexistent: Just plug the speakers into wall power, connect your sound source, and you’re in business. Increasingly, powered speakers are being marketed as all-in-one sound hubs, combining the convenience of built-in power with wireless connectivity and smart assistants. But powered speakers aren't just designed to spark joy in your less-is-more living space; they often offer sonic advantages over passive models. Read on to learn what's great about the best powered speakers and how to start your journey into the maximized minimalism of a sweet new self-contained sound system.

We explored hundreds of products in our pursuit of the best powered speakers: We concentrated mainly on companies with a lot of experience designing powered models. While we considered a range of listening applications, we prioritized speakers that offer convenience and connectivity features but focus on fidelity first. Our in-house hi-fi heads and active producers debated our favorite models, solicited input from respected peers, and collected user impressions and critical perspectives, performing listening tests whenever possible as we narrowed down the contenders.

As more speaker makers add powered models to their lineups, wading through the choices can get pretty overwhelming. We’ve made things a little easier with our top choices for a range of listening scenarios, from best-loved bookshelf speakers to all-in-one PA systems to power your next pool party or jam sesh. With models here starting below $200, you’ll land on the best powered speakers for your budget and lifestyle.

Tony Ware

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Advanced transducer designs, hi-res streaming, and prosumer connectivity make this powerhouse speaker well-suited for both pro monitoring and casual listening.

Specs

Pros

Cons

JBL is no newcomer to powerful speakers, introducing some of the first models as far back as the 1960s. The company's brand-new 4305P ($2,200/pair) is the first powered model in its consumer Studio Monitor series, which pay homage to the brand's ’70s-style speakers. This fully loaded speaker features built-in Class D amplification, 24-bit/192 kHz converters, and six audio inputs that can connect to a huge range of digital and analog sources to provide comprehensive, hi-res wired and wireless connectivity.

The 4305P (shown in walnut above with its grille removed) aims to deliver the presence and power of a floorstanding speaker in a standmount form factor, using patented JBL transducer technologies: each speaker features a 2410H-2 1-inch compression driver mated to a High-Definition Imaging horn for crystal-clear highs and lifelike dynamics. A 5.25-inch cast-frame, fiber-composite cone woofer operates in a bass-reflex configuration with dual front-firing tuned ports. An onboard Class D amp delivers 25W to each compression driver and 125W to each woofer for a total system power of 300W rms. Other features include a bass contour control to compensate for acoustic issues introduced by speaker placement close to walls, plus a signal-sensing line-level subwoofer out (which applies a high-pass 80Hz filter when in use to give the cabinets more headroom).

The result is the lively dynamics expected from a horn-guided tweeter presented with punchy authority, especially in its beefy midrange—not surprising for a company with heritage firmly entrenched in both control rooms and live sound reinforcement. Imaging is impressively wide, though the darting transients can get bright. Thankfully, this is accompanied by bass that's well-etched and impactful, maybe not the deepest, but capable of keeping things balanced. (A powered subwoofer—such as the aesthetically and aurally compatible L10cs, with a 10-inch down-firing polycellulose cone driven by a 250W RMS/500W dynamic built-in amplifier—is needed to really warm things up.) What stands out most about the 4305P's innate character, perhaps, is the overall speedy response, which never loses its footing at any pace or pressure. The 4305P isn't a laidback analytical listen and can play far louder (with minimized distortion) than you’d expect from speakers this size.

When it comes to high-res streaming, the 4305P takes quality to the next level thanks to an integrated streaming engine that provides wired and wireless network audio capabilities via Ethernet, Google Chromecast Built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.1. A high-resolution digital-to-analog converter preserves 24-bit/96 kHz resolution when the speakers connect wirelessly; when they are tethered with the included 2m Digital Link cable, resolution can be extended to 192 kHz. The 4305P can render MQA files (the musical equivalent of a ZIP file, a way to encode and distribute full-spectrum audio in a compressed container) and is set to be Roon Ready, giving you access to a compatible music server while on your local network. As a bonus, JBL has thrown in a 90-day Qobuz trial membership that includes a curated playlist of songs that showcase the speaker's audio capabilities.

Analog ins include combo XLR and ¼-inch TRS phono connectors and a selectable input-sensitivity switch. This configuration provides the option for balanced XLR and ¼-inch TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) or unbalanced TS (tip/sleeve) connections, which cover both pro and consumer gear. Other I/Os include asynchronous USB and optical digital inputs and a 3.5mm analog in. In addition to front-panel controls, the 4305P includes a Bluetooth handheld remote and can be controlled as part of a Google Home or Apple AirPlay ecosystem.

The 4305P's enclosure is constructed from 3⁄4-inch MDF with internal bracing. It is finished in wood veneer, styled in Natural Walnut with a blue grille or Black Walnut with a black grille (shown above in Natural Walnut with the grille off). With its pedigree and presence, the 4305P can look as at home flanking a mix console as it does facing your comfiest listening chair. Crave more kick? The 4329P, which debuted at CES 2023 and will ship in Q2, is a similarly self-contained, amplified system that increases the size of the woofer to a JW200P-4 8-inch pure-pulp black paper cone, with 250W delivered there and 50W to the step-up JBL 2409H 1-inch compression driver. That comprehensive connectivity/high-res rendering engine remains intact while receiving a specs bump to Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive audio. Of course, larger model means larger price, so expect these to hit the market around $4,500/pair.

Tony Ware

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Built-in amplification, hi-res audio support, acoustic upgrades, and futureproof connectivity add up to a full-featured audiophile-grade wireless hub.

Specs

Pros

Cons

In 2016, KEF debuted the LS50 Wireless, a successor to its classic LS50 bookshelf speaker that added built-in amplification and streaming. The next-gen LS50 Wireless II boasts refinements to acoustics, connectivity, and the KEF Connect control app.

As at home stand-mounted (shown above) or on a desktop as it is tucked in a nook, the KEF LS50 Wireless II is a "bookshelf speaker" in the classic audiophile sense, an effortlessly integrated component capable of bringing a wide sweet spot to a small room. Inside each speaker, custom amps deliver 280 watts of power to each woofer and 100 watts to each tweeter for big, clean, distortion-free sound at any volume. Digital processing lets you fine-tune the sound to fit your speaker placement and space, either on-speaker or via the free KEF Connect app.

The LS50 Wireless II is available in signature KEF Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, Mineral White (pictured), and Crimson Red finishes, with optional matching stands. KEF's striking, copper-hued Uni-Q driver orients a 1-inch vented aluminum-dome tweeter in the acoustic center of a 5 ¼-inch magnesium-aluminum alloy woofer cone to create a wide listening sweet spot; a bass-reflex cabinet with elliptical rear ports is designed to maximize accurate, musical low end. And Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) behind the proprietary 12th-generation drivers takes in unwanted reflections and reduces distortion. Much like the JBL 4305P (above) is detailed and dynamic, the LS50 Wireless II is spacious and gripping; one will sweep you up in every track while the other will let you float away. Your preference when it comes to these equally adept two-way challengers may come down to whether your listening leans nimble/bright versus natural/rounded.

The LS50 Wireless II supports Hi-Res Audio; 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. Stream music directly over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast, or through the KEF Connect app, which supports Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, and Deezer. In addition, you can use the LS50 Wireless II as an endpoint if you set up a Roon music library on your local network. Wired connections include HDMI eARC, Ethernet, coaxial and optical inputs, a subwoofer out, and 3.5mm aux-ins.

The LS50 Wireless II is pricey, typically retailing for $2,799/pair, plus $449 for optional S2 floor stands. (Willing to sacrifice some features to save some money? KEF also makes a baby-in-size-not-sound brother speaker system, the Wi-Fi-connected LSX II, or you can opt for just Bluetooth connectivity and pick up the Dynaudio Xeo 2s at $679/pair.) But if you crave a highly resolving, engaging experience and your budget supports it, the LS50 Wireless II's versatile connectivity options and potent sound make it an ideal all-in-one listening system. And they’re a "bargain"—even if you toss in the sonically and aesthetically complementary KEF KC62 subwoofer—considering stepping up to the richly evocative, surprisingly slimline KEF LS60 floorstanding powered speakers are $6,999!

Brandt Ranj

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Edifier S1000W's sound, size, connectivity, and price are in perfect alignment for computer users looking at an audio upgrade.

Specs

Pros

Cons

Edifier is a company known for its ability to cram a lot of performance into audio gear with surprisingly low prices. Its S1000W powered speakers, which were released late in 2021, continue that trend, but their $550 price tag allowed Edifier to reach beyond the technical sacrifices necessary to make its most budget gear. Although these speakers can be used in multiple applications, we found they’re particularly great with a computer due to their slim, acoustically angled design and clarity at a reasonable volume.

On paper, the speakers are pretty stacked: They’re powered by a 120W Class-D amplifier, can natively play 24-bit/192kHz audio, and use a digital signal processor to control their crossovers dynamically, so optimized frequency division always reaches the titamium-dome tweeter and aluminum woofer. These features are present in other speakers in this guide, but both of those pairs cost roughly four times as much as the S1000Ws. We wouldn't go so far as to say these speakers can stand toe-to-toe with speakers that cost over $2,000, but after spending time with the S1000W at home we can say they certainly give any pair under $1,000 a run for their money.

Midrange-heavy genres like live and acoustic music sounded superb, with plenty of detail and a wide soundstage when the speakers sat 3 feet away from one another. We connected them to a computer for use more as nearfield monitors (more on that in a little bit), but we could see how listening to live music would become even more immersive and engaging if the S1000Ws were spread further apart. And, thanks to well-handed treble reproduction, distorted guitars and crashing cymbals in lo-fi and punk songs sounded clear without requiring us to reach for the volume knob to protect our ears.

Similarly, we didn't hear any sibilance across the board. The S1000Ws didn't have quite as much bass as we would have liked out of the box, though hip-hop and R&B sounded serviceable. Once we tweaked the response, though, we got closer to our ideal while never pushing the woofer to the point of distortion, even at the very least low frequencies. While our experience was positive, yours will vary based on the music you listen to, how it was mastered, and even its bitrate. In general, though, you should expect to hear quite a lot of detail without much futzing.

Beyond their sound, the S1000Ws are easy to recommend because they have many of the trademark features that have endeared Edifier to price-conscious audiophiles. The speakers have physical EQ knobs on a side panel, so you can adjust their sound to your exact preference. And if you prefer digital customization, Edifier's app is surprisingly intuitive to use and walks you through the step-by-step process of hooking them up to your Wi-Fi network without frustrating you. While the S1000Ws don't connect to each other wirelessly, the cable that's provided to connect one speaker to the other is long enough that you can set the S1000Ws up on a desk with your computer, or on top of a media center flanking your television.

The speakers support both Bluetooth 5.0 and Apple's AirPlay 2, wireless protocols that complement the pair of RCA inputs, coaxial input, and optical audio input on their backside. The speakers lack a USB port, but in this day and age it's hard to imagine your computer, your whole house, isn't on Wi-Fi so you can stream whatever you desire directly from your laptop. In addition, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect are supported, so once you pick a playlist on your phone you can offload the streaming directly to the speakers. If you’ve set up a smart home, you can connect Edifier's speakers to your Amazon Echo and tell it to play music through your streaming service of choice using Alexa. Even the S1000W's remote is good, with input and media control buttons that depress with a satisfying click and work instantly (as well as another way to adjust EQ). All of these smaller quality-of-life decisions add up and help the speaker become greater than the sum of its parts.

If you spend a lot of time listening to music at your work desk, you owe it to yourself to check out Edifier's S1000W speakers, especially if you’ve been making do with tinny sound coming from the built-in drivers in your computer or monitor.

Kanto

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Connect all of your digital and analog gear to these stylish speakers, available in seven stunning finishes.

Specs

Pros

Cons

People often ask if powered speakers are good for vinyl and we can conclusively say that if you enjoy listening to both analog and digital sound, the Kanto YU6 ($379/pair) has you covered. It's highly capable thanks to analog RCA and 3.5mm mini-jack ins, a switchable phono preamp/line-in, optical TOSLINK inputs, and Bluetooth 4.0 streaming with aptX support.

This versatile powered speaker features 1-inch silk-dome tweeters and 5.25-inch Kevlar cone woofers, powered by built-in Class D amps (50W rms per channel); it's all housed in rear-ported fiberboard cabinets that come in a spectrum of bold finishes, including matte black, matte white, gloss black, gloss white, gloss red, bamboo, and walnut. (Available stands support a range of desktop and home theater scenarios.)

Vinyl fans will gravitate right to the YU6's rear-panel RCA stereo input, which is switchable between moving magnet phono preamp-in and analog line-in. Optical ins connect TV, CD player, or game console digital audio. A USB jack charges devices and a subwoofer output with 200 Hz lowpass filter provides the ability to extend the low end with a standalone sub.

One note: If you’re using the YU6 speakers for a turntable playback system, it's best to position your turntable and cabinets on separate furniture or stands or add a turntable platform to control vibration. (Just getting started on your vinyl journey? Fluance makes some great options to consider when it comes to turntables we like, such as the RT81 and RT85.)

A front-panel control knob provides simple access to volume and input adjustments: Twist the knob to adjust volume, press it to cycle through inputs. The included remote control handles power, volume, mute, EQ, source input, and Bluetooth pairing. Rubber feet are supplied but not attached.

Looking for a step up from the YU6? Kanto's premium TUK powered speakers ($779) feature onboard DSP, high-performance AMT tweeters and 5.25-inch aluminum drivers, active crossovers, plus dedicated phono, RCA, and Optical TOSLINK inputs, onboard USB DAC and headphone amp, and Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX HD and AAC codecs.

Bose

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This all-in-one sound system packs up tight to go from vehicle to venue in a single trip.

Specs

Pros

Cons

Whether you’re a singer/songwriter, band, DJ, or just looking for a plug-and-play-simple way to transform your next BBQ into an impromptu dance party, a portable powered public address system is the perfect all-in-one sound solution. Powered PA systems are serious multitaskers, delivering pro-quality sound reinforcement with built-in amps, mixers, audio effects, Bluetooth streaming, and tons of I/Os, in self-contained systems you can schlep in one hand while you carry your guitar (or beer) in the other.

Nearly 20 years ago, Bose introduced the shockingly portable L1 PA, which became a go-to gig staple for indie artists thanks to its premium sound and built-in amplification, mixer, effects, and subwoofer. The series has been updated over the years and the L1 Pro line debuted in 2021, in driver configurations up to 32 speakers.

The L1 Pro8 ($1,199), the most portable array in the Pro series, is ideal for singer/songwriters and best for DJs. Inside, a C-shape 8-driver array that provides 40 degrees of vertical coverage and 180 degrees of horizontal coverage, with an integrated subwoofer that features an elongated RaceTrack driver, which Bose says delivers low-end performance that rivals a conventional 12-inch woofer in a slimmer footprint. All L1 Pro models feature a built-in 3-channel mixer: Channels 1 and 2 can receive signal from combo XLR/TRS jacks (with phantom power), while Channel 3 can receive signal from either a 1/8-inch headphone jack, a ¼-inch TRS jack, or via Bluetooth streaming.

This system sets up fast, is easy to operate, and packs a sonic punch, powering the speaker array with 60 watts of Class D amplification and the subwoofer with 240 watts, for 118 dB peak SPL.

Use the Bose L1 Mix App to adjust mixes and effects settings (including Bose's ToneMatch library of custom EQ presets) from anywhere in the room. The system weighs just 35 pounds and disassembles into three pieces that pack into the base unit for effortless transport in the included travel bag.

Thinking of cutting the cord entirely? Check out Bose's S1 Pro portable Bluetooth speaker, which has three 2 1/4-inch high-frequency drivers and a 6-inch low-frequency woofer and provides up to 11 hours of play time. Or keep all the features (and, admittedly, the price) and get the rechargeable 1,500W JBL EON ONE MK2 column PA, with 8 2-inch tweeters, built-in 10-inch woofer, and a 5-channel mixer that can run off a 6-hour battery.

Klipsch

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: When it comes to price/performance ratio, these feature-packed budget beauties punch way above their class.

Specs

Pros

Cons

The Klipsch R-15PM small powered speakers boast 50 watts per channel of amplification, for room-filling sound in a super-compact footprint. Each speaker features a 1-inch aluminum diaphragm compression driver that's integrated with Klipsch's square Tractrix horn, which Klipsch says delivers wider dispersion and cleaner, clearer highs; a distinctive, 5-¼-inch spun copper woofer provides solid midrange, and a rear-firing port beefs up bass response. It's all housed in resonance-deadening MDF cabinets for smooth, distortion-free response.

These speakers, which retail for an affordable $275/pair, offer an incredible array of features on top of their solid sound performance. Setup is plug-and-play easy: Connect directly to a range of sound sources, from your tablet to your TV, thanks to an onboard phono preamp, Bluetooth connectivity, and a range of analog and optical digital inputs, plus a USB Type B input. A remote lets you adjust volume and change inputs from the convenience of your couch. A mono subwoofer output connects an optional powered sub; consider Klipsch's wireless Reference R-10SWi.

For an alternative at the same price point, check out the Audioengine A2+ wireless Bluetooth bookshelf speakers, or if you’re hoping to keep your purchase below $200, the Edifier R1700BT, at $159, is a worthy contender.

Buying powered speakers is a personal process, weighing subjective factors like sonic preferences along with objective benchmarks like power output, number of inputs and outputs, and convenience features. Many factors influence a powered speaker's sound, including driver and cabinet size, type of amplification, and build quality. The size of your listening space plays a major role. Your sound sources will also inform your decision: If you’re planning to connect a turntable, for example, you’ll need phono inputs. If you want to stream music, you’ll need Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

One drawback of powered speakers is the inability to mix and match or upgrade components, such as receivers. But a pro is that, because amplification is built into a powered speaker, it's perfectly optimized for its specific speaker driver(s) needs. Amps sit right inside the cabinet, so there's no need to connect long lengths of wire between drivers and amplifiers, which takes cable-induced distortion and signal loss out of the picture. In addition, integrated crossover design gives the designer more control over the frequency response. [Note that not every speaker manufacturer designs its own amplifiers, sometimes relying on OEM parts. This isn't a deal-breaker, but be sure the technologies are well implemented for the best sonic performance.]

Powered speakers are available in a vast array of sizes, from smart speakers you can fit in the palm of your hand to towers that top 6 feet in height. In general, the bigger the speaker, the more power it can put out, and the deeper the bass it can produce. But this doesn't necessarily mean that more is better. Speakers should be small enough to efficiently produce space-filling sound; if they’re too powerful for the size of the room, they can't be operated at their ideal performance levels and can end up sounding boomy. On the other hand, they must be powerful enough to easily reproduce the most dynamic music, movie, and game content. Generally, bookshelf speakers with 5- or 6-inch drivers are good matches for offices, dens, and other small rooms, while larger bookshelf speakers and floorstanding models with 8-inch drivers are more appropriate for bigger rooms, like home theatres.

Increasingly, powered speakers offer more features than their passive counterparts, evolving into all-in-one entertainment hubs for minimalists who don't want to navigate a sea of components and cabling. If you’re in the less-is-more camp, you’ll appreciate features like digital and analog inputs and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming, in addition to built-in amplification.

You should add a subwoofer if you want to extend your system's low-end energy and bring more visceral impact to your listening experience, whether you’re watching the latest action flick, crushing your favorite videogame, or transforming the living room into a dance floor. You can mix and match speakers and subs, but many products profiled here are designed to pair perfectly with available companion subwoofers. For instance, there is a setting within the KEF app to automatically integrate and optimize the KEF LS50 Wireless II and KEF KC62 subwoofer, allowing them to wake together and produce an amazingly musical, muscular response down to 11 Hz. Remember that you can always start small and add a sub later if you’re not feeling enough room-rocking thunder.

Powered, or active, speakers have built-in amplification, while passive speakers need to be powered by an external amplifier, such as a stereo receiver or integrated power amp. Powered speaker setups are pretty turnkey, requiring fewer components and annoying cables—but more importantly, your speakers are already perfectly matched to the right amplifier. Passive speakers are often preferred by audiophiles because they offer the flexibility of mixing and matching components, for more control over system sound. And, unlike powered speakers, passive speakers don't have to plug into a power outlet, which provides more placement options in some spaces.

Powered speakers, by design, offer some sonic benefits: By incorporating precisely matched drivers, amps and crossovers, they can deliver cohesive sound that's harder to achieve with discrete components. And, you never have to worry about underpowering or overpowering your speakers—no matter how loud you crank it up. Traditionally, passive speakers have been sought out by hi-fi fans, because they provide opportunities to swap out and upgrade components. But these days, you’ll find a vast range of great-sounding options in both passive and powered categories.

Do not connect powered speakers to an amplifier unless you want to blow up your gear. Technically, it's possible to connect powered speakers to an amplifier, and there are some niche cases where it might make sense, such as using speakers with bypassable built-in amplification. But really, we don't recommend it. There's a reason why the Golden Rule of Sound is: "Power + Power = Disaster"!

If you strive for a simple, minimalist setup, and don't want to deal with connecting racks of audio components and yards of cables, powered speakers just might be perfect for you. Anytime you’re shopping for speakers, fidelity comes first. That said, we’ve spotlighted versatile products that excel in a range of scenarios. If you choose any of the speakers above, you won't be disappointed.

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as "gadget writing" when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don't know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don't have to.

Sarah Jones is a Bay Area-based writer and musician who has been chronicling the creative and technical forces driving the music industry for 25 years. She's served as Editor-in-Chief of Mix, EQ, and Electronic Musician magazines and was the live sound editor at Live Design magazine; her articles have also appeared in Gearspace, Keyboard, and Berklee Today, as well as on grammy.com.