Bookshelf speakers make for an immersive experience & leave a long-lasting impression.
It wasn’t easy choosing the top 10 bookshelf speakers, yet we’ve managed to do just that in today’s review.
Today’s review focuses on those crucial factors which make for the best bookshelf speakers when you are on a budget.
And while all 10 products gave amazing results, these 3 were by far the most impressive budget bookshelf speakers.
Top Pick
Our winner of today’s post has extreme durability. It also allows the user to connect via Bluetooth. Not only that, you can connect two devices at one time.
Runner Up
We love that these speakers have a loud volume. Also, it delivers a great bass which is really impressive. These speakers are also very affordable.
Also Great
The quality of sound that this speaker produces is fantastic. On top of that, it has a compact design. The thing that we like is the wonderful clarity of audio.
And now let’s move to our detailed review of the Best Bookshelf Speakers Under 500.
Best Bookshelf Speakers Under 500 - Top 10 Reviews
1. All-Around Best Bookshelf Speakers Under 500 - Edifier R2000DB Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers Review
The first thing that we noticed about this speaker is that it has an extremely high-quality build. The materials used in the speaker are top-notch which allows it to deliver amazing sound quality.
Not only that, but it also has great highs and mids due to the phenomenal Eagle Eye tweeters and the 5 inches woofer.
It also is extremely durable which ensures a long life span. Plus, you can connect two devices simultaneously via the Bluetooth connection.
Best Bookshelf Speakers under 500 - Main Features of Edifier R2000DB Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
- 1. Bluetooth connectivity
- 2. Dual outputs
- 3. Eagle Eye Tweeters for better highs
- 4. 5 inches woofer
- High-quality build
- Great highs and mids
- Durable
- You can connect via Bluetooth
- It allows you to connect two devices
- The low-range is lacking
Have you ever wanted a speaker that is durable and has a Bluetooth connection? If yes, then these speakers are perfect for you.
2. Best Versatile Bookshelf Speakers Under 500 - Polk Audio T15 100 Watt Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers
These speakers are really loud thanks to the whopping 200 watts peak power. Plus, the vented enclosure ensures that the speaker does not overheat even if used for prolonged periods of time.
Secondly, despite having these amazing features, this speaker is decently priced which is always a welcomed feature.
We noticed that these speakers are suitable for home theater setups because of their amazing surround sound.
Main Features of Polk Audio T15 100 Watt Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers Review
- 1. 200 watts peak power
- 2. Vented enclosure to avoid overheating
- 3. 5.25 inches woofer
- 4. 0.75 inches silk dome tweeter
- Loud
- Protection against overheating
- Decently priced
- Suitable for surround sound setups
- Good bass
- The mids leave the user desiring for more
If you are looking for a speaker that is loud and decently priced, then this product is what you need to get.
3. High-Quality Bookshelf Speakers Under 500 - Micca MB42 Bookshelf Speakers Review
We love that this speaker has a compact design. Due to that, you can place this speaker in tight places if you do not have enough space for it. Alongside being compact, this speaker is also lightweight which means that you can conveniently move it around.
Furthermore, you are guaranteed to get the amazing sound quality which can match even the most high-end speakers.
Not only is the sound quality amazing, but the clarity of the audio is also phenomenal. This speaker is easy to set up even for new users.
Main Features of Micca MB42 Bookshelf Speakers
- 1. 150 watts peak power
- 2. 3 pounds in weight
- 3. 6.5 x 5.8 x 9.5 inches dimensions
- 4. Comes with an instruction manual
- Compact design
- Amazing sound quality
- Fantastic audio clarity
- Lightweight
- Easy to set up
- They cannot be directly connected to the turntable
Are you looking for a speaker that has a compact design and amazing sound quality? If yes, then this speaker is suitable for you.
4. Best User-Friendly Bookshelf Speakers Under 500 - Edifier R1280DB Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers Review
Calling them the best user-friendly speakers is not an exaggeration. Even if you are a new user, you will have no problems operating this speaker. The volume controls are easily accessible which makes it simple to turn the volume up or down.
You will also get a 2-year warranty which allows you to replace them in case of a fault. The thing that we love is that you can control the volume through wireless remote control.
Lastly, this speaker has one of the smoothest mids that we have ever heard.
Main Features of Edifier R1280DB Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
- 1. 4 inches woofer
- 2. 13-millimeter silk tweeter
- 3. Comes with a remote control
- 4. Bluetooth connection
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- User-friendly
- You can control it through a remote
- Smooth mids
- Volume control is easily accessible
- They are not very loud
Do you want a speaker that is user-friendly and comes with a warranty? If you answered yes, then keep an eye on these speakers.
5. Budget-Friendly Bookshelf Speakers Under 500 - Mackie Studio Monitor Review
If you are looking for a budget-friendly speaker, then this product has you covered. Not only is it an affordable option, but it also is really efficient as the speakers use less power and produce loud volumes.
Furthermore, the design of this speaker is aesthetically pleasing which enhances the decor of your room.
The thing that we liked most was that you can directly stream from services such as Spotify and listen to your favorite music on this speaker.
Main Features of Mackie Studio Monitor
- 1. 3 inches woofer
- 2. 2-way speaker
- 3. All-wooden enclosure
- 4. 28 watts power per speaker
- Affordable
- Efficient speakers
- Elegant design
- You can stream music from Spotify
- It allows you to connect your device via auxiliary cable
- The quality of the bass is unsatisfactory
These speakers are ideal for people that want an affordable option with an elegant design. It also is really efficient.
6. Great 3-Way Class Bookshelf Speakers Under 500 - Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System Review
This speaker has some of the best bass that we have ever heard. It is enough to even amaze the bass enthusiasts. Another thing that we liked was that this speaker is suitable for classical music as it has phenomenal highs.
Not only that, you can expect a high-quality design from Sony that will last a long time. There are also minimal amounts of distortion even if you use it at full volume.
Once you take all of these features into consideration, this speaker is a great value for your money.
Main Features of Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System
- 1. 3-way speakers
- 2. 100 watts power
- 3. 1-inch tweeter
- 4. 9.4 pounds in weight
- Great bass
- Good for classical music
- High-quality design
- Minimal amounts of distortion
- Great value for money
- The mid-range is lacking
You will love this speaker if you are looking for high-quality design and a minimal amount of sound distortion.
7. Best High-End Designed Bookshelf Speakers Under 500 - Klipsch R-14M 4-Inch Reference Bookshelf Speakers Review
Often people complain that they do not have enough space to place the speakers. We are glad to inform you that this speaker has an extremely compact design that not only is ideal for small rooms, it also blends right in.
Furthermore, this product delivers brilliant audio clarity even at maximum volume. Plus, it’s budget-friendly which is always a welcomed addition.
The dynamic range of this speaker is nothing short of impressive. It covers the full-range which means that you will get a professional sounding result.
Main Features of Klipsch R-14M 4-Inch Reference Bookshelf Speakers
- 1. 180 watts maximum power
- 2. 14.1 pounds in weight
- 3. 7.5 x 5.9 x 9.8 inches dimensions
- 4. 4 inches woofer
- Ideal for small rooms
- Brilliant audio clarity
- Budget-friendly
- Sturdy design
- Dynamic range
- Requires an amp to give the best results
If you are looking for a budget-friendly speaker that has a sturdy design, then this is what you need to look out for.
8. Best Bookshelf Speakers Under 500 for Professional Setups - Yamaha NS-6490 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers Finish Review
We were quite amazed to see that this speaker comes with a 1-year warranty. This is a really beneficial thing because it can save you tons of cost as you can get a refund if your speaker does not work.
Secondly, the quality of mid-range from this speaker is sublime. Plus, it has some of the best sound dispersion imaginable.
Due to it being a powerful speaker, it has really loud volumes which means that you can use this speaker in your home theaters.
Main Features of Yamaha NS-6490 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers Finish
- 1. 8 inches woofer
- 2. 3-way speaker
- 3. Weighs 29.3 pounds
- 4. 13 x 13 x 25 inches dimensions
- Powerful speaker
- Wonderful dispersion
- Professional sounding audio
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- Good mid-range
- The quality of build is not up to par
These speakers are made for people that are looking for a powerful product that has a good mid-range and professional sounding audio.
9. Best Bluetooth Capable Bookshelf Speakers Under 500 - Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers Review
By far, the best Bluetooth speakers that we have tested. Due to the Bluetooth connection, you can enjoy a hassle-free wireless experience.
Not only that, but the packaging also includes a remote control through which you can change the volume and other settings conveniently.
If you want to connect your devices via the auxiliary cord, this speaker has the option for that as well. In fact, this speaker has 2 auxiliary ports which means that you can connect more than 1 device.
The thing that appealed to us most was the fact that you do not need an amplifier to get the best results from this speaker.
Main Features of Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
- 1. 66 watts peak power
- 2. Wireless connection
- 3. Comes with a 2-year warranty
- 4. This includes a remote control
- Bluetooth connectivity
- You can easily change the volume via remote control
- It gives you the option to connect via auxiliary
- Does not need an amplifier
- You can easily adjust the treble
- The audio can sometimes distort
Without a doubt, this speaker is great for people that are looking for a product with Bluetooth connectivity and versatility.
10. Highly Efficient Bookshelf Speakers Under 500 - Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones Home Audio Bookshelf Loudspeakers Review
The seamless mids and lows of this speaker really impressed our team. Another thing that we loved is the exceptional quality of sound. This speaker is great for audiophiles. Plus, the range of bass is quite nice and pleasing to listen to.
On top of that, due to the complex crossover technology, there is no audio distortion whatsoever.
It also has a sleek design that not only is good-looking, it also enhances the overall look of your room.
Main Features of Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones Home Audio Bookshelf Loudspeakers
- 1. 9.13 pounds weight
- 2. 8.4 x 7.1 x 12.6 inches dimensions
- 3. 80 watts power handling
- 4. 4 inches woofer
- Seamless mids and lows
- Exceptional sound quality
- The bass is quite nice
- No distortion
- Sleek design
- The treble is lacking
Do you want a speaker that has a sleek design and seamless mids/lows? If yes, then this speaker has got you covered.
Buyer’s Guide
What to look for in Bookshelf Speakers under $500?
The first thing that you should look for in bookshelf speakers is the warranty. If you get a speaker that offers a warranty, it can save you a lot of costs.
Having a warranty means that you can get spare parts for the speaker and also get it replaced in case it does not work as intended.
Secondly, you should keep the sensitivity of the speaker in mind. If your speaker has high sensitivity, it will produce loud volumes without any sound distortion.
If you are a bass enthusiast, we recommend that you get a speaker with a large woofer that delivers thunderous bass. Luckily, you can easily find a speaker like that under $500.
Another thing that is important to keep in mind is the overall durability of the speaker. If the speaker that you get has a durable frame and uses high-quality materials, the life span of the product will be long-lasting and it will be worth the investment.
What are bookshelf speakers?
Bookshelf speakers are speakers that have a compact design and are usually lightweight. They are designed in a way so that they can easily fit inside tight spaces like a cabinet or shelves.
Most of the bookshelf speakers are 2-way speakers which means that they do not have a dedicated woofer inside of them. You will have to get a subwoofer so that you can get a good quality bass.
Also due to the compact design of these speakers, the overall volume might not be as loud as something like a tower speaker. If you connect these speakers with an external amplifier, you are guaranteed to get a great experience that will sound nothing short of professional.
These speakers are also good for home theaters or for your TV. This is because they can easily fit into tight spaces and you can place them in a way to get a good surround sound setup.
How many bookshelf speakers do I need?
If you are not going for a surround sound experience, only one pair of bookshelf speakers will do the trick for you. Getting a pair ensures that you get a good stereo experience.
Bookshelf speakers are rarely sold as separate speakers, they mostly come in pairs. With that being said, if you want to go for a surround sound setup, we suggest that you get at least two pairs and place them at an equal distance from one another.
You should also make sure that they are facing the direction that you are going to sit in so that you will get clear audio.
Another thing that you should consider is that if your speakers are passive speakers, you will have to connect them to an external amplifier in order for them to work.
What are the best budget bookshelf speakers?
The Polk Audio set is the best budget bookshelf speaker according to our tests. Obviously, they are not the most powerful speakers available, but they get the job done easily.
Especially if you are an entry-level user, you will find these speakers to be really good. These speakers have good sounding bass and also have decent audio clarity.
The thing that is most impressive is that these speakers have a durable frame that is made out of good materials. It ensures the longevity of the speaker and makes it a great value for your money.
Our Expert Tip on Selecting the Best Bookshelf Speakers
The thing that we mostly recommend new users is that if you are looking to buy new speakers, it is always worth doing your research.
Plus, if you are on a budget, make sure that you are getting the speaker that offers great features in less price and not just cheap speakers. But if you want to get amazing speakers, then we recommend that you save a bit and get the speakers that have good bass, are loud and have great sound quality.
They might be a little expensive but they are certainly worth the investment. Normally, expensive speakers are durable so that means that they will be long-lasting and you will get your money’s worth.
Just be sure that you do your research on many brands of speakers and take your time when purchasing them. You do not want to rush and get a speaker that has poor quality.
The best tip that we can give to you is that you should make sure that you get a speaker that has at least 1 year of warranty. This will save a lot of costs for you as you can either get a refund or get the speakers replaced if they have a fault in them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are bookshelf speakers good for music?
Bookshelf speakers are affordable and can deliver good quality sounds. Some of the speakers can even go head to head with high-end speakers. They have great bass quality and amazing mids/highs.
This means that you will have a good time listening to music on these speakers.
Can small speakers sound as good as large?
Smaller speakers generally do not have that much bass or loud volume as the larger speakers. While the overall clarity of audio will be identical, the volume and bass will have a noticeable difference.
Small speakers have a sleek design which makes them easy to place in your room.
Do you need a subwoofer with bookshelf speakers?
While you do not need a subwoofer with your bookshelf speakers, we recommend that you get one. This is due to the fact that a subwoofer enhances the bass a lot and improves your experience. Once you get used to a subwoofer, you will have a hard time without it.
Are bookshelf speakers as good as tower speakers?
Generally, bookshelf speakers are good as tower speakers. They have similar features. The major difference is between their sizes. The bookshelf speakers are compact and can fit in cabinets whereas the tower speakers have to be placed on the floor.
Do bookshelf speakers need an amp?
We recommend that you get an amplifier with your bookshelf speakers. This is so that you can get better sound quality and since most of the speakers are passive speakers, this means that they need an amp to work. Otherwise, they will not be able to produce sound.
How do I choose a good speaker?
You must keep a few things in mind when getting a good speaker. First of all, make sure that the sensitivity rating of the speaker is good. A good speaker has more than 90 decibels sensitivity which allows it to deliver loud volumes without any distortions.
Is 10w speaker loud?
A 10 watts speaker is decently loud. It is suitable for your home theater system as it will have enough volume so that you can get immersed in the movie. It will also enhance your music listening experience.
Is it OK to put speakers on their side?
You can put the speakers on their side but many speakers will not give you proper sound if you do that. Some speakers are designed in such a way that they can be used either vertically or horizontally. This means that you can place those speakers on the side without issues.
Are heavier speakers better?
Normally, if a speaker is heavier, it means that it has better materials used inside. But that is not always the case. There are many lightweight speakers that produce professional-quality sound and give excellent bass.
What makes a speaker sound better?
The main thing that makes the speaker sound better is its frequency range. The flatter the response chart is, the better the quality of sound the speaker will produce. You should keep the frequency range of a speaker in mind when getting a new one.
Wrapping Things Up
Bookshelf speakers make for an awe-inspiring experience and a very popular choice for customizing your home theater.
Every aforementioned product is great in its own way, but our winner is the Edifier R2000DB Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers, for its durability, user-friendliness, and easy accessibility. It also has some of the best sound quality that we have ever heard.
And that concludes our review, let us know which bookshelf speaker you have in your home theater.
