10 Best Bookshelf Speakers under $200

I sought to find some suitable budget speakers. It took me a while but it turns out, there are a lot of great options on the market. There are options that cost less than $200 but can provide you with an impressive listening experience without breaking the bank!

I then divided the search into Active/Powered Speakers and Passive Speakers. Remember that Active Speakers are plug-and-play and DON’T NEED an AMPLIFIER TO WORK, while Passive speakers DO NEED an external amplifier to work.

I wrote more about their difference in the article among other interesting stuff to know about speakers.

What Can You Expect from Bookshelf Speakers under $200?

Before you get excited and buy the first affordable bookshelf speakers you see, let’s talk about what you can expect. Obviously, speakers under 200 bucks are not going to give you the same listening experience as a good pair of studio monitor speakers.

There’s no getting around that truth! At their core, speakers all operate the same way. All speakers work to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. This is done using an electromagnetic and a moving diaphragm.

When that electromagnet is charged, it creates an electromagnetic field that moves the diaphragm back in forth. This results in the creation of sound waves.

That basic concept is used on all speakers regardless of the price tag. However, things can get pretty complex from there. The design of the transducer, the quality of materials, and even the placement of all the components can make a huge difference in sound quality!

At the end of the day, pricier bookshelf speakers are going to get the job done better because they utilize more advanced technology and premium components.

With all that said, the best bookshelf speakers under 200 dollars are nothing to turn your nose up at. The sound quality you’re going to experience will be miles better than the speaker that’s on your phone or computer. Plus, it will be a noticeable improvement over cheap portable speakers.

The Best Bookshelf Speakers under $200 Reviewed

The first four in the list are Active Speakers which are easier to use and have their own amplifier built-in. The last six on the list instead are Passive Speakers which need an external amplifier in order to work.

1. Edifier R1700BT (Best Powered)

• Active 2-way speakers
• Frequency response: 60 Hz to 20 kHz
• Power: 66 watts

Pros:

• Tone control options
• Impressive volume capabilities
• Multiple input options
• Produces very clear sound

Cons:

• Bluetooth outranks all other input methods

These speakers from Edithfier are surprisingly good given their low price tag. This is a 2-way speaker with a dedicated tweeter for high frequencies and woofer for mid-range and bass frequencies. The crossover is pretty solid, resulting in crystal-clear sound across the spectrum.

The bass that these speakers can produce deserves a shoutout. It’s punchy, clear, and appropriate for the music you’re listening to. It’s not super overbearing, but it’s definitely present.

The good bass sound is achieved thanks to the bass reflex port. It opens up the sound of the speakers and avoids that grating metallic sound that’s often associated with cheaper speakers.

2. Edifier R1280DB (Best Powered)

• Active 2-way speakers
• Frequency response: 55 Hz to 20 kHz
• Power: 42 watts

Pros:

• Adjustable tone EQ
• Clear and punchy bass
• Versatile rear connection ports

Cons:

• Can sound muddy at higher volumes
• A short cord can be a hassle

Here’s another great option from Edifier. With its classic wood-grain look, these speakers will look right at home in your living room or music space. The speakers are relatively easy to set up. Not only that, but you have a wide range of options on how you want to connect your gear!

You can stream music wirelessly over Bluetooth. Or, you can use the various connection ports to connect multiple sources at once.

In terms of sound quality, the Edifier speakers are quite nice. Like the previous model, the bass is punchy and clear. This is a 2-way speaker, so you’re getting decent power across the sound spectrum. An air passthrough is utilized as well.

3. Fluance Ai40 (Best Powered)

• Active 2-way speakers
• Frequency response: 40 Hz to 20 kHz
• Power: 70 watts

Pros:

• Large 5-inch woofer
• Clear mid-range and treble
• Can be used with multiple music sources
• Sleek modern design

Cons:

• Some minor issues with higher frequencies
• Can’t add a subwoofer

Fluance might not be the most well-known brand out there, but these speakers are certainly doing a lot to put them on the map. The speakers are very well designed. The drivers utilize some impressive components to improve the sound. This includes silk tweeters and a glass fiber diaphragm for the woofer.

Overall, the sound quality is respectable. There are some minor issues with certain frequency bands. For example, the hiss of cymbals or vocal sibilance can stand out a bit. However, it’s not a major issue that ruins the experience. The sound is clear and beautiful.

4. Edifier R1850DB (Best Active)

• Active 2-way speakers
• Frequency response: 60 Hz to 20 kHz
• Power: 70 watts

Pros:

• Dedicated subwoofer connection port
• Removable grill
• Flexible equalizer knobs
• Respectable bass for its size

Cons:

• Higher frequencies aren’t as crisp as some other options

If you’re on the hunt for speakers that are of smaller size, this option from Edifier is a good choice. The bass driver is only about 4 inches wide while the tweeter is a mere 19 millimeters wide. Despite the compact design, the speakers produce some respectable sound.

Mid-range tones are crisp, clear, and very pleasing to the ears. There are some issues once you get into the ultra-high treble range, but it’s not as bad as you would expect for small speakers. The same goes for the bass. Comparatively speaking, the bass feels powerful and punchy.

5. Sony SSCS5 (Best Passive)

• Passive 3-way speakers
• Frequency response: 53 Hz to 50 kHz
• Power: 100 watts
• Impedance: 6 ohms

Pros:

• Produces rich resonant sound
• The ported design creates punchy bass
• Sounds good at any volume
• Good projection

Cons:

• Limited expandability
• Weighs more than 9 pounds each

Sony is no stranger to the home audio market. The SSCS5 speakers are an excellent choice for those looking to get great sound without breaking the bank.

The thing I like most about the equipment is the 3-way design. You have a separate driver for the high, mid, and bass frequency bands. This alone does wonders to improve clarity.

The individual drivers are built well, too. The woofer, for example, is over 5 inches in diameter. As a result, the bass booms without being muddy. The same can be said about the tweeter. It’s a high-precision tweeter that recreates all those nuances without the annoying hiss!

6. Fluance SX6W (Best Passive)

• Passive 2-way speakers
• Frequency response: 60 Hz to 20 kHz
• Power: up to watts
• Impedance: 8 ohms

Pros:

• Great high-frequency response
• Large-diameter woofer
• Contemporary design
• High-quality gold-plated connections

Cons:

• No wireless connectivity

From Fluance is this modern-looking speaker set. Covered in audio-grade MDF with a sleek veneer, these speakers can add some style to your listening space.

They’re a bit larger than some other options on this list. But, they also have some good isolation features. For example, the primary speaker box is lifted off the foundation to limit vibration travel.

The sound quality is very respectable. The highs sound crisp and clear while the bass is punchy. Rubber surrounds are used on the drivers to ensure that your music resonates clearly without any unwanted hiss. There’s also an air channel on the back to help your tunes resonate throughout the room.

7. Polk Audio TSi100 (Best Passive)

• Passive 2-way speakers
• Frequency response: 53 Hz to 25 kHz
• Power: up to 100 watts
• Impedance: 6 ohms

Pros:

• Very low noise distortion
• Great for wall mounting
• Impressive frequency range
• Built-in vibration dampening

Cons:

• Bass isn’t as prominent as some other speakers

Next up, we have these passive speakers from Polk Audio. These speakers have an interesting look to them.

Rather than the traditional “tweeter over woofer” design, the speakers are flipped. This makes it easier to adjust the equipment to ear height. You could even mount them a bit higher up on the wall while still getting that perfect wave intersection point.

One thing I like about these speakers is the low distortion. Polk Audio uses Dynamic Balance technology. Basically, this means that the manufacturers designed the speakers with distortion issues in mind. All of those intricate details that often cause sound issues are eliminated, resulting in some crystal-clear sound.

8. Micca RB42 (Best Passive)

• Passive 2-way speakers
• Frequency response: 50 Hz to 20 kHz
• Power: up to 100 watts
• Impedance: 4 to 8 ohms

Pros:

• Very compact
• 10-element crossover system
• Good volume output
• Natural-sounding bass response

Cons:

• Prone to distortion at higher volumes

Don’t let the small footprint of these speakers fool you! They are quite mighty and fully capable of filling your room with sound. These speakers are designed to work in small spaces. They’re a popular choice for those looking to upgrade their standard computer speakers with something a bit more audiophile quality.

While these are only 2-way speakers, they don’t sound like it. The equipment is sporting a 10-element crossover. It produces a clear transition of 18 decibels per octave.

All of those unique distortion issues you typically hear with substandard crossovers are eliminated. Instead, you have clear audio coming out of a small package.

9. Yamaha NS-6490 (Best Passive)

• Passive 3-way speakers
• Frequency response: 45 Hz to 23 kHz
• Power: up to 140 watts
• Impedance: 8 ohms

Pros:

• Good for home theater setups
• Massive 8-inch woofer
• Wide frequency response
• Produces high-fidelity sound

Cons:

• Larger footprint

Yamaha is another brand that has a long history of producing fine audio gear. The NS-6490 speakers continue that legacy! They are very reminiscent of some of the brand’s older speakers.

You have a great frequency response and excellent clarity across the board. The speakers do require a bit of breaking in to get things going. But once you do that, the sound quality you’ll experience is nothing short of impressive.

The speakers can be used as part of a home theater setup. The drivers are all magnetically shielded. However, they do just fine with an appropriate amplifier as well.

10. Pioneer SP-BS22 (Best Passive)

• Passive 2-way speakers
• Frequency response: 55 Hz to 20 kHz
• Power: 80 watts
• Impedance: 6 ohms

Pros:

• Produces very accurate sound with little coloration
• Nice present bass sound
• Beautiful curved cabinet design

Cons:

• Each speaker weighs more than 9 pounds

The SP-BS22 speakers from Pioneer are an impressive buy. They were designed by Andrew Jones. If you’re not familiar with Andrew Jones, he’s a highly respected speaker engineer who is known for creating some of the finest equipment out there. This budget model utilizes a lot of the same design principles he used in more expensive units.

The speakers are quite large and hefty. However, this provides a solid foundation that minimizes vibrations. With the punchy bass tones coming out of the woofer, you’re going to need that stability. This is a 2-way speaker.

However, it’s sporting a 6-component crossover. It splits the signal up very well, ensuring that your music sounds crisp and beautiful.

How to Choose Bookshelf Speakers under $200

There’s a lot to consider when you’re shopping for the best Bluetooth bookshelf speakers. Even at a sub-200 dollar price point, these speakers are a big investment.

The last thing you want to do is spend all that money and realize that your speakers don’t work for your needs. Here are some of the most important things you need to pay attention to as you choose.

Active and Passive Technology

Most of the bookshelf speakers you see out there are going to be passive. Basically, this means that they’re not independently powered. You’ll need a speaker amplifier to make them work.

For true audiophiles, passive speakers are the way to go. They offer more control over the sound quality, as you can use any applicable amplifier.

Plus, you have more flexibility in terms of how the speakers are powered. For example, an amplifier would be able to send more juice to each individual driver than a built-in option would.

Active speakers do exist as well. They have a built-in amplifier with some simple adjustments for sound control.

Frequency Response

Frequency response refers to the range of sounds that speakers can produce. A good range ensures that your speakers can produce those subtle nuances you need to make your music sound great. Typically, bookshelf speakers have a frequency response between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.

This is pretty similar to the range of human hearing, so it’s perfect for speakers. Speakers with an even wider response are available. Though, they’re pretty rare for this price range.

Wattage and Impedance Ratings

We won’t go into the technical weeds here, but it’s important to understand a little bit about some common specs you’ll see.

The wattage refers to the amount of power the speakers can handle. This is a crucial parameter to consider because you need to match it up to your amplifier!

The peak RMS rating of your speakers needs to be as high as possible to produce the best sound. High wattage ratings decrease the chances of distortion while also giving you the option to pump up the volume!

Speaker impedance is important, too. Measured in ohms, impedance refers to the electrical resistance your speakers have. It needs to match up with your amplifier just like wattage does.

Generally, amps are designed with speaker load impedances between 4 and 16 ohms. So, you’ll need to get speakers that have an impedance rating of at least 4 to avoid blow-outs.

Wireless Connectivity

No modern speaker is complete without some wireless connectivity. The best Bluetooth bookshelf speakers allow you to connect to your devices in seconds. There’s no need to load up physical media or use annoying wires.

The same goes for Wi-Fi connectivity. Wi-Fi speakers connect to your local network, making it easy to stream music directly. You could even send music across multiple rooms if you have the right setup.

There’s some contention out there about how Bluetooth technology affects sound quality. But at the end of the day, it’s all a matter of personal preference. Personally, I’d rather have that option when I want it than not have it at all!

What’s the Difference Between 2-Way and 3-Way Speakers?

Now, when you’re looking for that perfect pair of affordable speakers, you’re going to come across both 2-way and 3-way models. If you’re not familiar with how speakers deliver sound, you might not pay any attention to the decision. However, there’s a big difference between these two options.

2-Way Speakers

A 2-way speaker is a unit that has two individual drivers built-in. This includes the tweeter and the woofer. When you take a look at the speaker, you should be able to see two separate speaker heads.

With this arrangement, the tweeter is handling all of those high-frequency sounds while the woofer is taking care of the mid-range and bass tones. 2-way speakers are fine. However, they can often sound a bit muddy due to the shared responsibility of the woofer.

Oftentimes, the mid-range frequencies are the ones that give mixers and engineers the most problems. That’s because our ears are more fine-tuned to hear them. The vocals are often located in the mid-range. The same goes for many instruments.

As a result, those middle frequencies can easily get lost in the shuffle. Forcing the speaker to output both mid-range and bass tones may exacerbate the problem.

3-Way Speakers

3-way speakers can help address those sound quality issues. As you might have guessed, they include three separate speakers. You have your tweeter, your mid-range driver, and your woofer.

In a 3-way speaker, the mid-range tones are produced by a dedicated driver, leaving the woofer to create that pumping bass you’re after. For the best bookshelf speakers of all time 3-way is the way.

About Crossovers

Generally, 3-way speakers sound clearer than 2-way alternatives. But, that’s not always the case! Quality is largely determined by the crossover system.

You see, the audio signal needs to be separated into different channels so that the appropriate information is being sent to the right driver. You can’t just cut off frequencies abruptly. That would only ruin the sound.

Instead, tones outside of the designated frequency range for a driver tapers off. In most cases, speakers will use a series of high-pass filters, low-pass filters, and band filters to accomplish this.

Naturally, there’s going to be a bit of bleeding in those transition frequencies. A high-quality crossover will work efficiently to minimize sound issues and keep your music clean. Theoretically, a 2-way speaker could have a much better audio crossover than a 3-way speaker. So, don’t count 2-way options out!

Tips for Setting up Passive Bookshelf Speakers

Choosing the right set of speakers is only half the battle. You have to set them up correctly, too! Speakers must be positioned very carefully to take full advantage of what they have to offer. Here are some tips to get things right.

Take Advantage of Space

Bookshelf speakers work best when you have ample space in the room. Sound waves need room to travel! While you could use them in a smaller room, you might have to deal with issues like reflections.

You can’t expect your music to sound good if the speakers are placed directly next to each other either. Generally, bookshelf speakers sound great when there’s at least 4 to 6 feet of space between them.

Create an Intersection of Sound

Another thing to consider is the angle you point your speakers. Ideally, you will be sitting in one designated listening spot. Pick out this spot and position both of your speakers toward it.

The goal is to create a triangle shape between you and the two speakers. You want the sound waves to intersect when they hit your ears. A good rule of thumb is to place the speakers at 10 and 2 o’clock from your listening spot.

Choose the Right Wiring

Single-wire speakers do a decent job of delivering crisp sound. However, bi-wiring is best. With a bi-wired setup, you have separate audio cables for the treble and bass tones. Not all speakers can accommodate this, so make sure that you’re choosing wires that work with your equipment.

Eliminate Vibrations

Vibrations are your worst enemy when listening to music! The rumble of the drivers could create some jarring distortion. To eliminate that issue, raise your speakers off the floor and use some insulation to prevent those vibrations from traveling.

Keep Things Ear Level

Finally, keep things at ear level. The tweeter should be around the same height as your ears when you’re sitting and listening.

Many people make the mistake of placing the speakers in the corners of the room or high up on the wall. Sound waves don’t travel like cool air from the AC unit! They will travel straight forward, missing your ears completely.

Conclusion

As you can see, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get some good speakers! The best bookshelf speakers under 200 dollars can give you that high-quality sound you’re after. Give these speakers a shot and see what you think.

What’s my favorite? If I had to choose a clear winner, it would have to be the Yamaha NS-6490. The standout feature of these speakers is the 3-way build. Most of the options in this price range are only 2-way speakers.

With three separate drivers to power the highs, mids, and bass separately, your music is going to sound impeccable. To find bookshelf speakers with good bass and such a price gives me the honor to call them also the best budget bookshelf speakers that I could find.

It may be a bit bulky, but the Yamaha speakers are far more flexible than models like the SSCS5 from Sony. You can use them in your home theater setup or use them as dedicated music speakers.

Whatever the case may be, you’ll certainly be loving what you hear. Well, time to choose the best budget bookshelf speakers for you.