January 2025
Bookshelf Speakers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of bookshelf speakers rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2025.
Summary
On 3 Jan 2025, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 77 speakers endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
55 speakers were endorsed in total, only 12 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 3 Jan 2025, Kef LS50 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed speakers with 5 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 5 recommended it as the '#1 speakers' this month.
Brand breakdown
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Elac: 4 speakers
(#1 is Elac Uni-Fi 2.0)
-
Edifier: 4 speakers
(#1 is Edifier R1280T)
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KEF: 3 speakers
(#1 is Kef LS50)
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Q Acoustics: 3 speakers
(#1 is Q Acoustics 3020i)
-
Audioengine: 3 speakers
(#1 is Audioengine A2 Plus)
Price breakdown
At a glance - January Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Speakers |
SoundGuys
|
ZD Net
|
Pitchfork
|
Wirecutter
|
T3
|
Gear Patrol
|
Rolling Stone
|
The Master Switch
|
What Hi-Fi
|
hifioasis.com
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $930 |
Kef LS50
The Kef LS50 bookshelf speakers are highly recommended for their exceptional sound quality, versatile frequency response, unique design, and range of connectivity options, making them suitable for a range of music genres and listening environments.
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-
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4
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
3
|
-
|
3
|
1
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $449 |
Q Acoustics 3020i
The Q Acoustics 3020i bookshelf speakers offer excellent sound quality, versatility, and a modern design, making them a great option for audiophiles who prioritize accuracy and transparency in their sound system.
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
2
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
5
|
|
3
|
- | $546 |
Elac Uni-Fi 2.0
The Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 bookshelf speakers offer clear and balanced sound quality, versatile connectivity options, and a sleek design, making them a great choice for general listening purposes in medium-sized rooms and larger spaces.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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1
|
-
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1
|
|
4
|
- | $280 |
Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2
The Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 bookshelf speaker offers clear and balanced sound quality with a sleek design and good connectivity options, making it a great choice for home theater and music playback on a modest budget.
|
2
|
-
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9
|
-
|
-
|
-
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-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | Check price |
Dayton Audio B652 AIR
The Dayton Audio B652 AIR bookshelf speakers offer clear and balanced sound quality with an AMT tweeter, suitable for those looking for a budget-friendly option for their home theater or music setup.
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-
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-
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8
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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8
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-
|
3
|
|
6
|
- | $1919 |
KEF LS50 Wireless II
The KEF LS50 Wireless II is a high-end bookshelf speaker system with exceptional sound quality, a wide range of connectivity options, and a sleek modern design, making it ideal for audiophiles, music enthusiasts, home theaters, and professional studios.
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-
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-
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6
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-
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6
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-
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-
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-
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-
|
4
|
|
7
|
- | $800 |
Klipsch The Fives
The Klipsch The Fives are versatile and feature-packed computer speakers that offer excellent sound quality, a comprehensive range of connectivity options, and easy-to-use controls.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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1
|
16
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-
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-
|
|
8
|
- | Check price |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition bookshelf speaker delivers excellent sound performance across the frequency range, with punchy and dynamic bass, a wide frequency response, and a purposeful design, making it a great choice for music and home theater use.
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-
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5
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-
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-
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5
|
-
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-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $116 |
Edifier R1280T
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-
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-
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-
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-
|
-
|
-
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-
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2
|
-
|
2
|
|
16
|
- | $300 |
Fluance AI61
The Fluance AI61 bookshelf speakers offer powerful and balanced sound quality with versatile connectivity options, making them suitable for home or office use.
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-
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3
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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6
|
-
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-
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|
17
|
- | Check price |
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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5
|
-
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6
|
|
18
|
- | $300 |
Kef Q150
The Kef Q150 bookshelf speakers are highly praised for their clear and detailed sound, versatile design, and compact and sleek appearance, making them a great choice for those seeking a midrange price hi-fi sound or for those who want to use them for a cinematic audio experience.
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-
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-
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11
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-
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-
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9
|
-
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-
|
-
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-
|
We ranked Kef LS50 #1 in January 2025 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Kef LS50 as #1.
ZD Net
Best bookshelf speaker splurge
|
Deep bass
Excellent clarity
Beautiful design
|
Expensive
Sold in pairs
|
T3
Awesome passive speakers for a high price
|
Exceptionally clear sound
Stunning design
|
Pricey, even without an additional amp
|
Gear Patrol
Best Bookshelf Speakers for Big, Big Sound
|
Gorgeous
Elite sound quality
|
Larger than your average bookshelf speakers
Expensive
|
The Master Switch
Best High-End Bookshelf Speakers for Audiophiles
|
-A genuine improvement on a classic.
|
-Still massively pricey, outperformed in some areas by more affordable models.
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What Hi-Fi
Best bookshelf speakers overall
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Exceptional sonic transparency
Subtle and precise presentation
Innovative technology
|
Don't place them inside a bookshelf or up against a wall - they'll sound better on stands
|
We ranked Q Acoustics 3020i #2 in January 2025 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Gear Patrol
Superb Bookshelf Speakers for Less than $500
|
Fantastic value
Excellent sound quality
Easy to drive
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Sometimes difficult to find
|
The Master Switch
Best Bookshelf Speakers for Vinyl
|
Great looks
excellent treble
compact build.
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Sound quality can be fatiguing at high volumes.
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Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend bookshelf speakers.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of bookshelf speakers, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for January 2025 ranking
SoundGuys
ZD Net
Pitchfork
Wirecutter
T3
Gear Patrol
Rolling Stone
The Master Switch
What Hi-Fi
hifioasis.com
We ranked Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 #3 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 as #1.
The Master Switch
Best Overall Bookshelf Speakers
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Terrific in both hi-fi and home theater systems.
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May be a little intimidating for beginners, and they face stiff competition.
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We ranked Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 #4 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
The Master Switch
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Almost everything you could want out of a bookshelf speaker
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The design and looks are a little dull compared to other models.
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We ranked Dayton Audio B652 AIR #5 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
The Master Switch
|
Excellent detail and clarity for a sub-$100 speaker
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Slightly weak bass, and the binding posts are irritating to use
|
We ranked KEF LS50 Wireless II #6 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
T3
Incredible, premium wireless bookshelf speakers
|
Great design
Lots of connectivity, including HDMI for TVs
Wonderful sound quality
|
Existing KEF owners might prefer a newer design
|
We ranked Klipsch The Fives #7 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Klipsch The Fives as #1.
The Master Switch
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One of the simplest ways to create a combined TV/hi-fi system.
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Uncontrolled bass and hit-and-miss mids.
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We ranked Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 #8 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
ZD Net
Best premium bookshelf speaker
|
Excellent bass
Improved clarity
Attractive aesthetics
|
Expensive
Sold in pairs
|
T3
The best passive bookshelf speakers for a premium setup
|
Clear sound
Punchy bass
Sleek looks
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Might be too deep for some shelves
|
The Master Switch
|
Elegant detail and soundstage, and the light and compact frame make these a joy to use.
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Unforgiving nature, fussy with positioning.
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We ranked Edifier R1280T #9 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
The Master Switch
Best Budget Bookshelf Speakers
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Good if unspectacular Bluetooth audio at a highly affordable price.
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Lacks volume and subtlety.
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We ranked Fluance AI61 #10 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
ZD Net
Best Bluetooth bookshelf speaker
|
Fantastic audio performance
Both wired and wireless options
Sleek design
|
Lackluster bass
No app
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The Master Switch
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Full and engaging sounds matched with a versatile set of inputs.
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Irritating interface, narrow soundstage.
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We ranked SVS Ultra Bookshelf #11 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
The Master Switch
Best of the Rest
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Deep bass anchors a sound that competes with more expensive speakers.
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Intimidating looks and size.
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We ranked Kef Q150 #12 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Gear Patrol
KEF’s Budget-Friendly Bookshelf Speakers
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Big sound with wide soundstage
Bespoke and unique design
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Doesn't come with speaker grilles
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