November 2024

Bookshelf Speakers: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of bookshelf speakers rankings posted by key online experts, as of November 2024.

Summary

On 5 Nov 2024, 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 5 Nov 2024, 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
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking bookshelf speakers start at $89.99 (Micca MB42X) and go up to $2759.99 (Harbeth P3ESR). Median speakers costs $399.98 (Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2).
$89.99
$2759.99

At a glance - November Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Speakers
SoundGuys
ZD Net
Pitchfork
Wirecutter
T3
Gear Patrol
Rolling Stone
The Master Switch
What Hi-Fi
hifioasis.com
1
- $1000
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.
-
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
- $483
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.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
1
4
- $400
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
-
9
-
-
-
-
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.
-
-
8
-
-
-
-
8
-
3
6
- $2000
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.
-
-
6
-
6
-
-
-
-
4
7
- $600
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.
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
16
-
-
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.
-
5
-
-
5
-
-
9
-
-
9
- $96
Edifier R1280T
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
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.
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
6
-
-
17
- Check price
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
6
18
- $349
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.
-
-
11
-
-
9
-
-
-
-

Speakers
#9 $95.99 Edifier R1280T
#16 $299.99 Fluance AI61
#18 $349 Kef Q150
#4 $399.98 Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2
#2 $449 Q Acoustics 3020i
#3 $483.12 Elac Uni-Fi 2.0
#7 $599.99 Klipsch The Fives
#1 $999.99 Kef LS50
#6 $1999.99 KEF LS50 Wireless II

We ranked Kef LS50 #1 in November 2024 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Kef LS50 as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 6 Jun 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
ZD Net

Best bookshelf speaker splurge

Deep bass
Excellent clarity
Beautiful design

Expensive
Sold in pairs

Go to ranking

T3

Awesome passive speakers for a high price

Exceptionally clear sound
Stunning design

Pricey, even without an additional amp

Go to ranking

Gear Patrol

Best Bookshelf Speakers for Big, Big Sound

Gorgeous
Elite sound quality

Larger than your average bookshelf speakers
Expensive

Go to ranking

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.

Go to ranking

What Hi-Fi

Best bookshelf speakers overall

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Q Acoustics 3020i #2 in November 2024 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 6 Jun 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
Pitchfork

Go to ranking

Wirecutter

A more stylish alternative

Go to ranking

Gear Patrol

Superb Bookshelf Speakers for Less than $500

Fantastic value
Excellent sound quality
Easy to drive

Sometimes difficult to find

Go to ranking

The Master Switch

Best Bookshelf Speakers for Vinyl

Great looks
excellent treble
compact build.

Sound quality can be fatiguing at high volumes.

Go to ranking

hifioasis.com

Ideal Bookshelf Speakers for Vinyl Lovers

Go to ranking

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 November 2024 ranking

We ranked Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 #3 in November 2024 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.
Expert Consensus
(as of 27 Apr 2024)
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.
Critic endorsements:
The Master Switch

Best Overall Bookshelf Speakers

Terrific in both hi-fi and home theater systems.

May be a little intimidating for beginners, and they face stiff competition.

Go to ranking

hifioasis.com

Best Overall Bookshelf Speakers

Go to ranking

We ranked Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 #4 in November 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 6 Jun 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
SoundGuys

Best design

Go to ranking

Pitchfork

Go to ranking

The Master Switch

Almost everything you could want out of a bookshelf speaker

The design and looks are a little dull compared to other models.

Go to ranking

We ranked Dayton Audio B652 AIR #5 in November 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 6 Jun 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
Pitchfork

Go to ranking

The Master Switch

Excellent detail and clarity for a sub-$100 speaker

Slightly weak bass, and the binding posts are irritating to use

Go to ranking

hifioasis.com

Best Budget-Friendly Bookshelf Speakers

Go to ranking

We ranked KEF LS50 Wireless II #6 in November 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 6 Jun 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
Pitchfork

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

hifioasis.com

Superior High-End Bookshelf Speakers for Audiophiles

Go to ranking

We ranked Klipsch The Fives #7 in November 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Klipsch The Fives as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 21 Jun 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
Rolling Stone

Best Overall

Go to ranking

The Master Switch

One of the simplest ways to create a combined TV/hi-fi system.

Uncontrolled bass and hit-and-miss mids.

Go to ranking

We ranked Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 #8 in November 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 6 Jun 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
ZD Net

Best premium bookshelf speaker

Excellent bass
Improved clarity
Attractive aesthetics

Expensive
Sold in pairs

Go to ranking

T3

The best passive bookshelf speakers for a premium setup

Clear sound
Punchy bass
Sleek looks

Might be too deep for some shelves

Go to ranking

The Master Switch

Elegant detail and soundstage, and the light and compact frame make these a joy to use.

Unforgiving nature, fussy with positioning.

Go to ranking

We ranked Edifier R1280T #9 in November 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
The Master Switch

Best Budget Bookshelf Speakers

Good if unspectacular Bluetooth audio at a highly affordable price.

Lacks volume and subtlety.

Go to ranking

hifioasis.com

Go to ranking

We ranked Fluance AI61 #10 in November 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 22 Jun 2023)
The Fluance AI61 bookshelf speakers offer powerful and balanced sound quality with versatile connectivity options, making them suitable for home or office use.
Critic endorsements:
ZD Net

Best Bluetooth bookshelf speaker

Fantastic audio performance
Both wired and wireless options
Sleek design

Lackluster bass
No app

Go to ranking

The Master Switch

Full and engaging sounds matched with a versatile set of inputs.

Irritating interface, narrow soundstage.

Go to ranking

We ranked SVS Ultra Bookshelf #11 in November 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
The Master Switch

Best of the Rest

Deep bass anchors a sound that competes with more expensive speakers.

Intimidating looks and size.

Go to ranking

hifioasis.com

Best of the Rest

Go to ranking

We ranked Kef Q150 #12 in November 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 6 Jun 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
Pitchfork

Go to ranking

Gear Patrol

KEF’s Budget-Friendly Bookshelf Speakers

Big sound with wide soundstage
Bespoke and unique design

Doesn't come with speaker grilles

Go to ranking