September 2023

Bookshelf Speakers: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of bookshelf speakers rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.

Summary

On 2 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 88 speakers endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

64 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 2 Sep 2023, 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 $49.98 (Dayton Audio B652) and go up to $2799.99 (KEF LS50 Wireless II). Median speakers costs $387.99 (Edifier S1000MKII).
$49.98
$2799.99

At a glance - September Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Speakers
Wirecutter
HiConsumption
Pitchfork
ZD Net
SoundGuys
T3
Gear Patrol
Rolling Stone
The Master Switch
What Hi-Fi
1
- $1600
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
2
-
10
1
2
- 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
7
-
7
3
3
- $349
Triangle Borea BR03
The Triangle Borea BR03 bookshelf speaker delivers impressive sound quality with a warm and detailed sound, tight bass, and good separation and precision, and offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it versatile and suitable for various use cases.
1
-
-
-
4
-
11
-
-
8
4
- $350
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.
-
-
9
-
2
-
-
-
1
-
5
- $382
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.
2
-
7
-
-
-
9
-
5
-
6
- $499
Dali Spektor 2
The Dali Spektor 2 bookshelf speakers offer clear and detailed sound quality, good bass performance, and a sleek design, making them a versatile and affordable choice for music listening or home theater use.
-
-
-
-
-
2
12
-
-
7
7
- $400
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
17
-
8
- $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
-
-
-
-
4
-
15
- $60
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
-
-
-
-
-
3
-
16
- Check price
Q Acoustics Concept 300
The Q Acoustics Concept 300 is a high-end minimonitor speaker with exceptional sound quality, a unique and modern design, and limited connectivity options, making it best suited for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality and are willing to invest in a high-quality amplifier.
-
8
-
-
-
-
4
-
-
-
17
- $2800
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
-
-
-
-
18
- $350
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
-
-
-
10
-
-
-

; ; ;
#15 $59.98 Dayton Audio B652 AIR
#8 $299.99 Fluance AI61
#3 $349 Triangle Borea BR03
#18 $349.98 Kef Q150
#4 $349.99 Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2
#5 $381.65 Q Acoustics 3020i
#7 $399.99 Klipsch The Fives
#6 $499 Dali Spektor 2
#1 $1599.98 Kef LS50
#17 $2799.99 KEF LS50 Wireless II

We ranked Kef LS50 #1 in September 2023 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Kef LS50 as #1.
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 upgrade

Gorgeous
Elite sound quality

Larger than your average bookshelf speakers
Expensive

Go to ranking

The Master Switch

-A genuine improvement on a classic.

-Still massively pricey, outperformed in some areas by more affordable models.

Go to ranking

What Hi-Fi

Stunning, transparent standmounters that set a high standard.

Exceptional sonic transparency
Subtle and precise presentation
Innovative technology

Don't place them in a bookshelf or up against a wall

Go to ranking

We ranked Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 #2 in September 2023 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
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

Gear Patrol

Elite sound quality and clarity
Big and punchy bass
Available in several premium finishes

A touch expensive

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

What Hi-Fi

B&W hones its 606 standmounters to great effect.

Excellent clarity
Agile and articulate bass
Impressive dynamic punch

Minor upgrades over previous model

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 September 2023 ranking

We ranked Triangle Borea BR03 #3 in September 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Triangle Borea BR03 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Wirecutter

The best passive bookshelf speakers

Go to ranking

SoundGuys

Best Sound

Sound Quality
Design

Price

Go to ranking

Gear Patrol

Excellent value
Big sound with impressive clarity

Design (especially without grille covers) won't be for everybody

Go to ranking

What Hi-Fi

Offering impressive scale and sophistication, these speakers are serious alternative contenders.

Sophisticated, detailed sound
Impressive sense of scale
High-quality, agile bass

Aesthetic won’t be for everyone
Slight peakiness to treble

Go to ranking

We ranked Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 #4 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Pitchfork

Go to ranking

SoundGuys

Best design

Minimal, all-black design
Sound quality

Requires an app

Go to ranking

The Master Switch

Best Overall Bookshelf Speakers

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 Q Acoustics 3020i #5 in September 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Wirecutter

A more stylish alternative

Go to ranking

Pitchfork

Go to ranking

Gear Patrol

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

We ranked Dali Spektor 2 #6 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
T3

The best passive bookshelf speakers for most people

Affordable
Detailed and expressive sound
Compact size

Not available in white
No wireless or smart features

Go to ranking

Gear Patrol

Excellent value
Compact design
Surprisingly detailed sound

Design might not be for everybody

Go to ranking

What Hi-Fi

Fine build,great sound and a bargain price.

Agile, articulate and expressive sound
Good detail resolution
Unfussy nature

Low rated sensitivity, so needs care with amplifier pairing

Go to ranking

We ranked Klipsch The Fives #7 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Klipsch The Fives as #1.
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 Fluance AI61 #8 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
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

Best Wireless/Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers

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

Irritating interface, narrow soundstage.

Go to ranking

We ranked Dayton Audio B652 AIR #9 in September 2023 because:

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

Go to ranking

The Master Switch

Best Budget Bookshelf Speakers

Excellent detail and clarity for a sub-$100 speaker

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Q Acoustics Concept 300 #10 in September 2023 because:

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

Go to ranking

Gear Patrol

Epic sound
They are a statement piece

Incredibly pricey
Larger than your average bookshelf speakers
Tripod stands add an extra cost

Go to ranking

We ranked KEF LS50 Wireless II #11 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
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

We ranked Kef Q150 #12 in September 2023 because:

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

Go to ranking

Gear Patrol

Big sound with wide soundstage
Bespoke and unique design

Doesn't come with speaker grilles

Go to ranking