April 2024

Bookshelf Speakers: MetaRanking

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

Summary

On 2 Apr 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 80 speakers endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

55 speakers were endorsed in total, only 14 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 2 Apr 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 $49.98 (Dayton Audio B652) and go up to $3498 (KEF R3). Median speakers costs $399 (Audioengine HD4).
$49.98
$3498

At a glance - April Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Speakers
hifioasis.com
What Hi-Fi
The Master Switch
Rolling Stone
Gear Patrol
T3
Wirecutter
Pitchfork
ZD Net
SoundGuys
1
- $1539
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.
-
1
3
-
2
7
-
-
4
-
2
- $359
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.
5
-
4
-
9
-
2
7
-
-
3
- $700
Elac Uni-Fi 2.0
1
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
- 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.
-
-
9
-
7
5
-
-
5
-
5
- $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.
-
-
7
-
-
-
-
9
-
2
6
- Check price
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.
-
-
-
-
11
-
1
-
-
-
7
- 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.
3
-
8
-
-
-
-
8
-
-
8
- $2500
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.
4
-
-
-
-
6
-
6
-
-
9
- $700
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.
-
-
16
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
10
- $100
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.
-
-
6
-
-
-
-
-
3
-
17
- Check price
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.
-
-
-
-
12
2
-
-
-
-
18
- $899
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
6
-
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
19
- $585
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.
-
-
-
-
10
-
-
11
-
-

; ; ;
#10 $99.99 Edifier R1280T
#5 $279.98 Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2
#16 $299.99 Fluance AI61
#2 $359 Q Acoustics 3020i
#19 $584.97 Kef Q150
#3 $699.98 Elac Uni-Fi 2.0
#9 $699.99 Klipsch The Fives
#17 $770.25 Dali Spektor 2
#18 $899 SVS Ultra Bookshelf
#1 $1539 Kef LS50
#8 $2499.99 KEF LS50 Wireless II

We ranked Kef LS50 #1 in April 2024 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Kef LS50 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
What Hi-Fi

Entertaining and innovative, these are the best stereo 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

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

Gear Patrol

Best upgrade

Gorgeous
Elite sound quality

Larger than your average bookshelf speakers
Expensive

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

ZD Net

Best bookshelf speaker splurge

Deep bass
Excellent clarity
Beautiful design

Expensive
Sold in pairs

Go to ranking

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

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
hifioasis.com

Ideal Bookshelf Speakers for Vinyl Lovers

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

Gear Patrol

Fantastic value
Excellent sound quality
Easy to drive

Sometimes difficult to find

Go to ranking

Wirecutter

A more stylish alternative

Go to ranking

Pitchfork

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 April 2024 ranking

We ranked Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 #3 in April 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.
Critic endorsements:
hifioasis.com

Best Overall Bookshelf Speakers

Go to ranking

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

We ranked Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 #4 in April 2024 because:

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

Gear Patrol

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

A touch expensive

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

ZD Net

Best premium bookshelf speaker

Excellent bass
Improved clarity
Attractive aesthetics

Expensive
Sold in pairs

Go to ranking

We ranked Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 #5 in April 2024 because:

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

Pitchfork

Go to ranking

SoundGuys

Best design

Go to ranking

We ranked Triangle Borea BR03 #6 in April 2024 because:

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

Excellent value
Big sound with impressive clarity

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

Go to ranking

Wirecutter

The best passive bookshelf speakers

Go to ranking

We ranked Dayton Audio B652 AIR #7 in April 2024 because:

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

Best Budget-Friendly Bookshelf Speakers

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

Pitchfork

Go to ranking

We ranked KEF LS50 Wireless II #8 in April 2024 because:

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

Superior High-End Bookshelf Speakers for Audiophiles

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

Pitchfork

Go to ranking

We ranked Klipsch The Fives #9 in April 2024 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:
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

Rolling Stone

Best Overall

Go to ranking

We ranked Edifier R1280T #10 in April 2024 because:

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

Go to ranking

The Master Switch

Best Budget Bookshelf Speakers

Good if unspectacular Bluetooth audio at a highly affordable price.

Lacks volume and subtlety.

Go to ranking

We ranked Fluance AI61 #11 in April 2024 because:

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

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

Irritating interface, narrow soundstage.

Go to ranking

ZD Net

Best Bluetooth bookshelf speaker

Fantastic audio performance
Both wired and wireless options
Sleek design

Lackluster bass
No app

Go to ranking

We ranked Dali Spektor 2 #12 in April 2024 because:

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

Excellent value
Compact design
Surprisingly detailed sound

Design might not be for everybody

Go to ranking

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

We ranked SVS Ultra Bookshelf #13 in April 2024 because:

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

Best of the Rest

Go to ranking

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

We ranked Kef Q150 #14 in April 2024 because:

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

Big sound with wide soundstage
Bespoke and unique design

Doesn't come with speaker grilles

Go to ranking

Pitchfork

Go to ranking