Our pick of the Speakers for all uses – Powered, Passive, Bookshelf, Bluetooth, Studio and Home

There seems to be a real boom in speaker popularity – especially bookshelf speakers. Thanks to their size, these types of speakers are ideal for a number of different uses such as desktop listening, hifi use on stands or even music production.

Bookshelf speakers tend to come either passive – where you will need to connect them to an external amplifier such as a hifi system – or active. Active or powered speakers come with an amplifier built into the speakers so you can connect them directly to your laptop or most other music sources. Active speakers sometimes have the option of Bluetooth – so you can even connect wirelessly which makes them even more flexible in terms of how they are used.

Here you can see the best of the best bookshelf speakers available.

BEST SPEAKERS 2020

1. Edifier R1280DB – £119.99

The cheapest speakers on our list comes from Edifier, the R1280DB is a powered bookshelf speaker with Bluetooth functionality. Having Bluetooth allows the speakers to be used with a wider range of devices, and there will be less wires on show. Edifier has gone for a retro look, reminiscent of older styled hifi speakers.

2. Audioengine A2+ – £239

The Audioengine A2+ does it all. These powered bookshelf speakers have the latest Bluetooth 5 technology and aptX audio codec for superior wireless listening. The stylish and minimal design looks and feels premium, and this is also the case for sound quality. For such a small speaker, they really pack a punch. Bass is tight and powerful, going low and providing plenty of weight.

4. Q Acoustics 3020i – £249

Q Acoustics has become extremely popular in the hifi and home audio world. Their speakers range from soundbars to powered and passive hifi speakers. The 3020i is a passive hifi bookshelf speaker, and will need an amplifier in order to get sound going. Q Acoustics have placed 5” drivers into the 3020i and along with the deep cabinet design, the sound is big.

2. Kanto Audio YU4 – £299.99

Kanto’s YU4 is a powered wireless bookshelf speaker and designed to be used primarily as a desktop speaker, able to connect directly to your PC, laptop or any other device with an audio output or Bluetooth. Sound is very impressive, with a fairly neutral signature – not common with desktop speakers generally.

5. Klipsch RP-600M – £625

The Klipsch RP-600M is a passive bookshelf speaker – part of their Reference Premier series. The RP-600M comes with 6.5” woofer drivers and a 1” titanium vented tweeter, set into Klipsch’s classic horn design – this makes sure that the high frequencies are heading in the right direction. Overall these deliver a big sound – with deep and punchy bass, crystal clear mids and treble that extends far with clarity and no risk of fatigue.