Music has the power to connect moments. In the rhythm, the reality fades away, and concentrating on the task becomes easier. And when the bass is strong, the moment is livelier. For a stronger bass, you don’t actually need big speakers.
A mix of sounds seems to liven up the mood and drive motivation while you are either working out or taking care of another chore. Many people don’t have that much space, but they still wish to enjoy the taste of speakers. Well, bookshelf speakers can fulfill this thirst. A good pair can indeed make you forget about your issues such as small space and big sound.
The sure bookshelf speakers can become your lifeline, but you have to look out for the price as well. You cannot just purchase the wrong pair for an expensive rate, can you? It is important that you keep track of your budget while purchasing a reliable product.
The following list includes some of the best bookshelf speakers for just under $500:
Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $500 Reviews
Audioengine A5+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers
- PREMIUM POWERED BLUETOOTH BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS: Audioengine has brought traditional high-quality audio equipment into the digital age. Their range of Award-Winning products have been praised by What Hi-Fi, CNet, and Wired to name just a few of the publications who have tested their products since 2005.
- FEATURES: Analog class A/B power amplifiers with dual analog audio inputs for connecting multiple devices at once, a 24bit DAC, and Bluetooth aptX HD. The A5+ system features true stereo sound in hand-finished wood cabinets, 5" custom aramid fiber woofers and 0.75" silk dome tweeters. Control volume using the aluminum remote control or the front mounted knob, and save power when not in use with an auto-sensing sleep mode.
- 150 WATTS OF POWER: Experience room filling sound from a small footprint with 150W of combined peak output. Easily connect the Audioengine S8 or other subwoofer via the RCA variable output. And at 10.75”H x 7”W x 9”D ea, the A5+ Wireless speakers sound much bigger than they are.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Pair of Audioengine A5+ Wireless Powered Speakers, Bluetooth antenna, 12ft speaker wire, 6ft AC power cord, 6.5ft mini-jack audio cable, 6.5ft RCA audio cable, solid aluminum remote control, microfiber speaker and cable bags, setup guide
- WARRANTY: Stellar US based customer support and 3 year product warranty is included. Based in Austin, TX, Audioengine has been changing the way people listen to music since 2005. We believe in the power of music and our passion is to inspire you to listen every day.
- Powerful
- Wireless
- Customizable size
- No network issues
- No installation applications
- Setup of plug and play
- Setup in only a few minutes
- Universal compatibility
If you need powerful output without having to connect wires, then Audioengine A5+ is the pair of speakers that you require. With the high-resolution Bluetooth system, it doesn’t rely on wires at all. You are definitely going to enjoy the high-quality sound that Audioengine A5+ offers. Usually, Bluetooth quality decreases, and users have to get close to the system. It is not like that in these speakers at all, as they are designed for supporting music.
It is important to consider the size of the room when thinking about buying bookshelf speakers. However, these speakers provide the best results regardless of the room size. The fact that makes it more interesting is that you have only to plug in and nothing else. Almost every other application is capable of connecting with it. No doubt, they are at the top of this list.
Pros
- Efficient sound quality
- Living room compatibility
- Strong wireless connection
- Affordable
- No room size limitations
Cons
- Don’t fit on a small shelf or desk
Edifier R2000DB Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTION - Pair your phone, tablet or computer for a true hassle free wireless experience, perfect for any iOS, Android, MacOS or Windows device.
- OPTICAL INPUT - Enjoy lossless digital connection from your TV, TV Box, DVD/blu-ray player, receiver, HTPC, computer or gaming consoles.
- 2 x AUX INPUT - Convenient connection to any device that has a 3.5mm headphone output or dual RCA output. Connect to two devices via AUX at the same time, no plugging and switching needed.
- REMOTE CONTROL - switch input sources, control volume and choose digital sound processing (DSP) modes at your finger tips
- 2 YEAR WARRANTY - Guaranteed high quality and reliability with hassle-free parts and labor warranty for two years in USA and Canada.
- Optical Input
- Bluetooth connection
- Remote control
- 2 x AUX Input
- All environments compatibility
- Dual connection
- Eagle eye
If you adore dual connectivity, Edifier R2000DB will be your main interest. These speakers support both Bluetooth and remote connection. With the feature of optical input, you can enjoy infinite digital connectivity directly from your television. Using the AUX feature, you can connect 2 devices at the same time. You don’t need to worry about plugging at all. It is a hassle when you have to switch constantly.
This bookshelf speaker will actually leave you out of breath due to its sound quality. It has the ability to adjust to almost every lifestyle. R2000DB not only exhibits quality but style as well. Compared to Audioengine A5+, this pair of speakers is a lot cheaper. Additionally, it has a remote control as well. With the use of Eagle Eye, you are able to hear the slightest of sounds.
Pros
- Remote control
- Lifestyle compatibility
- Elegant style
- Cheap price
- Strong bass
- Versatility
Cons
- Not suitable for larger rooms
- Sensitive to rough handling
Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speakers
- This is a Bundle of The Klipsch PowerGate Amplified PlayFi Wireless Gateway (B01N0A7PH5) and the Klipsch R-15M Reference Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, Black)
- Packing a 2 x 100 watt class D amplifier, the Klipsch PowerGate can drive even the most difficult speaker. So whether you use a pair of bookshelf speakers in the office or connect a pair of Klipschorn speakers, the PowerGate will deliver
- As part of the Klipsch Stream wireless multi-room audio system, anything you plug into the PowerGate can be selected and streamed for playback in other rooms of your house where Klipsch Stream products are located
- As part of the Klipsch Stream wireless multi-room audio system, anything you plug into the PowerGate can be selected and streamed for playback in other rooms of your house where Klipsch Stream products are located
- Effective digital inputs
- RCA inputs and Phono pre-amp
- Simple controlling
- Powerful bass
- High Reach
The founder of Klipsch, Paul W. Klipsch was a genius. Through the combination of creativity and innovation, he developed the Reference R-15 Speakers. This creation is not only efficient but highly powerful as well. Its surrounding feature engulfs the listener in itself and morphs the world in a symphony.
It possesses a D amplifier of 2 x 100-watt class facilitating the users. Whether it is about Klipschorn speakers or bookshelf speakers, the PowerGate has the capability of delivering energy. Considering the power of these speakers, you don’t have to worry about the reach. They can fit any room without any difficulty! The skill of more bass resides in PowerGate.
Pros
- More bass
- Simplicity
- Satisfying output with up-to-date style
Cons
- Costlier than R2000DB
- Absence of AUX
- More space required
Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speaker (Pair)
- Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speaker (Pair)
- High versatility and power
- Beautiful performance
- Dual woofers
- Bass reflex
- LTS tweeter
- Rear-firing port
Do you think that small speakers with strong output are better? These ones just deliver what you are seeking at the moment. Their size is small but it doesn’t mean that they don’t pack a punch. You can adjust wherever you want because they will give mesmerizing sounds nonetheless.
In order to solve the issue of sound distortion, LTS or linear travel suspension is used. In a pair, speakers prove to offer high efficiency. The speakers additionally use the rear-firing port for matching the drivers and cabinet. You can consider it a small fish giving a mix of all flavors.
Pros
- Minimum cone breakup
- Can fit small spaces
- Good bass
- Sufficient flexibility
Cons
- No amplifier
- Cannot sustain too much bass
- Not suitable for large spaces
Polk Audio RTI A1 Bookshelf Speakers
- Pair of real wood bookshelf speakers with all MDF construction and resonance-free enclosures
- Equipped with one 5.25-inch dynamic balance mineral/polymer composite cone driver
- Features Power Port technology to reduce "chuffing" or "port noise"
- Equipped with one 1-inch silk/polymer composite dome tweeter
- Features a neodynium magnet, low viscosity ferro-fluid cooling, and a heat sink on the back of the magnet
- Resonance-free enclosures
- Real wood
- Space compatibility
- Accurate highs
Sometimes you need not only quality and affordability but elegant style as well. Maybe your room has wood all around, and you need bookshelf speakers that can blend in. Polk Audio RTI A1 speakers have MDF construction with a real wood texture. It comes to mind that if they are made of wood, they might be expensive. However, that isn’t the truth. It is like a golden egg that appears expensive, but it falls under 200$.
These speakers have a small size, and they seem to adjust wherever you put them. You just have to keep it in mind that they are more suited to your room. In a living room, the sound-reach decreases. Nevertheless, the highs remain accurate. Compared to R-15M, the cost is high. These speakers, however, are more stylish.
Pros
- Efficient sound quality
- Fine texture
- Highs adjustability
Cons
- Not suitable for larger spaces
- Wires not available
Edifier S1000DB Audiophile Active Bookshelf Speakers
- BLUETOOTH 4.0 aptX connectivity – Stream high quality sound wirelessly with minimal loss
- OPTICAL / COAXIAL and AUX inputs - Attach the professional studio speakers to multiple sources at the same time
- 5.5 INCH MID-RANGE UNIT - Coupled with Digital Sound Processing (DSP) technology to deliver 120 watts RMS quality sound
- REMOTE CONTROL - Switch input sources and control the volume at your figure tips.
- 2 YEAR WARRANTY - Guaranteed high quality and reliability with hassle-free parts and labor warranty for two years in USA and Canada.
- Bluetooth 4.0
- AUX, COAXIAL, and OPTICAL connectivity
- Subwoofer
- Remote control
If you wish to get a premium feel then you should consider purchasing S1000DB. These speakers are perfect when it comes to consoles, PCs, and gaming setups. Compared to the RTI A1, the price is higher, but it has the ability to pull the user in. In the presence of these speakers, you should try sitting a little far from the computer. Otherwise, it might pull you into the virtual world through the sheer audio experience!
The advantage that you gain with these speakers is that they are remotely controlled. You can adjust the volume without having to touch them or leave your couch. Even when you are sitting with your hand on the chips, you can control them through the remote.
Pros
- Can be controlled via remote
- Adjustable according to the size of the room
- Can connect with different media devices
- Affordable rate
- Immersive bass
- Highly reliable
- Universal connectivity
Cons
- Sensitive to irresponsible handling
Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 Bookshelf Speaker
- 11” TALL TOP-OF-THE-LINE-SPEAKER – Features a proprietary 5-1/4" BDSS driver coupled to a 5-1/4" pressure-driven planar low-frequency radiator, & a 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter for DETAILED AUDIO, EXCEPTIONAL SOUND QUALITY & DEEP POWERFUL BASS
- UNIQUE DESIGN FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE - The perpendicular woofer & bass radiator, with an elliptical cabinet reflects Definitive Technology's exemplary design engineering, capable of filling any room with three-dimensional surround sound
- VERSATILE USAGE - Use as standalone speakers in a 2.0 channel system, or in a 2.1 channel system with a powered subwoofer, or as satellite surround speakers in your existing home theater setup
- CREATE A FULL PROCINEMA 1000 SYSTEM FOR A THRILLING & IMMERSIVE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE – With a ProCenter 1000 center channel, a ProSub 1000 Subwoofer and 4-8 ProMonitor 800 speakers, you can build an unbeatable home theater in your living room or bedroom
- MULTIPLE PLACEMENT OPTIONS – The included pedestal foot helps you safely place the speaker on a shelf or a ProStand (sold separately). For wall/ceiling mounting, use the rear-panel keyhole slot or a 1/4"-20 threaded insert on the back of the speaker
- Easy to place
- Immense dynamic range
- Highly warm
- High definition clarity
- Full-range
If you are one of the customers unable to tolerate any imperfection, you should purchase this speaker. However, you will have to buy another one to make it a pair. You can purchase a single speaker if you think that it will be enough to make you sway. This speaker can easily fit your bookshelf or your wall. For building music systems, you should make a pair.
You should not underestimate the stylish design or the affordability because the output is breathtaking. Even when you are hearing at a low volume, you will get it clearly. Additionally, it is very easy to utilize. If you are thinking about purchasing a pair, you should consider the rates and be amazed. After all, they will offer competent prices compared to the others in this list.
Pros
- Precise dimensional range
- Musical linearity
- Highly affordable
- No constraints to the adjustability
Cons
- Two speakers are needed for music systems
- Made for a small room
Edifier S2000pro Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
- USES HIGH-END AUDIOPHILE COMPONENTS - Built with flat diaphragm tweeters and 5.5 inch woofers, the S2000pro represents the top of the line powered speakers for home or studio use
- BLUETOOTH WIRELESS - Bluetooth 4.0 support with aptX decoder makes playing high fidelity audio from your mobile devices at ease.
- OPTICAL/COAXIAL INPUTS - Connect S2000pro via toslink or spdif connection for lossless digital audio streaming. AUX inputs via dual RCA or dual XLR ports at the back.
- INCLUDES REMOTE - A large remote control with clearly labeled buttons is included for convenience.
- 2 YEAR WARRANTY IN USA AND CANADA - S2000pro is proudly designed and manufactured by Edifier. The entire system is back with a 2 year warranty.
- Coaxial and optical inputs
- Bluetooth wireless
- Audiophile components
- Includes remote
- Flat diaphragm
- Control knobs
- Affordable
Do you have a thing for a cinematic experience in your living room? These speakers can change it into the theater and take you into the world of sounds. The style is traditional, but the quality is modern. You might think that the style is too old, but it only seems to blend in with the past times more. S2000pro offers you the benefit of intense frequencies along with a quick response rate.
In order to produce quality and clear sound, aluminum is used for making woofers. Other than offering a shiny look, it optimizes sound caliber. You don’t have to limit yourself when it comes to using wires. After all, these speakers allow you to use not only coaxial but optical connections as well. Moreover, you can switch from watching movies to playing games through EQ settings.
Pros
- High sound quality
- Suitable for both bookshelf and walls
- Optimum build caliber
- Clear sound
- Controlled bass and treble
Cons
- Require sufficient setting space
Definitive Technology SM45 Bookshelf Speaker
- Pure aluminum dome
- Definitive Technology
- Comfortable speaker
Are you more conscious about your budget? SM45 can offer you an immersive sound environment at a cheap cost. The tweeters are built in such a way that sound becomes clear as it reaches the far end of the room. Its reach extends to the rear as well. Additionally, its compact size allows it to be adjusted in almost every place.
This speaker is a mix of style, quality, and affordability. There are some users who wish to enjoy every other aspect of the speaker. Well, this speaker provides you with such experience. To create a system, you will have to purchase another speaker, though.
Pros
- Rich sound
- Highly affordable price
- Covers the whole room
Cons
- A single speaker
- The absence of a subwoofer
- Is able to cover a small room
Q Acoustics 3020 Bookshelf Speakers
- The medium sized 3020 bookshelf speakers benefit from the advanced, low distortion, wide dispersion Concentric Ring Dome tweeter; uprated crossover and improved low resonance cabinet
- A large 5 inch drive unit with Aramid fiber/paper cone material, more commonly known as Kevlar, delivers an extended big bass response with fast dynamics a wonderfully open and realistic mid-range sound
- The cabinet is made of 15mm MDF panels but with a double-layer 30mm top plate and similarly layered 24mm front baffle. This structure is then braced in specific places to control resonances
- Low distortion
- Wide dispersion
- Optimum low-resonance cabinet
- Big bass response
- 3d sound
If you are looking for a perfect fit for your room, 3020 speakers have the capability of fitting in. These speakers are renowned for offering detailed sounds. Additionally, once you use them, you find yourself sitting in an efficient 3d space of sounds. There is a bass cone available to offer a deep passage to the music. 3020 speakers are easy to use and produce better realism. These are definitely the ones that you should try out.
3020, compared to all other speakers in this list, offers the best price range. They offer not only quality but cheapness in price as well.
Pros
- High build quality
- Deep sound
- Crafted finely
- Affordable price
- Sufficient bass
Cons
- Suitable for smaller rooms
- Small reach
So, these are some of the best bookshelf speakers under 500 dollars. You don’t have to wait for much to experience the immersive reality that speakers create. However, you should make sure that you are purchasing the right pair. Don’t you know how to?
Don’t worry; you should read the following guide before purchasing:
Buying guide
Bookshelf speakers have become a common necessity. Just imagine, you need them when you are using the computer, wiping the window, and even while cooking. You can just play the track that you like and let your surroundings be cozier. Purchasing the right pair, however, is an issue.
There are numerous types of bookshelf speakers on the market. It is like purchasing a ball from others of the same color. If you are facing the same confusion, here are some tips.
How do you intend to use them?
You can say that different types are suitable for different tasks. Just consider surround sound systems, soundbars, and Hi-Fi systems. Thus it is important to know just how you will be using the speakers. There are some questions that you should ask. Do you wish to buy them for listening to casual music? Or do you need them for the study room? The design of bookshelf speakers is suitable for offering a casual yet fine audio experience. If you are serious about an intensive experience, you should consider the surrounding system. Additionally, you can use standing speakers for a better journey! Knowing the stop of your journey is always better.
Peer a little on your room furnishings and space
You must know that bookshelf speakers are made to be adjusted on a raised place such as a high table or bookshelf. Customers mostly purchase speakers without knowing the right position. Sure it doesn’t change the sound, but it alters how the sound embraces you. It affects the sound quality as well. That is why you should definitely check out your room space before purchasing speakers. If you do so, you will be able to get the right pair just for your room.
If your room seems to fit only you in it, you can definitely consider bookshelf speakers. And if it is big enough to accommodate 3 to 4 people, you should purchase bigger speakers.
Keep your budget in mind
Your budget is definitely the lifeline of your decisions. Whether you prefer a home theater system or bookshelf speakers, it is important that you know about your budget. It wouldn’t be wise to order a product without money in your pocket.
The range of bookshelf speakers concerns both mid-range and high-end with convenient and affordable options. Due to it, you get performance, sound quality, and great value.
The joy of experiencing fine sound at an affordable price is twice as compared to buying a costlier one. That is why you should know which pair of speakers seems to pipe you up. Find the speakers that fall under your budget and offer efficient quality as well.
Confirm the specifications
When you are purchasing, you should consider technical aspects, style, design, and size. For better compatibility, it is important to check these aspects. The size matters because you are purchasing the speakers for a room, aren’t you? The same thing goes for other aspects as well.
Speaker testing
Even though the brand has put some serious efforts into designing the product, sometimes a few errors arise. Mistakes are highly unlikely, but you should clear the odds. Make sure that you test speakers for a while before really purchasing them. If you cannot test them, you still have a door open. There are reviews available that you can read and understand a little about the product.