Small bookshelf speakers are an amazing solution for the customers who are looking for compact gadgets to fit in the limited space. I have created a list of the best small bookshelf speakers giving you the best audio experience while being universal and affordable.
Compact sound systems are a quick fix giving you a good sound while occupying a very small area. You might have to sacrifice the sound range for the smaller size though. The models represented in my reviews are best of the best delivering an impressive quality while still being light.
Each option is unique, for example, Q Acoustics 3020i has a cool design. Micca PB42X is the lightest option with the smallest weight among all featured models. And Audioengine A2+ comes in different colors and is a hand made model for a humble price.
There are some active and passive speakers options. Every reader can find a model to fit his or her requirements and work with the available gadgets. Making my reviews I had to pay attention to the connectivity, sound quality as well as warranty and customer service quality. All the things that will be relevant for the daily operation are foreseen and described.
Best small bookshelf speakers reviews
Best powered small speakers review
#1 Micca PB42X: Impressive and Balanced
Being a really affordable brand Micca is always a good option for when you want a good durable speaker set to satisfy your whole family’s needs.
PB42X boasts of silk tweeters with 4-inch carbon woofers for a proper low base with smooth treble. It is also the lightest option weighing only 4 pounds making them very easy to ship and to move around the table.
Micca has placed a bet on solid quality sound systems for a humble price and it was a smart choice. Their speakers look simple and the performance is impressive.
Now, this model is very famous and has many loyal fans. Judging from my own experience these are among the best compact bookshelf speakers options. And the company has already sold so many of them that you have most likely seen them at some of your friends’ places.
Pros
- Great value for money, only $100.
- The sound quality is out there no matter what music you listen to. Even an advanced user will enjoy it.
- Very easy to set up and to align. Plus the manual is also very simple, your kids could align it.
Cons
- It is only 12 months warranty for both hardware and service works. Quite disappointing.
- The design is pretty simple and plain. But if you like old-school looks you might be happy with it.
#2 M-Audio AV32: Upgrade your Sound System
This super affordable brand M-Audio new model boasts of great connectivity and amazing quality for a very low price. AV32 is one of the best small bookshelf speakers and not only for me. Much lighter than similar offers from other brands it weighs only 5.5 pounds.
AV32 comes with included Acoustic Traction pads in order to secure the cabinets. This means you get zero vibration and the panels remain inert to acoustics.
The audio system was designed to be universal. Align it with your PC, gaming console, smartphone, DJ mixers and other hardware that you have. You also have a phones input foreseen on the front panel.
AV32 also has a switch for the sound signal sources meaning that you can easily switch from one device to another without having to plug or unplug certain connections. These speakers will work for a sound enthusiast looking for a good durable affordable option.
Pros
- Extremely affordable price around $100.
- Each speaker has a 3-inch woofer so you get pretty decent bass.
- Fiberboard and other interior lining minimize vibrations and distortions. Thus giving you crisper sound.
Cons
- The sound is ok but it is not amazing and I cannot say that I love it. But it would be good for an average user.
- The black plastic design looks pretty basic and cheap. It is a matter of taste of course.
- It is only a 1-year warranty which is not enough comparing to the competitor brands offers.
#3 Audioengine A2+: Small but Can Pack a Punch
For the price of $200, you can get one of the best small bookshelf speakers with fiber subwoofers and with silk tweeters. The Audioengine company boasts of amazing deep bass without using artificial bass amplifiers. A pair of speakers weight only 6.6 pounds making them very easy to ship and to move.
The company places a huge emphasis on the quality thus they are giving their customers a whopping 3 years warranty. Which is quite impressive as other brands do not have it. That is the reason why A2+ has made the cut.
The sound system is super versatile. It is working well with different kinds of gears you can have, starting from gaming consoles, computers and ending up with Siri and Alexa. If you need tweeters for the whole family this might be a good option.
Pros
- Different colored wooden cabinets are available. You get to pick if you want to have the speakers in black, red or white.
- The audio USB connector delivering sound right from your laptop or PC.
- The sound system is hand built giving you a feel of exclusivity even though the model is quite widespread and popular.
Cons
- The left-right balance is a little bit out of tune but if you do not have experienced with audio systems it is hardly noticeable.
- The sound itself is good but the woofers are honestly overrated.
Best passive small speakers review
#1 Q Acoustics 3020i: Great Sound Quality with an Elegant Look
The best small bookshelf speakers reviews list would not be complete without the quality of passive speakers. So if you are looking for a passive stereo system to work with your AV receiver or mixer 3020i is just what you need. The speaker set is very light, only 5.5 kilos.
Q Acoustics boasts of deeper bass and increased volume frequency. The cabinet has been increased making it deeper for better sound features. Of course, the model has certain disadvantages and weaker points but it is a solid improvement from the previous units.
It is a good option if you love jazz. If you are a fan of electronic music or hip hop the bass might be insufficient for you. A small advantage is that the treble is very smooth allowing to balance the lower bass frequencies. Altogether I like that the sound coming out of the 3020i is very natural sounding like a live performance.
Pros
- Amazing design with brown chestnut wooden panels.
- Satisfactory quality sound especially for vocals and higher frequencies.
- Clarity and details are on the next level giving you a pure undistorted sound.
Cons
- The speakers cost around $300 which is more expensive than other items on this list.
- The bass and lower frequencies are ok but not impressive for me. If you love bass you might have to buy an additional woofer.
- Remember to register the product online or you will not get warranty service.
Visit the links below to find more bookshelf speakers: