Bookshelf speakers are a great way to improve the sound in your home without spending a lot of money. Thanks to their size and versatility, they can be used in a variety of different settings and provide a wide range of sound quality.
With $150, you might not be able to get the top-of-the-line, luxury-construed speakers on the market, but you can still get a great pair of speakers that will provide clean and clear sound.
A good example is my personal favorite, the Polk Audio T15 and Dayton Audio mk402x bookshelf speakers. These speakers are phenomenal and available for around 150 and 79 dollars.
Check our detailed review and comparison of all the best bookshelf speakers for under $150. You can’t go wrong with any of the options on this list! So whether you’re looking for the best bookshelf speakers for under $150, $100, or the best bookshelf speakers for under $200, we’ve got you covered.
Top 5 Bookshelf Speakers Under $150
1. Polk Audio T15 – (Best Bookshelf Speaker Under $100)
Polk Audio T15 100-watt bookshelf speaker is the most cost-effective speaker in this price range, and it comes from the most trusted brand. The wood-grain texture and half-inch MDF with the vinyl coating looks super appealing.
The magnetic shielding effect prevents signal interference between nearby devices and cables. Polk Audio T15 100-watt bookshelf speaker features screw slots for wall mounting. The adhesive rubber pads help in supporting the speakers at the bottom.
The 5.25 inches balanced Dynamic driver with the 0.75 inches tweeter delivers well-balanced natural striking surround sound. The bass response is also pretty decent. The sound quality remains distortion-free even at the loudest setting.
Though the Polk Audio T15 100-watt bookshelf speaker lacks a subwoofer, the dynamic range is still unbeatable at low ends. The frequency response rate is 60-2400Hz with 98dB sensitivity and 8 ohms impedance. Since Polk Audio T15 is a passive speaker, the best way to get the most out of the speaker is with a home theater.
The overall weight of the speaker is only 8.25 pounds with a 7.3 x 6.5 x 10.7 inches dimension. This lightweight and compact speaker won’t drain your energy while moving it. In short, the Polk Audio T15 is the best portable bookshelf speaker in the $100 price range.
Not only in this price range, but even you can also compare with some of the expensive options out there. You can get an idea of its popularity and quality from the Customer response and rating.
Over 9,928 people rate this speaker, and its rating is 4.7 out of 5.0, which is incredible.
2. Klipsch Synergy Black Label B-200
Just like Polk, Klipsch is another popular and one of the best in manufacturing speakers. And with Klipsch Synergy B-200, you’ll not be disappointed at all. At $139, the speaker is absolutely amazing.
Klipsch Label B-200 bookshelf speaker features Tractrix Horn technology that delivers precise and effortless sound with a 90 x 90 dispersion pattern. It also allows you to install the speakers anywhere you want.
The 75-inches aluminum diaphragm compression tweeter ensures you do not miss out on any beat. This tweeter produces precise frequencies. The Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) takes care of the minimal distortion, while the IGM 5.25 inches woofer delivers a tight bass response.
The tight copper accents on the front deliver a deep bass response. The graphite molded woofers and spun copper are injected for a wide soundstage.
The copper accents on the front complement the looks and make your interior stand out. Connect the Klipsch Label B-200 bookshelf speaker with an amplifier or AV receiver to maximize the audio signals.
Even if you are running out of space, the Klipsch Label B-200 bookshelf speaker won’t make things harder for you. The overall dimension of the speaker is 8 x 7 x 12.5 inches with 22.9 pounds weight. You can also mount the speakers on the wall, as they come with mounting screws. Or, use a stand to locate the speakers wherever you want.
Overall, Klipsch has done an amazing job, just like with other speakers. The Klipsch Synergy b200 delivers a nice clear crystal sound with decent bass. And personally, I’m blown by the sound quality.
3. Edifier R1280DB
If you are looking for a wireless bookshelf speaker recommendation, there are good chances you came across Edifier R1280DB and R1280T. Yes, they are very popular, and for good reasons.
Edifier R1280DB is a wireless bookshelf speaker with Bluetooth connectivity. This affordable speaker delivers a satisfying sound output with its compact body. Edifier R1280DB delivers a more responsive frequency response than the R1280T. The more comprehensive frequency response makes the audio quality natural, clear, and more detailed.
This speaker has 2 x AUX inputs with a 3.5mm headphone port. Moreover, the remote control also comes in the box. A unique constructed bass port is present that upsurges the bass response along with the 4-inches bass driver. The wood grain texture on the exterior looks breathtaking while sitting on the shelf.
The 13mm silk dome tweeter never gives a chance to drop the sound quality. This silk dome tweeter filters the sound waves and maintains the frequency response.
The side control panel has user-friendly for easy navigation. Besides, a remote controller comes in the box, allowing you to control the sound simply by sitting on the couch. MDF board takes care of the durability with the vinyl finish. Besides the wireless Bluetooth connectivity option, you have five inputs. Switch ON the Bluetooth mode with the button present on the side panel and connect your devices to stream music. The connectivity range is up to 100 ft.
The overall weight of the speaker is 10.56 pounds with a 7.7 x 5.7 x 9.2 inches dimension. You can carry the speaker wherever you want and enjoy effortless music streaming.
Overall the Edifier R1280db is remarkable speaker, delivers excellent sound quality and the knobs let you adjust the bass and treble as you like which is quite handy I believe. Overall Edifier R1280db is worth getting and one of the best in the price range of $150.
4. Jamo S 803
Jamo S 803 bookshelf speaker is the picture-perfect example of beauty with a brain. These passive speakers come in a pair for under $150(Right now available for $139). The tight copper accents deliver a deep bass response without disturbing the notes.
Jamo bookshelf speaker features 1-inch soft-dome tweeter with a 5-inches aluminum poly fiber woofer. The tweeter filters the low frequencies for crystal-clear sound output. The bass slot delivers a tight bass response. Overall, the impedance rating is 8 ohms, which avoids using an amplifier. The attached magnetic grill prevents signal interruption and keeps the sound quality classy.
These rich bass speakers are effortless to use. Jamo S 803 bookshelf speaker can cover all. From small to large rooms. The WaveGuide acoustic technology is second to none. This technology guides the sound waves to their destinations without bouncing back to the speaker.
Jamo S 803 bookshelf speakers are idyllic for small rooms. You won’t feel the sound waves shaking the walls badly and stopping your heartbeats. The minimum power consumption this speaker pair consumes is 80 watts. Use a receiver/ amplifier while connecting the speakers to a PC or laptop.
The speaker’s weight is 25.15 pounds with 9 x 6 x 13 inches overall dimension. This compact body Jamo S 803 can effortlessly fit in small spaces without consuming much space.
5. Dayton Audio MK402X
Can anything be more impressive than getting a high-quality speaker pair for under $150? We have Dayton Audio MK402X bookshelf speakers for you. For the price tag of $150, the Dayton Audio MK402X bookshelf speaker is hard to beat option.
Dayton Audio MK402X bookshelf speakers feature a 4 inches paper-treated woofer that extends the low frequency up to 60Hz, without disturbing the vocal range. Along with this, the ¾ inches tweeter conveys detailed instrumental vocals, simply what you need.
The short signal pathway prevents signal interruption and maintains sound quality. Besides, the exquisite design does not look bad sitting on the bookshelf. The transparent black texture vinyl finish is idyllic to catch your attention with dustproof housing.
Dayton Audio MK402X bookshelf speakers are ideal for small rooms. The speakers have a 4 ohms impedance with 84dB sensitivity. You can effortlessly connect the amplifier with the speakers- all thanks to the 4 ohms impedance.
The installation of the Dayton Audio MK402X bookshelf speakers is non-tech-savvy. You won’t hustle around whether you are a beginner or an expert. The bass range is extended but not up to the mark. The overall weight of one piece is 10.3 pounds with a 16.5 x 10.6 x 7.6 inches dimension.
Overall Dayton MK402x is an excellent high quality and high performance speaker that you can avail under $150. You may not found much about Dyton in retail store but it is few of the brands who are very well known in DIY markets.
Buying Guide: Things to Consider While Buying the Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $150
When looking for bookshelf speakers under $150, you need to consider various aspects. It would be best if you didn’t overlook any of the factors while buying the speakers.
Let’s check out what factors you need to consider.
1) Size
The size of the bookshelf speaker is one of the essential factors to consider. It will determine how much space it will occupy and where you can place it. If you want a speaker that you can place on your desk, you will need to get a smaller speaker.
However, if you have a big room, you will need to get a bigger speaker. Do not confuse the size of the speaker with sound quality. The bigger the speaker is, the louder it will be. How it sounds is a different story.
So based on your room and your needs, choose the size of the speaker.
2) Sound Quality
A purpose of a dedicated speaker is to extend the sound quality. So there should be no comprise on sound quality. The market is full of bookshelf speakers that offer great sound quality. But the question is, how do you determine which one is the best?
Start with understanding the driver. The driver is responsible for producing sound. Some bookshelf speakers might have one or two drivers, and some might have three drivers, each handling specific frequency ranges(low/bass, mids, and High/Treble).
Then, look at the crossover frequency. This is the point where the low, medium and high frequencies meet and are blended. Other important numbers/specs that helps, includes speaker frequency response, sensitivity, and impedance.
For some people, especially beginners, these might sound a little confusing, and for them, I would highly suggest reading reviews online from other users to see what they think about the sound quality.
3) Power Handling
Power handling is another factor you must consider while buying the best bookshelf speakers for under $150. Make sure that the speaker can handle the power that you are going to give it. In simple terms, power handling is the maximum amount of power that a speaker can handle without being damaged.
It would be best if you always went for a speaker that can handle more power than what you are going to give it. That way, you will not have to worry about damaging the speaker.
4) Connectivity
Before going with a certain speaker, decide what connectivity options you need. You have two options Wired and Wireless.
This is on you which connectivity option you choose. If you don’t want handling cables, go with a wireless speaker, or if you want better sound quality and don’t mind the cables, then go with a wired speaker.
The Bluetooth speaker also features a 3.5mm cable, so you can use it as a wired speaker when needed.
5) Design & Build Quality
If you think you might have to compromise on build quality or design as you set the budget to $150, then you are wrong. In this budget, you can find well-designed speakers with the decent build quality. There are various designs available, so you can choose the one that goes with your room’s interior.
Some bookshelf speakers come with a cloth grille, and some come with a metal grille. It is entirely up to you which one you want. Make sure the build quality is good enough so that you don’t have to replace it anytime soon.
6) Additional features
In the additional feature, you can decide on things like, Do you want a remote control with the speaker? Do you want a speaker that can be controlled via an app? Etc.
Conclusion
Nowadays, you have unlimited options for choosing the best bookshelf speakers. The market is full of great options, and it might get overwhelming for you to choose the right one.
In order to make your decision set some criteria and start looking for the speaker that meets all of your needs. As for as the budget of $150 is concerned, you won’t be disappointed with any of the speakers that we have mentioned in this guide.