Speakers come in all shapes in sizes, and most are designed with a specific purpose in mind. Do you want speakers for your television, a speaker for a specific room or something a little more portable to take on trips? The different kinds include bookshelf speakers, computer speakersoutdoor speakers, small Bluetooth speakers, smart speakers with Amazon Alexa and full home theater systems. We’ve rounded up the best speakers out there right now — you can take your audio setup to the next level without stressing over the options.
We’ve highlighted speakers that cost between $50 and around $1,000, including budget TV upgrades such as the Vizio V21. While most of the included systems are powered, you’ll also find passive loudspeakers, such as the Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2that just need to be paired with a great AV receiver.
Each product highlighted has great sound and can be considered the best speaker in its particular category. We’ll update this list periodically as we review new products.
Read more: Best Soundbar for 2022
With great sound, a compact size and the option of either Google Assistant or Alexa, the Sonos One reaffirms its place as the best smart speaker for the money and packs a lot of punch for a little speaker.
Read our Sonos One review.
You’re receiving price alerts for Sonos One (Gen 2, Black)
Sarah Tew/CNET
Elac has been belting out classic, affordable designs ever since its, er, debut in 2015. The Debut 2.0 exemplifies the brand’s appeal to both the budget-conscious and audiophiles. It offers a lively, insightful sound and attractive looks for around $400.
You’re receiving price alerts for ELAC Debut 2.0 Bookshelf Speakers (Black Ash)
Ty Pendlebury/CNET
Want the biggest sound? You’ll need big speakers. The size of the Fluance XL8 towers, and their fit and finish, is unmatched by other speakers at its price. The sound of the XL8F is open and thrilling, but never shrill, and when fed a movie soundtrack these speakers simply zing. They’re no slouch with music either. If you truly want the maximum speaker for your money, the huge Fluance XL8F has no equal.
Read our Fluance XL8F review.
You’re receiving price alerts for Fluance XL8F (Walnut)
David Carnoy/CNET
Budget Bluetooth speakers are apparently a dime a dozen, but among the countless options there do lie some gems. The $50 Tribit Stormbox Micro is a compact, portable speaker that offers both waterproofing and excellent bass for its size.
Read our Tribit StormBox Micro review.
You’re receiving price alerts for Tribit StormBox Micro
The $130 Roku Streambar is a hybrid soundbar-4K video streamer and the most welcome surprise is that it’s able to perform both tasks well. Pair it with a bedroom TV and the optional Onn Wireless Sub for a killer home theater setup.
Read our Roku Streambar review.
You’re receiving price alerts for Roku Streambar
Amazon
The Edifier R1280DB offers almost everything you could want in a PC speaker — excellent sound, a range of connections including Bluetooth and a compact footprint — and all for a reasonable $150. It doesn’t offer USB, though, so connect the headphone/line out of your PC to it instead.
You’re receiving price alerts for Edifier R1280DB
Sarah Tew/CNET
The Yamaha YAS-209 is one of the most fully featured soundbars the company has ever offered — especially at the price. With Alexa, HDMI connectivity and a wireless subwoofer, this soundbar doesn’t want for anything. The sound quality is great too.
Read our Yamaha YAS-209 review.
You’re receiving price alerts for Yamaha YAS-209
Ty Pendlebury/CNET
The Vizio Elevate may have one big gimmick at the core of it, that revolving height speaker, but it also offers sound quality to back up the gee-whizzery. This is a 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos soundbar, with a hefty subwoofer, and its performance is equally thrilling in both movies and music. Add in a bunch of streaming features and you have the best surround system under a grand.
Read our Vizio Elevate P514A-H6 review.
You’re receiving price alerts for Vizio Elevate P514A-H6