When it comes to playing music at home, bookshelf speakers are to your amplifier what wheels are to a sports car; where the rubber meets the road.

The performance of your entire hi-fi system can rest on finding complimentary equipment, and with so many incredible choices on the market, it’s easy to feel the pressure when it comes time to decide.

That’s where we can lend a hand.

Our showroom is a treasure trove for top-quality home audio. We’re fortunate enough to demo some of the best products on the market and mix and match different equipment combinations. In this article, we’ll examine 13 of the best bookshelf speakers currently available, spanning budget hi-fi to high-end models, with choices from mantlepiece to centrepiece in size and scale.

We’ll also give you some pointers on how to choose your speakers and finish by answering some frequently asked questions. Our hope is that, by reading this article, you’ll feel more confident when selecting your new home audio speakers.

2. Monitor Audio Studio 89 Bookshelf Speakers

Best bookshelf speakers for precise control and pristine performance

Specifications:

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 157 x 361 x 340mm
• High-frequency driver: 1 x MPD III Tweeter
• Low-frequency driver: 2 x 4 1/4” (108 mm) RDT III Bass-mid Drivers
• Frequency Response, Free-Field (-6dB):
• Frequency Response, In-Room (-6dB):  53 – 60 kHz
• Nominal impedance: 6 ohms
• Sensitivity: (2.83V @ 1m, Free-Field) 86 dB
• Recommended amplifier: 50 – 300 W

Pros:

• The result of decades of innovation and development
• Detailed sound courtesy of ‘point-source’ driver array
• Versatile placement options

Cons:

• Requires sturdy support

The Monitor Audio Studio 89 Bookshelf Speakers are a fantastic example of refined audio engineering. They deliver precise, clear sound across all frequencies courtesy of the ‘point-source’ driver array, which integrates twin 4.25-inch RDT III mid-bass drivers with a high-performance MPD III transducer. This combination ensures a balanced, detailed sound with excellent depth.

Housed in a robust cabinet featuring HiVe II slot-porting, the Studio 89s are built to last, with the innovative design reducing unwanted air turbulence and enhancing sound clarity. The crossover is meticulously crafted to maintain the purity of sound, minimising distortion and preserving the integrity of your audio.

Despite their compact size, these speakers pack a punch, offering a powerful sound that belies their dimensions. They’re also versatile in terms of placement – whether on stands, a sturdy shelf, or close to a wall, the Studio 89s can fit pretty much anywhere.

3. Q Acoustics Q 3020c Bookshelf Speakers

Best budget bookshelf speakers for stereo hi-fi

Specifications:

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 175 x 281 x 279mm
• Frequency response: 60 Hz – 30 kHz
• Nominal impedance: 6 ohms
• Sensitivity: (1m, 2.83Vrms @ 1kHz) 87.0 dB
• Recommended amplifier: 25 – 90 W

Pros:

• Balances compact home audio with a larger cabinet
• Well-defined bass and treble, which gives excellent detail at their price
• Solid cabinet design, with bevelled edges and P2P bracing to reduce resonance

Cons:

• Larger cabinet dimensions, especially depth, can make placement harder

The Q Acoustics Q 3020c Bookshelf Speakers are more affordable than the Monitor Audio Studio 89s, but they provide a powerful, defined sound that you’d expect in speakers at higher price range.  

The deep cabinet naturally gives the sound a bit more oomph, although you’ll need to factor in the extra size when making space for the speakers.

As well as the deep cabinet, the 3020c speakers deliver a great bass response and crossover with high frequencies thanks to the C3 (Continuous Curved Cone) technology. The curved design ensures that sound is dispersed well and the bass dynamics are deep and controlled. Hermetically sealed tweeters then prevent interference from the mid/bass drivers, guaranteeing detailed high-frequency content.

The cabinet has been manufactured with point-to-point bracing, drastically reducing resonance compared to previous iterations of the speaker. Once again, this is a key innovation to improve overall performance without catapulting the 3020c out of its price range.

4. Sonos Era 300 Smart Speaker

Best budget smart speakers

Specifications:

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 260 x 185 x 160mm
• In-built amplifiers: 6 x Class-D digital amplifiers
• High-frequency drivers: 4
• Low-frequency drivers: 2
• Compatibility: Dolby Atmos, WiFi, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.0
• Voice control: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

Pros:

• No need to buy an amplifier or cables
• Operated through the Sonos App and voice control compatible
• Spatial sound with a total of six multidirectional drivers

Cons:

• Very limited physical connectivity options
• Distinctive dipped shape may prove divisive

The Sonos Era 300 is the first smart speaker on our list, coming in at around £450.

Whilst some might ask, “Is this really still budget?”, if you take into account the added costs of an external amplifier, streamer, and cables when opting for a passive speaker, you’ll likely end up with a similar price or even more at checkout. This makes the Sonos Era 300 one of the best bookshelf speakers and a great all-in-one product. It sounds great, and without having to balance your budget between each component, it’s excellent value.

Designed for wireless streaming, this speaker can be controlled entirely from the Sonos App (though it does feature on-board touch controls). You can also connect through AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth 5.0, which makes it easy for guests to connect.

There is a USB-C port, but that’s about it for physical connectivity. If you want to add anything else, you’ll need to pick up an adapter. This makes it less than ideal for conventional hi-fi setups, but fine if you’re looking for a general-use home entertainment speaker.

With six drivers built in, including front, sides, and upward-firing, the Era 300 provides something that no other speaker is capable of alone on this list: Dolby Atmos Music support.

In this way, the Era 300 has incredibly engaging spatial dispersion which is more comparable to TV soundbars (just without the bulk). You could also opt to link the Sonos Era 100 or any number of Sonos soundbars and subwoofers if you wish to expand your system.

5. Q Acoustic 5020 Bookshelf Speakers

Best budget bookshelf speakers for home theatre

Specifications:

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 180 x 293 x 284mm
• High-frequency driver: 1” (25mm) hermetically sealed, floating tweeter
• Low-frequency driver: 5” (125mm) C3 Continuous Curved Cone mid/bass
• Frequency response: (-6dB) 53 Hz – 30 kHz
• Nominal impedance: 6 ohms
• Sensitivity: (2.83V @ 1kHz) 87.9 dB/w/m
• Recommended amplifier: 25 – 100 W

Pros:

• New C3 driver, currently unique to the 5000 series
• Isolated tweeter module resistant to cabinet pressure
• Sturdy construction, featuring P2P, with very low resonance

Cons:

• Perhaps lacking a little punch in favour of dynamic range
• Typical for Q Acoustics, a deep speaker which may make placement tricky

Back again with Q Acoustics, we’ve chosen the Q 5020 Bookshelf Speaker. So, what makes this so different from the Q Acoustics 3020c?

Whilst they do look similar, with the same curved edges and anti-resonance P2P internal bracing, the 5000 range is the stepping stone between the 3020c and Concept 30, borrowing the idea of a hermetically sealed tweeter to achieve cleaner high-frequency performance.

What’s the key distinction of the 5000 series, then?

Q Acoustics’ newly developed Continuous Curved Cone drivers have the capability to achieve remarkable transparency and scale even at lower frequencies. They also deliver a slightly deeper bass, which is a considerable plus when you consider the extra cost.

The C3 design, dropping the dust cap in favour of a continuous surface, can be found throughout the range. Consequently, being in the midst of a full Q 5000 series surround sound system is an utter delight.

Overall though, the Q Acoustics Q 5020 is a good point of entry for those after a budget home audio system with a little extra to spend. You won’t be disappointed by the performance.

6. Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 Bookshelf Speakers

Best bookshelf speakers for mid-level step-up

Specifications:

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 189 x 328 x 344mm
• High-frequency driver: 1” (25mm) titanium dome
• Low-frequency driver: 6.5” (165mm) Continuum cone bass/midrange
• Frequency range: (-6dB) 40Hz – 33kHz
• Frequency response: (+/-3dB) 52Hz – 28kHz
• Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
• Sensitivity: (2.83Vrms @ 1m) 88 dB
• Recommended amplifier: 30W – 120 W

Pros:

• A refinement over previous generations
• The titanium tweeter, rather than aluminium, improves definition
• More accurate imaging thanks to close driver units and better cabinet bracing

Cons:

• Great presence, but could sound a bit more energetic

This is one of the newest speakers on our list, but it’s already making waves. Released in August 2023, the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 may not look drastically dissimilar from its predecessor, the 606 S2, but let’s be real – If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

The look of the 606 is as timeless as it is neat and it’s a perfect fit for just about any environment. The 607 S3 – which, despite the higher number, is the smaller speaker – is the compact alternative if you’re setting up a surround sound system or maybe just need something a bit more low-key than the 606.

Bowers & Wilkins have introduced a new decoupled titanium dome tweeter to the S3. This succeeds the aluminium dome used in previous generations and significantly increases transparency and openness when comparing the two. The tweeter is also situated much closer to the driver, which provides a boost to high overall imaging without drastically increasing cost.

When you consider the amount of trickle-down technology the 600 series has seen over the years, the 606 S3 is a great taste of Bowers & Wilkins, even if it’s just the appetiser. A cracking introduction to the mid-range.

7. Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G Bookshelf Speakers

Best bookshelf speakers for larger rooms

Specifications:

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 230 x 332 x 377mm
• High-frequency driver: 1” (25mm) C-CAM gold dome with UD Waveguide II
• Low-frequency driver: 8” (203mm) C-CAM mid-bass with RST II
• Frequency response: 35 Hz – 35 kHz
• Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
• Sensitivity: (2.83V @ 1m) 87.5dB
• Recommended amplifier: 40 – 120 W

Pros:

• Incredibly good bass for its size
• Can deliver great accuracy even at lower volumes and is easy to power
• Capable higher frequencies, very revealing of detail without brightness

Cons:

• Slightly bulkier cabinet than most speakers at this price
• Great in mid-sized rooms, but may overpower smaller rooms

You can’t really go wrong with Monitor Audio.

Their Bronze range is a hugely popular entry-level choice for first-time audio enthusiasts. However, we’ve decided to highlight the Silver instead. Specifically, the Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G Bookshelf Speakers.

With five finishes to choose from, including gloss and wood veneer in several natural tones, these speakers sit between the smaller Silver 50 and three larger floorstanding models, offering a variety of configuration possibilities.

So, why the Silver 100?

Well, this speaker is a real space-saver. It’s a wider bookshelf speaker for sure, with a depth on par or slightly above others at its level, but it needs these added dimensions to house the eight-inch C-CAM mid/bass RST II driver. Spoiler warning for those who haven’t skipped ahead: this is the biggest driver on our list.

Along with the proprietary HiVe II rear port, the Silver 100 inherently has a bit of extra kick. Monitor Audio themselves have stated that the 100 7G was designed to provide the bass extension usually only present in floorstanding speakers. Again, if you’re looking for something akin to a large stereo system but lack the space, go for this.

You could always add a subwoofer if you want, but that’s not to say it’s all about that bass! The Silver 100 7G is a capable all-rounder, with detailed vocal performance and an excellent level of clarity.

8. KEF LS50 Meta Speakers

Best bookshelf speakers for technical innovation

Specifications:

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 200 x 280.5 x 302mm
• High-frequency driver: 1” (25mm) vented aluminium dome with MAT
• Low-frequency driver: 5.25” (130mm) aluminium cone (Uni-Q Driver Array)
• Frequency range: (-6dB) 47 Hz – 45 kHz
• Frequency response: (+/-3dB) 79 Hz – 28 kHz
• Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
• Sensitivity: (2.83V @ 1m) 85 dB
• Recommended amplifier: 40 – 100 W

Pros:

• 12th gen Uni-Q array exhibits impeccable time alignment and open dispersion
• Sets the bar for transparency and audio realism, with expressive soundstage
• Excellent build quality, with heavy bracing and MAT dampening

Cons:

• Accuracy is favoured over bass and may benefit for subwoofer

Metamaterial Absorption Technology. That’s what defines KEF speakers these days. “MAT” for short. It might be something you’re already familiar with if you’ve had an eye on KEF, joining what could almost be described as a pantheon of signature technology.

The moment you take the KEF LS50 Meta Speakers out of the box, you know you’re holding an audiophile-level speaker. They’re absolutely gorgeous and feel structurally sound, with curved edges and internal bracing tested to reduce distortion. Peering from the centre of the otherwise featureless front panel, the Uni-Q driver array stares at you; an almost cyclopean gaze.

Poetics notwithstanding, at 5.25 inches across, it’s incredible how much power is centred within this relatively small driver array. For those who haven’t encountered it before, Uni-Q integrates a 25mm tweeter in the centre of the mid/bass cone, producing driver alignment and dispersion that is unique to KEF.

This complex design has been refined once more with the introduction of the MAT.

Looking more sci-fi than hi-fi, this maze-like construction of tubes absorbs up to 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. This drastically reduces distortion and allows the driver to move more freely, for much higher transparency. Overall, the KEF LS50 Meta is capable of incredible detail. It’s also available in some pretty striking colourways, with driver finishes that range between golden, copper, and crimson.

9. KEF R3 Meta Bookshelf Speakers

Best compact standmount speakers

Specifications:

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 200 x 336 x 422mm
• High-frequency driver: 1” (25mm) vented aluminium dome with MAT
• Mid-frequency driver: 5” (125mm) aluminium cone (Uni-Q Driver Array)
• Low-frequency driver: 6.5” (165mm) hybrid aluminium cone
• Frequency range: (-6dB) 38 Hz – 50 kHz
• Frequency response: (+/-3dB) 58 Hz – 28kHz
• Nominal impedance: 4 ohms
• Sensitivity: (2.83V @ 1m) 87 dB
• Recommended amplifier: 15 – 180 W

Pros:

• Again, Uni-Q drivers offer wide dispersion, aiming to create a ‘whole room’ sweet spot
• Immersive speakers with a convincing soundstage and level of separation
• Floorstanding levels of bass performance from a compact speaker thanks to a three-way driver array

Cons:

• Eclipses most bookshelf speakers in height, definitely more standmount in scale
• With a lower nominal impedance than the LS50, they’ll be trickier to pair with an amp

Right! Let’s not cover old ground.

For anyone who skipped the KEF LS50 Meta and jumped straight to this speaker: the Uni-Q driver is outstanding, and Meta technology… doubly so.

In all seriousness, the fact that KEF are able to take their established speaker ranges and improve them tenfold by implementing Metamaterial Absorption Technology is a testament to its engineering and execution.

The KEF R3 Meta Bookshelf Speaker is the first three-way speaker on the list.

Thanks to the Uni-Q array, the R3 can comfortably accommodate three dedicated drivers in a relatively compact cabinet. This array includes a 25mm MAT tweeter inside the footprint of the five-inch aluminium cone midrange. With room to spare for a separate 6.5-inch hybrid aluminium cone bass unit, you get a standmount with much closer performance to a floorstanding speaker.

Now that’s a big claim, but if you actually get a chance to listen to the R3 Meta, we think you’ll agree.

Everything has been optimised for better performance and distortion control. Not to mention, allowing the five-inch driver to concentrate solely on the midrange greatly bolsters vocal clarity.

10. DALI Rubicon 2 Bookshelf Speakers

Best bookshelf speakers for high-end step-up

Specifications:

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 195 x 335 x 353mm
• High-frequency driver: 1.1” (29mm) soft textile dome
• Low-frequency driver: 6.5” (165mm) wood fibre cone
• Frequency response: (+/-3 dB) 50 Hz – 26 kHz
• Nominal impedance: 4 ohms
• Sensitivity: (2.83V @ 1m) 87 dB
• Recommended amplifier: 40 – 150 W

Pros:

• Capable of wide dispersion and accurate soundstage presentation
• Rich, responsive, and capable of picking up on greater nuance
• Ultra-low levels of distortion even with weightier bass

Cons:

• The absence of bi-wire compatibility is surprising at this price point
• DALI’s high gloss finishes show fingerprints easily; the only satin alternative is white, which may clash with some environments

What sets the DALI Rubicon 2 apart from its competitors is its agility and, as a result, its capacity for nuance. They really are a music enthusiast’s dream and certainly impressed us.

It’s a gorgeous speaker, mixing nature and high-tech in a way that only DALI can. The iconic dark red cone, part of the low-loss, wood-fibre driver design, provides a unique cosmetic complement to each cabinet finish. Obviously, looks aren’t its main benefit, but it doesn’t hurt.

The Rubicon 2 incorporates DALI’s specialised Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) magnet motor system. This is designed to significantly reduce distortion, more so than iron-based magnet systems, particularly mechanical and modulation-based distortion.

When combined with the 6.5” wood-fibre mid/bass driver, you find yourself with a sound system that is free to breathe, devoid of colouration. The Rubicon 2 also features the ultra-lightweight 29mm soft textile dome tweeter taken from the higher Epicon series.

There is impressive largeness to the sound produced by the DALI Rubicon 2 Bookshelf Speaker, despite its relatively compact size. This makes it a great choice for high-quality, high-energy home audio.

11. Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo Active Bookshelf Speakers

Best high-end smart speakers

Specifications:

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 197 x 305 x 395mm
• In-built amplifiers: 2 x 125W
• High-frequency driver: 1” (25mm) Carbon dome
• Low-frequency driver: 6.5” (165mm) Continuum cone bass/midrange
• Frequency response: 25Hz to 33kHz
• Compatibility: RJ45 Ethernet or WiFi, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, Bluetooth v4.1

Pros:

• Compact system with hi-res capabilities
• Incredibly accurate and responsive performance
• Surprising bass considering the size and sealed design

Cons:

• May not reach full potential for some when compared to passive B&W speakers
• You’ll need to pick up the B&W Formation Audio hub to connect via analogue sources

Showcasing the iconic decoupled tweeter enclosure, the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo Active Smart Speakers represent the signature sophistication of the brand’s high-end speakers.

The Formation Duo merges technology borrowed from surrounding ranges, including the Continuum cone drivers taken from the globally celebrated 800 Series Diamond, the speakers chosen by sound engineers at Abbey Road Recording Studios.

Almost unsurprisingly, the output from this combination is remarkable. However, turning these speakers around might shock some considering the complete lack of… well, anything. What few ports there are have been tucked away, leaving only a sleek sealed cabinet. To be honest, this is great for those who fear the cable spaghetti some hi-fi setups turn into.

At its heart, this is an out-of-the-box stereo set and perfect for ditching physical audio and transitioning to streaming, a downsize without compromising quality. Whilst there are a few onboard controls, most of your interaction with these speakers will be via Bowers & Wilkins’ music app, with support for AirPlay 2, Spotify, and Tidal. They’re also a Roon endpoint.

Granted, the price may be a hurdle for some, but when you consider these speakers include in-built 125W amplifiers and DACs and achieve an extensive frequency response (with surprising low-end considering their size and design), these speakers present you with everything you need for high-end streaming.

12. Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G Bookshelf Speakers

Best bookshelf speakers for high-end home theatre

Specifications:

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 225 x 325.6 x 398mm
• High-frequency driver: MPD III high-frequency transducer
• Low-frequency driver: 6” RDT III mid-bass driver
• Frequency response:
  • Free-Field (-6dB)​ 37 Hz – 60 kHz​
  • In-Room (-6dB) 28 Hz – 60 kHz​
• Nominal impedance: 4 ohms
• Sensitivity: (2.83 Vrms @ 1m, Free-Field)​​ 85 dB
• Recommended amplifier: 75 – 300 W

Pros:

• Wonderfully lively and articulate
• Good for stereo hi-fi but can also be used for high-quality, smaller-scale home cinema
• Exceptional, low-resonance build quality

Cons:

• Tough competition at this price point
• Require significant power for bookshelf speakers

One bookshelf speaker stands out among the rest when you reach this high-end price bracket and that’s the Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G.

This speaker is not just a piece of luxury audio equipment, it’s a testament to innovative engineering, and the sound quality produced by this speaker is nothing short of remarkable. The new MPD III transducer and six-inch RDT III mid/bass driver, taken from the Concept 50, work in unison to deliver an expressively lifelike experience that is both compelling, immersive, and accurate.

That being said, with a price tag of over £4,000, you couldn’t really expect less.

And that’s the main sticking point of the Platinum 100. Its nearest neighbour, the Gold 100, is less than half its price – and price mirrors expectations. So is it worth the jump?

Monitor Audio have a knack for well-crafted speakers. By virtue of its newly developed technology, the Platinum range delivers sound enhancement beyond anything currently or previously achieved, with new drivers, a new crossover, and a new vibration-free cabinet.

They’re more lively and more fun, delivering precision that’s worthy of its level. They can also handle more power and produce higher acoustic performance than previous generations and are designed for longevity.

You won’t get tired of these.

13. Focal Sopra N1 Bookshelf Speakers

Best bookshelf speakers for top-of-the-line home audio

Specifications:

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 279 x 396 x 425mm
• High-frequency driver: 1.06” (27mm) “IHL” Beryllium inverted dome tweeter
• Low-frequency driver: 6.5” (165mm) “W” cone with TMD suspension and NIC magnetic circuit
• Frequency response: (+/- 3dB) 45Hz – 40kHz
• Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
• Sensitivity: (83V @ 1m) 89dB
• Recommended amplifier: 25 – 150W

Pros:

• Reference quality, ultra-low resonance and distortion
• Cutting-edge design – a technological masterclass
• The pinnacle for small to medium-sized listening rooms

Cons:

• Highlights flaws with lower-quality amps and sources; Matching equipment will be an investment
• A high price tag sets high expectations

Here we are with the final pick on our list. A heartfelt thank you to those who’ve read all the way through. If you’ve skipped straight here though, we understand the excitement.

Rounding off the list is a speaker that encapsulates exceptional audio technology: the Focal Sopra N1.

If you get a chance to hear it in person, close your eyes. You can hear the result of extensive design and acoustic fine-tuning.

The Sopra N1 gives off a spatial authenticity that’s startling, with bass and midrange to match. With an ‘IHL’ Beryllium tweeter, ‘NIC’ magnetic circuit, and ‘TMD’ surrounds for the ‘W’ composite sandwich cone midrange woofer, these speaker specifications can be a bit daunting.

Without going into too much detail, though (because that could be an article all on its own), Focal have gone above and beyond to fine-tune the Sopras.

The Infinite Horn Loading (IHL) system, a standout feature, maximises the available space to enhance the very light, very strong Beryllium tweeter. It gradually absorbs and releases unwanted soundwaves, ensuring minimal resistance to colour performance and definition. It also defines the iconic shape of the Sopra speakers.

A fitting way to conclude our best bookshelf speaker, the Focal Sopra N1 encapsulates the result of painstaking speaker fabrication.