10 Best Bookshelf Speakers Under 200

Publish date: 2024-05-04

For bookshelf speakers which do not cost more than $200, you might be expecting something that isn’t up to par but there are actually great speakers for that amount that would serve whatever purpose you may want.

You could get a Prosonic BT30 Active Powered Bluetooth which costs about $93.68, way less than $200, and still get an amazing sound from your speaker. There is also an Elac BS243.4 –SB Carina which costs almost $1000.

Yet there is the option of an Edifier R1280DBs which costs about $159 – under $200 and would give you the best power and clear bass.

Table of Contents

How we Made Our Pick

Of numerous bookshelf speakers, getting the best that is below $200 was very tricky. This is because there are quite a lot of bookshelf speakers for that price range but very few of them serve the purpose.

From thorough scrutiny and research on the specifications of this selection, we have brought out a list of those that have served numerous purposes for people. These ones outlined are one of the few best speakers for enclosed spaces (and even outdoor functions) that would give you maximum sound quality.

Here’s How to Know a Great Bookshelf Speaker for Less than $200

On a quest to get speakers that would fit your small space, affordability shouldn’t be the only paramount thing to you. Knowing the exact reason and need for the speaker is great for knowing what type of speaker to get.

There are many important things to look out for, including the capacities, these speakers come in and their functionalities.

One such thing to consider is the sound produced. Make sure it resonates with what appeals to you and would not be easily distorted. The bass and clarity of the sound are what most people have considered when picking a bookshelf speaker.

It is also important to know the speaker types as there are actually some speakers (brands) known to give better sounds than others. Also, keep in mind the space you plan on using the speaker and also have the right, matching components.

Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $200

1. Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker 

For bookshelf speakers, the Sony SSCS5 has received so much hype for the right reasons. This piece is one that is almost a steal for the price it goes because naturally, speakers under $500 will always struggle in many areas that this under $200 piece still manages to make things happen.

This is not to suggest that they have no faults, but they manage to get the job done, keeping in mind that you are not breaking the bank to get them. The sound quality is good and the bass is not there, but it will not cause an earthquake, especially at maximum volume.

On the bright side, it is kitted with Monitor Isolation Pads. This technology is in place to reduce the vibrations from the speakers.

Features

Pros

Cons

Verdict

This speaker is great for fans of loud music as the 3-way speakers offer premium loud sounds which unless you stretch too much, doesn’t distort.

Check on Amazon

2. Edifier R1280DBS Active

The Edifier R1280DBS Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speaker is a 2.0 wireless Studio monitor speaker. It has a monitor, subwoofer, and coaxial and with all these unique additions, the speaker costs way under $200.

One of the best things you will come to realize with this piece is that it has a wooden enclosure that also prevents resonance. What is more, it comes with 5.0 Bluetooth which means you can easily connect with your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Lastly, it is beautiful and designed to last a long time.

Features

Pros

Cons

Verdict

When looking for a multi-purpose speaker, this one suits you perfectly as you can connect other electronic devices to it.

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3. Klipsch R-15M

This Klipsch speaker is a bookshelf outdoor speaker that gives quality sound despite its small size. This wired speaker gives versatility and power in the same package. With 94db sensitivity at 2.83 volts per minute, you can be sure to get value for a such small fee.

Features

Pro

Cons

Verdict

This speaker has gotten good reviews over the years and has served its purpose for people who have used them. It is easier to use as Dolby speakers or paired with other speakers from this brand. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a great speaker with a loud sound, you’ve got one of the best that also costs not much.

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4. Saiyin Bookshelf Speaker

The Saiyin bookshelf speaker is one of the few speakers within the $100 to $200 with a microphone input. This special feature makes it very unique from other speakers on this list. However, there are quite a few more features found on this speaker that would wow you.

Features

Pros

Cons

Verdict

From the given features, this speaker speaks more to people who want clear and smooth sound but with deeper bass. It is also perfect for family fun time including karaoke.

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5. Yamaha NS – 6490 3-WAY

This brand has a reputation for creating appliances that produce quality audio. This particular bookshelf speaker doesn’t fall short of the already set standard as it offers great sound clarity as well as frequency response. It also serves as a home theatre set up with a magnetic shield.

Features

Pros

Cons

Verdict

This speaker, like most Yamaha speakers, is great. The older models of the Yamaha speakers still serve their owners and this won’t be any different. A plus is, you can use this speaker wherever you may be and it would give you a filling sound, nonetheless.

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6. Cerwin-Vega Home Audio XLS

This subwoofer bookshelf speaker is a video shielding center channel speaker from the Cerwin-Vega brand. Despite its amazing sounds, it has been underrated partly because the brand isn’t well known. However, the specs of this speaker will definitely blow your mind.

Features

Pros

Cons

Verdict

This bookshelf speaker has been given a thumbs-up by a couple of users and does indeed pass for a great speaker. It may not look so good in appearance and does not come as a pair but if your main need is a good sound without wall-connection power, you have it here.

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7. Edifier R1700BT

This speaker is a Bluetooth bookshelf speaker that produces a magnificent bass sound. Thanks to its bass reflex port, the sound is clear and punchy. You know that grating metallic sound that often accompanies cheap speakers, this one does not have it.

Features

Pros

Cons

Verdict

If you are looking for a dual-purpose speaker, this one fits the bill almost perfectly. You can connect other devices to this speaker as it has a back panel that enables AUX/RCA connection. It is flexible and its audio quality is superb.

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8. Pyle Bookshelf Speaker

Asides from the fact that this speaker looks really good with its wooden finish, it also has great specifications that make it worth more than the price. It gives off very clean sounds and has great MAX power.

Features

Pros

Cons

Verdict

This shelf speaker is very portable and will give a good sound. Ultimately, it is affordable and won’t cause a dent in your finances. For its unbelievable cost, it serves a perfect cause no matter where it is placed in the room.

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9. BIC America DV62si

Highly underrated, the BIC America DV 62si has a great bass sound which is surprising for its price.

Features

Pros

Cons

Verdict

This BIC America shelf speaker is quite affordable and gives a different feel from others within its range. It also looks good with its black laminate finish and would offer both aesthetic and a good enough sound.

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10. Fluance Elite High Definition 2-Way

This speaker is a bit bigger than others for its price range but offers amazing sound performance. It is also a modern-looking speaker with an air channel behind it, allowing the sound to bounce through walls and fill the room.

Features

Pros

Cons

Verdict

For the cost of this speaker, it would wow you what sound it can produce. It is easy to love by those who are fascinated by good–looking speakers that perform well too. It has a modern spec and sleek veneer.

Check on Amazon

The Best Ways to Care for and Maintain your Bluetooth Speakers

For bookshelf speakers and speakers in general, there are a few ways to maintain them. Some of these ways are;

1. Dusting and Cleaning

There are a handful of ways to dust and clean your bookshelf speakers and these include removing the grill (for those who have grills), dusting with a dust pad, dry cloths, or vacuum cleaners.

You can also choose to wipe with a clean microfiber cloth run under water. When you do this, also dry the speakers with dry micro-fiber clothes.

Also, blow out the dust that may be stuck in certain corners of the speaker.

Above all, regularly ensure that your bookshelf speaker and even the bookshelf it is placed on, are clean and dust-free.

READ ALSO:10 Best Bluetooth Speakers from $100 to $200- Great Performance (Review)

2. Avoid Exposure to Heat

Heating agents like the sun can be detrimental to the longevity of your speakers. When these speakers are exposed to sunlight, they could overheat and cause damage to certain components and in the end, ruin the sound produced by the speaker.

Therefore, it is advisable to avoid overexposure to the sun. There may be times when you would have outdoor functions and so need your speakers out of the room, in such moments, endeavor to keep a shade over the speakers.

Also, do not keep your bookshelf speakers close to fires, heaters, or vents. Ultimately, keep your bookshelf speakers away from any heating agent.

3. Invest in Anti-static Surfaces

Anti-static surfaces such as anti-static floor mats and non-metallic/magnetic surfaces are great for speakers. This is because they reduce the static electricity that would build up in your speakers if they are placed on surfaces like carpets.

It is important to avoid whatever would cause your system to burn out. If you stay in a very dry area, it is best to get a humidifier which also helps to lessen the build-up of static electricity.

4. Ensure there’s Enough Air in the Surrounding

Just like keeping the speakers away from heat, make sure their surroundings are well-ventilated and air flows freely.

All speakers need enough airflow in order to ensure they are kept relatively cool whenever they are powered on.

Easy ways to get this done are by keeping a fan blowing it or just placing the speakers far from tight corners or the wall.

Bookshelf speakers are even better placed on stands where adequate air can get to them.

5. Control the Power Getting to your Speakers

One important care for your speaker is to regulate the amount of power it gets. Irrespective of the type of speaker (active or passive), it is important to control how much power has access to it.

Regularly unplug speakers from sockets and power stations when not in use, to avoid damage in case of a power surge.

You can also invest in surge protector strips if unplugging and plugging your bookshelf speakers would be too tasking.

6. Avoid Leaving the Speakers Damp and Cold

While heat is detrimental, dampness and cold can also cause damage to your bookshelf speaker. In low temperatures, condensation builds within the speaker terminals and may cause a short circuit damaging the speakers.

However, it is easy to avoid damaging your speakers through dampness and condensation if only you leave the speaker unplugged and off.

Our Top 3 Affordable Bookshelf Speakers

Based on Affordability – Edifier R1700BT is the most affordable on the list and would also serve your needs.

Editor’s Choice – Personally, the Yamaha NS-6490 3-way bookshelf speaker is very appealing, and as regards its sound clarity and delivery, it is top-notch.

Overall Best – Consumers and lovers of speakers have, over time, been mostly drawn to the Sony SSCS5- 3way 3-driver bookshelf speaker. This may be because of its punchy bass sound or the other features it comes with.

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