The right speaker can make a huge difference in how you enjoy audio content. Whether it is your favorite album, a new audiobook, or the latest demo, the best speakers transform audio, bringing it to life in vivid clarity and rich bass. First, though, you need to know the best speakers, especially the one that suits your needs. 

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That is where we can help. We have surveyed the market to find the very best speakers that you can buy for your home or office. No matter which you pick, your family and friends are sure to enjoy the best speakers for all their listening pleasure. 

More: 

• The best portable speakers 
• The best stereo speakers 
• The best Bluetooth speakers 
• The best PC speakers 
• The best Sonos speakers

Sonos Roam

Best speaker overall

Pros & Cons Pros

• Waterproof
• Great compatibility
• Portable

Cons

• Lacks Bluetooth stereo pairing
• No speakerphone

More Details

Tech Specs: Type:WirelessWater-resistant:YesBattery life:10 hoursWatts:80 watts

The Sonos Roam gives the best of both worlds with both WiFi and Bluetooth capability. Gain control through the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, or your own voice with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You also have the option to purchase a whole-home sound system when you connect multiple Sonos speakers. Either way, this speaker is both waterproof and dustproof and is designed for life on the go. Plus, there are up to ten hours of battery life.

Read the review: Sonos Roam SL drops the mic with a$159 price tag and all the portability

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Audioengine A2 Plus

Best PC speakers

Audioengine Pros & Cons Pros

• Powerful bass
• Extended range
• Portable

Cons

• Limited bass
• No remote

More Details

Tech Specs: Type:WirelessWater-resistant:NoBattery life:N/AWatts:60 watts

The Audioengine A2 Plus could not simplify PC use more, offering easy PC connectivity and requiring barely any setup. The speaker connects via Bluetooth, or you can use USB or RCA connections. Either way, it works up to 100 feet away, giving you freedom of movement. You receive 60 watts of power, making it quite powerful for its size. You can save on battery, too, because when it is not in use, it automatically shifts into auto-sensing sleep mode.

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Fluance Ai81 Powered Floorstanding Speakers

Best floor-standing speakers

Fluance Pros & Cons Pros

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Rich sound
• Beautiful design

Cons

• May be too large for smaller spaces
• Pricey

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Tech Specs: Type:WiredWater-resistant:NoBattery life:N/AWatts:150 watts

The Fluance Ai81 Powered Floorstanding Speakers are not your average tower speakers. They are perfect for larger rooms, filling the space with deep, rich sound, no matter how you choose to connect. You can use these speakers for your home theater, or you can use them for gaming. Bluetooth is also available, giving you excellent connectivity. Dual drivers paired with silk-dome neodymium tweeters provide powerful sound, using a 150-watt amplifier to really take your audio to the next level.

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GravaStar Mars Pro

Best speaker design

Pros & Cons Pros

• Innovative design
• Excellent battery
• Multiple colors

Cons

• Not waterproof
• Limited EQ support

More Details

Tech Specs: Type:WirelessWater-resistant:NoBattery life:15 hoursWatts:20 watts

There is no denying that the GravaStar Mars Pro has style. This unique design hints of science fiction with its six RGB lights, but it is not to be underestimated. It incorporates a dual speaker system and a passive bass radiator for powerful sound that is both surprising and welcome. It has excellent wireless Bluetooth connectivity, working up to ten meters away. It lasts longer, too, with a 15-hour battery life. 

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Marshall Woburn II

Best retro speaker

Marshall Pros & Cons Pros

• Retro design
• Handles high volumes well
• Fantastic bass

Cons

• Pricey
• No accessories included

More Details

Tech Specs: Type:WirelessWater-resistant:NoBattery life:N/AWatts:110 watts

The Marshall Woburn II Speaker takes you back in time with its retro design, but that does not mean you need yesterday's audio. This speaker instead highlights the latest technology with both Bluetooth connectivity and atpX technology. It does not skimp on sound, either, with 110 watts, dual one-inch tweeters, and two subwoofers for incredible bass and crisp clarity. It also offers excellent connectivity with the ability to stream audio up to 30 feet away from your mobile device. 

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What is the best speaker?

With its thoughtful, waterproof design, we vote the Sonos Roam as the best speaker on the market today. To see how it compares, this is an overview of the best speakers.

Speaker	Cost	Watts	Water-resistant
Sonos Roam	$1780	80 watts
Audioengine A2 Plus	$269	60 watts
Fluance Ai81 Powered Floorstanding Speakers	$500	150 watts
GravaStar Mars Pro	$230	20 watts
Marshall Woburn II	$480	110 watts

Which is the right speaker for you?

To help you find the best speaker for your needs, consider our expert recommendations.

Choose this speaker...	If you want...
Sonos Roam	Portability matched by value
Audioengine A2 Plus	Speakers for your computer
Fluance Ai81 Powered Floorstanding Speakers	Powerful floor-standing speakers
GravaStar Mars Pro	A fun speaker design
Marshall Woburn II	A retro speaker design with booming bass

How did we choose these speakers?

We used these factors and more to find the best speakers.

• Connectivity:Many of the best speakers offer not only wired connections but also wireless connections with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Consider what content you plan to play and how you stream your content.

• Location: Where you plan to listen to music makes a difference in the type of speaker that you need. For example, if you are looking for something to take with you on the go, you will likely want a smaller, more portable option that is also wireless. If you plan to use your speaker at home in your living room, you likely can benefit from a pair of tower speakers that are more suitable for a larger space.

• Style:We love the Marshall Woburn II speaker for its retro design, and the GravaStar Mars Pro has a fun, sci-fi look to it, which makes it even easier to pick the best speaker if style matters to you.

• Budget:The cost of the best speakers varies from$180 to$500, but it all depends on which speaker you choose.

What is the best brand of speakers?

There are many different brands of speakers that come from many big names. However, we found that the speakers that performed the best came from companies like Sonos and Fluance.

What features should I look for in a speaker?

Sound is the most important, so be sure to listen for clarity, bass, and treble in each speaker. There are also other considerations, like whether you need portability or waterproofing. 

In addition, think about how you plan to connect, as there are wired speakers, wireless speakers, and Bluetooth speakers.

How much do the best speakers cost?

Speakers can vary significantly in cost, so look for a speaker that falls within your budget. The best speakers range in cost from$180 to$500, but you will find speakers that are both more and less expensive.

Are there alternative speakers worth considering?

In our search, we also found these alternative best speakers that may also be worth another look:

Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen): Best cheap speaker

$40 at Best Buy

KEF LS50 Meta: Best speaker splurge

$1,600 at Amazon

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