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In this article, we’re exploring the best bookshelf speakers under $200 for your listening pleasure. As modern technology improves and budget products become better and better in electronics, bookshelf speakers have become cheaper. We’ve provided reviews of some of the very top models.
To get the brilliantly-rated bookshelf speakers you don’t have to part with a fortune. Though you’re likely to get higher fidelity and quality the more you spend, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of $200 bookshelf speakers with the features and reliability you need.
Here are the best bookshelf speakers under $200:
- Polk Audio TSi200
- Edifier R1850DB
- JBL Arena B15
- Swans M100MKII
- Pioneer SP-BS22-LR
- Edifier R1280T
- Fluance SX6
- Jamo Studio S 803
1. Polk Audio TSi200
The Polk Audio TSi200 speakers are great for those who are happy to run their own amplification system. The cherry wood design looks fantastic, but looks aren’t everything.
Fortunately, the Polk brand has created an option which has a great, balanced tone, good frequency response and plenty of power for listening at home, provided you use the right amplifier.
Image credit: Polk Audio
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If you’re not worried about extra features like Bluetooth compatibility or remote controls, then these speakers can serve you perfectly well. If you have the ability to hook up amplification, you can quickly be listening to crystal clear audio with the Polk TSi200 bookshelf speakers.
2. Edifier R1850DB
If buying an amp separately and connecting the speakers up seems like a challenge then you probably want to go for the best powered bookshelf speakers under $200. This means looking for a product with the ‘active’ tag. The best option for this is the Edifier R1850DB bookshelf speakers.
These speakers have a brilliant range of connectivity features. They’re sold as ‘multimedia speakers’ and can connect with everything from DJ decks to TVs to iPods. You don’t even need a lot of technical knowledge to use your Edifiers with just about any device you can imagine.
The sound quality is amazing, too, and not compromised by all the connectivity functionality.
Image credit: Edifier
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For a simplistic setup, reliable sound quality and the ability to connect to just about any household media you can imagine, the Edifier R1850DB active bookshelf speakers are hard to argue with. The power and clarity of sound are also more than good enough for most home listeners.
3. JBL Arena B15
The JBL brand is very well known in the world of audio, with good reason. They have an unbelievable history of creating some of the best speakers, studio monitors and PA systems imaginable. With the Arena B15 JBL have created some of the best ‘surround’ speakers around.
When we say these are some of the best surround speakers, we’re not talking about surround sound just coming from two speakers as this is not possible. What we mean is that they are compatible with other speakers, so that if you wish to expand your system to a surround system, you can. All JBL Arena loudspeakers can connect to one another and create a fully functioning system.
A good way to use these speakers, as well as on a bookshelf, is to wall mount them. An integrated wall-mount solution allows you to do this with ease.
Image credit: JBL
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There’s a lot to like about the JBL range and these speakers are very versatile. Suitable for any type of home media, they can also be the start of a brilliant surround sound system!
If you need modern features and are looking for the best Bluetooth bookshelf speakers, these aren’t for you. For sound quality alone, the JBL Arena B15 are worth considering.
4. Swans M100MKII
On to a lesser known brand in the grand scheme of things. Swans Speakers have still managed to produce a fine set of speakers, and some of the best Bluetooth bookshelf speakers we’ve come across.
The Swans M100MKII are brilliant for quite a few reasons, but one thing we really liked is the fact that these speakers are pretty compact. Many of the best bookshelf speaker options are quite big and bulky. They may sound good, but they also take up a lot of space. Not only are these some of the top wireless speakers under $200, they also don’t take up a whole lot of room.
Image credit: Swans Speakers
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The M100MKII by Swans Speakers can be a wonderful choice if space is at a premium. They don’t require a huge amount of room and can sit on a desk or bookshelf with limited space, while still doing a pretty good job.
The sound quality surprised us considering the fact that the woofers are small, and these speakers also have reliable Bluetooth wireless compatibility and even a remote control.
5. Pioneer SP-BS22-LR
Pioneer is a brand audiophiles and DJs will probably be familiar with. They manufacture some high-end audio equipment and DJ gear, but they’ve also done a great job of making some quality bookshelf speakers which come in well under $200.
The SP-BS22-LR model is very impressive and some reviewers claim these outperform many speakers which cost twice as much. We’re not sure about that, but for the price tag, you get an awful lot for your money.
One key element of these speakers is the crossover, which has been specifically designed by Pioneer to handle the blending of the audio coming from the woofer and the tweeter and create a balanced, well-rounded sound. As you might expect from a brand like Pioneer, it has some impressive audio tech features.
Image credit: Pioneer
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While it handles mid-range frequencies very well, this model of speakers could maybe do with a little more in the bass frequencies and right at the top in the frequencies handled by the tweeter.
Nonetheless, it is still an excellent option on a budget, and a huge upgrade over many of the options out there. For gaming, watching movies and other home media needs, the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR are great, with a very well-balanced and clear sound.
6. Edifier R1280T
The R1280T powered bookshelf speakers aren’t just under $200, they’re significantly under. The price tag is really low considering you still get quite a lot of features and a decent audio response.
If you’re a real audiophile and want the very best clarity and high fidelity money can buy, a different option under $200 will be better for you. However, for affordable listening with plenty to like, the R1280T speakers from Edifier do a good job.
Image credit: Edifier
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These speakers are an upgrade on the inbuilt speakers within many computers, TVs and other media systems, and for the price, it is really hard to argue.
In an ideal world, they would have a little bit more power and a better frequency response, but for casual listeners this may not be an issue, and the Edifier R1280T speakers can leave you with plenty of change from a $200 budget. They’re also some of the best bookshelf speakers under $100.
7. Fluance SX6
Another option for the best bookshelf speakers under 200 dollars, and this is another option which is significantly under this price tag. However, the Fluance SX6 bookshelf speakers have some exceptionally good reviews and deserve their spot on our list.
Fluance is not the best known brand out there, and certainly is nowhere near as popular as brands like JBL and Pioneer. Maybe this contributes to the lower price. The components of these speakers are pretty great, nonetheless, and this makes for a good sound at a reasonable price.
Image credit: Fluance
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These speakers are focussing on their audio ability rather than connectivity. The cleverly designed neodymium tweeters and tuned bass give a full frequency response, and the audio clarity is very good for the price, especially when paired with a high-quality amp.
Though they don’t have the utmost in modern features and compatibility, the Fluance SX6 high definition two-way bookshelf loudspeakers do have a very clear sound which has made them some of the best-selling passive bookshelf speakers.
8. Jamo Studio S 803
These Jamo bookshelf speakers are Dolby Atmos ready, meaning they can be incorporated into a system that uses the Dolby Atmos surround sound, a system that even incorporates sound from above in the immersive audio experience.
They look beautiful. A contemporary design is available in three different colors so you are bound to find something suitable, that looks good in your home.
Image credit: Jamo
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These speakers from Jamo provide an exceptional option for those who want striking look and integration with Dolby Atmos. The frequency response is very respectable and the Jamo S 803 provide more than enough power for most home audio uses. These are some very well-reviewed speakers.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to spend close to your $200 budget and want something that is both active (powered) and full of connectivity and compatibility features, we strongly recommend the Edifier R1850DB active bookshelf speakers.
The Edifier brand has become very popular in recent years as they offer some brilliant budget speakers with good sound and even better extra features such as Bluetooth.
That said, there are many different options under $200. It is a case of matching up your own unique needs and budget to the speakers which will best suit.
You can even buy speakers around the $100-150 mark which have some very respectable features and quality. A little research before taking the plunge and making your purchase can come in very handy and ensure that you make the right choice.