The Best Active Bookshelf Speakers For 2025

Active bookshelf speakers provide the easiest way to enjoy your music.

They feature a built in amplifier, audio inputs and usually have Bluetooth and/or WiFi streaming capabilities to make it easy to enjoy your music. You can also connect a turntable or wifi music streamer to any of these speakers.

If you’re looking for amazing sound quality, but with ease of use and setup then an active bookshelf speaker may be the way forward.

We’ve compiled a list of the best active bookshelf speakers based on my personal experience, backed up by our sales data, to help you choose the best speakers for you.

The Best Active Bookshelf Speakers Under £200

1. Edifier R1855DB

Overview

The Edifier R1855DB active bookshelf speakers offer a robust audio experience with modern connectivity options.

Delivering 70W RMS of power, they provide clear highs and deep lows, suitable for various audio applications.

The built-in Bluetooth allows for seamless wireless streaming from your devices, while multiple inputs, including optical and coaxial, offer versatile wired connections.

Additionally, the inclusion of a subwoofer output enables enhanced bass when paired with an external subwoofer.

Priced at £199.99, the R1855DB combines performance and flexibility in a sleek package.

Read More: How To Choose A Beginner Friendly Turntable: A Complete Guide

Pros:

• High Power Output – 70W RMS for robust sound
• Multiple Connectivity Options – Bluetooth, Optical, Coaxial, and RCA inputs
• Subwoofer Output – Allows for expanded bass response
• Very Versatile - Use For Music, Movies, Gaming etc.
• Improved Handheld Remote

Cons:

• Rear Mounted Dials For Input / Volume / Bass / Treble Are Awkward To Use
• No Wood Colour Option

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth
• 2 x RCA
• 1 x Digital Optical TOS Link
• 1 x Digital Coax
• 1 x 3.5MM SUB Out

Price: £159

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2. Edifier R1280DB

Overview

The R1280DB is an extremely popular active bookshelf speaker.

With 42W of power, a built in digital to analog converter and Bluetooth connectivity they represent great value for money.

Despite being priced at just £129.99 these punch way above their price tag with an insane level of bass for such a small speaker.

These are so versatile and perform really well for music, movies and general computer media.

They have amazing sound quality for the price and reach the top of the list based on the sound per pound and the versatility. Sure you can get better sounding speakers, but you'll be spending three times the price.

Pros:

• Lots Of Connection Options inc. Bluetooth
• Side Mounted Dials For Input, Volume, Bass & Treble
• Amazing Sound Quality
• Very Versatile - Use For Music, Movies, Computer etc.
• Easy To Setup - Includes All Cables

Cons:

• No Subwoofer Output (But the R1280DBs does)
• Remote Control Is Flimsy & Lacking (Although It Does The Job)

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth
• 2 x RCA
• 1 x Optical TOS LINK
• 1 x Optical COAX

Price: £129.99

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3. Edifier R1700BT

Overview

The Edifier R1700BT offers a powerful step up in sound quality while maintaining a compact, stylish design.

With 66W of power and built-in Bluetooth, these speakers are perfect for anyone wanting great sound for music, movies or gaming without the need for a separate amplifier.

They feature front-facing bass reflex ports for deeper bass, and side-mounted dials for easy control of volume, bass and treble.

At £119.99 they strike an excellent balance between sound quality, aesthetics, and value for money.

They are more powerful and better sounding than the popular R1280DB - but lack the digital audio inputs, if you’re only connecting to a single analog audio source such as a turntable then these are the ones to go for.

Read More: Speaker Showdown: Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier R1700BT

Pros:

• Powerful 66W Output with Clear & Balanced Sound
• Front Bass Reflex Port for Better Low-End Response
• Side Mounted Controls for Easy Adjustments
• Stylish Wood Finish Looks Great on Any Desk or Shelf
• Bluetooth for Easy Wireless Streaming

Cons:

• No Optical or Coaxial Input
• No Subwoofer Output

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth
• 2 x RCA

Price: £129.99

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Best Active Speakers Under £500

1. Q Acoustics M20

Overview

The M20 from the What HiFi award winning brand Q Acoustics offer the renowned award winning sound from their bookshelf range but with a built in amplifier, digital to analog converter and subwoofer output.

These are a personal favourite.

They look great, available in black, white or walnut.

The sound quality is powerful, precise and great for music, movies and gaming making them a versatile mid-end speaker system that’s hard to beat for the price point.

Gamesradar say “The Q Acoustics M20 HD speakers are a complete audio solution in the form of two bookshelf speakers. The audio is simply fantastic, the connectivity is terrific, and the versatility, performance, and power that the M20 HDs offer is basically unparalleled.”

Pros:

• Powerful 130W
• Bluetooth 5.0 Chipset
• Subwoofer Output
• Boundary Control For Wall / Corner Placement
• You Can Change Which Speaker Is Left / Right 

Cons:

• A Bit Big For Desk Use
• No Sound Modes

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth
• 1 x RCA
• 1 x Optical TOS Link
• 1 x USB
• 1 x 3.5mm AUX

Price: £379

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2. Klipsch R-50PM

Overview

The Klipsch R-50PM speakers are a premium active bookshelf option, delivering 120W of powerful, dynamic sound with the legendary Klipsch horn-loaded clarity.

These speakers are ideal for audiophiles and casual listeners alike, offering a wide range of inputs including Bluetooth, USB, optical and even a dedicated phono input for turntables.

They’re compact yet capable of filling a room with detailed sound, and the addition of a subwoofer output makes them a great foundation for a full HiFi setup.

With built-in amplification, there's no need for an external amp — just plug in and enjoy.

Pros:

• 120W of Powerful, Clear Audio
• Multiple Inputs Including Phono, Optical & USB
• Subwoofer Output for Expanding Your System
• Signature Klipsch Horn-Loaded Tweeters
• Plug & Play Simplicity with Built-In Amp

Cons:

• No EQ Adjustments (Bass/Treble)

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth
• RCA (with switchable Phono/Line)
• USB-B
• Optical
• Subwoofer Output

Price: £499.00

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3. Kanto YU4

Overview

The Kanto Audio YU4 is a beautiful speaker available in black, white, bamboo and walnut.

They have a 140W class D digital amplifier driving the 4” kevlar woofers.

Sound quality is absolutely great and they perform well for music, movies and computer use.

A key highlight of these is the built in phono preamp that lets you connect them to a turntable without the need for an additional pre amp.

Read More: Do I Need A Preamp For My Turntable?

They are a great all round active bookshelf speaker, particularly well suited for desktop audio, as well as TV’s and paired with a turntable.

If you want to go a step up from this the Kanto YU6 offers the same features but with a bigger driver and more power.

Pros:

• Powerful 140W Peak Amplifier
• Beautiful Design & Colour Options
• Lots Of Connectivity inc. Phono Input
• USB Charging Port For Wireless Devices

Cons:

• Front Control Knob Takes a Bit Of Getting Used To

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth
• 2 x RCA 

Price: From £349.99

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Best Compact Active Bookshelf Speakers

1. Kanto ORA Reference Active Bookshelf Speakers

Overview

The Kanto ORA powered desktop speakers are a compact yet high-performance option designed for critical listening in smaller spaces.

Delivering a solid 100W of peak power, these active speakers feature Bluetooth 5.0 for easy wireless streaming, along with RCA and AUX inputs for wired connections.

I have the ORA’s with a Kanto SUB8 active subwoofer on my desk at home and it sounds ridiculously good!

Despite their small footprint, the ORA speakers pack a punch with a neutral, detailed sound profile that’s ideal for music production, media consumption or just enjoying your favourite playlists.

They also include thoughtful design touches like front-facing volume control and a headphone output for added convenience.

Pros:

• Compact Size with Impressive Sound
• Bluetooth 5.0 for Stable Wireless Streaming
• Front-Mounted Volume & Headphone Output
• Clean, Neutral Sound Ideal for Desktop Use
• Solid Build Quality

Cons:

• No Optical or USB Input
• No Subwoofer Output

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth 5.0
• RCA
• 3.5mm AUX
• 3.5mm Headphone Out

Price: £289

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2. Edifier M60 Hi-Res Multimedia Speakers

Overview

The Edifier M60 multimedia speakers deliver Hi-Res audio in a sleek and minimalist package, ideal for desktop setups and small spaces.

Measuring just 17cm tall by 10cm wide they really shouldn’t sound as good as they do!

With built-in Bluetooth, these active speakers make it easy to wirelessly stream your music, while the Hi-Res certification ensures excellent audio clarity and detail.

The M60s are compact, easy to place, and perfect for general media use — whether you're listening to music, watching movies, or gaming.

At just £159, they offer an affordable entry into high-resolution sound without compromising on style or simplicity.

Pros:

• Hi-Res Audio Certified for Detailed Sound
• Compact & Modern Design
• Bluetooth for Wireless Connectivity
• Great for Music, Movies & Desktop Use
• Excellent Value for Money

Cons:

• No Subwoofer Output

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth
• 3.5mm AUX

Price: £159

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Best Active Speakers Over £500

1. Acoustic Energy AE1 Active

Overview

The Acoustic Energy AE1 Active speakers are a premium option for serious audio enthusiasts who want high-end sound without the need for a separate amplifier.

These British-designed speakers deliver an impressive 100W per speaker, with built-in Class A/B amplification and custom aluminium drivers that produce stunning clarity, depth and control.

They’re beautifully built with a luxurious finish and are ideal for both hi-fi and professional studio use.

With RCA and balanced XLR inputs, they slot perfectly into both home and studio environments, offering top-tier sound quality with minimal setup.

You’ll need to pair them with an audio source, such as the WiiM Ultra as they don’t have any built-in audio sources, but you’ll have a pretty high-end system for less than £1400!

Pros:

• 100W Class A/B Amplification Per Speaker
• Custom Aluminium Drivers for Ultra-Clear Audio
• Balanced XLR & RCA Inputs for Versatile Connectivity
• Exceptional Build Quality & Elegant Design
• Ideal for Hi-Fi Listening or Studio Monitoring
  

Cons:

• No Bluetooth or Wireless Options
• No Subwoofer Output
  

Connectivity:

• RCA
• Balanced XLR
  

Price: £1,049.00

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2. Kanto TUK

Overview

The Kanto TUK's are one of our higher-end active bookshelf speakers and they really live up to their price tag.

They deliver clarity and performance that put it in a class of its own, TUK is designed to push the limits on what a bookshelf speaker can achieve.

From our testing the TUK's really are a great speaker and worth every pound of their price tag, especially when paired with a Pro-Ject E1 turntable.

The only reason their not number 1 is because of their price tag, but if you have a higher budget then these won't disappoint.

Pros:

• Amazing Sound Quality
• Powerful, Clear Sound With Plenty Of Bass
• Built-In Phono Input For Turntables
• aptX Bluetooth
  
• Subwoofer Connection with Crossover
• Headphone Output

Cons:

• Higher End Of The Price Range

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth
• 1 x RCA Audio 
• 1 x Phono Input
• 1 x USB
• 1 x Optical
• 1 x SUB Out

Price: £749.99

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3. Edifier S3000PRO

Overview

If your budget’s a bit higher and you want something ridiculously good then check out the Edifier S3000PRO.

The first thing to highlight here is the KleerNet technology.

Unlike normal active bookshelf speakers these do not need to be wired together.

Each speaker features its own 128W amplifiers powering a 120W 6.5” bass driver and a 107mm Planar driver.

They then talk to each other wirelessly with KleerNet technology.

This makes it easier to locate the speakers, you just need a power socket at each position but no wiring in between.

Aside from the ease of installation you’ll also get insane sound quality.

These are suited for bigger rooms and biased towards music.

You can still connect a TV via optical for movies but you’ll need a big desk if you want to use them with your computer via the XMOS xCore 200 USB connection.

Pros:

• 250W Power
• Amazing Sound Quality
• Hi-Res Certified
• Latest Bluetooth 5.0
• Wirelessly Link Together With KleerNet Technology
• High Quality Handheld Remote

Cons:

• No Subwoofer Output (Not That You’ll Need One)
• Only Available In One Colour
• Rear Mounted Volume Controls Awkward To Use

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth
• 1 x RCA
• 1 x USB
• 1 x Digital Optical TOS Link
• 1 x Digital COAX

Price: £589.99

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Best Active Speakers with Subwoofer

1. Kanto ORA + SUB8 Bundle

Overview

The Kanto ORA + SUB8 bundle is the perfect compact desktop speaker setup for those who want clear, balanced audio with the added punch of deep bass.

This system currently adorns my home office desk and is used for high-quality music, video content and gaming. It handles everything you can throw at it with ease.

The ORA speakers deliver 100W of peak power and feature Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless streaming, along with RCA and AUX inputs for wired devices. 

Paired with the SUB8 – a sealed 8" powered subwoofer – this system adds rich, low-end depth that elevates music, movies and gaming to a whole new level.

It’s a sleek, space-saving system ideal for workstations, gaming desks or small rooms where you want powerful full-range sound without the need for a full HiFi system.

Pros:

• Compact Desktop Speakers with Big Sound
• Includes 8" Powered Subwoofer for Deep Bass
• Bluetooth 5.0 for Wireless Streaming
• Front Volume Control & Headphone Output
• Balanced, Clear Sound with Punchy Low-End

Cons:

• No Optical or USB Input
• No Remote Control

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth 5.0
• RCA
• 3.5mm AUX

Price: £529

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2. Edifier S360DB Active Speakers + Subwoofer

Overview

The Edifier S360DB is a high-end 2.1 speaker system that blends the precision of bookshelf speakers with the depth of a powerful wireless subwoofer.

With a total output of 150W and support for Hi-Res Audio, this system is perfect for anyone looking to level up their music, movies or gaming experience. 

The titanium dome tweeters and aluminium bass drivers offer crisp highs and detailed mids, while the 8" wireless subwoofer adds serious low-end performance without the clutter of extra cables.

Bluetooth with aptX support ensures high-quality wireless streaming, and the multiple inputs make this an incredibly versatile setup.

Pros:

• 150W Total Output with Hi-Res Audio Certification
• Includes 8" Wireless Subwoofer for Powerful Bass Without Cables
• Titanium Dome Tweeters for Crisp, Clear Highs
• Bluetooth with aptX for High-Quality Wireless Streaming
• Multiple Inputs for Easy Integration

Cons:

• Not available in plain black

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX
• Optical
• Coaxial
• RCA

Price: £379

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3. Edifier S350DB

Overview

If you’re a fan of bass then the S350DB is a great option.

It’s comfortable playing music, movies and computer audio. It features Bluetooth for wireless streaming and an optical audio input to connect to your TV.

The 8” active subwoofer offers an unrivalled level of bass.

We’d suggest the S350DB for multi-use on TV cabinets or desks as it offers great all-round performance.

Pros:

• Bass, bass and more bass
• Powerful
• Side Mounted Controls
• Perfect For Computers / TV’s

Cons:

• Only Available In Dark Wood (Although The S351DB in Black Is Effectively The Same)
• Circular Remote Control Is A Bit Marmite

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth
• 2 x RCA
• 1 x Digital Optical TOS Link
• 1 x Digital COAX

Price: £279.99

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Final Thoughts

That concludes our list of best active bookshelf speakers, hopefully you’ve got some inspiration and ideas for your speakers.

As you can imagine I test a lot of speakers to make sure that what we sell lives up to our expectations, so usually change my setup regularly.

However the Kanto ORA's remain on my desk as they sound incredible, the front mounted controls make them easy to use when placed under my monitors and the active subwoofer adds a significant amount of bass to my music.

If you need any help choosing the best active bookshelf speakers for you then please feel free to email, live chat or call our team on 02393 190955.