In the world of music and performance, it’s important to have top-quality sound. The right speaker can make all the difference, transforming an ordinary room into a vibrant concert hall or a modest gathering into a memorable party.
You might know which type of speaker you need, but from what brand? This article compiles a list of the best speaker brands, providing a one-stop solution to help you choose the perfect speaker.
In a hurry?
Here are our top three brands and a speaker recommendation to get you started:
| Electro-Voice | Electro-Voice have a longstanding heritage of speaker design. Their speakers boast intricate and effective drivers that can clearly project any audio, and the lineup has expanded to include high-grade professional solutions as well as more midrange ones without skipping on quality of sound or breadth of features. | Electro-Voice ELX200-15P 15'' Active Speaker |
| Mackie | From Mackie you can expect excellent value PA speakers with durable build quality and some of the most powerful amplifiers you’ll be able to find at their price point. Famous for their incredibly rugged build quality, Mackie speakers can hold up in extreme conditions. A complete range fits almost any setup you could want. | Mackie Thump215 15" Active PA Speaker |
| G4M | G4M offer a wide range of passive, active, and column PA systems and punchy subwoofers, suitable for beginners and professionals. Active products feature advanced DSP for audio customisation to fit any use case. | G4M 15" Active DSP Speaker |
The best speaker brands
1. G4M
G4M, a new musical instrument and technology brand, are quickly making their mark in the audio equipment industry. This brand specialise in high-quality products designed for intermediate and professional musicians, producers, and engineers. And the range of offerings is broad, including guitars, basses, amplifiers, keyboards, pianos, microphones, and outboard gear.
What truly sets G4M apart, however, is their line of speakers and PA systems.
G4M speakers are noted for their exceptional sound quality and performance. The G4M 15″ Active DSP Speaker, in particular, boasts powerful and versatile audio capabilities that make it ideal for serious performers. These speakers deliver crystal clear sound, ensuring every note is heard exactly as intended.
G4M’s PA systems are equally impressive. Combining cutting-edge technology, powerful amplification, and versatile connectivity options, these systems are designed to meet the rigorous demands of live performances, public speaking engagements, and studio recording sessions.
Despite their speakers being of high quality, they’re still affordable and accessible to a wide audience, from amateur musicians to seasoned professionals.
Our recommendation: G4M 15” Active DSP Speaker
2. Bose
Bose are renowned for their cutting-edge technology and superior sound quality. The brand’s offerings span a broad spectrum, including home audio systems, professional audio products, and automobile sound systems.
Bose’s unique CustomTune technology has revolutionised the way we experience sound. This groundbreaking innovation personalises sound and noise cancellation to the way you hear it, giving you an unparalleled auditory experience. It is this commitment to innovation that sets Bose apart from other brands.
They’ve also introduced us to QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. These headphones function as spatial audio headphones, noise-cancelling headphones, and audiophile headphones, all in one. They also include head-tracking technology where the sound changes as you turn your head, further enhancing the listening experience.
As well as their innovative technology, what lies at the core of Bose – and what they’re most recognised for – is their signature sound – mellow and natural. The brand have also developed a reputation for long-lasting battery life and wireless connectivity, making their speakers extremely convenient to use.
Better still, Bose cater to a wide range of audience, from music enthusiasts to serious performers seeking an unrivalled audio experience.
Our recommendation: Bose S1 Pro+
3. Mackie
Founded in Seattle in 1988, Mackie have carved a niche as a provider of professional audio products. The brand offer a range of high-quality, affordable audio equipment, from mixers to sound-reinforcement loudspeakers and studio equipment, that does not compromise reliability or performance.
The Mackie Thump215 15″ Active PA Speaker is a new version of their flagship speaker, offering a 1400W Class D amplifier and a maximum sound output of 129 dB SPL. There’s also DSP in the form of the Feedback Eliminator and Music Ducking modes. The latter mode turns down channel 2 whenever an input signal from channel 1 is detected, making it perfect for making announcements during your show or set!
Affordability and versatility remain at the core of Mackie’s philosophy. The brand have successfully managed to provide wallet-friendly pricing without compromising on rock-solid reliability and great sound. This approach has helped Mackie cater to a wide audience, from beginners to seasoned professionals in recording, pro audio, live sound, podcasting, and content creation.
Our recommendation: Mackie Thump215
4. RCF
Finally, we have RCF, an Italian brand known for their professional audio equipment, loudspeakers, electronics, and custom solutions. Established in 1949, RCF have been a leading name in the field for over seven decades.
The wide range of speakers offered by RCF includes professional active speakers, high-powered sound systems with onboard amplifiers, line arrays, and two-way speakers. These are designed to deliver high-quality sound in various settings, from auditoriums and theme parks to performance venues.
RCF are well-known for their in-depth knowledge of transducers and electronics, which has helped the brand develop complete audio systems. The brand’s innovative designs, such as the new 1.75″ compression driver voice-coil design with Polyimide-Kapton dome, set it apart from competitors.
Our recommendation: RCF ART 915-AX
5. Sonos
Sonos‘ wireless speakers are known for their seamless integration with various platforms, and superior sound quality. From portable options like the Sonos Move to home theatre systems like the Sonos Entertainment System, every speaker is designed to deliver an immersive audio experience.
Innovation comes in the form of Trueplay technology, which fine-tunes the speaker to the room’s acoustics, ensuring optimal sound. You can also manage the system from any room, adjust the volume, set group speakers to play in sync, and set custom alarms.
The brand have also entered the commercial audio space, with the launch of the Sonos Pro subscription.
Our recommendation: Sonos ONE Gen2
6. Behringer
Behringer cater to various markets, including tour and live sound, hospitality, and recording and broadcast industries. They’ve managed to cover such a vast array of use cases and environments – and mastered each one – by offering flexibility to consumers without sacrificing audio or build quality.
The Behringer B15X Active PA Speaker is both powerful and convenient, providing a 15″ woofer, 1.35″ compression driver, and Class D technology. It also boasts Bluetooth connectivity, so you can stream your favourite tracks wirelessly.
Our recommendation: Behringer B15X
7. LD Systems
With a focus on sound quality, design language, and user-friendliness, LD Systems offer a variety of speakers, including the LD Systems ICOA 15 A BT, a 15-inch active coaxial PA speaker with Bluetooth.
Proudly designed and engineered in Germany, LD Systems are known for creating professional audio solutions. The brand’s dedication to superior sound quality and innovative design is evident in all their speakers, which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deliver remarkable performance.
Our recommendation: LD Systems ICOA 15 A BT
8. Yamaha
A name synonymous with superior sound quality and innovative design is Yamaha, who offer a wide spectrum of speakers, ranging from wireless to home theatre systems.
In particular, their professional loudspeakers are revered for unmatched accuracy, performance, and durability in all sonic environments. These speakers stand testament to Yamaha’s commitment to high-quality construction and clear sound.
Better still, Yamaha cover the whole spectrum of budgets, offering speakers at various price ranges to suit everyone’s needs, whether you’re a music enthusiast or a professional performer.
Our recommendation: Yamaha DXR15 MKII
9. Electro-Voice
Electro-Voice are one of the few companies that design all components in-house – enclosures, waveguides, and drivers. This approach ensures excellent quality across all products and contributes to the brand’s reputation for high-quality construction and clear sound.
Part of the Bosch Communications Systems family of brands, they have an expansive portfolio of professional audio equipment. The offerings range from installed and live sound systems to portable speakers and microphones.
Combining the art and science of audio, Electro-Voice deliver clarity, quality, and reliability. This combination results in solid design, superior transducers, and clear onboard amplifiers, making their speakers some of the best-sounding ones on the market.
Our recommendation: Electro-Voice ELX200-15P
10. QSC
QSC are a leading manufacturer in the realm of audio products, showing their craftsmanship in power amplifiers, loudspeakers, digital mixers, and signal processors, including the famed Q-Sys. A prime example of their offerings is the QSC K12.2, a premium-powered, 12-inch, two-way speaker, renowned for its quality construction and dynamic range.
Quality and innovation are intertwined in QSC’s product designs, creating audio equipment that not only looks good but also delivers superior performance.
Our recommendation: QSC K12.2
11. JBL
JBL are an American manufacturer known for their commitment to high-quality sound and innovative design. With a wide array of offerings, from wireless Bluetooth speakers and headphones to home theatre systems, they suit a broad audience.
They’re best known for how convenient their speakers are. For example, you can connect their Bluetooth PartyBoost speakers to each other, giving you surround sound in your house – perfect for parties, taking with you on the go, and listening to music outdoors.
Even better, the brand has moved towards sustainable packaging, leveraging FSC-certified recycled paper, soy ink printing, and zero plastic.
While offering products that reflect cutting-edge technology and superior craftsmanship, JBL speakers are still affordable, which is why they’re a go-to for many casual and avid music listeners, not just performers.
Our recommendation: JBL EON712
FAQs
Is Bose better than JBL?
Bose and JBL both excel in the audio industry, but they cater to different preferences. While Bose is renowned for an overall sound experience, JBL tends to be more bass-oriented. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference and the sound signature you want.
Do expensive speakers sound better?
Expensive speakers often deliver superior sound quality, but it’s not an absolute rule. High-priced speakers usually boast advanced technology, high-quality materials, and sophisticated designs that contribute to better sound. However, cost-effective options can also offer impressive performance, so thorough research and testing are crucial.
What is a high-end speaker?
A high-end speaker refers to a premium audio device known for exceptional sound quality, advanced technology, and superior build quality. These speakers typically feature innovative designs, use high-quality materials, and offer enhanced sound reproduction capabilities. High-end speakers are often sought after by audiophiles and music enthusiasts who prioritise sound quality above all else.
Final thoughts
From the crystal clear sound of Bose to the robust build quality of QSC and RCF, our list of the best speaker brands caters to a wide array of preferences and requirements, so we hope you’ve found the brand for you!
Already have a speaker… but it’s popping and crackling? Have a read of our guide to why speakers pop, and how to fix it. Or if you want something specifically for low frequencies, our compilation of the best subwoofer brands might be useful!
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