If there’s one thing that just about any DJ loves, it’s a good quality powered speaker. Seriously. Unlike passive speakers, active speakers are easier to deal with, more convenient, and ultimately cheaper in the long run (even if you’re paying a bit more upfront).
Ideal for a desktop system option.
Things like a quality amp, various components, and cables, or the need to properly power match is just not factors when it comes to operating a powered speaker since all of that is built into the speaker itself.
Pretty much, the only thing you’re doing is pulling your active speakers out of the box, plugging them in, and connecting them to a sound source to have incredible sound.
In this overview, we’ll touch on some of the best-powered speakers currently on the market for you to check out.
We’ll also briefly go over some useful tips to consider when deciding on what best-active speaker is going to work best for you and your performance.
Best Powered Speakers: Our Overall Choice
The EV Evolve 50 is an outstanding best-powered speaker. It ticks all the powered speaker boxes. It offers an excellent sound that is clear and precise. A loud and booming bottom end. These high-quality speakers are portable and easy to set up.
3 Top Powered Speakers – Best, Premium & Value
Below, we’ll take the time to check out some of the best active speakers currently on the market while also giving you some tips on how to fit them into your sound environment.
Electro-Voice Evolve 50 (Best Overall)
If you’re looking for the best active speakers that are compact yet uncompromising on sound quality, then the Electro-Voice Evolve 50 is probably the best-powered speaker for you
This sound system also comes with a 12-inch subwoofer that’s topped by a slim column array. It can put out around 1,000 watts of electricity, making it a great option for any small venues that need a bit of an audio boom inserted.
The Evolve 50’s speaker column is made up of eight 3.5-inch drivers that each provide 120-degree horizontal coverage and 40-degree vertical coverage.
Because of this and its smaller subwoofer size, the Evolve 50 works great in smaller gig settings like your local coffee shop, spin class, or even karaoke parties!
While it’s not the most powerful option on this list, if you need something small and compact yet still amazing in its sound, the Evo 50 is well worth taking a hard look at.
The most impressive feature of the EV Evolve 50 is its insanely good sound.
The full range is superb. High frequencies are clear and precise.
The mid-frequencies have plenty of depth and warmth. The low frequencies also deliver plenty of kick without the muddiness.
More than capable of handling a small to medium-sized venue with ease. A pair of these takes it to the next level with powerful sound across a stereo space. Definitely a top pick for a best-powered PA speakers system.
Whether you want to add it to your DJ setup or for a mobile option the Evolve 50 is a banging best-powered speaker system.
Things We Like:
- Seriously good-quality sound
- Good quality sub
- Easy to assemble
Things We Do Not Like
- Phantom power 15 Volts
Read this next: Ported vs Sealed Speakers. Deeper Rumbling Bass or Precision Frequencies? It’s Your Call!
Bose L1 Pro8 (Premium Pick)
No matter who you are or what you like, there’s a good chance Bose is going to win you over with their powered speakers.
Whether it’s for the next party or BBQ event with your friends or a bass speaker for your performance as a DJ, the L1 Pro8 active speakers are pretty much that all-in-one system you’re looking for. Technically a powered PA speaker, the L1 Pro8 host’s several features that it can use quite regularly.
This includes things like professional sound reinforcement due to its included amp and mixers.
The L1 Pro8 comes with wireless connectivity Bluetooth streaming as well as a ton of in and out ports as well as audio effects. Again, this is all used to create a stellar listening experience that can be enjoyed anywhere at any time.
The L1 Pro8, as a PA speaker, is definitely on the larger side compared to most of the other powered speakers on this list. It’s 78.94 inches high with a 17.32-inch width and a 38.92-inch depth. Still, despite those larger-than-average dimensions, the L1 Pro8 is probably one of the most portable PA speakers you’ll find.
The speaker costs just under $1,200 and is the easiest to trek around of the Bose L1 Pro series, making it great for DJs and singer/songwriters, and traveling music producers.
The speaker has a built-in 3-channel mixer as a feature, with the first and second channels being used to receive signals from the XLR/TRS jack ports.
The third channel is used to receive a signal from the 1/4th-inch TRS jack or the 1/8th-inch headphone jack. You can also use Bluetooth connectivity streaming if you want a more wireless connection experience. Whichever option you choose, the process is pretty simple and can be set up pretty quickly, so it’s really what you are interested in at that time.
These powered speakers come with a 60W Class D amp along with a subwoofer that can push out over 240W along with a 118 dB peak SPL. Just as well, the L1 Pro8 has a fairly extensive frequency response range, going from 45 Hz to 16k Hz.
You can control this variable response through the Bose L1 Mix App, which is essentially another professional-quality EQ tuning option. As with other wireless options, this lets you customize your EQ options from anywhere in the room.
The only downside with these active speakers is that the pieces aren’t exactly sturdy like other PA systems are. Instead, they feel a bit more flimsy and easy to break. This is also true for the fully assembled option, which gives the impression a strong wind could knock it over. I never experienced a fall while I was using it, but its shakiness was a bit noteworthy.
Things We Like:
- Has Two Phantom Power Ports
- Comes With An Eight-Speaker Array
- Wireless App
- Super Portable
Things We Do Not Like:
- The system Doesn’t Feel Solid Due To Portability
Read this next: Front Vs Rear Ported Speakers: Which Monitors Are Actually Best? And Why?
PreSonus Eris E3.5 (Value Pick)
These powered speakers set gives you so much more than just a standard cheap set of monitors. They are an awesome set of bookshelf speakers, computer speakers, or desktop speakers. We use a set of them at the DJ Tech Reviews office.
Whether you’re blown away by the audio system tuning options that tend to be overlooked on cheaper best active speakers or appreciate the wide collection of connectivity options, there are plenty of things to enjoy about these speakers.
These desktop speakers are compact and super practical. That really makes an impact!
These might be compact monitors, but that doesn’t mean that they are short in power. The LF/HF amplifier power is rated at around 25 watts per speaker, which is the same power you get from the larger Eris model monitor speakers.
You can also achieve between 80 Hz and 20kHz in frequency response.
You can generally get a much higher volume when you play music without compromising on delivering a clear sound than you might expect.
PreSonus Eris E3.5 monitors look great value and perform amazingly well. For the price tag, it’s hard to believe that you get such an attractive set of high-performance monitors, designed to stand the test of time.
For beginners and intermediates in the audio creation world, the Presonus Eris E3.5 desktop speakers are a must-have part of any true home studio-level kit.
Things We Liked:
- Professional finish
- Compact and lightweight
- Great powerful sound
Things We Do Not Like
- Bass issues at higher volume
- Fantastic reviews from happy customers
- Excellent high-performance industrial design
- Sound and look great
- Ideal for home studios
Read this next: PreSonus Eris E3.5 Monitors: Tiny But Super Mighty
Alternative Best Active Speaker Picks
If the three options above aren’t well-suited to you, there are still a host of other speakers to look at. Our team also highlighted the following options for those in search of the best active speakers.
Edifier S1000W
The Edifier brand is another standout company that has been known for putting out some great-looking and sounding speakers, in particular, some of the best-powered speakers. In particular, they’re well known for being able to push a ton of performance features into their gear at very low prices.
This is true for many of their powered speakers and audio gear, and it’s true for the S1000W. Released in late 2021, these speakers are just over the $500 hump while still offering pretty much everything every other speaker here has going for themselves.
The S1000W, while great in pretty much every setting, is particularly ideal when paired with your computer. This is due to their slimmer design which helps better angle the sound acoustics while also granting impressive clarity through most volume ranges.
Connected to a computer, the S1000W acted as a great near-field monitor set. They could also do well if spread a bit apart, but if you need something that offers some wide soundstage without being too far away, these should be right up your alley.
They have a great mid-range area, which usually suffers a bit compared to the highs or lows. The treble highs are also well-handled, with clear sounds that work well even at higher volumes.
The bass does struggle a “bit”, but it shouldn’t be anything you can’t play with to get the sound you want.
The S1000W speakers come with RCA inputs well as a coaxial input and an optical audio input. It’s annoying that it doesn’t have a USB port to use, but the Wi-Fi feature is extensive enough that you should be able to tie it into anything you need to.
Still, the lack of a USB is a bit annoying, especially if you want a more secure connection.
Things We Like:
- High Quality & Well Balanced Sound
- Has Numerous Audio Input Options
- App Is Quite Intuitive
- Super Affordable Price Considering
Things We Do Not Like:
- Doesn’t Have USB Port Option
Read this next: Best DJ Speakers [Top Picks for]
KEF LS50 Wireless II
A follow-up to the KEF LS50 Wireless II (which was itself a follow-up to the LS50 bookshelf speaker) the KEF LS50 Wireless II builds on most of what its predecessors did, improving the built-in amplification features as well as its streaming capabilities.
In addition, the LS50 Wireless II powered speakers have refined their sound quality acoustics as well as their connectivity.
They’ve even worked to improve the KEF Connect control app, making it much more impressive now than it’s ever been.
Perfectly labeled as a bookshelf speaker, the LS50 Wireless II can fit in just about any environment. Sitting at a 12-inch height, 7.9-inch width, and 12.2-inch depth, the LS50 Wireless II speakers can work along a stand mount as well as on a desktop.
They can even be tucked away in a nook if you want them out of the way.
In addition to the space factor, these speakers are an audiophile’s dream, able to turn any room (no matter how small) into a small concert setup, with amps that can push out over 280W per woofer, along with another 100W for each tweeter.
This sound is not only intense, but it’s also incredibly clean and distortion-free, even at higher volume levels. When you realize you can crank this at pretty much the highest sound and not get a bunch of “buzzing”, you’ll fall in love with these speakers.
The sound can be fine-tuned even further, either through the speaker’s tuning options or via the KEF Connect app. This makes speaker placement pretty much a non-issue without worrying about acoustic or other sound quality problems.
As with things like the JBL 4305P speaker, one of the biggest hurdles is going to be the price. Here, the speakers are around $2,799 for a pair, with an additional $499 if you opt for the S2 floor stands.
This is a great option for audiophiles that want something that sounds incredible no matter where you put it or how high it’s set. Still, for others, the price may be too much to justify.
Things We Like:
- Great Sound
- Wireless Connectivity
- Future-Proof Features
- Great Connectivity Options
Things We Do Not Like:
- Price Is High
Read this next: Best Bookshelf Speakers: Turn Your Space Into Something Special
Klipsch R-15PM
The Klipsch R-15PM (with a handy remote control) while hardly the most powerful or capable on this list, is certainly the most budget-friendly and accessible.
Smaller in design, the R-15PM can generate up to 50W per channel, making it able to fill out a small or mid-sized room despite its compact footprint. Physically, the speaker is only 12.5 inches in height while 7 inches wide and 8.11 inches in depth.
The Klipsch speakers feature a 1-inch aluminum diaphragm compression driver that is fully integrated with Klipsch’s square Tractrix horn.
This is said to deliver a much wider range of sound dispersion while also remaining cleaner and clearer – especially along the treble highs.
The R-15PM’s 5.25-inch copper woofer offers some pretty legit mid-range sound. When married out to the aforementioned cleaner high-end frequency and its beefier bass response (thanks to the rear ports), this speaker has some great range that’s smooth and distortion-free.
Its frequency response ranges between 62 Hz and 24k Hz, meaning you’re getting a pretty full package on all ends, especially for what you’re paying.
And speaking of what you’re paying. As it turns out, you’re not paying a lot for these speakers. One could even argue that you’re barely paying anything for these bad boys.
While the Edifier S1000W is another stellar speaker at a great price at $500, it doesn’t hold a candle to the R-15PM’s $275. That’s pretty much a viable option for anyone interested in a set of quality powered speakers that comes with a ton of bells and whistles.
The R-15PM comes with a remote control that lets you play with the volume as well as the input options so you can quickly transition from the stereo speakers to the TV and then your computer.
Things We Like:
- Very Affordable
- Comes With Remote Control
- Full Range Of Sound Frequency
Things We Do Not Like:
- Cables Can Be A Bit Annoying
Read this next: Speaker Interference (How To Fix Static From Speakers)
Powered Speakers vs Passive Speakers
It’s important to know that, for starters, there is no definitive “better” between passive speakers and powered speakers. Both have their uses and offer different advantages and disadvantages when compared to the other.
Unlike passive speakers, powered speakers (also known as active speakers) are speakers that come with internal built-in amplifiers already installed. These are great because they create a sort of “all-in-one” setup that is more accessible to just about any producer or DJ.
Passive speakers are speakers that don’t come with an internal amp included and an external amplifier be purchased separately and installed externally. These stereo speakers cost less upfront but will usually even out or end up costing more than their powered alternatives due to the differing price points for amps. On the other hand, many appreciate the increased control of sound quality due to the freedom to switch out or modify amps.
Why We Chose These Active Speakers
There are indeed a variety of different best active speakers available on the market. Still, just because there are a ton of great powered speakers available, it doesn’t mean that they’re all top quality or necessarily worth your time.
What we looked for were quality, established powered speakers from brands with a history of producing stellar products.
We also prioritized high-convenience active speakers as well as the most useful connectivity features while also keeping sound fidelity as our number one focus.
These were sorted through debate as well as by collecting a plethora of user reviews and impressions. We also factored in sound quality from listening tests when possible to filter out the truly best of the best.
While other brands and models may be out there that have more features, may sound slightly better, or have a more budget-friendly (or prohibitive) price tag, the above six powered speakers are the ideal first place for anyone to start, regardless of experience or budgetary constraints.
Simply put, you should start here before looking anywhere else. Then, if you want to expand out or look at something that’s more focused in a specific area, you’ll have a perfect benchmark to compare them to.
Best Powered Speakers: Buyers Guide
Now that we’ve had a chance to look into the different powered speakers currently on the market worth considering, we should take a minute to consider some key factors that go into a best active speaker.
That way, whether you opt for some of the active speakers on this list or something else entirely, you’ll have a clear understanding of what you should be focusing on for the ideal powered speaker for you.
Features
One of the first things you’ll want to consider for active speakers are what type of features your ideal best active speaker should have. Should it be fully future-proof with its technology, or do you plan to use only a few key features for the majority of your listening experience?
Generally, most powered speakers have more available features compared to their passive speaker alternatives due to powered speakers having an “all-in-one” nature to them. Regardless of what you’re looking for, try to consider features that include both digital and analog input options as well as built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi streaming opportunities.
Size
Arguably more important than even the first point, size is a big factor when it comes to your active speaker and what it can do. Do you want something that’s got more power behind it, but likely going to weigh a ton, or are you more interested in something that is a bit on the smaller and portable side even if it’s not quite as capable?
Subwoofer Output
Lastly, you’ll want to think about if you’re going to need a subwoofer output to build onto whatever speaker you end up getting. Subwoofers (“subs” for short) are ideal for extending out your low-end bass frequency while also creating a more intense and impactful listening experience. This is true whether you’re watching an action movie, enjoying some music, playing a video game, or performing in the studio or in front of an audience.
Subs may be a great addition in general, but there are some speaker types out there that are meant to be attached to a quality subwoofer. If you’re someone that wishes for a deeper bass response, you’ll likely want to look at something that has an affinity to subwoofers, whether you plan to get them now or later.
Best Powered Speakers: The Verdict
Having a pair of the best-powered speakers are a great listening tool for pretty much any person or situation. If you are someone that doesn’t want to deal with all the craziness that comes with audio components and external amps, your best bet is to invest in a quality, long-lasting powered amp.
Pay attention to your active speakers’ sound quality, see how it meshes with what you’re looking for, and get started fast.
Our Editor’s pick is the EV Evolve 50.
This applies to everyone but is especially important for DJs and music producers as they are always looking for better sound and more detailed sound.
Seriously consider investing in a quality speaker and I guarantee that you’ll be much happier than you did, whether that’s from your home theater, game room, studio, or wireless streaming.
