One of the biggest challenges in tech journalism is communicating the virtues and values of a product that the reader can’t directly experience, and we get that a lot with audio equipment. That’s why at PCMag we have a clear and consistent protocol for testing speakers, for accurate comparisons. Each unit we evaluate is connected with its primary connection method (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or wired connection) in real-world situations.
We evaluate bass using a track with deep tones and big drums to ensure distortion-free lows. We also test across different styles of music, including classical, rock, and electronic. We use the exact same songs for every review to compare them most accurately. For speakers that work with TVs (like soundbars), we test a selection of movies and shows with dynamic sound, loud sound effects, and assertive soundtracks. We also test other functionality for speakers with voice assistants, like connecting to Bluetooth and setting alarms.
Best Speaker Deals Right Now
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A new set of speakers doesn’t have to clean you out. From portable Bluetooth boom boxes to massive Dolby home theater towers and everything in between, we’re always working to find you discounts on audio equipment from all the top retailers. October has some incredible deals, and they’re waiting for you.
Bluetooth and Wireless Speaker Deals
JBL Xtreme 2 Bluetooth Speaker
20mm drivers, stereo, Bluetooth, wireless
$179.99
at Best Buy
$349.99
Save $170.00
This isn’t the newest speaker on the market, but it’s still a top contender, especially with a discount this massive. The JBL Xtreme 2 is a portable powerhouse that we reviewed in 2019, noting that it pumped out loud, clear audio with great bass response, and the large size and heavy weight comes with long battery life, even at peak volume. It’s also super durable, with IPX7 waterproof ratings. It comes with a carrying strap to make it easier to tote around, and the onboard mic is crisp and clear.
Do you want even more detail about what makes a Bluetooth or wireless speaker the best? Then take a deeper dive into our top tested picks.
Other Bluetooth and Wireless Speaker Deals
Even More Bluetooth & Wireless Speaker Deals
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Tower Speaker Deals
Definitive Technology Dymension DM40 Slim Tower Speakers
4 4.5″ woofers, wired,
$1,359.98
at Best Buy
$1,999.99
Save $640.01
The core of a home theater system, tower speakers give you vertical separation between lows and highs, as well as enhanced projection. If you really want to feel enveloped by the sounds of your favorite shows and movies, this sizable discount on the Definitive Dymension DM40s is worth checking out. These sleek and potent units each contain a quartet of woofers coupled with aluminum oxide tweeters for crisp highs, rumbling bass and everything in between. Adjustable bipolar arrays let you craft the sound for your room.
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Other Tower Speaker Deals
Bookshelf Speaker Deals
KEF Q1 Meta Bookshelf Speakers
5.25-inch woofer, 1-inch tweeter, wired,
$399.00
at Best Buy
$699.99
Save $300.99
In many ways, bookshelf speakers are a compromise option. They’re big enough and powerful enough to anchor most hi-fi and TV setups, but don’t take up the floor space of a tower plus subwoofer. While you don’t get the same rich environmental sound, for the price they’re very worthwhile. The KEF Q1s are a very capable midrange pick, with a brightly tuned sound signature that really emphasizes vocals. Bass response isn’t as powerful, but for speakers this size that’s not surprising. They can be wall-mounted as well for extra versatility, and a $300 price cut makes them even more appealing.
Other Bookshelf Speaker Deals
Portable Speaker Deals
Sony ULT Field 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
2-inch tweeter, 3.2-inch woofer, Bluetooth, wireless
$228.00
at Amazon
$349.99
Save $121.99
Speaker size determines a lot about how loud they can get and how low they can go, so the incredible bass fidelity and booming volume of the Sony ULT Field 5 makes it our top portable pick for the month, especially at a 45% discount. In our review, we raved about this attractive unit’s features, including responsive tunable EQ through the Sony app, customizable LED lights, and IP67 dust and water resistance. It’s a terrific speaker for just about any situation, and 25 hours of battery life is excellent.
Recommended by Our Editors
Other Portable Speaker Deals
Computer Speaker Deals
BlueAnt Soundblade Under-Monitor Speaker
USB, Bluetooth
$129.99
at Best Buy
$199.99
Save $70.00
Making room on your computer desk for a freestanding set of speakers can be a tricky proposition, especially if you have a big tower or a lot of clutter. That’s why the BlueAnt Soundblade is our top pick this month. Its low-profile design nestles underneath your display, giving you a space-saving way to get full, rich sound thanks to its full-range drivers and downward-firing subwoofer. 120 watts of volume is a lot for a computer speaker, so get ready to blow your socks off, especially at 35% off. See where it lines up on our list of the best computer speakers.
Other Computer Speaker Deals
Outdoor Speaker Deals
Sonance Mag Series 2-Channel Outdoor Speakers
1-inch tweeter, 6.5-inch woofer, Bluetooth, wireless
$1,099.00
at Best Buy
$1,499.00
Save $400.00
Powered by Sonos technology, these all-weather speakers give you access to your streaming music anywhere. The 6-inch speakers can be easily mounted to most surfaces, and boast a wide frequency range of 65Hz – 30kHz with 89dB of sensitivity, great for all kinds of audio content from podcasts to party jams. These are wired, so you’ll need to run power to their installation points, but aside from that they’re a breeze to set up. See how they compare on our list of the best outdoor speakers.
Other Outdoor Speaker Deals
FAQ
Do Expensive Speakers Really Sound Better?
This depends on what “better” means and on many of the things mentioned above. Expensive speakers are often designed differently than mass-produced speakers, with a focus on quality rather than factors like keeping the price in check. Some expensive speakers use higher-quality materials, which can lead to better sound, but design plays a big role here. Also, what sounds better to one person may not sound better to you.
What’s a Good, Affordable Speaker?
Speakers can cover a wide range of uses, so there might not be a single answer to this question. Our favorite affordable computer speakers are the Creative Pebble Pros, which typically retail for $59.99 and have solid sound and real stereo separation. For spatial audio and Dolby Atmos compatibility, the Sonos Era 300 is a little pricier but offers professional sound quality and ease of use.
What Is the Best Bang for the Buck Portable Bluetooth Speaker?
In terms of cost-to-performance comparison, the super-cheap Tribit XSound Go is probably the biggest value on the market. At a ludicrously low $28.99 at Amazon, it’s competitive in price with shoddy no-name dropshipped brands but delivers sound quality that punches way above its weight with dual 40mm 8-watt drivers for true stereo audio, a fully waterproof casing, and an included lanyard. Even at top volume, the XSound Go sounds clear and bright, making it a great bang for the buck.
Which Budget Bluetooth Speaker Should I Get?
If you’re looking for a do-it-all smart speaker with decent sound that can also help with home automation and more, the Amazon Echo is a great choice at $99.99 and often goes on sale for less. For budget waterproof Bluetooth speakers, we like the Anker Soundcore Mini 3, which sells for $40.99. It’s a pocket-sized powerhouse with adjustable EQ, high-quality microphones, and an IPX7 rating.
What Are the Best Speaker Options Under $200?
While it’s possible to spend thousands of dollars on a speaker system, modern audio technology means you don’t have to. We have tested hundreds of speakers extensively, and one of the best in the sub-$200 price range is the Editors’ Choice-winning Beats Pill. It is a compact and potent portable that plays nice with iOS devices and retails for just $149.95. It doesn’t get discounts often, but it’s a great all-around speaker.
What Is the Best Speaker for Under $100?
We have a complete rundown of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100. One of our favorites is the Anker Soundcore Motion 300, which typically retails for $79.99. We gave it an Editors’ Choice award in our review, praising its customizable EQ through the Soundcore app and LDAC support for higher-quality audio from compatible sources. It’s definitely one of the best choices at that price point, but other good options include the JBL Go 3 and the Amazon Echo.
What Is the Loudest Speaker Watt?
Most of the speakers you might buy from electronics retailers are going to top out around 100 or 125 watts. These are your higher-end Bluetooth, bookshelf, home theater, and soundbar speakers. The majority of such speakers will be rated for 50 watts or less. In order to reach watts in excess of 200, you’ll need to turn to public address (PA) speakers, like those used in conference rooms, classrooms, and event venues. Some PAs reach as high as 2,000W, which is enough to fill event venues with loud sound.
How Loud Is a 1,000W Speaker?
A 1,000W speaker produces more volume than anyone needs in their home. Depending on the speaker’s efficiency and sensitivity, 1,000W is enough power to fill a medium-size event space with more than 100 people. This amount of power can produce in excess of 130dB, which is enough to cause hearing damage in a short amount of time. Unless you’re throwing raves in your backyard or deejaying weddings, no one needs any home speaker or system that delivers more than 100 watts.
Does Higher Wattage Mean Better Sound?
Absolutely not. Many factors determine the sound quality of any given speaker, including the design, components, efficiency, sensitivity, and even the room in which it is used. Other variables include the quality of the source material (vinyl or MP3) and the type of power being supplied (analog or digital). Low-wattage speakers and amplifiers are easily capable of producing outstanding-quality sound.
What Are the Best Times of the Year for Speaker Sales?
We hunt deals all year long, and while price drops can happen any time, they’re more likely to be timed to tech world events like Amazon Prime Day or holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day. In general, the absolute lowest prices on most electronics surround Black Friday, the weekend after Thanksgiving in the United States. Another good time to shop is early January when many retailers have open box deals on returned merchandise from the winter holiday season.
Are Bluetooth and Smart Speakers Included in Prime Day and Cyber Week Sales?
Yes! Amazon’s Alexa-powered speakers often receive the deepest discounts during sales periods. But Amazon is also known for knocking down the price for Bluetooth speakers from JBL, LG, Marshall, Soundcore, Sony, and others.
About Our Experts
K. Thor Jensen
Contributing Writer
Experience
K. Thor Jensen is a writer and cartoonist living in the Pacific Northwest. He has contributed to dozens of prestigious outlets, including PCMag, Tested, Clickhole, and Newsweek. His second graphic novel, Cloud Stories, was released in 2017.
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Eric Zeman
Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics
Experience
I’m PCMag’s managing editor for consumer electronics content, overseeing an experienced team of reviewers and product testers. I’ve been covering technology for about 25 years. Prior to PCMag, I worked at outlets such as Android Authority, Fortune, InformationWeek, and Phonescoop.
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