7 Best bookshelf speakers under 1000 USD in 2023 [Updated quality]

If you appreciate sound quality, then bookshelf speakers can help you to boost your home audio experience, giving you a full, well rounded sound for your music, TV or movies. Good quality speakers can be very expensive, though, and you might feel like your budget means that you have no option but to settle for low quality speakers.

However, this isn’t true. In fact, there are many bookshelf speakers available that are affordable yet will produce a higher quality than what you are expecting for the price. All you have to do is carefully consider the features and specifications to see if they will fit your needs. In order to help you, we’ve put together a guide to the best bookshelf speakers under 1000 dollars.

Which are the best bookshelf speakers to buy less than 1000 USD?

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1. Edifier S1000DB Bookshelf Speakers

2. Sony SSCS5 Bookshelf Speaker

3. KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers

4. Audioengine A5+ Powered Speaker

5. Polk Audio RTI A1

6. Klipsch The Sixes Powered Monitor

7. Q Acoustics 3020

How do I choose bookshelf speakers for best sound quality?

When looking for a new set of bookshelf speakers to buy, be sure to consider the following questions.

What is the purpose for your speakers? – The main purpose that you will use your speakers for will largely dictate the kind of speakers you get. If you are going to use them to watch movies or for gaming, then you might go for something that has a strong bass output. If you are going to use them for listening to music, then you want to go for a set that have great instrument separation and a full range of sound options.

Choose a design that will work for you – The size and characteristics of your room will determine the design of speaker that you should choose. If you have a small or medium sized room, you can choose any speaker type that is small. However, if you have a large room, be sure to pick a speaker that has been designed to play loud but with lower distortion.

Do you need extra connectivity? – Some speakers are built to handle a standard set of RCA inputs, which means that you will be limited in what you can connect to it. If you will be connecting different things to it like your smartphone or laptop, you might want to get a speaker that can handle USB and other types of inputs. Or, go one step further and get a speaker with Bluetooth capability.

What is your budget? – Budget will be one of the biggest factors in how you choose your new set of bookshelf speakers. Speakers are made in a wide range of qualities and the price will reflect this. If quality is essential, then you will find yourself spending more, but with a little bit of careful assessment, you will be able to find the best quality speakers for your budget.

You’ll have to break them in – When you first get your new set of speakers, you may find that the sound quality is a little different to what you were expecting. Speakers require some initial use in order to fully loosen up the materials that they are made from. You can help this process along by listening to music a little louder than you would normally. After about 100 hours, your speakers will have developed their proper sound.

7 Best bookshelf speakers under $1000 reviewed

1. Edifier S1000DB Bookshelf Speakers

When looking for your new bookshelf speakers, one of the biggest drawing cards will be the available features. The Edifier Audiophile Active bookshelf speakers come packed with features that will make your life easier, whilst delivering a perfect, clear sound.

Superior sound clarity: The best feature of the Edifier speakers is the sound balance. Not only are the bass tones rich with an amazing depth, but the mids and highs are mixed perfectly and sound natural without shrillness. The soundstage is wide and provides excellent instrument separation.

Bluetooth connectivity: The Edifier speakers use aptX audio codecs which enable a high level of audio compression without the loss of detail, which is perfect for sending over Bluetooth connectivity. There is no loss of sound quality during this process, which means that your sound is clear no matter what you’re listening to.

Versatile functionality: Not only are you able to connect anything to your speakers through the optical, coaxial and RCA/AUX connections, but you also have the ability to fine tune the bass and treble via the back panel settings. That makes these speakers perfect for watching movies, listening to music or playing games.

Summary: Overall, the Edifier Audiophile bookshelf speakers are a great option no matter what kind of sound you want to listen to. The crisp, clear quality will allow you to listen to music, watch movies or let you game with super sharp audio.

2. Sony SSCS5 Bookshelf Speaker

Sony is a very trusted name when it comes to home audio, and the 3-way 3-driver bookshelf speaker is the perfect way to get quality sound at an affordable price. With the number of features combined with the stellar sound quality, you’ll be hard pressed to find a negative word to say about this system.

Expanded soundstage: When you listen to your music, you want to feel like you are right there with the instruments. The Sony bookshelf speaker offers you the widest soundstage you can get at this price range, allowing for a highly immersive experience.

High precision sound: The 5.12” woofer combined with the 0.98” tweeter offer you a rich variety of lows, mids and highs, tuned for precision to deliver a faithful representation of the sound. The addition of the 0.75” super-tweeter rounds off the sound balance perfectly to give you the highest resolution you could imagine.

Innovative cabinet design: It’s not just the speakers that affect your sound balance. The Sony speaker cabinet is designed to optimize the sound clarity and dampen vibrations, so that you can experience audio without interference. Not only that, but the faceplate edges are tapered in order to suppress edge diffraction.

Summary: Overall, the Sony bookshelf speakers are a smart choice for audio lovers young and old. Not only do they provide a great sound on a wide stage, but they are probably one of the most affordable sets of bookshelf speakers that you’ll find.

3. KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers

KEF have really performed well in designing a great set of bookshelf speakers that sound great and look stylish and modern. While you can expect to pay a bit more for these speakers, you’ll understand why when you hear the sound they produce.

An excellent upgrade: If you’re no stranger to the KEF brand, and particularly the Q300 bookshelf speakers, then you’ll be happy to know that the Q350 are a great upgrade to an already excellent speaker set. Featuring the same Uni-Q driver but coupled with an upgraded CFD port design, these speakers are versatile and high quality.

Color-coordinate for your décor: These KEF speakers a great looking set, and look sleek when mounted on stands in your home. With both a black and white finish, you can style your speakers according to the theme or décor within your home, bringing a sense of elegance to your room with the matte satin finish.

Fill your room with sound: The Uni-Q driver system outputs a stunning sound array comprising of super rich bass tones and well balanced mids and highs. Once broken in, you’ll be experience sound at a quality you would never expect from such a well priced speaker model.

Summary: The KEF Q series are a stunning range of speakers, and the Q350 is a great upgrade from the previous Q300 model. Though more on the higher end of the price scale, they are well worth it for the quality and look.

4. Audioengine A5+ Powered Speaker

Audioengine is a newer company, having started in 2005, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know what they are doing. In fact, the reality is that the A5+ Premium Powered speakers are a great addition to this list thanks to their powerful sound.

Bass emphasis: For such a small speaker system, you will be surprised as the amount of bass they can produce. Whether you use these speakers on your desktop for computer work or gaming, or you want them for your home audio setup, you’ll be able to experience a rich sound with an emphasis on the bass.

Beautiful bamboo finish: With a specially designed cabinet that reduces distortions and places an emphasis on clarity, the Audioengine A5+ speaker system will also look great in your room, thanks to the bamboo finish. Not only will it sound great, but it will look great too.

Trusted Audioengine sound: Audioengine are known for producing amazing clarity and quality in their speakers, and the A5+ Premium Powered system is no different. Whether you are an audio enthusiast or not, you will appreciate the increase quality that takes your computer sound and turns it into hi-fi audio.

Summary: Audioengine are committed to delivering great sound quality in a set of speakers that look amazing in your home. The A5+ premium powered speaker set are a great addition to any audiophile’s setup.

5. Polk Audio RTI A1

Polk are one of the stand out audio speaker producers and are well known for the rich, balanced sound that they can deliver. The Polk Audio RT1 A1 bookshelf speakers are sure to delight anyone whether they are already a Polk fan or not.

Smart upgraded design: Polk make great speakers, but the RTI A1 speakers are a great upgrade to previous models in terms of cabinet design. The tapered cabinet reduces resonance, and the high density MDF is durable and comes in a standard black as well as a cherry finish for that retro feel.

Superior sound quality: These speakers come with a 1” tweeter that performs well for high frequencies without being aggressive like some speakers. The mids and lows are rounded out with the 5.25” woofer that has a balanced sound free from distortions.

Precision sound: Polk are known for their sound quality, so it comes as no surprise that these speakers will deliver a precise clarity of sound that delivers excellent instrument separation. The lows are balanced and not overpowering, so you won’t find yourself washed out with bass.

Summary: If you’re new to the Polk brand, you’re going to be surprised about the quality of their speakers given that the prices are relatively low. The RTI A1 speakers are the perfect set for entry level users and audiophiles alike.

6. Klipsch The Sixes Powered Monitor

Having spent over seven decades making home audio equipment, Klipsch really know what they are doing when it comes to making bookshelf speakers. With a focus on quality and an excellent attention to detail, these high end speakers will really give you the sound you’re looking for.

No receiver needed: It can be difficult to set up your audio or home theatre area when you require multiple components for your setup. The Klipsch powered monitor speaker removes the requirement for an A/V receiver, which means you’ll get high performance without extra equipment.

Versatile connectivity: Not only are you able to plug a TV, turntable, computer or smartphone directly into these speakers, but you also have the added benefit of connecting remotely via Bluetooth technology. This gives you extra versatility and flexibility for your audio input.

Precise sound clarity: Your audio is delivered through one inch titanium tweeters, fitted with Tractrix horns, and when combined with the 6.5 inch long-throw woofer, you will experience precise sound clarity as well as a rich, well-balanced sound.

Summary: If you’re looking for a set of high end speakers, then the Klipsch The Sixes will definitely have you pleased with your sound experience. Not only are they versatile but they add extra functionality thanks to the connectivity options.

7. Q Acoustics 3020

Your home audio setup can often be large and extravagant, but the Q Acoustics 3020 bookshelf speakers can help you save some room thanks to the convenient smaller size. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that this means your sound experience will be reduced, as these speakers will amaze you with their quality and large sound.

Small size but intelligent design: While these speakers may be small, they certainly pack a punch. The cabinet is designed for low distortion but a wide sound stage in small and medium sized rooms. This is thanks to the design of the two in one tweeter and bass driver module.

Superior bass response: The 5 inch bass driver unit is made with Aramid fiber and paper cone material. This reduces the distortion while providing an extended bass response. What you’ll experience is a wide open, three dimensional sound experience.

Advanced tweeters: Featured in these small speakers are the Q 3000 series concentric ring dome tweeters which produce a low distortion and wide dispersion sound for the high frequencies. The updated crossover means you’ll hear excellent instrument separation and response.

Summary: If you’re looking for a bookshelf speaker for your smaller room, then the Q Acoustics 3020 bookshelf speakers are the right choice for you. Not only are they smaller, but they deliver an amazing sound with little distortion.

The Final Words (Summary)

Your home audio setup is not complete without a decent set of bookshelf speakers. Small and versatile, they will fit into your room seamlessly without taking up too much space while still delivering the perfect sound that you want for your movies, TV, gaming sessions or music. We hope that this guide has helped you in choosing the best bookshelf speakers under $1000.