12 best speakers of 2024 for your home audio set up
If you're looking for volume and sound quality, reviewers say this Bluetooth speaker is the "best on the market".
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Whether you're an audiophile, a casual listener, or someone in between, the best speaker isn't just about volume.
It's about great sound quality, useful features, long battery life, value for money, and the best design for your listening habits.
But, with so many speakers to compare, finding the best sounding speaker for your needs can be quite a daunting task.
To help you narrow down your search, we've rounded up the best speakers across a range of categories below, including the Marshall Middleton reviewers called "insanely good" and an "excellent buy".
So, whether you’re after the very best sounding wireless speaker, the best portable Bluetooth speaker, or the best multi-room speaker, you'll find something to suit below.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST SMART SPEAKER
Sonos Era 100, $399 at The Good Guys
Sonos Era 100
Tried and tested by Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Technology Reporter
Sonos doesn't exactly deliver budget-friendly wireless Bluetooth speakers but, if you're willing to fork out, you do usually get what you pay for. Case in point: the Sonos Era 100.
The successor to the popular Sonos One, the Era 100 offers an even better listening experience, with a 25 per cent larger woofer that delivers deeper bass, and dual tweeters that bring full-bodied stereo sound. It also boasts a ton of great features, including Ethernet connectivity, USB-C charging, comprehensive onboard controls, Bluetooth 5.0 and line-in.
Like the Sonos One, the Era 100 is also a smart speaker with support for voice assistant Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, although it has shedded support for the Google Assistant. There's also multi-room control, a home theater option and stereo pair option, giving the wireless speaker plenty of versatility.
While you could buy a less expensive smart speaker like the Amazon Echo Dot or Apple HomePod Mini, the Era 100 sounds a lot nicer while delivering all the same smarts.
BEST BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS
Marshall Middleton, $424.99 (down from $499.99) at Myer
Marshall Middleton
What You Need To Know
The Marshall Middleton is one of the best all-round Bluetooth speakers we've come across, as well as being one of the better-looking.
It has a durable, classy design that looks just like a sized-down version of the classic Marshall guitar-amp, complete with a front grille and brass detailing. In true Marshall style, it also brings a huge amount of volume, with the company even labelling it the "loudest Bluetooth speaker" around.
Audio performance is impressive, with bold bass, clear highs and multi-directional stereo sound, which is driven by two 15-watt woofers, two 10-watt tweeters and dual passive radiators. If you want more customised sound though, you can adjust the treble and bass on the top of the speaker, or through the available app.
The Middleton comes with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, an advertised 20+ hours of playtime and the ability to connect to as many other Middleton speakers as you like by stacking them or placing them around the room.
We also love the bidirectional USB port, which works as a power bank for charging up your smartphone, and the two classic colour options of Black/Brass and Cream.
The Middleton is on the heavy side for a Bluetooth speaker, weighing in at 1.8kg, so if you're after a super portable speaker, this one might not be for you. If you're after something premium, with great sound and plenty of volume though, it's an extremely impressive option.
Reviewers on the Myer site called the Middleton "insanely good" and an "excellent buy", with one calling it the "best Bluetooth speaker on the market".
Bose SoundLink Flex, $199.95 (down from $249) at Amazon Australia
Bose SoundLink Flex
What You Need To Know
The Bose SoundLink Flex may be small, but it's one of the best Bluetooth speakers available for sound quality. The audio performance offers plenty of detail and clarity, and there's surprisingly little distortion, even when the speaker is cranked all the way up.
The portable speaker doesn't get as loud as some larger rivals, and it lacks customisation tools, so you can't tweak the sound to suit your personal preferences.
It doesn't have a voice assistant built-in either, though you can pair a compatible smartphone to the speaker to use Siri or the Google Assistant and control the speaker with your voice.
Our favourite detail about the SoundLink Flex though is its ability to play horizontally, hanging vertically from its loop or laid flat, making it a super versatile option you can take anywhere. It's also IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, offers 12 hours of battery life per charge and pairs with other Bose speakers, making it easy to create a multi-room audio setup.
BEST PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3, $255 (down from $329) at Myer
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3
What You Need To Know
When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, Ultimate Ears knows its stuff. The brand offers a variety of models that nicely combine portability, power, and great audio, but its Megaboom 3 is a definite favourite.
The Megaboom 3 boasts loud and punchy 360-degree sound, along with a solid battery life and plenty of volume, making it one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers you can buy.
Like the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 (also on this list), the Megaboom 3 is also waterproof, and is capable of floating or being submerged for up to 30 minutes. This fun feature makes it a great choice for pool parties and beach trips, along with camping trips in all weather conditions.
It is a bit bulkier than some other portable speakers, and it's not going to chat back to you since it skips the smart tech. But, if you're after a portable Bluetooth speaker that will keep the tunes going, it's definitely worth checking out.
One five-star reviewer on Google reviews said the speaker is: "Great in the world of portable speakers. Right out of the box, its powerful sound quality is undeniable.
"Take it to the beach, a pool party, or even on a hike, and you don't have to worry. It's waterproof, floats, and can take quite a beating. I've accidentally dropped mine a lot more than once, and it worked just like before every single time, no hiccups whatsoever."
JBL Charge 5, $155 (down from $199.95) at Amazon Australia
JBL Charge 5
What You Need To Know
JBL is known for creating impressive portable speakers that don’t cost the earth, so it's not surprising its Charge 5 impressed us. Bringing balanced sound and deep bass that's much bigger than its size would suggest, the Bluetooth speaker offers a nice blend of size, price, and performance.
While it isn't the most compact portable Bluetooth speaker out there, it is small enough to throw in a bag and take with you on your next picnic or beach trip. It also comes with an IP67-rating that should keep it safe from dirt and splashes.
Add to this up to 20 hours of battery life and the ability to pair with other JBL PartyBoost-compatible wireless speakers, and the Charge 5 also makes for a great party speaker at a reasonable price. We also love the built-in USB-A port, which allows you to keep your phone charged up so you can play your tunes for longer.
BEST BUDGET PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER
Tribit XSound Go, $63.99 (down from $79.99) at Amazon Australia
Tribit XSound Go
What You Need To Know
Tribit may not be a name you're familiar with, but its XSound Go stands out when it comes to budget-friendly speakers.
With an IPX7 rating, the XSound Go is fully waterproof, and has a hardy exterior that protects it from wear and tear. It also features a convenient lanyard, so you can slip it around your wrist to carry it, or hang it on a tree branch or showerhead.
Equipped with dual drivers and a passive radiator, the portable Bluetooth speaker brings natural sound with a decent amount of clarity, though there is some distortion when cranked all the way up. The bass also lacks impact, though that's not overly surprising at this price point.
Despite the inevitable compromise on sound quality due to its affordable price tag, the XSound Go has a large soundstage for such a compact speaker. It also has around 20 hours of playtime, and sounds punchier than many Bluetooth speakers of this size and price. So, if you want something fairly basic but decent-sounding, this one could be for you.
BEST MINI PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3, $74 (down from $149.95) at Amazon Australia
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
What You Need To Know
During my time working at an electronics store, there was one small Bluetooth speaker that consistently flew off the shelves — UE’s Wonderboom 2. Fast forward to today, and its third iteration is still a crowd favourite, thanks to its fun array of colour options and balanced, 360-degree sound.
Boasting an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google reviews, the Wonderboom 3 stands out as one of the best portable speaker options in its price range. It's durable, affordable, has a good battery life and a surprisingly spacious soundstage. It's also been designed to withstand dust and water exposure, and can even float, making it a popular choice for pool parties.
Like most speakers its size, it doesn't get incredibly loud, though it can be paired with another Wonderboom 3 to deliver sound in stereo.
It also lacks features seen on more expensive speakers, like sound customisation features, support for voice assistants and Bluetooth multipoint. For the price though, the Wonderboom 3 is still one of the best portable speakers around.
BEST SPEAKER FOR SPATIAL AUDIO
Sonos Era 300 Wireless Speaker, $749 at The Good Guys
Sonos Era 300
What You Need To Know
If you have the money to spend, the Sonos Era 300 delivers a slate of superb features that make it worth the expense.
Soundbars aside, the speaker is the first from Sonos with Dolby Atmos support and spatial audio. Along with the Sonos Era 100, it's also the first to include Bluetooth connectivity in addition to Wi-Fi support, giving it plenty of versatility. There's also playback from a huge number of streaming services, multi-room and stereo-pair grouping, voice assistance, and a USB-C port in the back for plugging in optional Sonos ethernet or line-in adapters (sold separately).
On the audio front, the Era 300 delivers fantastic stereo sound and accurate reproduction of voices and instruments, making it great for a wide variety of music.
While spatial audio is still evolving and isn't available on all streaming services, making the experience a bit hit or miss, the Sonos Era 300 remains one of the best wireless speakers for its fantastic blend of features and audio performance.
BEST COMPUTER SPEAKERS
Logitech Z623 2.1ch PC Speaker System, $168 at Amazon Australia
Logitech Z623 Speaker System
What You Need To Know
Logitech's Z623 speaker system has been around for some time now, but we still prefer it over recent releases like the the Z407 system. With a price tag below $300, the speaker delivers great sound quality and impressive volume levels, providing considerable value for money.
The audio output is both deep and rich, enhancing the experience for videos, gaming and music streaming. We also love that the bass can be adjusted independently of the volume via a dedicated control knob, so you can crank it up (or down) as much as you like.
Connectivity is versatile, with two 3.5mm auxiliary inputs and one RCA input, so you can connect up to three compatible devices at the same time and switch between them. The control panel is also super convenient, with the power, volume, bass and headphone jack all located on the satellite speaker, making it easy to change up as needed.
The 2.1ch PC system has a 4.7 star rating from more than 6600 customers on Google Reviews, with one reviewer commenting: "The sound and quality is immense, and the price is just too good to pass up. I cannot recommend these speakers enough."
BEST BUDGET SOUNDBAR
Sonos Beam Gen 2, $799 at The Good Guys
Sonos Beam Gen 2
What You Need To Know
If you're short on space, Sonos' Beam (Gen 2) is an excellent compact choice at a mid-range price point. While it doesn’t look a whole lot different from the first generation, the Gen 2 introduces several notable upgrades, including HDMI eARC support and support for Dolby Atmos content.
It lacks the upfiring tweeters found in the Sonos Arc (below) for superior Atmos performance, but it still handles Atmos content well, delivering impressive sound quality and an expansive soundstage.
The Beam (Gen 2) also offers fantastic music playback, pairs with both Alexa and the Google Assistant and and can be seamlessly incorporated into a multiroom audio setup using Sonos connectivity.
Although its height might obstruct some TV screens, its length makes it suitable for most TV units, and it can also be wall-mounted to save even more space.
BEST SMART SOUNDBAR
Sonos Arc, $1499 at The Good Guys
Sonos Arc
What You Need To Know
Bringing support for Dolby Atmos and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem, the Sonos Arc delivers a premium experience, even without a sub or additional speakers.
Like most Sonos speakers, the Arc is made for mixed usage, which means it delivers equally impressive audio quality for both music and movies. It also offers room correction feature Trueplay, which optimises sound based on your room’s acoustics, though this is unfortunately only available for iOS users.
There’s also bass and treble adjustments, voice control through Alexa and the Google Assistant, and a simple, user-friendly set up. On the downside, there’s no Bluetooth and only one HDMI port with no passthrough.
You will get a more direct sound from newer soundbars, but the Arc remains a top choice for those looking for a soundbar that combines dynamic audio with smart home integration.
BEST HIGH-END SOUNDBAR
Samsung HW-Q990D, $1595 (down from $1999) at The Good Guys
Samsung HW-Q990D
What You Need To Know
Samsung’s HW-Q990D, the updated version of the HW-Q990C, brings notable enhancements for both streamers and gamers. This 11.1.4 system includes a soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speakers, ensuring a cinema-like surround sound.
The HW-Q990D continues to support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, offering clear dialogue and expansive sound for an immersive media experience. It also features customization options and Q-Symphony, syncing sound with Samsung TVs for improved audio.
New to the HW-Q990D is HDMI 2.1 support for 4K at 120Hz, perfect for next-gen gaming. It also has Private Rear Sound for focused audio and SpaceFit Sound Pro for room-tailored acoustics.
Given its powerful nature, the one pitfall of the HW-Q990D is, of course, the price. If you can go without the extra features, you could pick up the HW-Q990C, which offers a similar high-quality experience for less. Otherwise, the HW-Q990D is worth the investment.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A SPEAKER
When choosing the best wireless and wired speakers to include in our list, we considered several factors:
Design: We included a range of different speaker types, from Bluetooth speakers to stereo speakers, to suit a range of different listening habits and customer needs.
Sound quality: We only included speaker models that were rated for their excellent sound by reviewers, or which impressed us with their sound quality during our hands-on testing.
Connectivity: We included both wired and wireless speakers to help you find the best model for your needs, whether you're looking for a portable outdoor speaker or just a great sounding speaker for your living room.
Features: In addition to great audio quality, we tried to include speakers that offered handy features, such as voice control, Wi-Fi connectivity, stereo pairing, dust and water resistance and great battery life.
Value: We weighed up the above criteria against the speakers' cost, and the cost of similar offerings, to determine value for money.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results, testing products and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHICH SPEAKER BRAND IS THE BEST?
Determining which speaker brand is ‘best’ is highly subjective and largely comes down to both personal preference and the type of speaker you’re looking for. That said, there are several brands that regularly receive glowing reviews from customers, and are widely considered some of the best names in audio. Just a few brand names to keep an eye out for include Sonos, Bose, JBL, Sony, KEF, Ultimate Ears, Amazon, Google and Bowers & Wilkins.
WHICH TYPE OF SPEAKER IS BEST FOR MY HOME?
There are several factors you may want to consider before purchasing a speaker for at-home use. In addition to the basics like size, pricing and durability, you may also want to think about:
Multi-room vs. single room audio: If you’re happy to keep your audio confined to the one room, there are just about limitless single speaker options to choose from. If you're looking for a multi-room experience though, you’ll either want to purchase a package entertainment set, or check which other speakers your model of choice can be paired with.
Portability: If you only want to purchase a single speaker, you can simplify things by carrying your speaker of choice from room to room. In this instance, it’s a good idea to look at smaller models that are specifically labelled as ‘portable.’ These speakers are typically smaller and lighter and are often suitable for travel and outdoor use too.
Wireless connection: Those looking for a speaker they can take anywhere should invest in a Bluetooth model, which can easily be paired with compatible smartphones or devices to play without internet connection. If you’re looking for an at-home only model, you’ll likely want to opt instead for a Wi-Fi enabled speaker, as they offer fuller sound, are easy to connect to the internet and typically boast a much longer battery life than Bluetooth models.
Smart functions: If you want easy control of your music, bagging yourself a smart speaker could be the way to go. Smart speakers nearly always offer voice assistance (VA), which allows you to tell your speaker what to play, so long as you’re in hearing range. Smart speakers with VA also generally do everything from providing you with a weather forecast to checking the delivery status of your recent online purchase, making them a handy item to have in your home.
WHICH SPEAKERS ARE BEST FOR MUSIC?
When it comes to choosing a speaker for music, the best option often depends on your personal preferences, the acoustics of your listening space, and the type of music you enjoy. However, here are some speaker types that are commonly recommended for music enthusiasts:
Bluetooth Speakers: Loved for their convenience and portability, Bluetooth speakers are a top choice for enjoying music without the hassle of wires.
Floorstanding Speakers: If you have the space, floorstanding speakers can provide immersive, room filling sound.
Bookshelf Speakers: Compact and versatile, bookshelf speakers can offer excellent sound quality without taking up huge amounts of space.
Stand-Mounted Speakers: If you're looking for truly impressive audio performance, stand-mounted speakers typically offer loud, detailed sound.
More best audio coverage
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