Whether you need them to watch movies, listen to music, or entertain guests, you can rely on bookshelf speakers to produce excellent sound.
Even better, you don’t need to spend much to get a pair of high-quality speakers.
Not convinced? Just check out the best bookshelf speakers under 500 we tried and tested below.
We looked into their features, pros, cons, and, most importantly, their sound quality to help you find the perfect speakers for your home audio needs.
Comparison Chart
Best Bookshelf Speakers Under 500 Review
1. Klipsch The Fives Powered Speaker System
The Fives is a versatile audio system released by Klipsch in 2019.
It has everything you need to connect to different devices, such as computers, TVs, and mobile devices. It even has a built-in phono stage for a turntable.
This pair of bookshelf speakers can serve as a hi-fi speaker, desktop speaker, or stereo alternative to a soundbar.
Review
Let’s begin this review by noting that Klipsch is one of the leading high-end speaker manufacturers in the U.S. today.
It has been making high-quality speakers for over 50 years, and its products are known for their durability, affordability, and great sound.
If you are looking for the best bookshelf speakers under 500, Klipsch has got to be one of your top options.
The brand describes The Fives as a powered speaker system that easily integrates into any environment.
It packs a punch when it comes to versatility while offering a rich and clear sound quality.
Since they first launched, The Fives remained some of the best-selling bookshelf speakers on the market.
- Design and Build
The Fives is an all-in-one audio solution.
Even at first glance, you’ll see that these budget bookshelf speakers are beautiful, sporting a hand-crafted wood finish in walnut or matte black.
They come with a removable magnetic grill of woven cloth, although they look great even without it.
Some folks may find the rotary wheel controls on top of the speakers outdated, but they actually add a character and ergonomic feel to the set.
Overall, the speakers look modern with a hint of a vintage feel.
The speakers measure 9.25 x 6.5 x 12 inches, and both pieces weigh 23.6 pounds. They are a little heavy, but you should be able to set them up even without someone else assisting you.
- Installation
Setting up the Klipsch The Fives is incredibly easy.
Back in the distant past, you must connect multiple components and cables to power a speaker. The Fives, however, features a plug-and-play cord with no receiver needed.
If you want to play delightful music from your phone, you can pair the speakers with your device via Bluetooth.
You can do so by turning the rotary control for the source. Alternatively, you can push the Bluetooth button on the supplied remote control.
If you don’t want to do it wirelessly, you can use a digital optical cable to hook your speakers to a TV or monitor.
The Fives has a clean input panel, so it is easy to find and connect an optical cable.
Moreover, it effortlessly connects to a turntable. The speakers have a phono input that will work with most turntable-cartridge combinations.
Lastly, they have a sub out on the back panel if you want to add a subwoofer to your audio system.
- Features and Sound Quality
The Fives run at 160W of power, with allocated 20W to each high-frequency unit and 60W to each low-frequency driver.
The speakers can reach a peak of 320W, so they can go super loud without sounding distorted.
In addition, these speakers are capable of hi-resolution music playback, which means you pick up on the subtle details and nuances you’d hear from a recording studio.
Playing music on a high-res playback setup is like pulling up a stool next to the singer, allowing you to hear every note of their voice.
Pros:
- Rich, inviting, and full-range sound
- Easy to install and operate
- Compact size
- Hi-res audio support
- Beautiful aesthetics
- Has wireless capabilities
Cons:
- Lacks frequency balance
- Needs improvement in treble and bass
2. Polk Signature Elite ES15 Bookshelf Speaker
The Polk Audio Signature Elite ES15 passive bookshelf speakers are compact enough to sit on shelves or desks but are also perfect for mounting on stands and walls.
They boast a stylish design and sophisticated features that appeal to cinema enthusiasts, music lovers, and budget audiophiles.
The new Elite Series are more sensitive to the previous versions. They are ideal for nearly any amplifier or receiver, whether you’re working on four or eight ohms.
Review
Polk has been in the audio industry since the 1970s.
Back then, the company wanted to create a way for people to enjoy music at their homes without going to concerts. That’s why they started selling speakers.
Today, Polk makes all sorts of speakers and audio systems, providing users with the ultimate sound experience wherever they go.
One of their top-selling speakers is the Elite ES15. This set of passive speakers comes with high-resolution sound, tonal balance, and a dynamic acoustic array.
- Design and Build
Polk has nailed the aesthetics of the ES15. These speakers have a modern styling that complements any home decor.
The use of distinctive curves on both the front speaker mound and the enclosure makes them even more attractive.
The unit comes in three colors: black, white, and walnut.
The white version is the most striking and elegant, but the other color options are also great for varying home theater designs.
The ES15 also has a fantastic build quality. They feel sturdy and comparable to premium speakers.
They use sturdy MDF for the housing with vinyl coating for added durability. You’ll find no seams, gaps, or rough edges anywhere in the speakers.
According to Polk, each speaker undergoes a stringent quality testing process to identify and eliminate issues before it hits the shelves.
The company is so confident in this process that it offers a limited five-year warranty for its speakers.
- Features and Sound Quality
The ES15 is an excellent speaker if you enjoy watching movies, listening to soundtracks, or streaming audio with high-resolution formats.
That’s because the speakers use a Terylene dome tweeter that delivers accurate and crystal-clear sound extending to frequencies of 40kHz and beyond.
The tweeter’s exceptionally high-frequency response and robust resonance ceramic motor structure enable the speaker to produce clear bass and detailed midrange.
From this, it’s safe to say that the ES15 takes sound quality very seriously.
The speakers’ five-way binding posts ensure the most efficient and direct connection possible.
On the other hand, the rigid enclosures reduce unnecessary internal standing waves to minimize audible coloration.
The phase-optimized precision crossovers are another exciting feature of the ES15. They use dynamically balanced drivers that reduce distortion when playing high-res audio.
Whether streaming from an app or watching TV, the speakers provide a seamless, lifelike soundstage.
- Power Port
Another unique feature of the ES15 is the Polk-patented power port that smoothly transitions the air from the unit’s port into your listening area.
It minimizes distortions and eliminates turbulence, leaving you with a clear, crisp sound.
In addition, the port extends the overall bass port, allowing a greater surface area for more musical bass impact.
In fact, according to Polk, the ES15 speakers deliver a 3dB louder bass output than traditional ported loudspeakers.
Lastly, these stereo speakers have a frequency response range of 44-40k Hz. At a minimum frequency of 44 Hz, it offers a deep bass that most listeners will appreciate.
Pros:
- High-res audio certified
- Detailed sound
- Visually appealing
- Nice punchy bass
- Superior sound quality
- Solid construction
- Wide range
Cons:
- Lacks detail in higher frequencies
- Very high tweeter output
- Performs better with a subwoofer
3. Klipsch R-51PM Powered Bluetooth Speaker
The R-51PM is another powered speaker from Klipsch that offers a full range of features at a reasonable price.
If you are looking for a speaker that delivers warm and dynamic sound, is easy to use, and has Bluetooth and optical connectivity options, the R-51PM should be at the top of your list.
Review
Finding a speaker that fits your needs can be challenging if you live in a small apartment.
Whatever you choose needs to be compact and powerful. Plus, it has to have a bunch of inputs and work wirelessly.
While these conditions often make soundbars a good choice, they rarely match the sound quality of a good set of bookshelf speakers.
The Klipsch R-51PM is an excellent choice for those who want better sound but don’t have the space for larger speakers. Here’s why:
- Design and Build
The Klipsch R-51PM is a beautiful set with a sleek cabinet design.
The exposed fasteners, textured wood grain vinyl, and magnetic grilles give these powered speakers a modern look.
The right speaker is the central unit, where you can find all the inputs and controls. There is a USB for hooking up to a computer and an optical for connecting with your TV.
It also has a phono or line input for a turntable, a 3.5mm aux, and a sub if you plan to add a subwoofer.
There is a small LED that shows you which input is currently selected. However, you can disable the light to eliminate its distracting glow while watching a movie.
- Installation
The R-51PM is slightly smaller than most bookshelf speakers, measuring 8.5 x 7 x 13.3 inches. Since it’s small, it is also pretty lightweight.
The speakers are powered by a single power cable and a Class-D amp, making them highly efficient. It doesn’t take much power for the speakers to get loud.
The unit also has a remote control device with a logical layout and buttons.
- Features and Sound Quality
Klipsch speakers are known for their top sound quality, and that’s apparent with the R-51PM.
This model offers a rich and dynamic sound quality that is slightly on the warmer side of the spectrum. In fact, the brand describes the R-51PM as a reference speaker.
It is a type of speaker that naturally reproduces the voices and sounds of musical instruments from the original recording.
Moreover, these speakers feature a dynamic bass equalizer that matches the ear’s ability to hear lower frequencies.
The R-51PM speakers provide a deep and powerful bass response regardless of the volume.
Without the dynamic bass equalizer, music will sound flat at lower volumes.
However, if you want to use the speaker at a high volume for a long time, you must disable the EQ to tame the bass.
Switching the EQ is as easy as pressing a button on the remote control for three seconds.
- Additional Features
Like The Fives, the R-51PM features the exclusive Tractrix horn technology. This reduces artificial reverb and delivers high-frequency energy to the listener.
Paired with the horn is a one-inch aluminum LTS tweeter.
This specialized tweeter makes the speakers more efficient at delivering sound waves and effectively reduces high-frequency distortion.
Moreover, it has a mid-bass unit in a copper IMG woofer that is exceptionally light and delivers a fantastic low-frequency response.
The R-51PM speakers leverage independent, ultra-low noise amplifiers that maximize their performance and eliminate the need to buy a separate amplifier.
Furthermore, these speakers have a wide soundstage and good imaging. You will hear where each instrument comes from, but we wish the speakers had more depth.
They are also forward-sounding, making you feel like you are in the front row of a concert.
That said, if you are like some people who prefer a more laid-back sound, the R-51PM might be too much for you.
Pros:
- Supports multiple inputs
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Wide soundstage
- Dynamic range
Cons:
- The highest volume isn’t enough for a big living room
- The phono stage needs improvement
4. Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier hails in China and is renowned for delivering quality audio equipment at affordable prices.
It has been in the speaker industry for over 25 years, developing comprehensive product design, testing, and manufacturing capabilities.
One of Edifier’s top-selling products is the R1280T, which has been in the market since 2015. These affordable bookshelf speakers offer fantastic sound quality and beautiful aesthetics.
Review
Most laptops and desktops fall short when it comes to audio. If you want an upgrade for either or both, the Edifier R1280T speakers will do nicely.
Out of the box, the R1280T looks surprisingly beautiful and is comparable to higher-end brands.
If you prefer sleek, small, and good-looking speakers, the R1280T fits like a glove. When light hits the grille, it shimmers from the cloth.
All in all, these speakers are a statement piece. Here are more reasons to love these bookshelf speakers:
- Design and Build
These powered bookshelf speakers boast a retro look.
Each unit comes in a standard rectangular housing, grey speaker coverings, wood panels, and grey panels on the top and bottom.
The wood panels on the sides are not natural wood but are medium-density fiberboard coated with vinyl.
Even so, you wouldn’t know the difference because of the warm tones and grained texture.
Unlike other speakers, the protective cloth panels don’t affect the audio quality, although they are removable if you like to see the drivers rattling along with the music.
Beneath the grille is a four-inch woofer and a 13mm silk dome tweeter.
The speakers are small for a bookshelf style, measuring 6.9 x 9.5 x 5.8 inches. Nevertheless, they are pretty big for a desktop setup.
The right speaker works as the powered unit, feeding power to the left speaker via a detachable cable.
It also has an IR sensor for a simple remote control that allows you to adjust the volume or mute the sound.
- Features and Sound Quality
The R1280T’s sound quality is surprisingly good for a mid-tier speaker.
Each has a 21W power output, four-inch woofers running at six ohms, and a 13mm tweeter at four ohms.
All these numbers look okay, considering the small size of the R1280T speakers.
The speakers offer a reasonably flat response and more subtle bass and treble. Even if you turn the bass knob to its max, it is still less profound.
The R1280T has a built-in tone control, which you can find at the side of the active speaker.
What’s great is that the digital volume control is automatically set to a comfortable level every time you switch on the speakers.
That said, the R1280T is ideal only for smaller settings, such as a desktop or a small bedroom. They will deliver a fuller sound with a warm finish, especially for voices in video calls.
You can hear the sound coming through crisply in soundtracks with a lot going on. You can add a subwoofer if you want a louder volume.
Pros:
- Great audio performance with rich lows and bright highs
- Edgy design with a retro vibe
- Adjustable bass and treble
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- No wireless capabilities
- Sound distorts at absolute top volumes
- Less profound bass
5. Edifier R1280DB Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
The Edifier R1280DB is an upgraded version of the brand’s best-selling classic bookshelf speakers.
The new model offers a full range of features from modern powered speakers, including HD audio and wireless connectivity.
It also includes new digital inputs, including optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth.
Review
The R1280DB is another excellent pick if you are looking for a studio monitor that performs well in terms of quality, functionality, and affordability.
Yet, even with the low price tag, these speakers don’t skimp on quality.
Many bookshelf speakers in the same price range look like a blind person has slapped them together, but not these speakers from Edifier.
- Design and Build
This pair of speakers has a similar build to the R1280T, but it features a classic style that complements most home furniture.
It uses the standard MDG board with a wood grain finish and feels very solid. While you can’t be rough with these speakers, they will last long.
Besides being lightweight, this material helps eliminate resonance and produces a purer sound. The set also has an upgrade remote control with optical and coaxial inputs.
The grille of the R1280DB has also gone through a beautiful upgrade.
It now has a unique curvature and a silver finish in the middle, which gives the speakers a modern touch.
Moreover, this unit uses a four-inch black wool cone woofer to create a warm and close sound for the woofer.
On the side of the active speaker are the knobs for adjusting the EQ to your personal preference.
Another thing you’ll notice is that the back of the R1280DB is sleeker and more orderly than the old version.
It has a dual RCA input interface that allows you to connect the speakers to different audio sources.
Besides changing the acoustic structure and design, Edifier also upgraded the circuit of the R1280DB speakers.
The latest model uses a class D digital power amplifier that stretches the original 16W to 42W, guaranteeing enormous volume for a small room.
- Features and Sound Quality
Of course, regardless of the upgrade, the sound performance has the final say. On the whole, the sound of the R1280DB speakers is quite pleasing in all aspects.
Whether that be modern, rock, pop, classical, or any genre of music, the sound is crisp and clean in various frequency ranges.
Moreover, its sound has a certain momentum, and its control ability is relatively good. You should be able to enjoy a variety of music with these speakers.
The bass driver of the R1280DB is quite good and has a good sense of volume. It is also very flexible and natural-sounding.
Meanwhile, its mid-range is relatively delicate and not as prominent as the bass, creating a soft and not too forward sound.
The treble performance of the R1280DB is also impressive.
Overall, this versatile, good-sounding speaker ensures an exceptional listening experience. Plus, they are surprisingly loud for such a small unit.
The only drawback is that when you crank the volume up to its top end, there will be a bit of distortion.
Pros:
- Great sound clarity
- Beautiful classic design
- Good accurate sound reproduction
- Wireless capabilities
- Plenty of punch
Cons:
- Bluetooth doesn’t support HD audio like aptX
- Equalizer doesn’t change much
Which Bookshelf Speakers Top the List?
If you are looking for the best of both worlds (functionality and sound quality), we recommend Klipsch’s The Fives Powered Speaker System over the others.
These affordable speakers pack a punch for versatility and performance.
Therefore, you can expect a great listening experience no matter the types of music you listen to.
In addition, this category of speakers can go super loud with minimal to no distortions at all.