When searching for your new speakers, you will need to keep in mind the size, Bluetooth capabilities, and powered vs passive output. Those points should be the key factors in your decision. Make sure to measure the spot you decide to make your designated speaker area to ensure a perfect fit. If weight can be an issue, make sure to purchase lightweight speakers. Next, if you will be streaming audio from your smartphone or computer, Bluetooth is a crucial feature you will need. Lastly, powered speakers can work without any outside devices. If you do not want to purchase something from our list of best receivers, you will need to make sure your new pair of speakers are not passive models. No matter what customizations you decide on, the best affordable bookshelf speakers are available to you! The active loudspeaker comes with a built-in tone control that can adjust treble and bass from -6 to +6db. A remote gives control over volume from across the room, while 100-240v full range voltage input makes it easy to listen. Sound is amazing for the price, thanks to 42 watts RMS power 13mm silk dome tweeters, and a four-inch full range woofer. Because you can use this incredible pair of speakers on their own or as part of a larger audio set-up, they are ideal for just about anyone but the most discerning audiophiles.  Size: 6.9x9.5.x5.8 inches | Controls: Remote | Input: 2x aux or dual RCA, Bluetooth | Power: 21Wx2
The pair of speakers are constructed with classic high-quality MDF wood and have an attractive walnut finish. One speaker is active with a five-pin connector to the passive speaker and both include RCA input. Size: 6.0x8.0x9.75 inches | Controls: Remote| Input: 2x aux or dual RCA, Bluetooth | Power: 15Wx2 + 18Wx2 This is all packed in a black polymer veneer cabinet with a rear-firing port with five-way binding posts, so it’s ideal for connection flexibility that will work with your setup. Size: 7.5x5.9x9.8 inches | Controls: Amp required | Input: 5-way binding | Power: Passive (amp required) The wide dispersion drivers and tweeters are enhanced by Polk’s exclusive Dynamic Balance function that delivers a cinematic wide response and low distortion. The pair of speakers have magnetically shielded enclosures for reduced distortion and improved clarity, while the engineering ensures the speakers work in a synergistic manner, performing complementary tasks for the best sound performance.  Size: 6.5x10.63x7.25 inches | Controls: Amp required| Input: 5-way binding | Power: Passive (amp required) Thanks to Bluetooth wireless technology, an integrated phono preamplifier, and analog RCA and USB inputs, gone are the days of needing an A/V receiver, opening up the possibilities of connecting the speakers with any of your devices, from turntables to cell phones to televisions. The speakers come with Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) woofer cones that are both light and rigid, but another subwoofer can easily be added to boost low frequencies.  Size: 8.51x5.75x11.3 inches | Controls: On-speaker| Input: 3.5mm analog mini jack, USB, digital optical, analog RCA, Bluetooth | Power: 70W (240W peak) Size:  7.18x13.25x8.75 inches| Controls: None | Input: Wired | Power: Passive (amp required) Size: 6.1x5.4x8.4 inches | Controls: None | Input: Wired | Power Output: Passive (amp required) The tweeters and woofers are housed in a classic back polymer casing with a mesh grill. The sophisticated design looks great in any room, while the frequency response of 60Hz-20kHz and impedance of 4-8 ohms sounds great. Size: 9.5x5.8x6.5 inches. | Controls: None| Input: Wired | Power Output: Passive (amp required) Jason Schneider is Lifewire’s audio expert. Jason has reviewed hundreds of products ranging from headphones and soundbars to speakers and receivers. He’s also a musician and contributing writer for Greatist and Thrillist.

What to Look for in Affordable Bookshelf Speakers

Powered vs. Passive

Check to see whether the speakers you are purchasing are passive or powered. A set of powered speakers can be plugged into the wall and begin working immediately because their amplifier is built-in. For example, 100-240v full range voltage input tends to be standard for powered speakers, with the two speakers being capable of between 40-100W. The downside of the powered speaker is that they tend to weigh more. However, a pair of passive speakers will require you to purchase an additional amplifier to get them to produce sound, requiring a bit more setup and expenditure. Speaker wire typically comes in 100-foot spools, offering some flexibility in the placement, though the process is certainly more involved.

Size

With speakers, sometimes size does matter. While you might be inclined to search out the smallest and cutest pair you can find, know that a larger couple will generally offer fuller sound. Our top pick on this list has measurements of 6.9x9.5x5.8 inches and weighs a hefty 12.5 pounds. That’s much more than the passive Klipsch R-14M, for instance, which measures a similar size at 9.75x5.88x7.5 inches, but comes in at a modest 7.13 pounds. Additionally, as bookshelf setups typically lack a subwoofer, you will be relying on your two speakers to produce sufficient bass. If you’re keen on room-filling sound you’ll want to look for bookshelf speakers that are compatible with surround sound setups so you can augment their audio. The standard audio channels you’ll want to keep an eye out for are 2.0, 2.1, 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1.

Bluetooth

Do you want to stream music from your smartphone or computer? Check to see if the speakers you are seeking offer Bluetooth streaming built-in. The latest standard is Bluetooth 5.0, but older speakers tend to have Bluetooth 4.1 or 4.2. Bluetooth range tends to average 33 feet for reliable connection, so if you want anything longer your best option may be wired. The wireless technology will allow you to send music from any modern device to your speakers with the push of a button. This can help you cut the cord, though most bookshelf speakers also have more traditional inputs in addition to Bluetooth.