When we review audio equipment, it’s a detailed and precise process. All of our product experts at PC Labs have an extensive checklist for how we test speakers. Each device we take into the shop is tested with its primary connection protocol (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or wired connection) in real-world situations. We evaluate bass response with a track with deep tones and kick drums to ensure distortion-free lows. We also test speakers across different genres 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 home entertainment setups (like soundbars), we test a selection of movies and shows with dynamic sound, loud sound effects, and assertive soundtracks. We also test common functionalities for speakers with voice assistants, like connecting to Bluetooth and setting alarms. It’s a ton of work, but it’s worth it.
Best Speaker Deals Right Now
If you’re starting to feel like your audio experience is just too muted, like when you’re watching TV but struggling to hear the dialogue, or not feeling the groove from your favorite music, it’s time for an upgrade. A new set of speakers can radically transform the sound inside and outside your home. But you don’t need to pay top dollar for top-rated brands. From weatherproof Bluetooth models to massive, crystal-clear home theater towers and everything in between, and we’re on the hunt for rock-bottom prices on speakers from all the major retailers. Grab your wallets, because we’ve got a bunch of potent speaker deals for May.
Bluetooth & Wireless Speaker Deals
Amazon’s Echo line of smart speakers are some of the most affordable ways to get decent audio and the power of the Alexa smart assistant in your home. In our review of the latest version of the Echo Dot, we raved about its plethora of uses, including the new ability to serve as an eero wireless node to extend your home network for better speed and stability. The sound quality is acceptable, especially for radio and podcasts, and you can use it to set alarms, ask questions, tell jokes and more.
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 & Wireless Speaker Deals:
Even More Bluetooth & Wireless Speaker Deals
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Tower Speaker Deals
Tower speakers are the best option for home theater systems, giving you solid stereo separation, booming volume and deep bass. Polk makes a wide range of tower speakers, and the Signature Elite is their higher-end consumer line, featuring their Power Port technology that gives you up to 3 dB louder bass response than conventional speakers with a down-firing port that helps reduce distortion and turbulence. Dual gold-plated 5-way binding posts give you pristine wired audio, and Polk makes a variety of other units that can be networked together for awesome surround sound.
Other Tower Speaker Deals:
Bookshelf Speaker Deals
Get Exclusive Savings!
Unlock Deals on the Latest Tech Products
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
Bookshelf speakers are designed to hit a midpoint between size and audio quality, able to be positioned at various heights and configurations while still sounding good. Klipsch is one of the most reputable names in the market, and their Fives bookshelf units are solid contenders, featuring excellent sound and connectivity. In our 2020 review, we gave them an Editors’ Choice award, raving about their attractive design featuring removable tweed grilles, robust sound signature and input options including Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical, and even a line in for turntables. Right now Amazon has an extra 10% off coupon
Other Bookshelf Speaker Deals:
Portable Speaker Deals
We called the Beats Pill “durable, feature-rich and stylish” in our review, praising the solid sound quality and deep bass response that it emits from such a small unit. With an IP67 rating, it’s certified to be dustproof and waterproof for up to 30 minutes at one meter of submergence. Battery life varies by volume level, but you can get as much as 24 hours of use out of a single charge if you’re not pumping it up. It’s a breeze to pair with iOS devices and works with both Apple and Google’s Find My networks in case you misplace it. Fifty bucks off at Amazon right now.
Recommended by Our Editors
Other Portable Speaker Deals:
Computer Speaker Deals
The long horizontal form factor of a soundbar works extremely well for PC gaming setups, especially one where desk space is at a premium. We reviewed the Razer Leviathan V2 in 2022 and liked it quite a bit, with special praise going to the crisp stereo sound, loud and assertive bass, stereo imaging and customizable RGB lighting. When it was released, this thing retailed for $250, so this is a nice price drop combined with a $10 discount.
Other Computer Speaker Deals:
Outdoor Speaker Deals
This is an outdoor speaker system in the truest sense of the word, with a subwoofer that you bury mostly in the ground to keep it safe from the elements, along with a pair of satellite speakers. That flexibility lets you set up your audio environment to your liking, and it’s a breeze to expand with additional satellites. The subwoofer’s 12dB crossover perfectly splits the signal so that low tones go to it and high and mids to the other speakers for bright, clear audio. It’s designed to be powered by amplifiers with 50 to 200 watts of power , so make sure your system is up to par.
Other Outdoor Speaker Deals:
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 K. Thor Jensen
Contributing Writer
Read the latest from K. Thor Jensen
About Eric Zeman
Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics
