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The best stereo speakers ranked by size, build, and cost
Music is the soundtrack of life, so I recommend investing in high-quality speakers to give you the best sound. The right stereo speaker can add excitement or relaxation to every moment, changing the mood for the better.
ZDNET Recommends
There's nothing like a stereophonic, or stereo, speaker. While mono speakers play one audio channel through a single speaker, stereo speakers use two: one for the left and one for the right. Sound envelopes the room from the left and right, cloaking listeners in realistic sound. It delivers a more immersive experience, offering a 3D feel.
I love stereo speakers for their ability to incorporate dual speakers in a single build, making it the perfect fit for your home and office. But first, you need the best speaker to do the job.
Before you spend another moment without your favorite tunes, check out my picks for the best stereo speakers you can invest in today.
Also: Read more about the best speakers
- Superb clarity
- Smart technology
- Compact design
- Doesn't support Bluetooth
- Best with multiple speakers
Tech Specs: Speaker type: Bookshelf | Dimensions: 6.36 x 4.69 x 4.69 inches | Connectivity: WiFi | Power type: Corded electric
The Sonos One is my favorite pick because it offers reliable and affordable sound in an easily compact, portable design. Dual Class-D digital amplifiers meet a woofer-tweeter combination for superior sound. The four-core processor supports a Wi-Fi connection, so you can access all of your favorite tunes and content via iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows devices.
Both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are compatible with full voice control, and you can stream from all your favorite apps, like Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. If you purchase more than one Sonos speaker, you can build a whole-home system the entire family can enjoy.
Read the review: Sonos One review
- Deep bass
- Fantastic clarity
- Clean design
- Must buy in a pair
- Pricey
Tech Specs: Speaker type: Bookshelf | Dimensions: 13.6 x 7.5 x 11.81 inches | Power type: Corded electric
If you want something for your bookshelf, the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary is still the best bookshelf speaker on the market. The one-inch Decoupled Double Dome Tweeters fill the room with music, working with six-inch continuum mid-bass drive units and a dual-layer aluminum dome for fantastic sound. The entire construction is enclosed in a magnetic grille for a sleek finish, making it the perfect aesthetic fit for your bookshelf.
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to use
- Removable grill
- Subpar at high volumes
- Mediocre bass
Tech Specs: Speaker type: Woofer | Dimensions: 13.5 x 8.1 x 11.7 inches | Power type: Corded electric
The Dayton Audio B652-AIR doesn't sacrifice quality just because it's the best budget stereo speaker. Using Dayton Audio's Air Motion Technology (AMT), this speaker combines the Air Motion Transformer tweeter with a 6.5-inch woofer for deep bass and incredible clarity, providing fantastic sound from a traditional compact package.
It's compatible with most devices, including your smartphone, laptop, PC, and tablet for easy connectivity and quick streaming.
- Brilliant audio
- Wireless connectivity
- Modern design
- Mediocre bass
- No companion app
Tech Specs: Speaker type: Bookshelf | Dimensions: 9.2 x 15.6 x 13.1 inches | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | Power type: Corded electric
Fluance Ai61 is the best Bluetooth stereo speaker. The 120-watt amplifier is matched by neodymium tweeters and 6.5-inch woven glass fiber drivers with a rear bass port for phenomenal sound. This speaker offers excellent connectivity with extra ports for all your devices.
Choose from RCA, Optical, and USB Type-C inputs. In addition to USB connectivity, there's also Bluetooth connectivity, so you can easily access all of your favorite apps and streaming services.
- Fantastic sound
- Solid construction
- Different colors available
- Stand is additional
- Expensive
Tech Specs: Speaker type: Bookshelf | Dimensions: 7.87 x 11.02 x 11.89 inches | Power type: Corded electric
If you have a little more to spend, the KEF LS50 Meta is my pick for the best stereo speaker splurge. A bookshelf speaker, it uses KEF's own Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) to reduce 99% of unwanted noise from the rear of the driver.
The device features an enclosed subwoofer, plus KEF'S new 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver for sound that is 40% smoother than that of previous models. It's available in four colors, so you can match your speaker to your room's design, too.
What is the best stereo speaker?
I found many great stereo speakers during my search, but I wanted to rank the best options available today. Our pick for the best stereo speaker is still the Sonos One, which offers incredible value with connectivity options and exceptional sound. I also love that it can be paired with other speakers for a whole-home stereo system. Plus, it's compact enough to move from room to room, so you're never without your favorite tunes.
To see how the Sonos One compares, here's my overview of the best stereo speakers.
Best stereo speaker | Cost | Wi-Fi connectivity |
Sonos One | $215 | ✔ |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary | $1000 | ✗ |
Dayton Audio B652-AIR | $60 | ✗ |
Fluance Ai61 | $300 | ✔ |
KEF LS50 Meta | $1,488 | ✗ |
Which is the best stereo speaker for you?
With so many options to choose from, it can be confusing to find the best stereo speaker for your needs. There are specs to track, costs to compare, and dimensions to measure.
Don't worry, though. Here are my recommendations to help you find the best stereo speaker for your needs.
Choose this best stereo speaker... | If you want... |
Sonos One | An affordable set of speakers with fantastic performance |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary | The perfect speaker for your bookshelf |
Dayton Audio B652-AIR | A budget-friendly stereo speaker that doesn't sacrifice quality |
Fluance Ai61 | A smart speaker with Bluetooth technology |
KEF LS50 Meta | A top-of-the-line stereo speaker with serious sound |
How did I choose these best stereo speakers?
When looking for the best stereo speakers, there are several factors I consider that may also help you with your search.
- Size: Stereo speakers can come in any shape and size, ranging from bookshelf speakers to floor-standing models. I look for different sizes to fit a variety of homes and bookshelves.
- Build: I look for a quality build that promises durability and holds multiple ports for better sound.
- Connectivity: Connectivity is also important, with the best stereo speakers offering Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for easier pairing.
- Cost: The price of stereo speakers can vary widely from model to model, as seen here. The best stereo speakers can cost less than one hundred dollars or more than $1,000, depending on the size and features you choose.
What are stereo speakers?
A stereophonic speaker, or stereo speaker, combines two separate speakers into one. Instead of a single audio channel, it incorporates a separate left and right audio channel into a single speaker. The result? An immersive audio experience that envelopes the room.
Stereo speakers are generally sold in pairs, so your ears receive bidirectional sound. Two speakers provide better spatial audio, allowing sounds to feel more realistic, as if they are coming from different places in the room. It's meant to mimic your natural hearing with a 3D feel to transform your listening experience.
What is the best active stereo speaker?
There's no shortage of stereo speakers to choose from, but sound quality varies. An active stereo speaker can be more reliable than a passive speaker, because they receive a constant supply of power. It makes them less susceptible to distortion and loss, so you'll receive clearer audio with a clean finish.
If you're looking for the best active stereo speaker, my pick is the Sonos One speaker because it contains its own built-in amplifier. That means you can skip the extra ports and cables that passive speakers require and instead get to listening faster.
How much does the best stereo speaker cost?
Stereo speakers run the gamut in price, so I looked for the best stereo speakers to suit a variety of budgets. The best stereo speakers range in price from $60 to nearly $1,500, depending on the model and manufacturer that you choose.
The KEF LS50 Meta is the most expensive on my list at almost $1,500, but it's an excellent choice if you want to splurge. If you're on a budget, the Dayton Audio B652-AIR offers its exclusive Air Motion Transformer tweeter for deeper sound. Either way, you can't go wrong when you pick one of the best stereo speakers.
Are there alternative best stereo speakers worth considering?
In my search, I also found these options that may be worth your consideration.
For other options, check out our picks for the best Bluetooth speakers, the best bookshelf speakers, and the best portable speakers!