Although you might get confused by the name, bookshelf speakers are used for many other applications than a bookshelf.
Bookshelf speakers are best known for producing a vast soundstage in a compact design. They can be used for providing TV audio, computer speakers, or standard music speakers throughout your home.
On the flip side, many people want high-quality audio without breaking the bank. We believe bookshelf speakers under $400 provide that happy medium consisting of high-quality audio at a more reasonable price.
After extensive research and reviews, we formulated a list of the 9 best and highest-rated choices on the market.
In Short, Here Are The Best Affordable Bookshelf Loudspeakers Below $400
- Edifier S2000MKIII
- Polk Audio Signature Series S35
- Edifier S350DB
- PSB Alpha P5
- ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
- Bose 301-V
- Swan Speakers – M50W
- Polk Audio LSiM 703 Flagship
- Klipsch RP-500M
1. Edifier S2000MKIII
First up, the Edifier S2000MKIII is an excellent pair of bookshelf speakers under $400. Right off the bat, you’ll notice the punchy bass that’s well-blended in the mix.
The precision from the low-end comes from the impressive 5.5-inch woofers. In case you prefer a different EQ setting, it possesses a bass knob and treble knob.
One of the more prominent features is their secure Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for a wireless option. On the flip side, it also provides optical, line-in, and coaxial inputs. Coming with the purchase, you get peace of mind with a 2-year warranty.
Users Say: “Bought these to sit on a bookshelf above my home office computer monitors. They have everything you could want: great sound at any volume in this small room, deep and well-defined bass, and can connect to just about any device you can think of. Bluetooth 5.0 is a game-changer, allowing connection to similarly equipped TVs, iPhones, etc. One of my better purchases during the pandemic.”
Tech Specs & Details
- Bluetooth 5.0
- 2-Year Warranty
- 130 Watt
- Wireless
- 4-EQ Presets
- Optical Input
- Comes With Remote Control
- 5.5-Inch Woofers
- Bass & Treble Adjustable
2. Polk Audio Signature Series S35
With near-flawless reviews amongst users, the Polk Audio Signature Series S35 is a fabulous option. These speakers have a very unique design and rich sound quality.
They have 6 drivers, a 1-inch terylene tweeter, and a detachable magnetic grille. We believe it’s an excellent value for the under $400 price and highly recommend it.
Users Say: “Just a lovely center speaker array. I didn’t think quality like this was still available at any price! The speaker is built like a tank but beautifully designed and constructed! The sound it produces, especially vocal tracks, is much clearer and deeper than the sounds that came out of our older two-speaker center speaker. Just great!“
Tech Specs & Details
- 6 Drivers
- Detachable Magnetic Grille
- 1-Inch Terylene Tweeter
3. Edifier S350DB
The Edifier S350DB is one of the top-tier bookshelf speakers with a subwoofer. Not to forget, it’s also one of the highest-rated units on the market. There are so many reasons why we love this system. For one, the sound quality is absolutely fantastic. The right speaker has three physical knobs that control the volume, treble, and bass.
The option to adjust the highs and the bass pleases bass lovers or those who prefer a more balanced sound. It produces phenomenal sound quality that’s crystal clear, rich, and well separated. These are some of the overall best-sounding bookshelf speakers we’ve ever tested.
Another thing you will highly appreciate is its design and build quality. It has a retro-modern design with a black front and wooden cherry red on the sides. Weighing 5.7 pounds each, speakers are built like a tank and easily able to last. The subwoofer itself is pretty big, weighing about 24 pounds. The only downside you may encounter with these units is the subwoofer size. You may have difficulty finding room to fit it.
Overall, the Edifier S350DB is one of the best-sounding bookshelf speakers with a subwoofer at its price range. Coming with the purchase, you also get a wireless remote. Lastly, both the U.S and Canada offer a 2-year warranty. We highly recommend it!
Users Say: “I have this system set up in my closet so the sound is great for being in a tiny room. Don’t know how it would sound in a living room, but so far, I am pleased with this system. Clear mids wish there were more highs. The lows are excellent. Got this during Cyber Monday 2019 and waited a few months to review it. For the price I paid, these are amazing speakers compared to Klipsh/Bose/other gaming speakers. Bluetooth connectivity works great. I haven’t had any issues other people have mentioned in their reviews. Money well spent. Get them!”
Tech Specs & Details
- Bluetooth V4.1
- Can be used for PC
- Pure Mids
- Ability to get extremely loud without distortion
- 2-Year Warranty
- Inputs- AUX, RCA, coaxial, and optical
- 8-inch subwoofer
- Titanium dome tweeters for crystal clear highs
4. PSB Alpha P5
Just barely below $400, the PSB Alpha P5 is a remarkable pair of bookshelf speakers. Right off the bat, you’ll notice its magnificent build quality designed for maximum longevity.
A very positive trait worth mentioning is the integrated metal magnetic grill for enhanced acoustics. Not only is the sound quality crisp and clean, but it effortlessly fills up a large living room with ease. You’ll be surprised by how loud they are for the compact size.
Due to the anodized aluminum dome tweeter, the highs are sparkly without being too harsh. Nevertheless, another surprising feature is the powerful low-end. All in all, we believe you’ll be thoroughly satisfied with it!
Users Say: “I have just recently started getting back into playing vinyl records. So I wanted to get a decent pair of bookshelf speakers that would put out good sound but not take up too much room. These seemed to be a good choice and I liked what I saw before getting them. At first, the speakers did sound a little too high to me without enough bass. But I just continued to play them for several hours using music with deeper bass. It seems that after this initial break-in period that it’s made all the difference. There’s a lot more balanced between the highs and lows now. The vinyl sounds great on them, and the output quality holds up across various music genres. Overall these are nice little speakers for my living room.”
Tech Specs & Details
- 5. 25″ Textured Polypropylene Woofer
- Detachable Magnetic Grilles
- Anodized Aluminum Dome Tweeter
5. ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
Amazingly, the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 had a hefty price cut of 9% off the original amount. Although we’re unsure if this discount is permanent or temporary, we believe it’s either way, an incredible bang for the buck under $400.
There are a plethora of reasons why we love them. These bookshelf speakers produce a vast frequency response of 44Hz-35000Hz, deliver 6 ohms, and quite loud for the competitive price with 120Watts.
Thanks to the aramid-fiber woofer, the bass is tight and accurate without being too boomy. I addition to our full endorsement, it’s also near-perfectly rated across the board amongst users.
Users Say: “Sound quality for these small, inexpensive speakers is amazing. I’ve owned Boston Acoustics and ADS bookshelf speakers and I find they usually have good high range and either good low or midrange but not both. These offer all three, good lows, midrange, and highs. I do find they are better matched with music as mixed today vs. years ago (70’s and 80’s). Lows are not as pronounced in older music. Still, sounds good though, and would need to spend several times more to improve.”
Tech Specs & Details
- 120 Watts
- Aramid-Fiber woofer
- Impedance- 6-Ohm
- Frequency Response: 44Hz – 35000Hz
6. Bose 301-V
Next up, the Bose 301-V is an exceptional pair of bookshelf speakers under $400. They produce stereo audio and deliver spatial dispersion for a wide soundstage. Not to forget, the highs are clear and smoothened out with the spatial dispersion, as well.
Unlike most bookshelf speakers in general, these are designed to sit horizontally making it easier to fit actual bookshelves. The pictures on Amazon show these speakers with a stand. However, the stands don’t come with the purchase and must be bought separately.
Users Say: “I’m an Electronic Technician and I did extensive research for new speakers. I considered many specifics such as matching the amperage to my amplifier, manufacturer’s reputation, engineering design, sound quality… the Bose 301 met all of my qualifications. Don’t forget, you get what you pay for. These speakers are a great value for the money and the quality I required. I am confident I will enjoy them for years to come.”
Tech Specs & Details
- 150 Watts
- Spacious Sound
- Removable grill
- 8-Inch Woofer
7. Swan Speakers – M50W
Primarily used for music or gaming, the Swan Speakers – M50W is an excellent pair of bookshelf speakers with a subwoofer. There are a plethora of reasons why these speakers offer incredible sound quality. Within the sub is a six 1/2-inch woofer that produces outstanding bass. It has a frequency range of 120Hz – 20kHz, so you can hear nearly every frequency audibly to the human ear. Between the lows, mids, and highs; You will be more than satisfied with its rich sound, dynamics, and soundstage.
Something that I’m a massive fan of is its design. With walnut finish cabinets, they look fantastic on shelves or your desk. It’s designed for longevity and very durable. You will also like the wireless aluminum control knob coming with the purchase. Overall, the Swan Speakers – M50W is a fantastic pair of bookshelf speakers with a powerful subwoofer. It was primarily designed for music and gaming. We highly recommend it.
Users Say: “Great speakers, was initially disappointed until I realized there was a knob for the bass on the back which made an enormous difference. Great sound that gets better with moderate/high levels of volume.”
Tech Specs & Details
- Walnut finish cabinets
- 6 1/2-inch woofer
- Frequency Range: 120Hz – 20kHz
- Wireless aluminum turntable control
- Sensitivity: 81dB
8. Polk Audio LSiM 703 Flagship
For good reasons, the Polk Audio LSiM 703 Flagship is tied for the most flawlessly rated and reviewed bookshelf speaker on the list. Even better, its new 47% price reduction brings it down just under $400.
This is the only choice on the list that comes with a single speaker. The rest, however, come with dual speakers. Nevertheless, this one is sizable with a 6.5-inch speaker size, a 1-inch diameter tweeter, and a 3.25-inch midrange woofer. Another valuable feature worth mentioning is the spacious 36Hz-40kHz frequency response.
Overall, it’s one of the largest speakers on this list with the robust build quality, superb sound quality across the frequency spectrum, and modern appearance for boosted aesthetic value.
Users Say: “Love everything about the Polk LSIM703’s, they are everything I expected. I am using them in a two-speaker stereo system. They are being powered by my two-channel Emotiva amp(300 watts per channel) and it really opens the Polk LSIM703’s up, they sound amazing. They are still in the break-in period so they will only get better from this point going forward. BUY THEM!!!!!”
Tech Specs & Details
- PowerPort Technology
- Frequency Response: 36Hz – 40kHz
- Impedance: 8-Ohm
9. Klipsch RP-500M
Last but not least, the Klipsch RP-500M is possibly our absolute favorite pair of bookshelf speakers under $400. While we already believe it dramatically outperforms the price range, it’s also on a friendly 5% price reduction.
These speakers deliver stupendous sound quality for a few reasons. For one, the spun copper cerametallic woofers are quite sizable at 5.25 inches and produce a rich audio quality. With the 1-inch titanium vented tweeters, the highs are clear and sparkly without discomfort.
Another beneficial characteristic worth mention is the hybrid tractrix horn is another contributor to enhancing the upper-register frequencies.
Users Say: “I used these as my front L/R channels to replace some Paradigm speakers. These speakers are amazing. Great sound in a small package, which was important given that I needed them to fit on my bookshelf. The units look nice with or without their grill. These are 8 oms and connect easily with speaker wire or clips. I have paired them with a subwoofer and have plenty of bass.”
Tech Specs & Details
- 300 Watt
- Scratch-Resistant
- 1” Titanium Vented Tweeter
- Spun Copper Cerametallic
- Hybrid Tractrix Horn Enhances High Frequencies
Our Winners
Keep in mind that our opinion is not the end all be all. As mentioned earlier, everyone has different needs, requirements, and budgets for their below $400 bookshelf speakers. However, our winner is the Klipsch RP-500M due to its impeccable sound quality, reliable performance, and robust quality of construction. We believe it’s a fabulous bang for the buck and we highly recommend it!
How much do bookshelf speakers cost?
You can get bookshelf speakers anywhere between $30 up to the $1000’s. However, some of the more popular choices hover between the $100-$300 range.
How much do bookshelf speakers weigh?
Altogether, bookshelf speakers can weigh anywhere between 7-50 pounds. Keep in mind, the only set of bookshelf speakers that weigh anywhere close to 50 pounds come with an additional subwoofer. With both speakers combined, most hover around 20 pounds.
Do bookshelf speakers come with a subwoofer?
While most bookshelf speakers don’t come with a subwoofer, there are a few that do. For example, the Edifier S350DB is an astounding set of bookshelf speakers that come with an 8-inch subwoofer.
Why do people like bookshelf speakers?
The primary benefit bookshelf speakers offer compared to other speakers is their compact size. Furthermore, the soundstage is quite vast for the petite build.
What’s the speaker size of bookshelf speakers?
While the speaker size of bookshelf speakers varies, most fall between 4 to 8 inches. The entire speaker is generally compact making it suitable to fit on a bookshelf.
Quick Recap
In Short, Here Are The Highest-Rated Bookshelf Speakers Under $400
- Edifier S2000MKIII
- Polk Audio Signature Series S35
- Edifier S350DB
- PSB Alpha P5
- ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
- Bose 301-V
- Swan Speakers – M50W
- Polk Audio LSiM 703 Flagship
- Klipsch RP-500M