The Best Compact Speaker System For 2024

Piers Anthony By, Piers Anthony
Updated
Definitive Technology ProCenter 2000 - Compact High Definition Speaker
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Definitive Technology ProCenter 2000 - Compact High Definition Speaker

The ProCenter 2000 is the heart of your music. This compact center channel is designed to handle the most action-packed sound sequences, so you get exceptional sound reproduction with no distortions, even at high volume levels. Read Review

2. Best Powerful: Polk Audio PSW111 8" Powered Subwoofer - Big Bass in Compact Size

Feel the power of this Polk Audio PSW111 8" Powered Subwoofer. With a dynamic balance woofer, specially-tuned downward-firing port and on-point speaker geometry, this subwoofer delivers accurate bass with added depth for an enhanced sound experience. Read Review

3. Best Quality: Definitive Technology Procenter 1000 Compact Center Speaker

This ProCenter 1000 center-channel speaker by Definitive Technology is designed for demanding home theater systems. It features a single 4" polypropylene cone woofer and 1" ferrofluid-cooled silk dome tweeter with a neodymium magnet structure. Read Review

4. Best Performance: JBL Professional C1PRO High Performance Compact Loudspeaker System

The JBL Professional C1Pro is a high performance compact loudspeaker system that provides excellent audio quality for monitor or ear TV applications. The magnetically shielded transducers provide near-field monitoring. Read Review

Compact speakers are small, lightweight, and easy to carry around. They are also a great option if you’re on a budget. Smaller speakers usually produce smaller sounds, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be good performers. The best compact speaker system doesn’t have to cost a fortune – there are plenty of affordable options out there with excellent performance for their price point. These top compact speaker systems will fit almost any space and your budget!

After nearly 100 hours of research, we were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands. Among them, Definitive Technology ProCenter 2000 - Compact High Definition Speaker seems to be the first product you can rely on. Alternatively, if you're simply looking for a good-looking option, you may go with Polk Audio PSW111 8" Powered Subwoofer - Big Bass in Compact Size.

Our article today focuses mainly on giving you guidelines and tips to be able to buy the right product that best suits your needs. Explore with us right here.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Definitive Technology ProCenter 2000 - Compact High Definition Speaker
Our Score:
9.9
Definitive Technology
  • LONGSTANDING BEST-SELLERS - The ProCenter speakers have been around for quite a while and are just as popular. These precision sound loudspeakers from Definitive Technology are the best sounding speakers to add to your home entertainment system
  • TOP-OF-THE-LINE CENTER CHANNEL SPEAKER – ProCenter 2000 is EQUIPPED WITH THE MOST ADVANCED DRIVERS – (2) proprietary 5-1/4" BDSS driver coupled to (2) 5-1/4" bass radiators, & a 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter for DETAILED AUDIO, & DEEP POWERFUL BASS
  • CREATE A FULL PROCINEMA SYSTEM FOR A THRILLING & IMMERSIVE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE – Pair the ProCenter 2000 center channel with a ProSub 1000 Subwoofer and 4 ProMonitor 1000 satellite speakers for an unbeatable home theater system
  • MULTIPLE PLACEMENT OPTIONS – The included pedestal foot helps you safely place the speaker on a shelf or a ProStand (sold separately). For wall/ceiling mounting, use the rear-panel keyhole slot or a 1/4"-20 threaded insert on the back of the speaker
  • THE HEART OF GOOD MUSIC - This compact center channel is designed to handle the most action-packed sound sequences, so you GET EXCEPTIONAL SOUND REPRODUCTIONS WITH NO DISTORTIONS, even at high volume levels
  • LOUDER CLEARER SOUND EVEN AT EXTREME VOLUME LEVELS – Features smart compression circuitry that limits distortion and gives a more balanced & thrilling music experience with rich, deep sound, even at low frequencies
  • A SLEEK DETACHABLE GRILLE on the front, along with LFE line-inputs, as well as speaker-level inputs and outputs on the back, and Low-Pass Filter & Phase Toggle Switch, make this sub COHESIVE & COMPLETE, especially at this price
  • ULTRA-COMPACT POWERED SUBWOOFER FOR EXTRA PUNCHY BASS – An 8" Dynamic Balance woofer, specially-tuned downward-firing port & on-point speaker geometry helps deliver accurate bass with added depth that pumps up your movie, games and music experience
  • HIGH-EFFICIENCY LOUDSPEAKER – Driven by a 150-watt amplifier (300W at peak), this sub is your answer to more power in a small footprint. It takes about one square foot of floor space and fills any room with incredible sound wherever you place it
  • Polk’s UNWAVERING COMMITMENT, RELIABILITY, AND CRAFTSMANSHIP has made it one of the most trusted names in home audio. Bring out the best in surround sound systems and acoustic excellence, so you can SIT BACK, RELAX AND LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART
  • PERFECTLY BLENDS WITH YOUR EXISTING SYSTEM – Timbre-matched with other Polk speakers from TSI, RM & R/T/M Series, this sub hooks to any receiver. No hassles, no extra connections. Upgrade your home theater and entertainment
TOP Choice #3 Definitive Technology Procenter 1000 Compact Center Speaker
Our Score:
9.6
Definitive Technology
  • Equipped with one 1-inch pure aluminum dome tweeter
  • Frequency response: 47Hz - 30kHz.A/V Receiver Crossover Settings:Small (40 Hz)
  • Equipped with two 4.5-Inch Cast basket drivers coupled to two 4.5-Inch pressure-driven Planar low-frequency radiators
  • The high quality finish in gloss black
  • Single Pro center center-channel speaker
  • Latest 150W Pro quality version of JBL Control 1 for shelf or wall mount
  • It features magnetically shielded transducers for near monitor or ear TV applications
  • Variable angle wall brackets enable multiple uses and angles
  • Professional drivers and high quality crossover gives a faithfull and transparent sonic performance
  • It features SonicGuard HF overload protection
  • Eco-friendly packaging JBL is committed to a more sustainable, earth-friendly packaging. The Flip 6 is packaged in a recyclable paper-based box, including the inner tray. The plastic hangtag is over 90% recycled and the exterior is printed with soy ink
  • 13 Hours of Playtime Don’t sweat the small stuff like charging your battery. JBL Flip 6 gives you up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge.
  • Bold design Bold audio meets bold design. Big-sounding yet easy to carry, the design fits any personal style. Stand it vertical or horizontal and choose from a variety of vibrant colors
  • IP67 waterproof and dustproof To the pool. To the park. JBL Flip 6 is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, so you can bring your speaker anywhere.
  • Crank up the fun with PartyBoost PartyBoost allows you to pair two JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers together for stereo sound or link multiple JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers to truly pump up your party
  • 24-Hour Playtime: Motion Boom outdoor speaker delivers up to 24 hours of playtime from a single charge to keep the music playing on camping weekends, days at the beach, boat trips, and more.
  • 100% Pure Titanium: Motion Boom’s drivers have pure titanium diaphragms to reproduce high frequencies up to 40kHz for sound that has noticeably higher clarity.
  • Extreme Outdoor Sound: Make a statement with Motion Boom outdoor speaker—press play and experience huge stereo sound that’s distortion-free, even at high volumes.
  • Incredible Sound Loved by 20 Million+ People
  • IPX7 Waterproof and Floats: Don’t freak out if Motion Boom outdoor speaker goes for a dip! It’s fully waterproof and floats on water.
  • 2 YEAR WARRANTY - Guaranteed high quality and reliability with hassle-free parts and labor warranty for two years in USA and Canada.
  • 2 x AUX INPUT - Convenient connection to any device that has a 3.5mm headphone output or dual RCA output. Connect to two devices via AUX at the same time, no plugging and switching needed. (None Bluetooth version)
  • CLASSIC WOOD FINISH - High quality MDF wood build finished with wood effect vinyl serves as a great compliment to any home decor.
  • STUDIO SOUND QUALITY - Natural sound reproduction from 13mm silk dome tweeter and 4 inch full range unit
  • REMOTE CONTROL - Adjust volume at your figure tips. Bass and treble control located on the side of main speaker.
  • Specs - Amplifier: 3.5” x 3” x 1.5”, Speakers: 4.5” x 1.5” x 3”, Unit weight: 4.70 lbs.
  • Warranty - BOSS Audio Systems provides a powerful 3-year platinum online dealer warranty so long as the purchase is made through Amazon.com. We strongly encourage professional installation of this product to ensure proper and safe functionality
  • Amplifier - A Bluetooth 2 channel, compact, weatherproof, class A/B amplifier is included. It has been sealed with the latest weatherproofing techniques to protect against a rainy forecast. Use the 3.5 mm Aux input for even more choices
  • Speakers - Also included are two 3-inch chrome/black full range speakers. The adjustable brackets will fit handlebars from ranging from .75” to 1.25”
  • Volume Control - A convenient inline volume control (attached to the amplifier) can be installed in a place of your choosing, making sure that when the need hits… so will your tunes.
  • Bluetooth - Play and control a vast library of your favorite music using your smartphone or MP3 device, plus plug into apps like Spotify and Pandora wirelessly. All possible via the 2 channel Bluetooth amplifier
  • WIRELESS BLUETOOTH PAIRING: Stream music, adjust volume and change tracks from Bluetooth enabled devices with this wireless 4.2 Bluetooth speaker. Works with iPhone, Android, Smartphone, iPad and computer with a wireless range of over 30’+ ft
  • COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The exact dimensions of this portable Bluetooth speaker is 12.9’’ x 5.1’’’ x 5.6’’. It’s just the right size for a very compact and portable speaker. It even has a convenient carry handle
  • FM AND USB COMPATIBILITY: This wireless speaker has FM radio with auto-tuning. It also has a USB flash drive and micro sd reader with a maximum support of 32GB. It is compatible to MP3 and WMA audio files with a panel button control center
  • BUILT-IN RECHARGEABLE BATTERY: This portable Bluetooth speaker comes with a built-in 3.7V Li ion 1800mAh rechargeable battery. It charges via USB cable that’s included in the package. It also has a 3.5mm aux input jack for headset
  • 200 WATT POWER: This sound box offers a 2.1” full range stereo sound reproduction system with 200 watt power max. Its impedance is 4 Ohm, signal or noise ratio is >80dB and the frequency response is 100-16kHz
  • ALL DAY PLAY: Keep the music pumping all day (and all night) long. The powerful battery guarantees up to 24 hours of continuous use! You'll be able to enjoy your favorite songs whenever (and wherever) you please.
  • WIRELESS CONNECTION: Don't let cords tie you down. Premium bluetooth 5.0 technology effortlessly connects to all of your bluetooth-enabled devices up to 100ft range. Press and hold the multifunction button to access the voice input for Siri and Google Now.
  • KILLER AUDIO: With crystal highs, crisp mids and rich bass, XSound Go creates an immersive listening experience unlike any other. State of the art bass radiators and dual 8W power drivers deliver shocking sound without distortion even at maximum volume.
  • SLEEK & SOPHISTICATED: Tribit XSound Go is as stylish as they come. Curved edges and a matte finish offer a modern touch, the compact design maximizes portability. Toss it in a backpack, stick in in your purse, or carry it around with the attached strap.
  • EXTREME WATERPROOFING: Pool parties? Definitely. Lounging on the beach? Absolutely. Singing in the shower? You bet! This waterproof speaker is perfect for all sorts of summer fun.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best compact speaker system?

We're sure you've purchased something and afterward regretted it. We are all concerned about the items we purchase. The easiest method to prevent these concerns is to conduct a thorough study before purchasing the best compact speaker system.

That is also why we decided to introduce this post in order to provide you with advice on how to avoid buying errors when selecting the best compact speaker system.

Power Handling

The power handling indicates how strong the speaker can withstand without causing damage. A speaker rated as "100W maximum" should not be considered dangerous if it is equipped with a 200-Watt amplifier. You won't likely put this much power in the speakers. A loudspeaker's damage is usually caused by a small amplifier that drives it too high. It is the loud-level distortion that causes the most damage.

Sensitivity

The speaker's sensitivities are a measurement of its effectiveness. Speakers with high sensitivity produce higher volume at given voltages. You can use this information to determine how large an amplifier is needed to power the speakers. The measurement can be expressed in decibels per 2.83V input. Example: "88dB/2.83V." You don't need a huge amplifier to drive speakers, but you do want at least 86dB. 88dB is better.

Connectivity

It is essential that the speaker has good connectivity. A Bluetooth speaker that supports NFC is a great option for all types of connectivity. This makes it compatible with any device and allows for easy connection, even at low speeds. An additional advantage would be a speaker with a wired connection, in addition to wireless connectivity.
You can connect a speaker via wired or wireless connectivity. An audio system that is wired would connect to the speakers where the sound comes from. A wireless subwoofer, on the other hand, will connect to speakers via Bluetooth or WiFi.

Types Of Speakers

You have many options when it comes to speakers. It can be overwhelming to choose from so many options. However, it is possible to narrow down your search by choosing the type of speaker you prefer.
There are many types of speakers, including floor-standing, bookcase, satellite, subwoofers, soundbar, portable and others. While some types, like on-wall speakers can be placed right away, others, such as in-ceiling or in-wall, may need special installations and/or fixtures, and are best plugged in within a few minutes. You have the option of wired or wireless speakers, as well as multi-channel surround sound or a stereo pair. Your personal preference should guide your decision.

Size And Styling

All of these speakers can be used in a living room, den or bedroom. Our best computer speakers guide will help you find the right speaker for your needs. The speakers we selected were small enough that they could be placed on large shelves or credenzas, but large enough to provide enough bass to operate on their own.

Sound Quality

The quality of sound is an individual judgment. Every person has different taste preferences, and what is great to one may not be for another. No one speaker is the best, but there are many that appeal to different ears.
Listen to as many speakers models as you can with the music you are familiar with when shopping. To get an idea of the speaker that interests you, bring along CDs and flash drives with digital music.
You can also evaluate speakers by listening to live music. You should find the music to be natural and enjoyable for long periods.

Matching With The Right Components

Match speakers with the correct amplifiers or receivers to get best results. The range of power required to power each unit is usually specified by manufacturers. A speaker might require 30 to 100 watts to function well.
For performance reasons, it is best to stick with one brand of speaker if you are using surround sound or multichannel speakers. You may need to fine tune the mix-and match situation.

FAQs

What Features Do The Best Overall Speakers Offer?

This all depends on your needs. Consider a portable, great-sounding speaker. Look for something that is weather-proof and can connect to multiple sources (e.g. Bluetooth, Wi Fi, auxiliary). You will also need plenty of power for times when you can't access a charger. You should consider features such as wattage and resistance. It's not a good idea to have a set of high-end hi-fi speakers which are difficult to blend in with your home.

Do Higher Watt Speakers Sound Better?

Not necessarily. There are some high-wattage speakers out there that sound amazing and pack a lot of power, but the majority of people will be happy with 50-watt bookshelf speakers. These speakers focus on engineering and design more than just pure power.

How Many Watts Is A Good Speaker?

The term "wattage" does not necessarily mean quality. It is simply a measurement of the power that a speaker can produce. A 1,000-watt speaker might be louder that a 100-watt one, but what matters most is how the engineer built the speaker. This includes everything, from the cabinet, drivers and woofers, to the tweeter.

Do I Need A Subwoofer With My Speaker Setup? Will It Come With One?

It all depends. It depends on where you live. If not specified, most speakers don't come with subwoofers. However, soundbars usually do.

How Can You Improve Speaker Quality?

You can improve the quality of your speakers' sound by doing a few things. First, look around at the space where you listen. Moving a chair or couch could improve your listening experience. How about your speakers? You'll need to triangulate the seating arrangement to position you at the middle of the listening area, and your speakers pointed towards you.
Try placing your speakers on the ground. Instead, place them on shelves and speaker stands. Bookshelf speakers can often be matched with your height while seated.

Will Speakers Work With Any Receiver?

Although technically yes, you will need to match the impedance. You might also want to invest in a bigger, stronger amplifier to support larger speakers. It is better to have more power than less, but you should be cautious to not damage the speakers.

Will Speakers Accept A 3.5mm Input?

Most speakers have a 3.5mm input. Many amplifiers and receivers have an RCA input. However, you can connect a 3.5mm source with an adapter.

Conclusion

Finally, the best compact speaker system may be readily used and offers a range of options to meet your needs. When looking for another kind of best compact speaker system, which we recommend  Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 Speaker Center Channel | Compact Size, all of these characteristics are significant. 

We've combed through all of this data in order to assist you in making the best decision possible. Let us know if there's anything else we can do to help you discover the best compact speaker system in the comments section below!


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About Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony is a freelance writer and computer expert who enjoys helping others get the most out of their technology. He has written extensively about laptops, soundbars, and other computer-related topics, and he currently serves as the editor of The Audio Insights website. When he's not writing or tinkering with his gadgets, Piers can be found spending time with his wife and family.