The Modern Design Speakers For 2024

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
JBL FLIP 5, Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Black
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Of The Best: JBL FLIP 5, Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Black

The JBL FLIP 5 is the new portable bluetooth speaker from JBL. It's water-resistant, wireless and has a battery life of 12 hours! The sound quality is premium and it pairs up with other speakers via the party boost feature. The connector type is 3.5 millimeter stereo or can also be used with a 3.5 millimeter aux cable, and the power source type is either battery-powered or USB rechargeable. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Bose SoundLink Color II Portable Bluetooth, Wireless Speaker

High-definition sound is at your fingertips with the Bose SoundLink Color II Portable Bluetooth, Wireless Speaker. It has enhanced sound performance that you can enjoy for up to 8 hours on a single battery charge using built-in lithium-ion battery technology. The speaker has an innovative design that pairs seamlessly with your smartphone and tablet devices via Bluetooth wireless connection. Read Review

3. Best Sound Quality: Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Experience the thrill of your favourite music in high quality sound with Edifier. The R1280T speakers have been built with studio-grade sound quality and comes with a remote control for you to take control of your playlist. This speaker has a classic wood finish for that natural touch. Read Review

4. Best Compact: Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker

Small but powerful, the SoundLink Micro speaker is built to survive. With a tough, tear-resistant strap and rugged outdoor speaker, it's so small you can take it everywhere. Plus, its IP67 waterproof design makes it perfect for the pool and beach. Read Review

When it comes to audio, modern design is key. With technology becoming more and more sophisticated, so too must the look of our devices. Gone are the days when a simple, single speaker had to suffice. Today’s speakers are designed with functionality in mind as much as good looks. The result? Speakers that can reproduce high-quality sound without adding unnecessary bulk or weight to your device, giving you the perfect listening experience wherever you are.

Speaker design has progressed rapidly over the past decade or so with manufacturers coming up with innovative ways to make their products stand out from the rest. Some have classic designs that conjure up images of classic cars or retro radios while others incorporate lighting effects or even Bluetooth connectivity for added convenience. In this article, we’ll go over some of the best-selling modern design speakers available today so you can upgrade your home audio system at an affordable price.

To get the results you will read next is thanks to the hard work of our team during 17 hours of product research and analysis. As a direct consequence of this, we were able to identify JBL FLIP 5, Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Black as the top model for this year. The performance of this product is of an excellent standard, and it offers a complete set of features that can satisfy your requirements.

Our Top Picks

  • Premium JBL sound quality
  • 12 hours of playtime
  • Wireless Bluetooth streaming
  • Pair multiple speakers with party boost
  • Included components: Quick start guide, Safety Sheet, Warranty Card
  • Connector type: 3.5 millimeter stereo
  • IPX7 waterproof
  • Power source type: Battery powered
TOP Choice #2 Bose SoundLink Color II Portable Bluetooth, Wireless Speaker
Our Score:
9.7
Bose
  • Rugged, with a soft touch silicone exterior that makes it easy to pick up and go
  • The lithium-ion battery lets you enjoy up to 8 hours of play time, rechargeable with USB power sources
  • Voice prompts talk you through the Bluetooth pairing so it’s easier than ever or even quick-pair with NFC devices
  • Pair 2 SoundLink speakers together for party mode or stereo mode or use Bose SimpleSync technology to pair with a member of the Bose smart home family to play in sync
  • Wireless Bluetooth pairing with voice prompts allows you to easily take calls and access your phone’s virtual assistant — hands free
  • Innovative Bose technology packs bold sound into a small, water resistant speaker
  • Built-in mic for speakerphone to take clear conference or personal calls out loud with a wireless range of approximately 30 feet.
TOP Choice #3 Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Our Score:
9.5
Edifier
  • 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.
  • 2 YEAR WARRANTY - Guaranteed high quality and reliability with hassle-free parts and labor warranty for two years in USA and Canada.
  • CLASSIC WOOD FINISH - High quality MDF wood build finished with wood effect vinyl serves as a great compliment to any home decor.
  • 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)
  • Tear-resistant Strap — This small portable speaker comes equipped with an easy-to-use, tear-resistant silicone strap. Secure it to your backpack, beach cooler, or handlebars, and the reliable strap will hold tight through shocks and shakes.
  • IP67 Waterproof Speaker — The SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker has been rigorously tested to meet an IP67 rating. It’s waterproof, dustproof, and protected from extreme temperatures, liquids, and other substances.
  • Phone Calls from your Bluetooth Speaker — An integrated microphone allows you to take phone calls directly from the speaker, while a multi-function button gives you access to your phone’s voice assistant (Siri or Google Assistant).
  • Pair Bose Speakers for more Sound — For even more immersive sound, pair Micro with another Bose Bluetooth speaker, or connect it to a Bose smart speaker to extend your listening experience from inside the home to outside.
  • Bose Waterproof Speaker — Small but powerful, the Bose SoundLInk Micro Bluetooth speaker produces loud, clear sound with shockingly deep bass. It packs a custom-designed transducer and passive radiators for crisp, balanced sound.
  • Bose Connect App — App automatically updates the small Bluetooth speaker with the latest software, allows you to customize settings, unlock product features, and more.
  • Long-lasting Battery — This small outdoor speaker comes with a powerful lithium-ion battery. Enjoy up to 6 hours of music and charge anytime via the included Micro-USB cable.
  • Rugged Outdoor Speaker — Constructed from durable materials, including a rubberized silicone exterior, SoundLink Micro resists drops, dents, cracks, and scratches. Plus, its soft-touch finish almost never shows a mark.
  • Access Siri or Google now from the speaker with a simple button press. This can be easily configured via the HK connect app.
  • Stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth to enjoy room-filling sound. Connect up to 2 smart devices at the same time and take turns playing music.
  • Amplify your listening experience by wirelessly connecting more than 100 HK connect+ enabled speakers.
  • The superior fabric and finishing combines with iconic design to compliment any style.
  • Signal to noise ratio: 80dB A-weighted
  • The rechargeable battery supports up to 8 hours of playtime
  • 【LEVITATING BLUETOOTH SPEAKER】RUIXINDA magnetic levitating speaker adopts the newest magnetic levitation technique to make UFO speakers float automatically in mid-air freely without any support, which is full of creativity and the charm of magnetic mechanics.The unique appearance of the UFO floating speaker and the base constantly flashing color LED lights give a great visual experience, very able to attract people's eyes!
  • 【UPGRADED BLUETOOTH 5.0 IS WIDELY COMPATIBLE】Our floating speakers bluetooth wireless speaker is equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology with faster transmission and stronger anti-interference ability,It also has a wide range of extended compatibility and 33 foot wireless connect large range.You can smoothly connect various devices to the speaker, such as mobile phones,tablet, laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, televisions,etc.
  • 【WIRELESS PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER】UFO wireless hovering speaker can be used as a separate speaker without the magnetic base, Its size is only 5.4 * 1.8 inches, and small sizes are convenient to put in the bag or backpack to carry everywhere, built-in 1200mAh rechargeable lithium battery,that offers 6-8 hours of continuous playtime, Whether at home or outdoors, you can always (anywhere) enjoy your favorite songs.
  • 【360°ROTATION AND 360°STEREO SOUND】This levitating speaker built-in 5W audio drivers offer full high-quality stereo sound,in addition, the application of magnetic levitation technology makes UFO Bluetooth speaker 360 degrees rotation, with the levitation of the speaker rotates so that the music spreads 360 degrees, so whether you are at home listening to music, watching movies or playing games, the levitating bluetooth speaker creates an immersive listening experience unlike any other.
  • 【COOL TECH GADGETS GIFTS AND HOME DECORATION】This maglev speaker is different from what you used to own, It is not only a uniquely designed floating speaker, but also an exquisite home decorations. It is an awesome cool tech gadget also a perfect gift at Christmas, birthday, holiday, mother's Day thanksgiving Day. Imagine that when lovers/friends/parents/kids receive magnetic floating speaker, it'll bring them much surprise!
  • STYLISH AMBIANCE – Fashionit is proud to offer a product so portable and stylish without at all sacrificing performance, functionality, and versatility. Our speaker looks lovely anywhere you place it with its glossy finish and cute, compact size. Moreover, we guarantee the sound matches the look. For stereo surround sound, pair two U Mini Speakers with your device!
  • EASY BLUETOOTH PAIR NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE – Our extremely portable U Mini Speaker supports Bluetooth version 5.0. It instantly pairs with most Bluetooth enabled devices like your smartphone, tablet, or music player. Perfect for your living room, bedroom, home office, outdoor activities, car, the beach, and so many other occasions and spaces!
  • 4 HR PLAY TIME FOR YOUR PLAYLISTS – Outfitted with a 400mAh battery, the U Mini Speaker transitions from a stationed speaker to a portable speaker you can use on the go for your favorite tunes. In addition, it features a durable aluminum shell and a magnetic base for convenient placement.
  • SMALL DEVICE, RICH SOUND – Fashionit’s U Mini Speaker is the smallest wireless speaker in the market. Weighing only 2.46 oz with a diameter of 1.4 in, it boasts an exceptional, clean stereo sound quality that you wouldn’t expect from a miniature speaker.
  • SELFIES AND HANDS-FREE CALLING – Fashionit’s U Mini Speaker synchronizes your digital life. Bundled with a remote shutter and microphone to seamlessly accommodate your gadgets, you can easily use its built-in remote shutter to capture wireless selfie shots and utilize its microphone for hands-free calling.
  • BAMBOO FACEPLATE: Using bamboo in our speakers enables frequent harvesting without causing damage to the ecosystem. When bamboo is harvested responsibly, the plant roots remains healthy, with new shoots growing bigger and stronger than the previous generation
  • BUILT IN SPEAKERPHONE: Take calls right through the speaker, so words are clearer and less muffled. And, you can just press and hold the multi-function button to access the voice input for Siri & Google Now
  • SUPERIOR SOUND QUALITY WITH RICH FULL BASS - Our digital audio processor pumps up the bass and enhances the clarity of the mids and highs; 20 Watts of power delivers surprisingly loud room filling volume from the dual precision stereo drivers and proprietary bass radiator; distortion free stereo sound even at max volume - the perfect home speaker and travel speaker
  • 100 Ft BLUETOOTH RANGE: our advanced antenna design with Bluetooth 5.0 provides fast connection from your Phone computer, laptop and tablet. Connects quickly and easily
  • LONG LASTING BATTERY LIFE: play for up to 24 hours non-stop and use the built-in USB port to charge your devices while you listen.
  • Connectivity technology: Auxillary
  • Power source type: Battery Powered
  • An automatic switching dual mode amplifier provides better FM reception in class AB mode and better power efficiency for Bluetooth in class D mode.
  • Elegant classic style solid wood cabinet radio with Bluetooth speaker and FM tuner with Vernier Tuning
  • Included components: Bluetooth Speaker, FM Wire Antenna, Micro USB Charging Cable and High Quality Carrying Pouch Included
  • 36 hours of battery life on full charge with built-in rechargeable 2600 mAh lithium-ion battery
  • Acoustically tuned wooden cabinet with front speaker and rear passive subwoofer.
  • Switch up your music sources with the Aux input and USB; USB port doubles as a phone charger
  • Inspired by mid-century modern architecture, the beautiful Bluetooth speaker lets you stream your favorite digital playlists
  • Integrated subwoofer for quality sound
  • Three knobs on the top let you control volume, treble, and bass
  • Sophisticated gold-toned hardware, rich walnut veneer, and vintage-inspired heather gray speaker cloth
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a modern design speakers?

You may know that modern design speakers is a kind of product many customers are hesitant to pay for. It is not due to its quality but the fact that there are many factors you must consider. Nevertheless, all your worry is not a problem for us. Our knowledgeable staff will help you with the right decision.

Tech-evaluated and high-rated products are available in our list of eligible items. Here are some indispensable things you shouldn’t ignore:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.