| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Rockville 2 RHTSC 36" Inch Bookshelf Speaker Stands Surround... | 42 Reviews | $179.99 $94.95 | Buy on Amazon |
 | ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers, Black (Pair) | 93 Reviews | $289.98 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Klipsch R-14M 4-Inch Reference Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, Black) | 491 Reviews | $118.25 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Yamaha NS-6490 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers Finish (Pair) Black | 431 Reviews | $150.00 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speaker (Pair) | 667 Reviews | $249.99 $179.95 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Micca COVO-S Compact 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers | 536 Reviews | $79.95 $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System (Pair) - Black | 1,382 Reviews | $219.99 $148.00 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers - Active Near-Field... | 2,856 Reviews | $149.99 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers - 2.0 Stereo Active... | 4,977 Reviews | $99.99 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Micca MB42 Bookshelf Speakers, Passive, Not for Turntable, Needs... | 3,390 Reviews | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Bookshelf speakers are called so because they are meant to rest on the shelf. You can also place them on the table, desk or anywhere apart from the floor. These speakers can be used as a standalone or together with other speakers. You can have them connected to your TV or your existing home theater for ultimate sound reproduction.
As expected, the prices of bookshelf speakers range widely. But contrary to public opinion, those with low price points are not necessarily cheap when it comes to performance. They work just fine and we are certain you will be surprised by their performance.
In this article, we bring you a comprehensive buyer’s guide about cheap bookshelf speakers. The buyer’s guide has the following factors.
- Sound: The fact that you want a bookshelf speaker system with a low price point does not mean you end up with something with poor sound quality. Therefore, before you spend on bookshelf speakers, make sure they deliver a crisp, clear, and well-balanced sound. Make sure the highs are spot on and there is a little bit of bass.
- Active or Passive?: Active bookshelf speakers do not need a receiver or amplifier, whereas passive bookshelf speakers need either a receiver or amplifier to function. Based on this explanation, it is unsurprising that active speakers are more expensive than passive units. So, if you already have an amplifier or receiver, passive speakers are the best bet, but if you none of the two, you should go for active bookshelf speakers.
- Bluetooth: Not all bookshelf speakers have Bluetooth technology. Ideally, those with Bluetooth technology are a little pricier than those without. But this does not mean you cannot get them. They are not overly pricey, and, therefore, you can buy them even when you are on a budget.
- Finish and Build Quality: Apart from quality sound, your bookshelf speakers should be well made and have a decent feel. They should also be stylishly finished without being overstated. This is because understated speakers blend nicely with almost any décor at home or in the office.
The article also talks about the top 10 best bookshelf speakers under 200 reviews.
Keep reading.
Table of Contents
- 10. Rockville 2 RHTSC 36” Bookshelf Speaker Stands – Preferred
- 9. ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers – Preferred
- 8. Klipsch R-14M 4-Inch Reference Bookshelf Speakers – Preferred
- 7. Yamaha 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers Finish (NS-6490)
- 6. Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speaker
- 5. Micca COVO-S Compact 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers
- 4. Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System – Preferred
- 3. Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
- 2. Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
- 1. Micca MB42 Passive Bookshelf Speakers
10. Rockville 2 RHTSC 36” Bookshelf Speaker Stands – Preferred
Although the price of these bookshelf speaker stands is not exaggerated, they are built to last. The material used to make them will not peel, chip or crack. Besides, these speaker stands are made with a top-notch medium-density fiber core that minimizes resonance. The speaker stands also have brass & rubber spikes that add stability regardless of where they are placed. They will look stunning in your living room, den, family room or studio.
| PROS | CONS |
| The price is decent | The wire routing leaves a lot to be desired |
| Blends well with the wood finish of most speakers | |
| Assembly the stands is a breeze | |
| Well built and look great | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
9. ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers – Preferred
The predecessor of these bookshelf speakers was an award-winning unit. This means improving it was not an easy task. But we are glad that the manufacturer has managed to pull it off. And these bookshelf speakers are here to show for it. They deliver exceptional performance to make sure you are pleased with your purchase. Moreover, these bookshelf speakers are well sized. Each of them measures 9.3 by 7.1 by 13.5 inches and weighs 13.01 pounds only.
| PROS | CONS |
| The price is reasonable | Bookshelf speakers may be a bit fatiguing, but, once they break in, they work well |
| Bookshelf speakers produce great sound | |
| They look better in person than the picture | |
| They have plenty of volume | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
8. Klipsch R-14M 4-Inch Reference Bookshelf Speakers – Preferred
If you are looking for a set of bookshelf speakers that work well in a small to medium room, this package is for you. They are two high-performance speakers that deliver powerful, lifelike performances. Each of them measures 9.75 inches high by 5.88 inches wide by 7.5 inches deep. Furthermore, these speakers are loaded with lots of features, and that’s why it is unsurprising that they are among the best.
| PROS | CONS |
| Klipsch’s customer service is great | Not the best for large rooms |
| The highs are spot on | |
| They pair nicely with other speakers by Klipsch | |
| Amazing for the price | |
| Ideal for movies and music | |
| The bass is very good for the size of the speakers | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
7. Yamaha 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers Finish (NS-6490)
These 3-way acoustic speakers are designed for any stereo or theater applications. They deliver rich, room-filling, hi-fi sound by using an ultra-wide frequency response, a 7/8-inch balanced dome tweeter, a 4-inch midrange driver, and an 8-inch high-output woofer. Furthermore, the speakers utilize 140 watts of power to deliver amazing sound and performance. If you want to upgrade your 5.1 home theater to a 7.1-Channel Surround system, these speakers should be a frontier for you.
| PROS | CONS |
| The mid-range is lively and warm | A little too large for bookshelf speakers |
| Pump out a decent amount of bass | |
| They fill the living room perfectly | |
| Amazing for the price tag | |
| Great for indoor party and backyard BBQ | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
6. Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speaker
Good things come in small packages. The Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speaker has a diminutive size yet it is packed with power not to mention boasting unrivaled versatility. It performs nicely as a surround, left, center or right. Its features include brushed black polymer veneer cabinet, 5.25-inch copper-spun IMG woofer, and 1-inch aluminum horn-loaded tweeter. This bookshelf speaker is the true reflection of happiness. It works as advertised, and its quality cannot be doubted.
| PROS | CONS |
| The speaker looks great | You need to break them in. But after that, they work just fine |
| The sound is balanced | |
| The finish and quality are amazing | |
| Sound is nice at low volumes | |
| The price is right | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
5. Micca COVO-S Compact 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers
Micca has loaded these bookshelf speakers with great features. For instance, it has equipped them with a patented concentric driver design that not only delivers a common acoustical center point but also maintains coherency through the crossover region. There is also a 3” wool paper cone woofer featuring a waveguide cone design to improve tweeter dispersion. The ported enclosure delivers a nice bass response with low distortion. Another feature is the 0.75” PEI dome tweeter that ensures accurate imaging and crystal clear treble.
| PROS | CONS |
| They produce a balanced and pleasant tone | Not the best choice for the main room or a large space |
| Have a little bass | |
| Speakers are compact and look amazing | |
| Great for bedroom, office, kitchen, and other small spaces | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
4. Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System – Preferred
Regardless of how much you plan to spend on bookshelf speakers, you will always want a system that delivers unmatched audio experience. Well, one of those speakers is the Sony SSCS5 3-Way Bookshelf Speaker System. It has an expansive soundstage that will make you feel the passion and energy of the original performance. And its features are high-precision tweeter, tapered faceplate edges, and super tweeters, among others. Additionally, this bookshelf speaker has a black finish that goes with most contemporary interiors.
| PROS | CONS |
| Speakers are solid and well made | A little heavier than expected |
| The sound is warm and accurate | |
| They come with rubber feet that hold them in place | |
| The price is very reasonable | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
3. Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
We are extremely happy with these bookshelf speakers because finding the best Bluetooth bookshelf speakers under 200 is not a walk in the park. Although their price is cheap, their performance is not. They come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to wirelessly pair them with your tablet, phone or computer. Furthermore, these speakers feature 2 Aux input as well as coming with remote control to allow for easy operation.
| PROS | CONS |
| The finish is outstanding | The included dedicated speaker cable is unusually designed and might make installation tricky |
| They have some bass in them | |
| Speakers are shipped quickly | |
| Music is undistorted at all volume levels | |
| The treble and mid-tones are excellent | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
2. Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
The 2-year warranty proves that these are the best powered bookshelf speakers you have ever met. It is, however, worth noting that the warranty is only valid for those in the USA and Canada. What’s more, these bookshelf speakers come with remote control so you can operate them from any corner of the room. Plus they come equipped with a 13mm silk dome tweeter that ensures a natural reproduction of sound.
| PROS | CONS |
| Sound is rich and full | Not for bass enthusiasts |
| Works well without a subwoofer | |
| Speakers are well built | |
| The wood grain finish looks stunning | |
| Small and don’t get on the way | |
| They sound like much more expensive speakers | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
1. Micca MB42 Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Before we begin reviewing these bookshelf speakers, it is important to note that they are passive, and, therefore, you need a receiver or amplifier to use them. Away from, these speakers are the real deal for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment. They feature a ported enclosure that reproduces extended bass response with low distortion. Furthermore, these speakers have a classic design that makes them easy to place anywhere not to mention blending with any décor.
| PROS | CONS |
| They are fairly well made | The manual is not in-depth |
| Speakers seem to perform well at any volume | |
| They come packed very well | |
| Vocals are natural and installation is a cakewalk | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
Conclusion
The popularity of bookshelf speakers keeps on growing because they serve a unique purpose. They are small in size; hence, they are great for small to medium-sized rooms. In this article, we have researched those brands within an affordable range and discussed them comprehensively. They include the best active speakers under 200 and the best passive speakers under 200. That being said, all you need to do is to be realistic and then narrow down your options until you end up with a suitable system.
