Best speakers 2024: budget to premium hi-fi speakers tested by our expert reviewers

Is there anything more core to a hi-fi system than speakers? Yes, you'll need a source and an amplifier in there, but the most obvious – and visible – element of any music system is a pair of speakers. With so many choices available, trying to pick the right speakers for your money can be a hard decision. 

Whether you're looking for your first pair of budget speakers, upgrading an old pair or going for broke with high-end audiophile options to suit your home audio set up, we're here to make it a little easier. Our curated list of the best stereo speakers you can buy will ensure your home's music system is treated to the ultimate sound performance that your budget allows.

From real-world affordable to high-end prices (and in between), our selection includes floorstanding speakers and bookshelf speakers (or standmounters, as they're also known). The experienced review team at What Hi-Fi? has been testing stereo speakers for nearly five decades now, and every recommended pair below has been tested, reviewed and rated in our dedicated listening rooms, compared against the class leaders at their respective price levels, and listened to extensively with a variety of music. You can read more about our speakers testing process, get our expert tips on how to choose the right speakers for you, or scroll down for our pick of the best speakers for every budget.

After wireless models specifically? Check out our expert best wireless speakers guide instead.

The quick list

Written by

Written by

Kashfia Kabir

I'm the Hi-Fi and Audio Editor of What Hi-Fi? and have spent the last decade reviewing dozens of speakers in all sizes and across all price ranges. From budget pairs to premium models, the various speakers I have tested over the years have given me the knowledge and experience to know exactly what a buyer should be getting for their money. Budget doesn't mean you should settle for shoddy build quality, and high-end doesn't mean you have to sacrifice fun for ultimate transparency and refinement. The best speakers should let you enjoy listening to your favourite music to the fullest, and the five-star and Award-winning speaker recommendations below aim to deliver exactly that.

Best speakers overall

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The original LS50 speakers had little wrong with them but after eight years, KEF figured they deserved a fresh look. And with the LS50 Meta they have delivered a worthy upgrade.

The LS50’s Uni-Q driver array, where the tweeter sits in the throat of the mid/bass unit, has been thoroughly reworked, taking in all the refinements that KEF has developed over the past eight years and adding something new in the form of Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT). MAT is KEF’s way of coping with the sound that comes off the back of the tweeter dome; a plastic circular maze of tubes on the back promising greater absorption for cleaner, less distorted highs.

While the basic sonic character is instantly familiar, the Meta speakers have gained a level of clarity and finesse the originals only hinted at, sounding clean while still offering muscle and dynamics.

We’ve loved the originals and the LS50 Meta takes the performance to a notably higher - and Award-winning - level. 

Read the full KEF LS50 Meta review

Best budget bookshelf speakers

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Elac's affordable standmounters are brilliant performers for the money. They sound solid and are very unfussy about placement, making them ideal for first-time buyers or those with limited space. There's a great sense of dynamic expression, ample detail and sophistication that is hugely commendable for such a budget pair of speakers. Even when hooked up to amplifiers twice their price, the Elac speakers more than hold their own.

The two-way speaker sports a 5.25cm mid/bass cone that's made of a new blend of aramid fibres, while the shape has been revised to offer greater stiffness and damping. We find the tweeter (which promises to deliver up to 35kHz at the high frequency range) adds ample sparkle to the top end, too.

The revised 5.25cm mid/bass unit uses a new blend of aramid fibres for the cone, combined with a different shape to improve stiffness and damping, while the tweeter claims a top-end response of 35kHz, adding plenty of sparkle to proceedings.

Tonally, they don’t have the luscious midrange warmth of the comparable Dali Spektor 2, which should be considered alternative options alongside the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1, but they’re admirably balanced and capable of making the best of any recording – even those of poor quality.

While Elac has been making speakers since the 1980s with many successful models to its name, it’s fair to say that these Debut B5.2 speakers should be considered one of the company’s finest efforts. For this sort of money, they're exceptional.

Read the full Elac Debut B5.2 review

Best budget floorstanding speakers

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Wharfedale's Diamond range now features a truly outstanding (and affordable) floorstander. Indeed, we're so impressed by the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3's musical performance that it's now a three-time What Hi-Fi? Award winner.

At 98cm tall, the Diamond 12.3 aren't a particularly imposing pair of floorstanders, so they'll fit into most spaces. Sonically, they're smooth, even-handed and wonderfully refined for the money. Feed them a poor signal and they’ll round off rough edges and downplay unwanted aggression without sounding like they’re smothering the life out of the music.

The build quality is top-notch for the relatively modest price tag. The cabinets are crafted with a traditional straight-edge design and have a tidy feet arrangement for stability. These speakers are available in four finishes – black, walnut, white and a classy light oak – which is plenty of choice for most interiors.

If you're looking for reasonably-priced hi-fi speakers, the talented Wharfdale 12.3 are a superb buy.

Read the full Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 review

Best mid-price standmount speakers

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Now in its eighth generation and going 20+ years strong, Bowers & Wilkins' 600 series of speakers has more often than not provided some superb speakers. 

And that story continues with its latest entry-level 607 S3 speakers. The smallest and most affordable stereo speaker that B&W makes (even if that 'budget' price has increased in the last couple of years), the new 607 S3 replaces the previous Award-winning 607 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers and delivers a significantly improved performance.

The 607 S3 has been updated throughout, with a brand new 25mm titanium decoupled double dome tweeter, a new elongated tube loading system, a revised motor assembly for the 13cm Continuum mid/bass driver, higher-quality components used in the crossover, and sturdier cabinet bracing. The overlapping of the two drivers is designed to improve integration, and B&W says the titanium material should deliver more refined and detailed high frequencies. 

The footprint remains the same and they're ideal for smaller spaces. Partner them carefully to balance out a somewhat forward, excitable treble performance, and you'll be rewarded with a terrifically detailed, rhythmically cohesive, agile, and energetic sound. The overall presentation is more open-sounding than before, while the treble performance is so much sweeter and more refined. For their size and price level, each note lands with precision and they even hold dynamic interest at low volume. Basslines are pulled taut and while they don’t go as bone-shatteringly deep as bigger speakers (or as big as the bigger 606 S3, below), they do land with impact.

Overall, they're just incredibly fun to listen to. There’s clarity and refinement in the mix here – to a really admirable level – but we’re struck by just how entertaining, zippy and musical this new pair sounds right from the start. We’re glad that, alongside a newfound level of clean detail, openness and precise sound, the new 607 S3 speakers have remembered to add in big doses of energy and dynamic prowess.

Read the full Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 review

Best mid-price floorstanding speakers

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Q Acoustics' new 5000 series sits in between the budget 3000 series and the premium Concept range. The 5040 is the smaller of the two floorstanders in the range and should fit neatly into most rooms, with a solid and well-made build quality.

The highlight of the range is the use of a new Continuous Curved Cone design for the mid/bass drivers. Q Acoustics claims that the geometry of this new driver combines the rigidity advantages of a standard conical cone profile with the high-frequency break-up characteristics of a more flared design.

Q Acoustics' previous efforts have tended to be unfussy, but these 5040s need a bit more care with positioning and partnering equipment. Match them with more refined partnering electronics (these speakers can be rather transparent, impressively so), and the 5040 sound wonderfully clear and precise, with ample agility and grip to deliver a sense of great fun. We like the way these towers always sound composed and controlled, and that sense of organisation doesn’t falter when the music becomes demanding. It's a spacious, well-focused sound with impressive stereo imaging. Tonally, these floorstanders sit just on the lean side of neutral, but not so far as to cause issues. 

While the more expensive Wharfedale Evo 4.4 provide a sophisticated alternative, Q Acoustics 5040 are even-handed performers that simply step out of the way of the music and let songs shine. Take a bit of care with partnering amplification and sources, and these speakers will reward you with an expressive, insightful performance that is hard to beat at this price range.

Read the full Q Acoustics 5040 review

Best premium standmount speakers

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KEF's new MAT (Meta Material Absorption Technology) innovation has been elevating the performance of its most recent speakers (the Award-winning LS50 Meta above is a prime example), so it was only a matter of time before the tech was integrated into its latest R Series of speakers. Sure enough, the new R3 Meta standmounter features both MAT and KEF's Uni-Q driver array to great success. 

These are gorgeous-looking speakers, with impeccable finish and build quality. KEF's 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array has been tweaked to accommodate the puck-sized MAT contraption (which absorbs 99 per cent of unwanted back radiation from the tweeter), and the resulting sound is astonishingly clear and insightful. They sound graceful; they don't immediately confront you with how accomplished they really are. They’re wonderfully transparent, at ease with any genre thrown at them: heavy metal, ’90s pop and classical works are all played over the testing period and the KEFs take it all in stride, simply relaying the music as faithfully as possible.

It's a huge step up from the MAT-less R3 (a previous five-star model) in terms of refinement, crystal-clear vocals and dynamism. These R3 Metas are spacious, dig deep, perform admirably both at loud and low volumes (a rare talent), and are delivered with a precision and accuracy that seems to come oh-so-easily to them. Best of all, they're also hugely fun to listen to. You'll be drawn into emotive vocals, punchy bass and tactile guitar plucks and everything in between with whatever song you throw at them. Pair them with equally talented partnering kit, and these KEF R3 Meta speakers will soar and shine. Highly recommended.

Read the full KEF R3 Meta review

Best premium floorstanding speakers

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PMC has something of a reputation for high-end hi-fi, and while the superb Prodigy 5 have wound up as our best premium floorstanders on this list, they're actually miraculously good value. 

The priority with the Prodigy 5, much like their five-star Prodigy 1 standmount siblings, has been to eke out as much sound-per-pound punch as possible, letting considerations over design and aesthetic flourishes fall away in the pursuit of the best audio you can get for the price. 

And boy has the effort paid off. PMC has hit the sweetest of sweet spots with the Prodigy 5. The speakers balance subtle details and musical flourishes with a heightened sense of presence, poise and confidence. In terms of sonic performance, we didn't hear many better new speakers in the last year, and it was the Prodigy 5's musical chops that really earned them a current What Hi-Fi? Award.

The Prodigy 5 are adept at giving the best of all worlds without a hint of sonic sacrifice. While comparatively priced rivals substitute space for precision or dynamics for subtlety, PMC’s unassuming towers are truly comprehensive performers. There's so much scale and breadth to them, yet they never seem to sacrifice the intimacy or nuance of a piece, either. It's a remarkable trick, and one that had us wanting to test more and more tracks to see what the Prodigy 5 could do with them.

All in all, a marvellous success story. Worthy winners, indeed. 

Read our full PMC Prodigy 5 review

Best high-end standmount speakers

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For these Mission 770 speakers, the brand took design inspiration from the original 770 speakers launched in the 1970s, but improved and modernised every other element: from the cabinet design to the drivers and even new dedicated stands.

While the retro link will be the main attraction for some, for us that’s put in the shade by the speakers' excellent all-round performance. The 770 have a range of sonic talents that sets them apart from most rivals and earns them a warm recommendation.

They have so much finesse when it comes to delivering extended bass. Bass textures and low-level information are delicately conveyed, while they sound taut and agile even with the most intricately composed songs. There's plenty of punch and power, too. The speakers have a slightly forward balance, especially with the clear and expressive midrange, that sounds lively and engaging – but thankfully never too aggressive.

Songs are delivered with wide-ranging dynamics, impressive authority and scale. It’s a musically cohesive presentation that’s controlled and nicely organised. If you have the budget - and space - for these speakers, they're worth an audition. 

The Epos ES14N are a viable alternative, and if your budget can stretch to them, the KEF Reference 1 Meta also come highly recommended.

Read the full Mission 770 review

Best high-end floorstanding speaker

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The big brothers of the A-Line series, these A7s are superb floorstanders that sound great, look great and are compact enough to fit into most homes.

Build quality is of a high standard, with crisp edges and impeccably smart wood veneer finishes in a choice of black ash, dark walnut or natural oak – there’s also a satin white option (for an additional fee).

Each speaker has an 18cm mid/bass driver and a 22mm tweeter with a wide surround to disperse the sound even further. Performance is refined yet entertaining, combining stunning precision, clarity and subtlety with hugely enjoyable dynamics and rhythm. They time with pinpoint accuracy and are immensely transparent – without straying into 'clinical-sounding' territory. 

It’s worth taking care when partnering them, though. The A7s will work happily with most capable amplifiers, but something like the powerful yet poised Roksan Blak amplifier (£2800) will add a touch more warmth to the overall sound.

If you’re in the market for a new pair of top-notch floorstanding speakers, these elegant Spendor A7s should make their way to the top of your list.

Read the full Spendor A7 review

Also consider

There are plenty of excellent speakers that we couldn't fit into the main list above, so here are some more alternative options, both new and old, that we would recommend to anyone looking for a new pair of speakers.

Dali Spektor 2: As an alternative to the budget Elacs, these long-running Dali speakers are a firm favourite, with a natural warmth to the midrange that conveys passion and nuance with voices, and fluid dynamics that make them appealing and entertaining to listen to.

Neat Petite Classic: If you're limited on space but want high-quality sound from a very small footprint, these Petite Classic speakers are terrific fun. Their dimensions won't allow for huge scale or bass extension like the KEF R3 Meta, but we're won over by their terrific rhythmic precision and agility, solid sound and fun presentation.

Q Acoustics 5050: If you're able to extend your budget further than the Q Acoustics 5040's asking price and can accommodate larger speakers, these flagship 5050 floorstanders are worth serious consideration. They deliver a more balanced and mature presentation over the 5040s, with the extra authority and detail more than justifying the step-up in price.

Wharfedale Evo 4.4: Award-winning floorstanders that remain competitive, with an organised, transparent and subtle way with music that rewards long-term listening. These speakers go loud easily and strike a nice balance between attack and smoothness.

Sonus Faber Lumina V: Elegant Italian charm in aesthetics and sound. These classy-looking floorstanding speakers are articulate and refined, and deliver ample bass depth and authority, but remain an easy-going, composed and charming listen. 

Fyne Audio F502SP: If you're after large-scale thrills, these high-end Fyne floorstanders will wow you with their breathtaking scale and solidity. Immersive dynamics and rock-solid stereo imaging are their strengths, and they trade in a touch of sonic sophistication for outright energy and thundering bass power.

Epos ES14N: They may not look that impressive, but these large standmounters are mighty impressive when it comes to analysis, organisation and control. Low-level detail and dynamics are revealing, while they have an open, articulate way with voices. We'd perhaps like a bit more rhythmic drive, but we can't fault the stunning clarity and cohesion on offer.

How to choose the best speakers for you

First things first, decide on a budget. Your components should be evenly matched, both tonally and in terms of price, so consider this before breaking the bank on a new pair of speakers that the rest of your kit can't do justice to.

You also need to make sure your speakers fit your room. Most speakers require a degree of space to sound their best, so be sure not to buy speakers that are too big for your listening area. This is also a good time to consider whether you want bookshelf or floorstanding speakers. Bigger speakers mean higher volumes but, again, you need the space.

It's also worth checking that your system's amplifier can comfortably drive the speakers, and that the sonic character between each component in your system match up. A bright-sounding pair of speakers can sound too hard or harsh when paired with equally bright/top-end heavy partnering equipment, so it's worth reading multiple reviews or – if you're able to – demo the speakers before taking the plunge. If you'll be buying high-end models, it's worth having a conversation with the dealer and taking time to match your system.

There's also the choice between passive or active speakers. All the speakers on this list are passive: i.e. they have no amplification built-in, and so require a separate amplifier to work. Active speakers or powered speakers with amplification inside (and sometimes DAC and streaming smarts) are increasingly popular and can connect straight to your source, no amp required, though they do require a connection to mains power. Check out our pick of the best active speakers or best desktop speakers if you're curious about this alternative.

For a more detailed explanation of everything you should consider, check out our complete guide to choosing the right speakers.

How we test speakers

The What Hi-Fi? team has more than 100 years of combined experience in reviewing, testing and writing about consumer electronics, from hi-fi to headphones to TVs. We have state-of-the-art, acoustically treated testing facilities in London and Reading, where our team of experienced reviewers conduct all our in-house testing, including all stereo speakers. This gives us complete control over the entire review process, ensuring consistency across all our listening.

When testing speakers, we ensure we position them in the correct place in the room, partner them with price-appropriate source kit and amplifiers, and play a variety of music genres when reviewing. We make sure we run in each pair of speakers and spend plenty of time with them, and we try various partnering amplifiers and sources, and different positions (including placing on stands where needed) to ensure we give the best advice to buyers.

What Hi-Fi? is all about comparative testing; all products we review are tested in comparison with rival products in the same category and at the same price point, and each pair of new speakers is always listened to by two to three members of the team. All final review verdicts are agreed upon by the reviewing team as a whole, rather than a single reviewer, to ensure we avoid individual subjectivity and are consistent across all our reviews and verdicts.

We pride ourselves in the fact that our reviews are 100% independent, with no input from manufacturers, PR or commercial teams. This means that if you take the plunge and buy one of the products recommended in this buying guide, or on any of our other Best Buy pages, you can rest assured you're getting a What Hi-Fi?-approved product.

You can read more about how we test and review products on What Hi-Fi? here.

F.A.Q

Recent updates

• June 2024: No new entries, but added the new five-star Q Acoustics 5050 to the also consider section, and added image galleries.
• March 2024: Added Also Consider section to offer a wider list of alternative five-star speakers.
• February 2024: Updated 'how we test' process and added FAQ section to help buyers in their decision to buy hi-fi speakers.
• November 2023: What Hi-Fi? Award-winning products labelled following the announcements of the 2023 What Hi-Fi? Awards Best Buys and Product of the Year winners.
• October 2023: Added PMC Prodigy 5 entry following five-star review.

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