The 10 Best Small Satellite Speakers, Tested And Researched
The Rundown
1. Best Overall: Polk Audio OWM3 Wall and Bookshelf Speakers
These speakers feature Polk's Dynamic Balance and Capacitive Coupling Technology which brings out the best in any sound system. Read Review
2. Best Bang For The Buck: Bose 161 Speaker System
These speakers produce balanced stereo sound over a wide area, so you can enjoy the sound from different locations in the room. Read Review
3. Best Powerful: Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 Satellite Speaker
This powerful speaker features a 2.5" driver and a 0.5" silk dome tweeter that provide more realistic audio detailing for an enjoyable theater experience. Read Review
4. Best For Large Spaces: Definitive Technology ProMonitor 800 2-Way Satellite Speaker
This one is perfect for medium and large rooms and delivers a rich, detailed sound that will make you feel like you're right in the middle of the action. Read Review
In today’s digital world, streaming music services like Spotify and Pandora are more popular than ever. The rise of wireless speakers has also made it easier than ever to stream music from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
If you’re a serious audiophile with a discerning ear for sound quality, small satellite speakers can give your home audio system an upgrade without taking up much space. Smaller satellites will provide crisper highs and more detailed midrange frequencies, giving your listening experience an upgrade without taking up as much space as floor-standing speakers or bookshelf speakers.
In this article, we’ll show you our top selections for the best small satellite speakers. Our unique Polk Audio OWM3 Wall and Bookshelf Speakers comes with a curved design that allows you to place them any way you want. These are also high-performance units providing the ultimate audio for your home.
RELATED: Is it your idea to choose the best bluetooth surround speakers? Thus, what's the fundamental to identifying a suitable one? For further information, read the article about best bluetooth surround speakers of 2024.
Our Top Picks
TOP Choice #1
![Polk Audio OWM3 Wall and Bookshelf Speakers]()
- 7 UNIQUE PLACEMENT OPTIONS – The DISTINCT CURVED DESIGN allows you to choose between 7 orientations - horizontal, vertical, corner, angular, shelf, top or mount them on a wall. Take your pick
- VERSATILITY IN APPLICATION AS WELL – In your bedroom, as surrounds for home theater or plug them to your computer for an immersive gaming experience. Movie, Music or Play, one room or more – we’ve got it all covered
- ENGINEERED WITH QUALITY, Polk's compact multi-application speaker delivers DEEPER BASS WITH MINIMAL DISTORTIONS EVEN AT EXTREME VOLUME LEVELS. No more muffled sounds anymore, just NATURAL LIKELIKE SURROUND SOUND FILLING YOUR ROOM
- Polk’s UNWAVERING COMMITMENT, RELIABILITY, AND CRAFTSMANSHIP has made it one of the most trusted names in home audio. They bring out the best in sound systems, so you can SIT BACK, RELAX AND LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART
- POLK OWM3 are durable, high performance speakers, equipped with a 4.5" Mid/Woofer, 1" Tweeter, exclusive Dynamic Balance & Capacitive Coupling Technology (CCT) that PRODUCES DETAILED AUDIO, MAKING YOUR MOVIE & MUSIC NIGHTS EXQUISITE
- Performance rivaling much larger home stereo speakers. Custom brackets included for easy installation and flexible placement possibilities
- Custom mounting brackets included for additional placement options. Be sure to use the proper gauge (or thickness) of wire or speaker cable for the length required to run the distance between your amplifier and your speakers
- Stereo Everywhere speaker performance produces balanced stereo sound over a wide area
- Versatile speakers in black for music and movies, ideal for use in bookshelf or wall-mount applications
- Magnetically shielded speakers allow for speaker placement in close proximity to your TV; Syncom computer tested to ensure one of the highest levels of quality and reliability in the audio industry.
TOP Choice #3
![Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 Satellite Speaker]()
- BUILD YOUR OWN 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 and BEYOND HOME THEATER SYSTEM - Create an immersive surround sound system by installing four to eight of these TL1 satellite speakers, a TL1 center channel and any subwoofer of your choice
- POLK'S UNMATCHED QUALITY AT A SURPRISINGLY LOW PRICE. With this value-priced speaker, you can now enjoy premium audio, expert engineering, solid construction, and a spectacular theater experience right at home
- CREATES A SOUNDSTAGE COMPARABLE TO ANY LARGE SYSTEM. Features a 2.5" driver and a 0.5" silk dome tweeter for more realistic audio detailing. The APERIODIC-TUNED REAR PORT delivers bass extension and boosts the audio on a shelf or against the wall
- EASY TO CONNECT AND OPERATE - No matter how you choose to set it up, the speaker easily connects to a receiver. Use them as front speakers, left-right surrounds, or rear surrounds for heightened effect
- UNIQUE CURVED SHAPE BASED ON "TIME LENS TECHNOLOGY" – It is specially designed to align the acoustic centers of the tweeter and mid-bass in the same plane, making it feel like you are in the movie instead of just watching it
- CREATE A COMPLETE PROCINEMA SOUND SYSTEM FOR A THRILLING and IMMERSIVE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE – With a ProCenter 2000 center channel, a ProSub Subwoofer and 4-8 ProMonitor 800 speakers, you can build an unbeatable home theater in your living room or bedroom
- LONGSTANDING BEST-SELLERS - The ProMonitors 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 and will stand the test of time
- SMALL SPEAKER, BIG SOUND – At a little over 8” tall, ProMonitor 800 features a proprietary 4-1/2" BDSS driver coupled to a 4-1/2" pressure-driven planar low-frequency radiator, and a 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter for DETAILED AUDIO and DEEP POWERFUL BASS
- VERSATILE USAGE - Use as standalone speakers in a 2.0 channel system, or in a 2.1 channel system with a powered subwoofer, or as satellite surround speakers in your existing home theater setup
- 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
- UNIQUE DESIGN FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE - The perpendicular woofer and bass radiator, with an elliptical cabinet reflects Definitive Technology's exemplary design engineering, capable of filling any room with three-dimensional surround sound
- Wall-mount brackets included
- See the JBL Control 50S/T Surface-Mount Subwoofer for subwoofer base, or the JBL C50Pack for the complete speakers + sub system
- 16 Ohms impedance and 140 Hz – 20 kHz frequency range
- Ability to intermix with JBL Control 42C in-ceiling and JBL Control 62P pendant satellite speakers
- Stylish, unobtrusive design fits into a wide variety of decors
6
![Dayton Audio SAT-BK 2-Way Satellite Speaker]()
- Optimized long-excursion woofers
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Flat, neutral frequency response
- Excellent clarity and detail
- Magnetically shielded to prevent interference with TV screens and computer monitors
- ✔ AT HOME IN ANY PLACE - Unlike traditional pistonic drivers that you’d find in most small speakers, BMRs disperse sound more widely. This gives you more flexibility over where you place Minx Min 12, without sacrificing sound quality.
- ✔ HUGE SOUND, COMPACT DESIGN - Minx Min 12 is only 3 inches tall and 3 inches wide. But even with their small stature, they don’t sacrifice sound quality. That means you can enjoy powerful hi-fi quality speakers in even the smallest spaces.
- ✔ HIGH GLOSS FINISH - Understated design ensures that no matter your interior decoration choices, Minx Min 12 is always right at home. The Minx Min 12 line are beautifully subtle and unobtrusive.
- ✔ BMR, BALANCED MODE RADIATORS - Minx Min 12 uses Balanced Mode Radiator drivers. Compared to conventional drivers, BMRs give pinpoint accuracy and offer extraordinary detail at low and high volumes.
- ✔ ALWAYS IN THE SWEET SPOT - Lesser speakers have a narrow ‘sweet spot’ where you can hear the full stereo image at its finest. With the Minx Min 12 audio dispersion, you’ll hear the full picture from any seat in the room.
8
![JBL Professional C62P Satellite Hanging Pendant Speaker]()
- Durable enclosure is Rated for humidity, salt spray, temperature & UV, while the zinc-plated steel grille features powder-coat finish and foam backing
- Includes main and safety suspension cables, each consisting of 15 ft long high-tensile galvanized-steel wire rope suspension Cable with fasteners for infinitely adjustable height
- Compact 2. 5" (60 mm) driver with 3/4" (20 mm) copper-clad aluminum voice coil
- Can intermix with control 52 surface-mount and control 42C in-ceiling Satellite speakers
- Nominal coverage angle: 140 Degree (+25 Degree/-50 Degree)
9
![Bowers & Wilkins M-1 Satellite Speaker]()
- A flexible design: you can flip M-1 sideways to use as a center speaker and mount below your screen
- Recommended amplifier power: 20W - 100W into 8 on unclipped program
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 9.8x4.5x6.4 inches
- Sleek and compact M-1 can be used on a shelf on its dedicated stands or wall-mounted using its swiveling foot
- Use M-1 as a pair in a small room add a subwoofer for more bass or build a Mini Theater surround system
- QUALITY SPEAKER AUDIO: With an 8-ohm impedance and a good frequency range, this pair of mini satellite speakers will be great as a compliment for your subwoofer and will also be a great upgrade for your home’s entertainment system
- STYLISH, MINIMALISTIC DESIGN: Although this satellite speaker is styled to be less noticeable to keep you focused on what’s playing on the screen, it is also pleasing to the eye when looked at, keeping a black, sleek, and minimal aesthetic
- BUILT TO LAST: Made with engineered ABS, this pair of satellite speakers will surely prove its longevity for long-term use. It also includes a ball-joint full-motion plastic bracket for surface mounting and allowing you to angle it to your liking
- GREAT FOR VARIOUS USES: This pair of satellite speakers can be used for home entertainment, multi-room, conference room, and more. It is also made to be compact and discreet for excellent sound quality and not eye-bugging for the audience
- 30 WATTS MAXIMUM POWER: Featuring a maximum power of 30 watts and an RMS of 10 watts, this pair of 3” satellite speakers will be the perfect combination for your subwoofer in your home theater, producing a fuller and clearer sound for your audio
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What to Look For in a best small satellite speakers?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RELATED: If you've got to be a lover of best compact stereo speakers, you've come to the perfect spot for valuable tips and accurate information.
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.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.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 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 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 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.
Conclusion
It's challenging to determine the greatest product while deciding what to buy. We wanted to help you narrow things down by offering a list of best small satellite speakers above so you can make a better-educated decision before purchasing anything that might never work for you.
Would any of these ideas strike a chord with you? If that's the case, keep these in mind before making any purchases! You may also look into Focal Dome Flax 2-Way Compact Sealed Satellite Speaker to find another option that is a good fit for you.
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