Greatest Audio system of 2026 – CNET


Whether or not you are all in favour of background music on your subsequent occasion otherwise you’re trying to improve a stereo system, there is a speaker set prepared for you. Audio system are usually designed with a particular function in thoughts. For instance, you would possibly want audio system on your TV, computer speakers or a set for a particular room. Or maybe you want transportable Bluetooth speakers to tackle a visit. There is a speaker for each scenario.

BLUETOOTH SPEAKER DEALS OF THE WEEK

Offers are chosen by the CNET Group commerce group, and could also be unrelated to this text.

Not all audio system are created equal

I’ve highlighted the perfect wired and wi-fi audio system I’ve examined costing between $50 and $1,000. Whereas many of the included techniques are powered audio system, you will additionally discover passive bookshelf speakers, such because the Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2, which simply should be paired with a great AV receiver

From smart speakers to outside audio system to immersive home theater systems, each mannequin I’ve chosen boasts nice sound high quality and is the perfect speaker in its explicit class. I am going to replace this listing periodically as we evaluation new merchandise, so you may take your audio setup to the following stage.

Learn extra: Best Soundbar for 2025

With nice sound, a compact measurement and the Alexa voice assistant built-in, the Sonos Period 100 packs a variety of punch, making it the perfect sensible speaker for the cash.

Elac has been belting out traditional, inexpensive designs ever since its, er, debut in 2015. The Debut 2.0 exemplifies the model’s attraction to each the budget-conscious and audiophiles. It gives a energetic, insightful sound and enticing seems for round $400.

Professionals

  • Massive, generously proportioned audio system
  • Wonderful sound high quality good for lengthy binge classes
  • Nothing holds a candle to it for the cash

Cons

  • Might be smoother, particularly with its decrease register
  • Dustcaps did not fairly line up

Need the largest sound? You will want huge audio system. The match and end of the big Fluance XL8 towers is unmatched by different audio system at its worth. The sound of the XL8F is open and thrilling, however by no means shrill, and when fed a film soundtrack these audio system merely zing. They’re no slouch with music both. When you actually need the utmost speaker on your cash, the large Fluance XL8F has no equal.

Professionals

  • Very compact (pocket-friendly)
  • Extra bass and quantity than most audio system this small
  • Waterproof and dustproof (IP67)
  • Built-in strap
  • Might be linked to a different StormBox Micro for stereo mode
  • USB-C charging
  • 8 hours of battery life

Cons

  • Not as sturdy as Bose SoundLink Micro
  • Distorts barely at increased volumes with sure tracks

Funds Bluetooth audio system are seemingly a dime a dozen, however among the many numerous choices there do lie some gems. The $50 Tribit Stormbox Micro is a compact, transportable speaker that gives each waterproofing and wonderful bass for its measurement.

Professionals

  • Compact, simple to arrange and inexpensive
  • Wonderful dialogue replica
  • Tried and true Roku expertise

Cons

  • Lacks bass in films and music

The $130 Roku Streambar is a hybrid soundbar-4K video streamer and probably the most welcome shock is that it is in a position to carry out each duties nicely. Pair it with a bed room TV and the non-compulsory Onn Wireless Sub for a killer residence theater setup.

If there was ever a discount in residence theater it was this — for across the similar worth because the Elac audio system above you may get a full Dolby Atmos setup. With a sub! Sound high quality is great and the Klipsch equipment consists of all the cables you want within the field.

The Edifier R1280DB gives nearly every little thing you possibly can need in a PC speaker — wonderful sound, a spread of connections together with Bluetooth and a compact footprint — and all for an inexpensive $150. It does not supply USB, although, so join the headphone/line out of your PC to it as a substitute.

Professionals

  • Wonderful sound in a compact measurement
  • Amazon Alexa onboard
  • DTS Digital:X
  • Articulate subwoofer

The Yamaha YAS-209 is without doubt one of the most absolutely featured soundbars the corporate has ever provided — particularly on the worth. With Alexa, HDMI connectivity and a wi-fi subwoofer, this soundbar does not need for something. The sound high quality is nice, too.

Professionals

  • Motorized audio system work nicely.
  • Wonderful sound for films and music.
  • Loads of connections
  • Contains rears and wi-fi sub.

Cons

  • Not as simple to make use of as Sonos Arc
  • No Apple AirPlay help
  • Considerably quick encompass cables

The Vizio Elevate might have one huge gimmick on the core of it, that revolving peak speaker, however it additionally gives sound high quality to again up the gee-whizzery. It is a 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos soundbar, with a hefty subwoofer, and its efficiency is equally thrilling in each films and music. Add in a bunch of streaming options and you’ve got the perfect encompass system below a grand.



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