Top Picks for 2025's Active Speakers with Built-In Amplifiers: Expert Recommendations Unveiled
In the realm of hi-fi systems, active speakers can offer an appealing alternative to traditional setups. armed with built-in amplification, these speakers streamline your system, reducing the number of boxes and simplifying the setup process. If you're daunted by the prospect of multiple components, these speakers could be ideal for you.
Hi-fi systems require three essential elements: a source, an amplifier, and speakers. But these roles don’t necessitate separate boxes. Active speakers, sometimes referred to as 'powered speakers', can serve as both the amplifier and speakers, simplifying your setup. All you need is a source, such as a turntable or music streamer.
Active speakers may initially resemble standard (passive) speakers, but look beyond the front facade. These cabinets house powerful electronics and sophisticated processing. They often boast physical analogue and digital connections, supporting hi-res audio and Bluetooth. An increasing number of active speakers are even incorporating wi-fi connectivity, providing access to top-tier music streaming services.
From slimline models to more substantial options, active speakers cater to various preferences and budgets. If you're unsure about which specific model or features you need, you can jump to our guide on choosing active speakers.
Ready to explore the best active speakers? Our carefully curated list, compiled by our seasoned experts with a combined experience of over 150 years, offers the most desirable pairs across various types and price ranges. Each model has been thoroughly reviewed in dedicated test rooms and compared to competing products.
The Quick List
Best Overall
With its stylish design and well-rounded sonic performance, this active speaker system offers plenty of streaming and connectivity options.
Best Budget
Ideal for those seeking a more modest option, this fun and affordable music system delivers impressive hi-fi sound without breaking the bank.
Best Premium
Marrying high-end performance and versatile streaming capabilities, this innovative active speaker system is a true hi-fi system in just two boxes.
Best Floorstanders
By packing all the necessary technology into slender cabinets, these KEF active speakers offer an immersive and enthusiastic hi-fi setup from just two speakers.
Best High-End
Beastly in both design and sound, these premium active speakers deliver a thrilling experience that few streaming speaker systems can match.
Best for Purists
Focused on maintaining sound quality, this model uses only analogue inputs, shunning wireless streaming.
Best Desktop
Featuring gorgeous looks, streamlined design, and sonic talents that belie their compact stature, these active speakers are unrivaled at their price point.
May 2025
While the market for active streaming speakers is growing, recent releases have been scarce. As a result, our established recommendations maintain their positions for now.
I'm the managing editor of our website, and I've been testing hi-fi equipment for over a decade – including numerous active speakers. I've witnessed the evolution of active speakers from amplified speakers with physical connections to those integrating Bluetooth and, more recently, network streaming. I’ve sampled every pair on this list, and I've curated this 'best of' list to represent the most desirable options across various budgets.
The Best Active Speakers: In-Depth
1. KEF LSX II LT
This network streamer, Bluetooth receiver, and amplifier-packed active speaker system is a great choice for those seeking whole-system convenience and musicality from two compact boxes. Its streaming capabilities include Tidal, Spotify Connect, Roon, and AirPlay 2 support, making it easy to stream music from your devices. The LSX II LT is the latest, more affordable evolution in KEF's line, offering improvements over previous models in terms of connectivity and usability.
2. Triangle AIO Twin
With its budget-friendly price tag, the Triangle AIO Twin offers remarkable value. This active speaker system can play almost any music stream, from Bluetooth to network streaming and even vinyl records. The system integrates a phono stage, allowing you to connect your turntable, and offers a wide range of physical connections, including optical for TV connectivity. Overall, this Triangle system provides an impressively capable hi-fi experience at an affordable price point.
These recommendations represent some of the best active speakers in the market, catering to different budgets and preferences. If you're in search of a convenient, high-quality, and versatile audio solution, these active speakers should meet your needs.
For more detailed reviews of each speaker and our expert insights, explore the links provided in the quick list above. Happy shopping!
- Active speakers, also known as 'powered speakers', serve as both amplifier and speakers in a simplified hi-fi system, requiring only a source like a turntable or music streamer.
- Active speakers boast advanced electronics and processing within their cabinets, supporting hi-res audio and Bluetooth, with some incorporating wi-fi connectivity.
- The best active speakers offer a range of streaming and connectivity options, catering to various preferences and budgets, from slimline models to more substantial options.
- Our expertly curated list of the best active speakers includes a variety of models across types and price ranges, each thoroughly reviewed and compared to competing products.
- In the 'Best Overall' category, a stylish active speaker system delivers well-rounded sonic performance, extensive streaming options, and top-tier music streaming service access.
- For those on a budget, an affordable and fun music system provides impressive hi-fi sound quality without a high price tag.
- In the 'Best Premium' category, an innovative active speaker system marries high-end performance and versatile streaming capabilities, offering a true hi-fi system in just two boxes.
- For audiophiles seeking an immersive and enthusiastic hi-fi setup from just two speakers, our recommendation for the 'Best Floorstanders' delivers despite its slender cabinets.
