Top 3 best powered speakers in 2023:
- Top Pick: QSC K10.2 Active
- Runner-Up: Yamaha DBR10
- Budget Pick: Rockville BPA10
Picture this – you’re home alone, relaxing while listening to your favorite tunes. Sounds good, right? Now, imagine the same situation but with a pair of really good loudspeakers. Better?
I say yes, and I think you will agree.
Powered speakers are not only the high-end alternative to “regular” ones, but they are an essential tool for music professionals and a necessity for anyone who wants to listen to or play music loudly.
Besides being loud, another crucial advantage of powered speakers is their ability to retain a great quality of sound at very high volumes, where your average speakers would usually get distorted.
So, no matter if you are an audiophile, a sound producer, or a live musician, you’ll probably be interested in reading about the best powered speakers.
Since there is a lot of choice in today’s saturated market, it is by no means an easy task to choose a pair of speakers that’s suitable for you.
To help you do this, I’ve composed an article where I reviewed the top 32 powered speaker brands, and I hope you will enjoy it.
32 Best Powered Speakers In 2023: Detailed Reviews
1. Mackie Thump 12A – 1300W 12″ Powered Loudspeaker
The first product on today’s list is none other than the Mackie Thump, a 12A and 1300W loudspeaker that’s going to blow your mind (literally).
This is a multi-functional powered speaker that’s made for live music performances and other events that require loud sound.
Mackie Thump has a dual angle design which allows it to be used as a stage monitor as well as handles for easy carrying.
It can also be mounted on a tripod or placed directly on a sub if you want to.Its dimensions are 14 x 14.1 x 24.2 inches, and the entire thing weighs around 35 pounds.
This model has built-in mixers which remove the need for having an external mixer, as long as you require only one or two outputs. All in all, this is a great quality product that comes at a somewhat high, but still reasonable price.
2. Yamaha DBR10 700-Watt Powered Speaker
In case you’re looking for something slightly cheaper yet similar to Mackie’s model, then have a look at Yamaha DBR10, another top-notch powered speaker.
The main difference between DBR10 and Thump is obviously the power, as Yamaha’s speaker goes up to 700W, which is almost half of what the previous one can do. This means that it will be suitable for smaller events and not so much for large gatherings of people.
When it comes to the size and shape, these two models are almost the same, with Yamaha being a tad bigger.
It can also be mounted on a sub and tripod or used as an on-stage monitor. The speaker has a two-channel mixer, with one input for mic and the other one for line-levels.
DBR10’s price is reasonable and matches its quality, so it is a good deal.
3. QSC K10.2 Active 10″ Powered 2000 Watt Loudspeaker
QSC K10.2 is a powered loudspeaker that can be used for any kind of event that needs some serious wattage and loudness. It this sounds like something that you want, then read on.
First off, the speaker’s power amounts to an amazing 2000 watts, which will be more than enough for playing music in clubs or shows of any size. It produces thick lows and very clear highs which is impressive for a speaker of this size.
Second, the dimensions of K10.2 are very similar to the previous two models. It has an angled design on one side so it can be used as a monitor too.
Third, the speaker has two lines, a mic line, and a level/instrument line. There is a digital display where you can browse the menu and choose your preferred settings.
Last, QSC K10.2 is one of the more expensive speakers on the list but is worth the price.
4. Rockville BPA10 10″ Professional Powered Active 500W DJ PA Speaker w Bluetooth
Rockville BPA10 is a speaker that’s hard to match regarding the price to quality ratio, and this section is dedicated to it.
The sound quality that BPA10 produces is above average, but it lacks the power that some of the previously mentioned models have. Its peak is 500W, so the recommended listening power is around 200-300W, which is good for smaller spaces.
Now, the selling point of this model is its Bluetooth connectivity, and it has a range of 32 feet. Just connect the speaker to your phone and play whatever you like; it’s really that simple.
If you don’t like Bluetooth, the speaker also takes USBs and SD cards and has a remote controller for browsing through your playlist.
BPA10’s price is very affordable, and the build quality is reliable.
5. Alto Professional TS208 | 1100-WATT 8-INCH 2-Way Powered Loudspeaker
Those who are looking for a compact speaker that packs some high wattage should take a look at Alto Professional TS208.
The speaker is rather small (for a powered speaker) with its dimensions being 9.6 x 10.3 x 17.2 inches. Like many others, this model has an angled shape too so that it can be used as a monitor.
It has an incredible maximum wattage of 1100W (550W continuous) which is a spectacular achievement considering its size. However, some users have complained that it doesn’t sound as loud as it is advertised.
In terms of connectivity, TS208 has a 2-channel mixer with each input having separate level controls. When it comes to placement, the speaker can be put on a tripod or a sub, and it also has M6 suspension points.
All in all, this is a decent loudspeaker that comes at a fair price.
6. Seismic Audio FL-10MP-PW Premium Powered 2-Way 10-Inch Active Floor/Stage Monitor with Titanium Horn
Musicians or stage performers who need a monitor with a clear sound that won’t make them go bankrupt have to see the Seismic Audio FL-10MP-PW.
This speaker isn’t the loudest with 500W peak and 250W continuous power, but the chances are that they will do it for you thanks to their clear sound.
Like all previous models, FL-10MP-PW has a two-line XLR input/output, as well as a 3.5mm input for all standard headphones in case you need that too.
Unlike most other powered speakers, this one has all of its EQ and controls on the front side so you can access them easily whenever you need them.
Generally speaking, I wasn’t able to find many complaints about this speaker, and in case something goes wrong, the company gives a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
7. Rockville APM5C 5.25″ 2-Way 250W Active/Powered USB Studio Monitor Speakers Pair
Here’s another product from Rockville but this speaker, or pair of speakers to be precise, is very different from what I’ve presented so far.
Rockville AMP5C is a pair of powered studio speakers which are much smaller and less potent than most of the speakers that you’ll find in this list. However, they do have their purpose, and it is mixing and mastering in the studio.
The peak power of these speakers is 150W which means that they are intended to be played at approximately 75W.
As expected, this model also has two XLR/TLR inputs as well as a 3.5mm headphone input. Also, there are bass and treble controls so you can adjust these frequencies independently.
The speakers come in three colors classic wood, black, and white, and they are sold at a great price.
8. Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers Active Near-Field Studio Monitors
Just like the last model, I’m bringing you a set of small but quality studio monitors made by Edifier.
The R1700BT is composed of two compact, 66W studio monitors with an exceptionally clear sound and a beautiful design.
The speakers have a Bluetooth feature so you can connect them to any device without cables, and play your favorite music.
On the side of the main speaker, you will find three knobs – a treble, bass, and overall volume control which gives you a certain degree of flexibility when setting up your preferred sound.
The classic wood finish not only helps to create a fantastic sound but also looks great fits in nicely with almost any style of home decor. The speakers come at a great price, and if that’s not enough, the manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty.
9. JBL SRX835P Portable 15″ 3-Way Bass Reflex Self-Powered System Speaker
JBL is a company that needs no introduction, at least in the musician/audiophile community. They’re known for creating top-notch speakers, and SRX835P is no exception.
The plain-looking, rugged, and sturdy construction of the speaker is purpose-built for stage use. It is rather big and heavy, but the handles make carrying more comfortable.
Now, SRX835P is very powerful with a 2000W peak and 1500W continuous wattage, and this will make people who play big shows very happy.
Like most other powered speakers, this model has two inputs and two outputs, a mix out and even a network input/output. It’s also good to mention that the speaker is fully supported in the Audio Architect software.
If there’s a downside to this product, it is only its price which places it among the more expensive models in today’s article.
10. Klipsch R-15PM Powered Monitor
Looking for a pair of powered monitors for your home or studio? Check out Klipsch R-15PM!
The R-15PM are modern and quality studio monitors that perform as well as they look. They have a very clear sound that’s going to make your listening or mixing experience as pleasant as it gets.
One of the most significant advantages of this model is its connectivity, and it includes Bluetooth, USB, RCA, and speaker inputs. However, many users have reported problems with Bluetooth so you might want to explore this a bit further before buying the speakers.
Another neat addition to the package is the remote control that’ll let you choose the source, set the volume, and flip through tracks.
R-15PM’s price is among the mid-high range in the world of studio monitors, but they are very well-built and have a HQ sound.
11. Rockville RPG225K Pair Dual 15″ 2000w Powered DJ Speaker System w/Bluetooth+Mic
Here’s yet another, but not last, Rockville speaker on the list, and this tells you just how influential this company is. The RPG225K is a pair of powered speakers, and now I’m going to dissect it.
The peak power of these speakers is 2000 watts, and they are to be continuously played at between 500W and 1000W. The speaker has XLR and RCA inputs, a five-band equalizer and volume control.
When it comes to connectivity, you can choose between Bluetooth, USB, and SD card as sources of your music.
RPG225K is sold at a great price, and you’ll hardly find two such speakers for the same money. In the package, you will also receive a remote controller and a microphone, which is certainly a nice addition.
12. Proreck Freedom 8 Portable Speaker 8 Inch 2-Way Rechargeable Powered Dj/PA System
If portability and fun are the main features you’re looking for in a powered speaker, then you must not skip Proreck Freedom 8.
This speaker is made with a pair of wheels and a retractable handle (similar to a travel case) so that it can be transported easily to anywhere you need it. It’s ideal for birthday parties, picnics, and similar social gatherings that don’t include a huge number of people.
This is not a powerful speaker as its peak wattage is 140 while the continuous one is 70. As I’ve mentioned, it’s for small events only. Now, the real benefit of Freedom 8 (besides portability) is its connectivity which includes Bluetooth, USB, FM radio, and all of that to be controlled by a remote.
Its price is amazingly low, and you will get a wired microphone with the speaker. Did I mention that it also has LED lights?
13. Mackie Thump 12BST 12″ 1300w Powered DJ PA
The following product is a pair of Mackie Thump speakers which are a variation of the first model on this list. Let’s see what they’re all about.
This is a package that’s meant for folks who need a stage-ready piece of high-quality equipment. By this, I mean that you will get two 1300W peak powered speakers, along with tripod stands, and cables for a very competitive price.
Without the additional equipment, Mackie Thumps can be used as monitors, so the stands will give you more versatility.
Besides their excellent quality, one of the main advantages of these speakers is how simple they are to use. They have two input lines, a mix output, an equalizer, and an on/off switch. This is truly the ideal product for folks who like fuss-free and top-notch equipment.
14. JBL EON615 15″ 2000 Watt Powered DJ PA Speakers + Stands + Cables + Mic + Headphones
Relating to the previous product, this one here is also a pair of incredible powered speakers with all the following equipment but this time from JBL.
This package right here is an audiophile’s dream, no doubt about it. Included in it, you’ll get two 2000W JBL EON615 speakers, two stands, a microphone, cables, and even headphones. What’s not to like?
JBL’s products are generally high-quality, and this is true for these speakers as well. They’re extremely powerful, but also very versatile having Bluetooth connectivity for Android and iOS, onboard EQ, a two-channel mixer and much more.
The stands are made of steel which makes them very sturdy, and their height is adjustable. These are big, bulky, and heavy speakers but their ergonomically designed handles will make carrying easier.
15. Alphasonik PRO Venum Series High-Performance V815BT 15″ 1000 Watts Professional Powered DJ Speaker
Alphasonik PRO Venum V815BT is a DJ speaker system guaranteed to bring the party.
This is a portable PA system which is very important when buying a speaker for public performances. It isn’t too heavy and has three handles, so carrying is made as easy as possible.
The outer case of the speaker is tough, but there have been complaints from users that the unit they received was flimsy and some parts were loose.
The speaker has a peak power of 1000W and a continuous one of 500W, so it’s far from being the most powerful. One of the main assets of this model is the media controller on the back which includes USB and SD slots, mic and level lines, EQ and media controls with a nice big LED display.
16. Pyle Powered Active PA Loudspeaker Bluetooth System
Pyle’s powered speaker has a stylish rounded look, relatively compact dimensions, and a great sound, all of that offered at a very reasonable price.
The speaker’s max power is 700W, so the recommended listening wattage is around 350W, so it’s not as loud as some other models featured in this article. The overall sound is very good, but it does lack some deep bass that you’d typically expect from a speaker of this kind.
Like many others, this speaker is portable and has handles to prove it. It is very light so handling it shouldn’t be an issue. It includes a mic and line inputs with their own controls and volume control with independent bass and treble settings.
In terms of connectivity, it has Bluetooth, FM, SD card, and USB slots, or you can connect your phone directly to it.
17. Line 6 StageSource L3t Channel Powered Speaker Cabinet
If you are a musician, chances are that you’ve heard of Line 6, or maybe even used some of their products. Today, I’m taking a closer look at their 3-way smart speaker system to see what it can do.
This is a digital powered speaker with a built-in mixer, Line 6 link digital networking, and many more good things. The “smart” stands for the ability of the connected speakers to communicate with each other to optimize the sound, which is an entirely new level of live mixing.
The speaker’s peak power is 1400W which means that it is to be used at around half of that continuously. The StageSource is a tall and thin model with a medium weight so handling it shouldn’t be difficult.
Its only downside is the price which is definitely not for everyone’s wallet.
18. Yamaha DXS12 Powered Speaker Cabinet
DXS12 is our second and final Yamaha model on the list, and now it’s time to take a close look at its capabilities.
This is a subwoofer, and it is famous for its ability to go low (down to 47Hz) and reproduce some deep, throbbing bass sounds that the musicians and audience enjoy so much. This is made possible because of its compact wooden enclosure which was optimized for bass.
The peak power of DXS12 is 950W so with it you’ll get around 600W of continuous, heavy bass. As is expected from a sub, this model is pretty big and heavy, and it can be used as a base for powered speakers.
The speaker has two XLR inputs and outputs, and it is very easy to set up. DXS12 is a great solution for playing in smaller venues but lacks the power for big events.
19. Mackie SRM550 High Definition Powered Loudspeaker 1600W
Here is yet another Mackie powered speaker system made for professionals and heavy-duty use.
The speaker packs an amazing 1600W (peak) and around 900-1000W of continuous playing power, which should be enough for mid to large sized events.
The company advertises SRM550 as being “built like a tank,” and frankly speaking it is tough. It has a wood and steel construction, so it is certainly one sturdy product.
This speaker also has a HD audio processing technology which creates driver time alignment and phase correction so that the sound is optimized according to the stage. You also have four speaker modes – PA, DJ, solo, and monitor for quick adjustments to your preference.
Some users have complained about the sound quality and claimed that it chips on higher volumes, which should not happen to a speaker of this price and reputation.
20. Rockville RSM12A 1000 Watt 2-Way Powered Active Stage Floor Monitor Speaker
Rockville is taking the first place in the number of product included in the list, and now I’m going to check out their RSM12A powered speaker.
The speaker has a unique design, and it has an angle not on the side, but on the back of its box. It is a relatively big speaker but it isn’t very heavy, and its peak power is 1000 watts.
Unlike most other models I’ve reviewed, RSM12A has only one shared mic/line input, which limits your possibilities. It also features an equalizer, volume control, and a feedback filter for audio adjustments.
This speaker is meant to be a stage monitor so it won’t do as the main party speaker. It is, nevertheless, excellent at what it does and it is hard to find any negative user experiences for it.
21. Rockville APM5B 5.25″ 2-Way 250W Powered USB Studio Monitor Speakers+Pad
APM5B is a pair of powered speakers and at the same time the last Rockville product that you’re going to find in my scribbles. They are one of the lowest priced monitors you’ll ever find, so it is certainly worth looking into them.
These speakers are compact studio monitors with 250 watts of peak power. They come with pads which can be used to set the speakers at an angle for more effective listening.
Just like the AMP5C, these speakers also have a volume control, separate bass treble levels, and two XLR inputs.
One of the main complaints that you’ll find about this model is the sound quality. In my experience, it was very good, but some customers claimed otherwise. Anyway, the speakers are well built, and their overall quality is solid.
22. Electro-Voice ELX200-15P 15″ 1200W 2-Way Powered Loudspeaker
Electro-Voice ELX200-15P is a big and powerful smart speaker that is perfect for portable applications.
Despite its size, it is relatively lightweight so moving it around is not a big hassle. Its peak power is 1200 W which means that the continuous one is about half of that, and this is optimal for small venues.
The QuickSmartDSP feature ensures fast and efficient processing, and there’s also the QuickSmart Mobile wireless app that allows you to monitor and control the system via one of your devices.
ELX200-15P has two inputs with individual controls and a small LED monitor for managing the DSP functions. The speaker can be mounted on a sub, a tripod, suspended with cables, or just used as an on-stage monitor, so it’s suitable for both DJs and bands.
23. Fender Passport Mini Portable 6.5″ Powered Speaker/Monitor + Mic + Stand + Cable + Bag
All you guitar players know the giant that is Fender, and today we’re going to check out one of their smallest products as of yet.
This is a miniature powered speaker that’s made to be as portable and convenient as possible. It is no bigger than a suitcase, weighs a mere 15 pounds, and has a neat little handle that makes it super easy to transport.
If you’re looking for power, you won’t find it here, as this speaker only packs around 7 watts. Nevertheless, this is great for karaoke at home or birthday parties. Included in the package are the microphone, microphone stand with a bag, and a cable, so this is truly all that you’ll ever need.
Fender’s Passport mini goes for a staggeringly low price, so it would be a good idea to buy it.
24. QSC KW122 2-Way Powered Loudspeaker – 1000 Watts
The second QSC model on the list is called KW122, and it is a straightforward and quality loudspeaker suitable for people looking for serious power.
The speaker is bi-amped and produces 2 x 500W of continuous power, which totals in 1000W. Its sound stays balanced and clear even in the loudest settings, so it is truly a performer’s favorite.
KW122 is a big speaker with the dimensions of 29 x 20 x 21 inches, and a weight of around 49 pounds. For easier management, there are two handles – one on the top and one on the side. This model has a 75-degree coverage angle, and this is an important characteristic when using it as a monitor.
Besides this, it can be mounted on a stand or suspended. There are two line inputs that have their individual controls with a four position switch.
25. Blackmore BJS-180BT DJ Powered Amplified PA 18″ Speaker
Blackmore BJS-180BT is a portable PA system that’s great for parties, small events, or can even be put in the trunk of one’s car.
BJS-180DT is a mid-sized speaker that has the dimensions of 18 x 13.2 x 26.5 inches. Its weight is around 37 pounds, so it isn’t too heavy, but you won’t have to bother with lugging it around as it has wheels and a retractable handle.
The power of this speaker is around 200-250W continuous, and it reproduces sound of very high quality. The speaker has a battery that can last up to 5 hours, so it adds to its portability.
It is loaded with controls and features that you can find on the back including three XLR inputs, Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, LED screen, and a few EQ knobs.
Some customers complained that a couple of features didn’t work, so you can look into that more before purchasing.
26. Gemini AS-15 TOGO Professional Audio Bluetooth 15-inch Battery Powered Portable PA Loudspeaker
Those in search of a portable and relatively compact model must check out Gemini AS-15 TOGO, as it may be just what they need.
The speaker’s power is 500W, so it should be able to cover bar or very small venue performances. It has a rechargeable battery with a very long life (around 12 hours according to some users), so you can bring it to picnics or outdoor shows.
The speaker has two inputs – one for a mic and one for a guitar, but unfortunately, there is only one volume control which is a big disadvantage. Besides this, you can adjust treble, bass, echo, and master volume levels independently.
AS-15 has built-in wheels and a retractable handle, so you can drag it around like a travel case and not strain your muscles by carrying it all the time.
27. Sonart Powered Speaker 600W 2-Way Portable Loudspeaker With Wireless Microphone
Picking up where the previous product left off is the Sonart Powered portable speaker with some additional features that make this speaker a party must-have.
Sonart has some real power, and its peak wattage is 600 which is going to be more than enough for any house party. It has two handles for carrying, a retractable handle as well as small wheels.
With it, you will get two wireless microphones which are going to make karaoke fans thrilled. You can plug them both in at the same time, adjust their volumes independently, and start singing like there is no tomorrow. On top of this, there is a guitar input as well.
The speaker has USB, and SD/MMC card slots for loading MP3 tunes and the playback has its own volume knob, separate from the microphones.
28. Cerwin Vega CVE-10 10″ 1000 Watt Powered Loudspeaker w/Bluetooth
Cerwin-Vega CVE-10 is a simple, well-built, high-end powered speaker suitable for club use and stage performances. Let’s see what it is all about.
CVE-10 has a class D amplifier of 1000W peak power. It reproduces a very wide range of frequencies, and the sound that comes out is balanced and clear. The bass is very powerful, so electronic music fans will enjoy this one.
The speaker is connectible via Bluetooth and its super-easy to set up. It has a two-channel mixer for either mic or line, each with its volume knob.
There are five built-in presets – live PA, club/DJ, mix/flat, voice, and monitor so you can choose the one that serves your purpose at the moment.
This model is mid-sized and has a weight that matches its dimensions, but carrying it isn’t a problem.
29. Peavey PVXp 10 400 Watt Powered 10″ 2-Way DJ/PA Live Speaker or Floor Monitor
Pevey is another company that musicians are likely to have known about. The product that I’m checking out today is their PVXp ten powered speaker.
The PVXp 10 is a compact speaker of decent power which is around 400 W continuous. It has a simple rectangular shape with an angle on one side if it is to be used as a stage monitor.
When it comes to stage setup, this model can be stuck on a pole or suspended in the air too.
The speaker’s simplicity can be a strong point or a limitation, depending on what you need. It has only one input and output with a volume knob. The only other feature that this model has is the flat/contour sound adjustment.
All in all, this is a quality amp that falls in the mid-price range.
30. Cerwin-Vega CVE-15 1000w 15″ Powered DJ PA Speakers w/Bluetooth, DSP+Stands
This is the second Cerwin-Vega product for today, but this time I’m presenting you with a pair of awesome speakers named CVE-15.
In the package, you will get two 1000W peak powered speakers equipped with Bluetooth and DSP. Besides this, you’ll also get two tripod stands, a bag, and cables so you can set it all up as soon as it arrives.
Similar to the previous, CVE-10 model, CVE-15 also has a two-channel mixer and five different DSP settings. The sound that you’ll get out of these speakers is loud and quality even at high volumes.
The speakers weigh around 40 pounds each, which isn’t the lightest, but the carrying is made easy due to their simple design and many ergonomic handles. The price of this package is not very cheap, but it is nevertheless a good deal.
31. Proreck Freedom 12 Portable 12-Inch Woofer 500 Watt 2-Way Powered Dj/PA Speaker
Here is yet another Proreck speaker, along with some neat extras, and this offer is very similar to the previous one from this company.
Freedom 12 is a compact, light and portable powered speaker that can be dragged with its retractable handle and built-in wheels. It has around 500W of peak power, so it isn’t very powerful, so it’s suitable for smaller events.
If you order this product you will get two microphones, a cable, and remote control together with it, so the karaoke party can begin right away. It has a rechargeable battery which can last up to two hours, and a decent sound that gets a bit distorted at high volumes.
The speaker has an EQ, a LED screen, a mic input, a guitar input, two antennas, and slots for SD/USB.
32. Peavey DM 112 12″ 1000W Powered PA Speakers + Stands + Cables + Bag
The final review on today’s list focuses on a Peavy product, or two products, to be more precise.
In this offer, you will find two extremely powerful speakers (2000W peak), along with two tripods, and cables. Just like the previous model from Peavy, DM 112 is very simple both in terms of construction and use.
There is only one input on each speaker, but this time you have an LED screen and more DSP settings than on the last model. The speakers are well made using high-quality components which leads to exceptional performance and durability.
Now, the price that this package goes for is very competitive, and I think it’s hard to get such a valuable product for this amount of money. If you need something loud and well-built for a decent cost, check out DM 112.
The Verdict
Top Pick: QSC K10.2 Active
The first place goes to QSC K10.2 because it combines three essential factors that a desirable powered speaker has to have – power, great sound, and reasonable price.
When speaking of the latter, I need to point out that this speaker is far from being cheap but the quality that you get for the cost is truly overwhelming.
Runner-Up: Yamaha DBR10
Yamaha DBR10 is a perfect pick for people who don’t need an extremely powerful speaker, but are more concerned about the sound quality and price. This model goes for a price that’s almost three times lower than the winner of the round-up so it is indeed a great deal.
Budget Pick: Rockville BPA10
Shoppers on a budget should feel lucky to have found such an outstanding speaker at this price. Not only is BPA10 packed with decent wattage, but it also has versatile connectivity options, it’s compact and thus easy to bring with you wherever you may need it. Honestly, the best part is that very few customers complain about it!
