Best DJ Speakers – Top 10 Picks

If you want to have a setup that can compete or compliment venue or club sound systems, then it is time to start thinking about purchasing some new DJ speakers. We’ve compiled this list of the top 10 DJ speakers available in 2019 to give you our thoughts and recommendations.

Listing the best DJ speakers was not an easy task to do. We wanted to give you only the top choices because we know that one of the keys to ensuring that your sets sound really good, is to make sure that you have high-quality audio.

Although speakers are just a reflection of the sound you produce in your mixer, software, and so on, speaker quality is important to ensure that the sound signal that comes out of the speakers is exactly what you can hear pumping through your headphones on your mixer.

Quick Recommendations for the Best DJ Speakers

Hate shopping and want a few quick recommendations for some of the best DJ speakers on the market?

Take a look at the chart below for a quick overview of some of our favorite products.

Product
Our Top Pick
Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker, Black
Budget-Friendly
Behringer Eurolive B210D 200W 10 inch Powered Speaker
Top Passive
JBL Professional JRX215 Portable 2-way Sound Reinforcement Loudspeaker System, 15-Inch ,Black
Image
Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker, Black
Behringer Eurolive B210D 200W 10 inch Powered Speaker
JBL Professional JRX215 Portable 2-way Sound Reinforcement Loudspeaker System, 15-Inch ,Black
Powered vs. Passive
Powered
Powered
Passive
Price
$1,199.00
$199.00
$389.00
Prime Benefits
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Our Top Pick
Product
Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker, Black
Image
Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker, Black
Powered vs. Passive
Powered
Price
$1,199.00
More Information
Prime Benefits
Amazon Prime
Budget-Friendly
Product
Behringer Eurolive B210D 200W 10 inch Powered Speaker
Image
Behringer Eurolive B210D 200W 10 inch Powered Speaker
Powered vs. Passive
Powered
Price
$199.00
More Information
Prime Benefits
Top Passive
Product
JBL Professional JRX215 Portable 2-way Sound Reinforcement Loudspeaker System, 15-Inch ,Black
Image
JBL Professional JRX215 Portable 2-way Sound Reinforcement Loudspeaker System, 15-Inch ,Black
Powered vs. Passive
Passive
Price
$389.00
More Information
Prime Benefits
Amazon Prime

Last update on 2024-02-18 at 08:09 // More Information

DJ speakers typically aren’t the most expensive part of your DJ setup, but if you only purchase the best DJ equipment, you might find your budget being stretched a little bit. Right now, because of its adaptability and wide-array of uses, the Bose F1 Model 812 is our top DJ speaker.

There are a couple things to note regarding this list. First off, we prefer powered DJ speakers over passive speakers. Powered speakers are easy to set up and don’t require additional amps or equipment to get the party started.

Secondly, we narrowed our list down to speakers that DJs would actually use at a gig — not for home practice.

Lastly, for this list we did not include subwoofers in this list except as recommendations for adding to other speakers. Subwoofers will transform your sound significantly, so once you’re regularly gigging, we highly recommend you consider adding that BASS.

Finding the best DJ speakers can be very difficult, so we hope this guide helps you locate exactly what you are looking for. The end of this post features a chart showcasing each of our best DJ speakers with a star rating and easy way to compare each speaker.

10. Mackie C300z

The Mackie C300z is a great entry level speaker and a decent speaker if you can get over the price tag. With essentially the same (or worse) features as other brands and a higher price, it is easy to understand why this model barely made the cut. (DJER Tip: Grab some Mackie C300z speaker bags to make transporting these a bit easier.)

Mackie C Series, 12-Inch 2-way Compact Passive SR Loudspeaker (C300z)
  • Portable precision passive loudspeaker with 1. 75″ He compression driver and 12″ Lf transducer
  • He compression driver mounted on a multi-celled aperture, with a constant directivity horn for room-wide 90° x 45°…
  • Precise reproduction of critical upper mid-range and high frequencies

Last update on 2024-02-18 at 08:09 // More Information

9. Behringer Eurolive B210D

The Behringer Eurolive B210D is a relatively low-powered speaker in comparison to some of the other options on this page, but it’s one of the cheapest powered speakers available.

Portability is a strong pro since one B210D is light enough to carry (some people do so with one hand). If you’re looking for a set of speakers that are easy to set up and clean up, consider these. There isn’t a handle on the top of the speaker though, so you’ll have to carry them horizontally.

Customers rave that they are durable and provide great bang for your buck. However, you will want to pick up a subwoofer to go along with them if you really want people to feel the music. The Behringer B1200D-Pro is a subwoofer option from the same company if you want to match.

Behringer Eurolive B210D 200W 10 inch Powered Speaker
  • Integrated Pole Mount (each)
  • Built-in HF LF Protection
  • Internal switch-mode power supply for noise-free audio, superior transient response and very low power consumption

Last update on 2024-02-18 at 07:57 // More Information

8. JBL JRX215

Being the top unpowered speaker on our list, the JBL JRX215 rightfully deserves this spot. JBL speakers are notorious for their quality and reliability, and this one is no different.

If you were to buy a couple of these and a 2000W power amplifier, you would have a pretty nice PA setup for a reasonable price. You would be able to support crowds of up to 250 people.

JBL Professional JRX215 Portable 2-way Sound Reinforcement Loudspeaker System, 15-Inch ,Black
  • Progressive Transition high frequency waveguide provides superior coverage control, reduced distortion, and smoother…
  • The rugged, acoustically superior enclosure uses advanced adhesives and mechanical fastener technology for extreme…
  • High-voltage capacitors and inductors with massive cores and heavy gauge wire enable the crossover network to handle…

Last update on 2024-02-18 at 08:09 // More Information

7. QSC K10.2

Once you start considering a powered speaker, it can be shocking to watch how sharply the price goes up. The QSC K10.2 is just one of the many great options for you to consider.

One thing to notice about this model is that it only has a 10” cone. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem though since the included amp provides 2000W of continuous power. With a wide range of sound output, and a Class-D amplified module, the K10.2 is a worthy option.

You may also want to consider the big brother of this speaker that includes a 12-inch cone. We’ve listed the K12.2 as our #2 pick, so keep reading for more information on that speaker.

QSC K10.2 Active 10″ Powered 2000 Watt Loudspeaker
  • Best in class audio performance
  • 2000 Watt Class-D amplifier module
  • Factory Presets and savable/recallable Scenes for commonly-used applications

Last update on 2024-02-18 at 08:09 // More Information

6. Yamaha DXR15

The Yamaha DXR15 is a great speaker for any DJ or music professional. It includes a 3-channel mixer and EQ control to maximize speaker protection.

With 1100W of power and a 15” woofer, the speaker is really a nice choice for any DJ. Given its nice size, power, and features, this speaker can serve well in just about any event.

Reviews for this product, its protection plan, and brand name all ensure that if you buy this product you will be able to expect at least 4 years of hard use. There are some good things about spending larger amounts of money on some of the best DJ speakers the market has to offer.

Yamaha is another really great brand for speakers. Although the Yamaha DXR15 is a tad bit overpriced for the features it has, it packs a nice overall punch, which makes it one of the best DJ speakers.

If you want something smaller and a little cheaper, the DXR8 is another great option from Yamaha.

Yamaha DXR15 Powered Speaker Cabinet
  • 1100W of class D power
  • DSP controlled for maximum output and protection
  • Amazing full range performance.

Last update on 2024-02-18 at 08:09 // More Information

5. Mackie Thump12A

The Mackie Thump12A is another fantastic speaker a DJ might consider for smaller events. Mackie is a well-known brand that has been established, and can be seen in venues across the world.

This speaker is competitive since it is affordable and reasonably well-performing.  With 1200 watts of power and a 12inch woofer, the Thump series features a new amplifier design that helps to create “chest-thumping” low end.

If you’re after an even BIGGER sound, you might want to check out the Thump15A model as well.

Mackie Thump12A – 1300W 12″ Powered Loudspeaker
  • For Live Sound and Mobile Applications
  • Woofer: 12″
  • HF Driver: 1.4″ Titanium Compression

Last update on 2024-02-18 at 08:09 // More Information

4. JBL EON615

When you have a great brand, with high quality products, and then you continuously make better products, the JBL EON615 is what you are left with. All of the best technology from the engineers combined into one state-of-the-art speaker.

With 5-way EQs, gains, Bluetooth capability, and an included amp, this speaker is a great option for anybody in the live music industry. Just like Yamaha, you can guarantee that you will have this product for at least 4 years with the protection plan.

Protection is definitely something to consider when choosing the best DJ speakers, especially if you are transporting them on a regular basis.

JBL is a brand that you can trust for reasonably priced and durable speakers. The JBL EON615 is the best powered speaker the company has to offer and the audio quality is on point.

Want to learn more about this speaker? Check out our JBL EON615 review for more in-depth information.

JBL Professional EON615 2-Way Multipurpose Self-Powered Sound Reinforcement, 15-Inch
  • Optimized for ideal acoustic resonance taking advantage of injection molding techniques and mechanical shaping of the…
  • JBL engineers examined the radiation characteristics of the EON’s high and low frequency drivers at 36 different points…
  • JBL engineers developed an iOS and Android supported Bluetooth v4.0 compliant interface for controlling master volume,…

Last update on 2024-02-18 at 08:09 // More Information

3. Electro-Voice ZLX-12P

Electro-Voice is another one of the best DJ speaker brands that you will find many using, simply because their speakers sound great. The ZLX-12P earns this spot on our list of the best speakers for DJs for its competitive price, great sound, and features.

The price is a little higher than some other 12 inch woofer speakers out there, but customer reviews speak for themselves. If you travel and want to keep your ZLX12P speakers looking good, be sure to pick up a cover for each.

If 12 inches isn’t enough for you, the ZLX series also features the ZLX-15P model.

Electro-Voice ZLX-12P 12″ 2-Way 1000W Full Range Powered Loudspeaker
  • Designed for power and performance making it ideal for smaller-venue sound reinforcement or stage-monitoring
  • LCD display and 1-knob DSP control with presets for precise and speedy setup
  • Input level meters and independent amplifier control to ensure optimal gain structure

Last update on 2024-02-18 at 08:09 // More Information

2. QSC K12.2

The QSC K12.2 is simply a wonder to behold. Each of these speakers features 2000 Watts of power, which is a LOT.

With its clever design, digital display for control, and presets for performance,  any DJ can purchase this speaker and be proud. Most other speakers in the world cannot boast 2000W of power, making the QSC brand a competitive producer of some of best DJ speakers.

If you want to save a little money or don’t need as much loudness, you can also check out the K10.2 or K8.2 models.

QSC K12.2 Active 12″ Powered 2000 Watt Loudspeaker
  • Best in class audio performance. Low-noise and variable speed fan
  • 2000 Watt Class-D amplifier module
  • Factory Presets and savable/recallable Scenes for commonly-used applications

Last update on 2024-02-18 at 08:09 // More Information

1. Bose F1 Model 812

The intuitive design of the Bose F1 Model 812 rules the top position for our top 10 DJ speakers. The included “flexible array” can configure your speaker to form into four different shapes, allowing for the most acoustic creativity possible.

It won’t be cheap to buy a couple of these, though, which is what you would need as a professional DJ or someone with a large budget. If you have the extra change in your pocket, you will definitely not be let down, since they allow the best sound possible for DJ speakers.

While Bose speakers deliver top-notch quality audio, keep in mind that the woofer on these speakers are only 12 inches and max out at 800W of power.

Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker, Black
  • Strong, low-frequency output from a 12-inch high-performance woofer
  • F1 Model 812 (45 lbs.) – 26.1″ H x 13.1″ W x 14.6″ D | F1 System Stack (85 lbs.) – 73.5” H x 16.1” W x 17.6” D…
  • Bi-amplified design with 2 high-output, Class-D amplifiers to separately power the FLEX array and 12-inch LF driver

Last update on 2024-02-18 at 08:09 // More Information

Top 10 Best DJ Speakers

ProductPriceWattageOverall
1.     Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array$$1000W★★★★★
2.     QSC K12.2 2-Way Powered$$2000W★★★★★
3.      Electro-Voice ZLX-12P$1000W★★★★½
4.      JBL EON 615$1000W★★★★½
5.     Mackie Thump12A$1300W★★★★½
6.     Yamaha DXR15$$1100W★★★★
7.     QSC K10.2 2-Way Powered$$2000W★★★★
8.     JBL JRX215$1000W★★★★
9.     Behringer Eurolive B210D$200W★★★½
10.   Mackie C300z$600W★★★

What are the best DJ speaker brands?

There are many brands of speakers out there and reading online reviews may not always help you sort the wheat from the chaff. However, after reading these reviews, you will tend to find the same names cropping up over and over. Keep reading for some of our recommendations for companies to check out.

While some manufacturers such as Bose do not have a range for the more modest budget, many do. Mackie is a very well-known and highly regarded brand as is QSC. A good number of DJ’s plump for JBL as they offer high quality but at reasonable prices. Yamaha is, of course, another well-known name in speaker production and you will rarely be disappointed by their products. Electro-Voice is high on the list of preferred speakers and offers both the passive and active varieties.

How much should I spend on DJ speakers?

Speaker prices can vary quite dramatically, but you really want to stay away from the lower end of the scale if you plan to earn a living as a DJ. Mobile DJs are providing a service that is worth investing in. If you get that service just right, then you will be getting gigs on the back of recommendations.

If you decide to go the cheap route, your spending (or lack thereof) is reflected in the quality of your sound output. If people associate your skill with the sound quality, you can quickly kill off your business before it has even really started.

That said, we all have to control and be careful with our money. Therefore, we can’t always splash out on the absolute top of the range market leader. Just be a smart buyer and make sure you’re getting the best possible bang for your buck.

You can pay thousands of dollars for top DJ speakers, but that’s a bit over the top if you are generally going to be catering to events with less than a thousand people. On the flip side, you can pay less than $100 for a single speaker, but then you are in dangerous territory as we mentioned earlier.

So based on the example we give in the section below of two 500 watt speakers being ideal for a school dance, how much would these cost? Well, you can expect to be paying around $400 each for a bit of kit that will do the job very well without breaking the bank.

Keep in mind that is for passive speakers. Expect to pay a little more for powered speakers. A thousand bucks may seem like a lot to invest in speakers when starting up, but a good DJ with a good sound won’t take very long to recoup that investment.

Passive vs. Active Speakers

Passive speakers are simply a speaker that needs an amplifier behind it to be able to broadcast sound. They can be just as powerful as an active speaker if they have the right additional gear behind them.

As you are not using the speaker for a single instrument and are going to be broadcasting a variable range of frequencies playing music, you may need several types of speakers such as a woofer for low frequencies, a tweeter for higher frequencies, and mid-range speaker for everything in-between.

They give you more control over the sound you put out since all of the control is done via the amp and house mixer.

These unpowered speakers are also a little bit lighter than powered ones , so they are easier to transport and set up. But, as technology moves forward, this is becoming less of an issue. Just keep portability in mind as you shop around and determine how important it is for you.

One last thing to mention regarding passive speakers is that they are also the less complicated of the two types. This is due to the fact they are being controlled elsewhere, so usually only have one jack in the back of them.

Active or powered speakers have their own power source to eliminate the need for amplifiers. You can set them up individually during sound check and monitor them using your mixing desk. Obviously, having no external amplifiers will save space and time in setting up and packing away.

Two 500 watt active speakers can easily cope with a school dance and, in this scenario, would make the best DJ speakers. They are a good deal more complicated in the back than their counterparts, but you will find in and out sockets which allow you to link a number of speakers together. This is a real advantage if your desk only has two master out connections to send your audio signal.

Since the amp is built into the speaker, the volume and gain controls are often located on the rear of the speaker. As we mentioned earlier, you can set these at sound check and there should be no need to fiddle with them again. This makes it a much easier night for you.

Both passive and active speakers have their pros and cons. It really depends on what you are going to be doing with them and what type of event you’re peforming at.

For the regular mobile DJ, powered speakers are usually preferred since they do not need an amplifier, can be linked, and are easy to transport. That said, they also tend to be a little more expensive than unpowered ones as you are getting an amp in each one.

DJ Speaker Wattage

Most people think of wattage as the amount of power a speaker can put out and, to an extent, that is true. However, just because you have a 100-watt speaker doesn’t necessarily mean that is the power you will get out of it. It depends on the maximum power of the setup being used to play the music in the first place.

So, especially when it comes to passive speakers, you need to marry up your speakers to your other equipment. You don’t want too low a wattage or you might not reach your audience. Conversely, paying a small fortune for a speaker you can’t make the most of is equally inefficient.

You should also remember that just because a speaker says its maximum or peak power is 200 watts, it isn’t wise to continually have your volume ramped up to the max. This quite possibly may damage the speaker and certainly will considerably shorten its lifespan.

The figure you should be looking for here should be next to the letters RMS printed on the packaging. This indicates the speakers optimum setting when in continuous use and should always be adhered to.