8 Best Wall Mount Speakers In 2023: Reviews & Top Picks
- Pete Ortiz
- Last updated:
Home entertainment is a big business. As technology has gotten cheaper and more widespread, more people find themselves looking for high quality speakers that can be mounted in their homes. There are hundreds of speakers on the market promising loads of different things. So how do you know you are getting a good deal? For every quality speaker on the market, there are dozens of knockoffs, fakes, and foreign impostors cluttering the search results.
This overview has combed through the results to sort out the very best products available right now. These speakers are extremely well reviewed, have good quality ratings, and are available for a fair price. Here are eight of the best wall mounted speakers this year, including reviews, top picks, pros, cons, and a buyer’s guide.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
|
JBL Professional C1PRO Loudspeaker System |
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CHECK PRICE | |
Best Value
|
Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
Premium Choice
|
Klipsch CDT-5800-C II In-Ceiling Speaker |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
Most Versatile
|
Polk Audio OWM3 Wall and Bookshelf Speakers |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
Best Indoor/Outdoor
|
Kicker KB6B 2-Way Full Range Indoor Outdoor Speakers |
|
CHECK PRICE |
The 8 Best Wall Mount Speakers
1. JBL Professional C1PRO High Performance 2-Way Professional Compact Loudspeaker System – Best Overall
Type: | Wall mounted |
Maximum Output Power: | 150W |
Weight: | 8 lbs. |
The JBL Professional C1PRO High Performance 2-Way Professional Compact Loudspeaker System are the best overall wall mount speakers. This system offers the best combination of value, quality, and reliability available on the market. These speakers are ruggedly built and come in a pair. These speakers offer 150W of professional quality sound. They even include magnetically shielded transducers which cut down on electronic interference from nearby appliances. Cheaper speakers do not have this protection which can lead to buzzing or static coming through from a nearby TV or receiver. JBL is a quality brand that is well known for performance and sound clarity. These speakers are perfect for people who have a beefed-up home theater system or top-level sound equipment.
The only reported issue with these speakers involved frequency problems. Some people reported issues with high frequency noise and had to tinker quite a bit to get the speakers to “flatten out” and produce a clear sound. This was not a widespread issue, but it was mentioned by multiple buyers, so it is something to consider. Overall, the JBL Professional C1PRO High Performance 2-Way Professional Compact Loudspeaker System are excellent speakers that can be mounted on the wall in a variety of different settings.
- Two JBL speakers for a fair price
- Lots of power and sound clarity
- Magnetic shielding protects against interference
- Rugged body and clean look
- Some frequency issues reported
2. Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System – Best Value
Type: | Wall mount |
Maximum Output Power: | 200W |
Weight: | 2.6 lbs. |
The Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System is a fantastic bargain for those looking for wall mounted speakers that won’t break the budget. These speakers are the best wall mount speakers for the money due to being very affordable and still providing adequate sound quality. The speakers come with everything you need to quickly and easily mount them to the wall. When it comes to the price, these speakers are half as expensive as similar models and have enough quality to keep buyers smiling. These speakers are battery powered, which allows you to install them away from any outlets. The Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System is also lightweight and easy to handle.
For the price, the quality is good, but these speakers are not going to wow any audiophiles. Some people also have complained that despite the advertising, these speakers are not 3-way but are rather 2-way. We did not deconstruct the speakers to discover whether these complaints were valid or not or if the allegations were based on the price and sound quality.
- Extremely affordable
- Easy to install
- Battery powered
- Works as advertised
- Audio quality is not the best
- Some questions about whether the speakers are 2-way or 3-way
3. Klipsch CDT-5800-C II In-Ceiling Speaker – Premium Choice
Type: | In-wall, In-ceiling |
Maximum Output Power: | 100W |
Weight: | 7.5 lbs. |
One of the primary uses for wall mounted speakers is for surround sound, home theaters, and Atmos setups. The problem is that many speakers have sound quality that is just okay. Some people are looking for mounted speakers that provide top-notch quality. That is what you get with the Klipsch CDT-5800-C II In-Ceiling Speaker. The sound quality of this speaker is the biggest selling point, but there are other selling points as well. These speakers are extremely easy to install and come with everything you need to properly mount them into the walls or ceiling of your home. They also come with an ingenious magnetic system that allows the pieces to snap perfectly into place without fussing over them while on a ladder. The quality for home theater purposes or Atmos speakers is out of this world.
Despite the amazing sound quality, some people have complained that online sellers are letting quality control slip. Some buyers have reported cracked, damaged, or improper products showing up at their doors instead of what they ordered. Be mindful of bad merchants or unauthorized resellers before buying online.
- Amazing sound quality
- Easy to install, even in the ceiling
- Magnetic parts quickly and easily snap together
- Some quality control issues reported
- Bad sellers reported online
4. Polk Audio OWM3 Wall & Bookshelf Speakers – Most Versatile
Type: | Wall mounted |
Maximum Output Power: | 100W |
Weight: | 4 lbs. |
Some wall mounted speakers have very basic brackets that shoehorn you into installing them in places or positions that weren’t what you were expecting. If speakers do not get placed in an optimal position, it could ruin the aesthetic value or the sound quality. For truly versatile speakers, you should look at Polk Audio OWM3 Wall and Bookshelf Speakers.
These speakers come with seven different mounting brackets that allow you to install these speakers almost anywhere. These speakers can be hung on the wall. They can be installed horizontally or vertically, and they can even be mounted in a corner. This flexibility allows you to place these speakers in a variety of different locations that other speakers might not be in. The flexibility is perfect for surround sound or Atmos speaker setups. For the price, you get two speakers, great quality, and tons of flexibility for your individual space.
One of the biggest gripes with the Polk Audio OWM3 Wall and Bookshelf Speakers is that they are advertised as white, and many people say that they are ivory. This was very upsetting for some users who were expecting pure white rather than ivory so bear that in mind.
- Extremely flexible mounting options
- Great for surround sound, home theaters, and atmos setup
- Fit in places other speakers can’t
- Great looking speakers
- Ivory, not white
5. Kicker KB6B 2-Way Full Range Indoor Outdoor Speakers (Pair) – Best Indoor/Outdoor
Type: | Wall mounted, indoor-outdoor |
Maximum Output Power: | 150W |
Weight: | 14 lbs. |
If you are looking for a quality set of speakers that can be installed outside, then you want to check out the Kicker KB6B 2-Way Full Range Indoor Outdoor Speakers (Pair). These speakers are ruggedly constructed and designed to last outdoors with waterproof plastic and UV-treated materials to withstand rain or sun. These speakers are perfect for patios, porches, or decks. They can even be installed near the pool or in the garage if wired appropriately. The mounting brackets are simple to install and include a 180-degree swivel for directed sound. These speakers are available in white or black and provide up to 150W of clear sound. You also get a pair of speakers for one price, which is a good deal.
The main complaint regarding the Kicker KB6B 2-Way Full Range Indoor Outdoor Speakers (Pair) seems to be about the sound quality. The audio is clear, but it is a little quiet, and it is not the best quality on the market. People looking for professional sound quality will probably be happier looking elsewhere. However, these speakers are great for outdoor use, and they will hold up to the elements better than competitors.
- Rugged construction built for outdoor use
- Easy to install
- Good price for two speakers
- So-so sound quality
- A little quiet
6. Sonos In-Wall Speakers – Best In-Wall
Type: | In-wall speakers |
Maximum Output Power: | 25W |
Weight: | 4.5 lbs. |
The Sonos In-Wall Speakers are a great way to get quality sound without having to install unsightly or bulky speakers in your house. These speakers are installed in the walls and come with different style grills that allow you to match the speakers to your style. Once installed, these speakers are almost invisible yet still provide plenty of sound for music or your home theater. These speakers are perfect for anyone looking for something more low-key and out of the way than some other wall mounted speakers on the market.
The Sonos In-Wall Speakers do have a few issues to be aware of. First, you have to install these or have them installed. Sonos does not provide very detailed instructions on how to implant these speakers into your wall. Second, the price is a bit on the high end, especially for the wattage output. If you are looking for quality sound on a budget, these speakers will not be for you.
- Nearly invisible when installed
- Custom grills available
- Great sound quality
- Must be installed properly
- Pricey
- Wattage is not great for the price
7. Dual Electronics LU43PW 3-Way High Performance Outdoor Indoor Speakers – Best Swivel Speakers
Type: | Wall mounted |
Maximum Output Power: | 100W |
Weight: | 2.8 lbs. |
The Dual Electronics LU43PW 3-Way High Performance Outdoor Indoor Speakers are a quality set of speakers that provide good quality audio and decent durability for the price. These speakers are some of the best-selling speakers on the web, and the reason why is clear. These speakers are a great combination of quality, price, and functionality. They mount easily and have a reactive swivel system that allows you to direct the sound exactly where you want it to go. The Dual Electronics LU43PW 3-Way High Performance Outdoor Indoor Speakers can be mounted inside or outside and sound great in either location. This product also features a one-year warranty in case you run into any issues in the first year.
It is important to note that these speakers need an amplifier to work properly. Dual Electronics does sell a compatible Bluetooth amplifier, but that will raise the price considerably. The other problem seems to be with the quality of the mounting brackets. Some users reported brackets that crack and break due to flimsy materials, which makes the speakers unable to remain on the wall.
- Fair price
- Good quality sound
- Nice size
- Easy to install with swivels included
- Needs an amplifier to work
- Shoddy mounting brackets reported
8. Rockville RockSlim Black Home Theater Speakers – Best Thin Speakers
Type: | Wall mount |
Maximum Output Power: | 120W |
Weight: | 2 lbs. |
Many wall mounted speakers are large and bulky and don’t always look good in a home’s main space. Many people are also uncomfortable installing in-wall-mounted speakers due to the construction that is necessary to make them work. The good news is that there is a great middle ground. The Rockville RockSlim Black Home Theater Speakers are super slim speakers that look like in-wall speakers but are installed like typically mounted speakers. These speakers are just 1.38” thick and hang on the wall like bulkier speakers. These speakers also have excellent sound quality and a pleasing unified aesthetic quality. These speakers are also available at a fair price.
There aren’t many downsides to these thin speakers other than the fact that some people reported spotty sound and overall quality. That is not all that surprising for speakers at this price point, but it is a good sign that there are no other blatant issues reported with the Rockville RockSlim Black Home Theater Speakers.
- Extremely thin
- Perfect middle ground between in-wall and mounted speakers
- Fair price
- These speakers look great
- Some speakers went out after a few months
- So-so sound quality reported by some users
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Wall Mount Speakers
In Wall vs. Mounted
There are two primary types of wall mounted speakers. You can mount your speakers on the wall, or you can mount your speakers in the wall. In-wall speakers get installed by cutting out an opening in the drywall and setting the speakers in, and then running sound wire behind the walls to a nearby receiver. These speakers are more permanent, harder to install, and more expensive, but they look really good and provide a seamless sound system to the room.
Speakers that are mounted on the wall are typically just screwed into the drywall and can easily be moved or removed whenever you want. They are also generally more affordable and easier to install.
Sound Quality vs. Price
For any speaker system, there is a tradeoff between sound quality and price. The better the sound quality, the higher the price. Some speakers are very affordable, but they might not have the greatest sound quality. Many people can’t really tell the difference between good sound and great sound. Other people absolutely know the difference between okay sound, good sound, and excellent sound. If you are someone who is picky about speaker sound, you will want to invest in speakers with better sound quality but prepare to pay more for them.
If you have a hard time recognizing the difference between a $60 soundbar and a $600 soundbar, you can probably get away with more affordable options.
Types of Mounts
There are a variety of different types of mounts that speakers can come with. There are in-wall and in-ceiling speakers that require you to cut out drywall to install them. Some speakers come with simple metal brackets that are simply screwed into the wall and then into the speaker. Other mounts can be swivel mounts, corner mounts, or ceiling mounts.
First, you should pick where to install your speakers and consider which mount would work best for the space. Some mounts would work better for certain spaces than others.
Ease of Installation
Some wall mounted speakers are easier to install than others. Check to see what kind of brackets are included and whether you need your own tools, instructions, or knowledge before installing. Some speakers have simple screws and anchors used to attach the brackets to the wall. Others require you to cut out inserts for the speakers to rest in. Also, consider what kind of speaker wire, amplifier, or receiver your speakers need to work. You might need to run a wire from your speakers to a nearby amplifier to get them to work, and that can add extra work, especially if you want to hide the wire.
If you are a novice, you might want to only pick speakers that are very easy to install. Otherwise, you might get a product that you will struggle to set up, which can be frustrating and cost extra time and money you weren’t expecting.
Conclusion
These speakers offer a variety of different options in terms of mounts, price point, and quality. The best overall wall mount speaker is the JBL Professional C1PRO High Performance 2-Way Professional Compact Loudspeaker System. The best wall mount speaker for the money is the Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System. The premium choice with the best sound quality is the Klipsch CDT-5800-C II In-Ceiling Speaker.
Whether you are looking for the perfect speakers to install on your porch or the next great thing to help upgrade your home theater system, there is a speaker on this list that will work for you. All you need to do is pick the style, price, and quality that you are looking for to fit your space perfectly. Be sure to review the buyer’s guide before making a purchase so you know you’re getting exactly what you need.
Featured Image Credit: Finmiki, Shutterstock
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