The best floor-standing speakers aren't just top-class speakers, they're also stunning to behold. In the same way good bookshelf speakers can completely alter your perception of great sound, these towers of power can transform your audio experience.
If you’ve got a decent set of speakers for your record player, or a soundbar for your TV, you might be wondering why floor speakers are worth your time. The simple answer is that a good pair of floor-standing speakers can offer superior sound, if you choose correctly.
Best floor-standing speakers of 2024 at a glance:
• Best overall: Dali Oberon 5 – View on Peter Tyson
• Best for big rooms: Q Acoustics 3050i – View on Amazon
• Best budget: Yamaha NS-F351 – View on ElectricShop
It's all down to physics. The larger cabinets of these speakers allow for bigger and better audio drivers. The result is audio that sounds more expansive and full, with a much-improved bass response.
To help you make sure that your audio is truly getting an upgrade, we’ve included a buyer's guide and more at the end of this article. But first, let's take a look at the best floor-standing speakers of the year.
Best floor-standing speakers of 2024
All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best overall
Peter Tyson/Dalipetertyson.co.uk
The Dali Oberon 5 is a remarkable floor-standing speaker – but then would we expect anything less from the Danish audio brand?
The Oberon 5 carries 5.25-inch reinforced woofers and a 29mm tweeter with a lightweight membrane, all tucked away inside a braced MDF construction. The resulting audio is satisfying, to say the least. The bass has a real weight to it, while the highs sing warmly.
The volume is another area of over-performance, with the smart construction and considered elements pushing out audio that you’d typically expect from much bigger units.
Pros
- Great bass
- Perfect size
Cons
- Takes a bit to properly break in
| Drivers | 5.25-inch bass , 5.25-inch mid, 1.1-inch tweeter (soft) |
| Output power | Unspecified |
| Impedance | 6 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 39Hz - 26kHz |
| Active/Passive | Active |
| Dimensions | 83 x 16.2 x 28.3 cm |
| Weight | 10.8kg |
With a contemporary look, the 3050i certainly stands apart from much of the competition. While aesthetically they are more likely to fit into a modern entertainment setup, the sound makes sure that they stand out.
The highs are treated with balance via the tweeter driver. This tweeter is positioned between the two mid and bass drivers, which also deliver powerful and precise performances. They manage to straddle that difficult line between being high-energy and tasteful.
To add some real weight to the bottom end, consider the Q Acoustics 3060s Active Subwoofer.
Pros
- Produces powerful sound
- Sleek design
Cons
- Might be a bit large for some rooms
| Drivers | 6.5-inch bass, 6.5-inch mid, 1-inch tweeter (soft) |
| Output power | 100W |
| Impedance | 6 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 44Hz - 22kHz |
| Active/Passive | Active |
| Dimensions | 102 x 31 x 32 cm |
| Weight | 17.8 kg (each) |
The Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 is a remarkable set of floor speakers. In addition to their tasty dark wood vintage vibe, the speaker arrangement carried is phenomenally good at providing balance and energy to both TV and Hi-Fi audio.
The secret behind its success isn't a secret at all – it's the three speakers it carries. The 1-inch provides deliciously bright and smooth highs while dual 5-inch KlarityTM drivers take care of the blanched and impactful mids and bass.
The KlarityTM drivers are so-called because they use blended materials that keep the cone light and sturdy, improving clarity and negating distortion.
Pros
- Well-balanced audio
- Minimises distortion
Cons
- Build is quite bulky
| Drivers | 5-inch bass (PP), 5-inch mid (PP), 1-inch tweeter (textile) |
| Output power | 30 - 150W (Recommended) |
| Impedance | 8 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 45Hz - 20kHz |
| Active/Passive | Passive |
| Dimensions | 97.5 x 18 x 34.8 cm |
| Weight | 19.5kg (Each) |
Best budget
electricshop/Yamahawww.electricshop.com
When buying a floor speaker, it’s very easy to get drawn in by flashy premium options. However, it’s best to focus on an option that delivers fully on the basics – good quality and loud audio. This is why the Yamaha NSF51 are featured on our list.
The speakers have a frequency response of 43Hz to 26kHz and carry a two-way reflex bass. They have a robust construction that lends a rich and clear timbre to audio from TV or stereo. For anyone taking their first steps into the world of floor-standing speakers, these are a great budget choice.
Pros
- Amazing value
- Durable build
Cons
- Relatively heavy, so can be difficult to move about
| Drivers | 6.5-inch bass, 6.5-inch mid, 1-inch tweeter (soft) |
| Output power | Unspecified |
| Impedance | 6 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 43Hz - 26kHz |
| Active/Passive | Unspecified |
| Dimensions | 97.35 x 23.3 x 25.4 cm |
| Weight | 13.7kg (Each) |
Best wood finish
Peter Tyson/Wharfedalepetertyson.co.uk
If you've got the cash to splash, the Wharfedale Evo 4.4 is a seriously compelling option.
Grown out of the extensive research and development that produced the ELYSIAN flagship loudspeakers, the Evo 4.4's build helps to integrate the driver output with the room acoustics for efficient and accurate high-frequency sound.
The Air Motion Transformer (AMT) treble unit utilises a radically different way of moving air compared to the conventional dome tweeter, producing low distortion and wonderful musical detail, whilst the midrange is fast and responsive to the dynamics of the music fed to it.
Pros
- Excellent audio quality
- Ideal for high frequencies
Cons
- Limited style options
| Drivers | 6.5-inch bass, 2-inch mid-range, and 30 x 60mm AMT treble |
| Output power | Unspecified |
| Impedance | 4.3-8 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 44Hz - 22kHz |
| Active/Passive | Unspecified |
| Dimensions | 75 x 24.5 x 34 cm |
| Weight | 15.8kg |
In our review of the Audio Pro A48, we discovered a stylish and sleek design that made it a winner in aesthetics, but it also manages to be a fantastic speaker choice as well. The bass is deep and the audio is crisp, bringing out the best that your music has to offer. This serves it even better when used for TV shows, as it can bring out the finer sound design choices that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Tried and tested by Seth Walton: "I was smitten with the A48 speakers. Their usability, dynamic output and elegant design had won me over. I especially liked how responsive they were over Bluetooth, how easy they were to set up and maintain and how they didn’t dominate the room – they really did become just another part of the furniture.
"There are more expensive models out there with superior capabilities but given the imperious stature of most floor-standing speakers, I felt the modest size of the A48s worked to their advantage. If I were in the market for a new set of home media speakers that wouldn’t dominate the area around them but could deliver high-end performance whenever I needed it, I would seriously consider a pair of A48s."
Pros
- Very impressive sound
- Super easy to set up
Cons
- Cables are a bit chunky
| Drivers | 5.25-inch woofer (x2), 2-inch tweeter |
| Output power | 320W |
| Impedance | Unspecified |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 25kHz |
| Active/Passive | Active |
| Dimensions | 87 x 21.5 x 26.5 cm |
| Weight | 21kg |
With a typically refined design and solid build, these KEF Q950 speakers are a real eye-catcher. The company's expertise is present in the Uni-Q driver array for precise, detailed sound across a wide frequency range. We see these as a mid-to-high budget option for serious listening sessions. They feature a 200mm aluminium bass driver, a 38mm aluminium dome tweeter, and two ABRs. So you can rely on them for powerful, accurate bass and clarity at the high end.
Although the Q950s don't compromise on sound quality, its larger cabinet size might not suit smaller rooms. Connectivity options cater for more advanced setups too, with bi-wiring terminals for those who want to extend their sonic range. The cabinet design is also typical KEF, with engineering that reduces internal resonance for cleaner performance. All in all, the KEF Q950 excels in all areas, making it an ideal mid-to-high-end speaker purchase.
Pros
- Precise, detailed sound quality
- Powerful, accurate bass performance
- Versatile connectivity options if you want to bi-wire them
Cons
- Chunkier cabinet size than some, so not suited for small spaces
| Drivers | Uni-Q array, 8-inch aluminium bass, 8-inch ABR |
| Output power | Unspecified |
| Impedance | 8 Ohms |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz - 28kHz |
| Active/Passive | Unspecified |
| Dimensions | 106.2 x 24.4 x 32.8 cm |
| Weight | 13.61kg |
Best Hi-Fi
Peter Tyson/Dalipetertyson.co.uk
The Dali Spektor 6 manages to be an excellent Hi-Fi speaker while still maintaining a budget-friendly price tag. Usually, these traits aren't seen together, so it's a pleasant surprise to find the Spektor 6. The audio quality is excellent, with the two 6.5-inch woofs and the 25mm soft dome tweeter providing a great sound profile. The 43Hz - 26kHz frequency range is no slouch either.
While the Spektor 6 speakers aren't too heavy, they are a bit cumbersome to move around, so we recommend finding your perfect place for them rather than shifting them around.
Pros
- Excellent budget-friendy value
- Rich Hi-Fi audio quality
Cons
- Not the easiest to move around
| Drivers | 6.5-inch woofers x 2, 25 mm soft dome tweeter |
| Output power | Unspecified |
| Impedance | 6 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 43Hz - 26kHz |
| Active/Passive | Unspecified |
| Dimensions | 97.2 x 19.5 x 31.3 cm |
| Weight | 13.8kg |
Best premium
Peter Tyson/Focalpetertyson.co.uk
The Focal Aria K2 926 is on the more expensive side of the speakers on our list, but it does plenty to justify its price tag. Its premium finish gives it a dignified and stylish appearance, and the performance matches this. It has 8 Ohms of impedance and a frequency range of 43Hz - 28kHz, providing you with a versatile soundscape.
At 26kg, the Aria K2 is also one of the heaviest speakers on our list. That won't be an issue most of the time, but it's worth being aware of that before you try lifting it to find its perfect placement.
Pros
- Impressive sound projection
- Great impedance
Cons
- A bit heavier than other speakers
| Drivers | 2 x 16.5cm K2 bass, 1 x 16.5cm K2 midrange, 25mm inverted dome TNF tweeter |
| Output power | Unspecified |
| Impedance | 8 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 43Hz - 28kHz |
| Active/Passive | Unspecified |
| Dimensions | 104 x 29 x 37 cm |
| Weight | 26kg |
Best for home cinema
Polk AudioFrom Polk Audio, the Signature Elite ES50 are floor-standing speakers designed for home cinema setups. The speakers are compatible with Dolby Atmos, so you can easily get excellent-quality audio out of them when paired with the right TV. Due to the intense bass, we think they'll really shine when it comes to action movies.
Although we adore the Signature Elite ES50 as a home cinema option, if you want speakers that are ideal for music, you may want to choose another on this list with a slightly better frequency range.
Pros
- Dolby Atmos compatible
- Excellent bass
Cons
- Some might prefer speakers more tailored for music
| Drivers | 2 x 5.25-inch woofers, 1-inch tweeter |
| Output power | Unspecified |
| Impedance | 8 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 38Hz - 40kHz |
| Active/Passive | Unspecified |
| Dimensions | 94 x 23 x 28 cm |
| Weight | 14.51kg |
How to choose the best floor-standing speakers for you
Plan for your space
This includes looking at your flooring. A hard tiled or wooden floor will mean your speaker should sit on the supplied (sometimes not...) rubber feet. This will provide good contact with the surface and help to isolate the speaker from transferring sound into the floor. But, if you have carpet, those rubber feet won't do the job. Most speaker cabinets come with screw holes for spikes. These speaker spikes are designed to penetrate the carpet weave and make more direct contact with the floor underneath, again to reduce vibrations.
Also, speakers this large really need room to sound their best. Depending on the position of the bass ports, it's best to have enough space between the speaker and the nearest wall. Each speaker brand varies in the recommended distance, but get this right and you'll avoid nasty bass reverberations. There are also varied recommendations on the optimum angle of the speaker for the best listening experience, so always refer to the manufacturer's guide here.
Spec your wiring needs
In tandem with the position of your speakers is the wiring run. The vast majority of floor-standing speakers are passive – meaning they need power from an amplifier to work. That also means investing in decent speaker wire, and enough of it to run neatly around your room. Also, you might want to invest in speaker banana plugs rather than bare wire if your chosen speakers can use them. They make for an easier setup and reduce the risk of short-circuiting your wires, leading to speaker or even amp damage.
Know your wattage and impedance limits
Wattage is a measure of the strength of the audio signal that drives the speaker. A floor-standing speaker rated for 80w - 120w will safely use power from a 100w amp. If you don't good match your wattages you could potentially damage both the speaker and amp. As long as the maximum and minimum amp output lies within the range of your speakers, it'll all work as it should.
Impedance (Ohms) is how much the speaker resists the power provided by the amp's audio signal. For example, if your turntable amplifier is rated for 20 watts of power at 8 Ohms it will actually deliver more power to overcome that 8-ohms of speaker resistance. Thus, a 20-watt speaker rated at 4 Ohm will require less power from an amplifier than in the first example. You must match the impedance of your speakers with that of your amplifier. Thankfully, all products from the best speaker brands are clearly marked in this regard.
FAQs
What can you use floor-standing speakers for?
There are two common applications of floor-standing speakers. The first is for a hi-fi setup, with stereos and record players being connected up for a seriously pleasing musical experience. The second application is as part of a home entertainment system, with each floor-standing speaker standing on each side of a TV. Of course, if you’re good at wiring, there’s nothing to say that your new floor-standing speakers can’t do both.
What do I need to use floor-standing speakers?
Unlike soundbars or many bookshelf speakers, the best floor-standing speakers aren't powered - they don’t have a built-in amplifier and therefore need to receive power from an external source. This external source is an amplifier - there are plenty of options available on the market, and though they can seem a little daunting to the uninitiated, they are simple to set up. If you'd like to learn more about amplifiers, check out this video from Akio TV, which breaks down amplifier basics (it’s a tad old school by today’s standards, but the theory is still sound). You can even make your speaker wireless by integrating one of the best Bluetooth receivers.
Can I use floor-standing speakers alongside other speakers?
While floor-standing speakers can produce a lovely racket all by themselves, they can also be adopted into a wider surround sound system, with satellite speakers and subwoofers. It’s up to you, however, to make sure that an amplifier is up to the task.
How we chose these products
We selected our pick of the best floor-standing speakers based on reliable and trusted brands, average user reviews, price, and suitability for each use case. We look carefully at the technical specifications of all products before we recommend them to ensure that they will meet buyers' needs without requiring modifications or costly additions to function as intended. With floor-standing speakers, our main focus is on sound quality, build quality, overall design and connectivity options. Our writers also choose products based on hands-on experience where we own or have reviewed them ourselves. Retailers are selected based on price, availability and reputation as reliable and trusted sellers.
William Lobley is the Editor for What's The Best. Here, he oversees, curates and researches listicles and reviews as many products as his home office can handle.
He has spent nearly five years writing about tech, audio, outdoors and fitness and has reviewed everything from smartphones to ice baths. In addition, he's well-versed in sniffing out the best deals and savings the internet offers.
When not at his desk writing, reviewing or deal-hunting, he'll be relaxing with Japanese crime novels, bingeing some classic anime, strolling the countryside or at the gym listening to the heaviest metal Spotify has to offer.
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