Tried and tested: The best speakers for listening to music in your home in 2024

When we were testing the speakers, we found that the initial use of the Q350s might reveal a somewhat unrefined sound profile, with a noticeable harshness in the upper mids and highs. This, however, is not uncommon for high-quality speakers and can be attributed to the materials used in the cones. A break-in period is essential for these speakers to reach their full potential. Once that break-in period had passed – roughly 50 hours – our review found that the sound was full-bodied and had an admirable separation between the frequencies.

The KEF Q350 bookshelf speakers are notable for their size and weight, indicating a build quality that's both impressive and durable. Available in finishes like walnut, black, or white, they offer aesthetic flexibility to match different room decors. The standout feature is the Uni-Q driver, a testament to KEF's engineering prowess, which sounds brilliant and is visually striking enough to forgo the need for traditional fabric grills.

During our review of the C10 MKII, we found that power was in no short supply, and its consistent performance across its vast volume range underscores the speaker's superior engineering. When we checked in with the reviewer, William Austin-Lobley, they reflected on their time with the speaker:

"I loved how the bass performance is powerful and taut, free from any fluff, giving it a tight kick that works really well across genres. I also found plenty of joy in how the balanced mids and highs complemented the impressive bass, creating an open, spacious audio experience that reveals the true dynamics of a track."

Further to the sound, the Audio Pro C10 MKII stands out with its sleek design, perfectly balancing minimalism and aesthetic appeal, making it a versatile fit for modern and traditional interiors. This speaker distinguishes itself with robust wireless connectivity options, supporting Bluetooth 4.2 and three major multiroom Wi-Fi technologies: Audio Pro's own system, AirPlay 2, and Google Home. This array of connections positions the C10 MKII as a top contender for those seeking a versatile, multi-room audio solution.

We've tested a lot of Marshall speakers, and we're confident that any you go for will deliver quality. But for the best all-rounder, we have to pick the Stanmore III. According to resident audio expert Chris Duffill, what makes the Stanmore III a true gem is that: "Marshall has enhanced the Stanmore III soundstage over the previous model by angling the tweeters outward, and introduced Dynamic Loudness to maintain tonal balance at higher volumes. Despite my initial scepticism about such software adjustments, I was impressed by the noticeable soundstage and acoustic performance improvements."

In terms of functionality, the Stanmore III opts for simplicity over complexity. It offers basic options to adjust the sound based on its physical placement, such as against a wall or on the edge of a furniture piece. These adjustments are minimal but contribute to a tailored listening experience.

This approach is emblematic of Marshall's overall brand philosophy, which emphasizes straightforward, effective solutions. This blend of rugged, attractive design and user-friendly functionality makes the Stanmore III a notable addition to Marshall's speakers, appealing to those who appreciate both aesthetic and audio quality.

The Ruark MR1 MK2 are the best small speakers we have reviewed. They are ideal for those seeking a compact bookshelf speaker that can deliver high-quality audio without the clutter of traditional hi-fi systems.

Designed with simplicity and elegance, these speakers are a testament to Ruark's commitment to precision in sound quality. The 75mm woofers deliver an impressively deep and detailed audio experience, surprising for a setup that lacks a dedicated subwoofer.

A nice added bonus? The MR1 MK2's exceptional sound quality makes these speakers versatile for music enthusiasts and excellent companions for TV setups.

Our reviewer Ryan Houghton said this about the speakers: "I gave this a good testing across music genres – French death metal band Gojira to Nina Simone's live recordings – and with my TV too. They are excellent across the board and small, so they don't get in the way. I still use them to this day, so that should give you an idea of how much I like them."

The Motion X600 speaker impressed us in tests with its considerable speaker output area, enhanced by a mesh design that notably improves the surround sound experience. This design choice, coupled with an upward-facing driver near the controls, ensures that sound is projected from multiple directions.

Even without activating special features, the 50W power and five drivers produce an excellent level of sound quality. However, the Motion X600's true potential is unlocked when both bass boost and surround sound modes are activated. This combination creates an auditory experience that surpasses most other speakers in its price range.

Kyle Purves, the original reviewer, still uses the Motion x600 on a daily basis: "This has taken me away from my headphones, and I am totally hooked on the sound."

The Marshall Middleton excels across a variety of music genres, including rock, dance, electronic, and bass-heavy tracks. Its battery can last over 20 hours of playtime, making it highly portable in any home environment, from the office to the kitchen. A rubber handle enhances its portability, allowing for easy movement around the house. The controls are also responsive and intuitive.

Reviewer William Austin-Lobley still holds the Middleton as the portable speaker to beat: "For my money, there's nothing else I would consider. I've got a Marshall Acton II, which is non-portable and, by that definition, should be better than the Middleton, but there's something so powerful about the bass response. It's rich and loud and full of energy. I carry it around with me as I move around the house. It's perfect, and I stand by my five-star review."

Equipped with a USB-C port, the Middleton offers rapid charging capabilities. Just 20 minutes of charging can power two hours of playback, with a full charge completed in approximately 4.5 hours. This ensures that you'll never be without it for long.

As a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled speaker, the Audio Pro Drumfire II stands out for its straightforward setup process, offering users fast and reliable connectivity options. It caters particularly well to those with a penchant for deep bass – our reviewer compared it with standing next to Barry White's vocal chords.

Here's Chris Duffill on his experience: "Call me traditional, but I prefer classic speaker designs, so the looks aren't for me. That said, I can't deny that quality audio is found here. Bass is in no short supply, and if you want to throw a party, this is the only speaker you'll need."

Despite its impressive features and connectivity, one notable omission is the lack of a remote control. This means users might rely on their smartphones for operation, which could detract from the convenience for some.

The Motion 300 is reliable for those seeking a speaker who performs well. It delivers a balanced audio experience across various music genres, making it versatile for everything from dance to soft jazz. While its sound may not be as punchy as other speakers, it particularly shines with string instruments.

Its slightly underwhelming bass response is offset by its convenience and portability, a trade-off you may not mind. The speaker's build prioritizes ease of use and mobility, making it an attractive option for users looking for an affordable desk speaker.

Kyle Purves, the resident Anker speaker expert and reviewer, notes the following: "This is a great small speaker for having to hand on your desk, and it's surprisingly adept at most genres. I will say, though, that if you want lots of bass, go for the Motion x600, which I have also tested and listed above."

Combining the classic setup of bookshelf speakers with the modern convenience of Bluetooth is the Sharp CP-SS30. Our tech expert, Jack Barrell, took them for a spin and had a great time: "I listen to a lot of electronic and bassy music, so need speakers that can handle the low end. Through the CP-SS30 speakers, my music has pure electric energy and turns an ordinary front room into a warehouse rave with its purely instrumental chorus and thumping bass."

With five preset EQ settings, the SHARP CP-SS30 Bluetooth speaker is the ideal choice for those after a fuss-free option. It's straightforward to control, creating a convenient user experience that never becomes a hassle. The preset settings cover a broad range of styles and preferences, so it's nearly perfect enough right out of the box.