It’s a common misconception that achieving high-quality audio in your home requires a significant investment. We’re here to dispel that myth and prove that best budget floor standing speakers can deliver an immersive audio experience without draining your wallet.
In this comprehensive guide, we promise to share our top recommendations for affordable tower speakers that strike the perfect balance between performance and price.
Keep reading as we explore floor speaker brands, placement tips, and key features to consider in your quest for the ultimate home audio setup.
Top Pick
This speaker not only has great highs, but it also has amazing sound quality. We love the elegant design of this speaker. On top of that, it is really efficient.
Runner Up
We love this speaker because it can support high frequencies. Plus, it is extremely affordable which makes it a great option for people that are on a budget.
Also Great
The bass of this speaker is absolutely stunning. Not only that, it has a compact design that we really like. Lastly, it is lightweight which makes it easily portable.
Out of all the products, these three are the absolute best in terms of quality and sound.
Without wasting any time, let’s check out the top 5 Best Budget Floor Standing Speakers alongside their FAQs and Buyers’ Guide.
Floor Standing Speakers
Wattage
Buy Now
- Klipsch RF-82 II
- Polk T50
- Yamaha NS-F210BL
- Onkyo SKF-4800
- Sharper Image SBT1001WH
- 150 watts
- 150 watts
- 120 watts
- 130 watts
- 60 watts
Best Budget Floor Standing Speakers - Top 5 Reviews
1. All-Around Best Budget Floor Standing Speakers - Klipsch RF-82 II Floorstanding Speaker Review
As soon as we tested this speaker, we knew that it would be on the top of your list. It has an amazing sound quality that is unmatched by any other product that we tested.
Not only that, it has a great looking design that enhances the decor of your room. This speaker also has great high-range due to the titanium tweeter.
Plus, it is a really efficient speaker as it does not use a lot of power. This is due to the fact that it has a good sensitivity rating.
Best Budget Floor Standing Speakers - Main Features of Klipsch RF-82 II Floorstanding Speaker
- Titanium tweeter
- 71 pounds weight
- 16.3 x 9.3 x 43.9 inches dimensions
- 8 inches woofer
- Amazing sound quality
- Good looking design
- Great highs
- Efficient speakers
- The low-range is unsatisfactory
These speakers have amazing sound quality and are really efficient. If these features interest you, then you should get this speaker.
2. Best Budget Floor Standing Speakers with Good Build Quality - Polk T50 150 Watt Home Theater Floor Standing Tower Speaker Review
This speaker is a great option for people that are on a budget looking for an affordable product. Despite being budget-friendly, it does not compromise on its quality.
It uses high-quality materials which enhances the longevity of this speaker. On top of that, it covers the full range which is an added feature.
The thing that we like most is that this speaker can support high frequencies which enhances the overall experience.
Main Features of Polk T50 150 Watt Home Theater Floor Standing Tower Speaker
- 150 watts peak power
- 1-inch tweeter
- 8.8 x 9.2 x 36.5 inches dimensions
- Weighs 20.4 pounds
- Affordable
- This covers the full-range
- It supports high frequencies
- The materials used are of high quality
- The sound quality is not up to par
If you are looking for an affordable speaker that covers the full-range, then this product is ideal for you.
3. Best Budget Floor Standing Speakers for Small Rooms - Yamaha NS-F210BL 2-Way Bass-Reflex Floorstanding Speaker Review
We often get complaints that the floor speakers are really heavy and big in size. The good news is that this speaker has an extremely compact design that is ideal for smaller rooms.
Furthermore, it is really lightweight which makes it convenient to move it around. To add to its elegance, this speaker is suitable to be placed alongside a flat-screen TV.
Finally, the quality of the bass is absolutely fantastic which can impress the bass enthusiasts.
Main Features of Yamaha NS-F210BL 2-Way Bass-Reflex Floorstanding Speaker
- 41 inches tower speakers
- 2-way speaker
- 9.4 x 9.4 x 41.4 inches dimensions
- 16.09 pounds weight
- Compact design
- Fantastic bass
- Suitable with Flat screen TVs
- Lightweight
- It does not have good drivers
You will really like this speaker if you want a product with a compact design, fantastic bass and which is lightweight.
4. Best Budget Floor Standing Speakers with a Fantastic Sound - Onkyo SKF-4800 2-Way Bass Reflex Floor-standing Speakers Review
If you are a bass enthusiast, then this speaker will fulfill all of your needs. Not only does it have an exceptional bass, but it also is really easy to install even for beginners.
On top of that, this speaker is suitable for your home theater setups due to its incredible sound.
The feature that we appreciate most is that it includes long wires which allow you to place the speaker wherever you want without the fear of the wire running out.
Main Features of Onkyo SKF-4800 2-Way Bass Reflex Floor-standing Speakers
- 16 centimeters woofers
- Soft dome tweeters
- 130 watts maximum power
- Banana plug speaker posts
- Perfect for bass enthusiasts
- Ideal for home theater setups
- Simple to install
- It comes with long wires
- It is quite heavy
Are you looking for a speaker that has long wires and is simple to install? If yes, then keep an eye on this speaker.
5. Budget Floor Standing Speakers with the Best Connectivity - Sharper Image SBT1001WH Bluetooth Tower Speaker with Lights Review
Without a doubt, this speaker has one of the sleekest designs that we have ever seen in any product. It not only gives a futuristic look, but it also enhances the look of your room.
We love the fact that you can connect your devices via the Bluetooth connection. It makes your life ten times easier as you can stream your music from Spotify.
To add icing on the cake, this speaker does not need an amplifier which means that you will not have to spend extra money to purchase an amp.
Main Features of Sharper Image SBT1001WH Bluetooth Tower Speaker with Lights
- Bluetooth connectivity
- FM/AM radio options
- USB connection
- LED lights at the front
- Bluetooth connection available
- Futuristic design
- It does not need an amp
- Versatile
- It is not very durable
This speaker is made for people that are looking for a versatile product that has a sleek design and Bluetooth connectivity.
Buyer’s Guide
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to compromise on sound quality when shopping for best budget floor standing speakers. With the right knowledge and approach, you can find affordable tower speakers that deliver an impressive audio experience.
In this section, we’ll discuss the factors affecting sound quality in budget speakers and provide guidance on making an informed decision.
Passive vs. Active Floor Standing Speakers
When searching for the best budget floor standing speakers, you will come across two main categories: passive and active floor standing speakers.
Passive Floor Standing Speakers
Passive speakers are the most common type found in home audio systems. They require an external amplifier or receiver to function. Some key aspects of passive speakers include:
- Simplicity: Passive speakers have fewer components, making them easier to set up and maintain.
- Flexibility: You can choose your amplifier or receiver, allowing for customization based on your preferences and budget.
- Upgradability: It’s easier to upgrade your audio system by replacing individual components, such as the amplifier or speakers.
Active Floor Standing Speakers
Active speakers, also known as powered speakers, have built-in amplifiers, making them more convenient but often more expensive. Some notable features of active speakers are:
- Integrated amplification: No need for a separate amplifier or receiver, simplifying the setup.
- Optimized performance: Built-in amplifiers are specifically designed for the speaker, resulting in better audio quality.
- Ease of use: Active speakers often include user-friendly features like Bluetooth connectivity and volume controls.
Floor Standing Speaker Size and Dimensions
While searching for the best budget floor standing speakers, it’s crucial to consider the floor standing speaker size and dimensions to ensure they seamlessly integrate into your living space.
Evaluate Your Room Size and Layout
Before selecting a speaker, assess the size and layout of your room. This will help you determine the optimal speaker size for your space. Consider the following points:
- Larger rooms can accommodate bigger speakers, which typically produce a more powerful sound.
- In smaller rooms, compact floor standing speakers may offer a more balanced audio experience.
- Consider speaker positioning and the distance between your listening area and the speakers to ensure optimal sound quality.
Understanding Speaker Sensitivity and Impedance
When selecting the best budget floor standing speakers, it’s crucial to consider key factors such as speaker sensitivity and impedance. These specifications play a significant role in the overall performance and compatibility of your audio system. Let’s take a closer look at these two essential parameters.
Speaker Sensitivity: Impact on Sound Quality
Speaker sensitivity, measured in decibels (dB), indicates the efficiency of a speaker in converting power into sound. A higher sensitivity rating means the speaker can produce louder sound with less power. When choosing affordable tower speakers, consider the following:
- Higher sensitivity speakers (90 dB and above) are more energy-efficient and can deliver louder sound with less power.
- Lower sensitivity speakers (below 90 dB) may require more power to achieve the same volume, potentially affecting sound quality.
Impedance: Ensuring Compatibility
Impedance, measured in ohms (Ω), is the resistance offered by a speaker to the flow of electrical current. Matching the speaker impedance with your amplifier or receiver is vital for optimal performance. Here’s what you need to know:
- Common speaker impedance ratings include 4, 6, and 8 ohms.
- Choose speakers with impedance ratings that match your amplifier or receiver to avoid damage or suboptimal performance.
Speaker Material and Durability
When it comes to choosing the best budget floor standing speakers, paying attention to the speaker material and durability is essential. The construction and build quality of your speakers directly impact their performance and longevity. In this section, we’ll discuss the various materials used in affordable tower speakers and their influence on sound quality and durability.
Speaker Cabinet Materials
The cabinet material plays a crucial role in the overall performance of your speakers. Based on our research and user feedback, here are some common materials used in budget floor standing speakers:
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): A popular choice for speaker cabinets, MDF provides a dense and stable structure that effectively reduces vibrations and resonances.
- Particleboard: While not as dense as MDF, particleboard is still a viable option for budget speakers, offering decent acoustic properties at a lower cost.
- Plywood: Plywood cabinets are lightweight and offer better resistance to moisture than MDF or particleboard. However, they may be prone to more vibrations.
Speaker Driver Materials
The materials used for speaker drivers also have a significant impact on sound quality. Some common materials include:
- Paper: An affordable option, paper drivers offer a natural and smooth sound but may be less durable over time.
- Polypropylene: This lightweight and stiff material is commonly used in budget speakers, providing a balanced sound and improved durability.
- Metal: Metal drivers, such as aluminum or titanium, offer excellent rigidity and responsiveness, leading to precise sound reproduction.
Sound quality
This should go without saying but the sound quality is the most important part of a speaker. A good way to check the sound quality of the speaker is to test it in the shop so that you know exactly what you are getting for yourself.
There are many speakers that offer amazing sound quality but poor quality bass. Just make sure that you get a speaker that has a well-balanced sound quality so that you can have a good time listening to your favorite music.
If you are into classical music, we suggest that you look for a speaker that has a high-end tweeter so that you can get fantastic highs. The same can be said about bass enthusiasts.
You should make sure that you get a speaker with large woofers. Another thing that you can do is get a subwoofer to further increase the bass level.
Frequency response
The frequency response is the range that the speaker can reproduce. High-end speakers have a good frequency response which means that it covers a wide range to make sure that all the highs, mids and lows are fully covered.
The average human ear can detect the frequency of 20 Hertz to 20 KiloHertz. If you look for a speaker that covers this range, you will get the best experience. Otherwise, the audio can sound a little bit off to you.
Price
This aspect completely depends on your budget and needs. If you are looking for affordable options, then you will have to compromise on certain features like build quality or high-end woofers.
With that being said, there are many brands of speakers that offer great features while having a low price tag. Just make sure that you do your research and get the speaker that fulfills your needs.
If you are planning to get high-end speakers, we do not suggest that you get extremely expensive ones as they are only good for certain situations. They are suitable for people working in the music industry.
Since those speakers have detailed sounds and are costly, it is better if you get a speaker in the range of $400-$500. You should find a superb speaker in that price range which has all the features that you will need.
Three-way vs Two-Way Floor Standing Speakers
The 3-way speakers have a dedicated woofer alongside 2 other drivers such as the tweeter and mid-bass. Whereas the 2-way speaker only has a tweeter and a mid-bass.
It does not have a dedicated woofer which means that it will not be able to produce bass as good as 3-way speakers. In short, a 3-way speaker will do all of the things that a 2-way speaker does, but better.
It will be more efficient and have more bass and better overall quality due to the fact that the frequencies will be equally divided.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I choose a floor standing speaker?
There are a few things that you should keep in mind when getting floor speakers. The first thing is that you should take sound quality into consideration.
Then, make sure that you get a speaker that is not very heavy as it will make it impossible to move it around.
Are floor standing speakers the best?
Floor standing speakers are a really great invention because they come in really handy. They are ideal for use in home theaters due to their loud volumes and great overall quality of sound. Most of the floor speakers have large woofers which means more bass.
Are Klipsch speakers worth it?
Klipsch has some of the best speakers available in the market as of right now. Their products are usually considered high end which means that new users will find them quite costly. However, they are really durable and have phenomenal sound quality.
Are horn speakers better?
The horn speakers are ideal for outdoors as they produce really loud volumes which most speakers cannot produce. Not only that, they are extremely efficient as they use less power to make loud audio. The overall quality of sound is not up to par for many users though.
Is Klipsch an audiophile?
Klipsch is a great brand that produces phenomenal speakers. According to our research and tests, we would consider Klipsch to be an ideal brand for an audiophile. They have great sound quality, excellent range coverage, and thunderous bass.
Are horn tweeters better?
Horn tweeters are useful but only for horn speakers. They ensure that these speakers are efficient and deliver good highs. They also make sure that the overall volume of the horn speaker is loud.
Are Polk speakers good?
Polk speakers are normally not considered to be the high-end speakers. They are good for entry-level users as they are user-friendly and are affordable. Polk excels in making wall and ceiling speakers that are easy to mount.
What sound system is better than Bose?
While Bose is a phenomenal brand of speakers, we think that Klipsch is better. We tested many products from both brands but generally, Klipsch gave better results in terms of sound quality, coverage of full-range, bass quality and user-friendliness.
Do I need a subwoofer with floor standing speakers?
You do not need to get a subwoofer with your speakers but we do recommend that you get one. A subwoofer enhances the bass of the speakers. Once you get used to it, you will not be able to go back to normal speakers again.
Should a subwoofer be on the floor?
While you can place the subwoofer on the floor, it is not recommended. We suggest that you place the subwoofer at an elevated place like a table. By doing this, you will get the best result and the overall quality of the bass will be greatly enhanced.
Wrapping Things Up
Are you on a budget looking for the best floor speakers that will suit your needs? It’s no surprise that it can be an overwhelming task but we have you covered.
Out of all the various products, the Klipsch RF-82 II Floorstanding Speaker shines the most due to its amazing sound quality and amazing design. It also has a great high-range which is a welcomed addition.
With that being said, we have come to a conclusion of our post on the top 5 Best Budget Floor Standing Speakers. Our team is patiently waiting to hear your feedback as to which speaker you found the best.
Author
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Victor is the Editor in Chief at Techtyche. He tests the performance and quality of new VR boxes, headsets, pedals, etc. He got promoted to the Senior Game Tester position in 2021. His past experience makes him very qualified to review gadgets, speakers, VR, games, Xbox, laptops, and more. Feel free to check out his posts.
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