When choosing HiFi speakers, you’ll typically be deciding between bookshelf and floorstanding models. Bookshelf speakers are smaller and more budget-friendly, while floorstanding speakers offer deeper bass and fuller sound thanks to their larger cabinets.
In truth, you really can't go wrong with either choice. Both can sound fantastic—especially if you’re comparing models from the same series. But if you’re unsure, here are some key differences to consider.
Why Choose Bookshelf Speakers?
Bookshelf speakers are compact, cost-effective, and ideal for smaller spaces. For a given budget, they often deliver excellent sound quality and value. While they sometimes may not go as deep in the bass range, they can still deliver an impressive listening experience—especially when paired with a subwoofer.
Originally seen as a budget option, modern bookshelf speakers have earned serious respect among audio enthusiasts. At a given dollar amount, Bookshelf Speakers will often give more bang-for-buck compared to their floorstanding counterpart. A larger speaker doesn't necessarily mean better sound, but a larger cabinet will always cost more.
Why you should choose Bookshelf Speakers:
- Bookshelf Speakers sound great and often come very close to their floorstanding counterpart, while costing less and offering a value.
- Flexible, perfect for smaller spaces, and can work with a larger number of audio setups.
- You have a subwoofer or plan to use one (the Subwoofer will take care of lower frequencies normally produced by larger floorstander options).
Generally, if you're unsure what you're looking for, it's best to start with Bookshelf Speakers.
Why Choose Floorstanding Speakers?
Floorstanding speakers generally deliver stronger bass and higher output due to their size and multiple drivers. This design allows for better detail across the frequency range—if paired with a well-designed crossover.
Despite their size, many floorstanders are surprisingly efficient and don’t require more powerful amps. Their ability to reproduce low frequencies with ease means they often perform better with less effort.
A Floorstanding Speaker generally can have larger woofer drivers—and more of them—then you can logically fit into a bookshelf. If paired with a good crossover, multiple drivers can provide more detail by "sharing the workload."
While a bookshelf speaker can get very close to the sound of their floorstanding counterparts, the floorstander will often have deeper bass and transmit more energy, simply due to their larger cabinet size.
Why you should choose Floorstanding Speakers:
- You have a large room, or are looking for a bit more "Energy" and "Oomph."
- You don't plan on using a Subwoofer, or you want your speaker produce stronger, deeper bass sounds.
- You prefer the aesthetics of a Floorstander compared to Speakers on Stands.
Floorstanding speakers often offer the best performance and can often be an excellent choice if you know what you are looking for.
Conclusion: Should I Buy Bookshelf or Floorstanding Speakers?
Go for bookshelf speakers if you’re working with a smaller space, a tighter budget, or want the best value for your money. You can always add a subwoofer down the line to add a bit more low end.
Choose floorstanding speakers if you have the room, want deeper bass and greater dynamics, and are willing to invest a bit more for a fuller sound.
Now that you’ve decided on a bookshelf or floorstanding speaker, your next step is to determine whether you need active or passive speakers.