If you're looking for high-quality sound without cluttering your living space, in-wall speakers are an excellent option. In-wall speakers are installed into your walls, giving you great sound with a minimalist appearance. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which ones are the best?
There are a number of factors to consider before buying in-wall speakers. First, think about what you're looking to achieve with your audio setup. Are you looking for something to simply enhance your TV audio, or are you trying to create a home theater experience? Next, consider the size of your space and the acoustics of the room. Some in-wall speakers perform better in certain room sizes or shapes. Lastly, it's important to consider your budget. In-wall speakers range in price, so it's important to find something that fits within your budget.
If you're struggling to find the best in-wall speakers for your needs, ask yourself these questions: Do you want speakers that can withstand high-powered audio inputs? Do you need something with deep bass? What about customizable installation options? And of course, don't forget about compatibility with your existing audio equipment. By asking yourself these important questions, you can narrow down your selection and find the best in-wall speakers for your needs.
10 Best In Wall Speakers Cnet
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The product is ideal for indoor/outdoor placement in damp or humid areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and covered porches.
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The product is ideal for high-quality in-wall audio with a sleek and modern design.
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Ideal for immersive audio experience in home theaters or multi-room audio systems.
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Ideal for indoor and outdoor placement in areas with high humidity such as bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and covered porches.
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Ideal for indoor and outdoor placement, including bedrooms, kitchens, and covered porches, with flush mount ceiling installation and Bluetooth connectivity.
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This product is ideal for in-wall home theater audio, with its dynamic balance drivers and rotating cam system for easy installation.
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This product is ideal for indoor and outdoor wall and ceiling mounting with high-quality 2-way in-wall/ceiling speakers.
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Ideal for providing high-quality audio in walls or ceilings, with a 2-way woofer and polymer tweeter system.
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The product is ideal for in-wall speaker installation and audio playback in residential or commercial spaces.
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The product is ideal for in-wall speaker installation, offering clear and high-quality sound with an unobtrusive design.
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1. Moisture-Resistant In-Wall Speaker For Indoors/outdoors.
Experience a more balanced and lifelike sound with the Polk iW65 In-Wall Loudspeaker. It features a 6.5" composite woofer with butyl rubber surrounds and a 0.75" pivoting dome tweeter that adds depth and clarity to your music and movies. This near-invisible speaker is ideal for both new and existing home projects, providing you with seamless audio quality in your bedroom, dining room, living room, or kitchen.
This loudspeaker is designed to be installed in high-moisture environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, and saunas. Its moisture-resistant design ensures smooth and detailed high frequencies that pack a punch no matter where you are. You can easily install this speaker with its rotating cam mounting system, and it comes with a paintable powder-coated aluminum grille. You can leave the grille as is or spray paint it to match your interiors, making the speaker disappear into the wall.
Polk has an unwavering commitment to reliability and craftsmanship, and it is one of the most trusted names in home audio. With this speaker, you can bring out the best in surround sound systems and acoustic excellence. Sit back, relax, and listen with your heart as you enjoy an immersive sound experience in every room of your home. Remodel your existing home theater setup or fit it in a brand new home to build your own Polk collection for a complete audio experience.
2. Carbon Fiber In-Wall Speakers – Premium Quality
The Ribbon Tweeter is a remarkable feature of this speaker, requiring only 10% of the excursion of a typical 1in dome tweeter. This allows for a high acceleration response, making the speaker highly responsive to even the subtlest musical nuances, all while maintaining minimal distortion. The horizontal dispersion of the ribbon tweeter is quite wide, while the vertical dispersion remains tight, resulting in a larger audio "sweet spot."
Carbon Fiber Drivers are another impressive feature of this speaker. Carbon fiber is renowned for its light weight and rigidity, making it a fantastic material for speaker drivers. The light weight allows the driver to respond quickly to musical nuances, while the additional rigidity results in improved accuracy and a flatter frequency response. The result is deep, impactful bass, and tight, articulate mids, without any distortion.
Another notable feature is the High Frequency Attenuator, which allows you to fine-tune the high-end response of the speaker. Able to reduce high frequencies by 0, -3, or -6 dB, this feature is especially important in a bright listening environment.
The Magnetic Grille is a removable feature that attaches to the speaker using powerful magnets, ensuring that the powerful bass doesn't cause any rattle. The grille is paintable and features a slim bezel, allowing it to blend seamlessly into your home's decor.
Monoprice stands behind every product they sell with a 1-year replacement warranty, and also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. This provides the buyer with peace of mind, knowing that if the product doesn't satisfy their needs, they can return it for a full refund.
3. Monoprice 3-Way Carbon Fiber In-Wall Speakers – 6.5 Inch (Pair) With Magnetic Grille – Alpha Series
The Monoprice In-Wall Speakers are the perfect addition to any music lover's home. With a dedication to providing superior sound quality, Monoprice's engineers and audio experts have tested and compared various speakers to ensure that these models meet their high standards. The result is a speaker that allows you to hear music as the artist intended.
In addition to its exceptional sound quality, the Monoprice In-Wall Speaker is designed to be aesthetically pleasing. The magnetic metal grille can be painted to match your ceiling, making it virtually invisible. This feature helps reduce clutter by getting your speakers off the floor or bookshelves, creating a clean and organized look in your home.
Installation of the Monoprice In-Wall Speaker is simple and hassle-free. The included cutout template allows you to mark your wall, make the cut, and secure the speaker to the wall with easy install mounting tabs using only a screwdriver.
The Monoprice In-Wall Speaker is equipped with carbon fiber woofers, which are lighter and stiffer than conventional materials used in speaker manufacturing. This stiffer material allows for deeper bass and higher power handling, with significantly less distortion. Additionally, the speaker cone is more sensitive to power, which means that you can achieve more volume using less power.
With a maximum input power of 160 watts, a 6.5-inch carbon fiber woofer with rubber surround, a 3.5-inch carbon fiber mid-range, and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter, the Monoprice In-Wall Speaker delivers a frequency response of 58Hz ~ 20kHz. It also has a built-in high frequency attenuator that allows you to adjust the speaker's high frequency output to your specific preference.
4. Herdio Bluetooth In-Wall Speakers For Indoor/outdoor Audio
Introducing the Independent Digital Amplifier box, a versatile and powerful speaker system that offers outstanding sound quality and wireless capabilities. With Bluetooth compatibility, you can easily stream your favorite music from your smartphone, tablet, or computer, providing you with an immersive surround sound experience.
Designed for easy installation, the compact flush mount design allows for simple and quick installation directly into a pre-cut speaker opening or onto any flat surface. The large mounting clamp with non-slip tread ensures a secure and stable installation, without the need for expensive professional assistance.
The paintable grills with magnets make the installation process even more convenient, allowing for easy attachment and removal. The system's polypropylene cone with rubber edge ensures clear and responsive sound reproduction, extending the life of the product and making it perfect for custom audio applications.
With a maximum power output of 160 watts, this ceiling speaker system delivers powerful and clear sound with outstanding responsiveness. The total speaker diameter measures 6.4 inches (16.2CM), while the cut-out diameter is 5.7 inches (14.5CM). The total speaker depth is 2.6 inches (6.5 CM), with a mounting depth of 2.6 inches (6.5CM), making it a versatile and compact system that can be mounted on both walls and ceilings.
5. Herdio In-Wall Bluetooth Speakers, Indoor/outdoor Placement
The Digital Amplifier box is a wireless Bluetooth device that brings excellent sound quality to any room in your home. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy their favorite music without having to compromise on floor or shelf space. With its seamless audio quality, you can listen to music for hours without experiencing any fatigue.
The speakers have been designed with a 5.25-inch injection-molded woofer that accurately replicates a wide frequency range with warm tonal characteristics. This feature allows for the elimination of harsh high-end, which is highly beneficial to your hearing health. Moreover, the 5022BT has a driver capable of producing a decent amount of bass, making it perfect for use as a party speaker in the bar, home, office, or out on the deck.
Installation of the 5.25” Speaker is a breeze and can be easily done within minutes without any speaker installation experience. The speakers are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and don’t occupy too much space. In addition, the grille can be painted to match the color scheme of whatever room or area you plan on installing them within.
Whether indoors or outdoors, the 5022BT is a great addition to your sound system. However, if you do plan on installing these speakers outside, make sure the in-wall speakers are fully covered by the roof where no direct rain or water can reach them. This will ensure that they last longer and provide you with excellent sound quality for years to come.
The unit comes with a pair of 5.25" wall speakers, an amplifier box, and an adapter, as well as two connection wires. With its ease of installation and superior sound quality, the Digital Amplifier box is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their home audio system.
6. Vanishing 265-Ls In-Wall Speaker: Dynamic Sound, Effortless Install
The Polk Vanishing Series 265-LS 3-Way Loudspeaker is a top-of-the-line in-wall music speaker that delivers clear, accurate mids, dynamic lows, and detailed highs for an exceptional audio experience. Equipped with (2) 6.5" Dynamic Balance Drivers and (1) 1" Ring-Radiator Tweeter, this speaker is designed to provide room-filling sound with minimal footprint.
Polk's exclusive Sheer-Grille and precision-engineered minimally flanged design make the speaker virtually disappear in the wall, while the patented PowerPort Bass Venting Technology delivers deep, rumbling bass and minimizes unwanted resonances for crystal-clear dialogues and pristine sound quality for movies, music, and TV.
Installation is a breeze with the 265-LS's 8 rotating cam that hold the speaker in place for a simple one-cut, drop-in installation. The paintable magnetically-secured metal grille can be left as is or spray-painted to match your home decor.
For a complete home theater system, pair the 265-LS with the Vanishing LS Series center-channel and in-ceiling speakers or Polk's floor-standing and bookshelf speakers. All LS speakers can be installed in new or existing constructions using optional mounting brackets.
Polk's unwavering commitment to reliability and craftsmanship has made it one of the most trusted names in home audio. With the Vanishing Series 265-LS, you can bring out the best in surround sound systems and acoustic excellence, so you can sit back, relax, and listen with your heart.
7. Herdio Ceiling Bluetooth Speakers: Indoor/outdoor Perfect Sound.
Introducing the Multi-Functional Bluetooth Amplifier, perfect for those looking for an incredible sound experience in any room of their home or office. With True Wireless Bluetooth capability, this amplifier box allows you to connect to all your favorite Bluetooth enabled devices with ease.
The compact flush mount design of this amplifier makes it easy to install in-wall or in-ceiling, or in any pre-cut speaker openings. It's perfect for both home and professional use, as well as custom audio applications on any flat surface.
The speakers have been specifically designed to provide a zero-fatigue listening experience, which is possible due to an injection-molded 5.25-inch woofer that accurately replicates a wide frequency range with warm tonal characteristics. This allows for the elimination of harsh high-end sounds, which is highly beneficial to your hearing health.
Not only is this product easy to install with basic hand tools, but it's also paintable to match any existing wall color and decor. The in-wall speaker is an ideal way to add high quality sound to a room without taking up any additional space.
In the box, you'll receive four wall speakers, one amplifier box, one power adapter, and four speaker cables measuring five meters each. Don't settle for subpar sound quality – upgrade to the Multi-Functional Bluetooth Amplifier for a superior listening experience.
8. Duotone In-Wall Speakers: Pyle Pdic56 Series
Introducing the Pyle 5.25” speaker system – a high-performance sound solution for any indoor space. Boasting an impressive 80Hz – 20kHz frequency response, this flush mount speaker delivers exceptional audio quality with a directable 1/2'' high compliance polymer tweeter. With an 8-ohm rating and 150 watts power handling capability, this speaker system is designed to pack a punch.
The 2-way mount speaker configuration provides versatile installation options, allowing users to choose between in-wall or in-ceiling flush mount installations. It features intuitive speaker terminals that enable quick and hassle-free connectivity, making custom installations a breeze.
The flush mount design of this speaker system offers a sleek, unobtrusive look that blends seamlessly with any interior décor. The package includes cutout dimensions of 6.8” in diameter x 3.0” in depth, as well as interchangeable round and square stain-resistant grills, providing users with the flexibility to customize their installation.
Experience clear and powerful sound with the Pyle in-wall speaker system, carefully engineered to reproduce sound with outstanding responsiveness. These speakers deliver wide-ranged performance, securing and extending the life of the product.
Crafted with an elegant white finish, this speaker system is perfect for home or indoor ceiling cabinet enclosure wall installations. It features a polypropylene cone with rubber edge and environmentally friendly ABS construction, ensuring durability and long-term use.
9. Definitive Technology Ugdc Dt Series Dt6.5lcr Inwall Speaker – Each
The product at hand boasts a hassle-free installation process, requiring minimal effort and time to set up. The premium materials utilized in the product's construction have been carefully selected and tailored to their intended use, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
One of the standout features of this product is its disappearing grille, which seamlessly blends into its surroundings for a sleek and modern look. The grille is designed to be unobtrusive, allowing for a seamless audio experience without any distractions.
In addition to its impressive design, the product also boasts impressive parameters and specifications. Its high-quality components deliver a powerful and clear sound that will elevate any listening experience. The product's versatility allows it to be used in a variety of settings, making it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial use.
The product's durability and longevity are also noteworthy, as it has been crafted with precision and care to withstand the test of time. Its sturdy construction ensures that it will continue to deliver exceptional audio quality for years to come.
10. Klipsch R-5650-W Ii In-Wall Speaker – White (Each)
Introducing the powerful and efficient speaker system with advanced features that deliver high-quality audio performance. The speaker system consists of a 1” Titanium dome compression driver that is expertly mated to a 4” square 90° x 60° Tractrix Horn. The horn-loaded technology of this system significantly reduces distortion and increases acoustic output, providing an unparalleled listening experience.
The speaker system also features a 6.5” Cerametallic woofer that delivers deep and punchy bass while maintaining clarity. The pivoting Tractrix Horn tweeter ensures clear sound in any location, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music or movies from any angle.
The treble and midbass attenuation switches of this speaker system allow you to customize the sound according to your preferences. This feature gives you complete control over the audio output, making it perfect for any environment.
Additionally, this speaker system is equipped with an IR receiver knock out, which allows you to easily integrate it with your home theater system. This feature ensures that you can enjoy high-quality audio without any hassle.
Best In Wall Speakers Cnet FAQs
Are in-wall speakers difficult to install?
The difficulty level of installing in-wall speakers depends on various factors such as your level of technical expertise, the condition of the wall, and the type of speaker you are installing. If you have experience with DIY projects and feel comfortable working with electrical wiring, then installing in-wall speakers may not be too difficult for you. However, if you are not familiar with such projects, it is better to seek the help of a professional installer.
The installation process involves cutting holes in the wall, running speaker wires, and mounting the speakers securely in the wall. It is important to ensure that the speakers are level and flush with the wall surface for optimal sound quality. Additionally, you may need to install additional electrical wiring or make other modifications to your room to accommodate the speakers.
Overall, while installing in-wall speakers may require some technical know-how and skill, it is not an impossible task. With the right tools and guidance, you can successfully install in-wall speakers and enjoy quality sound in your home.
Can in-wall speakers be used for home theater systems?
Yes, in-wall speakers can definitely be used for home theater systems. In-wall speakers are designed to be mounted flush with the wall, and they come in various sizes and shapes to fit different installation needs. They can be used as front, center, or surround speakers, depending on the specific requirements of your home theater setup.
In-wall speakers offer several advantages over traditional floor-standing or bookshelf speakers. They save space and can be integrated into the room design more seamlessly. They also provide a cleaner look since there are no cables or speaker stands visible. Additionally, in-wall speakers can provide better sound quality than traditional speakers since they can be placed at the ideal listening height and positioned for optimal sound dispersion.
When choosing in-wall speakers for your home theater system, there are several factors to consider, including the size of the room, the size and power requirements of the speakers, and the budget. It is recommended to consult with a professional installer or audio expert to ensure that you choose the best in-wall speakers for your specific home theater needs.
Do in-wall speakers require any special wiring or installation considerations?
Yes, in-wall speakers do require special wiring and installation considerations. First, it is important to ensure that the wall is structurally sound and can support the weight of the speaker. Additionally, the wiring must be run through the wall and properly connected to the speaker. It is recommended to use in-wall rated speaker wire for safety purposes.
When installing in-wall speakers, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure proper placement and installation. This may involve cutting a hole in the wall to fit the speaker, so it is important to measure and mark the location accurately before cutting.
It is also important to consider the acoustics of the room when installing in-wall speakers. Placing the speakers too close together or too far apart can affect the sound quality, so it is important to take into account the size and shape of the room.
Overall, in-wall speakers require careful planning and installation to ensure proper sound quality and safety. It is recommended to consult with a professional installer if you are unsure about the installation process.
How do in-wall speakers compare to ceiling-mounted speakers for home audio?
Both in-wall and ceiling-mounted speakers have their pros and cons for home audio systems. In-wall speakers are typically installed at ear level and provide a more directional and focused sound, which can be ideal for music listening or home theater setups. They are also visually discreet, as they can be painted to match the wall color and blend in seamlessly with the room’s décor.
On the other hand, ceiling-mounted speakers are an excellent choice for multi-room audio systems, as they can provide a more diffuse and ambient sound throughout the entire space. They can also be a great option if you have limited wall space or if you prefer not to cut into walls to install speakers.
Ultimately, the choice between in-wall and ceiling-mounted speakers depends on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your home audio system. It’s important to consider factors such as room size, speaker placement, and overall sound quality when making your decision. Working with a professional audio installer can also help you determine the best option for your home.
How do in-wall speakers compare to traditional bookshelf or floor-standing speakers?
In-wall speakers provide a unique aesthetic advantage over traditional bookshelf or floor-standing speakers, as they are installed flush with the wall and do not take up any floor space. In terms of sound quality, in-wall speakers can deliver a high-quality audio experience, but they do have some limitations. Due to their installation location, in-wall speakers may not have the same depth and range of sound as larger, traditional speakers. However, they can still provide a great listening experience and are a popular choice for home theaters or multi-room audio systems. Bookshelf or floor-standing speakers, on the other hand, typically offer a fuller sound experience due to their larger size and more advanced drivers. They are also easier to move and adjust for optimal sound quality. Ultimately, the choice between in-wall speakers and traditional speakers will depend on personal preference, room size and layout, and desired aesthetic.
How do in-wall speakers perform for music versus movies?
In-wall speakers can perform well for both music and movies, but it depends on the specific speaker model and the room it is installed in. Generally, in-wall speakers are designed to be more discreet and blend into the room, which can make them a great option for home theater setups.
For music, in-wall speakers can provide a clean and balanced sound, but they may not have the same depth and richness as traditional floor-standing or bookshelf speakers. However, some high-end in-wall speaker models are specifically designed for music listening and can provide a more immersive experience.
When it comes to movies, in-wall speakers can provide a surround sound experience that enhances the overall viewing experience. They can be installed in the ceiling or walls to create a seamless and immersive soundstage. However, it is important to ensure proper placement and calibration of the speakers to achieve optimal performance.
In summary, in-wall speakers can perform well for both music and movies, but it is important to choose a quality model and ensure proper installation and calibration for the best results.
What are the key features to look for when choosing in-wall speakers?
When choosing in-wall speakers, there are several key features that you should consider. Firstly, you need to look at the size of the speaker and ensure that it will fit in the wall space that you have available. Secondly, you should consider the power handling capacity of the speaker and make sure that it is sufficient for your needs. Thirdly, you should look at the frequency response of the speaker and ensure that it can reproduce the full range of audio frequencies that you require. Fourthly, you should consider the sensitivity of the speaker and make sure that it can produce enough volume for your room size. Fifthly, you should look at the construction quality of the speaker and make sure that it is durable and well-built. Finally, you should consider additional features such as the ability to adjust the treble and bass levels, and whether or not the speaker has a built-in amplifier. Overall, by considering these key features, you can choose in-wall speakers that will provide high-quality audio performance and meet your specific needs.
What are the top-rated in-wall speakers according to CNET?
According to CNET, the top-rated in-wall speakers are as follows:
1. Sonance Visual Performance Series: These speakers offer excellent sound quality and a sleek, low-profile design that blends in seamlessly with your walls.
2. Klipsch Reference Premiere Designer On-Wall: These speakers deliver powerful, dynamic sound and feature a modern, slim design that looks great in any room.
3. Polk Audio Signature S60: These speakers offer exceptional sound quality and a durable, high-quality construction that ensures long-lasting performance.
4. Definitive Technology Demand D9: These speakers boast impressive sound quality and a unique, stylish design that adds a touch of elegance to any room.
5. KEF Ci5160RL-THX: These speakers are designed to deliver high-quality sound for home theater applications, with THX certification ensuring top-notch performance.
Overall, these in-wall speakers offer exceptional sound quality and a range of features that make them ideal for a variety of home audio applications.
What is the price range for high-quality in-wall speakers?
The price range for high-quality in-wall speakers can vary depending on the brand, features, and overall sound quality. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1000 or more per speaker for a top-of-the-line in-wall speaker. Some of the factors that can influence the price include the size of the driver, the materials used in the construction of the speaker, and the level of customization available.
It's important to note that while in-wall speakers can offer a sleek and discreet audio solution, they do require professional installation which can add to the overall cost. Additionally, investing in high-quality speakers can enhance your listening experience and provide long-lasting value. It's worth doing some research and considering your unique audio needs and budget in order to find the best in-wall speakers for your home or business.
What type of amplifier or receiver is best for powering in-wall speakers?
When it comes to powering in-wall speakers, it's important to choose an amplifier or receiver that can deliver enough power to drive the speakers. In-wall speakers are typically designed to be flush-mounted in walls or ceilings, which means they may not have as much space for internal components as traditional speakers. As a result, they may require a bit more power to operate at their full potential.
One option is to choose an amplifier or receiver that is specifically designed for in-wall speakers. These devices are typically compact and designed to fit into tight spaces, making them a good choice for installations where space is at a premium. They may also offer features like built-in EQ and digital signal processing to help optimize the sound quality of the speakers.
Another option is to choose a high-quality, high-power amplifier or receiver that is capable of delivering plenty of power to the in-wall speakers. Look for a device with a high power output rating, and make sure it has enough channels to support the number of speakers you plan to install. It's also important to choose an amplifier or receiver that is compatible with the impedance of your in-wall speakers, as mismatched impedance can lead to poor sound quality and even damage to the speakers or amplifier.