Go deeper: bookshelf vs floorstanding speakers

Two kinds of speakers

Speakers come in two big shapes. Let's look at how they are different — and which one is right for your room.

See them side by side Talk to an advisor

Start Here

Meet the two shapes

Most speakers come in one of two shapes. The first is the bookshelf speaker. It is small. It sits up on a stand or a shelf.

The second is the floorstanding speaker. It is tall. It stands right on the floor, like a small tower.

Both can sound great. The trick is to pick the one that fits your room.

Side by Side

How they are different

Bookshelf

Floorstanding

Size

Small. Easy to lift and move.

Size

Tall. Big and heavy.

WHERE IT GOES

On a stand or a shelf.

Where it goes

On the floor, out in the room.

Bass

Light bass. You may add a sub later.

Bass

Deep bass on its own.

BEST ROOM

Small or medium rooms.

Best Room

Big or open rooms.

Think about your room first, not the price. A small speaker in a small room can sound better than a big one that is too loud for the space.

Pick in three Steps

Which One is for you?

Look at your room

Is it small or big? Small rooms like bookshelf speakers. Big rooms like floorstanding ones.

Look at the spot

Have a shelf or a stand? A bookshelf fits. Have open floor? A floorstander fits.

Think about bass

Want deep bass with no extra box? Pick floorstanding. Happy to add a sub later? Bookshelf is fine.

Still not sure? That is okay. An advisor can match a pair to your room in a few minutes.

SEE IT

Same room, both shapes

<p><strong>Bookshelf vs. floorstanding. </strong>One is small and sits up high. The other is tall and stands on the floor. Your room size points you to the right one.</p>

Bookshelf vs. floorstanding. One is small and sits up high. The other is tall and stands on the floor. Your room size points you to the right one.

Your space decides more than your budget does. Pick the closest fit — it points you to the right speaker type below.

Matching speakers to room size

→

Speaker placement basics

→

Back to: I'm choosing speakers for my room

→