Many products can help you further your entertainment experience. Before you get too deep, you need to think about what type of media you wish to enjoy. For example, if you are a fan of movies, you may wish to invest in a new TV or other home theater equipment. As an avid reader, you may need a new eReader.
There is one thing that tends to tie together with many different forms of media. Regardless of whether you like podcasts, TV shows, movies, or music, sound will be involved in some way or another.
We previously went over the importance of speakers and how they work in the best floor standing speakers 101 guide.
Regardless of whether you prefer speakers or headphones, you will end up needing a source for your sound, irrespective of what type of media you want to enjoy. This is where your speakers come into play. If you have the right speakers, your experience will be improved immeasurably, but with the wrong ones, it could be much worse.
We understand if you are apprehensive about finding the best floor standing speakers under 500 dollars, as audio equipment can get somewhat pricey. If you want to ensure that you get the best floorstanding speakers on the market, you will either have to listen to the speakers yourself or hear from someone you trust.
As you may have guessed, some issues arise when you are trying to find the best speakers online. Since you won’t be able to test out the speakers you are considering, you will have to trust someone to advise you on the right purchase, such as a friend or a professional reviewer.
We are sure that you have guessed that we are in the latter category by now. Over the course of today’s article, we are going to be taking a look at five of the best budget floor standing speakers. In each review, we are going to take a look at specs, value for money, and much more about the products.
Of course, finding the right floor standing speakers can be hard enough when you don’t know what to search for in them. It is for this reason that our guide will not end when we have reached the last of our product reviews. We will continue to look at the most essential qualities in floor standing speakers.
We have left our analysis of the most crucial speaker characteristics at the end of this buying guide because we believe that it is a more optional part of the buying process. If you have already purchased a floor standing speaker, you will probably know what to search for, so we will not burden you with it at the start.
Table of Contents
Best Floor Standing Speakers
Let’s take a look on our top recommendations for the best floor standing speakers on the market.
Winner – Klipsch R-26F Floorstanding Speakers
If you want the best speakers around, few models will be able to compete with these speakers from Klipsch thanks to their excellent design and advanced building materials. Klipsch is widely known as one of the best American audio companies since they were founded all the way back in 1946.
- These speakers are meant to be used in rooms that are medium to small
- The tweeter horn is 1 inch in size and features a dynamic design made of aluminum
- The dual copper woofers on this speaker are 6.5 inches
- This speaker features durable cabinets that are quite resonant
- Nominal power for these speakers: >100 Watts
These speakers are some of the most expensive ones you will come across at this general price range. If you are looking for affordable speakers, you will have to look elsewhere, as these are meant to provide the best possible performance, regardless of the price for which they can be purchased.
Since these speakers are meant to be used in smaller rooms, you will find that they can take advantage of the superior resonance offered by closer walls.
OUR RATING
Of course, if you would like to use these speakers in a broader soundstage, you will have to deal with a decrease in audio quality, but it is not quite as noticeable as you would expect.
It wouldn’t be a Klipsch review unless we addressed the most polarizing aspect of their speakers: the Klipschorn. For those who don’t know, Klipsch is one of the few audio manufacturers that still make widespread use of horns in their tweeter drivers. This is the subject of no small measure of controversy.
If you prefer more traditional highs, you may find that horns make the sound too shrill, but others will argue that horns make for a much clearer high note. Since this is a mostly personal matter, we regret that we can’t offer any further recommendations for those who would want to buy these speakers.
Keep in mind that these will not be the ideal set of speakers for customers who want something more affordable. Since each of these speakers costs around 300 dollars, a full set of them retails for around twice as much as the usual floor standing speaker models that are typically meant for home use.
Runner Up – Onkyo SKF-4800 2-Way Bass Reflex Floor-Standing Speakers
If you want a floorstanding speakers pair that is more affordable than the previous model, yet provides reasonably similar effectiveness, few options can match these. Onkyo is one of the best producers of relatively affordable audio equipment, and it shows in the design of these speakers.
- Each one of the dual cone woofers is 6.3 inches in size
- The soft-dome tweeters are 1 inch large, and they provide excellent highs
- The maximum power input for these speakers is around 130 watts
- There are banana plug hookups featured on the speaker posts for improved versatility
- The woofer equalizer on these speakers helps improve response
If you want a floorstanding speakers pair that is more affordable than the previous model, yet provides reasonably similar effectiveness, few options can match these. Onkyo is one of the best producers of relatively affordable audio equipment, and it shows in the design of these speakers.
Let’s take a look at the different channels and how they are replicated by these speakers before we move on to anything else, as that is usually where different speakers vary most. These Onkyo speakers are defined by their deep, throaty bass which is offered by the dual cone woofers.
OUR RATING
These woofers are mounted nearly dead-center on the face of the speaker pillars, meaning that the bass may originate from a point that is a little higher than you may be used to. Of course, there is more to these speakers than their low-level output, but we would argue that it is their most impressive quality.
When it comes to the other sound channels that are present in these speakers, they are less impressive than the lows, but they are nothing disappointing. Of course, for the price of these speakers, you can’t expect them to be perfect. Perhaps our biggest complaint is the muddled mids.
A standard issue with speakers in this price range is that the mids are not as defined as you would like. In fact, unclear mids tend to be a problem with most floorstanding speakers since they just lack the right driver quality to reproduce mids that are as clear as they should be.
While the highs are arguably a little more clear than the mids, they are still somewhat disappointing should you choose to use the lows of these speakers as a point of reference. We believe that this comparison has more to do with the excellent quality of the lows than through some fault of the highs, however.
If you want quality speakers for a relatively affordable price, this model from Onkyo is a reasonable enough choice, and it has earned its spot as our runner up.
2nd Runner Up – Pioneer SP-FS52 Andrew Jones Designed Floor Standing Loudspeaker
These floorstanding speakers pack a pretty big punch for the price. You get the Andrew Jones design without paying for the hefty price tag for the privilege. Pioneer is another great producer of affordable audio equipment, especially for those who love bass.
- All three 5 ¼ inch woofers have oversized magnets
- 1-inch soft dome tweeter with custom wave guide for high efficiency
- The maximum power input for these speakers is around 130 watts
- The hookups are gold 5-way binding posts
- The 8-element crossover for clean separation
These speakers, with near-universal agreement from others, deliver exceptional sound at a startlingly affordable price. These high marks from professionals and amateurs alike are even more impressive when you consider that these speakers were originally released more than 5 years ago. The fact that they are still being purchased, discussed, reviewed, and praised even as competitors have launched years of new models is a powerful endorsement of the quality of the SP-FS52.
OUR RATING
While reviewers love these speakers for producing spectacular quality in all ranges of music, some point out that the bass isn’t powerful enough for some movie experiences. Many people suggest the addition of a quality subwoofer to improve the presence of bass notes.
These speakers do have a 6-ohm impedance rating, which should work fine with most amplifiers or receivers. If your existing amplifier or receiver is set to 8 ohms or greater, you may need to adjust it downward to avoid overloading the power supply at high volumes. There is often a menu during the setup procedure that will allow you to choose to set your receiver to 6 ohms (or lower: If you can only choose between 4 and 8, choose 4).
We recommend this model from Pioneer as our second runner up because of the elegant appearance, superior delivery of high, low, and mid-range sounds all while being energy efficiency. They deliver clear, dimensional instrumentation and speech, solid bass, and are designed to perform for years to come.
Alternative – Polk Audio T50 Home Theater And Music Floor Standing Tower Speaker
Are you in the market for the best floor standing speakers for music? If you are looking for the most affordable type of speakers around, this model from Polk Audio may be the ideal choice. Unlike competing models, you can often find these available for just about 100 dollars per speaker.
- The 1-inch silk dome tweeter on these speakers features dynamic balance
- Thanks to the 6.5” driver, the mids and lows are clearly defined
- The dual sub radiators are 6.5” and provide excellent bass
- It is much easier to set these speakers up than it is for competing models
- These speakers are in the same series as the T30 center channel speakers and T15 bookshelf speakers
- These speakers are sold individually
Aside from the affordability, what do these speakers offer for buyers? We were quite impressed by the ease of setup for these speakers, as the instructions are much more precise than the ones on competing models. Aside from the guidelines, an intuitive design helps make these speakers more user-friendly.
You may be wondering about the build quality when you hear just how cheap these floor standing speakers are, and we can reassure you that these speakers are durable enough to last. If you hate having to buy new electronics, these just might be the best speakers for you since they will last for a long time.
OUR RATING
If you are looking for speakers that are compatible with a set, these will be the right choice since they are meant to pair in with Polk’s line of bookshelf speakers and center speakers as well. You will find that these speakers are sold individually instead of in pairs so that you can find a single one for replacement purposes.
Moving on to the sound quality, these speakers provide relatively balanced highs, mids, and lows, but we noticed some overlap between some of the channels. While the audio performance is adequate for the price of these speakers, we will warn you not to expect exceptional results from these.
If you want a pair of speakers that is reasonably affordable and is also much more user-friendly than competing products, there are few models like the Polk T50s. While these speakers are cheap, they are not cheaply made, which is more than you can say for much of the competition at this price.
2nd Alternative – Sony SSCS3 3-Way Floor-Standing Speaker
If you were to ask a group of people which manufacturer on this list of products makes the best audio equipment, you would likely hear Sony. This is not because Sony makes exceptional hardware (though they do); it is because Sony is the best-known company that makes a product on this list.
- The three-way bass reflex system combined with four speakers provide a wide acoustic range
- The woofer is made of foamed mica and features cellular reinforcement
- The 1-inch main tweeter is made of polyester for durability and clarity
- Features a Sony super tweeter that is 0.75” in size
- This speaker is optimized for crossover thanks to its components
- Features a max input power of 145 Watts
You may be wondering exactly why the popularity of a speaker maker matters, and we are here to tell you. A company that has a reputation to uphold will go much further to ensure that their name remains unsullied. This is the case with Sony, so you can often rest assured that they make quality products, like this one.
So what exactly makes these such excellent 3 way floor standing speakers? We believe that it is a combination of the build quality and the superb clarity of the sound. Unlike many floorstanding speakers that are reasonably affordable, you will find that this model features a clear blend of lows, mids, and highs.
OUR RATING
Aside from the relative balance between channels, you will find that these speakers also offer improved longevity. If you prefer to opt for speakers that will last you a long time, then you may find that these are the best possible option that you have at your disposal.
These speakers are sold individually, which makes it easier to find a replacement should one of them fail on you. Of course, you may not even reach that point as we have found that Sony has some of the friendliest and most helpful customer service reps when compared to other electronics companies.
If you are looking for a good combination of superior build quality, reasonable price point, and excellent product support, this speaker from Sony might be an excellent choice. The only reason that this product wasn’t rated higher than the rest of the options on this list is that the others were just that effective.
3rd Alternative – Dayton Audio T652 Dual 6-1/2″ 2-Way Tower Speaker Pair
If you value affordability and compactness in the best floor standing speakers around, then these might just be the perfect ones for you. For example, the inclusion of dual woofers means that these speakers feature a mid and low range that is much more defined than you may find on other speakers.
- Features dual woofers with a size of 6.5 inches for clearer mids and lows
- Features a ⅝ inch dome tweeter that is made out of polycarbonate with ferrofluid cooling
- Cabinets are designed to feature a slimmer profile than usual
- Bass-reflex ports make for superior lows to much of the competition
- Designed to be affordable and reliable in equal measure
Affordability is the name of the game when it comes to these speakers, and the low price is achieved through the right methods, unlike on other models. Instead of cutting corners, the design team for this speaker cut out all extra features that were unnecessary, focusing instead on sound quality.
You can tell that these speakers are made to provide the best sound for their price range as soon as you turn them on. There are few speakers available for 50 dollars each, to begin with, not to mention finding a set that is actually worth the money, instead of one that will break in moments.
OUR RATING
Keep in mind that the woofers are not the only impressive part of this speaker. The tweeter is also much more impressive than you would expect on a product at this price point. While the ⅝ inch tweeter may be small, it features ferrofluid cooling along with a dome design that helps heighten the treble.
The cabinets on these speakers are designed to be much slimmer than comparable floor standing models. If you live in an apartment or a smaller house, you may find that thinner speakers can end up saving you a noticeable deal of space. This design makes these speakers ideal for those who need something compact.
To sum it up, these speakers are more than just the most affordable option on this list. Whether you are looking for speakers with a reasonable enough price point, or you need a model that features a compact design to aid you in positioning it, you will find that these speakers are an excellent option.
What To Pay Attention On When Choosing Your Floor Standing Speakers
Here are some of the important things to look on when buying yourself a brand new floor standing speakers.
Size
Size is an important consideration when you are looking for the best speakers around as you will have to account for the amount of space that you have in your living area.
Most floor standing speakers are used for home theater setups, so you will have to make sure that there isn’t too much space taken up by your screen.
Keep in mind that larger speakers will also tend to be more capable than smaller models since they will have larger drivers producing the sounds. Of course, larger drivers are more complex, and they feature more components, so you will find that larger speakers tend to be more expensive.
We would recommend taking measurements of the area that you would like to place your speakers so that you can ensure that they will fit. There are few things worse than finding out you ordered speakers that are too large to even get into your home theater.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is another term for the efficiency of a speaker. To put matters simply, a speaker with a higher sensitivity rating will be able to produce more decibels of noise for each Watt of power that is fed into it. When deciding on larger speakers like floor standing models, you will find that sensitivity is less important.
Of course, you don’t want to have to use an inordinate amount of power to run your speakers at high volume, so you will still want your home speakers to be reasonably sensitive.
More sensitive speakers are often outright louder than those that are less sensitive due to the diminishing amount of power that we can use at upper ranges.
Drivers
The drivers are the source of noise when you run a speaker. If you take the grille off of a speaker, the (typically round) indentations you see on the front tend to be the drivers. Drivers are often made to produce one type of sound, though there are some that specialize in two frequencies.
Woofers are usually the part of the speaker that is responsible for the mids, though they can often play notes between mids and lows. Subwoofers are exclusively dedicated to the reproduction of low (bass) notes. Tweeters and horns, on the other hand, are meant to create high notes.
Frequency Response
Frequency response, as you may have guessed from the name, is a measurement that accounts for how wide of a range of frequencies a speaker can play at. In addition to the frequency range, frequency response also gives you an idea of how loud a speaker can play at a given frequency.
Aside from the volume and the frequencies that a speaker can attain, frequency response will also tell you how uniform the sounds are across a given frequency.
You may be wondering how you can glean all of this from a single measurement, and you can do so because frequency response is often displayed on a graph.
Conclusion
We hope that our list of the best floor standing speakers on the market has helped you find the best product for your needs. Feel free to leave a comment down below and tell us what you think of the products and this entire buying guide.
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