DJ speakers are an essential piece of equipment for the modern DJ.
They come in various styles, and some even require additional amplifiers to make them work.
So, how do you find the right type of speaker to use in your setup?
Well, in this article, we’ve assembled a list of the best DJ speakers to answer that question for you, which we’ve based on thousands of reviews, user feedback, and our own unbiased opinion.
The DJ speakers we’ll be reviewing are:
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Table of Contents
The Best DJ Speakers On The Market
We’ve researched the best speakers for DJs and rounded up information from the most reputable web sources to bring you this definitive guide.
Here’s our list of the best DJ speakers money can buy:
1. Bose F1 Model 812
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If you know anything about Bose, you’ll know they’re not cheap.
But, cheap doesn’t always make for a good deal, and that’s certainly the case with the Bose F1 Model 812s.
Why Buy This?
These powerful standalone speakers feature Bose Flexible Array technology, which allows you to deliver the best possible sound no matter what room you’re DJing in.
All you have to do is push or pull the array of eight high-performance drivers into one of the four vertical coverage patterns.
Once you’ve done that, the speaker will automatically adjust the EQ to maintain optimum tonal balance for each coverage pattern.
At the heart of the speaker is a 30-cm 12″ Woofer and nine individual speakers, which output an impressive 1000W RMS.
It comes with a Bi-amplified design and includes two high-output, Class-D amplifiers that power the FLEX array and 12-inch LF driver separately.
You’ll receive full, consistent coverage from each of the arrays, and you’ll be able to plug into two different input channels, which each have independent volume controls and Line Level/Mic switches.
The pro-level active speaker weighs approximately 20kg and is best suited for medium to large venues.
However, this is not to say that it can’t be used in smaller venues, but it might be a little overkill.
Overall, the speakers are loud and clear, and we have no complaints as far as the sound is concerned.
Things To Consider
The only thing we’ve noticed that might be annoying for some is the handles are mounted on the top and back, making them awkward to maneuver.
Side handles would make them much more comfortable to maneuver; however, that’s a small price to pay for the overall package these speakers offer.
Even if you use one, it’ll still be better than using two lesser quality speakers.
Highlights
- 1000 Watts Bi-Amplified
- Exclusive Flexible Array
- Bi-Amplified Design With Two High-Output, Class-D Amplifiers
- 8-Driver Mid/High Line Array
- 2 XLR, 1.4″ Input Channels With Individual Volume Controls
2. Electro-Voice ZLX-12P
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Electro-voice has been providing speakers to DJs for decades and has built a solid reputation in the industry.
Why Buy This?
The ZLX-12P is one of the best DJ speakers on the market right now.
They’re compact, lightweight, and weigh 15kg each, making them easy to maneuver around a venue, on stage, or just in and out of a vehicle.
The speakers were designed to give you the most power and performance of any small-format loudspeaker, making it an ideal choice for smaller-venue sound reinforcement or stage-monitoring if you want.
The ZLX-12p’s come with 12″ woofers and 1.5″ high-frequency titanium compression drivers, which produce superb audio quality across the whole spectrum.
You can expect a well-rounded sound with balanced highs, mids, and lows.
Things To Consider
On certain power outlets like GFCI, it has been known to cause issues with tripping the power.
However, this wasn’t something that often happened, but it is still something to bear in mind from our research.
Highlights
- 1000w (Class D) Amplifier
- 12″ Woofer
- LCD Display & Single-Knob DSP Control
- Two XLR-1/4″ Inputs & 3.5mm Auxiliary Input
- Built-In Bluetooth Receiver
3. QSC K12.2
QSC K12.2 Active 12" Powered Speaker
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If power is what you’re after, then that’s what you’ll get from the K12.2s. 2000W of power per speaker, to be precise!
Why Buy This?
With the QSC-K12.2s, you’ll get a 2000W module that’s been matched perfectly to the high-performance woofers and compression drivers.
The Directivity-Matched Transition (DMT) will ensure you’ll get smooth coverage across the entire listening range.
On top of that, the advanced on-board DSP provides natural correction voicing and superior system management to optimize performance further.
The speakers can function as either your central PA or as floor monitors, with each model capable of being flown, wall, or truss-mounted.
If you prefer to place your speakers on a speaker pole instead, then make use of its straight-firing or 7.5-degree down-tilt.
Its flexibility and adjustment options make it an excellent choice for multiple-sized venues.
Things To Consider
Apart from a few minor supportive issues with the carrying case, there’s nothing else to fault with these DJ speakers.
Highlights
- 2000 Watt Class-D Amplifier Module
- Best In Class Audio Performance. Low Noise & Variable Speed Fan
- Factory Presets & Savable/Recallable Scenes
- Multi-Function Digital Display
- Global 6-Year Warranty
4. Behringer Eurolive B210D
Behringer Eurolive B210D Active 200 Watt 2-Way PA Speaker System
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If you’re on a budget but still want the most bang for your buck, then the Eurolive B210Ds could be the way to go.
Why Buy This?
Behringer has used its superior Class-D amplifier technology and internal switch-mode power supply to provide an exceptional power-to-weight ratio than other active speakers in the market.
It’s not the most powerful speaker on the market, at just 220 watts, but you’ll get 220 watts of the cleanest, punchiest audio you’ve ever heard from a set of compact PA DJ speakers.
Hidden inside the speaker’s enclosure is the equivalent of an active 2-way electronic crossover, parametric EQ, graphic EQ, mic preamp, a limiter, and two Class-D power amplifiers.
What does this mean? Well, it means that the speaker can output a lot for its size, as the “Intelligent-Design” utilizes the best features of active loudspeakers without the weight and excess bulk that comes with passive speakers.
Things to Consider
If you want to get the most out of this speaker, adding a subwoofer to the mix will make it sound even better.
Highlights
- High-Power 200-Watt 2-Way PA
- Light Weight & Ultra-Compact
- Class-D Amplifier Technology
- Internal Switch-Mode Power Supply
- Integrated Sound Processor
5. QSC K10.2
QSC K10.2 Active 10" Powered 2000 Watt Loudspeaker
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The K12.2s have a smaller brother, the K10.2s, and they produce 2000W from a 10″ cone!
Why Buy This?
Just like its big brother, the K10.2 is equipped with a 2000-watt module that’s been carefully matched to its high-performance woofers and compression drivers.
It weighs approximately 14.5 kg (32lbs) and can be easily maneuvered around using its built-in handles.
The K10.2 can be wall or truss mounted, or it can be positioned on a straight firing or 7.5-degree speaker pole if you prefer. And it can be used as either your main PA or floor monitor.
It might be on the small side compared to other speakers on the list, but don’t let its size deceive you, as the K10.2 packs a serious punch and is built to last.
Things To Consider
If you want the loudest sound possible, then you might want to have a look at the QSC K12.2’s instead, as they offer a 12″ cone with 2000 watts.
However, if you’re specifically after something of this size, then the k10.2 is hands down the best on the market.
Highlights
- Best In Class Audio Performance
- 2000 Watt Class-D Amplifier Module
- Factory Presets & Savable/Recallable Scenes
- Multi-Function Digital Display
- Intrinsic Correction Tuning & Global 6-Year Warranty
FAQs About DJ Speakers
If you’re still unsure which speaker to choose, have a read-through of our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about DJ speakers.
Q: What Are DJ Speakers?
DJ speakers aren’t an exact type of speaker per se.
However, certain types of speakers are better suited for distributing audio at considerable volume in various venues, which are more often referred to as DJ Speakers.
Any of the speakers mentioned above are the best examples of what you’d call “DJ Speakers.”
Q: Passive Vs. Active Speakers. Which One Should I Use?
Simply put, passive speakers require an amplifier, while active speakers don’t.
Passive speakers, or ‘un-powered speakers,’ do not output sound by themselves and source their power directly from an amplifier, which you’ll need to purchase separately.
On the other hand, active speakers, also known as ‘powered speakers,’ have a built-in amplifier and act as a self-contained unit.
Each speaker connects directly to the mixer, and you’re able to control the volume and EQ settings from the speaker itself, which is something you can’t do with passive speakers.
In general, active speakers tend to be more expensive than passive speakers because you’re getting an all-in-one solution.
If you’re a beginner, starting with passive speakers can be a bit mind-boggling as you have to make sure you match up the amp’s watts with your speaker’s power.
That’s why you’re better off going for active speakers if you’re starting as a DJ.
Q: Speaker Power Rating. What Is It?
DJ speakers are typically rated in watts (power); however, they have two power handling values: Peak & RMS.
Peak power is the speaker’s maximum power level that it can utilize in short blasts or the highest voltage the waveform will ever reach.
RMS, Root-Mean-Square, is the effective value of the total waveform and refers to how much continuous power a speaker can manage.
For instance, if a speaker has a 20w RMS rating and a peak rating of 40w, the speaker will comfortably handle 20w of continuous power and some odd bursts of 40w.
Theoretically, the more power (watts) a speaker has, the louder it will be.
However, a speaker’s output is also determined by the quality of components used to build the speaker, like built-in amplifiers in powered speakers; therefore, a speaker’s true potential can only be gained if these two areas align.
So, as a general rule of thumb, choose speakers with a fair amount of power (watts), Peak to RMS ratio, and are built with quality components.
Q: How Much Should I Spend On DJ Speakers?
Speaker prices vary greatly, so knowing how much to spend on them can be a bit of a headache.
You get what you pay for in our experience, but this also depends on where you’ll be using them.
If DJing is your full-time career, and your income relies on providing an excellent audio experience to paying customers, then spending a good chunk on speakers makes sense.
However, if DJing is more of a hobby for you, it’s unnecessary to get the best quality speakers.
Instead, opt for something more middle of the road, or that’s just good enough to get the job done.
From there, if you decide to go full-time with DJing, you can upgrade your equipment as you go when you’re earning more cash.
Ultimately, it’s subjective, but you should aim to get the best quality speakers you can for a budget you feel comfortable with.
Summary
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best DJ speakers.
Hopefully, our guide has answered your questions about the best DJ speakers and has helped you figure out which speakers you’re going to use in your DJ setup.
But, if you’re still on the fence, we recommend the Bose F1 Model 812 DJ speaker as it gives you the most bang for your buck!
Here’s a quick recap of the best DJ speakers:
