When it comes to different types and uses of speakers, grabbing a pair to portray those DJ tunes is an excellent investment. Typically, one would recommend a portable PA system if you’re intending on performing live (the larger the crowd and venues, the larger the speakers you’ll need), while those needing speakers to spin in their studio or homes can grab some studio monitors. Since there are many different shapes and sizes with best DJ speakers, we chose the top 10 to get you going with options, especially since your budget will also be important when deciding on the pair for you. Let’s get into it.
Choosing the best DJ speakers
- Your budget – The range is quite broad when it comes to speakers for DJ’s. How much cash you have saved up will really determine which direction you’ll be headed. Want something under $500? We found a few. How about those for a grand or more? Now we’re getting serious. Keep in mind a quick note as well: many of these are sold separately, so factor your total budget accordingly.
- Your intended use – This is what will really determine what you’ll be looking at. DJ’ing a house party? You don’t have to go too high, unless you plan on blowing the windows out. What about smaller to medium-sized venues like weddings, churches, warehouses and more? Go higher when it comes to power and size. For those who are professional, a lot of you won’t have to worry since the venues typically provide their own PA system. Otherwise, we do have a few solutions for you as well.
- Power? Well, the previous factor is what will really set this a part. Speaker wattage is always important. If you’re planning on spinning in your home or studio, you won’t need more than 400 watts and don’t recommend spending more money on higher-powered speakers unless you really want to. However, if you’re planning on using these for larger venues, grabbing up to (a total of) 1,000 watts would be wise. It all depends on your intended use. We provide the Watts of power for each speaker to help you out (don’t forget to combine the Wattage if you’re buying each speaker separately). We like CNet’s How Many Watts Do I Need? article for some extra help in this. You can also read our guide on speaker specifications to understand this further, as well as other ‘numbers’ you may see thrown around while you shop for speakers.
- Extra features? With the many different types of speakers in the world, speakers for DJ’s in particular call for ‘loudspeakers’, ‘PA systems’, etc. These speakers typically have the following additive features that may peak your interest — Want some 3-band EQ? Built-in reverb? Different connectivity options, such as XLR (for connecting microphones if you don’t have a hookup already in your DJ gear), 1/4″, and more? How about a built-in preamp or mixer (or do you want to purchase these separately)? We’ll highlight the main features of each, however keep in mind the more features you’d like, typically the higher price you’ll have to pay. Just like other portable PA systems, DJ speakers should have the same focus when selecting the best for you.
The top 10 best DJ speakers
Yamaha DXR8
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If you are looking for some high quality and functional speakers for your DJ gigs, we’d definitely recommend the 8 inch Yamaha DXR8 speakers. This is definitely one of the best DJ speakers on the market for many reasons, such as: the inclusion of a mixer with 3 channels (along with level controls), independent PA system, wide frequency response from 57 to 20,000 Hz, and an attractive look with a grille made of steel. At the same time, you can count on excellent levels of power (as high as 129 dB) that’ll effectively portray those mixes and mashups accordingly to medium to larger-sized venues.
Dynamic limiters will protect both the hardware and the sound quality to help with safety and longevity of your investment, and its unique D-contour EQ and compressor will deliver some very clear sound quality without any resonance. This is definitely one of the best speakers for DJ’s due to the mixture of power, quality and effectiveness, which is the combination that leads us to choose this first. We just hope you have a budget large enough. Keep in mind they’re sold separately, so if you want a pair you’ll have to multiply that price by two. You also have some options for larger speakers if you prefer, otherwise continue reading for some cheaper options.
QSC K12
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Up next, the QSC K12 is another one of the best DJ speakers for a number of their qualities that we will outline with just a few words: lightweight, powerful, and delivery of clean sound. The QSC is a PA speaker that will deliver a nice 1000 watts sound from its lightweight body and it is a 12 inch speaker with excellent circuitry protection with acceptance of both 1/4 inch and XLR connections. Additionally, you will also get inputs that can be used for a line-level mixer and music player.
Its frequency response is in the range from 48 Hz to 20,000 Hz with a maximum of 131 dB pressure level. On top of it all, a bet for sound quality across the field is guaranteed by the DMT and DSP intrinsic correction – surely qualities that make this speaker a qualified candidate for one of the best speakers for DJ’s. This is preferred if you wanted to invest a bit more money into your speakers as opposed to our previous Yamaha pick.
Alto Professional TS112A
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The Alto Professional TS112A is probably one of the best speakers for DJ’s due to its advanced technical qualities if you were looking for a solution in the lower-end of this category (definitely cheaper than the previous two by far). It is equipped with 800 watts class D power, a 1 inch neodymium driver, and a 12 inch transducer of low-frequency – ensuring a decent amount of power with feasible sound quality for smaller applications, such as house parties. There are two inputs for combined mic and line functionality – each with its own control of volume.
With the TS112A speaker you can count on long-lasting investment if you take care of it properly, thanks to its high-quality materials, such as a polypropylene frame that also ensures it is lightweight for easy carrying around (despite the sturdy protective metal grille). Sound quality is ensured with a trapezoid shape that minimizes resonance, making this speaker truly one of the best budget-friendly DJ speakers at the moment.
Electro-Voice ZLX-12P
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If you are looking for the best speakers for DJ’s in the middle price-point, don’t miss out on the Electro-Voice ZLX-12P. In terms of build, these speakers come with a PA body that carries a 12 inch woofer and a 1 1/2 titanium driver for compression that will deliver optimal EV sound quality that can create some great sound, no matter if you choose to use a subwoofer or not. With its lightweight body, these speakers will be easy to transfer around – while at the same time ensuring top-quality with minimum resonance.
This is a two-way speaker with a class D amplifier and 1000 watts power, 1 XLR output and a standard maximum sound pressure level of 128 dB. We are confident that, with the previously mentioned qualities, you will surely come to our conclusion that this is one of the best DJ speakers in this particular price-range.
Yamaha MSR400
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The Yamaha MSR400 definitely qualifies for one of the best DJ speakers in the market if you’re concerned with packing a powerful punch, especially if some of the previous picks were out of your budget range and you still needed something in the middle. Yamaha is known for its high-quality music equipment, and these speakers are definitely one of their benchmark products. You can use them independently or with a MSR800W subwoofer that will enable you to additionally pump up the sound in the lower frequencies, however they’ll be quite fine on their own if you choose not to.
The MSR400 is also a visually attractive speaker — lightweight and powerful at the same time, these speakers are definitely an excellent piece of sound equipment. With these speakers, you are getting duo amplification with max 400 watts of power for a 12 inch woofer and a 1.75 inch VC driver for compression. Its nominal levels for input range from –36 dB to +4 dB – and you will also get 3 connectors with a parallel connection.
JBL PRX715
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Don’t forget to check out the JBL PRX715 if you still aren’t happy with previously listed models (or are a JBL fan like us when it comes to audio products). This is a 15 inch 2-way PA speaker with a unique differential drive that is at the same time lightweight and portable while being capable of delivering powerful sound. There is no doubt of its quality when you consider the max 136 dB sound pressure level and 42.9 Hz – 19.5 kHz frequency range.
This one comes with a JBL waveguide that will ensure precise cover and the EQ is optimized for different applications (monitor, front of house), along with an enclosure with different angles. Another thing that makes the PRX715 one of the best speakers for DJ’s is the fact that you are getting different inputs, such as RCA and pro-XLR 1/4 inch combo input to give you some options regardless of your preferred connectivity — this one is quite versatile and valuable.
Behringer EUROLIVE B210D
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The Behringer EUROLIVE B210D is more proof that our favorite German brand knows how to produce high-quality-to-price ratio and durable products; these are definitely one of the best speakers for DJ’s when we speak of stability and affordability. This is our other pick for the best budget-friendly DJ speakers in the market, and probably the lowest we’d recommend going in this category. These in particular offer a 200 Watt 2-way PA speaker that will deliver decent live and playback performance for very small applications. Lightweight and compact, this speaker system is easy to mount and move around. Its average class-D amplifier will deliver surprisingly high power along with crisp sound quality.
The B210D also comes with internal switch mode power for audio without noise and ultimate transient reply while needing very little energy for this. The best DJ speakers need a strong excursion driver and compression driver – with this speaker system you are getting a 10 inch excursion driver and a 1.35 inch compression driver with an aluminum diaphragm for a surprisingly tough build regardless of the low price-point.
Mackie HD1521
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Us DJ’s know that Mackie brand, right? If you are looking for power and crystal clear sound in a compact size, the Mackie HD1521 definitely gets our thumbs up when it comes to the best DJ speakers although they’re a bit more rare than the others. The HD1521 is 2-way HD design speaker and to ensure top quality of sound, they focused on sound correction processing while at the same time building in phase-correction and transducers time-alignment for an advanced internal build. This speaker comes with 1600 watts Class D amplification, 3-band EQ as well as limiting circuitry.
It is capable of developing ultimate sound quality for mid-sized performances. The transducers are tuned so finely that they will deliver amazing performance and efficiency; the neodymium subwoofer along with a 3 inch coil for voice will handle all the power that the amplifier sends its way. We know some who say Mackie or bust, so the brand name alone may steer you this way.
Harbinger V2115
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The Harbinger V2115 is another cheaper and affordable option thanks to its multi-functionality and technically advanced elements for a low price-tag. This is a 600 watt Class-D speaker that will deliver decent sound for smaller uses. It’s a 15 inch, 2-way system with a built-in mixer with 3 channels, a limiter with clip, and a 2 band EQ. There is also a 3/8 inch pole and side handles for easy mounting and positioning. This is both a lightweight and pretty sturdy speaker – there are steel grilles for protection and an additional design touch.
The V2115 comes with dual inputs and an AUX input for an mp3 player. Its frequency response from 45 to 20,000 Hz to give us some standard specs and features, which may actually be what you were looking for. Just another option here.
Fishman SA220
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Although hefty on the price tag (and not listed last for this particular reason), you’re getting what you pay for here — beautiful quality and a lot of power at your fingertips. Don’t forget about the Fishman SA220 if you are looking for the best DJ speakers available at the moment if your budget is higher than the average. The SA220 is a professional and versatile speaker system with a built-in preamp (2 channel) and 2-way Class D speaker with purposeful inputs and outputs. Each channel comes with XLR, high, mid and low EQ, gain control, phase switch, reverb levels and phantom power button.
With this speaker you will get 6 mid-woofers and neodymium magnets; 200 watts power will give a needed boost for great sound quality – combined with a subwoofer, you can count on rich bass as well. Another thing that makes this one of the best speakers for pro DJ’s is the fact that AUX stereo input will enable the control of level for extra customizing. This isn’t for beginners.