With so many options in this market, searching for the right DJ speakers for your home can be exhausting. You might even find yourself lost in the process, as the offer is quite immense.
Trust me, I’ve been there and I know the feeling. How do you know what’s the right product for you when all of them are advertised as the best?
Well, I put together this article to make shopping for your new set of DJ speakers easier. Below, you will find a list of the best DJ speakers for home currently available.
I’ve prepared overviews of our top picks to include all the necessary information on high-quality monitor speakers (DJ speakers), such as sound output, design, power rating, and so on.
Please note that this is an article on home use DJ speakers, that is, speakers that you would install in your living room, and that are suitable for a house party. Our recommendations are not suitable for night clubs or outdoor parties.
Top 10 DJ Speakers For Home
Best Overall: PreSonus Eris E3.5-3.5″ Near Field Studio Monitor
The PreSonus’ model Eris E3.5 caught my attention the minute I set my eyes on it. These speakers offer versatile features, great value for money, and meet all the criteria you’d want from a quality piece of gear.
They comprise, as the product name suggests, 3.5″ woven composite drivers, that create a powerful sound quality and bass response. And I’d say that 25 Watts of power is more than enough for a decent sound experience!
They are near-field speakers, with smaller drivers, and should be placed close to the listener. If placed further away, the sound will start to degrade.
Thanks to its lightweight and its compact shape, this speaker system is very easily portable, which is why it’s very convenient for home use. This will allow you to move the speakers from one room to another without any difficulties and set them up for a house party of any type: movie night, gaming, or an actual party with dozens of guests!
The PreSonus Eris come with acoustic tuning, the only monitors in their class to have it. This feature provides flawless sound quality in every room, which adds a lot of value to these speakers. Even without the acoustic tuning, the speakers come at a very reasonable price, so they offer a good bang for the buck.
Pros:
- good price
- clear sound
- compact shape
- lightweight
- acoustic tuning feature
- professional near-field monitor
Cons:
- the featured cables don’t match the high quality of the speakers
- no Bluetooth
- might hiss if nothing’s playing
Runner-Up: Pioneer DM‑40 Desktop Monitor Speakers
Pioneer rarely disappoints when it comes to DJ speakers or any other DJ equipment, and the DM-40 Desktop Monitor Speakers are no exception. They come in a pair with enough power to shake the walls in your room with real high-quality sound.
This model is quite stylish, featuring modern, curved cabinets. But it’s not just a pretty face – the curved style also plays a technical role, giving the speakers minimum resonance and a clean sound.
At the same time, these monitor speakers provide an excellent bass response. This is thanks to the 2-way bass reflex and the 4″ fiberglass woofers, which provide a stunning output of 21 Watts. However, you might feel the low-end bass to be kind of boomy.
Pioneer took the best features from their Pro Audio speakers and the S-DJX series (their professional DJ speakers) and put them in the DM-40, which gives this studio monitor a very rich and tight sound.
These speakers are the real thing if you want quality sound made by the best DJ speakers in your home. The DM-40 DJ speakers provide such a crisp sound that producers are able to work for hours without headphones. They really did think of everything.
Another cool thing about these DJ speakers are the amplifiers that deliver a very crisp sound. Crossover is practically eliminated thanks to the perfect alignment of the woofer and the dome tweeter. The design ensures that you’ll get a clean sound even if the monitors are backed against a wall.
Pros:
- clear sound
- powerful bass response
- smart design
Cons:
- some people have reported the speakers to cut out after a few months
- no Bluetooth
- boomy low-end bass
Best for Professional DJs: JBL Professional 308P MkII
Next on the list comes the popular speaker manufacturer with its 8-inch JBL 308P MkII – the latest model upgrade in the famous LSR3 series. Those who have used the previous model are aware of the clean sound quality that it provides. The MkII won’t disappoint, either.
The MkII is a compact studio monitor that comes with high frequency and low-frequency transducers, guaranteeing the perfect frequency response.
These speakers do indeed pack a lot of power – 112 Watts! Although you can have decent sound quality with a lot less, some go by the rule “the more the merrier” – and I do too.
I find that the speaker provides a sharp sound and great ambiance. If you read some reviews about this product, you’ll notice that many users agree. Of course, there are also those that have reported frustrating white noise when it’s turned on.
Although it looks kind of bulky, lifting the MkII feels like lifting a six-pack, so don’t worry about the monitors not being easily portable – they are.
This speaker comes at a higher price than you’d normally pay for a home-use product, so before deciding anything, make sure that this option is within your budget. If your budget is more limited, and if you’re not placing these speakers in your home studio, you probably don’t need them. If you just wanna have a clean sound in your home – maybe consider some of the more budget-friendly options on our list.
On the other hand, if you’re producing music under 45 Hz, you could get good use out of these monitors.
Pros:
- lightweight
- low frequency and high-frequency transducers
- sharp sound
Cons:
- pricier than other models
- no Bluetooth
- white noise when powered ON
All-around Player: Mackie CR-X
The Mackie CR-X speakers would be a great addition to your home sound system. They pack 50 Watts, which I find to be the perfect power output for home monitors. The monitors are multi-purpose, suitable for producing, gaming, or watching a movie.
Another technical aspect that I like about these speakers is the RCA (stereo audio output), which allows the listener to hear different dimensions of the sound. At the same time, the Mackie CR-X offers a Bluetooth option so you can link any device you want to it.
These monitors have a really slick design with a modern outline made of a brushed metal panel. They look lovely when placed on a shelf or on your desk. You can choose whether you want them in a 3-inch or 8-inch size, depending on your preference.
With speakers, I tend to pay attention to whether the headphone jack is on the front panel – and this is the case with the Mackie CR-X. At first, it sounds like it’s no biggie, but it can sometimes be very frustrating when you want to plug your headphones in, but the jack is all the way in the back.
These monitors have the headphone jack and volume knobs up front, while the other inputs are at the back. I don’t find this to be a big issue as long as the headphone input is within easy reach. At the end of the day, that’s the jack you’ll use more than any other.
Pros:
- front-facing headphone jack
- good price
- clean sound
- Bluetooth
Cons:
- complaints about hissing
- hiss from the tweeter
- alleged distortion on quiet notes
Best for Home DJing: Pioneer DJ Studio Monitors (DM40BT)
While searching for the best DJ speakers online, you’ll probably bump into a lot of Pioneers – and it’s no wonder. The Japanese manufacturer has been present in the market for some 80 years and has built an impeccable reputation.
The model I picked as best for home use is Pioneer DJ and, as the name suggests, this DJ speaker system is excellent for a home DJ setup. However, you don’t have to be a pro DJ to enjoy what it has to offer. The Pioneer DJ is great for home producing, gaming, and watching movies.
Weighing only 6 lbs., the Pioneer DJ are the lightest speakers out of all the models we’ve listed so far – a feather compared to the rest.
These DJ speakers also pack a lot of power – 550 watts, to be exact. They offer a very loud yet clean sound, without any signs of hissing or other frustrating noise.
One of the cool features that the Pioneer DJ has to offer is Bluetooth, which enables you to connect whichever device you want to it!
You’ll love the 3D stereo sound that the Pioneer projects towards every corner of the room. This is because the Pioneer DJ studio monitors include soft dome tweeters as well as DECO convex diffusers, which channel high-frequency sound in all directions.
This should go without saying when it comes to Pioneer, but the box has all the knobs and outputs on the front panel, which is always a good thing. You don’t want to stretch all the way to the back every time you wanna plug in a cable!
A potential drawback is that while Pioneer boasts about the amazing bass response and Bluetooth feature, some reviewers claim that they are not the speakers’ strongest side.
Pros:
- good design
- loud and clear sound
- suitable for home DJing
- good value for money
- quality build
- Bluetooth
Cons:
- questionable bass performance
- reports on muffled sound
- speakers turn off automatically when not active for couple of minutes
Best for Chilling at Home: KRK RP5 Rokit G4
Next up is the KRK Rokit G4 – a very interesting and attention-worthy studio monitor.
It comes with features such as matching drivers in order to balance the sonic integrity between frequencies, which keeps the sound clean without the risk of tiring your ears.
The Rokit G4 offers a solution for potential bad acoustics in your room in the form of a DSP-driven Room Tuning.
The Rokit was designed to provide you with a clean sound system, without vibration transmission, and with improved audio integrity. There are Class D power amplifiers that improve audio integrity and contribute to a clearer sound.
Another feature worth mentioning is the speaker’s high frequency response of 43Hz – 40KHz. This allows you to play low, middle, and high tones correctly.
The Rokit is easy to use thanks to its user-friendly interface. It includes an LCD screen in the back which gives a nice visualization of the EQ settings.
The design of the KRK speaker is such that the front port ensures a good bass response on the low-end frequencies. Although the sound can seem a bit flat and lower-end, this is still a great speaker for beginner DJs, producers, or people who simply enjoy good speakers.
Most of the reviews I’ve come across online are positive. However, some of the negatives include complaints about hissing and flat sounds.
Pros:
- good price
- clear sound
- good for beginners
- tough frequency response
- LCD screen
Cons:
- the sound might be a bit flat
- no Bluetooth
- might hear some hissing
Excellent for Loud Music at Home: Alesis Elevate 5 MKII
The Alesis Elevate 5 MKII monitor speakers made it on this list because they are a pretty well-rounded option with a good price-quality ratio. They present a very “serious” piece of gear with a cool futuristic design.
This pair of monitor speakers are not just pretty faces, but the design was also made with precision and high-quality regarding audio transmission. It’s a wooden cabinet, which is always a good choice due to its ability to suppress resonance.
Listening to music on these speakers will open up new perspectives. They comprise two separate drivers, lower and upper, to distinguish between the respective types of frequencies, lows and highs. I’m a big fan of bass, and I’m very happy with the lower driver Elevate 5 has to offer.
The two openings on the front of the Elevate 5 MKII serve as a bass reflex port. The orientation towards the front makes it possible to place the two speakers close to a wall, and they make a perfect fit for a home studio. You can place them almost everywhere due to their lightweight and compact shape.
The back of the Alesis Elevate 5 MKII has an ON/OFF switch, power cable connection, and a stereo jack input, meaning that you could connect to a stereo line with a built-in amplifier. On the front, however, you can connect a pair of headphones via the 3.5 mm jack output.
The monitor speakers are powerful, with two separate channels boosting 40 watts, bringing the set to a total power output of 80 W. If you consider its power, it comes at a very reasonable price of some $170.
Pros
- Loud and powerful;
- Good price;
- Strong bass;
- Stereo jack input;
- Separated low and high drivers;
- Wooden cabinet.
Cons
- Fragile material.
Best for Producing: PreSonus Eris E5
These are the second PreSonus Eris series speakers on this list, but unlike their predecessors, the Eris E5 are meant to be used by producers or people using speakers in a more professional manner. For example, people that need a really clean and precise sound system.
This speaker in particular costs a bit more but makes up for the price by packing 45 W per speaker, rather than the 25 W offered by the E3.5.
You will love the 8-inch low-frequency and high-frequency transducer when producing. Moreover, the acoustic port they offer is the best for bass-frequency reproduction.
I find that these speakers have tight bass and are one of the best options for near-field speakers you’ll find for the money. I was also satisfied with how easy it was to set up the whole sound system and I didn’t notice any hissing.
The 130-watt powered speakers are stable and are meant to be put on the floor rather than on your desktop or a shelf. They have a very decent frequency range and are mostly for people who produce or create music.
Nevertheless, the PreSonus Eris E5 studio monitors seem to deliver precise responses, including clean bass and upper end.
Pros:
- good bass response
- value for money
- good for producers
- clear sound
Cons:
- expensive if you don’t produce or make music
- no Bluetooth
- questionable durability
Best for Movie Nights: Moukey 3” Studio Monitors Bookshelf Speaker
Moukey’s Studio monitors 3″ model has been well-received by audiences. And I get why: they have a modern design and a control panel covered in inputs and knobs. Moreover, the manufacturer has added a Bluetooth option as well, so you can link any device you want to the speakers.
The monitors come with a pair of isolation pads, so this sound system will not disappoint for any of your activities – gaming, listening to music, producing, or watching a movie. These speakers are quite affordable, so they’re a budget-friendly option for everyone.
The manufacturer has taken the time to design the rear air duct perfectly, using aerodynamics to assist low-frequency performance. Additionally, the wooden crate is optimized to distinguish between the different sound levels, resulting in a well-balanced performance.
These monitor speakers come with a solid overall frequency response from 80 to 22 kHz. At the same time, the crossover frequency amounts to 1.2 kHz.
This sound system comes in a pair, and both monitors are lighter than a 16 oz. six-pack of Dr. Pepper. You will be able to place the speakers wherever you want by barely lifting a finger. The speakers offer a Bluetooth option but this feature seems to be the weakest link in the setup.
Pros:
- good frequency response
- solid crossover frequency
- affordable
- wooden crate
- Bluetooth
Cons:
- some people have reported poor Bluetooth connectivity
- reports on cracking and weird beep noises
- doubtful wiring
Best Splurge: Electro-Voice ZLX-12P
Last but not least – the American-made Electro-Voice ZLX-12P speakers. These are slightly pricier than our other recommendations, so if you only planned on spending $100 to $200 on monitors, you might as well skip this recommendation.
Although Electro-Voice usually produces stage monitors, this 12-inch woofer speaker can be used at home as well. I’d say it would be ideal for someone who’s in the DJing game so they can fully enjoy the performance of these speakers. It’s also a good choice for an amateur that likes to entertain close friends and family in their backyard and can afford to invest in a good speaker to make this happen.
The 12-inch speaker is very light (in fact, it feels empty from the inside when you lift it) and contains a Class-D amplifier for the best sound possible. It’s a 1000-watt powered speaker with an LCD screen and a 1.5″ high-frequency titanium compression driver!
Whenever you notice that a compression driver or a tweeter is made of titanium, you know it’s durable. Titanium is used by manufacturers due to its light weight and sturdiness. Also, it’s more durable than aluminum and does not stress the structure as much as other metals.
The ZLX-12P can be ordered as 12-inch or 15-inch powered or passive speakers. If you choose passive speakers, you will have to get an external amplifier to use as a power source. On the plus side, they’re usually lighter and you will have fewer wires to deal with.
The speaker has an excellent frequency range between 50 Hz and 20 kHz, with a frequency response from 65 Hz to 18 kHz. It packs enough power to make sure a smaller party has loud enough noise. The design comes in a split-baffle version for enhanced impact and time alignment.
The Electro-Voice is very light and easily portable. It comes with built-in grips that make it easy for you to carry.
In my opinion, this DJ speaker is a good choice. The thing I like about it is that the features seem just as right for a beginner as they are for a pro. It’s not the type of speaker that could cover the needs of a nightclub, but it’s more than enough for a house party.
However, all the cool features have bumped up the price. It’s also disappointing that it doesn’t feature Bluetooth, which you would expect from a pricey speaker. But I would still say this is a good product and you should go for it if you have a higher budget.
Pros:
- has titanium compression driver
- you can order passive speakers if you want
- high output (1000 Watts)
Cons:
- on the pricey side
- no Bluetooth
- might break up at higher sounds
What To Look For When Buying The Best DJ Speakers For Home
Now that you’ve had the chance to look at our favorite DJ speakers for home, you may be on the fence about which option is the best choice for you. No worries!
I’ll sum up the most important factors you need to consider when buying speakers for home use!
Do You Know What You’re Looking For?
Of course, I do, I’m looking for speakers!, some would say.
Sure, you are definitely looking for speakers, but before you make a decision, ask yourself: “What am I going to use them for?” When purchasing a speaker, you must know your starting position. Are you going to use the new speakers for a party, to watch movies, or to play games all night?
Don’t go buying fancy speakers if you’re just going to listen to the radio on them – leave those to producers, DJs, or musicians. Instead, think of the things that are important to you.
If you want to play music from the comfort of your bed, make sure you get a speaker with Bluetooth. Moreover, get familiar with the number of watts you need. If you’re the type of person that likes loud, upbeat music, you could perhaps purchase a speaker with 100 watts or more. On the other hand, if you prefer chilled and slow music, half of that will be enough.
Set Your Budget
Once you know what you’ll be using the speakers for, set a price limit for your shopping. Get familiar with the prices and know what to expect for a given amount. In general, a pair of quality speakers for home use should cost you about $150.
If budget isn’t an issue for you, feel free to explore other options. If you’re ready to spend between $200 and $250 on speakers, you can get much better models with higher power output, stronger bass response, etc.
In my opinion, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 is a steal for the price.
Understand Frequency Response (Frequency Ranges)
Be very careful with this one: you should understand what frequency response vs frequency range means, and grasp the difference between the two.
People usually use frequency range and frequency response as, more or less, synonyms. However, they’re different – the frequency range refers to the span of frequencies a monitor produces while frequency response refers to the frequency range versus the amplitude.
Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz), as you’ve probably noticed. This shows how low and how high the speakers can play. You might have noticed that the low end is represented with Hz while the high end is described by kHz (the k stands for kilo – kHz is kilohertz).
The Hz mark describes the depth coming out of your bass port – the higher the number, the deeper the bass.
The second measure (kHz) describes the treble. Likewise, the higher the kHz rating, the clearer the sound. The human ear can perceive frequencies approximately between 20 Hz (lowest bass) and 20 kHz.
Studio Monitor Speakers VS DJ Speakers
People often get confused between the two. While studio monitor speakers and DJ speakers are similar, they have some notable differences which are important for you to know as a consumer. If you’re producing, making, or mixing music, you probably want to go with studio monitors, as they’re designed to give you a precise sound.
On the other hand, “normal” DJ speakers will provide rich bass and treble, but won’t give you a crisp sound where you can hear every little detail of your composition. Therefore, when purchasing a speaker, be sure you know what you will be using it for.
Of course, monitor speakers are usually more expensive than normal speakers due to the need for more complex engineering in their production. So, if you aren’t planning on making music, you’ll be fine with a “generic” DJ speaker.
Best DJ Speakers For Home: Conclusion
I am aware that searching for the right speaker can be tough and intimidating. It took me a couple of months just to decide if I want an 8-inch or a 12-inch speaker! I can get like that sometimes, but you don’t have to.
If you find that you still can’t decide between the options in this article, let me give you a quick summary.
I would strongly recommend that you go with the PreSonus Eris E5 for a clean sound and good frequency response that don’t require you to spend a fortune. On the other hand, if you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks, the Electro-Voice ZLX-12P is a great pick.
The Bluetooth option is a feature that people usually want – as it gives us the comfort of playing media files on our speakers. If this is your no. 1 criterium, consider the Mackie CR-X speakers.
If you’re looking for a speaker that will provide you with the best sound effects for your movie night, consider getting Moukey’s studio monitors. The isolation pads and wooden crate will make sure to provide a nicely balanced performance.
Finally, if you’re a professional DJ with the need for a really crystal-clear sound – check out the JBL 308P MkII.
And lastly, remember to do these three things before you commit to a model:
- Know how much you want to spend;
- Learn the basics of the product (speaker) you want to buy;
- Read articles and reviews online before purchasing!
Hopefully, this article has made things much clearer for you. If you’re looking to buy additional sound equipment for your home, be sure to browse through our website, where I share more reviews and helpful resources.
Best DJ Speakers For Home: FAQ
How Many Watts Do I Need for My DJ Speakers?
Of course, the answer to this question depends on what you will be using the speakers for. If they’re for your personal use, something around 50 Watts should be more than enough.
However, if you’re thinking about hosting a party of some sort, DJs usually have a rule that says 10 W per person.
Does More Watts Mean Better Sound?
More watts does indeed mean louder sound. However, better sound depends on many other factors, such as amplifiers, bass response, etc.
So, the more watts you have, the louder your speakers will be, but not necessarily better. However, if you’re looking for a better bass response, then more watts should do the trick.
Does An Amp Improve Bass?
An amp (audio power amplifier) or simply an amplifier can in fact improve sound quality, as it allows you to increase the volume without disturbing the sound. A quality amp will support better and cleaner bass.
Should A Subwoofer Be On The Floor?
Ideally, no. The subwoofer should be elevated from the ground in order to avoid friction and to get a better sound quality. However, that is not always easy in home conditions. Keeping your subwoofer on the ground is not your best option, but it’s also not the end of the world.
What Wattage Subwoofer Should I Get?
This all depends on where you want to place the sub. For example, if you have a large living room and you want to put it there, consider at least a 12-inch 100-watt sub. Also, if you want to make the subwoofer louder, make it face a wall or a seat, for instance, so that the sound waves will bounce off it.