There are a lot of things we need to consider when we’re looking for the best speakers for projector.
We need to have a clear or at least an approximate budget in mind.
We can buy an ultraportable, tiny speaker for as little as $20-$30. Or you might prefer a particular brand, like Bose, in which case you are well aware of their prices.
Of course, prices for speakers can easily exceed $1,000 and much more.
When it comes to prices, speakers are all over the place. From as cheap as a pizza to more expensive than even our projectors that we buy them for.
There are other factors we need to keep in mind when we’re looking for the best projector speakers.
The size of the speakers can be a factor to keep in mind. If you’re looking for an audio source for a portable projector, like a projector for camping, then you’ll also want a portable speaker.
You might prefer bookshelf speakers to small, portable Bluetooth speakers. Or maybe you end up deciding that a 5.1 or an even bigger configuration might be what you’re looking for for your home theater setting.
While some Bluetooth speakers have aux in jack, there are also more than a few that will only allow us to make a Bluetooth connection.
Even if our projectors don’t have Bluetooth support, we can connect a Bluetooth speaker to our source device. We don’t necessarily have to connect our audio source to our projector. We can connect them to our laptops, smartphones, tablets, streaming devices, etc.
The same goes for those who own a projector that doesn’t have an Audio out port. If you read my reviews for the best ceiling mounted projectors, you’ll also come across a few of those.
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Best Speakers For Projector
Besides those factors I mentioned that you should keep in mind when you’re looking for the best speakers for projectors, I also want to mention something else.
Some people are audiophiles while most just want a clear, nice sound for their favorite movies, documentaries, TV shows, etc.
With my reviews, I hope to satisfy both groups. I will admit that I enjoy a good sound but I also have spending limits. Frankly, I’m much more focused on buying an amazing projector screen than on the speakers that I use.
Also, some of you might prefer speakers that are easy to use. You just want to connect them to your device and that’s all you have to do. There are plenty of people who don’t want to be concerned with calibrations and with the question of where to position a 9.2.4 system around your room. While others might prefer exactly that.
All in all, you can clearly see why the quest of looking for the best speakers for projector can be a challenging one. It will be easy for you if you have a clue about what you’re expecting from the best projector speakers and where your budget stands on the whole thing.
Personally, I have two weaknesses: soundbars and bookshelf speakers that cost between $100 and $300. That’s the perfect range for me. While I can certainly appreciate the convenience of using a Bluetooth speaker, my favorite remains those two.
1. Roku Streambar: One of the Best Speakers for Projector
Let me tell you why the Roku Streambar is my first recommendation even though it’s far from perfect.
And it’s certainly not an audio component that audiophiles will hurry to purchase.
There are certainly a lot of good selling points to consider.
Also, check out my recommendations for the best projector for Roku if you want to check out some amazing devices.
Top selling points
The main selling point is that we get a soundbar and a streaming device all in one.
Thus, this Roku streambar certainly offers an amazing combination for a price under $150, which is quite impressive.
Of course, if you already have a streaming device connected to your projector, then there’s really no point in wanting to buy the Roku Streambar. It’s the perfect package for those who are looking for both. And now they can get both an audio source and a streaming device with all the channels we might want for a pretty affordable price.
Roku mentions that one voice remote controls your TV, streaming, and sound. In our case that means that the TV is replaced with a projector but all the rest is the same.
Features
This soundbar has a built-in 4K streaming device. We can stream in brilliant HD, 4K, and HDR.
We get access to Roku Originals and 300 plus live TV channels for free on The Roku Channel. Plus, the option to download all the apps we want from the Roku Channel Store, which is estimated to have 26,000 apps.
The soundbar has 4 internal speakers and it features Dolby Audio.
The main achievement for this soundbar is that it is capable of clean, pure sound and it renders crisp dialogue.
Thus, since the soundbar has a built-in 4K streaming device, might have clued you into the fact that this audio source is built for watching Tv shows, movies, podcasts, etc. It will work really well in that area and that’s why I decided to review it as one of the best speakers for projector.
It also features the Roku OS, which ensures boosted volume and speech clarity.
There are also simple sound settings, which is great because not everyone is a big fan of calibrations.
We also get an adjustable Speech Clarity feature to make dialogue more crisp.
It is also Bluetooth, AirPlay2, and WiFi compatible.
If you want to make the Roku Streambar perfect or if you feel that it’s not loud enough, you can add the Roku Wireless Subwoofer to the package but that will increase the total cost considerably.
However, I think that many people will be satisfied with the Roku Streambar alone. It’s certainly a favorite for people who bought it for their projectors. And that’s why I chose it as my top recommendation.
2. Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2: Best Bookshelf Speakers for Projector
These are certainly not the most expensive bookshelf speakers that we could buy, which is an amazing thing. Because they are certainly some of the best we could buy.
Whether we choose them as the best speakers for projector or for listening to music or whatever else we want, the Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2 will satisfy all demands.
While they’re certainly not the most expensive, they’re not cheap either. But I totally think we get our money’s worth. Elac also mentions this pair delivers unparalleled performance for its price.
However, if you want a pair of speakers at half this price, check out the Edifier R1280DBS that I will review in a moment.
Features
We get unparalleled highs and lows.
The new soft-dome tweeter features a wide-roll surround. It is capable of lifelike high frequencies. It also eliminates the diffraction modes that can characterize traditional box enclosures.
There’s also a new woven aramid-fiber woofer that achieves a smoother, extended low-frequency response.
Basically, we get a clean, clear, and crisp sound. The sound quality is phenomenal and that’s what makes the Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2 so highly appreciated by all users.
3. Tribit XSound Go: Cheap Speaker for Project
I am totally aware that the Tribit XSound Go is not the cheapest model we could buy, there are others that cost around $20 so there are cheaper options out there.
However, if I were to choose one of the best speakers for projector for those on a budget, this Tribit would be my first recommendation.
It’s a simple Bluetooth speaker that looks really good.
It’s tiny, powerful, and pretty great overall, having the potential to last a long time so we get our money’s worth.
While we can’t expect miracles when it comes to speakers that cost less than $50, we can expect good audio quality. The bass won’t be much to speak of but I won’t fault it for that because I wouldn’t be expecting extraordinary things.
Whether you are satisfied with what the Tribit XSound Go delivers depends on your expectations.
Obviously, it’s not a recommendation for audiophiles.
It’s still one of the best projector speakers if you want an affordable price, a good, clear sound for your favorite content, and the possibility of using a portable Bluetooth speaker with your projector.
Top selling points
We get good audio quality, wide coverage, and portability in a beautiful package that is sold for an affordable price.
We can use it both indoors and outdoors. It has wide enough coverage to be used in a variety of places and situations. Even if you gather a crowd, the Tribit XSound Go will reach everyone.
For example, if you want to use it in a 450 square feet open room for your movie nights, it will fill the space with clear and loud audio.
The sound reaches far and clear, which I like a lot, it’s certainly an important aspect.
It also promises up to 24 hours playtime on full charge at medium volume. That’s amazing.
It certainly is a winner in the battery department, which means that you can take it with you if you travel away from home with no electricity sources nearby.
The charging is done via USB-C. It takes 4 hours to charge it fully.
It’s waterproof with an IPX7 rating. However, it’s not dustproof. Just place it on a clean surface. The rectangular shape ensures easy stability.
Features
Tribit mentions built-in XBass technology that offers up to 20% more bass. Well, my personal opinion is that the rich bass thing is not exactly a reality.
Still, I didn’t have any expectations that it would be so I didn’t even consider it a con. You need a dedicated subwoofer if the bass is a concern to you.
But we get a clear sound, even if we turn it up at max volume.
Distortion won’t be a problem.
It also has dual drivers, each with an 8W power output. For a speaker of this size, it manages to pack a nice amount of power.
The wireless range is up to 66 feet.
One important thing to notice is that the Tribit XSound Go doesn’t have an aux in jack. So, it can only be used wirelessly, no wired connection possible. Even if we don’t have a Bluetooth projector, we can still connect the Tribit XSound Go to our streaming device or to our laptop, smartphone.
If the lack of an aux in jack is a major con for you but your budget is in this range, I recommend checking out the OontZ Angle 3, which is even cheaper than the Tribit XSound Go and has an aux in jack.
4. Edifier R1280DBS: Best Projector Speakers for Small Rooms
While the Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2 remains among my favorites in the bookshelf speakers game, I can admit that the Edifier R1280DBS holds the appeal of a lower price.
Overall, this Edifier pair is not capable of mind-blowing sounds, it’s not about that.
But it is about a balance of sound, quality, ease of use, and affordable price. Those are the reasons for reviewing the Edifier R1280DBS as one of the best speakers for projector.
Features
The Edifier R1280DBS is a 2.0 system that is amazing in small rooms.
We get: decent bass, rich, full sound with great clarity and good volume.
There’s also low distortion at full volume.
While these are Bluetooth bookshelf speakers, we also get a bunch of other connections: output sub, 2 RCA inputs, an optical audio port, and coaxial digital port.
We can connect 4 different devices at the same time.
The included remote allows us to switch between inputs so we don’t have to disconnect and reconnect everything.
There’s a 4-inch bass driver for each speaker. And there’s a bass reflex port to increase the bass response.
The right speaker is wireless but the right and the left must be connected through a wire.
Placing them at a 3 feet distance one from the other will establish a good balance.
There are also 3 knobs: EQ controls and digital volume.
5. Bose SoundLink Flex
I wanted to review this Bose right after writing my review for the Edifier R1280DBS because these two are in the same price range, somewhere around $150.
I cannot deny that, for a lot of people, the Bose SoundLink Flex is going to be perfect as one of the best speakers for projector.
I can totally see the appeal because it has a lot going for it.
Of course, the brand Bose needs no introduction, even for those who are not exactly interested in keeping up with the world of technology.
There will also be a lot of people who will consider choosing this model because it’s made by Bose. I totally can understand brand appeal, whether we’re talking about projectors or anything else. After all, I have a total weakness for Epson and Optoma.
Overall, the Bose SoundLink Flex will be perfect for those who love this brand, for those who can afford the price, and for people who want a tiny thing that is capable of great things. As I’ve mentioned, not everyone wants to deal with bookshelf speakers, subwoofers and all those components getting arranged in a room.
Features
Do I absolutely love the Bose SoundLink Flex? I like this tiny Bluetooth speaker but I might prefer the JBL Charge 5 just a bit more. Both are also in the same price range so it’s hard to choose between the two but I think the JBL Charge 5 is my favorite of the two.
What the Bose SoundLink Flex delivers is quite outstanding.
We get a rich bass depth and clear audio at high volume. The audio performance is really impressive so I have no complaints.
But we get a mono driver and the app doesn’t include EQ customization.
It’s waterproof and has a dust-tight design.
Unfortunately, there’s no aux input. We can only establish a Bluetooth connection. If your projector doesn’t have Bluetooth, you’ll have to connect the SoundLink Flex to the source device.
It only offers up to 12 hours per charge, which is a very short battery life among wireless speakers.
6. JBL Charge 5
If you already own the JBL Charge 4 or 3, the upgrade is totally not worth it.
On the other hand, if you are looking for the best speakers for projector and you absolutely want a Bluetooth model and you have a budget around $150 or a bit under, then you might be interested in the JBL Charge 5.
For my part, I would prefer spending pretty much the same amount of money on the Edifier R1280DBS, which are bookshelf speakers. But it depends what you want and that’s why I’m recommending so many different options.
Features
Once again, we get no aux input so we can only make a Bluetooth connection.
It is both waterproof and dustproof so I would see it as an awesome pick if you prefer using your projector outdoors.
If you want a tiny speaker that gets really loud, the JBL Charge 5 is exactly that.
It also makes it a good fit for parties.
The sound is clear, the bass is surprisingly nice given the size of this speaker and there are no disappointments in its audio performance.
It has a battery life estimated at 20 hours and it takes 4 hours to charge it.
7. Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4Ch
This complex system can be perfect for those who are looking for the best speakers for projector for a home theater setting.
It’s an expensive system. But it’s absolutely fabulous for those who can afford paying more than $1,000 on one.
Features
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4Ch is truly powerful. To give you an idea, it has a power consumption 3-4 times higher than most projectors.
It’s an absolute powerhouse, which is absolutely not suited for small spaces. Or for people who just want a simple setup that needs no calibration and no configuration of various pieces around a large room.
If you take a look at the remote control, you’ll just see how complex the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4Ch is. That remote control has more buttons than my TV’s remote control.
However, it’s very helpful because it can make things less complicated.
Now, let’s see about that unique 9.2.4 configuration.
There are 6 full range drivers and 2 high frequency tweeters in the 45-inch soundbar.
2 wireless subwoofers.
And 4 satellite speakers, which are also called modular surround effects speakers.
There’s a total of 18 drivers.
The wireless subwoofers are big and powerful. It’s definitely all about power.
We also get 4 HDMIs and there’s the possibility to establish a Bluetooth connection.
All in all, the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4Ch can satisfy the needs of people with large home theater rooms who look for the ultimate surround sound experience. It’s the perfect choice for projectors placed in large rooms.
We actually get to adjust this system based on room size from the remote control. We get options for: large room 22×22 feet, medium at 18×18 feet and small at 14×14 feet.
There are also 3 pre-configured modes to choose from, which are based on the distance between you and the projector screen.
We can also adjust the bass volume.
And we can adjust the treble and the center and surround speakers volume.
It maintains superb audio performance at all volume levels.
8. Vizio M-Series 5.1
If you’re looking for one of the most affordable 5.1 configurations, you’re going to love the Vizio M-Series 5.1.
It will work for a home theater setting for those on a budget. And I believe that it will deliver much more than what we pay for it.
However, I should also mention that it has its faults. There are negative user reviews that have mentioned that the Vizio M-Series 5.1 has stopped working after a few months.
Of course, there are a lot of satisfied buyers but we must always take the negative reviews into account, as well.
Features
Since this is a 5.1 audio system, we get: a soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and 2 satellite speakers. It’s a classic.
Also, the components are fairly easy to set-up. Even beginners will be able to figure it out pretty quickly.
The 2 satellite speakers have power cords that are long enough to mount them, if that’s what the configuration you want.
What I appreciate the most about the Vizio M-Series 5.1 is that we can get surround sound for a pretty affordable price. That’s its main selling point.
It will also produce impressive audio quality for what it costs. While it is an affordable system, the audio performance is extremely satisfactory.
We can connect it to our projector via HDMI or Bluetooth. Since most projectors only have a HDMI port, if you have more than one device that you want to connect in this way, you will have to buy a HDMI splitter.
Or you can connect the Vizio M-Series 5.1 via Bluetooth to your source device (laptop, PC, streaming device) and leave the HDMI port on your projector free for your source device.
9. Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Even people who are not audiophiles have heard the name Harman Kardon .
Frankly, if I were to choose between this Harman Kardon and the Bose SoundLink Flex, a comparison between two very well-loved brands, I would choose the Bose as one of the best speakers for projector. And I would save about $50 by making that choice.
While I really like the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4, the price around $200 is a bit over my budget.
And I love the Edifier R1280DBS a lot more. However, not everyone is me.
And the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has amazingly high reviews that mention how much they love this tiny thing.
I will admit that I love the design.
Features
There’s no aux in jack so we can only do a connection via Wi-Fi or via Bluetooth. That will be a con for quite a few of you.
The features that makes this Harman Kardon stand out are: crisp sound, surprising amount of bass for such a small size, and the potential to be functional a very long time. Those are 3 very strong selling points when we’re shopping for the best speakers for projector. You just have to be willing to spend a lot to get them.
The battery supports up to 8 hours of playtime. However, I should mention that the battery won’t last that long, not at all. I would say that battery life is a con because it can be quite short at full volume.
It might also seems that it’s louder when it’s plugged in.
We can connect up to 100+ HK connect+ enabled speakers. Well, given how expensive these tiny things are, for some of us it’s enough if we can buy one.
And we can also connect up to 2 smart devices at the same time.
When it comes to sound and bass quality, I’m in love and in awe. When it comes to how much it costs, my excitement drops a level.
As you can see, there are many wonderful options for the best speakers for projector, which means that we can find the right product for us that meets our budget, needs, and expectations.
Best speakers for projector FAQs
Let’s answer some quick questions about the best speakers for projector.
1. Can I hook up a speaker to my projector?
The easiest way to do it is via an audio cable because most projector have an Audio port. Another option is to establish a Bluetooth connection either with pairing it with your projector if it comes with Bluetooth support or establish a Bluetooth connection with your smartphone, laptop, tablet, etc. which means connecting our speakers to our source device. There are also speakers that allow a HDMI connection. Nowadays, pretty much all projectors come with HDMI in. If you have more than one device that you want to connect in this way, you will have to buy a HDMI splitter.
2. Do you need separate speakers for a projector?
Pretty much all projectors come with a built-in speaker(s). Some built-in speakers are really not good enough on their own. There are some projectors that have decent enough built-in speakers so we might not need to look for external audio. However, if you want the full experience, I totally recommend buying some amazing speakers for your projector, if you can afford it. It also depends how much of an audiophile you are. Some people might certainly be satisfied with the audio from the built-in speaker that pretty much all projectors include nowadays.
3. How can I make my projector louder?
The best way is to look for some of the best speakers for projectors. Most of us can definitely not be satisfied with the audio quality that the built-in speaker that comes with our projector produces.
4. What kind of speakers do you need for a projector?
There are many wonderful speakers to choose from. It depends on the type of speaker(s) you want, whether you want it to be Bluetooth, wireless, wired, whether you want a soundbar, a lone speaker or bookshelf speakers or a whole 5.1 audio system or even more complex. The type of speakers we buy for a projector depends on various factors, including our budget, the type of connection we want to establish, how big or small we want our speakers to be, the size of the space we want to cover, etc. My recommendations for the best speakers for projector cover all these factors by reviewing a wide variety of speakers and systems to choose from.
