Buying a pair of Powered Bookshelf Speakers is a quick and easy way to start an affordable hi-fi system. With these speakers, a good portion of the work has been done for you, as the amplification is provided and matched to the speakers, plus in some cases, matched sources are provided as well.

All you need to do is set the speakers up on stands, connect a single speaker wire, plug them into the wall, and you’re ready to go.

We have over 20 years of experience evaluating and reviewing both passive and powered speakers, so we know how to pick the best speakers for the money.

More: How To Build A Mind-Blowing Affordable Hifi System In 5 Steps!

For more information on purchasing speakers, check out our Speakers Buying Guide:

The Ultimate Home Speaker Buying Guide For Audiophiles (2023)

Here are our picks for the Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers Under $1000!

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The List:

Value Pick: PSB Alpha AM5 Powered Bookshelf Speakers ($749)

Specs:

• Amplification: 50 watts RMS per speaker
• 5-1/4″ polypropylene midbass woofer
• 3/4″ aluminum tweeter with front waveguide
• bass-reflex design
• Bluetooth with aptX audio streaming
• dedicated phono input (MM)
• 3.5mm auxiliary input
• optical digital input
• mini Type B USB input
• RCA subwoofer output
• IR Remote Control

What we love about them: Full, Engaging Sound; Comprehensive Feature Set; Easy to Use; Excellent DSP and EQ Settings

What to think about: Could use a touch more transparency

For $749, the Alpha AM5 Powered Bookshelf Speaker gives you a complete audio system at a price that isn’t too far above the excellent passive Alpha speakers they are based on. With quality components (like an amp circuit pulled from NAD) handpicked by legendary speaker designer Paul Barton, this system gives you all the high-end hi-fi sound you expect from PSB speakers with minimal effort.

They could use just a touch more transparency, but they have good detail and imaging along with an excellent bass response. We also love the built-in studio-quality DSP/EQ which tailors the sound if need be.

So if you’re short on know-how, cash, or space, and you want to dip your toes in hi-fi, these speakers should make you very happy. With this setup and a smartphone, you can have a hi-fi rig up and running in minutes.

For: For music lovers that want a simple yet capable “plug and play” hi-fi system.

Full Review

Buy: Amazon or Crutchfield

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Best Overall: Kanto TUK Powered Speakers ($899)

Specs:

• Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter
• 5-1/4″ aluminum woofer
• bass-reflex (ported) cabinet
• Frequency response: 40-20,000 Hz
• 130 watt Class D amplifier
• Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX-HD audio codec
• Toslink digital optical input
• Stereo RCA input
• Stereo RCA phono input
• Mono RCA subwoofer output
• Type-B USB input
• USB Type-A charging port
• Front-mounted 3.5mm headphone output

What we love about them: Superb Build Quality; Beautiful Design; Remarkably Balanced Sound; Built-In Headphone Amp

What to think about: Sound lacks a little depth and width

The first time we listened to the TUKs, we listened to them for about 3 hours straight. We couldn’t pull ourselves away from them. We loved the way the music just drew us in. Their highly accurate AMT tweeters and metal woofers provide nicely focused imaging, good detail, and just enough bass to give music the proper weight. They are very refined for the price, with excellent tonal balance.

There are also many connections, so you can pretty much plug in any source, including a turntable. AptX-HD provides amazing Bluetooth sound if you’re device is compatible. So if you’re looking for a set of audiophile-quality powered speakers that are simple to operate and will bring your music to life, these are worth checking out.

For: Those who want the best sounding active speakers under $1000

Full Review

Buy: Amazon or Crutchfield

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Wi-Fi Streaming Pick: SVS Prime Wireless Powered Speaker System ($599)

Specs:

• 1″ aluminum dome tweeter
• 4-1/2″ composite glass-fiber mid/woofer
• 50-watt RMS Class D amplifier for each driver
• Built-in dual-band Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 4.0 with AAC and aptX codecs
• Digital optical input
• 3.5mm stereo minijack input
• RCA stereo input
• USB port for firmware updates
• Mono subwoofer output
• Ethernet port

What we love about them: Big sound for their size, speakers and streamer for the price of a streamer; access to tons of music right out of the box;

What to think about: No Physical Remote; A little thin in the Bass department

The SVS Prime Wireless System is an enchanting all-in-one hi-fi system that impressed us based on its crazy value for the money. It only costs $599, and for that meager amount, you get two gloss finish bookshelf speakers, 200 watts of amplification, a ton of inputs/outputs, and a DTS‌ Play-Fi streamer.

Play-Fi opens the door to thousands of songs from many streaming services (TIDAL, Spotify, Qobuz, etc.)– provided you have a paid subscription– or music stored on a local network drive. You can also plug in a compact disk player or transport if you want to go old skool.

When we reviewed these speakers earlier this year, I‌ was shocked at the large-scale sound emitted from these relatively compact speakers. The two bookshelf speakers disappeared from my stands, the soundstage was wide, and the bass was respectable for a system with two 4.5 inch midbass/woofers.

That said, if you want earth-shaking bass, you will need a sub. Fortunately, SVS specializes in subwoofers, so they can sell you one that will match perfectly.

For: Those looking for a complete hi-fi system (including a wi-fi streamer) that won’t break the bank.

Full Review

Buy: Amazon or Crutchfield

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