Are you trying to decide on in-wall vs bookshelf speakers? If so, there are a few things you need to know about that will help you figure out which are the best speakers for you. Both have their advantages and disadvantages regarding sound, style, reliability, and cost.
Key Takeaways_
- In-wall speakers are a great choice if you prioritize the look of your room and save space above other considerations.
- In-wall speakers of comparable quality will generally still be more expensive than bookshelf models due to the cost of custom installation.
- The bass response of bookshelf speakers is generally superior to that of in-wall models, though the latter can still sound good if they’re correctly installed.
While looking into speakers, you may want to look into in-wall speakers vs. on-wall speakers. You could also read about other audio option comparisons like soundbar 3.1 vs. 5.1.
Comparing Bookshelf Speakers vs In-wall Speakers
In-wall speakers are installed directly into a wall without a speaker cabinet. They’re a more recent addition to the market that can lend a discrete, modern look to your entertainment room and save space, while large bookshelf speakers take up a lot of room.
insider tip
Most in-wall speakers feature adjustable woofers that allow you to calibrate your installation for the best possible bass response.
Speakers installed inside your wall have some drawbacks compared to more traditional bookshelf speakers in terms of cost, sound quality, and convenience, which may make them a less attractive option, depending on your listening priorities and budget.
STAT: The dynamic speaker was invented in 1925. (source)
Sound Quality
In-wall speakers are a more modern design than bookshelf speakers and have benefitted from the improvements to consumer audio quality in recent years. However, there are some areas where they sacrifice ergonomics and aesthetics for sound quality. While the frequency response range of these speakers is generally equal to that of conventional designs, they can suffer in terms of bass reproduction since these frequencies can be absorbed to varying degrees by the walls into which they’re installed.
Most in-wall models feature adjustable woofers that allow users to “dial in” the optimal angle and positions for the best bass performance, but you may notice that they’re at least initially a little “thinner” sounding than traditional bookshelf speakers.
Cost
While the price ranges of bookshelf and in-wall speakers are similar for comparable models (in terms of size, build quality, features, etc.), in-wall speakers require custom installation. This extra cost can vary quite a bit depending on whether you do the job yourself or hire a professional. You’ll also have to consider what your walls are made of and how big the speakers are. Bookshelf speakers have the edge here.
warning
In-wall speakers always carry extra installation costs, whether DIY or done by a professional.
Style & Space
One of the main advantages of in-wall speakers is the fact that they can integrate discreetly into the look of a room, which is a selling point for many. It’s even possible (though it can be costly) to custom install speakers that can be hidden with the push of a button or using a voice assistant, such as Alexa, when not in use.
While plenty of sleek, modern-looking bookshelf speaker designs are available on the market, they take up more space and are harder to match to your decor.
