7 Best DJ Speakers of 2024

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Maybe the best thing about being a DJ is that you don’t need to invest thousands of dollars to look and sound professional when performing live.

All you have to do is get a beginner DJ controller or software to mix your tracks with your DJ laptop, prepare your playlist, and create a memorable set.

But I know that isn't the end of the story — people will still need to actually hear you mix. Unless you play in a venue with an in-house PA system, you’ll need to bring speakers that can accurately play your sets and galvanize your audience.

And that's exactly where we all find ourselves lost: how am I supposed to pick between the hundreds of options in the market?

You'll definitely need a powerful PA system to perform live, but also accurate studio monitors to practice your mixes and, why not, even create your own tracks. Picking a loudspeaker is all about balancing specs to strike the perfect match in terms of power, sound quality, and portability.

Today I'll talk about the best DJ speakers, with a particular focus on speaker rigs you can use to sound loud and clear when performing live. But I’ll also throw in a couple of great studio monitors that can sustain a small house party — so you can enjoy your sets in a more... relaxed environment.

And while I think the JBL SRX835P is the perfect combination of power, versatility, and great sound quality, there are many valid options out there you should consider if you want to get the best DJ speakers for your needs. Let's dive right in!

Best DJ Speakers

This list takes into account all possible requirements a DJ might have: whether it’s professional nearfield monitors or powerful speaker rigs to play in big venues or house parties, I tried to offer a few options for all needs.

Regardless of your experience and level, all the speakers below are great at what they do and offer outstanding value for money, so my recommendation is to identify your needs, choose your budget, and get one as soon as you can.

This 3-way powered speaker excels in clarity and detailed imaging, and the 2000W peak power is enough to galvanize audiences in most environments suitable for a portable PA system.

However, it’s the technology that makes the JBL SRX835P truly stand out: using the HiQnet networking software on a tablet or PC, you'll be able to use the HiQnet Audio Architect and Performance Manager to configure and optimize your sound using an intuitive and powerful interface.

Finally, the built-in DSP, multiple connectivity options, and robust design make the JBL SRX835P a power to be reckoned with when it comes to DJ speakers. The only drawback might be the price, but if you want a loudspeaker that can last a lifetime, then pretty much any JBL loudspeaker will do.

What could be improved:

• Very expensive

What makes the Mackie SRM450 are the exceptional features available to craft the perfect sound for your DJ sets: the High-Definition Audio Processing button ensures the sound coming out of your PA system is as clear and detailed as possible, while the Feedback Destroyer prevents any audio disturbances from compromising your performance.

Easy to install, lightweight, and customizable: the Mackie SRM450 is one of the finest loudspeakers for DJs of all genres and levels of experience. There's no doubt in my mind that this portable speaker should be part of the audio equipment of the DJ constantly on the road.

And of course, considering you're getting almost the same specs as the JBL SRX835P at pretty much half the price, this turns out to be a bargain that's pretty hard to ignore.

We've conducted a full review of the Mackie SRM450 – check it out to learn more.

What could be improved:

• Not as powerful as other options

This one is nothing short of an all-rounder speaker you can't go wrong with. The ZLX series offers excellent performance for every live application at an affordable price, and the 15BT is a great combination of power (1000W with a class D amplifier) and technology that DJs will undoubtedly love.

The 15" woofer, reaching down to 55Hz, creates a deep soundstage that can ignite your sets, but if you want even more low-end, the ZLX-15BT provides seamless compatibility with the ELX-118 sub.

This powered PA speaker comes with auto-limiting to prevent damage and various EQ curve presets to customize your sounds to your needs. Finally, the built-in Bluetooth connectivity option can save you plenty of time setting up your equipment and also unleash your creativity.

If you’re looking for a reliable PA system, you can carry with you at all times and has enough power to enhance your DJ sets; this powered speaker should definitely be a part of it. And even more so if you're looking for something more... modest than the JBL SRX835P or the Mackie SRM450.

What could be improved:

• Somewhat narrow frequency range

I wouldn’t recommend using nearfield monitors for small shows for a variety of reasons. However, if there’s no other option, there are studio monitors that can be customized to meet the expectation of a small crowd in an indoor get-together.

This 3-way studio monitor is designed to help you craft the best possible sound in the recording studio, with a balanced sound, wide imaging, and distortion-free reproduction. The ROKIT 10 is also endlessly configurable, thanks to the cutting-edge DSP and the KRK app to adjust EQ, speaker placement, and crossover settings.

If you want to use them for the occasional house parties, the ROKIT 10 comes with a brickwall limiter that prevents damage and a 10" Kevlar cone that can deliver the enveloping low-end you need. Naturally, these won't deliver as much power as the previous entries on my list — but they can be fantastic for producers and DJs who aren't as keen on playing live.

What could be improved:

• Not the best for playing live

Here’s a fantastic bundle for DJs! Unlike the other speakers featured in this list, the PRORECK Club 3000 comes with two subwoofers (one active and one passive), two 4x4” array speakers (so eight in total), and two speaker stands, giving you everything you need for your indoor and outdoor DJ sets.

What's more, the seamless Bluetooth connectivity and wireless audio streaming control give you plenty of freedom to experiment with your live performances.

The PA system is easy to move around, with a wide range of connectivity features: four channel inputs, divided between RCA, XLR, and stereo 6.35mm, give you plenty of connectivity options for all purposes, from live events to home cinema. Finally, the subs feature sound-absorbing foam and resonant MDF construction that ensures a high-quality sound even when you make the most of the 4000W the PRORECK Club 3000 offers.

This affordable set of speakers sounds crisp even at high frequencies and offers good sound quality and a broad frequency range, making it one of the best-powered speaker bundles in the market. And yes, the sound definition may not be as good as the JBL SRX835P or the Electro-Voice ZLX-15BT — but boy does it deliver in terms of power.

What could be improved:

• Not the best sound
• Hard to move around

The sound coming out of the 10” ferrite LF driver is deep and enveloping, while the 1.75” titanium diaphragm compression driver does a great job at reproducing a detailed and engaging soundstage, also thanks to the patented AFAST technology that ensures accuracy and balance throughout the spectrum.

The XPRS 10 comes with four EQ modes to adjust your sound and a plethora of protective features to extend the life of your PA system. DJ sets coming out of a pair of XPRS 10 will feel natural, immersive, and enhancing in all environments, from small gatherings to outdoor events with hundreds of listeners.

Low, medium, and high frequencies are carefully represented, and this powered speaker delivers a tight bass that DJs and music producers will love. Distortion-free even at peak power, the Pioneer Pro Audio XPRS 10 will be heard loud and clear in all circumstances.

Being Pioneer, one of the leaders in audio equipment for DJs, you might want to consider buying your whole DJ gear from them (Mixer, Pioneer DJ software, speakers) to ensure seamless compatibility between every component.

The XPRS 10 fares surprisingly well against the top entries on my list, and makes for a fantastic middle ground between something like the JBL SRX835P and the KRK ROKIT 10.

What could be improved:

• Lacks a bit of low frequencies
• Not the best for professional DJs

Just like the ROKIT 10, the A7V is designed to be used as nearfield monitors, so it's not ideal for DJ sets. However, this monitor offers the engaging sound and power to put on a high-quality show for your family or friends.

Despite being a monitor speaker, the Adam Audio A7V can deliver a great bass sound: the overall sound quality is among the best in the world of nearfield monitors, making it one of the best speakers that combine flat frequency response and the engaging sound most DJ speakers offer.

Thanks to its 7" MLM (Multi-Layer Mineral) woofer, the Adam Audio A7V carefully combines power and clarity with a DSP-based acoustic tuning that'll adjust the output based on your surroundings. Sound accuracy, distortion-free performance, and cutting-edge technology make the Adam Audio A7V the perfect option for producer who wants to transform their studio space into a private club.

However, if you're trying to decide between the ROKIT 10 and the A7V, keep in mind that the ROKIT 10 offers more than double the power, while the A7V is designed almost exclusively for mixing and producing.

What could be improved:

• Not suited for live venues
• Somewhat expensive

Buyer’s Guide

Whenever I'm looking for new loudspeakers, I don't just focus on loudness and raw power. Although power output is important, there are other aspects I take into account to pick out the best options in the market.

Sound Quality

The best DJ speakers are the ones that deliver transparent reproduction and no distortion, even at high volumes. It might seem obvious, but often cheap speakers tend to emphasize lower frequencies, create distortion, or generate crackling sounds because of subpar cables or inputs.

All these factors can have a negative impact on your live performance, so I usually go for DJ speakers that are reliable, with a natural bass response and balanced sound texture at all volumes — which is crucial when you want to achieve professional results.

Power Output

The power necessary to ignite your shows depends not only on the size of the venue but also on how packed it'll be. My rule of thumb is that you'll need 5 watts per person for indoor shows and double that for outdoor gigs. So if you have 100 people attending your DJ set, you'll need a 500W speaker rig indoors and a 1000W PA system outdoors, at the very least.

Passive/Active Speaker

Active speakers (or powered speakers) have built-in amplifiers that allow you to connect them directly to your mixer or deck to make your set audible to the audience. On the other hand, with passive DJ speakers, you’ll need an external amplifier to complete your mixing gear.

While venues might have a rack of amplifiers you can use to connect passive DJ speakers, powered speakers are better suited for DJs as they require less gear and are easier to use and carry around. You'll notice that pretty much all entries on my list are powered speakers, as I believe them to be the superior choice in most situations.

Size/Portability

If you’re performing regularly and don’t have anyone helping you carry your gear around, choosing a portable PA system might greatly simplify your life and make the morning after the show back pain-free.

It all comes down to power vs. weight: bulkier speakers are generally louder but difficult to transport, while lightweight PA systems are easier to move around but less powerful.

Bear in mind that many venues have their own speaker rig, so as your career progresses, you might not need to take your PA system with you at all times. However, if you perform mostly in-house parties and weddings, you'll need to think carefully about the average venues and audience you deal with.

Connectivity

The most common connections you'll find in DJ speakers are XLR, TRS, and RCA. I find these crucial if I want to buy speakers that can last a long time and still be usable when I upgrade the rest of my gear.

However, you might want to consider speakers that also feature Bluetooth connectivity or a built-in USB media player to get some wires out of the equation and simplify your setup.

Budget

Often, buying DJ speakers is an investment for the future. Where will you be performing next year or in a couple of years? Defining the ideal location and venue size of your upcoming gigs will give you an idea of the type of speakers you'll need to fill spaces with sound.

Spending less than $500 on a new pair of DJ speakers might be risky as I doubt they’ll offer the sound quality, power, and reliability you need when performing. Anything from $500 to $2000 can be a good starting point, but again, requirements change depending on venue and audience size, the genre you play, and how loud you want to be. Allocate enough budget for a reliable DJ controller, headphones, and software.

FAQ

What is the difference between active and passive DJ speakers?

Active speakers, or powered speakers, come with a built-in amplifier, meaning you can connect them straight to your mixer or deck and start your show. They're generally more expensive than passive DJ speakers but are easier to use and require less gear.

Passive speakers are still a valid option for DJs but require an external amplifier, which will then need to be connected to your DJ deck. With passive speakers, it's easier to customize your sound, and they're less prone to damage. For the sake of simplicity, I'd opt for active speakers.

How do I connect a DJ speaker to my mixer/controller?

Your DJ mixer or controller comes with a main output, which you'll need to connect with one of the speaker's inputs: you can do so using the appropriate cable, which will be either an XLR-to-XLR, an RCA-to-RCA or an XLR-to-RCA cable.

If you use a passive DJ speaker, instead of connecting your controller to the speakers directly, you'll need to connect to the power amplifier and then connect the power amplifier to the speakers.

To test your setup, turn everything on (mixer, speakers, and power amp if you have it), test the volume, and ensure the connection between the audio source and the DJ speaker is stable.

How do I set up and position my DJ speakers for optimal sound?

Speakers should point at your audience, so place them on both sides of your DJ booth and have the speakers at the ear level of your listeners, pointing towards the center of the dancefloor.

Remember to leave some space between the back of your speakers and the nearest wall, as proximity might cause boundary gain unless they're front-ported speakers.

Do I need a subwoofer with my DJ speakers?

Most electronic genres require a powerful bass response, which is the prerogative of a subwoofer. While tops can provide you with a clear audio reproduction, the earth-shaking effect of heavy-bass music is something only a sub can offer.

It all comes down to your genre and where you’ll be performing, but generally speaking, a subwoofer can make your music set more engaging and powerful.

Can I use regular home speakers for DJing?

Nothing prevents you from using home speakers or nearfield monitors to perform live, but bear in mind this setup will only work in small, indoor environments. In fact, in the list above, you'll find a couple of studio monitors that might work well for small gigs, so if you're looking for an option that'd work well both in the studio and small venues, I'd suggest you give the A7V and ROKIT a try, although neither of them is a DJ speaker as such. If you're aiming exclusively at performing live, consider the other speakers in this list.

Can I use DJ speakers for producing and recording music?

No, you can't use DJ speakers to record, mix, or master music. A DJ speaker is designed to make music louder but won't reproduce the nuances and details of your track, meaning you won't be able to make accurate decisions during the post-production of your song.

For music production, you’ll need to look into studio monitors.

Can I connect multiple DJ speakers together?

You can connect more than two speakers together by using a daisy chain setup, which allows you to connect various speakers in a linear sequence. While in this way you’ll obtain a wider sound system, you’ll need to take into account sound degradation and a higher impedance load.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide will help you choose the best DJ speakers for your needs!

To summarize, if you need a reliable speaker rig for your shows only, choose the JBL SRX835P: built to last, easy to customize, straightforward I/O, and deep bass, it’s simply the perfect option for DJs of all levels.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that won't limit you too much, I'd opt for the Mackie SRM450: great sound quality, powerful, and versatile, it’s a valid option for those who are running a bit tighter on budget.

Good luck!