Level Up Your Sound System

Speakers don’t have to be complicated. Wirecutter senior audio writer Brent Butterworth tells us about some surprising hacks to improve the sound setup you may already have, and affordable speaker upgrades worthy of consideration.

 

Products we recommend: 

• Best ultra-portable bluetooth speaker: JBL Go 4
• Best budget bluetooth speaker: Tribit StormBox Mini  (sold out)
• Best bluetooth speaker with solid bass: Fender x Teufel Rockster Go 2
• Best computer speakers (upgrade pick): JBL Professional 305P MkII
• Best passive bookshelf speakers (they’ll need an amp): Polk Signature Elite ES15
• Best budget bookshelf speakers: Micca MB42X G2
• Best amp: WiiM Amp
• Best stereo receiver: Sony STR-DH190
• Brent loves this screwdriver: Megapro 13-in-1 Ratcheting Driver 211R2C36RD

 

Additional reading: 

• The 5 Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers of 2025
• The 5 Best Computer Speakers of 2025
• The 5 Best Bookshelf Speakers for Stereo and Surround Sound of 2024
• The 3 Best Home Bluetooth Speakers of 2025
• The Best Stereo Amplifiers and Receivers Under $300 of 2025
• How to Build the Best Multiroom Wireless Speaker System for You
• What Do You Get When You Spend More for Speakers?
• How to Connect Your New Turntable to Any Audio System
• How to Get Great Sound in Your Backyard

 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

 

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

 

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.