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Sounds Good, Looks Good: The Most Stylish Speakers We've Seen

We've tested scores of wireless and PC speakers. These are the ones that will please both your ears and your eyes.

Tim Gideon
 & Tim Gideon Contributing Editor, Audio

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Our Expert
LOOK INSIDE PC LABS HOW WE TEST
65 EXPERTS
43 YEARS
41,500+ REVIEWS

Overview

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Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. Read our editorial mission & see how we test.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Related:
The Best Bluetooth and Wireless Speakers for 2026The Best Computer Speakers for 2026The Best Outdoor Speakers for 2026Bose Drops Revised 'Lifestyle Ultra' Smart Speaker, Soundbar, SubwooferWho Needs a Soundbar? I Turned My Living Room Into a Dolby Atmos Theater Using This Alexa Feature
  • Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
    Best for Most Alexa Users

    Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • As powerful as the Echo Plus
      • Strong bass for the size
      • Built-in smart home hub
      • High frequencies don't get quite as much finesse as they could
      • Alexa can still be awkward to talk to

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The fourth-generation Amazon Echo speaker takes the sound quality and smart home hub capabilities of the Echo Plus and puts it in a new round package.

    Specs & Configurations

    Bluetooth
    Built-In Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa
    Channels Mono
    Multi-Room
    Physical Connections 3.5mm
    Wi-Fi
    Get It Now
    Learn More Amazon Echo (4th Gen) Review
  • Audioengine A5+ Wireless
    Audiophiles

    Audioengine A5+ Wireless

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Excellent audio performance with solid bass depth and clarity throughout the frequency range.
      • High-quality Bluetooth streaming with 24-bit upsampling.
      • Wired connectivity options.
      • Can be used with a subwoofer.
      • No source knob.
      • Limited remote control.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Audioengine's A5+ Wireless speakers deliver a stellar sonic experience aimed at audiophiles with 24-bit upsampling to ensure high-quality Bluetooth audio.

    Specs & Configurations

    Bluetooth
    Channels Stereo
    Physical Connections 3.5mm
    Physical Connections Stereo RCA
    Voice Assistant None
    Get It Now
    Learn More Audioengine A5+ Wireless Review Review
  • Marshall Kilburn

    Marshall Kilburn

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Excellent audio performance with adjustable bass and treble.
      • Cool retro amplifier design.
      • No speakerphone functionality.
      • Unique look isn't for everyone.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Marshall Kilburn portable Bluetooth speaker delivers a powerful audio performance that can be tweaked to your liking.

    Specs & Configurations

    Bluetooth
    Channels Stereo
    Physical Connections 3.5mm
    Portable
    Get It Now
    Learn More Marshall Kilburn Review Review
  • B&O Play Beolit 17

    B&O Play Beolit 17

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Excellent audio performance with subwoofer-like bass response and clear highs.
      • Attractive, refined design with easy-to-operate control panel.
      • EQ can be adjusted using free app.
      • Expensive.
      • DSP can squash dynamics at high volume levels and flirts with distortion on deep bass, but only at top volumes.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The B&O Play Beolit 17 speaker provides a bass-forward, balanced Bluetooth audio experience at a slightly lower price than its predecessor.

    Specs & Configurations

    Bluetooth
    Channels Stereo
    Multi-Room
    Physical Connections 3.5mm
    Physical Connections USB
    Portable
    Speakerphone
    Water-Resistant
    Wi-Fi
    Get It Now
    Learn More B&O Play Beolit 17 Review Review
  • Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)
    Best for Style Lovers

    Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Powerful, rich, well-defined audio
      • Handsome design
      • Waterproof build
      • Supports Amazon Alexa
      • Expensive for the size
      • Mono

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The outdoor-friendly Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) speaker offers a strong mix of style and audio performance.

    Specs & Configurations

    Bluetooth
    Built-In Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa
    Channels Mono
    Physical Connections USB-C
    Portable
    Speakerphone
    Water-Resistant
    Get It Now
    Learn More Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) Review
  • Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin (2021)
    Most Iconic Design

    Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin (2021)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Powerful audio performance with rich bass and detailed highs
      • Stylish, iconic design
      • App includes adjustable bass and treble settings
      • Built-in Amazon Alexa voice control
      • Stereo separation could be more pronounced
      • Expensive
      • Digital signal processing isn't for purists

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The 2021 model of the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin speaker delivers wonderful, high-fidelity wireless audio from a strikingly designed enclosure, with built-in support for Amazon's Alexa voice assistant.

    Specs & Configurations

    Bluetooth
    Built-In Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa
    Channels 2.1
    Multi-Room
    Physical Connections USB-C
    Wi-Fi
    Get It Now
    Learn More Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin (2021) Review
  • Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4
    Best for Iconic Design

    Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Balanced, powerful 2.1-channel audio performance
      • Iconic transparent design
      • Long cables for ideal stereo separation
      • All physical controls are located on the subwoofer
      • No adjustable EQ or sub settings

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 are a 20th anniversary, Bluetooth-compatible update to the classic 2.1-channel speakers, and they remain just as compelling as ever.

    Specs & Configurations

    Bluetooth
    Built-In Voice Assistant None
    Channels 2.1
    Physical Connections 3.5mm
    Get It Now
    Learn More Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 Review
  • Apple HomePod mini
    Best for Smart Siri audio for less

    Apple HomePod mini

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Solid audio performance with rich bass and bright highs
      • Multiple speakers can be grouped and used as stereo pairs
      • Easy Siri voice control
      • Good Apple Home app integration for smart home controls
      • Not the absolute best audio quality for the price
      • No aux input

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Apple HomePod mini speaker offers Siri voice assistance and smart home control in an attractive little orb design for just $99, but the Amazon Echo delivers substantially more audio power for the same price.

    Specs & Configurations

    Built-In Voice Assistant Apple Siri
    Channels Mono
    Multi-Room
    Physical Connections None
    Speakerphone
    Wi-Fi
    Get It Now
    Learn More Apple HomePod mini Review
  • JBL Go 3 Portable Waterproof Speaker (Black)
    Super-Affordable Waterproof Audio

    JBL Go 3 Portable Waterproof Speaker (Black)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Rich, crisp, relatively powerful audio for the size
      • Compact, easily portable design
      • Fully waterproof
      • Affordable
      • No speakerphone
      • Limited onboard controls
      • Weak battery life

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    JBL's Go 3 speaker delivers solid wireless audio performance in a waterproof, easily portable design for a low price.

    Specs & Configurations

    Bluetooth
    Built-In Voice Assistant None
    Channels Mono
    Physical Connections USB
    Portable
    Water-Resistant
    Get It Now
    Learn More JBL Go 3 Review
  • Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage
    The Best-Looking Soundbar

    Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage

    3.5 Good

    Pros & Cons

      • Delivers refined, rich low-frequency depth and crisp, detailed highs
      • Attractive design
      • Supports Dolby Atmos
      • Good companion app
      • Expensive
      • Not for those seeking theater-like rumble
      • No subwoofer output or wireless sub support
      • No remote

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage is the most attractive soundbar we’ve tested, and it has a bright, rich sound signature—but don’t expect sub-bass rumble.

    Specs & Configurations

    Bluetooth
    Built-In Voice Assistant None
    Channels Stereo
    Multi-Room
    Physical Connections 3.5mm
    Physical Connections HDMI
    Wi-Fi
    Get It Now
    Learn More Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage Review
Sounds Good, Looks Good: The Most Stylish Speakers We've Seen

Compare Specs

Select Up To 3Select Up To 2
Your Selections
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

Audioengine A5+ Wireless

Audioengine A5+ Wireless

Marshall Kilburn

Marshall Kilburn

Our Pick
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
Audioengine A5+ Wireless
Audioengine A5+ Wireless
Marshall Kilburn
Marshall Kilburn
B&O Play Beolit 17
B&O Play Beolit 17
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin (2021)
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin (2021)
Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4
Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4
Apple HomePod mini
Apple HomePod mini
JBL Go 3 Portable Waterproof Speaker (Black)
JBL Go 3 Portable Waterproof Speaker (Black)
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
Audioengine A5+ Wireless
Audioengine A5+ Wireless
Marshall Kilburn
Marshall Kilburn
Rating
4.5 Outstanding
4.5 Outstanding
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
3.5 Good
4.5 Outstanding
4.5 Outstanding
4.5 Outstanding
Best For
Best for Most Alexa Users
Audiophiles
Best for Style Lovers
Most Iconic Design
Best for Iconic Design
Best for Smart Siri audio for less
Super-Affordable Waterproof Audio
The Best-Looking Soundbar
Best for Most Alexa Users
Audiophiles
Wi-Fi
Water-Resistant
Voice Assistant
NoneNone
Speakerphone
Portable
Physical Connections
3.5mm3.5mm, Stereo RCA3.5mm3.5mm, USBUSB-CUSB-C3.5mmNoneUSBHDMI, 3.5mm3.5mm3.5mm, Stereo RCA3.5mm
Multi-Room
Channels
MonoStereoStereoStereoMono2.12.1MonoMonoStereoMonoStereoStereo
Built-In Voice Assistant
Amazon AlexaAmazon AlexaAmazon AlexaNoneApple SiriNoneNoneAmazon Alexa
Bluetooth

Buying Guide: Sounds Good, Looks Good: The Most Stylish Speakers We've Seen

Audio performance is our top criteria for reviewing speakers, but aesthetics matter too. No one wants a hideous hunk of plastic pumping out tunes in their living room, regardless of how good it sounds. Not all stylish speakers back up looks with hi-fi sound, but there are plenty of good-looking speakers with sound to match their looks.

Sometimes, it can feel like there are only two design styles we see with speakers these days: rugged, rubbery outdoor-proof tanks, and rounded, cloth-lined, minimal boxes. Yet, even within these ranks, there are some standout designs, and our goal here is to guide you to be the best-looking speakers that also sound great.

Recommended by Our Editors

The Best Bluetooth and Wireless Speakers for 2026
The Best Bluetooth and Wireless Speakers for 2026
The Best Computer Speakers for 2026
The Best Computer Speakers for 2026
The Best Outdoor Speakers for 2026
The Best Outdoor Speakers for 2026

One note: We live in a wireless world now—not every option here is a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi streaming speaker, but most of them are. Therefore, assume the speaker is wireless unless we point out that it isn’t. We've included a couple of wired options for those who can’t commit to the wireless audio realm just yet, and we've even thrown in some soundbars to make sure you're covered on all bases.

The Best-Looking Headphones for Stylish Music Lovers

Status Audio BT One
Status Audio BT One

Whether you want the coolest wireless earphones for the gym or the most sophisticated noise-cancelling headphones for travel, these style-forward pairs look as good as they sound.

About Our Expert

Tim Gideon

Tim Gideon

Contributing Editor, Audio

My Experience

I've been a contributing editor for PCMag since 2011. Before that, I was PCMag's lead audio analyst from 2006 to 2011. Even though I'm a freelancer now, PCMag has been my home for well over a decade, and audio gear reviews are still my primary focus. Prior to my career in reviewing tech, I worked as an audio engineer—my love of recording audio eventually led me to writing about audio gear.

My Areas of Expertise

  • Headphones and earphones
  • Wireless and computer speakers
  • USB mics
  • Bluetooth headsets

The Technology I Use

Probably because of their prevalence in the recording studios I worked in a long time ago, I am most comfortable on Macs—I'm writing this on the 2019 iMac I use for testing. I also have a MacBook Pro that gets plenty of similar use.

My workspace has a mini recording studio setup, and the the gear I work with there is a mix of items I've used forever (Paradigm Mini Monitors and a McIntosh stereo receiver) and newer gear I use for recording and review testing (such as the Universal Audio Apollo x16).

I'm obsessed with modern boutique analog synths—some of my favorites instruments in this realm are the Landscape Audio Stereo Field and HC-TT,  the Soma Enner, the Koma Field Kit, and the Lorre Mill Keyed Mosstone.

From my studio days, I'm comfortable using Pro Tools, and in recent years have branched out to other realms of creative software, like Adobe Premiere and After Effects.

I stream music, but I also still buy albums, digitally or on vinyl, and encourage anyone who wants fair compensation for musicians and engineers to do the same.

I also play lots of Wordle.

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