36 Types of Speakers: The Comprehensive Guide
What Is This Guide About?
This article lists the current 36 types of speakers, and it’s a comprehensive guide for classification.
This classification guide is a summary of AUSMAN Audio China's more than ten years of experience in speaker manufacturing and export.
In addition to some traditional categories, we also list the current popular speaker categories on the market in recent years.
At the same time, we also list the corresponding manufacturers and brands below each category to facilitate your search for related products.
What Can You Get From This Guide?
By reading this article, even if you are an ordinary consumer, you will know the relevant knowledge and some speaker manufacturers.
When purchasing speaker products in the future, you don't have to spend a lot of time collecting information.
Table of Contents
There are 36 different types of speakers listed in this article.
You can quickly understand the content of the article from the following table, so you find the chapters you are interested in for reading.
l Part1: Traditional Classification
l According to The Place of Use
1. Home speaker
2. Professional speakers
3. Monitor speakers
4. Outdoor speakers
l According to Appearance
5. Floor standing speakers
6. Built-in speakers
7. Bookshelf speakers
8. Satellite speakers
l Divide by position and responsibility
9. Main speakers
10. Center channel speaker
11. Surround speakers
12. Subwoofer
l According to whether there is a power amplifier or not
13. Active speakers
14. Passive speakers
l Divided by Playback Frequency
15. Full-range speakers
16. Subwoofer/Subwoofer
l According to The Structure of The Box
17. Closed speakers
18. Bass Reflex Speakers
19. Acoustic resistance speakers
20. Transmission line speakers
21. Passive Radiating Speakers
22. Coupled cavity speakers
23. Horn Speaker
Part2: The types of Speakers Popular In The Current Market
24. Party Speakers
25. Portable speakers
26. Computer speakers
27. Multimedia speakers
28. PA speakers
29. Trolley speakers
30. RGB speakers
31. Wireless speakers
32. Bluetooth speaker
33. Column speakers
34. DJ speakers
35. Karaoke speaker/DJ speaker system
36. Magnetic Fluid Speakers
37. Retro speaker
To help you better understand speaker classification and features, we bring you this complete guide to speaker types.
Alright, let's get started.
Part1: Traditional Classification
l According to The Place of Use
1. Home Speakers
Home speakers are audio speaker systems designed for use in a home environment.
They are designed to be placed in the living room, living room, entertainment room, or other rooms of the home to provide family members with a high-quality audio experience.
Because the listening distance is relatively close, its sound box performance will be more detailed.
Home speakers typically consist of multiple speaker units, drivers, and electronics to amplify and reproduce audio signals.
They're designed to deliver clear, balanced sound to enjoy detail and stereo sound in your music, movies, TV shows, and games.
There are types of home speakers on the market.
For example, home theater system, multimedia speakers, desktop speakers, smart speakers.
Here are some world-famous home speaker suppliers:
l Focal
l ELAC
l Dynaudio
l JBL
l Polk Audio
l Klipsch
l Bose
l SVS
2. Professional Speakers
A professional loudspeaker is a high-performance loudspeaker system specially designed for music performances, concerts, stage performances, recording studios, and other professional audio applications.
There are types of professional speakers, for example, line array sound systems.
Compared with home speakers, professional speakers usually have higher power output and a wider frequency response range.
Unlike general speaker systems, monitor speakers focus on high-fidelity sound quality and accurate sound reproduction, rather than subjective beautification of sound.
This is because, during audio monitoring and music production, every detail of audio material, spectral balance, and sound localization needs to be heard accurately for accurate adjustments and decisions.
The supplier list of professional speakers:
l KEF
l Bowers & Wilkins
l Bang & Olufsen
l AudioPro
l Fyne Audio
l Elac
l Klipsch
3. Monitor Speakers
A monitor speaker is a high-fidelity speaker system designed specifically for audio monitoring, and music production.
They are widely used in professional audio environments such as recording studios, music production studios and broadcast stations.
It provides an accurate, neutral sound representation, allowing users to hear the true detail and balance of audio material.
Here is the list of studio monitor manufacturers from Wikipedia
l ADAM Audio
l Alesis
l Amphion Loudspeakers
l Barefoot
l Dynaudio
l Edifier
l Focal
4. Outdoor Speakers
An outdoor loudspeaker is a loudspeaker system designed specifically for use in outdoor environments.
They are specially designed to adapt to the outdoor environment, such as waterproof, dustproof, durability and adaptability to different weather conditions.
Outdoor speakers are commonly used in open-air events, outdoor entertainment venues, public venues, and outdoor audio systems.
Commonly used places: open-air places, such as gardens, terraces, swimming pools, parks, and open-air concert venues.
You can find types of outdoor speakers on the website of the following suppliers：
l Sony
l JBL
l BOSE
l Anker
l Pohopa
l Sonos
l Divided by Appearance
5. Floor Standing Speakers
Floorstanding speakers, also known as floor speakers or tower speakers.
They are speaker systems with full frequency response characteristics and are generally larger in size.
This kind of speaker is usually designed as a vertical shape, with a high height, and placed on the ground.
Floorstanding speakers are often used in home audio systems, music performances, and theater experiences to provide high-quality audio effects and musical enjoyment.
You can get different types of floor standing speakers on the supplier list or on the category of AUSMAN Audio.
l SVS Audio
l Sony
l Focal
l Triangle
l Klipsch
l ELAC
l Dayton Audio
l Jamo
l Fyne Audio
6. Built-in Speakers
A built-in speaker is a speaker system designed to be used in an embedded audio system.
They are recessed into walls, ceilings, or other decorative surfaces for discreet and uncluttered installations.
These loudspeakers offer flexible installation positions and extensive sound distribution capabilities.
Built-in speakers are ideal for high-quality audio in homes, businesses, and public spaces.
7. Bookshelf Speakers
A bookshelf speaker is a loudspeaker system that is compactly designed to fit on a bookshelf, table, or other supporting surface.
They are generally used in home audio systems, personal music enjoyment, and small rooms,
They can provide high-quality sound performance in different scenarios.
A common and popular variety in home audio systems.
Look for different types of bookshelf speakers?
Check the website of the suppliers below:
l KEF
l Elac
l B&W
l Mission
l Dali
l Wharfedale
l Triangle
l JBL
8. Satellite Speakers
A satellite speaker is a device used for audio playback, usually in conjunction with an audio system or home theater system.
It is an independent speaker unit that is responsible for outputting high-frequency or mid-high-frequency sound.
Satellite speakers usually have a small size and elegant design, and can be conveniently placed in different locations, such as bookshelves, ledges, or mounted on the wall.
Satellite speakers are widely used in multimedia applications such as home theater systems, music playback systems, and gaming sound systems
Supplier List:
l Bose
l Harman
l JBL
l Sony
l Klipsch Audio
l Polk Audio
l Yamaha
l Logitech
l Sonos
l Bang & Olufsen
Divided By Position and Responsibility
9. Main Speakers
The main speaker is the core speaker unit in an audio system or home theater system.
It is usually the primary loudspeaker in the system responsible for playing the low-to-mid range, producing vocals, mid-range parts of instruments, and bass effects.
Main speakers are usually larger in size and power to provide a more powerful and comprehensive audio performance.
In the audio system, the main speaker is usually placed in the center of the front to ensure a balanced distribution of sound and a good sound field performance
Supplier List:
l Klipsch Audio
l Polk Audio
l Sony
l KEF
l Bowers & Wilkins
l Monitor Audio
l Paradigm Electronics
10. Center Channel Speaker
A center speaker is a speaker unit in an audio or home theater system.
It is positioned front and center and is designed to deliver clear, accurate mid-range sound performance.
The center channel speaker is mainly responsible for playing the mid-range part of vocals, dialogue and instruments to ensure the positioning, and clarity of the sound.
The choice of the center speaker is very important to match with other speakers to ensure the balance and consistency of the audio
11. Surround Speakers
A surround speaker is a speaker unit in an audio or home theater system.
They are designed to create a full range of surround sound effects around the listener, enhancing the immersion and realism of the audio experience.
Surround speaker designs typically focus on extending the audio range and soundstage performance to provide clear, accurate surround sound.
Are you looking for the best type of surround speakers?
Here are some famous suppliers, it will be helpful for you.
l JBL
l Klipsch Audio
l Polk Audio
l Sony Corporation
12. Subwoofers
A subwoofer is a dedicated speaker unit in an audio system or home theater system responsible for playing low-frequency sound effects, especially sounds in the bass frequency range.
It mainly emphasizes heavy bass effects, such as explosions in movies, bass instruments in music, and deep bass effects.
The placement of the subwoofer in the audio system is not fixed, and usually can be placed flexibly to obtain the best audio effect.
Supplier List:
l Sony
l SVS
l Bowers & Wilkins
l Paradigm
l REL
According to Whether There Is A Power Amplifier
We believe that only dividing a speaker into active speakers and passive speakers cannot accurately and completely reflect its performance.
Therefore this classification reader can be used as an aid.
A powered speaker is a speaker integrated with a power amplifier (Amplifier), with a built-in power supply and amplifier. Compared with passive speakers (Passive Speaker), active speakers do not need an external power amplifier, because the power amplifier is already integrated inside.
13. Active Speakers
14. Passive Speakers
Divided by Playback Frequency
15. Full Range Speakers
Full-Range Speaker (3-way speaker) is a speaker unit that can cover a wide frequency range, from bass to treble, and provide comprehensive audio performance.
Full-range speakers are designed to provide a more comprehensive and balanced sound output compared to speaker units that specialize in specific frequency bands, such as woofers, midrange speakers, and tweeters.
Full-range speakers are used in a wide variety of audio applications, including home audio systems, stage speakers, studio monitors, and more.
Supplier List:
l KEF
l Bowers & Wilkins
l Monitor Audio
l Paradigm Electronics
l Focal
Divided by Box Structure
16. Closed speakers
A Sealed Speaker Enclosure is a speaker design in which the interior of the speaker is enclosed, with no open holes or vents.
They are a common speaker design designed to provide accurate, well-controlled audio performance.
Supplier List:
l KEF
l Dynaudio
l Focal
l Revel
l Sonus Faber
l Monitor Audio
l Paradigm Electronics
l ELAC
17. Bass Reflex Speakers
Bass-Reflex Speaker Enclosure (Bass-Reflex Speaker Enclosure) is a speaker design that enhances low-frequency effects by utilizing the bass-reflex opening (or bass hole) inside the speaker.
This design provides a richer, deeper bass response.
Supplier List:
l Klipsch Audio Technologies
l JBL (a division of Harman)
l Polk Audio
l Wharfedale
l Bowers & Wilkins
l Paradigm Electronics
l KEF
l SVS Sound LLC
l ELAC
18. Acoustic Resistance Speakers
A transmission Line Speaker Enclosure is a speaker design that controls the vibration and sound output of the woofer through internal acoustic resistance.
Acoustic resistance is a circuitous pipe with a specific length and cross-sectional area is used to extend the sound wave path generated by the woofer and to enhance the bass effect through the interference and reflection of sound waves.
Supplier List:
l Focal
l Acoustic Energy
l ProAc
l PMC Speakers
l Sonus Faber
19. Transmission Line Speakers
Transmission Line Speaker Enclosure is a speaker design that controls the vibration and sound output of the woofer through the internal Transmission Line.
Supplier List:
l Wilson Audio
l Tannoy
l Bowers & Wilkins
l Martin Logan
l KEF
l Focal
l Acoustic Energy
l ProAc
l PMC Speakers
l Sonus Faber
20. Passive Radiating Speakers
A Passive Radiator Speaker Enclosure is a speaker design that uses a Passive Radiator to enhance bass.
A passive radiator is a diaphragm similar to an active speaker, but instead of having a separate driver, it is driven by the motion of the active speaker.
Supplier List:
l Martin Logan
l SVS Sound LLC
l Definitive Technology
l Monitor Audio
l ELAC
21. Coupled Cavity Speakers
Coupled Cavity Speaker Enclosure (Coupled Cavity Speaker Enclosure) is a speaker design that improves the bass effect through an internal coupled cavity (Coupled Cavity).
The coupling cavity refers to an additional cavity set inside the speaker, which is connected with the main speaker cavity to extend the bass frequency range and provide a deeper, more impactful bass response.
Supplier List:
l Tannoy
vWilson Audio
l ProAc
l Focal
l KEF
l Dynaudio
l Wharfedale
22. Horn Speaker
A horn-Loaded Speaker Enclosure is a speaker design that uses a horn (Horn) to amplify the sound output of the speaker.
A horn is a loudspeaker that converts the energy of sound into higher sound pressure levels and greater efficiency by directing the sound waves from the diaphragm into a gradually expanding chamber.
Supplier List:
l Electro-Voice
l Altec Lansing
l Danley Sound Labs
l Funktion-One
l Meyer Sound
l Tannoy
l Community Professional Loudspeakers
l EAW (Eastern Acoustic Works)
l Part2: Tyeps of Speakers Popular In The Current Market
These names are produced because of consumer behavior, and they belong to market behavior.
They may have one or more of the above traditional loudspeaker characteristics.
And we're pretty sure exactly which category they fall into.
23. Party Speakers
Party Speaker (Party Speaker) is a speaker designed for parties and entertainment. They typically feature high volume output, powerful bass, and versatile sound features designed to provide a great musical experience and entertainment for the party scene.
AUSMAN Audio China is also an ODM manufacturer of Party speakers.
The Supplier List:
l JBL
l Sony
l Bose
l LG Electronics
l Sennheiser
l Marshall
l Yamaha
l Pioneer
l Electro-Voice
l Aiwa
24. Portable Speakers
A portable Speaker is a compact, lightweight, and easy-to-carry speaker that can enjoy music anytime, anywhere.
They usually feature built-in battery power, wireless connectivity, and easy operation, aiming to provide users with a convenient music-playing and sharing experience.
There are types of portable speakers, they are the sound system that are convenient for carrying.
AUSMAN Audio China is also an ODM manufacturer of Portalbe speakers.
The Supplier List :
l JBL
l Bose
l Sony
l Ultimate Ears (UE)
l Marshall
l Anker
l Beats by Dre
l Soundcore (by Anker)
l Bang & Olufsen
l Libratone
25. Computer Speakers
A computer speaker is an external speaker designed for a personal computer or a laptop.
They are generally used to provide better sound quality and volume output, enhancing the computer's audio experience.
The Supplier List:
l Logitech
l Creative
l Bose
l JBL (a division of Harman)
l Klipsch Audio Technologies
l Edifier
l Harman Kardon
l Yamaha
l Audioengine
l Razer
26. Multimedia Speakers
A Multimedia Speaker is a speaker with a variety of connection interfaces and functions, designed to provide high-quality audio output for multimedia devices.
They are commonly used for audio enhancement and expansion in multimedia devices such as computers, TVs, smartphones, tablets, etc.
AUSMAN Audio China is also an ODM manufacturer of Multimedia Speakers.
Supplier List:
l Logitech
l Creative
l Harman Kardon
l JBL (a division of Harman)
l Bose
l Edifier
l Klipsch Audio Technologies
l Yamaha
l Sony
l Altec Lansing
27. PA speakers
PA speaker (Public Address Speaker) is a speaker system specially designed for public addresses, lectures, music performances, and large events.
Typically featuring high volume output, wide broadcast coverage, and durability, they are used to transmit sound in both indoor and outdoor venues.
Check the category of AUSMAN Audio PA speakers?
Or Supplier List:
l JBL Professional
l Bose
l Electro-Voice
l QSC
l Yamaha Pro Audio
l Peavey
l Mackie
l Behringer
l Turbosound
l Community Professional Loudspeakers
28. Trolley Speakers
Trolley Speaker is a portable speaker integrated with a speaker and a retractable trolley handle, which is portable and easy to move.
They are usually equipped with built-in battery power, wireless connectivity, and wheels, and can be used as a luggage-like speaker system for easy portability and use.
You can click here for trolley speakers from AUSMAN Audio China.
Or check Supplier List below
l JBL
l Bose
l Sony
l iLoud (by IK Multimedia)
l Harman Kardon
l AOMAIS
l Pyle
l Anker
l QFX
l ION Audio
29. RGB Speakers
RGB speaker is a speaker with RGB (red, green, and blue) colored lighting effects.
Through the built-in LED lighting system, they create colorful light effects on the speaker enclosure, adding visual appeal and atmosphere to the speaker.
Supplier List:
l Logitech
l Razer
l Creative
l Harman Kardon
l JBL
l Corsair
l Edifier
l Trust Gaming
l HyperX
l AIGO
30. Wireless Speakers
RGB speaker is a speaker with RGB (red, green, and blue) colored lighting effects.
Through the built-in LED lighting system, they create colorful light effects on the speaker enclosure, adding visual appeal and atmosphere to the speaker.
Supplier List:
l Logitech
l Razer
l Creative
l Harman Kardon
l JBL
l Corsair
l Edifier
l Trust Gaming
l HyperX
l AIGO
31. Bluetooth Speakers
A Bluetooth Speaker is a speaker that is connected to an audio source device through Bluetooth wireless technology.
They use the Bluetooth protocol for audio transmission, eliminating the need for traditional wired connections, and allowing users to play music, audio, and other media content on mobile devices.
Supplier List:
l Sony
l Harman Kardon
l Ultimate Ears (UE)
l Marshall
l Anker
l Beats by Dre
l Bang & Olufsen (B&O)
l Libratone
32. Column Speakers
A Soundbar is a long, flat speaker designed to enhance the audio performance of a TV or home theater system. It usually consists of multiple speaker units and amplifiers to provide a clearer and more comprehensive sound effect.
Supplier List:
l Bose
l Sonos
l Yamaha
l JBL
l Sony
l LG
l Samsung
l Harman Kardon
l Polk Audio
l Vizio
33. DJ Speakers
DJ speaker is a speaker system specially designed for DJs (Disk Jockey) and music performers.
Featuring high sound quality, high volume, and durability, they are designed to meet the demands of DJ performances, delivering clear, dynamic, and powerful audio performance.
Supplier List:
l Pioneer
l JBL Professional
l Electro-Voice
l QSC
l RCF
l Yamaha Pro Audio
l Mackie
l Turbosound
l Behringer
Alto Professional
34. Karaoke speaker/DJ Speaker System
A karaoke speaker is a speaker system specially designed for karaoke (karaoke) performance and entertainment.
Equipped with high sound quality, various sound processing functions, and convenient user operation, they are designed to provide a good audio experience for karaoke performers and participants.
Supplier List:
l Singtrix
l Ion Audio
l VocoPro
l Karaoke USA
l Behringer
l Yamaha
l Bose
l JBL
l LG Electronics
l Rockville
35. Magnetic Fluid Speakers
A Magnetic Fluid Speaker is a special type of speaker that uses magnetic fluid technology to improve audio performance and efficiency.
Ferrofluid is a magnetic liquid that can change the motion and vibration characteristics of speakers by adjusting the strength of the magnetic field.
AUSMAN's R & D team has successfully developed the series and is expected to be listed in 2023.
Supplier List:
l Ferrotec
l Sony
l Pioneer
l Panasonic
l Technics
36. Retro Speakers
A type of speaker that follows the design style of the old speaker of the last century and combines modern components and technology.
The Suppliers List:
l Marshall
l W-King
l AUSMAN
Summarize
The above is our classification and summary of the current 36 speakers.
Readers can learn about its basic concept, characteristics, application places and manufacturer list.
At present, the product we see on the market generally has the characteristics of the above two or more speakers.
Product diversification is the current development trend, such as our mobile phones.
If you need to customize speakers or import speakers from China, you can contact our team.
We'll custom a plan perfect for you local market.
