The right speakers are a pivotal part of any DJ’s setup, providing the sonic punch that can make or break a set, whether it’s at a wedding, club, or house party.
If you’re a DJ, we’re here to help you in your quest for the perfect monitor, with a focus on finding the best DJ speakers to suit your unique needs. We’ll give you our top 10, providing some great choices for starting out. We’ll also discuss key things you might want to look for, so you can identify exactly what you want when you see it.
In a hurry?
Want the best of the best? Here are our three favourite DJ speakers:
| Hercules DJMonitor 42 | A compact speaker that delivers superbly clear sound courtesy of the shifted tweeter design, whilst dual bass ports give it that punchy bass response. These are ideal for beginners and bedroom DJs. | Check the current price |
| Mackie Thrash 212 | A high-output speaker with a voicing that gives huge bass, clear treble, and up to 125 dB of output for live performance. | Check the current price |
| SubZero 6” Active Studio Monitor | Powerful entry-level studio monitor that gives you the fundamentals executed well - neodymium drivers, versatile connectivity, powerful drivers, and detailed frequency response. | Check the current price |
The best DJ speakers for live performance
1. Alto TX Series
Key features
- Powerful speaker range with bi-amplification
- Built-in 3-channel mixer and three preset DSP voicings
- Lightweight and portable enclosure with Class D amplifier
Pros
- Powerful amplification and sound output suitable for club performances
- Series provides a range of woofer sizes and wattage to suit your needs
- Speakers use modes and app control with EQ for flexible voicing and advanced controls
Cons
- No on-board EQ controls without app use
Alto Professional are no slouch when it comes to PA speakers, and their TS Series delivers excellent performance for live DJ sets. Coming in four different sizes to fit your transport needs, budget, and the size of venues you play, this series of active PA speakers is great for anyone looking for a big, booming live sound from their decks to fill the dancefloor.
The TS series has huge output, with even the smallest in the range, the 408, with 8-inch drivers, has up to 130 dB of output and 2000 W of amplification. Meanwhile, the largest, the 415, has 2500 W amplification and 135 dB of output.
This packs them with enough punch for a wide variety of venues, such as clubs needing a PA system. Travelling DJs who need their own PA system to bring to gigs might find exactly what they’re looking for here.
The TS series also provides three DSP-controlled voices that you can switch between to achieve the ideal sound for your use. These speakers provide wireless Bluetooth pairing for creating wireless stereo pairs, as well as in-depth app control that allows access to additional features like EQ.
2. JBL IRX ONE
Key features
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio streaming
- Frequency response of 37.5 Hz to 20 kHz
- High sound pressure level of up to 124 dB
Pros
- Comes with four preset DSP modes for easy sound optimisation
- Features a ducking function for speech clarity
- Durable design with a sturdy metal grille for protection
Cons
- Using onboard controls instead of the app makes it harder to set up and access features
The JBL IRX ONE is a very convenient column PA system that provides a unique take on portability. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can wirelessly stream audio, enhancing flexibility during performances. Its wide frequency response ensures quality sound across all ranges, while the high sound pressure level guarantees powerful output.
DJs will love the four preset DSP modes for easy sound customisation and the ducking function that temporarily lowers the volume of your music when it detects a mic input, letting you talk to and hype up the crowd. Despite it lacking a built-in battery, its durable modular design makes this a reliable option for travelling DJs who need something to join them on the road.
3. Bose S1 Pro
Key features
- Multiple positioning options
- Rechargeable battery with up to 11 hours of use
- Bluetooth connectivity
Pros
- Delivers high-quality sound output
- Intelligent sensors ensure optimal sound in any position
- 3-channel mixer enhances tonal flexibility
Cons
- Small form might need reinforcement or stand mounting to get better coverage
The Bose S1 Pro is a versatile portable speaker with a detailed sound. Its design accommodates various positioning options, offering flexibility in coverage for any kind of venue and performance setup. This is complemented by its Auto EQ which detects the position and changes the speaker’s voicing to fit.
It’s powered by a rechargeable battery that provides up to 11 hours of use, ideal for long nights on the decks. Wireless music playback is also made easy with Bluetooth connectivity, so if you’ve got a CDJ with Bluetooth, you can even run a set wirelessly. Its 3-channel mixer allows for tonal adjustments, with adjustable bass and treble controls.
The S1 Pro is a great all-rounder for live performance, and while smaller than some of its counterparts, it has coverage and sound throw to spare.
4. Mackie Thrash 212
Key features
- High-performance 12″ woofer
- Titanium compression drivers for competitive treble
- Standard pole mount input accommodates stand attachment
Pros
- Extremely durable construction ensures longevity
- Two-channel mixer allows customisable control
- Paired bundle includes stands for convenience
Cons
- No EQ or effects
The Mackie Thrash 212 is a rugged PA speaker inspired by the company and Greg Mackie’s roots in rock music.
Voiced and designed with heavy music and intense gigs in mind, this speaker is also – perhaps unexpectedly – ideal for DJs. It makes sense when you think about it, though. Intense performances, rowdy crowds, blaring music, and a need for big low frequencies? That sounds like a good club night just as much as it does a heavy rock gig.
Its high-performance 12″ driver offers booming bass, and its compression driver provides clear treble that’s sure to translate to any venue. And what’s even better is that the lightweight and portable design makes it easily transportable – ideal for DJs on the move.
Plus, in terms of output and amplification, the Thrash might be the loudest speaker on this whole list, with 1300 W of power and a maximum output of 125 dB SPL per speaker!
The best DJ speakers for studio and home use
1. KRK ROKIT RP5 G5
Key features
- 5-inch two-way studio reference monitors
- Built-in LCD with EQ and mode controls
- Three Voicing Modes for tailored monitoring
Pros
- Accurate sound for mixing and mastering
- Adaptable EQ settings for different rooms
- Clear interface for easy adjustments
Cons
- Requires proper placement for best results
The KRK ROKIT RP5 G5 Monitors is one of the best DJ monitors on the market, giving you excellent sound and all the tools to fine-tune your mixes. At its core is a bi-amplified Class D system that delivers tight, dynamic sound without distortion. You’ll get consistent performance even during longer sessions.
The onboard DSP system offers 25 EQ settings, letting you adapt the monitor to your room’s acoustic profile. You’ll also find three voicing modes that allow you to switch between flat response, creative inspiration, and midrange focus – helpful when jumping between DJing and critical listening.
Its rear-panel LCD is straightforward to use, giving you quick access to volume control and EQ tweaks. The monitor’s five-inch Kevlar woofer and silk dome tweeter work together to produce balanced sound across the frequency spectrum, with front-facing ports supporting clean low-end response.
2. ADAM Audio D3V Desktop Studio Monitor System
Key features
- Full active 3.5” aluminium woofers
- USB-C input
- Maximum SPL of 96 dB
Pros
- Compact size with great sound
- Convenient USB-C plug-and-play
- Long, comfortable listening sessions
Cons
- Limited low-end bass
The ADAM Audio D3V Desktop Studio Monitors pack an impressive punch for its compact size. Equipped with 3.5” aluminium woofers and dual passive radiators, the D3Vs offer clear and punchy bass, while a built-in USB-C input ensures that setting up is a breeze. You can connect directly to mobiles, tablets, and computers without extra cables or adapters.
For long sessions, the hand-folded D-ART tweeter delivers smooth, unfatiguing high frequencies, making it ideal for mixing or extended listening. Their compact design and impressive sound make the D3Vs perfect for any home studio or desktop setup, especially if you want to save space without sacrificing audio quality. If you’re after a powerful, easy-to-use monitor system that sounds incredible for its size, the D3Vs are an excellent choice.
3. SubZero SZSM-4X
Key Features
- Compact, powerful, and detailed
- 4″ woofers
- 3/4” silk dome tweeters
Pros
- Wide frequency response of 75Hz to 20kHz
- Clear and accurate sound reproduction for informed decisions
- Highly efficient and punchy low-end, even at high volumes
Cons
- No sound control or tweaking options available on the speakers
The SubZero SZSM-4X Studio Monitors are a brilliant choice for DJs. Compact yet powerful, these detailed speakers ensure every beat hits just right. The 4″ woofers are responsible for controlled, deep, and warm lows, while the 3/4″ silk dome tweeters take care of crystal-clear highs.
With a wide frequency response of 75Hz to 20kHz, you can listen back to your mixes and hear every nuance. These monitors are designed for clear and accurate sound reproduction, allowing you to make well-informed decisions about your mix. Plus, they offer a highly efficient and punchy low end, even at high volumes.
4. Hercules DJMonitor 42
Key features
- Shifted tweeter design
- Integrated EQ controls
- 80W peak power for loud mixing
Pros
- Clear stereo imaging
- Strong bass presence
- User-friendly controls
Cons
- Limited to smaller spaces
The Hercules DJMonitor 42 Active DJ Monitors are compact and portable and yet still offer a crystal-clear sound with an excellent bass response. With four-inch woofers and a shifted tweeter design, they provide a detailed stereo image, ideal for monitoring your mixes outside of headphones.
Their powerful low-end response is courtesy of dual bass ports. The 80-watt peak power ensures plenty of headroom for loud mixes, while the EQ controls, located on the front panel, let you fine-tune the sound. There’s also a headphone out and AUX input for further flexibility, allowing you to connect additional devices easily.
Perfect for small setups, the DJMonitor 42’s compact size and robust build make them great for DJs on the go.
5. PreSonus Eris 3.5 (2nd Gen)
Key features
- Upgraded speaker voicing
- High-quality woven-composite transducer
- Ultra-low-mass silk-dome transducer
Pros
- Powerful audio performance with 50W Class AB amplification
- Easy control through front-panel volume/headphone output
- Sound fine-tuning via rear-panel attenuation controls
Cons
- Smaller form factor limits bass response and sound output
An update to PreSonus’ ever-popular Eris range, the Eris 3.5 2nd Gen offer some of the best value for performance on the market. Compact, powerful, and with a shockingly linear frequency response, the Eris 3.5 monitors have had some tweaks to their voicing, allowing them to extend further into low frequencies.
While they still suffer a compact driver size and can’t deliver the most thundering bass around, these compact studio monitors are great desktop companions for any DJ who wants to get into production. They’re also great if you want a simple and reliable way to hear mixes out of some good quality speakers while you practise.
They even have enough sound output for small home parties, if you want to break the decks out at home.
6. SubZero 6” Active Studio Monitor
Key features
- Kevlar driver cones
- Neodymium tweeter
- On-board filters to adjust high and low frequency response
Pros
- Woven fibreglass driver and silk dome tweeter provide detailed sound with accurate stereo imaging
- Wide frequency response from 50 Hz – 22 kHz
- High and low-frequency trim switches to customise your sound
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like room correction
The SubZero 6″ Active Studio Monitor is crafted from high-quality components to offer a detailed, accurate sound that’s ideal for DJs. The Kevlar drive cones and rubber surround work in harmony to provide a fantastic low-end response.
If you’re a DJ wanting to delve into music production without breaking the bank, these monitors are ideal. You’ll find recording, mixing, and mastering a breeze, thanks to the ported and tuned enclosure enhancing accuracy.
Better still, there’s no distortion at high volumes, courtesy of the Neodymium Iron Boron tweeter. Plus, you can tailor your sound to any environment using the on-board filters.
What to consider when buying a DJ speaker
There are four main things you should think about when looking for DJ speakers. The first and probably the most important is the context you want to use them in. Do you need something for the venues you’re performing in? In that case, it’s worth looking for active PA speakers built for live performance. Something to practise at home or even produce with? Look for some studio monitors.
Knowing the context will also help you figure out the size of speakers you need. Smaller speakers will typically be lighter, but weight is also determined by internal components like amplification. The main benefit of Class D amplification is its efficiency, which means it can deliver more wattage at a lighter weight.
As far as sound quality goes, there are two main schools of thought. You can either opt for an accurate and flat response that recreates the original sound source or something that adds character, hyping up basslines and treble to give that larger-than-life dancefloor sound that so many DJs crave.
Some speakers deliver the latter by default, as do many live speakers, like the Mackie Thrash range. However, this can also be achieved with EQ or speaker tone controls on units that don’t have it regularly, so you have plenty of options for both characteristics.
FAQs
What speakers do I need to DJ?
The type of speakers you need to DJ depends on several factors. The venue size, the genre of music you’re playing, and your personal taste in sound all play a role. A larger venue might require more powerful speakers, while certain genres might benefit from speakers that emphasise bass or treble.
What speakers do most professional DJs use?
Most professional DJs utilise active speakers for their performances. These are self-powered units that don’t require an external amplifier, making them a convenient choice. They often come with features like built-in equalisers, compressors, or feedback suppression that allow DJs to tweak the sound to their liking.
How many watts is a good DJ speaker?
A good DJ speaker typically has a power output of between 500 and 1000 watts. This provides a balance between volume and sound quality, ensuring your music can be heard clearly over the noise of a crowd. However, the right wattage for you will depend on the size and acoustics of your venue.
Rounding off
So, we’ve covered the best DJ speakers available, what makes them great, and what you should look for to find your ideal set. For both live performance and at home in the studio, there’s a wide variety to choose from, each with its own strengths and features to fit their context. From sound quality, bass response, and coverage to SPL output and connectivity options, it all boils down to what suits your needs best.
If you want to do some further reading, check out our deep dive into the best DJ controllers. And if you want to hear more about some of the brands that you might have seen mentioned here, why not visit our rundown of the best speaker brands around today?
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