Ceiling speakers have taken off in recent years because of how easily they can be integrated with the ambiance of any room and enhance the immersive experience of enjoying audio. In this guide, we have curated the best ceiling speakers on the market based on various needs and preferences. The best in ceiling speakers will change your perspective about home entertainment systems.
Buying guide for the best ceiling speakers
When shopping for the best ceiling speakers on the market, there are a few essential factors that you need to check. For example, if the speaker will fit your ceiling or if it will be too hard to install. Other than that, the best ceiling speakers for home theater will also ensure you can get the most immersive audio experience in your drawing room.
Audio Quality
First and foremost, the audio quality of the ceiling speakers will determine if you get your money’s worth or not. The speakers need to have a balanced frequency response, with clear highs and mids. They also need to provide a robust bass as well. Even if the audio quality is an important factor, it is not the only aspect that you need to look for in a ceiling speaker.
Ease of Installation
You cannot just plug and play a ceiling speaker. You need to install it on your ceiling, which includes mounting the speaker on the ceiling and also setting up the wires. If the speakers are not easy to install, it can be extremely hard to ensure that the finishing looks good. Remember that you can always get the expert’s assistance.
Speaker Size and Power
Taking the size and ambiance of your room into consideration, you need to select a ceiling speaker that provides the best audio experience. For example, if you have a wide room, you can get a speaker with a wide dispersion to ensure even sound coverage all across your room. Additionally, ensure that the speaker can handle the power output of the amplifier that you have in your home entertainment system.
Durability
A lot of places use in-ceiling speakers for giving announcements. If you intend to use the speakers in saunas, bathrooms, or outdoor areas, you need to get ceiling speakers that are moisture-resistant. Since in-ceiling speakers are more or less permanent once you have installed them on your ceiling, it is important to get durable ones.
Best ceiling speakers | Top 7 Picks
Since you cannot test the sound quality for yourself before buying, it is important to check out some in ceiling speaker reviews to get an idea of which one might be the best for you. Just any top rated ceiling speaker will not do the job. You need to get one that fits your specific requirements. That is why we have reviewed some of the best ceiling speakers on the market and ranked them based on user experiences.
List of the best ceiling speakers
- Sonos INCLGWW1 In-Ceiling Speakers
- Micca M-8C In-Ceiling Round Speaker
- Polk Audio RC80i In-Ceiling Round Speakers
- Acoustic Audio CS-IC83 In Ceiling Speaker System
- Pyle PDIC60 Speaker System
- Klipsch CDT-5650-C II In-Ceiling Speaker
- Polk Audio 70-RT In-Ceiling Speaker
Sonos INCLGWW1 In-Ceiling Speakers
Loudness: 89 dB
Maximum Power: 130 Watts
After testing various options on the market, the Sonos INCLGWW1 In-Ceiling Speakers came out on top. These come in pairs of two, and they are a very versatile pair of speakers. What we loved the most about these speakers was how easy they were to install and run out of the box. They have wireless connectivity, so you can integrate them into your living room with ease.
We also loved the quality of the sound produced by these speakers. You can listen to music, play games and also watch movies with an immersive audio experience thanks to these speakers. They can be controlled through the Sonos App, which is a user-friendly application that you can install on your smartphone.
The Sonos INCLGWW1 In-Ceiling Speakers will be ideal for various sizes of rooms because of their versatility. These speakers have a wide dispersion range that ensures the whole room is covered as efficiently as possible. Additionally, you can use the Sonos Amp, which is an amplifier found in the Sonos App.
Pros
- Outstanding sound quality
- Wireless connectivity
- Very easy to install
- User-friendly app
- Durable construction
- Wide dispersion range
Cons
- Very expensive
Overall, the Sonos INCLGWW1 In-Ceiling Speakers are some of the best ceiling speakers on the market. However, these speakers come with a very expensive price tag. If you can afford these in-ceiling speakers, then they will last a lifetime because of their outstanding durable construction that can withstand the weather.
Quantitative Measurements
- Sound Quality: 10/10
- Ease of Installation: 10/10
- Design: 10/10
- Durability: 10/10
Micca M-8C In-Ceiling Round Speaker
Loudness: 90 dB
Maximum Power: 100 Watts
The Micca M-8C In-Ceiling Round Speaker is among the best budget in ceiling speakers on the market. The M-8C ceiling speaker provides great value for money. Even though the speaker is very affordable, it still performs like some of the best ceiling mounted speakers in the competition. The only catch is that it is not ideal for larger rooms.
Even though it is not ideal for large rooms, we still placed it second on this list because it can handle medium-sized rooms with ease. So it can handle your living room with ease. Additionally, it has versatile placement options. It comes with a cutout template that will assist you in creating precise holes in your ceiling.
Another aspect we loved about the Micca M-8C In-Ceiling round speaker is its sound quality, especially when compared to its price point. It is able to deliver a loudness of 90 dB while only taking a maximum power of 100 Watts. This is thanks to its efficient power conversion that can deliver a crisp sound quality without any distortions.
Pros
- Affordable option
- Versatile placement options
- Efficient power conversion
- Good design
- Decent sound quality
Cons
- Not ideal for larger rooms
If you are under a budget and still want the best speaker for your living room, the Micca M-8C In-Ceiling round speaker is the ideal choice. We loved the build of the speaker and how easily you can install it by yourself. Its flush-mount design ensures nothing sticks out after you have installed it. All of these reasons combined are what makes it the best ceiling speaker on the market for people under a budget.
Quantitative Measurements
- Sound Quality: 8/10
- Ease of Installation: 9/10
- Design: 9/10
- Durability: 9/10
Polk Audio RC80i In-Ceiling Round Speakers
Loudness: 90 dB
Maximum Power: 100 Watts
If you cannot afford the Sonos INCLGWW1 but still need a good ceiling speaker that can handle large rooms, then the Polk Audio RC80i In-Ceiling round speakers are the ideal choice for you. These speakers also come in pairs of two and can cover very large rooms with ease. Thanks to their wide dispersion pattern, they can disperse the sound to the entire room.
We loved the durable construction of these speakers, which makes them worth the price. Even though they are almost half the price of the ceiling speakers from Sonos, they are still not as affordable as the Micca M-8C. However, their moisture-resistant build, combined with their durability, makes them last a lifetime.
We also loved the versatility of these speakers because of their ability to work with a wide variety of amplifiers and audio receivers. They have a power handling capacity of up to 100 watts, so they can handle moderate work levels with ease. Overall, their ability to produce such an impressive sound with so little power is why we placed them among the best ceiling speakers.
Pros
- Wide dispersion pattern
- Durable construction
- Can withstand humid conditions
- Works with a variety of receivers and amplifiers
- Impressive sound quality
Cons
- Installation can be difficult
If you have never installed a pair of ceiling speakers before, then you might have difficulty setting these up by yourself. However, if you are getting assistance from the experts, then you have nothing to worry about these speakers. You can set them up on your ceiling and never have to worry about them again.
Quantitative Measurements
- Sound Quality: 9/10
- Ease of Installation: 7/10
- Design: 8/10
- Durability: 9/10
Acoustic Audio CS-IC83 In Ceiling Speaker System
Loudness: 95 dB
Maximum Power: 350 Watts
The Acoustic Audio CS-IC83 In Ceiling speaker system has five speakers, which can cover a large room with ease. Considering this is a whole speaker system, the speakers are pretty affordable. We were surprised by the clear sound that these speakers were able to produce. They handled the whole audible range of frequencies with ease. Since they come in sets of five, we think these are the best in ceiling speakers for surround sound, music, and home theater.
The five speakers combined have the capability of producing 95 dB sound, which is the loudest we found among ceiling speakers. They can handle power up to 350 watts, which we found to be really impressive. Lastly, one of the biggest reasons we think these are the best ceiling speakers because of their ability to blend into the ceiling decor with ease.
Pros
- Produces clear sound
- Blends into ceiling decor flawlessly
- Can handle high power
- Can produce very loud sound
Cons
- The grills could be more durable
After trying to find out how they made these speakers so affordable, we found that the grills are not as durable as some of the other options on the market. However, unless you mistakenly poke it directly with something sharp, it will not be an issue. Overall, we loved the features provided by such an affordable ceiling speaker set. We think these are the best in ceiling surround sound speakers.
Quantitative Measurements
- Sound Quality: 9/10
- Ease of Installation: 8/10
- Design: 8/10
- Durability: 7/10
Pyle PDIC60 Speaker System
Loudness: 88 dB
Maximum Power: 250 Watts
If you want to get in-ceiling speakers to make announcements for functions and other occasions, then the Pyle PDIC60 speaker system will do the job just fine. This is because they lack a deep bass, which makes them less than ideal for music. These speakers are very affordable and can cover a large area, so you can get them for making announcements.
We loved the paintable grills on these speakers, which is why we think they are the best flush mount speakers on the market. You can completely disguise them with your ceiling, so people will never know there are speakers on your ceiling. Overall, if you are looking to get good value for your money, these are the best ceiling speakers you can get.
Pros
- Can handle moderate power without any distortion
- Comes with a cutout template
- Has a paintable grill
- Good value for money
Cons
- The bass is not very deep
The Pyle PDIC60 speaker system provides a budget-friendly audio solution, so it is important to manage your expectations when buying these speakers. They are the best value in ceiling speakers, but they are not ideal for parties or movies. If you run a community center or simply need speakers to make announcements in the local primary school, these are the ideal choice.
Quantitative Measurements
- Sound Quality: 7/10
- Ease of Installation: 8/10
- Design: 8/10
- Durability: 8/10
Klipsch CDT-5650-C II In-Ceiling Speaker
Loudness: 94 dB
Maximum Power: 200 Watts
Initially, we fell in love with the Klipsch CDT-5650-C II In-Ceiling speaker because of its versatility. You can use this one speaker in all of your rooms and for all of your entertainment systems without making a fuss. It will be ideal for movies, games, music, and any other audio requirements that you might have in your home.
We also loved how easy this ceiling speaker was to install. This speaker from Klipsch has Controlled Dispersion Technology, which allows you to control both the tweeter and the woofer independently. As a result, it gives you ultimate control over the acoustics of the room. It is easily one of the best Klipsch ceiling speakers on the market.
Pros
- Versatile options
- Produces an immersive audio experience
- Easy to install
- Excellent dispersion technology
Cons
- A bit pricy
While initially, the price tag of this speaker might seem fine, other brands provide multiple speakers at the same price point. However, this speaker has a much better bass and can be used in different rooms for a wide variety of purposes besides making announcements. Overall, if you want a versatile option, this is the best ceiling speaker for you.
Quantitative Measurements
- Sound Quality: 9/10
- Ease of Installation: 8/10
- Design: 7/10
- Durability: 7/10
Polk Audio 70-RT In-Ceiling Speaker
Loudness: 90 dB
Maximum Power: 125 Watts
The Polk Audio 70-RT in-ceiling speaker is ideal for people who want a personalized audio experience in their room. This is because the speaker has a swivel tweeter and midrange array, which allows you to direct the acoustics of your room to your listening area. This allows you to optimize dispersion and sound staging for the best listening experience.
These speakers have Polk’s patented Dynamic Balance technology, which eliminates resonance and distortion in the speaker’s drivers. We loved the accurate and natural sound reproduction from these speakers. All these features combined make this one of the best ceiling speakers on the market.
Pros
- Has a Swivel Tweeter
- DIY installation
- Dynamic Balance technology
- Wide frequency response
Cons
- Not ideal for thin ceilings
The only reason we put this outstanding ceiling speaker last on our list is because of its dimensions. It requires at least eight inches of depth behind your ceiling for proper installation. However, if you are looking for such a speaker, then this is the best 8 inch in ceiling speaker you will find on the market.
Quantitative Measurements
- Sound Quality: 8/10
- Ease of Installation: 9/10
- Design: 6/10
- Durability: 8/10
Final verdict
We hope you got valuable insights on the best sounding ceiling speakers that you can use to enhance the audio experience in your home. You can check which one among these fits your specific case and get that speaker. If you liked our list of the best ceiling speakers, then check out our top picks of the best outdoor soundbars and multi channel home theater systems.
