Ever get on stage with your guitar, feeling the crowd’s energy, and when you hit that first note, the room just lights up? That’s when you know your speakers are doing their job right. It’s not just for the big shows, even when you’re practicing at home or working on a new song, having clear and powerful sound makes everything better.
Looking for the best powered PA speakers can be a bit overwhelming. There’s just so much stuff out there. But don’t worry, especially if you’re trying to figure out what’s best for your music. We’ve got your back. We’ve spent loads of time checking out different PA speakers to save you from the headache.
So, if you’re looking to step up your game, to make sure your music really reaches and moves people, you’re in the right spot. We’re about to get into all things powered PA speakers and help you find the right match for what you need. The stage is yours, the audience is waiting, and it’s time to leave a mark. Let’s make every performance or jam session something special.
Best Powered PA Speakers
Discover our top picks for the best powered PA speakers, perfect for any aspiring musician or producer.
QSC CP12 12-Inch Compact Powered Loudspeaker
Get this speaker for powerful, clear sound in a compact, portable design.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- 1000 Watt power
- Advanced DSP for sound quality
Cons
- Bass might affect clarity
- Cushion could be better
- Needs a subwoofer for bigger venues
QSC’s CP12 is perfect for musicians who need crisp sound without bulky speakers. We were impressed by its 1000 watt power and advanced DSP technology. You’ll get professional sound quality from a lightweight, easy-to-transport speaker.
Carrying this speaker around for gigs is a breeze, thanks to its compact design. But, don’t let the small size fool you. The CP12 delivers powerful sound, reaching even larger venues. Keep in mind that if you plan to play bass-heavy music, you might need a subwoofer for more clarity.
Overall, we highly recommend the QSC CP12 for anyone seeking top-notch sound quality in a portable package. Its mix of power, portability, and technological features make it a must-have for up-and-coming musicians and performers.
JBL Professional EON ONE Mk2
You should get this PA speaker for its powerful sound, portability, and built-in mixer.
Pros
- Powerful and clear audio
- Rechargeable battery
- Built-in mixer and DSP
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Easy to steal
- Expensive
We recently used the JBL Professional EON ONE Mk2 at a few gigs and absolutely loved it. The audio performance is impressive, with clear and powerful sound. The 10-inch woofer ensures smooth low-end frequencies, making it perfect for any music genre.
This all-in-one PA speaker comes with a rechargeable battery, providing up to six hours of playtime. No need to worry about finding an outlet or losing power during your performance. The battery is integrated into the column spacer, offering better stability while optimizing cabinet acoustics for a superior low-frequency response.
What sets this PA speaker apart is the built-in digital mixer, designed specifically for an optimized audio experience. With its 5-channel mixer, you can easily connect various instruments and microphones. It also features professional-grade Lexicon DSP effects, (reverb, chorus, and delay), so you can customize your sound without needing additional equipment.
On the downside, the PA speaker’s weight is quite heavy (42.5 lbs), making it a bit more challenging to transport. Additionally, some might feel it’s on the expensive side for a powered PA speaker. Lastly, there’s a risk of theft due to its portable design and “grab-and-go” appeal.
In conclusion, the JBL Professional EON ONE Mk2 is an excellent choice for musicians and performers who value quality, portability, and convenience. If you’re looking for powerful sound, a built-in mixer, and a rechargeable battery, this powered PA speaker might be just what you need.
Yamaha BR15 15-inch Loudspeaker
You’ll love this budget-friendly, high-quality speaker for your PA system needs.
Pros
- Powerful 15″ woofer
- Crisp 1″ titanium compression driver
- Easy pole mounting
Cons
- Not a powered speaker
- Heavy at 46.9 pounds
- No protective bag included
We recently tried out the Yamaha BR15 15-inch loudspeaker. Let us tell you, we were impressed! This speaker offers booming bass and clear highs at an affordable price.
The 15″ woofer is perfect for musicians and singers who want their bass to stand out. You’ll also enjoy the 1″ titanium compression driver with 90×40 CD horn. This feature ensures your sound is smooth and wide-ranging.
What’s also great about the Yamaha BR15 is the built-in pole socket, making it super easy for stand mounting during gigs. However, keep in mind this speaker is not powered. You’ll need an external amplifier for operation.
One downside we found was the weight of the speaker. At 46.9 pounds, it can be a bit heavy to transport. Unfortunately, a protective bag isn’t included, so you’ll need to buy one separately for added protection.
All in all, the Yamaha BR15 should be a top consideration for any aspiring musician, artist, or singer-songwriter looking to upgrade their PA system. The pros definitely outweigh the cons, and you’ll appreciate the quality sound it delivers.
Alto Professional TS408 – 2000W 8″ Powered PA Speaker
You won’t regret picking this powerful PA speaker for your music needs with fantastic Bluetooth features.
Pros
- Powerful 2000W output
- Bluetooth streaming & linking
- Remote control via Alto App
Cons
- Bass-heavy sound
- No case included
- Bluetooth pairing issues for some users
Let’s talk about the Alto Professional TS408. As musicians, we need reliable and powerful PA speakers to keep our music alive. This one packs 2000 watts of power, giving you the punch you need to rock your gigs.
One amazing feature we love is the Bluetooth capabilities. You can easily stream music from your devices, and even link up two TS4 speakers for true wireless stereo. Keep in mind, though, that some users have reported pairing issues.
The Alto App takes your experience to the next level. Compatible with both Android and iOS, it allows you to remotely control Bluetooth levels, speaker use modes, custom EQ, and sub size selection. We just wish there was a case included for safe storage.
In conclusion, the Alto TS408 is a great choice for those seeking a powerful PA speaker with advanced Bluetooth features. The only downside? Its bass-heavy sound might not suit everyone’s taste.
Yamaha DBR10 700-Watt Powered Speaker
You’ll love this speaker for its portability, sound clarity, and powerful performance!
Pros
- Portable and Lightweight
- 700-watt Power Output
- 7-year Warranty
Cons
- Thin plastic casing
- May require a subwoofer
- Limited connectivity options
We know how important it is to have reliable and powerful PA speakers at your gigs. The Yamaha DBR10 powered speaker easily packs a punch in terms of both sound quality and portability, making it a great option for aspiring musicians and producers on the go.
One of the standout features of this speaker is its 700-watt clean digital power. With a 129 dB SPL, you can expect excellent sound quality even at high levels. Whether you use it as a main speaker or a floor monitor, we think you’ll be impressed with its performance.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the DBR10’s casing is made from a thin plastic material. While this contributes to its lightweight design, it might not be best for heavy-duty use where it risks potential damage. But with careful handling and the added security of Yamaha’s 7-year warranty, you can be confident in your investment.
In conclusion, the Yamaha DBR10 is a fantastic choice for those seeking a powerful, portable, and affordable powered PA speaker. Give it a try and see how it can elevate your music performance or production setup!
Bose NEW S1 Pro+ All-in-one Portable PA System
Get the versatile, powerful, and lightweight Bose S1 Pro+ for an amazing musical experience.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Four positioning options
- Integrates with Bose Music app
Cons
- Battery life varies
- On the pricier side
- May need additional speakers for larger venues
The Bose S1 Pro+ is a game changer for musicians. This portable PA system packs a punch while maintaining a sleek design. With just 14.4 lbs, you can easily take it wherever your music leads you.
Never compromise on sound quality. The four positioning options and Auto EQ make sure your music leaves a lasting impression. With its wireless design, setting up has never been easier. Plus, the Bose Music app allows you to control every aspect of the device right from your phone.
However, do take note of the battery life, as it varies depending on different factors. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but if you value convenience and quality, the Bose S1 Pro+ is a worthy investment. So, let this impressive PA system be part of your next performance and see how it elevates your musical journey.
Behringer Eurolive B210D 200W 10 inch Powered Speaker
You won’t regret buying this powerful and lightweight speaker for its impressive sound quality and durability.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- High power with low weight
- Built-in microphone
Cons
- Lacks extremely deep lows
- Not suitable for heavy sound demands
- Price can fluctuate
As an aspiring musician, sound quality is crucial for us. The Behringer Eurolive B210D is an excellent choice that doesn’t disappoint in terms of volume and clarity. Its Class-D amplifier technology delivers high power without adding too much weight. The result is a portable speaker that can easily be placed on a stand, making setup a breeze.
We’ve used this speaker at various gigs and events, and it never failed to impress our audience. The built-in microphone allows for easy sound control, making it ideal for small to medium-sized performances. One thing we noticed, however, is the lack of deep lows. For most situations, this is not a problem, but if you’re looking for that booming bass, you may want to consider adding a subwoofer to your setup.
In terms of durability, the Behringer Eurolive B210D continues to remain strong even after constant travel and outdoor usage. Despite its pros, we should also note that the price of this speaker can sometimes be on the higher side due to fluctuations. Overall, this compact and powerful speaker truly lives up to its positive reviews and high ratings.
Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT 12″ 1000W Bluetooth Powered Loudspeaker
A solid choice for its sound quality and convenient features, especially for musicians and event hosts.
Pros
- High-quality Bluetooth audio streaming
- Portable with optimally located handles
- Powerful sound (1000W Class-D amplifier)
Cons
- Limited Bluetooth range
- Requires a subwoofer for more bass
- Slightly complex menu navigation
We were impressed with the Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT the moment we set it up. Its unique features and high-quality sound make it perfect for musicians, artists, and event hosts.
When we connected to the Bluetooth, streaming music felt like a breeze. The sound quality was fantastic, and the impressive 1000W Class-D amplifier delivered a crystal-clear audio output. However, we noticed that the Bluetooth range was slightly limiting.
One of the things we loved about this speaker was its portability. The three optimally located handles made it easy to transport, and the rugged composite structure ensured its durability.
Although the speaker had great sound quality, it lacked a bit in the bass department. We recommend using a powered subwoofer to get the most out of it. On the other hand, the menu navigation might take some time to get used to, but once mastered, this speaker becomes an unbeatable powerhouse for any event or music performance.
In conclusion, the Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT is an excellent addition to any musician or event host’s arsenal. With its great sound quality, portability, and unique features, it’s worth considering for those who need powerful audio in their performances.
JBL Professional IRX108 Powered Portable Speaker
This speaker is perfect for those seeking powerful, portable sound with easy setup.
Pros
- Powerful audio performance
- Convenient Bluetooth streaming
- Solid, lightweight build
Cons
- Volume may fall short of some larger systems
- No remote control via Bluetooth
- Some users experienced Bluetooth cutouts
We’ve tested this JBL Professional speaker and were quite impressed with the sound quality. With an 8-inch woofer and dbx DriveRack technology, it delivers clear and resonant audio at high volumes.
Setting up the IRX108 is a breeze, thanks to the real-world EQ presets. Choose from four presets to optimize the tone for any event. Plus, with built-in automatic feedback suppression, you won’t have to worry about annoying feedback during your performance.
Another great feature is the Bluetooth audio streaming. Wirelessly play music and backing tracks, making it ideal for musicians, DJs, and other presenters. Take your sound wherever you go with this lightweight, durable speaker that’s perfect for your performing and presenting needs.
Buying Guide: Factors to Consider When Choosing Powered PA Speakers
Sound Quality and Volume Needs
We know that sound matters to you. Consider your needs for volume and sound quality. Are you going for a small event or a big space? High-quality speakers will deliver clear and powerful audio for better listener experience.
Size and Portability for Events
Gotta be mobile, right? Think about speaker size and weight in relation to your gig venues. Compact and lightweight speakers are easier to transport and set up. A larger speaker might provide more power, so balance your needs accordingly.
Connectivity Options
We live in a connected world. When choosing PA speakers, keep an eye out for connectivity options. Some common inputs include XLR, 1/4″ jacks, and RCA. Look for Bluetooth or wireless capabilities for added convenience and ease of setup.
- XLR: common for microphones and mixers
- 1/4″ jacks: guitar and line-level connections
- RCA: consumer audio devices
Durability and Build Quality
We want your investment to last. PA speakers should be tough and reliable. Rugged construction ensures durability and can withstand constant use. High-quality components lead to longer life and better sound quality over time.
In a nutshell:
- Check for sturdy materials
- Look for trusted brands
- Read user reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Powered PA Speakers?
We often use powered PA speakers in live music settings. They amplify audio signals to reach larger audiences. These speakers already have built-in amplifiers, so they’re easy to set up and don’t require external amps.
Are powered PA speakers better than passive?
It depends on your needs. Powered speakers have advantages like easy setup and no need for external amps. However, passive speakers offer flexibility in system design and can handle high power levels.
Why should I choose a powered PA speaker over a passive one?
You might prefer powered PA speakers because of the convenience they offer. Simple setup, fewer cables, and easy portability make them great for performing musicians. Perfect to help you shine on stage!