How gagadget values your trust

At gagadget.com, your trust is our priority. We follow strict quality standards in our research, tests, and analysis of video projectors, to give you the best experience. Learn more

Best External Speakers for Projector

By: Owen Moore | Updated 16.01.2024, 21:25

When it comes to enjoying your favorite movies and TV shows on the big screen, it's essential to have a sound system that matches the visual experience. While projectors provide an immersive visual experience, the sound they produce may not be enough for a cinematic experience.

That's why investing in the best external speakers for the projector is crucial. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top external speakers for projectors of April 2024 available in the market.

AUTHOR’S CHOICE
Polk Audio MagniFi Mini Sound Bar
Polk Audio MagniFi Mini Sound Bar
The Polk Audio MagniFi Mini delivers immersive sound and powerful bass. The Voice Adjust technology lets you adjust voice levels for clear, rasp-free dialog. Quick and easy setup in minutes makes this wireless soundbar ideal for watching movies, playing sports, or listening to music.

Find Out More

Best External Speakers for Projector - Buyer's Guide

Choosing the right external speaker for your projector can be a daunting task, but with the right information, you can make an informed decision. Here are some of the factors to consider:

speakers for projector 2024

1. Sound Quality

The primary factor to consider is sound quality. The speakers should be able to produce clear and crisp sound to enhance your viewing experience. Look for speakers that have a high frequency response and low distortion.

2. Compatibility

It's essential to ensure that the speaker you choose is compatible with your projector. Most modern projectors come with an HDMI port that can be used to connect to an external speaker. However, if your projector doesn't have an HDMI port, make sure the speaker you choose has alternative connectivity options such as Bluetooth or AUX.

3. Size and Design

The size and design of the speaker are also important factors to consider. If you have limited space, a compact and slim speaker will be ideal. However, if you have a dedicated home theater room, a larger speaker with a robust design may be more suitable.

Using external speakers with a projector can offer several benefits, including:

  • Improved Audio Quality: Projectors usually come with built-in speakers, but the audio quality may not be the best.
  • Louder Volume: External speakers can produce higher volume levels than built-in speakers, which can be useful in large rooms or outdoor settings.
  • Better Bass Response: Many projectors lack a strong bass response, which can be improved by using external speakers.
  • Flexibility: External speakers are often portable, meaning they can be moved around and used with different devices. This flexibility allows you to use the same speakers with your projector, TV, computer, or any other audio device.
  • Multiple Audio Inputs: Some external speakers have multiple audio inputs, allowing you to connect several devices simultaneously. This can be particularly useful if you have multiple sources of audio, such as a DVD player and a gaming console.
  • Better Compatibility: External speakers are often designed to be compatible with a wide range of devices, including projectors. This can reduce the risk of compatibility issues and ensure that your audio system works seamlessly with your projector.

Overall, using external speakers with your projector can provide better audio quality, increased volume, and greater flexibility. This can enhance your overall viewing experience and make movies, games, and other multimedia content more enjoyable.

best speakers for projectors

Best External Speakers for Projector - TOP 5

If you want to elevate your movie nights, check out our list of the Top 5 best external speakers for projectors:

Author’s Choice Polk Audio MagniFi Mini
Polk Audio MagniFi Mini
  • Bluetooth/ HDMI
  • Supports Dolby Digital 5.1 Decoding
  • Highly detailed midrange, Powerful bass
People’s Choice Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
  • 42 Watts of power
  • Remote Control
  • Connect to two devices via AUX at the same time
Premium Choice JBL Bar 5.1 Soundbar
JBL Bar 5.1 Soundbar
  • WiFi / Bluetooth / HDMI
  • 550 Watts of power
  • Wireless Subwoofer, Work with Alexa
Best Budget VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Home Theater Sound ...
VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Home Theater Sound Bar
  • Bluetooth/HDMI
  • DTS Virtual:X sound enhancement for virtualized audio
  • Remote Control,Voice Control
Bluetooth Speakers Audioengine A2+ Wireless Speakers
Audioengine A2+ Wireless Speakers
  • 60W peak power
  • Bluetooth
  • 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, stereo RCA, USB

External Speakers for Projector: Сomparison

Now, let's take a closer look at each of the selected projector models suitable for external speakers for projectors:

Speaker Model Speaker Type Driver Configuration Frequency Response Connectivity

Polk Audio MagniFi Mini

Soundbar 2.1 (2 tweeters, 1 subwoofer) 40 Hz - 24 kHz HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast

Edifier R1280T

Bookshelf

2-way (1 woofer, 1 tweeter 75 Hz - 18 kHz RCA, Optical, Bluetooth

JBL Bar 5.1

Soundbar

5.1 (5 speakers, 1 subwoofer)

35 Hz - 20 kHz HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth

VIZIO V-Series 2.0 (V20-J8)

Soundbar

2.0 (2 full-range drivers) 70 Hz - 20 kHz HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth
Audioengine A2+ Wireless Bookshelf 2.0 (2 drivers) 65 Hz - 22 kHz RCA, USB, Bluetooth

Polk Audio MagniFi Mini

Author's Choice

Polk Audio MagniFi Mini offers immersive sound that will take your movie, sports or music experience to the next level. These small but powerful speakers are designed to fit most projectors and feature Polk's patented SDA Audio Technology and 5.1 Dolby Digital encoding for the ultimate surround sound experience.

With the included wireless subwoofer, you can fill your living room, bedroom or media room with multi-dimensional surround sound. Polk's exclusive Voice Adjust technology allows you to independently control voice level for clear, raspy, and delay-free dialog.

Set up the soundbar quickly and easily in minutes with the included HDMI and optical cable. The Polk Magnifi Mini is a small soundbar that fits into any room. You can use the soundbar to connect your projector, your TV, or even stream music from your phone. Enjoy movie nights, sports games, or music sessions with the Polk Audio Magnifi Mini projector speakers!

Pros:

  • Compact size, beautiful and modern design
  • Easy to set up
  • Highly detailed midrange
  • Powerful bass

Cons:

  • Sound volume fluctuates between battle and quiet scenes in movies
  • Slight high frequency distortion

Summary: The Polk Audio MagniFi Mini offers immersive sound with patented SDA Audio Technology and 5.1 Dolby Digital encoding for maximum surround sound. The included wireless subwoofer delivers powerful bass, and Voice Adjust technology lets you adjust your voice level for clear, rasp-free dialog. Quick and easy setup in minutes with the included HDMI and optical cables makes this soundbar ideal for movie watching, sports games, or music sessions.

Polk Audio MagniFi Mini Sound Bar
Polk Audio MagniFi Mini Sound Bar
  • Bluetooth/ HDMI
  • Supports Dolby Digital 5.1 Decoding
  • Highly detailed midrange, Powerful bass

Check Price


Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers

People's Choice

Edifier R1280T bookshelf speakers are a great choice for those looking for great sound quality with a classic wood finish. They feature two AUX input ports that allow you to connect two devices at the same time, so you can switch between sources without having to turn them on and off.

The remote control and bass/treble controls (on the side of the main speaker) make it easy to customize the sound quality.

With studio quality sound, these Edifier R1280T bookshelf speakers are sure to enhance your music listening experience. Perfect for any home or office, these speakers are a great addition to your proctor.

Pros:

  • Remote Control
  • Wood Design
  • Good Studio Sound
  • Connected to two devices via AUX at the same time, 3.5mm stereo mini-jack

Cons:

  • No Bluetooth

Summary: The Edifier R1280T bookshelf speakers are the perfect choice for anyone looking to enhance the sound quality of their projector. They are equipped with two AUX input ports, which allows you to connect two devices simultaneously, as well as a remote control. With its superior sound quality and classic design, this Edifier R1280T bookshelf speaker will impress you.

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
  • 42 watts of power
  • Remote Control
  • Connect to two devices via AUX at the same time

Check Price


JBL Bar 5.1 Soundbar

Premium Choice

JBL Bar 5.1 with Wireless Subwoofer is a top-of-the-line soundbar that offers great sound quality and easy connectivity. With built-in Bluetooth, you can easily stream music from your smartphone or other device. The 550W soundbar is equipped with a built-in chromecast and airplay2 function. It also features a wireless subwoofer for deep bass. It can also work with Alexa. If you are looking for an outstanding soundbar to enhance the sound quality of your projector, the JBL Bar 5.1 is a great option.

Pros:

  • Impressive sound
  • Easy to set up
  • Wireless Subwoofer with deep bass
  • Works with Alexa

Cons:

  • No Dolby Atmos

Summary: JBL Bar 5.1 Soundbar is a powerful audio system that delivers deep and immersive sound. Enjoy movies, shows, and music via HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connections.

JBL Bar 5.1 Soundbar
JBL Bar 5.1 Soundbar
  • WiFi / Bluetooth / HDMI
  • 550 Watts of power
  • Wireless Subwoofer, Work with Alexa

Check Price


VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Sound Bar

Best Budget

VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Soundbar is the perfect solution for enhancing the sound quality of your projectors. It has an ideal design for small to medium-sized rooms. Inside, the soundbar is equipped with two full-range drivers that produce crystal clear sound with a great room-shaking effect.

It also features DTS Virtual:X sound enhancement for a virtualized floor-to-ceiling sound experience and a wide frequency response range of 70 Hz - 20 kHz so you can hear what the artist intended. Easy to connect your projector with HDMI and ARC inputs . Enhance your projector's sound quality and bring movies, shows, music and more to life with the VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Sound Bar.

Pros:

  • Beautiful design
  • Easy to connect
  • Bluetooth
  • Remote Control,
  • Voice Control
  • DTS Virtual:X sound enhancement for virtualized audio

Cons:

  • Limited control options for adjusting audio settings

Summary: The VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Soundbar is the perfect solution for enhancing the sound quality of your projector. It features a sleek design that fits into medium to small rooms. It offers good sound quality and easy connectivity with HDMI and ARC inputs and Bluetooth.

VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Home Theater Sound Bar
VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Home Theater Sound Bar
  • Bluetooth/HDMI
  • DTS Virtual:X sound enhancement for virtualized audio
  • Remote Control,Voice Control

Check Price


Audioengine A2+ Wireless Speakers

Bluetooth Speakers

Audioengine A2+ wireless active speaker offers exceptional sound quality, versatility and ease of use, making it the perfect addition to any home. The high-frequency driver has one important function: it reproduces sounds with a frequency of more than 8,000 Hertz.

Thanks to its dual analog Class A/B monolithic amplifier and 60W peak output power, the A2+ is capable of filling even large rooms with dynamic, nuanced sound.

The speaker is also Bluetooth aptX compatible for superior sound quality, with a range of 2.5 meters (100 feet).If you're looking to enhance the sound of your projector, the A2+ wireless speaker is a great choice.

Pros:

  • Attractive design
  • Easy to connect
  • Good sound quality
  • 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, stereo RCA, USB
  • Compatible with Bluetooth aptX within 2.5 m (100 ft) wireless range

Cons:

  • No remote control

Summary: The Audioengine A2+ wireless speaker offers exceptional sound quality, versatility and ease of use. The speaker is Bluetooth compatible for superior sound quality. If you're looking to enhance the sound of your projector, the A2+ Wireless Speaker is a great choice.

Audioengine A2+ Wireless Speakers
Audioengine A2+ Wireless Speakers
  • 60W peak power
  • Bluetooth
  • 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, stereo RCA, USB

Check Price


FAQ about Best Speakers for Projector

Here are some frequently asked questions about external speakers for projector:

projector speaker 2024

What types of connectivity options do external speakers for projectors support?

Most external speakers for projectors support HDMI, Bluetooth, and AUX connectivity options. Some speakers also come with Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless streaming.

Can I connect multiple speakers to my projector?

Yes, you can connect multiple speakers to your projector using a soundbar or a receiver. Make sure that the speakers are compatible with the projector and that they can be connected using the available connectivity options.

Are wireless outdoor speakers better than wired ones?

Wireless outdoor speakers are usually more convenient because they don't need to be connected directly to the projector. However, wired speakers may provide better sound quality and less interference from other wireless signals in your home or office.

What is the best way to set up external speakers for a projector?

Setting up external speakers for your projector is a simple process. Simply connect the speakers to the projector using an audio cable or wireless connection and adjust the settings on both devices as needed.

Do I need an amplifier when using external speakers for my projector?

You do not need an amplifier if you are using external speakers with your projector.

Best External Speakers for Projector: Conclusion

Investing in external speakers for your projector is essential for an immersive cinematic experience. Polk Audio MagniFi Mini is our pick for external projector speakers, but there are many good options on the market as well. You can connect them as soundbars, PC speakers, bookshelf speakers, and anything else you want.

Just keep in mind the following factors when choosing: sound quality, compatibility, size, and design. With the right external speaker, you can take your movie watching experience to the next level.

Polk Audio MagniFi Mini Sound Bar
Polk Audio MagniFi Mini Sound Bar
  • Bluetooth/ HDMI
  • Supports Dolby Digital 5.1 Decoding
  • Highly detailed midrange, Powerful bass

Check Price


Go Deeper: