Q: What's the difference between RMS watts and peak watts on a loudspeaker?

RMS watts is the only figure that matters — it represents the continuous power a speaker can handle without distortion. Peak watts is a marketing number reflecting a brief, unsustainable maximum that tells you almost nothing about real-world performance. A speaker rated at 30W RMS will consistently outperform a "100W peak" model in everyday use. Always look for the RMS spec before comparing loudspeakers.

Q: Should I buy a loudspeaker or a soundbar for my TV?

For TV use, a soundbar is almost always the better choice — it's designed for dialogue clarity, integrates with HDMI ARC, and sits neatly below a screen. Standalone loudspeakers require a separate amplifier and more complex setup to work with a television. That said, a proper stereo pair connected via an AV receiver will outperform most soundbars at equivalent prices. Browse our soundbar speakers category if TV audio is your primary goal.

Q: What pitfalls should I avoid when buying loudspeakers online?

The biggest trap is buying on wattage alone — inflated peak power figures are rife in this category. Beyond that: check whether the speaker is active (powered, plug-and-play) or passive (requires a separate amplifier). Many buyers purchase passive bookshelf speakers expecting them to work standalone — they won't. Also verify the connectivity: some models listed as 'wireless' only support Bluetooth, not Wi-Fi, which limits multi-room capability. Finally, check the returns policy before buying from a lesser-known retailer; John Lewis and Currys both offer strong after-sales support if something goes wrong.

Question 1

What's the difference between RMS watts and peak watts on a loudspeaker?

Accepted Answer

RMS watts is the only figure that matters — it represents the continuous power a speaker can handle without distortion. Peak watts is a marketing number reflecting a brief, unsustainable maximum that tells you almost nothing about real-world performance. A speaker rated at 30W RMS will consistently outperform a "100W peak" model in everyday use. Always look for the RMS spec before comparing loudspeakers.

Question 2

Are wireless loudspeakers good enough for serious music listening?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only if they support a high-quality codec like aptX HD or LDAC — standard Bluetooth (SBC) compresses audio noticeably. Wi-Fi-based systems such as the Denon Home range stream at full lossless quality and are genuinely suitable for critical listening. Pure Bluetooth portables are fine for casual use but won't satisfy anyone who listens attentively to music. If audio fidelity matters, a wired or Wi-Fi connection is always preferable to standard Bluetooth.

Question 3

Should I buy a loudspeaker or a soundbar for my TV?

Accepted Answer

For TV use, a soundbar is almost always the better choice — it's designed for dialogue clarity, integrates with HDMI ARC, and sits neatly below a screen. Standalone loudspeakers require a separate amplifier and more complex setup to work with a television. That said, a proper stereo pair connected via an AV receiver will outperform most soundbars at equivalent prices. Browse our soundbar speakers category if TV audio is your primary goal.

Question 4

What loudspeaker impedance should I look for?

Accepted Answer

For most home use, 8 ohms is the safest and most compatible choice. Most amplifiers and AV receivers are designed around 8-ohm loads. A 4-ohm speaker draws more current from the amplifier — it can sound louder but risks overheating cheaper amps. 6-ohm speakers are a common compromise. If you're buying passive speakers to pair with an existing amplifier, always check the amp's minimum impedance rating before purchasing.

Question 5

Are cheap loudspeakers from brands like Nedis or Hama worth buying?

Accepted Answer

For basic desktop or background audio, yes — but don't expect them to last or to sound particularly good. Brands like Nedis and Hama fill a genuine need at prices from 11 £, and for PC notifications, video calls, or a kitchen radio, they're perfectly adequate. The plastic cabinets resonate at higher volumes and the drivers are limited in frequency range. If you listen to music for more than 30 minutes a day, spending more — even just reaching the 28 £ mark — makes a meaningful difference.

Question 6

What pitfalls should I avoid when buying loudspeakers online?

Accepted Answer

The biggest trap is buying on wattage alone — inflated peak power figures are rife in this category. Beyond that: check whether the speaker is active (powered, plug-and-play) or passive (requires a separate amplifier). Many buyers purchase passive bookshelf speakers expecting them to work standalone — they won't. Also verify the connectivity: some models listed as 'wireless' only support Bluetooth, not Wi-Fi, which limits multi-room capability. Finally, check the returns policy before buying from a lesser-known retailer; John Lewis and Currys both offer strong after-sales support if something goes wrong.

Question 7

Which loudspeaker brands offer the best value in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Edifier consistently offers the best price-to-performance ratio in the mid-range, with a broad catalogue averaging around 163 £ and genuine 2-way active designs that rival speakers costing considerably more. Creative Labs is the standout for budget desktop use. At the premium end, Q Acoustics regularly earns Which? Best Buy recommendations and outperforms rivals at similar price points. Klipsch and Bose carry a brand premium — not always unjustified, but worth comparing carefully against Q Acoustics and Monitor Audio before committing.

Loudspeakers Price Comparison

Axis C1110-E 2-way Black Wired

Adesso Xtream S4 1-way Black Wired 10 W

Trust GXT 609 Zoxa Black Wired 6 W

Creative Labs Creative T60 Full range Black Wired & Wireless 30 W

Edifier D12-BK loudspeaker Black Wired & Wireless 70 W

Edifier MR4 Black Wired 21 W

Axis 02380-001 loudspeaker 1-way White Wired

Vivolink VLSP65AW loudspeaker 2-way White Wired 60 W

Vivolink VLSP65AB loudspeaker 2-way Black Wired 60 W

Creative Labs Pebble V3 Black Wired & Wireless 8 W

Razer Nommo V2 X Full range Black Wired & Wireless

Razer Nommo V2 Full range Black Wired & Wireless

Axis C1110-E 2-way White Wired

Axis C1111-E 2-way White

Edifier QR65 Black Wired & Wireless 70 W

Vivolink AUDIOPACK4 loudspeaker

Vivolink AUDIOPACK2 loudspeaker

Axis C1410 Mk II 2-way White Wired

Manhattan 2600 Series Speaker System, Two Speakers, Black/Orange, USB for Stereo Audio and Power, Output: 2x 3W, Decent Sound, Integrated rotary volume control, USB-C/USB-A Adapter, Cable 1.4m

Manhattan 2600 Series Speaker System, Two Speakers, Black/Silver, USB for Stereo Audio and Power, Output: 2x 3W, Decent Sound, Integrated rotary volume control, USB-C/USB-A Adapter, Cable 1.4m

Loudspeakers Price Comparison