For a perfect and seamless setup, your best option is in-ceiling speakers. This type of speaker is embedded into the structure of your room. They are the most low-profile incognito option, but do they provide the same sound quality as larger speakers? Check the reviews below:
Reviews
1. Bose Virtually Invisible 791 In-Ceiling Speaker
The Bose Virtually Invisible 791 In-Ceiling Speakers come with one 7-inch woofer and two 1-inch soft dome tweeters. They offer full range surround sound performance that other speakers don’t. If you like stereo sound, this is the way to go.
These easy to install speakers come with Exclusive Stereo Everywhere Technology which will ensure optimal sound quality that covers the entire floor space. They will sit flush upon installation into your ceiling and won’t need to be painted to match your room as they come in white. However, you can paint them to match your wall of a different color.
The magnetically attached grilles makes for an easy installation that won’t take more than a few minutes for each speaker system.
What We Like
- Each speaker has one woofer and one dome tweeter
- Magnetic grille for easy installation
- Delivers high quality full range sound
- Exclusive Stereo Everywhere Technology to envelope listeners
- Blends well into ceilings
- Paintable grille
What We Don't Like
- Large Bose logo
- Plastic mounting tabs
2. Klipsch CDT 5650 C II In-Ceiling System
You can’t have Klipsch speakers without the proprietary Horn-Loaded Technology. These Horn-Loaded speakers are designed to eliminate distortion and amplify the sound output. This features 1-inch titanium tweeter and 6.5-inch cerametallic woofer.
The easy speaker installation saves a ton of time compared to regular conventional speakers and the Controlled Dispersion Technology will direct the mids and highs straight at the listeners to create a listening position sweet spot with no effort at all.
The treble and mid bass in the Klipsch CDT 5650 C II have attenuation switches to optimize the output and for the low-end bass to fill the room even with a separate subwoofer
The Klipsch CDT 5650 C II speakers are highly efficient without compromising audio quality and can deliver great sound at high volumes every time no matter the room size as it can be rotated 360 degrees and shift 15 degrees in any direction.
What We Like
- Improved audio performance with Horn-Loaded Technology
- High-powered bass
- Treble and midbass attenuation
- Controlled Directivity Technology
- Efficient energy output
- Low to no distortion
- Low profile
- Separate subwoofer
- Can be in-wall speakers or in-ceiling
What We Don't Like
- Higher price range
- Not white
3. Polk Audio RC80i 2-Way In-Ceiling Speakers
Next up is our budget option that has 100 watts RMS power. Whenever our experts choose a more affordable design, they make sure it’s still high quality and will deliver exceptional stereo sound for your speaker.
The beautiful Polk Audio RC80i low profile in-ceiling stereo systems are white but, are 100% paintable with the color of your choice. They are also easy to install and are an amazing addition to your home theater system. Not only do the speakers optimize movies and music, but you will also notice clearer dialogue as well.
The 8-inch woofer and 1-inch soft dome tweeter will reproduce the highs precisely to add more balanced depth. The rubber surround allows for high frequencies and is moisture protected, which makes these stereo systems excellent for bathrooms.
What We Like
- Small 2-way speakers
- Polk Audio moisture resistant rubber seal
- 8 inch dynamic balance woofer
- 1 inch dome tweeters
- Balanced audio for your home theater system
- Simple to install
- Great for in-ceiling surround sound
- Great value for money
- Comes in 8 inch or 6.5 inch options
What We Don't Like
- No separate subwoofer
- Not so great as in-wall mount speakers
4. Herdio 4” HCS418 Ceiling In-Wall Speakers
While most ceiling stereo speakers come with a 6.5 inch profile or more, these ones from Herdio have a tiny 4-inch flush mount footprint that makes them the most compact design our team has included on the list.
Even with such a small circumference, the Herdio HCS418 Ceiling In-Wall Speakers have 160 watts of power per speaker with a mineral-filled polypropylene mica cone woofer and rubber edge seals to help keep out the moisture while delivering flawless clear sound.
The magnetic grille is removable to reveal a black driver with blue detailing. The grilles are stain-resistant and help the dark-colored drivers fit into a white-schemed home.
Your purchase from Herdio comes with a 1-year warranty and a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee to put your minds at ease.
What We Like
- 160 watts of maximum power
- 100% customer satisfaction guarantee
- 1-year warranty
- Installation is simple and easy
- Removable grille
- Stain-proof grille
- Polypropylene cone
- Rubber seals
- Compact profile for smaller rooms
- Suitable for bathrooms and kitchens
- Affordable price
What We Don't Like
- Quieter bass
- Quieter sound than an 8-inch speaker
5. Amazon Basics 8” Round In-Ceiling Wall-Mounted Speakers
This next sound option comes in a pair and is made for both in-ceiling and in-wall installation. The 8-inch composite woofer and a 1-inch hi-fi tweeter will give you optimized sound for small to large rooms.
The Amazon Basics 8-inch Round In-Ceiling Speakers, like Acoustic Audio R191, is a highly rated product that has a relatively low price tag while still producing the wide soundstage viewers crave. The frequency response is high with a broad range to relay all your audio content accurately.
The grilles can be removed and the entire system is very easy to install. The package also comes with painting masks if you wish to match your stereo systems to your interior with a fresh coat of paint.
What We Like
- Comes in a pair
- Suited for in-wall or in-ceiling installation
- A good size for larger rooms
- High frequency response
- Wide frequency range
- 93 dB of sensitivity
- 2-way speaker
- 1-year limited warranty
- Removable grilles
- Paintable grilles
- Comes with everything you need in the box
What We Don't Like
- No moveable tweeter
- 16 gauge wires are a tight fi
In Ceiling Speakers Buyer’s Guide
Design
The design of in-ceiling stereo systems need to be low-profile. We will get into the size and weight in more detail in just a bit. What color are the in-ceiling stereo systems? You wouldn’t want your other stereo systems to be of a certain color and have one speaker stand out like a sore thumb.
Most people want in-ceiling systems that match their room color. If you are one of those people, then look for a design that has a paintable grille, like the Polk Audio RC80i.
Size and Weight
The size and weight are crucial to the installation of the in-ceiling stereo system. For example, one that’s too large will be heavy and may not fit into ceilings that are low hanging or have other obstacles such as beams.
Take into account insulation, especially if the in-ceiling stereo system can be installed into the wall. The key is to look for in-ceiling stereo systems that have a low enough profile to fit into the space between the roof and ceiling.
If your ceiling boards are thinner, then the weight of the speakers are vital. Ones that are too heavy will rip a hole in your roof. Most manufacturers account for this possibility and manufacture models that are lightweight but still produce excellent sound quality like the Klipsch CDT that has 1-inch titanium tweeter.
Not to mention, heavier in-ceiling stereo systems will also be tougher to install. Since there won’t be only one speaker to direct the sound 15 degrees in any direction, the weight will double or triple. So keep in mind to look for lightweight options.
Sound Quality
Perhaps the most important consideration for buyers is the sound quality and audio performance offered by the speakers. Top notch ceiling speakers will give regular speakers a run for their money.
In general, ceiling speakers are not powered, which means you will need to purchase an external amplifier or receiver, but more on that in a bit. An amplifier or receiver can also help improve the dynamic balance of the audio for great sound.
The materials used to construct your new in-ceiling speaker will affect how it relays high-end frequencies and low-end bass tones. The most common drivers in-ceiling speakers are woofers and tweeters. The rigidity and flexibility of the materials used will affect how your best ceiling speakers perform.
For example, a soft dome tweeter or silk dome tweeter drivers will allow for more precise high notes. As for the low-end bass, make sure the materials are rigid but still have enough give. Our experts use cerametallic spun copper woofer and 1″ titanium tweeter as an example.
Does the size matter? In general, yes, larger speakers and drivers will provide louder and more powerful sound. Most speakers measure at a 6.5 inch size but some can go up to 8 inches just for more oomph. An 8″ woofer will pack a lot more bass than one that’s smaller.
You will most likely find smaller inch tweeters and a larger inch woofer in ceiling speakers.
Speaking of materials, since your speakers are mounted in the ceiling, it’s very probable that moisture accumulated from the weather outside will damage the speakers over time. If you want to install your speakers somewhere that has a lot of moisture like the bathroom, then look for moisture resistant seals.
Another factor that affects the audio quality of your best in-ceiling stereo system is the design. Are your speakers 2-way or 3-way? A 2-way audio system features a dome tweeter and woofer for the highs and lows. However, they need to work together to make up for the lack of a mid range driver.
A 3-way audio system on the other hand, is the best value for money and highly recommended by our experts. This is because it features a separate driver dedicated to the midrange frequency spectrum. As you can imagine, this results in more accurate sound.
Our experts will remind you that just because you have a 3-way audio system, it doesn’t mean it will always outperform a two-way. What’s also important to keep in mind is the build and the construction. A well-built two-way system will be superior to a poorly constructed 3-way.
Next up is the technology encased in each audio system. For example, Klipsch speakers usually feature Horn-Loaded Technology, which optimizes the sound output to less distortion. Depending on the brand, the featured technology will vary, but having an audio system that has additional acoustic bonuses such as this will greatly improve your system
Amplifier
We mentioned this briefly above, but an in-ceiling stereo system installation is usually not powered or not active, meaning it requires an additional amplifier or receiver. An amplifier or receiver cannot be installed into the wall, so it’s crucial to account for the extra space and cost.
Our experts say the key to finding a compatible amplifier is to pay attention to the power-handling output. Not only should the amp or receiver be compatible with your in-ceiling stereo system it also needs to match all the other devices in your setup.
Number of Units
Do you want your in-ceiling speakers to come in a set or single units? Single units will end up costing more money if you purchase more than one to make up the entire system. Other options include sets complete with many units. They are most costly from a package point of view, but each individual audio system is usually more cost effective.
The key to identifying which to buy is to consider your room size. Think about the placement and where you will install each of the speakers to map out the locations. This way, you can decide on how much room you have to accommodate your new loudspeakers and how many units to purchase.
Setup and Placement
Our experts highly recommend a 15-degree swivel mount that keeps each speaker in place. A swivel-mounted speaker in place will allow you to angle and find the best trajectory to fine tune your audio.
This is also useful because the acoustics of your room may not allow you to place the speakers wherever you wish. There may be a beam in the way or studs in the wall, so the adjustable mount will compensate for the unideal location with different angles.
Some units have a separate sub and moveable tweeters, each package is a little different. Take a look at your room layout to determine what the best is for you. If you are able to place the speakers exactly where you want, then you won’t be needing a 15-degree swivel mount, but it’s a nice feature to have.
Installation
The installation of your home theater ceiling speakers needs to be easy, simple and straightforward. Although the setup will be more difficult than traditional bookshelf speakers, ceiling speakers that come with their own installation kits and are optimized for easy connection are the best.
There are many models out there that come with tabs and easy installation systems to make the process easier. However, it is a big undertaking so our team recommends getting an expert onboard if you are not confident in taking on the speaker installation process yourself.
If you don’t have the tools, hiring someone to complete your home theater is also better. Just to give you an idea, the tools you may need are jab saws, pliers, a measuring tape, a carpenter’s level, and more. These aren’t usually tools we have laying around the house, which is why enlisting an expert is a better and safer choice.
Some examples of in ceiling speakers that are easy to install include the Polk Audio RC80i, the Yamaha NS IW280CWH, the Micca M 8C, Acoustic Audio R191 and the other ones on our top list.
Material and Durability
We also briefly mentioned the importance of the material and durability for amazing quality sound. Since in-ceiling installation speakers are more of a permanent fixture, so the build quality is of immense importance. The build quality and durability is ensured by the materials used both inside and out.
Some are very robust and have speakers that feature rust-resistant and moisture-resistant materials, which is what our experts recommend just for peace of mind. This matters a lot for in-ceiling speakers since they are susceptible to the outside weather to some extent.
Where you intend to install these speakers will also influence the materials you should look into. For example, if you want to enjoy surround audio while in the bath, then moisture-proof and rust-resistant materials are the key. The same goes for kitchen installation or installation outdoors in an undercover area.
You may need to pay a bit more, but the overall quality of the materials will ensure longevity and even best sound quality. Some in-ceiling stereo models that are very well-constructed include ones from Polk Audio, the Yamaha NS IW280CWH, the Micca M 8C, Acoustic Audio R191 among others.
(Want to protect your speakers better? Then, you can check out the importance of installing a ceiling speaker back box here)
Price
Speaking of the price, you want the best value for money at the very low price. Low price tags may not always be possible for in-ceiling speakers, because they require better materials and a sleeker design compared to regular bookshelf speakers or tower speakers on the market.
Other factors that may impact the price include everything we touched upon in our buyer’s guide. You want to be able to paint the grille a different color? Then get ready for a higher cost. If you want a swivel-mounted speaker for wide sound dispersion, that will also cost you extra.
The outfitted technology in each speaker will also hike up the price tag as will the build materials and the number of units. Also remember if you have passive speakers, meaning ones that are not powered or active, then you are required to purchase an external amplifier or receiver, which will only add to your budget.
The type of speakers you opt for will also influence the price. For example, 2-way speakers are usually more affordable than 3-way options, but don’t generally have the same performance standards. If you want better quality sound with clarity and balance, then 3-way options are the best choice but are also more costly.
FAQ
Do ceiling speakers sound good?
Yes, ceiling speakers sound good. Due to their elevated placement that can span the entire room, you will experience more in-depth sound from 6.5 inch to 8-inch speakers. Polk Audio has amazing ceiling speakers with proprietary technology to bring listeners a realistic experience.
How many speakers do I need in ceiling?
How many speakers you need in-ceiling depends on the size of your room. Smaller rooms may only be able to accommodate 1 to 2 speakers while larger rooms can feature a set of 4, 6 or even 8! Look at your setup to determine how many in-ceiling speakers you need.
Do ceiling speakers need enclosures?
Yes, ceiling speakers need enclosures in most cases. They also need a backbox to protect not only the speakers but the integrity of your ceiling. This will prolong the lifespan of your speakers and save you money in the long run without needing to replace them anytime soon.
Our Top Pick For an In Ceiling Speaker: Bose Virtually Invisible 791
Our experts’ top pick for best in ceiling speakers is the Bose Virtually Invisible 791. These invisible speakers have a low profile that will blend into your ceiling seamlessly. While the model comes in a neutral white color, you can paint the grille to match your interiors[1].
As for the sound, the ceiling speakers include Exclusive Stereo Everywhere technology, which covers the room with immersive sound. The speakers have a high quality build with full-range performance to bring you a realistic and dynamic soundstage. It’s also a great value for your money and offers you a sturdy build for longevity for a reasonable price.
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