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Willie Greer - September 19, 2021
It’s no secret that built-in speakers on a projector can be weak and inefficient, but sadly, not all external speakers sound great or are made for projectors. You could end up with ones that do not stand the test of time or the elements. Our audio and media team have come together to find the ideal speakers for a projector to help you out.
KB6000
- Comes with 4
- Full-range speakers
- Compression loaded horn tweeters
- Easily installed and mounted
Atrium 4
- Comes in black and white
- Wide sound dispersion
- Dynamic balance woofer
- Easy mounting bracket
Bluetooth Speaker
- Budget price
- Easily portable
- IPX7 waterproof
- Bluetooth 5.0
Reviews of the Top Speakers for Projectors
Polk Audio Atrium 4
Our audiovisual team starts off the list with the Polk Audio Atrium 4. They are arguably the best-looking and sounding multimedia speakers. They pair well with your projector, especially if you have your setup outdoors. They can mount easily and sound great in open spaces, which makes them a great space-saving choice.
Albeit small, these are high-fidelity speakers with exceptional quality. There are long throw drivers and aluminum dome tweeters under the grille to bring high-quality sound. The Polk Audio Atrium 4s have all-weather performance capabilities that makes them resistant to rain and heat.
What We Like
- Speed lock mounting system
- High audio output from each channel
- Sleek speaker system
- Room-filling sound outdoors
- Weather-resistant
- Aluminum and stainless steel hardware
- Wide dispersion
- Dynamic Balance Technology
- Klippel Optimization Technology
- Black and white
What We Don't Like
- Grilles are not removable
- Better used with a subwoofer for deep bass
KICKER KB6000
The Kicker KB6000 speakers are a bit more expensive, but they come in a pack of 4, which with the right placement can give you a very expansive listening experience than just two speakers.
The Kicker speakers are marine-grade, which means they are highly durable and resistant to the weather if you want to install them outdoors. They can also elevate your projector’s audio in your living room for a home theater experience.
Other than looking great, the KB6000 speakers are also endowed with compression-loaded horn tweeters and Kicker woofers to improve movies, music, and games.
What We Like
- Full-range speakers for projectors
- Great for outdoor and indoor use
- Santoprene surrounds
- Polypropylene cone woofers
- 12dB crossover
- Easy setup
What We Don't Like
- 4 speakers may be too much for some
- No sound modes
Hadisala Bluetooth Speaker
If you’re looking for a very portable, lightweight, and robust model, the Hadisala Portable Bluetooth Speaker will not disappoint. Our media and sound teams enjoyed the audio experience from such a small external speaker.
The small speaker is not only affordable, but it’s a wireless speaker that pairs easily with Bluetooth 5.0, the latest technology. You can maintain a stable connection even up to 666 feet away from your projector!
It doesn’t matter where or in what conditions you want to set up to watch movies, because the Hadisala speakers are IPX7 waterproof with a long battery life.
What We Like
- Hi-Fi stereo sound for your projector
- IPX7 waterproof
- Latest Bluetooth technology
- Very small and portable
- Lightweight with a carrying handle
- Long battery life
- Built-in microphone
- Easy control buttons on the side
- 360-degree surround sound
- Voice assistant capable
- Very affordable price
What We Don't Like
- Stereo mode may decrease Bluetooth range
- Not as loud as a full-sized speaker
Edifier G2000
If you like small, the Edifier G2000 is one of the best speakers for a projector in this regard. The G2000s are also highly versatile and work well with computers, and connect with wireless Bluetooth or USB.
They also look great with RGB lighting that looks cool in game mode. Their profile is 2.75 inches, but they have a mega bass port that can generate 16 watts RMS power with a total of 32 watts at peak.
You can choose from multiple sound mode choices that can optimize your listening experience. The small units are very compact, highly portable, and very convenient.
What We Like
- Cool RGB lighting
- Game, movie, and music sound modes
- Wireless connection
- Lever volume adjustment
- Broad compatibility
- Very small and portable
- USB connection
- Hi-Fi realistic sound
What We Don't Like
- Volume cannot be controlled from a keyboard
- Not the best speakers for highs
TREBLAB FX100
If rugged and durable is what you need, then the Treblab FX100 is another great option. Armed with an IPX4 rating, the FX100 is shockproof and dustproof, perfect for an outdoor speaker. The external speaker for a projector is also great indoors and connects to your projector via Bluetooth.
The FX100 has a mic built in, which means you can take hands-free calls and there is even FM radio mode so you can enjoy great sound even if it isn’t from your projector.
Place it vertically or horizontally like a sound bar, it won’t affect the high-quality sound from the FX100 at all.
What We Like
- Shockproof with IPX4 rating
- Bluetooth connection
- Built-in microphone
- Battery life up to 35 hours
- FM radio mode
- Comes with a carabiner
- Lifetime support
- Works indoors and out
What We Don't Like
- Bluetooth strength will weaken as battery drains
- More water-resistant than waterproof
JBL Charge 4
The JBL Charge 4 speaker resembles a soundbar when placed on its side. It comes in many different vibrant colors and features a carrying case as well for mobile ease. You can hook up this small external speaker to your projector and get instant high-quality sound no matter where you are.
The Charge 4 is resistant to water spillage and splashes, so feel free to use the soundbar speaker next to the pool or at the beach. The portability of a device increases when it comes with a carrying case so you do not have to worry about damaging it during transit.
What We Like
- Clear sound
- Bluetooth portable speaker
- Works well with a projector
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Resistant to spills and splashes
- Can be submerged
- Lightweight and small
- Multiple colors
What We Don't Like
- No speakerphone feature
- Not as loud as a full speaker system
ABRAMTEK E600
When our audio team first laid eyes on the Abramtek E600, they were very excited to try it out. The luxe design features DPAC Super Bass Technology, which could eliminate the need for a wireless subwoofer. Purchasing a soundbar with a wireless subwoofer for your projector could take up a lot of space, but not if you go for the E600.
The cylindrical projector speaker can deliver true 360-degree surround sound that surrounds your entire space. The speaker is capable of stereo pairing for multiple devices for a more immersive experience.
There is also soft LED lighting to create the perfect ambient lighting in your viewing environment.
What We Like
- Stereo sound with Bluetooth pairing
- Exceptional audio output
- Very stylish and portable
- Can link multiple devices
- 12-month warranty
- True 360-degree surround sound
- DPAC Super Bass Technology
- Built-in EQ modes for adjustable sound quality
- Soft night lighting
- 2 colors
What We Don't Like
- No remote control
- No Dolby Atmos
INSMY Portable Bluetooth Speakers
The INSMY Portable Bluetooth Speakers have dual passive radiators that will take care of all the low sound effects. Your projector movies and music will be greatly improved even from distances as far as 100 feet! The wireless 5.0 technology will promise a stable connection.
TWS mode is also available, which means you can connect multiple devices together for true stereo sound. Even if your projectors come with a sound system, we would still recommend this IPX7 rated speaker for better audio quality.
The small speaker can float on water and even be submerged in 1m of water for up to 30 min!
What We Like
- 24-hour battery life
- Stereo sound with multiple devices
- Pairs with a projector wirelessly
- Delivers quality sound
- Ultra-portable wireless speaker
- Durable and rugged IPX7 rating
- Less than 1% THD
- Multiple colors
What We Don't Like
- Turns on at a high volume
- May have to link devices each time
Yamaha NS-AW350W
Another highly versatile pair of wireless speakers are the Yamaha HS-AW350W. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and are Energy Star certified. You can place or mount them wherever you want as close to your media system and projector as you need because these wireless speakers come with magnetic shielding.
Yamaha equips the NS-AW350W with the advanced acoustic suspension to not only better your audio experience at an affordable price, but also to ensure a controlled bass response.
They are optimized for all-weather use, so you never have to worry about climate conditions.
What We Like
- Magnetically-shielded speakers
- Power output up to 40W per channel
- Works rain or shine, indoors and out
- More immersive than a sound bar
- PEI dome tweeter
- Durable construction
- Energy Star certified
- Can work as surround speakers with your projector
What We Don't Like
- The grilles aren’t as sturdy
- Wall mount isn’t the most adjustable
Arvicka Speakers
The last best speaker for a projector that passed our inspection is the Arvicka speakers. They are very small, and can sound just as good as speakers twice its size or a soundbar. The speakers take the phrase “small but mighty” to new heights with the amazing audio quality that works with your projector.
It features LED lighting on the bottom that will elevate visual appeal. The speakers are plug-and-play, so they are easy to hook up to your projectors and any other device with a headphone jack. They save space, look great, and are very easy to use.
What We Like
- Play music in style with LED lighting
- Works with any device with a headphone jack
- Takes up less space than a soundbar
- Features a 3-year warranty
- Impressive audio for such a small size
- USB port for charging
- Plug-and-play design
What We Don't Like
- Not wireless
- Does not come with sound mode options
Speakers for Projectors Buyer’s Guide
Finding the right speaker for your projector is similar to looking for ones to complement your home theater. Our audio and media team have worked together to find the best wired and wireless designs that produce excellent sound quality at a good price range by looking at the following features.
Design and Portability
Our professional teams have made sure to include external speakers of different designs. There are ones made for the outdoors, ones that can be mounted to the wall, and extremely portable ones.
The design you choose depends on the level of portability you desire. Do you wish to host movie nights outdoors? If so, you will need larger speakers that generate enough external sound power to fill up a large area.
If you’re thinking of a cozy movie night in for 2, then small desktop speakers will do. For those on the go and thinking about bringing their projector along with them camping or to other venues will do well with portable and rugged external speakers.
Speaking for portability, you also need to make sure your speaker comes with extended battery life. There is no point in taking a projector speaker with you on the road if it barely lasts over an hour. The portable external speakers we featured on our list mostly have lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that can last for hours upon hours.
The control of the speaker should be separate from the projector. You want your speakers to have their own control panel for you to adjust the EQ, volume, and power independent of your phone or projector. Trust us, it’s more convenient this way.
You may also find a speaker that comes with a remote control, or can pair with a compatible app directly on your phone. Regardless of how you control it, our experts recommend a completely separate system from your media device.
If you are going for a portable speaker, then make sure there is a carrying case or a handle. While this isn’t pertinent for the performance, it really adds a level of convenience you didn’t know you needed.
Sound Quality
The best speaker for a projector should impress you with top-quality sound. There are many aspects that factor into how well your speaker produces sound such as the power output, driver material, and technologies.
Let’s tackle the power first. Our team warns against focusing on the peak power output of a speaker rather than the RMS. The peak is the max wattage your speaker can put out without risking any damage – but only in short bursts. The RMS is what you can task your speakers with consistently over time.
You will notice that the RMS is quite a bit lower because it needs to be to not risk blowing out your speakers. Then there is the frequency range. Since we’re talking about speakers and not subwoofers, you want the response to be as wide as possible to encompass all the notes on the audio spectrum.
The human audible range is between 20Hz to 20kHz, so our sonic engineers say to look for a speaker that can hit that range at the very least.
If the brand incorporates special technologies to boost the sound such as the DPAC Super Bass Technology we see in the Abramtek E600, then it will put that specific speaker high above the rest.
Subwoofer
Is there a subwoofer, bass technology, or a need for an external sub? If your speaker comes with some sort of bass tech or subwoofer, then it can generate better low notes for your wireless music and movie content without the need for you to connect an external one.
Yes, external subwoofers can produce better bass, but they also take up more space, require more time to set up. And if you don’t already have one, it could cost you more money.
Some people are perfectly fine with lightly enhanced bass, but if you are a true bass head, then the key is to make sure there is a decent bass driver or subwoofer enclosed within the speaker.
Surround Sound
Your speaker can either already come with enveloping sound capability, or it could try to mimic the effects with stereo sound. There are plenty of options our experts have included on our list that have amazing all-encompassing sound quality.
Some external speakers such as the tiny Hadisala projector speaker can produce 360-degree sound. Others may have surround sound technology such as the Abramtek E600. Even if your external speakers cannot achieve surrounding sound on its own, you can still try to establish it by pairing more than one speaker together.
This will require Bluetooth TWS Technology in most speakers, and we also have a few external speakers that can do it. This way, with strategic placement, it can still create a similar environment to a true 360-degree experience.
Connections
The connection is a very important aspect when it comes to connecting your external speakers to your projector. If both devices do not possess compatible connections, then your speakers will not work with your media device.
The most common are headphone jacks, RCA, and USB aside from wireless options. If your projector possesses any of the above wired ports, then it will be a simple plug-and-play setup.
Wired connections are generally more stable as opposed to a cable-less setup, but your placement options are greatly restricted by the length of the cable.
Wireless Connectivity
We then have wireless connectivity options for external speakers, which is most commonly Bluetooth. Wireless connections are also easy to set up with and they still produce a clear sound, but obstructions and distance can play a huge role in the stability.
The latest 5.0 wireless technology can allow for anywhere from 60 to 100 feet in distance, but you can choose to place your external speakers and projectors closer together. Our experts remind readers that obstacles placed within the invisible line of connection could potentially disrupt the connection.
That said, there are still many perks when it comes to connecting external speakers to your projector wirelessly. The placement is easier, the setup is cleaner, and wireless connection is the best for portability.
Material Durability
The best speaker for a projector should last for many years, no matter how much it costs. The material durability has a hand in the lifespan and the quality of the music your speaker generates. A speaker that’s resistant to usual wear and tear is very common, but if you can find ones that are weatherproof and waterproof, then that’s even better.
A way to measure how indestructible the speaker is, is to see whether it has an IP rating [1]. The IP rating chart has 2 categories. The first digit after IP is the speaker’s ability to withstand solids and the second is the indicator for liquids. The higher the numbers are, the more protected your unit is.
You may notice some speaker models that have a rating such as IPX7. The X means there is no protection in the solids category and the 7 means the device can be submerged in 1m of water without issue.
Of course, not everyone needs an impervious speaker, especially if you just do movie nights at home. The durability features are more vital for those who will take their speakers on the road or want to set them up outside.
Water Resistance
Resistance against solids such as dust and debris is important, but our experts say water resistance is more crucial than many people think. An accidental spill or slip of your hand near the pool can result in a catastrophic consequence – unless your unit is water-resistant or waterproof.
To check a speaker’s water resistance, just refer to what our audio and media teams mentioned above about the IP rating chart.
Additional Features
Whether you have a soundbar or a speaker, you can come across something called sound modes. These are embedded settings that allow you to pick the content you’re enjoying and your speakers will optimize its settings to enhance your experience.
For example, movie mode will see your speaker or soundbar highlight the explosions and speech for more excitement, but music mode will emphasize each note for clarity and better bass.
Another feature could be built-in microphones in your external speaker that allows you to take phone calls hands-free. These additional features will not affect the movie or music quality, but they will give you more options and usability.
Stereo pairing mode, which our dedicated professionals mentioned above can pair two speakers of the same kind together to create a more enveloping experience. Not all devices can do this, and many of them can only do so if you have two speakers from the same brand or product line.
Our media and audio team will also take this time to suggest some accessories your speaker should come with. Portable designs will do well with a carrying case or handle, and ones that are more stationary should include mounting hardware if applicable. Coming with the necessary audio cable for connection will make it easier for you to go from unboxing to enjoying enhanced audio and bass in no time.
Connecting the Speakers to Your Projector
How you connect your speaker to your projector depends on the type of connection they have. For example, the tiny Arvicka speakers boast a plug-and-play design via the 3.5mm jack.
USB speakers should also be a simple plug-and-play design. All it takes is to insert the cable into both ports and you’re good to go.
As for wireless compatibility, the pairing process is the same as with any other Bluetooth-enabled device. Put them both into discoverable mode, find the device listed and press to pair.
Even some of the best speakers with a weaker wireless connection or system may require you to re-pair the devices each time you turn them on, while others will store the device in the memory bank and pair automatically.
There are pros and cons to both types, so it really depends on what you prefer. If you always use the same speaker and projector, then the constant need to re-connect the devices can be time-consuming. However, if you often connect your external speaker to multiple units, you may not want it to automatically connect to the same one all the time.
FAQ
What kind of speakers can I hook up to my projector?
You can hook up multimedia or portable wireless speakers to your projector. The exact type will depend on your projector’s connection options and your preference. Portable units will require Bluetooth in general, but RCA, USB and 3.5mm are other common connection types.
What is the best Bluetooth speaker for a projector?
The best Bluetooth speaker for a projector is the Hadisala portable speaker. Don’t let its tiny profile fool you, the bass is expansive and your movie and music content will never be the same again thanks to the 360-degree surrounding sound and passive radiators.
Our Top Pick For a Projector Speaker:
Polk Audio Atrium 4
Among the best speakers for a projector we tested, our audio team landed on the Polk Audio Atrium 4 as the top pick. This speaker pair can be used indoors and out with an easy speed lock mounting system. It comes in both black and white to match your decor and can generate a wide soundstage with powerful bass and the components are fortified by an all-weather design.
If you are looking for the best product to boost your surround sound, you can also check the list below:
