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Best Powered Speakers 2018

Updated: Mar 2024

Looking for the best powered speakers for your setup? Thousands of customers can’t be wrong. From what people are searching for, to what people are buying, we’ve pulled in endless data to come up with the best powered speakers in 2018. If you’re looking for a new speaker choice, this is the first place to look.
Now without further ado...


ProductInputsProduct Link
Rockville RPG122K Package1/4", XLR, RCA, USB, SD, Bluetooth, FM RadioCheck Price
QSC K12XLR, 1/4", RCACheck Price
Electro-Voice ZLX-15PXLR, 1/4"Check Price
Electro-Voice EKX-15PXLR, 1/4" RCACheck Price
Mackie Thump 15XLR, 1/4"Check Price
Mackie SRM650XLR, 1/4", RCACheck Price
RCF Evox 12XLR, 1/4" micCheck Price
Electro-Voice ZLX-12PXLR, 1/4"Check Price
Mackie SRM550XLR, 1/4", RCACheck Price
JBL Professional EON612XLR, 1/4"Check Price
Bose Professional F1XLR, 1/4" RCACheck Price

Rockville RPG122K Package

Rockville RPG122K Dual 12-inch Powered Speakers With Stands and Microphone - Black

Looking for the best possible price on a pair of powered speakers? This package might just be it. One of the top selling sets on Amazon, this package features 2 1000-watt (250-watt RMS) speakers with stands and a microphone for an unbeatable price!
CHECK ROCKVILLE RPG122K PRICE

QSC K12

Do a little research on this guy, and you’ll find that DJs and speaker gurus alike rave about this 12” loudspeaker. With on-board equalizer switches, a tilt direct mounting system, and tour-grade grill faces, this 1000-watt unit can handle both large and small weddings. But this is all for not if a powered speaker doesn’t sound amazing, which is the number one point that reviewers are quick to point out. The QSC K12 has now been discontinued, but is still available from some retailers on Amazon.
CHECK PRICE QSC K12 PRICE

Electro-Voice ZLX-15P

EV ZLX15P

When it comes to powered speakers, there’s a tough balance between sound quality and price point. “You get what you pay for” is almost all too common in the pro audio world. But if you’re looking for an affordable speaker that sounds fantastic, look no further than the ZLX-15P. The digital DSP is just the first “mind-blown” thought you’ll have, while the Class D amplifier truly gives you an enjoyable sound. Weighing in at just 38 pounds, the ZLX 15” is extremely lightweight and portable.
CHECK EV ZLX-15P PRICE

Electro-Voice EKX-15P

EV EKX15P

In 2015, EV brought us “Sonic Impact” with the EKX series at NAMM. By combining the technology of the ETX family with the on-board DSP of the ZLX family, the EKX brought sound quality and versatility to a perfect price point. The 1500-Watts of power gives audiences both large and small a sound quality to be enjoyed, and any pro audio head can appreciate the wooden enclosures with the famous EVCoat. (Side note: the EKX powered subwoofer with Cardioid Control is definitely worth checking out as well)
CHECK EV EKX-15P PRICE

Mackie Thump 15

Mackie Thump 15

Mackie’s Thump series brought affordability to a whole new level. The Thump 15 powered speaker delivers a solid low end, and utilizes a 1000-watt Class-D amplifier for improved sound. Perfect as either a DJ speaker or stage monitor, Mackie was kind enough to add flexible mounting options whether you’re using a tripod or sitting it on top of a subwoofer pole. Plus, at 33.2 pounds, this Thump15 is definitely one of the lightest on our list.
CHECK MACKIE THUMP15 PRICE

Mackie SRM650

Mackie SRM650

A favorite among a few gearheads at Planet DJ, the Mackie SRM650 is a 15” powered speaker that has an incredible sounding low end. A wooden finish and solid steel grill offer durability for the traveling entertainer, while the 1600-watt amplifiers that Mackie brought to the SRM series deliver amazing sound quality overall. Stuck with feedback? The integrated feedback destroyer is certainly a unique feature, while the Smart Protect DSP keeps your investment protected.
CHECK MACKIE SRM650 PRICE

RCF Evox 12

RCF Evox 12 Portable Array Powered Active Speaker System

The RCF Evox 12 system has been making noise, both with customers and all over social media. The "column-style" system features a 90-DEGREE horizontal pattern and 1400-watts of power, making it the best powered speaker for most weddings and events.
CHECK EVOX 12 PRICE

Electro-Voice ZLX-12P

Electro-Voice definitely dominates our latest “Best Powered Speakers” list this year, The ZLX-12P offers the same digital DSP as the 15” version, just in a more compact solution. You’ll still find the same great sound at an even better price point with this choice, but amplification is still the same.
CHECK EV ZLX-12P PRICE

Mackie SRM550

The 12” SRM powered speaker is a similar awesome sound quality as the 15”, but we still lean towards the 650 if you’re looking for some solid base. The adde RCA inputs on the back of the SRM series, on top of the XLR/Quarter-inch combo jack make it easy to plug nearly any audio source into it. With four different speaker modes (PA, DJ, Monitor, Soloist), you have the opportunity to adjust and perfect your sound direct from the speaker itself.
CHECK MACKIE SRM550 PRICE

JBL Professional EON612

The return of the EON series brought us a revamped speaker with sound quality that far exceeds previous generations, while still keeping a solid price point. At 33 pounds, it’s also yet another lightweight speaker, bringing you maximum portability. Now, with added Bluetooth technology, you can connect any Bluetooth enabled device for those cocktail hours and between sets. True versatility, portability, and price point have been delivered by JBL Professional.
CHECK JBL EON612 PRICE

Bose Professional F1

Rounding out our list of best powered speakers for 2018 is the Bose F1 (Model 812, if we want to get technical). With a simple push or pull, you can completely change your coverage pattern, depending on where the audience in front of you is. This helps you deliver the best push of sound where you want it, which makes the F1 powered speaker a truly versatile choice. Top it off with the Bose F1 subwoofer, and you’ve got yourself the perfect pair.
CHECK BOSE F1 MODEL 812 PRICE


So what do you think? Have a speaker that didn’t make the list this time around? We’ve got plenty of big sellers, but these powered speakers truly took the trophy home for 2018.

Posted in Best Of By

DJ Double XL

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Ian Curly Davies

posted on Aug 2, 2017 1:35:01 PM
I've just purchased a pair of the Bose F1 speakers with matching subs and I am completely open-mouthed at just how phenomenal they sound, WOW!
Such clarity and power that is silky smooth, free from 'boom' or vibration, this really is an awesome system, the likes of which, I have never before heard in a potable PA set-up!
Expensive yes, but £4000 buys you a lot of quality! I've had the Mackie 450's & 650's prior to this and don't get me wrong, they are very nice sounding speakers in their own right, but the Bose F1 with subs, is just simply head and shoulders above anything I have heard, generations apart in fact, I kid you not!!!

David Smith

posted on Jul 11, 2017 8:55:02 PM
All your QSC are very good. All are the latest versions. I was looking for some QSC for my studio and found your blog is really helpful and informative. Thanks for sharing this article.

Luis

posted on Jun 15, 2017 3:05:43 PM
RCF evox 12 is almost 3k per speaker. I'd hope it would blow everything else away!

Mike Sinclair

posted on Jan 16, 2017 1:12:26 PM
You didn't mention RCF Evox 12, which I've done side by side comparisons with JBL, QSC, EV etc... the RCF Evox system blows everything else away (in my opinion).

Chris Lowden

posted on Dec 1, 2016 5:44:41 PM
You left out the Peavey RBN series. Amazing set of speakers that should have easily made this list.

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