Good-quality speakers are usually big and bulky. They will take a chunk of space in your room, and it will make it look like a music studio. The technology of today allowed us to develop a new series of speakers you can subtly hide in your room without sacrificing its sound quality.
Our overall pick for the best in-ceiling speaker is the Klipsch CDT-5650-C II in-ceiling speaker. It is one of the best in-ceiling speakers in terms of design, sound quality, size, and prize on the market.
With this list, we wanted to present to you the best in-ceiling speakers. They will make your house sound like a concert, without taking too much space.
The 10 Best In-Ceiling Speakers:
Without further ado, let us proceed to the best in-ceiling speaker:
1. Klipsch CDT-5650-C II
| Dimensions | 8.3” Diameter 5.4” Depth |
| Weight | 7.05 lbs |
| System components | 1x Speakers |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Amplification type | Passive |
| Color | White, Paintable |
Many things separate Klipsch CDT-5650-C II from the conventional in-wall speakers. Among obvious ones like sound and design, there are many things under the hood that make it the best of them all.
Their trademark Controller Dispersion Technology or CDT eliminated the need for a fixed location of the speaker. Along with the rotating composite woofer, it enables you to aim the focus point of your speaker with incredible precision.
Using the attenuation switches, you can customize your treble and bass levels. This model is the only one on the list that offers this option. Basses are strong, loud, and performed better than we have thought.
This model is built-to-last and is one of the more quality models on this list. Affordable, worth the price, exceptional surround sound, and design, what else do you want from your speakers?
2. Polk Audio RC80i
| Dimensions | 9.4” Diameter 3.3” Depth |
| Weight | 4.85 lbs |
| System components | 2x Speakers |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Amplification type | Passive |
| Color | White, Paintable |
Rest assured that every Polk Audio speaker is an excellent product. We had a choice between RC60i and RC80i, but we ultimately decided on the latter. While both of them are excellent speakers, the RC80i offers significantly better performance at a tad higher price.
The folks at Polk Audio guarantee that this model is resistant to rust and water. While we haven’t tested that, these are premium quality speakers. The 8” woofer with a single 1” tweeter offers good sound quality with decent surround capabilities.
They are extremely easy to install and can be further customized to match the walls in your room. Polk Audio offers some of the best in-ceiling speakers at incredibly affordable prices. How they managed to do that, we don’t know.
3. Bose Virtually Invisible 791 II
| Dimensions | 4.4” Depth 10” Diameter |
| Weight | 4.85 lbs |
| System components | 2x Speakers |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Amplification type | Passive |
| Color | White, Paintable |
To spice things up, we have included one of the most expensive in-ceiling speakers out there. However, the pricy model isn’t always the best one.
Bose packs a 7” woofer with two 1” tweeters. Tweeters can move, so the surround audio is exceptional. These specs will be enough for almost every living room.
The installation process is easy as they get, and the speakers will be ready to use in a matter of minutes. Design is incredible, and they blend into a room perfectly. Your guests won’t notice them even if they try to.
Do the speakers justify the hefty asking price? We can only say that the audio quality is exceptional, the design is beautiful, and the surround is amazing. But the question is not ours to answer. If you can afford them, go for it.
4. Pyle PDIC60
| Dimensions | 2.8” Depth 9” Diameter |
| Weight | 4.85 lbs |
| System components | 2x Speakers |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Amplification type | Passive |
| Color | White, Paintable |
Similar to our previous entries, this is a budget model that strikes a perfect balance between quality and price. Sometimes you just look at the best model and can’t afford it. However, it is not the end of the world because you have decent alternatives such as these.
PDIC60 is a dual speaker with a shared 150 watts of power. With the 6.5” woofer and a titanium standard 1” tweeter, the speakers have strong and clear audio with solid treble and bass performance. Not only that, but you can also move the tweeter. That creates a nice surround sound fit for every movie.
Their design is almost universal and will surely be a good fit for you. The only downside we can think of is somehow mediocre bass sounds. Overall, a solid model at an affordable price range.
5. Micca M-8C 8”
| Dimensions | 4.4” Depth 9.4 ” Diameter |
| Weight | 4.7 lbs |
| System components | 2x Speakers |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Amplification type | Passive |
| Color | White, Paintable |
The third spot on our list is reserved for the cheaper alternative. Micca M-8C still has great sound-quality despite its low price. Specs-wise, it packs an 8” woofer with a single 1” tweeter. It provides a solid sound performance, but the biggest downside is that you cannot move the tweeter. That isn’t a huge issue since you can buy a bunch of them.
Micca M-8C has a solid frequency range. Whether you are listening to a quiet dialog or loud explosions, the speakers will perform nicely. Out of the box, they look beautiful. However, you can also paint them so they will perfectly blend into the environment.
The biggest advantage of these speakers is the price. But you will also be impressed with the audio. If we have had the budget pick, this would be it.
6. Yamaha NS-IW480CWH
| Dimensions | 4.8” Depth 9.4 ” Diameter |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs |
| System components | 2x Speakers |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Amplification type | Passive |
| Color | White, Paintable |
If you have ever listened to music, you have heard of a Yamaha. It is one of the most popular Japanese manufacturers of musical instruments and accessories.
This weirdly-named speaker is different than the others on the list because it has 3 sound drivers. One for bass, one for mids, and one for treble. You can hear another dimension of the sound on these speakers. However, the bass is a bit lackluster for our taste.
Design can blend into every living room, and they are easily installed. At this price point, you can’t ask for more.
7. Niles CM7SI FG01659
| Dimensions | 3.7” Depth 8.5 ” Diameter |
| Weight | Not specified |
| System components | 1x Speakers |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Amplification type | Passive |
| Color | Grey |
Niles CM7SI FG01659 is probably the best looking speakers we have on our list. You can blend them perfectly, or you can let them look cool on your ceiling.
Speakers have a 7” woofer that has excellent sound quality. The thing that blew us away is the quality of basses. If you are a hardcore lover, you will feel totally at home with these speakers.
Another thing that we found convenient, is that these speakers are highly resistant to humidity and water, and this makes them perfect for a bathroom. Niles CM7SI FG01659 are great, affordable speakers that easily have a solid ground on this list.
8. Theater Solutions TS80C
| Dimensions | 3.6” Depth 9.6 ” Diameter |
| Weight | 3.1 lbs |
| System components | 2x Speakers |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Amplification type | Passive |
| Color | White, Paintable |
We have another budget model on our list. If you don’t want to spend much money on the speakers, you should take a look at these speakers.
Theater Solutions TS80C is your standard looking in-ceiling speaker. They are white, go well with any kind of walls, and can be painted on. Speakers produce solid sound with an accent on mids and treble, which sound nice. You can adjust tweeters to get the perfect sound for your setup.
Although they don’t do anything revolutionary, you get everything you need to have a starter pack, in-ceiling speakers.
9. Definitive Technology Uewa/Di 8R
| Dimensions | 3.88” Depth 9.75 ” Diameter |
| Weight | 4.8 lbs |
| System components | 1x Speakers |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Amplification type | Passive |
| Color | White |
Alongside Bose speakers, Definitive Technology Uewa/Di 8R are the most expensive speakers on our list. That price is totally justified by their performance. To summarise, they rock hard.
They may not include a separate bass driver, but that does not stop them from having exceptional basses. Watching action films with a lot of explosions will never be the same.
We have included them on our list, as they are an awesome model, but the only downside is that we preferred the sound of Bose model a little bit better. That is just a personal opinion. It is up for you to decide.
10. Polk Audio 255C-RT
| Dimensions | 3.7” Depth 14.8 ” Width 9.3” Height |
| Weight | 6.59 lbs |
| System components | 1x Speakers |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Amplification type | Passive |
| Color | White |
Polk Audio 255C-RT is a model for the people who would like a little more out of their speakers, or if you just want a monster in-wall speaker.
The only square-shaped model on our list, this speaker has one other thing that also distinguishes it. It is a 3-way speaker, so you will have 3 dedicated drivers with excellent complex sound. The robust design is easily compensated by the sound-quality.
Polk Audio 255C-RT is an atypical model for this list even, from its looks, but will give the optimal theater-like feeling in the room.
Things to consider when choosing a new in-ceiling speaker
If you are the type of person to hold your concert every time you take a shower or prepare lunch, then having in-ceiling speakers is just the thing for you.
Not only do they save space but their quality is also unreachable. There are various shapes and sizes of speakers available. The manufacturer always incorporates your everyday needs into their design and efficiency.
Having in-ceiling speakers in your home can elevate your own life, and not only in the aesthetic kind of way. You can always choose a speaker that is not visually impaired noticeable and keep your minimalist living room as it is.
Types of in Ceiling Speakers
As for types of in-ceiling speakers, there are three types that you can choose from:
- Passive mono ceiling speaker
- Passive stereo ceiling speaker
- Active ceiling speaker
These three types are not equally depicted in today’s shops, putting passive mono ceiling speakers and passive stereo ceiling speakers ahead of the active ceiling spectra.
Passive mono ceiling speakers
Mono implies that you’ll need two for stereo applications. One for the left and one for the right channel. They are many different brands to choose from.
If you are slowly getting into in-ceiling speakers, then passive mono ceiling speakers are probably the ones that you came in contact with or the ones that you are looking for.
Passive stereo ceiling speakers
Passive stereo ceiling speakers have one speaker for both cables, so you will need to plug both cables into one device.
They are perfect for people who don’t have much space in their room but would want good stereo sounds when watching movies, listening to music, or even playing games.
Active ceiling speaker
The main difference between active and passive stereo speakers lies in the placement of the amplifier. Passive relies on the external amplifier and is connected to it via a wire. The active ones have the amplifier built into the cabinet.
Active ceiling speakers are a great present for a loved one so you can jam to your favorite song. They are a great present for anybody considering how easy they are to use and install.
You can just power them up and stream your music via Bluetooth
Speaker sizes
When looking at the speaker sizes you need to keep in mind that only the cone is measured, not the whole speaker.
Keeping that in mind, speakers are either 6.5 inches or 8 inches. Harder to find but also available are 3-inch speakers. Smaller and less noticeable is not always better.
If you want a more casual and in the home type of speaker, you better choose the more popular size of 6.5 inches. The sound is clear, good for beginners and it’s relatively hard to spot.
If you opt for an 8-inches, then you get better bass and overall stronger music impact.
The best solution is to slowly upgrade or downgrade until you find what you desire.
Speaker shapes
In-ceiling speakers are not an accessory, although they can elevate your space and give that 21-century Blade runner kind of feel.
They come in two shapes. Square and round. There are no differences in sound quality or any other kind of performance.
The round in-ceiling speakers are the more popular ones. We are already used to speakers being round and buying square ones is not as popular. But everything comes down to personal preferences.
Speaker price
When it comes down to a price tag it can either make or break your dreams.
The answer to this question is not an easy one. It depends on what type of speakers are you buying. The last thing you want to do is spend money and get something less than you had in mind.
Keep in mind that when buying speakers, there are a lot of hidden costs such as cables, subwoofers, installation, fire hoods, or amplifiers.
FAQs
How many in ceiling speakers do I need per room?
There is no set number of speakers you need in a room. Logically, the size of a room determines this factor. Smaller rooms need just a pair of speakers, but the larger ones will need a few.
The speakers usually come in a pair of two. One for the right channel and the other for the left channel. For the rooms smaller than 5m x 5m, this will be enough. For the bigger ones, you will need another pair.
With the single stereo in-ceiling speakers the situation is a little different. They have tweeters that offer surround sound using just one speaker. These speakers are generally a better solution since they don’t take additional space.
Is there a difference between an in-wall and in-ceiling speaker?
There are differences between in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, but there are also many similarities. Most of the models on our list can be used interchangeably. But, placing them on the wall and ceiling has a different effect on the sound quality.
In-Ceiling speakers will usually better fit your living room. They don’t take additional space and are very convenient. However, the sound that comes from above or the so-called Voice of God effect does not cater to everybody.
In-Wall speakers often have more ambient sounds, but the main disadvantage of them is the placement. They are big, take a lot of space, and if you block them with some item, the sound will become mushy.
The best results come from combining these two methods.
Can I have in-ceiling speakers outdoors?
For many years the answer to this question was negative. But now, many models do a decent job in this department.
This solution has become popular in recent years. Some dedicated models can be excellent in an outdoor area and are resistant to rain, snow, and the sun heat.
Logically, they can’t match the indoor in-ceiling speakers. However, they can be perfect when you just want to chill out in the backyard or a garden.
Conclusion
Traditional cinema is not a very popular thing in the world. Today, people prefer to watch movies and listen to music from the comfort of their homes. That is why this speaker solution is perfect for every enthusiast out there. In-ceiling speakers are a convenient way to improve the audio quality of your home theater or gaming setup without the sacrifices in the sound department.
