This is our official list of the best ceiling speakers on the market today. Scroll further down for full details on each product and a handy overview of speakers for your ceiling.
Quick Look:
- Polk Audio RC80i
- Micca M-8C
- Pyle PDIC60T
- Yamaha NS-IW280CWH
- Bose FreeSpace DS 16F
We know time is of the essence, so the above is a cheat sheet of what’s ahead, just in case you’re in a hurry. Otherwise, keep scrolling down for more detailed and constructive info on each item.
5 Highest Reviewed Ceiling Speakers to Consider
Modern in-ceiling speakers deliver quality sound, and unlike the alternatives, they don’t steal precious floor space. These products are commonly installed in kitchens, living rooms, and outside, and they’re ideal for sound systems that span across multiple rooms.
Things to Keep in Mind
When shopping for in-ceiling speakers, it’s important to consider how many speakers are needed in each room, and the total size of the room plays a major role in determining this number. For a standard dining room, one to two speakers should deliver plenty of sound.
For a larger living room that has a high ceiling, five or six speakers might be needed to achieve the best sound effects. The placement of the speakers is just as important, and when shopping for these products, there are several features to consider.
Most in-ceiling speakers are available in four, six, and eight-inch sizes, and the smallest size is ideal for rooms where style is most important. Six-inch speakers are ideal for surround and background sound, and they tend to offer the best value. Consumers will benefit from using eight-inch speakers for rooms that require low-end power because they offer great bass.
Another important feature to consider is the wattage, and it’s safe to assume that speakers with a higher wattage will almost always outperform products that use less power. Below, there is a list of the top five best ceiling speakers, and it will help consumers save time and money.
1.) Polk Audio RC80i 2-Way In-Ceiling/In-Wall Speakers
This pair of Polk Audio RC80i two-way speakers is designed to match the template of other speakers from Polk audio, which makes it easy to integrate with a larger sound system. Each speaker is built with an eight-inch dynamic balance, and the polymer composite cone is mineral-filled.
The frequency response for these speakers is 35Hz to 20kHz, and a metalized soft dome tweeter uses a 15-degree swivel mount to send high-quality sound in any direction.
These speakers are made of moisture-resistant, durable materials, and they’re ideal for use in saunas, bathrooms, and outdoor eaves.
With an in-ceiling design, they’re barely noticeable, but they deliver powerful stereo sound. The Polk Audio RC80i speakers are easy to install, and once holes are cut into the ceiling, the speakers can be dropped into place.
PROS
- Great for sauna, bathroom or rec room
- Minimal installation required
- Tweeters feature a directional design
- High-quality sound
CONS
- Could benefit from stronger bass
2.) Micca M-8C 8 Inch 2-Way In-Ceiling In-Wall Speaker
The Micca M-8C is a single eight-inch speaker, and it’s made to be installed into a ceiling or wall. Since it’s a two-way speaker, it offers high-quality stereo sound, and it’s built with a one-inch soft dome tweeter.
With an eight-inch poly woofer, it offers plenty of bass, and the integration between the woofer and tweeter is optimal. With a 6dB crossover network, these two components work together to create an incredible sound.
The woofer provides a robust bass output, and the tweeter delivers smooth, natural sound. This in-ceiling speaker is ideal for a variety of home entertainment applications, and since it’s easy to install, it can be painted and blended into almost any décor.
The components that are built into this speaker have been rigorously tested and made to deliver superior performance. Since it’s designed for the ceiling, this speaker is a great choice for saving floor space.
PROS
- Easy to mount
- More affordable than Bose, Yamaha and Polk
- Sturdy construction
- Very stylish
CONS
- Can carry too much sound through walls
3.) Pyle PDIC60T In-Wall In-Ceiling Dual 6.5-Inch Speaker System
The Pyle PDIC60T speakers can be installed in ceilings or walls, and they deliver two-way stereo sound. With 6.5-inch designs and eight OHM impedance, these speakers produce enough sound for light background music or home theater systems.
Each speaker comes with a flush mount and a one-inch high-temp voice coil. A 70-volt transformer handles electricity well and supplies each speaker with 250 watts of peak power.
Both speakers are made with a directable one-inch titanium dome tweeter, which sends precise sound in a specific direction. These in-ceiling speakers can produce stereo sound for any room, and since they’re designed to be installed in the ceiling, they don’t take up floor space.
Each speaker features a round design and produces a full, rich sound. The Pyle PDIC60T two-speaker system produces a maximum of 250 watts of power, and it can pump high-quality sound into any room.
PROS
- Great for living rooms and basements
- Perfect for impressing guests
- Easy to install
- Very affordable
CONS
- Directional tweeter needs better range
4.) Yamaha NS-IW280CWH 6.5″ 3-Way In-Ceiling Speaker System
The Yamaha NS-IW280CWH comes with two ceiling speakers, and each speaker has a 6.5-inch polypropylene mica cone woofer. For maximum treble, this speaker system includes dual dome tweeters, and the SoundMax technology amplifies and enhances the sound produced by each speaker.
For wider dispersion, these speakers have swivel tweeters, and consumers have the option to purchase up to six speakers. This pair of in-ceiling speakers aren’t too difficult to install, and the system works well for light music.
The bass from both speakers doesn’t sound muffled, and the high notes sound crisp. Some consumers might prefer to use these products to surround sound in a basement, but they can be just as useful for the kitchen or living room.
Unlike some of the alternatives, all Yamaha speakers use the same template, which is why smaller, in-ceiling speakers can be matched up with large ground units. This speaker system works well for home theaters and light entertainment.
PROS
- Easy to install
- Bass doesn’t sound muffled
- Directional cones deliver precise sound
- Very affordable
CONS
- Bass could be stronger
5.) Bose FreeSpace DS 16F Full Range Ceiling Flush Mount Loudspeaker
The Bose FreeSpace DS 16F is a 2.25-inch speaker, and since it’s a full-range loudspeaker, it delivers sound across large spaces. With a 57mm driver and ported enclosure, this speaker produces high-quality sound and superior coverage.
For tap settings that are easy to change, the Bose FreeSpace DS 16F has an integrated multi-tap transformer, and it can be integrated with several other types of Bose speakers. For increased bass, this product can be combined with the FreeSpace 3 Acoustimass module, and it’s compatible with a wide range of accessories.
An included bracket allows for easy ceiling mounting, and this speaker is made for a variety of sound applications. The catch is that it’s made to be combined with a Bose sound system.
PROS
- Produces crystal-clear sound
- Bass isn’t too disruptive
- Treble doesn’t sound shrill
- Balanced sound at high and low volume
CONS
- Can be difficult to install without expertise
Wrapping Up
With the best ceiling speakers, any room can be transformed for the delivery of an immersive listening experience. Unlike ground speakers, these products don’t take up floor space, and they make it easy to deliver discreet, high-quality sound in any room. They’re great products for interior designers, and they can be just as satisfying for the average consumer.