I remember when I was on the hunt for speakers that would give me the best sound experience for my home setup. I had been through a few options that sounded muffled or distorted, and I was getting pretty frustrated.
Then, a friend recommended I do some research, and that’s exactly what I did. After countless hours of reading reviews and comparing different models, I finally stumbled upon the right set of speakers.
To my surprise, when I hooked them up and hit play on my favorite song, it was like magic. The sound was clear, and crisp, and just filled the room in a way I had never experienced before.
Now, I want to share that joy with you and help you make an informed decision. After extensive research, we’ve come up with a list of the best-reviewed speakers available in today’s market. Let’s get started without any further delay!
List of Best Powered Speakers for Keyboard
1. PreSonus Eris E3.5-3.5″ Near Field Studio Monitor (Pair)
Coming from the PreSonus store, these speakers are an exceptional choice for a variety of applications, whether it is in your home or pro studio. They are excellent for video and audio mixing, gaming, and of course, for keyboard players due to their great sound output, which is why I bought them as a Christmas gift for my boyfriend.
When you consider the excellent features that come with these monitors, the price is an absolute bargain since you can find them under $100 on Amazon nowadays. They are great for all music lovers, content creators, or sound design enthusiasts.
PreSonus Eris E3.5-3.5” are the only set of speakers in their class that boasts acoustic tuning, which is a very convenient feature. The crossover frequency sits at 2.8 kHz, and acoustic tuning allows you to have amazing sound quality in pretty much any room.
- Excellent value
- Detailed sound
- Ideal for desktops
- Cost-efficient
- Bass could be fuller
2. Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Although they come at a somewhat lower price than the rest of the products on the list, these speakers provide each user with amazing versatility and high-quality sound. They are beautifully designed, and right out of the box, you can notice great construction and attention to detail that manufacturers devoted.
Even though these speakers are not without their shortcomings, they are quite impressive in various aspects. Most of the construction seems to be comprised of molded plastic with two wooden slats as paneling on the sides of both speakers. Woofers are made of typical cloth material, while the tweeters seem to be made of silk.
All knobs and inputs feel and look very good and user-friendly, which is pretty good considering the price tag. Speaking of which, the sound is truly exceptional and packs quite the punch that feels much more expensive than $100. Each speaker offers 21W output, and drivers are pumping 4-inch woofers at 6ohms.
- High-quality sound output
- Beautiful design
- Excellent price
- Great construction
- A bit heavy
3. QSC K12.2 Active 12″ Powered 2000 Watt Loudspeaker
You can find these powerful speakers in the QSC store, and they are easily one of the best choices for keyboard players. Although the price is a bit high, the quality of construction and sound output are worth every penny. The subwoofer diameter stands at 12 inches, and you can pick the speakers in various colors.
The speakers boast elegant design while performance is second to none. They offer sound amplification that every performer will find more than suitable. The 2000 watts of power can hit a maximum output of 132 dB due to amazing correction tuning.
QSC K12.2 features a multi-function, user-friendly display that allows you to control and manipulate any function you desire easily. They also boast two balanced combos, XLR female and quarter-inch TRS connectors. There is also an input jack that can easily connect to any smartphone, MP3 player, or computer.
- Correction tuning
- Lightweight for the size
- Versatile mounting options
- Impact-resistant ABS closure
- A bit higher price
4. Peavey KB 1 20-Watt 1×8 Keyboard Amp
This 20-Watt Peavy variation of the keyboard amp offers powerful bass and exceptional sound output. It boasts two channels that come separately with a 2-band equalizer. The power stands at 20-Watt and is exceptional for keyboards, guitars, and numerous other applications.
This amp will provide everything that any musician can require. Although it works as an amplifier, it is also an excellent sound system that provides enough power for any type of live performance. Trust me, your audience will be more than happy with these. This product also boasts a headphone output and an extended range of speakers.
The quality of sound is truly exceptional and works very well with your portable PA too. Since it provides great power, you do not have to put it all the way up, and you will still get ample sound. It works great for keyboards in various environments, so it is a product well worth checking out.
- Great for various instruments
- Powerful amp
- Very solid
- Well-built
- Average audio range
5. Alesis Elevate 5 MKII
These speakers are one of the best solutions for keyboard players in this price range and they can be bought in the Alesis store. They provide exceptional value and punch way above their price tag, both sound, and quality construction-wise. Elevate 5 MKII will provide great sound without forcing you to break the bank.
They deliver a total of 80 watts (40 watts for each monitor) and boast a high-frequency tweeter, which is great for small studios and household conditions. You can find all input and power connections on the right speaker. These include RCA and phono-ins allowing you to plug various sources in.
Setting these speakers up is a very easy task, and you can do it within just a couple of minutes. They are great for music performers and enthusiasts and come at a very affordable price. Although they lack a bit of clarity, the performance is still amazing.
- Great entry-level monitors
- Amazing sound considering the price
- Some useful pro features
- High-end lacks detail and clarity
6. Sonart 15″ 1500W Powered Speakers
These 1500W-powered speakers are an exceptional choice for keyboard players since they deliver full and rich sound suitable for live performances and household conditions alike. They are highly portable due to their ergonomic handle, which makes it easy to move them around from place to place.
The speakers boast a long-throw 15-inch woofer and a 2-inch aluminum coil, which is perfect for a great bass delivery and high acoustic power. There is also Bluetooth included, so you can use them wirelessly and play music from other devices. Isn’t that great?
The LCD display is user-friendly and allows you to manipulate and change settings to your liking. It also comes with a remote control so that you can switch modes even from a distance. The sound is detailed, full, and rich, and the product is overall worth checking out.
- Great for different applications
- Detailed sound
- High mobility
- Very powerful
- No handbook on how to set up the product
7. Alphasonik 15″ Powered 2800W Amplified Loud Speaker
This loudspeaker offers unparalleled performance in terms of acoustic sound. It comes from the Alphasonik store and is available in different power varieties, but today, we will talk about the 2800W one. The unit is well-built, loud, and offers excellent value for the money.
It is ideal for various applications and provides sound suitable for larger and smaller events. It comes with knobs that allow you to tune the system and adjust it to your liking and best performance. In addition, the speaker comes with a top handle, making it easier to move around.
There are also several mounting options, allowing you to maximize the effectiveness and expand your audio reach. The amplifier features internal protection and a heat sink that cools down the whole system. This is very convenient since you will not have to worry about the speaker overheating and shutting down.
Apart from the great sound output, the speaker is also quite versatile since it allows you to play media via USB and SD memory cards. The files on these cards will be displayed on a built-in display on the speaker, which also has buttons allowing you to navigate easily.
- Various mounting options (mounting pole is included in the package)
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Sturdy and durable cabinet
- FM radio
- Remote control
- The device cannot be turned off without remote control
8. BEHRINGER Studio Monitor, Black (B205D)
Behringer is the manufacturer of some of the best speakers for keyboards in the world. I’ve owned one of their older models and I was really satisfied. This particular product is no different. It boasts 150 watts of power and amplifies the sound via a 5.25-inch neodymium speaker. The bass is extremely powerful, and if this is something that you look for the most, you will not be disappointed.
The sound is very clear, fluid, and smooth, which is suitable for numerous applications and environments. It features a low-noise 3-channel mixer that works well with XLR, TRS, and RCA inputs alongside THRUU socket, which adds even more to overall versatility.
There is also a dedicated 3-band equalizer which provides excellent tonal control. Considering that the monitor weighs a mere 7 lbs, it is great for keyboard players. Lightweight and compact, this product is well worth checking out, especially if you do not want to break the bank.
- Clear sound
- Cost-efficient
- Portable
- It does not consume much power
- Short power cable
9. Amazon Basics AC Powered PC Multimedia External Speakers
These speakers come from the Amazon Basics store and are one of the rare examples of true advertisement. That being said, they come at a very low price, and provide decent amplification of sound, but will not give you bass, and the sound feels really flat.
It is true that the product comes with certain shortcomings that are the logical outcome of the price tag; they still have numerous positives that are worth investigating. First of all, it comes as a huge surprise that the speakers are very sturdy and well-constructed right out of the box.
Each speaker is made of durable plastic and weighs around 2 pounds. The drivers are coated with a metal grille on the front panel, which you would expect to be coated in mesh considering such a low price. The speakers are hardwired with a single cable, and setting them up is a breeze. If low cost and simplicity are what you are after, then these speakers should be your go-to product.
- Well-constructed
- Very low price
- Easy to set up
- Not very good sound quality
How to choose the right set?
Choosing a brand is just a single step toward purchasing the right one. There are many tiny details and features to take into consideration to get the best value for the price. In order to help you, we have put together a brief list of guidelines you should follow.
Equalizer
When looking for a speaker for the keyboard, it is important to consider the number of onboard equalizers. If you plan to perform live in front of huge crowds, it is wise to purchase a speaker with multiple control knobs that also offer multiple equalizers.
Versatility
Versatility is a term that can mean various things, but in this particular case, it refers to the number of channels the speaker has. The best speakers for keyboards generally offer you 4-channel mixers. This means that the speaker has the capacity to tackle a wide range of inputs and audio sources.
Portability
This is a factor that largely depends on the intended use for your speakers. For example, a speaker for home use, small gigs, or rehearsals should be lightweight and portable. On the other hand, speakers for bigger events such as concerts have more power and are heavier.
However, this does not mean that they cannot be moved from place to place, so look for the ones that come with built-in handles for more convenience in transport.
Sound Output
The sound output is measured in decibels, and it refers to how loud the speaker can get. If you require your speaker to serve well for concerts and bigger events, you should opt for the one that offers a higher number of decibels. Some models have output as high as 132 dB and are extremely powerful. For household use, lower decibels will do the trick.
Power
The power of speakers is usually equal to the physical size. If you perform in front of larger crowds, you will require bigger and more powerful speakers that can offer up to 1000 watts of power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I require a speaker system for my keyboard?
If you are using a regular keyboard or synthesizer, speakers are often redundant. However, suppose you are a producer or professional musician. In that case, it is wise to get the amplifier or speakers since it will help you boost the sound from the instrument and allow you to hear it at whichever volume you like.
Can you use a powered speaker for keyboards for vocals as well?
Yes, you can, but this depends on the model you are buying. Typically, quality keyboard speakers have several channels that allow you to connect multiple devices. This means that you can connect the microphone too.
Can you connect several keyboards to a powered speaker?
Yes, you can since the powered speaker has several ports to work with. That being said, you can connect more than one keyboard to it, and it will support it without any hassle.
Will I be able to connect the MIDI keyboard to a powered speaker?
You will be able to do so if your speaker has a built-in amplifier. All you need to do is insert one side of the MIDI cable into the keyboard’s MIDI out port and the other side into your amplifier’s MIDI in port.
Final Words
Powered speakers are definitely a way to go if you are playing the keyboard. If you have not found the perfect product for you just yet, our top choice is PreSonus Eris E3.5-3.5″ Near Field Studio Monitor, since it offers features that are suitable for both beginners and pros.
If you’re currently looking for the right speakers, consider all the important aspects that we have listed and look for second opinions and customer ratings. You will, without any doubt, find the best product that will pay off.
