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Home theater projectors have become incredibly affordable in the last few years, to the point that we recommend them as an alternative to big-screen TVs. Most newer projectors have a built-in speaker system, but its output is limited, which is why we recommend getting dedicated stereo speakers or a soundbar for your projector. Connecting your projector to a set of speakers will ensure the audio of your movies, TV shows, and games matches the majesty of the massive 4K HDR image you see on your wall or screen. The best speakers for projectors—like our best overall pick, the Kanto REN—are easy to set up, won’t require threading wires along the walls and under the carpets to get expressive audio and offer connectivity and versatility that’s space- and budget-friendly.
How we chose the best speakers for projectors
Ultimately, our goal with this guide was to present several sets of speakers designed to work best for different styles of projectors, rooms, and budgets. We selected speakers that pack the most performance into the smallest footprint, as folks into lifestyle projectors are likely minimalists or space-challenged (otherwise, you might be reading about 4K/8K TVs and/or surround sound systems). These speakers are particularly suited for UST (Ultra Short Throw) projectors (some people call them “Laser TVs”), as they can flank one and keep your entire setup tight to one wall. But they’ll sound just as good with longer throw projectors; we have faith in your ability to find the right length cables for your setup.
In all cases, audio performance was paramount since fancy extras will never make up for lackluster bass or tinny highs. Some features, including wireless connectivity and support for surround sound, are represented by specific speakers. Our recommendations are based on a mix of hands-on testing and research to present you with the best options that are currently available. The world of technology moves quickly, but the speakers we’re recommending are designed with standard wired (HDMI cable, optical) and wireless (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) connectivity standards, which will allow you to continue using them for the foreseeable future. If you choose to upgrade your projector or switch to a TV, you can continue to use these selections. In many cases, the best speakers for projectors can also be connected to another device, a turntable, for example, to pull double duty as both your home theater and hi-fi system.
The best speakers for projectors: Review & Choice
If you’re ready to move on from the speakers built into your projector to a set that’ll be as immersive as the moving images, you’ll find the perfect option below whether you’re into blockbusters or the big game. There’s no wrong answer, but carefully consider your specific needs before making your choice.
Best overall: Kanto REN
Specs
- Size: 8.5″ D x 7″ W x 10.9″ H
- Ports: HDMI, RCA, Optical Audio, AUX, USB-C, Subwoofer Out
- Surround sound capable:
- Price: $599
Pros
- A compact, living room-friendly size
- Ports that offer connectivity to a wide range of devices.
- A subwoofer output for expandability
Cons
- Bassheads might be tempted to get a subwoofer
Kanto’s REN is the ideal speaker set for projectors because they’re relatively small in body but packed with power and ports, which ensures compatibility with any system. The REN is so impressive it got a shoutout in PopSci’s guide to the best gadgets at CES 2025, alongside the debut of Kanto’s smaller UKI desktop/computer speakers.
While we recommend connecting the REN speakers to your projector using HDMI ARC and CEC for reasons we’ll explain later in this article, the presence of an optical audio
