When buying a mac mini, one of the most powerful compact desktop computers, it’s essential to realize it does not come with every single peripheral; including but not limited to, a built-in monitor, keyboard, mouse, and most importantly, a good set of speakers. While the Mac Mini does come with in-built speakers, they are a travesty. That’s why when buying from the best of Apple’s lineup, along with the premium Apple experience, you need a sweet pair of speakers to go along with it. As such, today we’ll be looking at the best speakers for Mac Mini.
Finding a good speaker can prove to be an incredibly daunting task, especially with the number of options available on the market. When looking for the best speaker for Mac Mini, from misinformation to misleading reviews, getting lost in the speaker world is often easy. However, worry not! We’ve got you covered. From budget to premium, you’ll be able to find the best speakers for Mac Mini no matter how much you have in your wallet.
How to choose the best speakers for Mac Mini
While the Mac Mini has built-in internal speakers, they are next to impossible to be satisfied with. When choosing the best speakers for Mac Mini, there are several factors to consider.
Firstly, you need to have a good understanding of the compatibility and connectivity options of a speaker. Make sure the speaker you have in mind is compatible with the device, in this case, the Mac Mini. Appropriate connectivity options should also be considered, such as Airplay, Bluetooth, or an audio jack; although that is a remnant of the past.
Secondly, no compromise should be made on the sound quality and performance. Look for speakers with wide frequency responses, high power handling, and low distortion to ensure they deliver clear, detailed, and powerful sound. This may sound confusing, but that’s why this article will help you decide on the best speakers for Mac Mini.
Thirdly, perhaps the most important aspect for some is the design and build quality. You don’t want your speaker ruined after an accidental run-in or fall. That’s why it is crucial to make sure the manufacturers have not cheaped out on quality. Moreover, ensure the aesthetic and dimensions of the speakers complement your decor.
Lastly, the smart capabilities of a speaker often go unnoticed. The small quality of life features of a speaker, such as voice control, built-in microphones, or additional inputs, make a cheap speaker great and an expensive speaker exceptional. This is a micro-aspect that contributes greatly to making a speaker suitable to be one of the best speakers for Mac Mini. After all, Apple does endorse fluidity of use and a seamless ecosystem.
List of the Best Speakers For Mac Mini
| Speaker | Quality | Pricing |
| Klipsch RP-8000F | S-tier | Check here |
| JBL Studio 530 Anniversary | S-tier | Check here |
| Bose Soundbar 700 | A-tier | Check here |
| Audioengine HD3 | A-tier | Check here |
| Polk Audio Signature S20 (Budget Friendly) | B-tier | Check here |
| Logitech Z623 2.1 (Budget Friendly) | B-tier | Check here |
Klipsch RP-8000F
| Specifications |
|---|
| Frequency Response: 32Hz-25kHz |
| Sensitivity: 96dB |
| Power Handling (Watts): 400W |
| Impedance: 8 Ohms |
| Driver Complement: 1″ Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter with Hybrid Tractrix Horn, Dual 8″ Cerametallic Cone Woofers |
| Enclosure Type: Bass Reflex via Rear-Firing Tractrix Port |
| Dimensions: 42.25″ x 10.5″ x 14.75″ (HxWxD) |
| Weight: 52.5 lbs |
| Finish: Ebony, Walnut |
Starting with the Klipsch RP-8000F, you can expect nothing but the best performance and crisp sound quality. This is the Magnum Opus of the speaker world and the one of best speakers for Mac Mini in general.
Pros
👍Driver Components: The Klipsch RP-8000F gives you the greatest value for money if you’re looking to go all out buying a speaker for the Mac Mini. The speaker features a 1″ titanium LTS vented tweeter and dual 8″ cerametallic cone woofers that deliver powerful, room-filling sound with deep bass and clear, detailed highs.
👍Design And Finish: The design is nothing to scoff at either. Coming in luxurious Ebony and Walnut color variations, this set of speakers has a sleek modern design that will complement any sort of decor you want to add to your Mac Mini setup.
👍Compatibility: The 400W power handling and 8 Ohm impedance range make sure this speaker is compatible with a variety of devices. However, for the Mac Mini, it is important to know that the Mac Mini does not have built-in RCA input or optical ports. Being a powered speaker, if you decide to connect it manually, you will require an RCA input or optical cable. It is also a Bluetooth speaker and for some, you can skip connecting it manually.
👍Versatility and Durability: The RP-8000F can be used as a front, center, or surround speaker, making it a versatile option for any setting. Moreover, the titanium tweeter and cerametallic cone woofers make it long-lasting and durable.
Cons
👎Price and Size: The $999 price tag may feel like a steep slope for many. After all, you can get nearly 2 Mac Minis for the price of this speaker. Additionally, the floor-standing speakers themselves have quite hefty dimensions. This is not a recommended purchase for those in smaller living portions.
👎Power Requirements: Being a 400W speaker, it requires a power amplifier to drive it. This may come as an additional cost to some. You can find a recommended amplifier for these speakers to give you the best sound quality here.
👎Bass-heavy Sound Signature: The Klipsch RP-8000F produces deep and powerful bass. Some listeners may find the sound for this speaker to be too boomy due to this and the sound may be detrimental to those with sensitive hearing. For those with smaller living areas, the noise may overpower the space.
JBL Studio 530 Anniversary
| Specifications |
|---|
| Frequency Response: 38Hz – 40kHz |
| Sensitivity: 89dB |
| Impedance: 8 ohms |
| Power Handling: 200W |
| Drivers: 1″ (25mm) Aluminized Polyester Dome Tweeter, 5″ (127mm) Aluminum Cone Midrange, and two 8″ (203mm) Aluminum Cone Woofers |
| Finishes: Cherry, Rosewood, Black Ash, and High-Gloss Black |
| Dimensions: 11.7″ x 18.8″ x 12″ (298mm x 478mm x 305mm) |
| Weight: 54.6 lbs (24.7 kg) |
| Recommended Amplifier Power: 20-300 watts |
Coming in at a close 2nd as the best speaker for the Mac Mini, the JBL Studio 530 Anniversary is a high-end bookshelf speaker designed to deliver accurate and crystal-clear sound. This set of stereo speakers is one that you cannot go wrong with as it gives a huge upgrade over your average run-of-the-mill speakers.
Pros
👍Sounds: The JBL Studio 530 Anniversary speakers are designed to deliver accurate and detailed sound reproduction, with a frequency response of 32Hz – 40kHz. They feature a 1-inch dome tweeter and a 6.5-inch woofer that deliver a wide soundstage and deep bass. For those who want the crispest sound, these powered bookshelf speakers are sure to deliver.
👍Design & Finish: The gloss black finish and a piano black top plate give an undeniably premium look. The elegant, minimalist design of these speakers is hard to find in the flashy world of technology.
👍Large Drivers: The speaker features large drivers, including a 1″ Aluminized Polyester Dome Tweeter, a 5″ Aluminum Cone Midrange, and two 8″ Aluminum Cone Woofers, which can produce a wide range of frequencies and a high level of sound pressure. In layman’s terms, the audio output of these Mac Mini speakers will be sure to capture every nuance of the media you are listening to.
👍Versatility: The JBL Studio 530 Anniversary set of speakers is compatible with most amplifiers and receivers. In most cases, there will be no issues connecting with the aforementioned devices.
Cons
👎Compatibility: The Mac mini has a 3.5mm audio headphone jack and a Digital Audio Output (TOSLINK) port while the speakers have RCA and XLR inputs, so you will need an audio cable to connect the Mac mini to the speakers.
You would need an audio cable with a 3.5mm jack on one end and RCA or XLR on the other end. You can connect the 3.5mm jack end to the headphone jack on the Mac mini and the RCA or XLR end to the speakers. You can find the XLR cables on amazon.
Additionally, these speakers are not wireless speakers. They do not have Bluetooth or wireless capabilities. While this may seem like a headache for those of you who want to directly plug and use your speakers, this is a worthwhile investment of time and money as these speakers are top-of-the-line. This is the reason we have not chosen this as the best speaker for Mac Mini.
👎Power Consumption: For the more energy-conscious customers, this may not be the best option. With great stereo sound comes great energy consumption. Those of you who are mindful of your electricity bills may not be well-off with this speaker;
👎Size: It is important to note the dimensions of these speakers are nothing to scoff at. The speaker is not portable and cannot be moved from room to room or taken outside due to its sheer weight.
Bose Soundbar 700
| Specifications |
|---|
| Sound Performance: Dialogue mode for clear vocals, and Night mode for a quieter listening experience |
| Features: Built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, Bose SimpleSync technology, and multi-room audio capabilities |
| Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control |
| Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, HDMI, and USB |
| Power: AC power adapter |
| Finishes: Black, White |
| Dimensions: 38.5 x 5 x 2.25 inches (97.8 x 12.7 x 5.7 cm) |
| Weight: 8.5 lbs (3.86 kg) |
Note
The specifications of some speakers may not be similar to the ones mentioned before. This is due to the difference in the type of speaker they are.
The Bose Soundbar 700 is a wireless speaker that can be connected to the Mac Mini via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. Coming from a big-shot brand, this Bose smart speaker is bound to give you seamless connectivity and an amazing wireless Bluetooth experience. In terms of wireless connectivity, this is by far the best speaker for the Mac Mini.
Pros
👍Superior Sound Quality: The speaker features advanced audio technology that delivers clear and powerful sound, making it perfect for watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. Moreover, the speaker is designed to deliver incredible surround sound. So whether it’s alone, or with family and friends, these multimedia speakers will give you an immersive audio experience.
👍Smart Home Integration: The ability of the speakers to be integrated with other smart home devices such as Amazon Echo, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings is a huge bonus for those who actively use ecosystems in their daily life.
👍Design and Size: Bose pulls out all the stops when it comes to design. The sleek and contemporary design makes it blend in seamlessly with any sort of room decor. Moreover, the speaker is compact and portable, which makes it easy to move around the house.
👍Inputs and Compatibility: One of the more important features of a speaker is the degree of its connectivity. The speaker has multiple inputs such as Bluetooth, HDMI, and optical, making it easy to connect to a wide range of devices. After you have connected it to your Mac Mini through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, the Bose music app allows you to easily stream music and control the speaker’s settings.
Cons
👎High Price Point: While Bose does not compromise on quality, it does not compromise on price either. These Bose speakers come at a hefty price point. At $799 (Subject to change); nearly equal to the price of the Mac Mini itself, these speakers are not the most affordable option.
👎Limited Connectivity and Customization: The speaker does not offer many options for sound customization, which may be a drawback for some users, and does not support multi-room audio, which means it cannot be connected to other speakers in a home to create a surround sound experience. Even though these speakers come with a mobile app, the app has limited features and is not very user-friendly.
👎No Built-in Subwoofers: The speaker does not come with a built-in subwoofer, which means that the bass may not be as powerful as some users would like. Keeping sound in mind, the speaker’s soundstage is also limited, which means that it does not produce a wide, immersive sound.
👎No Bluetooth aptX support: While the Bose Soundbar 700 does have Bluetooth capabilities, the speaker does not support Bluetooth aptX, which is a technology that allows for high-quality audio streaming over Bluetooth. When compared to slightly more expensive speakers with Bluetooth capabilities, there is a slight compromise in their Bluetooth sound quality.
Audioengine HD3
| Specifications |
|---|
| Type: Powered bookshelf speakers |
| Drivers: 2.75″ Kevlar woofers, 0.75″ silk dome tweeters |
| Frequency Response: 65Hz – 22kHz |
| Inputs: 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, USB audio, RCA L/R |
| Power Output: 60W peak power total (15W RMS / 30W peak per channel) |
| Finishes: Satin Black, Satin White, Hi-Gloss Red, Hi-Gloss Black |
| Dimensions: 7″ x 4.75″ x 6″ (180mm x 121mm x 152mm) |
| Weight: 7.4 lbs (3.4 kg) per pair |
| Wireless Compatibility: Bluetooth aptX HD and AAC |
The Audioengine HD3 is a high-quality, versatile, and easy-to-use speaker that is designed to deliver superior sound quality. It is great for use in small rooms, and desktops, and also can be connected wirelessly. The HD3 is a great middle-option for a speaker that is not the best speaker for the Mac Mini but at the same time does not compromise on the quality of parts used to lower the price.
Pros
👍High-quality sound: The HD3 is designed to deliver a balanced, detailed, and dynamic sound that is ideal for music lovers. The speaker features a custom-tuned digital signal processor (DSP) that ensures optimal sound performance.
👍Design and Build: The HD3 features a compact and versatile design. Being small and a bookshelf-style speaker, you can practically fit it anywhere. It is ideal for use in smaller rooms. The additional Bluetooth feature makes it a perfect fit to be used as a desktop speaker.
👍Setup and Value: The HD3 is a relatively easy speaker to set up and does not require any external purchases. It comes with an in-built amplifier. Included along with the speaker is a remote control, making it easy to control volume and other functions.
The HD4 offers great value for money and is priced very competitively. Its sound quality provides an experience that is comparable to more expensive speakers.
Cons
👎Sound Quality: While the HD3 does feature a very competitive sound quality; it is still not the best it can offer. The sound lacks in certain areas such as the bass and treble.
👎Limited Features: There is also a lack of advanced features such as multi-room audio or voice control. This absence of small quality-of-life features eventually builds up and maybe a deal-breaker for some. It misses the very essence of what makes a speaker the best speaker for the Mac Mini.
Polk Audio Signature S20 (Budget Friendly)
| Specifications |
|---|
| Recommended Amplifier Power Per Channel: 20 watts → 125 watts |
| Total Frequency Response: 39 Hz → 40000 Hz |
| Nominal Impedance: 88 dB |
| Driver Complement: (1) 6.5″ (16.51 cm) d (Round) low distortion mica-reinforced polypropylene cones – Mid/Woofer (1) 1″ (2.54 cm) d (Round) high-resolution Terylene – Tweeter |
| Driver Enclosure Type: PowerPort Bass Vented |
| Height: 14.8″ (37.59 cm) |
| Width: 8.5″ (21.59 cm) |
| Weight: 17 lbs (7.71 kg) |
| Depth: 13.8″ (35.05 cm) |
While the Signature S20 is not the best speaker for the Mac Mini, it is a great budget-buy for users looking to save some extra cash.
Pros
👍Sound: The Polk Audio Signature S20 is designed with a 1-inch tweeter and a 6.5-inch woofer, which work together to produce clear, detailed sound with deep bass. No matter what sort of content you view, these speakers will not disappoint.
👍Price: Compared to the rest of the speakers on this list, this speaker is priced the most competitively, making it a valid option for a wide range of customers. At a price of nearly $349, this set is a great budget deal for those who want a full-fledged set of speakers.
👍Quality and Design: The design of these speakers is compact, modern, and sleek. The versatility this allows in its placement means these speakers can be placed in an assortment of locations; bookshelves, desks, and stands. Moreover, the build quality has not been subject to compromise and will surely last for several years.
👍Ease of use: With a simple plug-and-play option along with a Bluetooth connection, the compatibility for these speakers is far greater than most.
Cons
👎Brand reputation: The Polk Audio brand is alien to many users. This results in suspicions about the integrity of the brand and its policy regarding the products they manufacture.
👎Warranty: The speakers do not come with a lifetime warranty, instead, only warranties ranging from 1-5 years are available depending on the outlet they are bought from. For those who find their speakers being used in rugged conditions, the S20 is not recommended.
👎Limited Upgradability: Many speaker fans that love to tinker with their speakers may find the fact that these speakers are not upgradeable disappointing.
Logitech Z623 2.1 (Budget Friendly)
| Specifications |
|---|
| 2.1 channel configuration |
| 200 watts of peak power (RMS power: 130 watts) |
| Frequency response: 35Hz – 20kHz |
| THX-certified sound |
| RCA and 3.5mm inputs for easy connection to multiple devices |
| On-speaker bass control for easy adjustments |
| Subwoofer dimensions: 9.25″ x 11.25″ x 9.75″ (235 mm x 285 mm x 248 mm) |
| Satellite speaker dimensions: 3.5″ x 5.75″ x 5″ (89 mm x 146 mm x 127 mm) |
| Subwoofer weight: 12.57 lbs (5.7 kg) |
| Subwoofer weight: 12.57 lbs (5.7 kg) |
| Satellite speaker weight: 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) |
Coming in as our budget pick, the Z623 comes with a central subwoofer and 2 satellite speakers, giving you an incredible, immersive, audio experience for only a fraction of the price. This is not the best speaker for the Mac Mini, but it is the best budget option.
Pros
👍High-powered audio: The Logitech Z623 2.1 speakers deliver 200 watts of peak power and 130 watts of RMS power, which provides clear, room-filling audio that can easily fill most living spaces. Whether it’s an intense, emotion-filled movie scene, or a hack-and-slash game, these will do justice to the audio experience.
👍THX-certified audio: This speaker system is THX-certified, meaning it has been independently tested and certified to meet strict audio performance standards set by THX. This ensures that the speakers deliver high-quality, accurate sound reproduction.
👍Multiple inputs: The RCA, 3.5mm, and 6-channel direct inputs of the Logitech Z623 2.1 speakers make it simple to connect a range of devices, including computers, gaming consoles, and televisions. Whether it’s in the living room or in the comfort of your own abode, these speakers have limitless connectivity options.
👍Affordable price point: Clocking in at a price of a mere $149, the Z623 gives value for money. For those who want to be as ‘budget’ as possible, there is no better option than this. This makes it the best budget buy for those looking to buy the best speaker for the Mac Mini.
Cons
👎Lack of high-end audio features: The Logitech Z623 2.1 speakers do not have advanced audio features such as room correction or multi-room capabilities. Considering the price of these speakers, this may be a steal for some considering this or a deal-killer. It does not have the same high-end sound capabilities as the best speaker for the Mac Mini, the RP-8000F.
👎Bass Response and Design: Some users have reported that the bass response on these speakers is not as strong as expected. Moreover, the design of these speakers is very basic and will not serve as an aesthetic addition to your setup.
👎No Wireless connectivity: Perhaps the biggest fault is the lack of wireless connectivity. Spending money on optical and RCA cables is not, particularly what a budget customer has in mind. There are no options for wireless/Bluetooth connections.
👎Brand and Space constraints: The Z623 is designed for smaller rooms and if placed in a large room is unable to give a quality listening experience. Moreover, many do not prefer Logitech as a brand and may refuse to buy these for such a reason.
Our Verdict:
When it comes to our recommendation, it is quite plain and simple. If you’re looking to go all out then there is no better option than the Klipsch RP-8000F. It comes armed with all the bells and whistles that one could possibly want. Not to mention its pristine build quality ensures you get a true premium experience. It is truly the best speaker for the Mac Mini for a user who does not bat an eye to the money they spend, and only want the best audio experience.
If you’re looking for a budget or semi-budget option, but still getting the best speaker for the Mac Mini, then the Z623 and signature S20 are a godsend. They give an incredible listening experience for only a fraction of the price. However, for a budget user, it is important to note that some may not be willing to buy additional cables. In such a case, a wireless speaker for the extra cost is a better option.
At the end of the day, it is important to conclude what your needs are and accordingly buy a speaker. For example, you may be an outdoors person. In that case, you will require a speaker with a longer warranty, better materials, and a sturdy speaker in general. The requirements for the ‘Best speaker for the Mac Mini’ differ according to each individual’s lifestyle and needs and it is important to keep these needs in mind while buying one.
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