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10 Best In Wall Speakers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Polk Audio RC85i 2-Way Premium in-Wall 8" Rectangular Speakers, Set of 2 Perfect for Damp and Humid Indoor Placement - Bath, Kitchen, Covered Porches (White, Paintable Grille)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,121
Installation and Placement

Most important from
5292 reviews

Installation and Placement
Installation was a walk in the park, even with some challenging aspects like cutting into wall studs.

The Polk Audio RC85i in-wall speakers are designed for users seeking quality sound without taking up space. With an 8-inch woofer and a 1-inch swivel-mount tweeter, these speakers provide impressive audio clarity, making them suitable for both music and dialogue in home theater setups. Their moisture-resistant design enables placement in damp areas like bathrooms or covered porches, which is a significant advantage for versatility. The easy installation process, requiring minimal assembly, is a plus for those not wanting to deal with complicated setups.

One of the standout features is their balanced sound reproduction, which ensures a cohesive audio experience when paired with other Polk products. This makes them a great addition to an existing home theater system. The paintable grilles also allow customization to blend with your decor, adding to their aesthetic appeal.

While the RC85i speakers boast excellent sound quality, some users may find the maximum power handling of 100 watts limiting for larger spaces or more demanding audio setups. Additionally, since the speakers are not fully waterproof, those considering outdoor use should ensure they're in covered areas to avoid moisture damage. In terms of sensitivity and frequency response, they perform well, but potential buyers should consider their specific audio needs and the acoustics of the room they're installing these speakers in.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,121
Installation and Placement

Most important from
5292 reviews

Installation and Placement
Installation was a walk in the park, even with some challenging aspects like cutting into wall studs.
#2

Klipsch R-5502-W II in-Wall Left, Center or Right (LCR) in-Wall or in-Ceiling Speaker Two-Pack

Rating
9.1
Installation Ease

Most important from
60 reviews

Installation Ease
Installation is straightforward, making it easy to integrate into existing setups.

The Klipsch R-5502-W II in-wall speakers come as a two-pack designed for flexible use in home theaters, offering options for left, center, or right channel placement. Each speaker features dual 5.25-inch woofers and a 1-inch titanium diaphragm compression driver combined with a pivoting Tractrix Horn, which helps deliver clear and dynamic sound with good directional control. With a power handling capacity of up to 400 watts, these speakers can comfortably fill medium to large rooms with rich audio. The 5.25-inch speaker size is a common choice for in-wall models, balancing good bass response without requiring excessive space.

Installation is made easier by the ability to mount them horizontally or vertically, which adds versatility depending on your wall or ceiling space. Build quality is solid, typical of Klipsch products, ensuring durability and longevity. These speakers are not waterproof, so they are not suitable for outdoor or damp locations.

With a sensitivity and impedance suited to work well with a range of amplifiers, these speakers are a strong choice for anyone looking to upgrade a home audio setup with clean, powerful sound that blends neatly into the room. For those seeking simple installation and high-quality sound from a well-regarded brand, the R-5502-W II is a reliable option, provided they are used indoors with proper wiring.

Rating
9.1
Installation Ease

Most important from
60 reviews

Installation Ease
Installation is straightforward, making it easy to integrate into existing setups.
#3

Polk Audio 265-RT 3 Way Vanishing in Wall Speakers - Pair (White)

Rating
8.5
Installation Ease

Most important from
5 reviews

Installation Ease
Installation is straightforward, making it accessible for those with basic DIY skills.

The Polk Audio 265-RT in-wall speakers are a solid choice if you're looking for discreet, high-quality sound built right into your walls. They are fairly large, measuring about 21 inches tall and just under 9 inches wide, so you'll want to make sure you have enough space for installation. The speakers handle power well, supporting up to around 200 watts, which means they can deliver strong sound without distortion in most home setups. Their frequency response ranges from 45Hz to 25kHz, covering deep bass to clear treble, and the included 1-inch tweeter and dual 6.5-inch mid/woofers help provide a full, balanced sound.

Sensitivity is rated at 91 dB, which means they can get reasonably loud with moderate power, and the standard 8-ohm impedance makes them compatible with most home audio receivers. Installation is designed to be straightforward, with precise cutout dimensions and a paintable grille that blends nicely with your wall, but given their size and weight (about 12 pounds per pair), some basic DIY experience or professional help might be needed. The build quality is good, featuring Polk’s Power Port Bass Venting to enhance low-frequency sounds, though keep in mind these speakers are not water-resistant, so they are best suited for dry indoor spaces.

If you want a clean look without sacrificing audio performance in your living room or home theater, these speakers offer a nice balance of power, clarity, and stylish design.

Rating
8.5
Installation Ease

Most important from
5 reviews

Installation Ease
Installation is straightforward, making it accessible for those with basic DIY skills.

Buying Guide for the Best In Wall Speakers

In-wall speakers are a great choice for those who want a clean, unobtrusive look while still enjoying high-quality sound. They are installed directly into the walls of your home, which can save space and provide a sleek aesthetic. When choosing in-wall speakers, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main specs to look at and how to navigate them.
Speaker SizeSpeaker size refers to the diameter of the speaker's driver, typically measured in inches. This spec is important because it affects the speaker's ability to produce different frequencies. Larger speakers (8 inches or more) can produce deeper bass and are ideal for larger rooms or home theaters. Smaller speakers (6.5 inches or less) are better suited for background music in smaller spaces. Consider the size of the room and the type of audio experience you want when choosing the speaker size.
Power HandlingPower handling indicates the amount of power a speaker can handle, measured in watts. This is important because it determines how loud and clear the speaker can play without distortion. Speakers with higher power handling (100 watts or more) are suitable for larger rooms and louder listening environments. Lower power handling (50 watts or less) is sufficient for smaller rooms and moderate listening levels. Think about how loud you want your speakers to be and the size of your room when considering power handling.
Frequency ResponseFrequency response is the range of frequencies a speaker can reproduce, measured in Hertz (Hz). This spec is crucial for understanding the speaker's ability to deliver a full spectrum of sound. A wider frequency response (e.g., 40Hz-20kHz) means the speaker can produce both deep bass and high treble. Narrower frequency responses (e.g., 60Hz-18kHz) may lack in bass or treble. Consider the type of music or audio you listen to and whether you need a full range of sound when choosing frequency response.
SensitivitySensitivity measures how effectively a speaker converts power into sound, expressed in decibels (dB). Higher sensitivity (90dB or more) means the speaker can produce louder sound with less power. Lower sensitivity (85dB or less) requires more power to achieve the same volume. If you have a lower-powered amplifier or want to ensure your speakers can play loudly without requiring a lot of power, look for higher sensitivity ratings.
ImpedanceImpedance is the resistance a speaker offers to the electrical current from the amplifier, measured in ohms. This spec is important because it affects compatibility with your amplifier. Most in-wall speakers have an impedance of 8 ohms, which is standard and works with most amplifiers. Some speakers may have lower impedance (4 ohms), which can provide better sound quality but may require a more powerful amplifier. Check your amplifier's specifications to ensure compatibility when choosing impedance.
Installation EaseInstallation ease refers to how simple it is to install the speakers into your walls. This is important because it can affect the overall experience and effort required. Some speakers come with templates and easy-to-follow instructions, making them more user-friendly. Others may require professional installation. Consider your comfort level with DIY projects and whether you prefer a straightforward installation process when choosing your speakers.
Build QualityBuild quality encompasses the materials and construction of the speaker. This spec is important for durability and sound quality. Higher-end speakers often use better materials like Kevlar or aluminum, which can provide clearer sound and longer-lasting performance. Cheaper speakers may use plastic or lower-quality materials, which can affect sound and longevity. Think about how long you want your speakers to last and the quality of sound you desire when considering build quality.

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