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Best In-Ceiling Speakers Reviewed

Finding the perfect home speakers should be a priority for all homeowners. After all, their influence on daily life around the property cannot be ignored.

While owning a set of the best in-ceiling speakers has been a dream shared by home audio enthusiasts around the globe for several years, the prospect of making them a reality is suddenly greater than ever.

Despite the obvious attraction, the installation of in-ceiling speakers probably isn’t something you’ve given serious thought to in the past.

For a long time, the best ceiling speakers for residential properties were reserved for the rich and famous, while anything else produced a lackluster, suboptimal, and under-powered performance. But times have changed.

Fast-forward to 2020 and finding a reliable ceiling speaker capable of satisfying your household needs could not be easier. High-quality Bluetooth ceiling speakers are now more affordable, convenient, powerful, and versatile than ever before.

Whether you intend to use them in your home cinema for the ultimate film night experience, the bedroom for nighttime relaxation, or the conservatory for entertaining friends and family, in-ceiling speakers deliver an experience like no other. Music, films, video games, and other audio features will reach a whole new level of performance and quality.

The harsh reality is that an inferior product will produce an inferior listening experience, which will ultimately make you revert back to your old setup. Conversely though, the best in-ceiling speakers can leave you wondering how you ever survived without them.

The fact that ceiling speakers take up less room around the home and provide a more stable and consistent sound is a terrific bonus. Bluetooth ceiling speakers additionally make connections easier, the home feel modern, more stylish, and futuristic.

With so many options to choose from, identifying the best ceiling speakers for your requirements can feel daunting. We’ve done the hard work for you by compiling the following shortlist.

Think that sounds good, wait until you’ve heard the speakers!

Top In-Ceiling Speakers Comparison Chart

Best In-Ceiling Speakers

1. Polk Audio 80F/X-RT In-Ceiling Surround Speakers

Polk Audio is a name commonly accepted as one of the best in the ceiling speakers arena, with other popular solutions including the RC80i and 255C-RT. However, the 80F/X-RT in-ceiling two-way surround speakers with 8” woofer and dual 3/4” tweeters stands out as the jewel in the brand’s crown.

As a part of the Vanishing range, the speakers become practically invisible once installed, leaving an ultra-futuristic vibe that is ideal for dining rooms, conservatories, and games rooms alike. The advanced audio detailing is supported by the possibilities to set a complex multi-channel speaker configuration, providing exceptional performances even for advanced home entertainment systems.

The dual speakers offer fantastic surround sound quality, which is particularly impressive when watching movies but equally adept to radio listening. The easy installation will give you the versatility of either pointing the dual tweeters directly at you for a rear channel sound, or directing them towards the walls for a greater bounce and atmospheric surround sound experience.

High-quality materials, which are epitomized by the timber solution that matches the brand’s RTi speakers, also manage high-end frequencies with fantastic results while low impedance circuitry and crossover features support a balanced sound delegation for an authentic and consistent sound.

Polk Audio’s 80F/X-RT is an excellent performer in a variety of spaces, and are particularly good at adapting to various ceiling heights. They can be used as a standalone sound system or incorporated as part of a more extensive setup. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

2. Klipsch CDT-5650-C II In-Ceiling Speaker

While the knowledge that the installation kit is sold separately may instantly turn you away, the Klipsch CDT-560-C II ceiling speakers are an ideal solution for a wide range of applications. Moreover, their easy repositioning can make a telling difference to your future home listening experiences. Not least because you can alter the setup depending on whether you’re alone or with friends.

The 6.5″ pivoting cerametallic woofer provides true 360-degree rotation, along with 15° tilts in all directions while the 1” titanium tweeter can tilt 100° in any direction. Moreover, an upgraded Linear Travel Suspension supports reliability through high-end frequencies while the woofer’s treble and mid-bass switching capabilities deliver faultless acoustics.

While the sound system works incredibly well as sold, it can be connected to further tweeters for a true 5:1 or 7:1 surround sound system that is perfect for home cinemas, music studios, and living room layouts. This additionally enables home audio enthusiasts to build their setups at their own pace.

The CDT-5650-C II is a powerful home speaker that delivers a crisp, detailed, nuanced sound time and time again, even when used with a high ceiling. While they are only available with the white casing, it can be painted to suit the style of your ceiling.

Some of the most common uses include kitchen installations for atmospheric sound delivery, or as rear speakers to form the basis of a true home cinema surround sound experience.

3. Pyle Bluetooth Flush Mount In-ceiling Speaker System

Pyle’s Bluetooth in-ceiling speaker system stands out for its customization thanks to the choice of four 8” or 10” tweeter solutions, as well as a selection of square or circular grills that provide a flush mount onto any ceiling. In reality, though, the stylistic elements are only the start of why we love the system.

The best in-ceiling speakers should no longer feel restricted to tech wizards. The Bluetooth connection procedure is particularly simple while it’s equally easy to use one speaker to connect several devices (not simultaneously), which makes it particularly suited for large families. A living room speaker, for example, can enhance family film nights, a teenager’s PlayStation gaming, or a parent’s housework playlist.

Supported by two-way connectivity, the high-compliance polymer tweeters, which can be repositioned and deliver a very rich sound that covers a 40Hz-20kHz frequency range are built to last. In addition to the easy Bluetooth control, the speaker system comes with 100′ of wiring, which enables you to place speakers in the centre of large room ceilings without fear of not reaching power outlets.

With four speakers at your disposal, creating a surround sound setup that suits your needs becomes very simple. Using a combination of wall rebounding and direct to target positioning is particularly suited for hosting small social gatherings too.

As a full system that doesn’t need any extra facilities to create a suitable and versatile setup that can be controlled from any device by all the family, this is easily one of the best packages on the market – not least due to its affordable pricing.

4. Yamaha NS-IC800WH In-Ceiling Speaker

Yamaha is a name synonymous with quality. While the manufacturer boasts several noteworthy contenders on the in-ceiling speaker market, the NS-IC800WH’s two-way crossover is the best in class. From the moment you use the large mounting clamp for easy installation, a well-rounded and crisp sound can be expected.

The polypropylene mica cone woofer is an 8” moisture-resistant model that protects the sound quality by keeping dust at bay. The accompanying 1” tweeter can be positioned and swiveled with ease for directional accuracy while the grills for both items can be painted to match your décor if needed.

Using the two-channel sound reproduction system is particularly suited to living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms for music lovers and the modern family. The Bluetooth elements can be quickly connected to an array of devices while the sounds quality is matched by a great frequency range of 50Hz – 28 kHz.

There is a noticeable difference from the NS-IC600WH, with the CS-IC800WH performing significantly better. The in-ceiling house speakers are particularly suited to Dolby atmosphere applications and function.

For anyone seeking a truly inconspicuous solution, this setup is particularly efficient due to the magnetic grill. Most importantly, though, the punchy sound performs as expected and without distortion even when the volume is cranked up. Filling the room with sound in a cohesive manner, the Yamaha package is a brilliant option for any modern home.

5. Acoustic Audio CS-IC83 in Ceiling Home Theater Speaker Set

The CS-IC83 in-ceiling home speaker setup is promoted primarily as a home theater solution, and it certainly comes into its own when used to boost the home cinema experience. As well as ceiling installations, the tweeters can be attached to walls and virtually any other surface to deliver a three-way sound that covers an 8″ high rigidity poly cone woofer, along with a 13mm soft dome tweeter.

Each of the five speakers can manage any output level between 10w and 350w, providing a good range while they utilize included coaxial, RCA wiring. They can be connected to powerful receivers from a range of brands to deliver a crisp and uninterrupted sound.

The speakers do not suffer distortion, even when paired with powerful and bass-driven amps. Their excellent coverage and directional versatility make them ideal for whatever style of surround sound you crave. However, placing them behind and using wall bounce will take film watching to a new level.

Despite their size, they fit the wall or ceiling mount to blend in with exceptional ease. The removable grills can be treated to suit your surroundings. While you may forget that they are there from an esthetic perspective, the high-end sound will blow you away time and time again. Not least because they produce the desired results even when spaced out around a large room.

Don’t be fooled by the affordable price as this surround sound system can match the performance of many far more expensive facilities. For home theater, or patio music listening, the Acoustic Audio by Goldwood CS-IC83 system is well matched to the needs of the modern family.

Top In-Ceiling Speaker Features To Consider: A Buyer’s Guide

All of the above in-ceiling speakers deliver a quality performance while the esthetic appeal of a housing-free unit that requires zero floor or shelving space cannot be denied. However, there is no single right or wrong answer as to which option should be considered the best house speakers.

The above guide to the most popular choices should help you make a calculated decision, but it’s imperative that you take the most important features into account. Here are some key issues to look out for be fore committing to a purchase.

Integration With Modern Systems

If you’re eager to use a modern and hi-tech speaker system, it’s likely that you’ll be open embracing additional systems. Therefore, knowing that your Bluetooth ceiling speakers can be used in conjunction with Alexa, or connect to your phone makes a big difference.

The most advanced Smart tech facilities will even allow the sound to follow you around the home, changing speakers as you enter new rooms for a seamless listening experience that’ll leave you feeling like you’re in a James Bond movie.

Adjustable Positioning

When researching potential in-ceiling speakers, it’s important to consider the room design and how the layout could cause obstructions. Nonetheless, even your forecasts may not account for projection into the carpet or flooring. Sadly, this can severely damage the acoustics.

The best way to combat this problem is to choose a lightweight ceiling speaker that boasts high-quality wiring that eradicates any fire hazards or lost output, which can also be repositioned without calling out an expert. This extra versatility and control allows you to find the sweet spot in every room.

Longevity

If you ever purchased cheap in-ceiling speakers in previous decades, it’s likely that they needed replacing within a matter of months. By sticking to reputable manufacturers and products, like those mentioned above, this should no longer be a problem.

Of course, the other reason for changing the ceiling speaker is that it doesn’t sound right. This is another incentive to pay attention to the key performance attributes while additionally thinking about the practical needs of where and how you will use the product.

Value For Money

Ultimately, your decision needs to place some focus on the price too. While affordability is key, you must avoid a cheap solution that could produce the same performance problems that were caused by the under-powered and suboptimal products of yesteryear.

Finding the right balance between price and performance unlocks a better listening experience, whether that be for music, gaming, or films. Meanwhile, the luxury and stylish vibes, combined with the knowledge that you secured a great deal will turn your enjoyment up to 11.

Here is a helpful video on installing in-celing speakers:

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