Active vs Passive Speakers: Which Should You Choose?

Active vs passive speakers, in short: active (powered) speakers have the amplifier built inside, so you plug them into the wall and connect your source directly. Passive speakers have no amplifier; they need a separate amplifier or receiver and speaker wire. Active speakers are simpler and take less space. Passive speakers are more flexible and easier to upgrade one piece at a time.

Active vs Passive Speakers at a Glance

What Are Active (Powered) Speakers?

Active speakers have an amplifier inside the cabinet, often tuned specifically for the drivers in that speaker. You connect a source, such as a turntable, TV or phone, directly to them. Many add Bluetooth or Wi-Fi so you can stream as well.

Pros: simple setup, fewer boxes and cables, amplifier matched to the speaker.
Cons: each speaker (or the main one) needs an outlet; if the amplifier fails, the whole speaker needs service; less freedom to mix and match.

Strictly, some people separate "powered" speakers (one speaker holds the amp and feeds the other) from "active" speakers (each driver has its own amp). For shopping, both mean you don't need a separate amplifier.

What Are Passive Speakers?

Passive speakers contain the drivers and a crossover but no amplifier. A separate amplifier or AV receiver powers them through speaker wire. This is the traditional hi-fi and home theater setup.

Pros: upgrade the amplifier or speakers independently; one receiver can run many speakers and sources; no power cords at the speakers.
Cons: more equipment and space; you have to match the amplifier's power and impedance to the speakers.

Which Sounds Better?

Neither type is better by default. A well-designed active speaker benefits from an amplifier tuned to its drivers. A passive system can sound excellent too, and lets you fine-tune the sound by choosing the amplifier. Room placement and speaker quality usually matter more than the type.

Active vs Passive Speakers for a Turntable

For most record players, active speakers are the easiest match:

• If your turntable has a built-in phono preamp, connect it straight to powered speakers with an RCA cable.
• If it doesn't, use powered speakers with a PHONO input, add a small phono preamp, or use a receiver with a PHONO input and passive speakers.
• Want to skip choosing altogether? Some turntables come with matched speakers, like the Arkrocket Cassini and Polaris II with 40W bookshelf speakers.
• All-in-one record players have speakers built in. See record players with speakers.

Step-by-step wiring for each setup is in Do Record Players Need Speakers?

Wireless and Smart Speakers

Wireless smart speakers are active speakers with streaming built in. Some also accept a wired source: the Sonos Five has a line-in jack, so a turntable with a built-in preamp can play through it. Browse our speakers.

How to Choose

• Choose active if you want simple, compact sound for a turntable, desk, bedroom or small room.
• Choose passive if you're building a home theater or hi-fi system, already own a receiver, or want to upgrade parts over time.
• Check outlets: active speakers need power where they sit.
• Check inputs: make sure the speakers or receiver have the connections your sources use (RCA, PHONO, optical, HDMI, Bluetooth).

FAQs

Are powered speakers the same as active speakers?
For buying purposes, yes. Both have amplification built in, so you don't need a separate amplifier.

Can I connect passive speakers to a turntable?
Not directly. You need an amplifier or receiver, and a phono preamp if the turntable doesn't have one built in.

Can I use passive speakers with Bluetooth?
Yes, through an amplifier or receiver that has Bluetooth.

Do active speakers need a receiver?
No. That's the main advantage; connect your source directly.

You may also like:

• Do Record Players Need Speakers?
• Record Player vs Turntable
• How to Set Up and Use a Record Player