Speakers

Find the Best Speakers in the UK: From Quirky Gifts to Pro-Grade Sound

Why choosing the right speaker matters

Picking the right speaker is like choosing the perfect pair of shoes: comfort, fit, and style all matter. Except with speakers you're matching sound signature, room size, and how you actually use them. Buy the wrong pair and your favorite tracks will sound flat; choose wisely and even a small budget speaker can make goosebumps appear. This guide walks you through the types of speakers available in the UK market, highlights notable picks from stores like Menkind and Expert Electrical, and shows how mainstream retailers stack up so you can shop smart.

Sound vs size: what really counts?

People often assume larger cabinets equal better sound, but that's only part of the story. Driver quality, enclosure design, and amplifier power shape sound more than sheer size. If you're working with a compact living room — say 12 feet by 10 feet — a bookshelf speaker or a compact soundbar can outperform a bulky subwoofer you can't place correctly. Think in inches: a 6.5-inch woofer in a well-tuned cabinet often delivers punch that dwarfs a cheaply made 10-inch driver.

Menkind — fun, themed, and gadget-forward audio

Menkind specialises in gifts and novelty gadgets and their speaker range reflects that playful vibe. If you're hunting for something with personality — a themed sound frame or a colourful party speaker — Menkind is a great first stop. They mix practical Bluetooth technology with eye-catching designs that work for bedrooms, dorms, or as unique presents.

Top Menkind picks to consider

From the Menkind selection, several items stand out for style and functionality. The Red5 Gaming Soundbar V1 is great for a compact gaming setup, giving clearer dialogue and better in-game audio for consoles and PCs. For house parties, the Red5 Rainbow Party Speaker throws light and volume together like a mini club in your living room. If you love a quirky splash of fandom, the Star Wars Stormtrooper Black Sound Frame blends décor with 2.0 audio in a way that’s both stylish and practical. For showers or wet environments, Menkind’s Bluetooth Shower Speaker in blue is waterproof and clippable, perfect for singing in the steam without risking an expensive stereo.

Expert Electrical — pro-focused and security-savvy audio

Expert Electrical leans towards professional and utility-specific audio equipment rather than novelty. If you need speakers for public-address systems, security integration, or fixed-install solutions in a commercial environment, they cover a different slice of the market. Expect durable build, compliance with safety standards, and integration options that consumer brands don’t always offer.

Products from Expert Electrical worth noting

Expert Electrical portfolio includes Dahua IP speakers built for networked audio announcements and alerts — handy for businesses or smart-home setups. The Forum 2 Way Pop Up Socket with Bluetooth Speaker is an interesting hybrid that tucks away into a countertop and pops up when you want to play music at a home office or studio. They also carry conventional sounders and alarms like the Esp Conventional Sounder and Esp Red Banshee Excel Sounder, which are geared more toward safety and alarm systems than music fidelity, but are essential where public warning and compliance are priorities.

Big-name UK retailers and where they fit

Beyond specialist stores, the UK has several large retailers that cover a wide spectrum of speaker needs — from budget Bluetooth units to audiophile-grade floorstanders. Knowing who to visit depends on whether you prioritise price, expert advice, or the ability to audition gear before buying.

Currys, Argos and Amazon — convenience and variety

If you want convenience, big-box retailers like Currys, Argos, and Amazon UK are hard to beat. They stock a broad range of brands, often with competitive prices and fast delivery. These retailers are great for comparing multiple budget and mid-range Bluetooth speakers, compact soundbars for TV setups, and portable party speakers. Amazon’s collection spans entry-level to premium and is a handy place to read hundreds of user reviews before committing.

Richer Sounds, John Lewis and Hi-Fi specialists — audition and advice

For serious listening, stores like Richer Sounds and John Lewis let you audition speakers in dedicated listening rooms and get expert help selecting models that match your space. Audiophile shops and specialist dealers such as HiFi Corner focus on quality components and skilled matching of amps and speakers. If you measure rooms in feet and want a precise fit, these shops usually offer the best guidance and sometimes home demo services.

Types of speakers and how to choose

Speakers come in many shapes and use-cases. The right type depends on where you’ll place them and what you’ll play. Do you need portable Bluetooth for the garden, a soundbar for cinematic TV sound, or bookshelf speakers for vinyl? Let’s break down the major categories so you can match gear to habits.

Bluetooth and portable party speakers

Portable Bluetooth speakers are all about convenience and battery life. Look for models offering water resistance if you plan to use them outdoors or in a bathroom. If you want a speaker for parties, prioritise model wattage, battery runtime, and pairing features — many party speakers can link multiple units for stereo or multi-room sound. A 10-pound portable speaker that lists 20 hours of battery will keep the music going far longer than a heavier unit with the same power rating.

Soundbars for TV and gaming

Soundbars are the go-to for improving TV sound without clutter. For gamers, a dedicated gaming soundbar reduces audio lag and improves spatial cues for a tighter competitive edge. Look for soundbars that offer HDMI ARC or eARC and low-latency modes. Compact soundbars with a wireless subwoofer can fit neatly under a TV stand and still deliver a cinematic low-end that fills a typical living room of about 10 by 12 feet.

Shower and novelty speakers

Not all speakers are designed for audiophile listening; some are made for fun and durability. Shower speakers are designed to be water-resistant or waterproof and often include suction mounts or clips. Novelty items — from tyre-shaped speakers to Star Wars themed sound frames — blend lifestyle and sound. If you buy one, check battery life and Bluetooth range: being able to play your playlist from across the room matters more than a flashy design.

Comparing prices and scoring a bargain in the UK

Everyone loves a good deal, and the UK market is competitive. Price comparison is an art as much as a search. Look beyond the sticker price: warranties, return windows, and included accessories can change the value equation. Seasonal sales, clearance lines in specialist stores, and bundle discounts at big retailers can all shave pounds off the final cost.

What specs really matter when comparing

Ignore marketing squawks and focus on usable specifications: frequency response, driver size in inches, power output in watts, battery life in hours, and connectivity options like Bluetooth 5.0, Wi‑Fi, or multi-room protocols. For home audio, impedance matching matters if you’re pairing passive speakers with an amplifier — a mismatch can make even great speakers sound bad. When in doubt, audition models in-store or look for objective reviews that measure performance in real-world conditions.

Practical setup and placement tips

Even the best speaker will underperform if placed badly. Small adjustments can transform an okay sound into something vivid and immersive. Here’s how to get more from your speakers without breaking the bank.

Room layout and speaker placement

Think in feet and inches when placing speakers. Keep bookshelf speakers at ear height when seated, roughly 3 to 6 feet from the listening position in a small room. If you’re using a soundbar, centre it under the TV and avoid closing it into a tight cabinet. Place subwoofers near a wall or corner for extra low-end reinforcement, but be ready to tweak a few inches to avoid boomy bass. Little shifts of 6 to 12 inches can make major sonic improvements.

Maintenance and tech tips to extend speaker life

Speakers are relatively low-maintenance, but a few habits extend their useful life. Keep them away from direct heat sources, avoid overdriving them at extreme volume for long periods, and dust drivers gently to prevent rattles. For Bluetooth speakers, update firmware when manufacturers provide patches — it can fix connectivity quirks and add new features.

Upgrading over time — what to add first

If you’re upgrading a living-room setup gradually, start with source and amplification quality: a clean digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) or a better streaming device often yields immediate improvements. Next, invest in speakers that match the room. Accessories like isolation pads, stands, or small room treatments (curtains and rugs) are inexpensive ways to tidy up sound before spending on higher-end speakers.

Choosing speakers in the UK doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you opt for Menkind novelty pieces, Expert Electrical pro-grade systems, or a mainstream retailer’s bargains, knowing what to look for — and where to audition — makes all the difference. Follow the advice above, measure your room in feet and inches, and match your purchase to how you actually listen.

Conclusion: With so many options across specialist and mainstream stores, the best speaker is the one that fits your room, your playlist, and your budget. Try before you buy where possible, compare specs in inches and watts, and don’t forget that placement and simple upgrades often matter more than headline metrics.