10 Best Bluetooth Ceiling Speakers In 2024

This article is designed to answer all the questions you may have about Bluetooth ceiling speakers and to present to you some nice choices. It may sound strange, but our selection of the best Bluetooth ceiling speakers in 2024 does not include any Bluetooth speaker. To be more precise, everything the market has to offer when it comes to this type of speakers are regular in-ceiling speakers with a dedicated amp with a built-in Bluetooth receiver. So, the speakers, per se, are not Bluetooth-enabled. In this article, we will talk about those speakers, but we will also talk about regular in-ceiling speakers that you can make ‘’wireless’’ by adding a simple Bluetooth-enabled amp. We will also talk about those Bluetooth amps. There’s a lot of work ahead so, without further delay, let’s start. 

Why do you Need a Bluetooth Ceiling Speaker?

In-ceiling speakers have become quite popular after the introduction of object-based surround sound formats (Dolby Atmos and DTS:X). The main purpose of these speakers is to introduce height effects, add another dimension to the sound, expend the soundstage, and make your movie-watching experience more immersive than before. If you are buying in-ceiling speakers for your surround sound system, you are going to connect them to a dedicated AV receiver that supports object-based surround sound. 

However, that’s not the way you are going to use your Bluetooth ceiling speakers. If you want this kind of speaker, you are probably not looking for speakers for your home theater system. You are looking for something that can be used for occasional music streaming and for some nice background music. That's at least how we understand the purpose of Bluetooth ceiling speakers.  

So, if you like the idea of listening to some nice background music while sitting on your porch, or while preparing a meal in your kitchen, or while doing whatever you do in your bedroom, and you need something unobtrusive, whether because you don't have enough space or because you don't want another piece of audio equipment standing in your way, Bluetooth ceiling speaker is a great solution.

Are Bluetooth Ceiling Speakers worth it?

For all the previously mentioned purposes, they definitely are worth it. They are not even that expensive. In fact, they can be quite affordable. All those Bluetooth ceiling speaker bundles on the market (ceiling speakers + Bluetooth amp) are priced under $100. If you want better sound quality, you can always go for more expensive regular in-wall/in-ceiling speakers and buy the Bluetooth amp separately. That’s going to raise the price, but it will still be more affordable than buying regular bookshelf speakers. 

So, yeah – Bluetooth ceiling speakers are worth it. 

How to Choose Ceiling Speakers?

Well, before you choose, you have to know what to expect and, more importantly, what not to expect. One thing you can’t get is that crazy rumble you would get from a powerful subwoofer. Why? First, because the ceiling speakers have smaller drivers than the subwoofers (8in max). Second, because they usually don’t have enclosures. So, don’t expect rumbling bass. 

What you can expect is clear midrange, consistent treble, and a nice hint of bass. Depending on the price, the construction quality and sound quality will vary. 

In terms of design, you will get pretty much the same visual appearance from a $50 speaker and from a $300 speaker. They are all flush-mounted and they all come with paintable grilles. So, once you mount them you won’t see the difference. But you will be able to hear it.

So, basically, the only thing you get to choose is your budget.

Now that you know a few basic things about Bluetooth ceiling speakers, we can move onto our selection of 10 best Bluetooth ceiling speakers. 

Just a small note before we start – the list is divided into three parts. The first part is dedicated to the best Bluetooth-enabled ceiling speakers (the speakers that come with the included Bluetooth amp). The second part is dedicated to the in-wall Bluetooth amps, and the third one is our selection of regular in-ceiling speakers that you can connect to the previously mentioned in-wall Bluetooth amps (or to any Bluetooth amp). 

Best Bluetooth Ceiling Speakers

1. Herdio HCS-418 4in 2-Way Ceiling Bluetooth Speakers

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Herdio is one of the cheapest options and it delivers surprisingly good performance for the price. The whole package (2 speakers, Bluetooth amp, DC adapter) will cost you less than $60. 

What’s in the box?

Inside a simple cardboard box, you will find two Herdio in-ceiling speakers with cutout templates and magnetic grilles, speaker wire, Bluetooth amp, 12V DC adapter, user manual, and a 1-year warranty. 

Things we like

The speakers feature simple round design with coaxially arranged 4in polypropylene cone woofer with rubber surround and 1in fluid-cooled soft-dome tweeter. The tweeter can swivel so you can direct it toward the listening position to get the best possible experience. 

The power output of the speakers is rated at 80W, their impedance is 8Ω, the sensitivity is 89dB, and the frequency response is 60Hz-20kHz. The speakers have ABS construction and feel fairly durable.

Since the cut-out template is included, you don’t have to measure anything – you just find the right spot for your speakers and cut two holes. The speaker’s diameter is 6.4in, while the template’s diameter is 5.7in so, even if you don’t cut the hole it precisely, the speaker’s frame will hide the imperfections. Ideally, there will be an attic above your ceiling and you will have an outlet somewhere in the attic so you don’t have to run the wires through the walls or anything like that. The speakers have rotary CAMs for easy installation so, after you run the wires, you can just screw in those three screws and firmly attach the speakers. 

As you can see, the installation is fairly simple but if you are not that handy, you should better pay for the custom installation. 

The included Bluetooth amp is quite basic and feels cheap and plasticky. The manual doesn't say anything about the Bluetooth version but, based on our experience, it works fine. The pairing is quick and the connection is reliable within the standard 30ft Bluetooth range.

The sonic performance won’t leave you speechless but it will surprise you. There’s a fair amount of clarity in the midrange and the treble is quite consistent. The bass response, however, is not that great. It’s simply too weak. 

Things we don’t like

The overall quality of the included amp is poor, which is kind of expected at this price point, but there are a few simple things that could make it better. First of all, the amp only has speaker terminals. There are no controls of any kind – no volume knob and no pairing button. Now, we can use the phone to control the volume but the lack of pairing/unpairing button is really annoying. Why? Well, because every home has at least 5 Bluetooth-enabled devices (phones, tablets, etc.). So, if one of your family members pair his/her device to the speaker and forget to unpair them, you won’t be able to use the speakers (you won’t be able to pair your phone with them). In these situations, a simple pair/unpair button would make things much easier. Since there is no pairing button on the Bluetooth amp, you will have to look for the specific device connected to the speakers and disable Bluetooth on that device (or unpair).

Don’t expect roof-shaking bass. These speakers deliver pretty good performance for the price but they won’t leave you speechless. 

2. Pyle PDICBT552RD 5.25in Bluetooth In-ceiling Speaker System

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Pyle’s 5.25in in-ceiling speakers are a bit pricier than Herdio but still quite affordable. The whole bundle (speakers, grilles, Bluetooth amp, speaker wire, cutout templates) is priced under $90. This speaker system is a little bit better and more capable option than Herdio but they both have the same downsides – poor amp quality and weak bass response. 

What’s in the box?

The box contains two Pyle 5.25in speakers with aluminum grilles, cutout templates, Bluetooth amp with 12V DC adapter, speaker wire, manual, and a 1-year warranty. 

Things we like

Like all the other in-ceiling speakers, Pyle PDICBT552RD speakers have a circular design. The whole speaker construction has 8in diameter and it’s made of ABS. The speaker features one 5.25in polypropylene cone woofer and one coaxial .5in high-compliance polymer tweeter.

Each speaker outputs 150W (peak power output). The speakers’ impedance is 8Ω and the sensitivity is 88dB. The frequency response is 80Hz-20kHz.

The installation is fairly simple and it should be relatively painless. The good thing is that you don’t have to be extremely precise – the necessary hole size is 6.5in while the speaker has 8in diameter and it will cover all the imperfections. The grilles are not magnetic so attaching them will be a little bit harder, but it’s not impossible – just be patient and don’t be too rough. The speakers are flush-mounted – once installed, they will look super-stylish.

Installation instructions (source – Pyle PDICBT552RD user manual)

You are supposed to connect both speakers to the included Bluetooth amp. The wiring scheme is in the manual but you can do it even without the scheme. 

Pyle PDICBT552RD – Wiring scheme

The amp features Bluetooth 4.0 and provides a reliable and stable connection within the standard 30ft range.

Pyle speakers deliver an enjoyable sound signature with fairly detailed mids, clear vocals, and consistent highs. They are just perfect for background music. 

Things we don’t like

Just like the previous Herdio speakers, Pyle 5.25in speakers come with a cheap-looking plasticky amp. The amp has only speaker terminals and DC adapter input. There are no volume controls or any control buttons on it. The biggest issue is the lack of a pairing button. This is not a problem if you are only going to use one device with the speaker but, since that’s hardly the case, you could easily forget to unpair the previous device which could prevent you from streaming music from some other device.

We also didn’t like the spring-loaded terminals on the Pyle speakers. They are the flimsiest and cheapest kind of terminals. Replacing them with better push-style terminals would be an important upgrade and it wouldn’t cost much. 

3. MCM 6in Ceiling Speakers with a Bluetooth-enabled Stereo Amp

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MCM 6in speakers are another affordable option under $100. In terms of build quality, design, and performance, they are practically the same as previously reviewed Pyle speakers but the wiring procedure is a little bit different and the Bluetooth version is a bit outdated. 

What’s in the box?

Inside the box, you will find two MCM speakers with detachable paintable grilles, speaker wire, Bluetooth amp with a 12V DC adapter, cutout templates, user manual, and a 12-month warranty.

Things we like

The speakers are circular. Each speaker features coaxially arranged 6in fiber-cone woofer and 1in titanium dome tweeter. The construction is made of ABC and it’s fairly durable. The speakers are white but you can paint the grilles if you want them to match the color of your ceiling/wall.

The speakers have 15W RMS power output and the frequency response spans from 80Hz to 20kHz. They are not as capable and not as loud as previously mentioned Pyle speakers.

The installation procedure is pretty much standard and it includes cutting, wiring, inserting, and attaching the speakers to the ceiling. The overall diameter of the speaker construction is 9in while the cutout template has 7.75in diameter. So, even if you cut a little bit larger hole, the speaker construction will hide your mistake. 

One thing that’s different about these speakers, compared to the previous two pairs, is the wiring. You also have a Bluetooth amp, but you are not supposed to connect both speakers to the amp. One of the speakers is active and the other is passive. You should connect the passive speaker to the active speaker, and then connect the active speakers to the Bluetooth amp. The amp is connected to the included DC adapter and the adapter has to be plugged into the wall outlet. 

The adapter features Bluetooth 2.0, which is probably the oldest Bluetooth version in use and it’s not as capable as the latest Bluetooth versions. The Bluetooth connection was satisfying and we didn’t experience any major issues.

We weren’t impressed with the sound but we also weren’t disappointed. You will get clear mids, articulate vocals, and slightly brighter highs. The bass response is really weak. MCM speakers are good for some nice background music but won’t blow you away. Pyle speakers offer better, more detailed, and louder sound than these two MCM speakers. 

Things we don’t like

The Bluetooth version is outdated. It works fine most of the time but an occasional signal loss is possible.

The passive speaker has poor-quality spring-loaded terminals. They are cheap and flimsy.

The included Bluetooth amp doesn’t have any controls on it. It doesn’t even have a pairing button. So, if you are using two or multiple devices to stream music to these speakers, don’t forget to unpair them when you are done with streaming. If you don’t do that, you won’t be able to pair the next device (multipoint pairing is not supported). 

The bass response is unimpressive.

4. Pyle PDIC4CBTL4B 4in Bluetooth In-ceiling Speaker System with built-in LED Lights

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Pyle PDIC4CBTL4B is basically an upgraded version of the previous Pyle speakers. The drivers are maybe not as large but you get 4 instead of two speakers and you get speakers with LED lights, which is definitely a plus. This bundle is priced slightly over $100 which is not that much when you know that almost all the necessary equipment is included. 

What’s in the box?

The box contains four 4in speakers with built-in LED lights and with removable grilles, 4-channel Bluetooth amp with a DC adapter, speaker wire, lighting cables and lighting adapters, user manual, and 1-year warranty. 

Things we like

These Pyle speakers are shaped the same as all the previous speakers but have much harder aluminum alloy enclosures which makes them much more durable. Instead of rotating switches, these speakers have strong aluminum spring-loaded clips for flush-mount installation. 

Each speaker features one 4in woofer and one .5in polymer tweeter. The max combined power output is 320W (80W each). The speakers have 8Ω impedance, 90dB sensitivity, and their frequency response is 60Hz-120kHz. 

The installation is standard. You have to drill and cut holes and mount the speakers. Wiring is a little bit more complicated than in the previous three cases because you have four speakers instead of two, but also because you have to run the wires for the lighting separately. The lighting wires and lighting adapters are supposed to be connected to 110V power outputs (not to the included Bluetooth amp). 

The LED lightings are rated at 5W and 650 Lumens. That’s not incredibly bright but it’s good enough for smaller rooms, even if you don’t have any additional lighting.

The included Bluetooth amp looks cheap and plasticky but does the job. It features Bluetooth 4.0 and, once you install it, it will deliver flawless performance and perfectly reliable connection. 

The sound, just like in all the previous reviews is satisfying but not great. The bass is the weakest link. Mids and highs are nicely balanced and detailed and the sound is noticeably louder than in the previous cases. After all, you have 4 instead of 2 speakers. 

Things we don’t like

The included 4-channel amp is cheap and flimsy but that’s not the biggest issue. This amp doesn’t have any control buttons, not even a pairing button. So, the pairing is done automatically and the last paired device stays connected unless you unpair it. In case you forget to unpair it or unless you disable the Bluetooth on that device, you won’t be able to connect some other device. 

Like all the other Bluetooth ceiling speakers on the market, these Pyle 4in speakers struggle with the bass reproduction.

In case you want to buy the speakers and a Bluetooth amp separately (which is, in our opinion, a better option), we’ve made a nice selection of regular in-ceiling speakers and Bluetooth in-wall amps. If you don’t mind the size and don’t need a perfectly clean setup, you can go for any Bluetooth amp (2-ch/4-ch) with the matching power output and make the setup that suits your needs better. You can even make an expensive audiophile setup with 2 or 4 high-end in-ceiling speakers and some top-of-the-line Bluetooth receiver/amp. The number of possible combinations is huge. These are our top picks. 

Best In-Wall Bluetooth-enabled Amplifiers

5. Pyle PWA15BT In-Wall Audio Control Receiver with Built-in Amplifier

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In case you don’t like those tiny Bluetooth amps we’ve talked about in the previous four reviews, you can always buy a significantly better amp separately. Pyle’s PWA15BT is a simple in-wall amp/Bluetooth receiver with volume controls, AUX input, and phone charging capabilities. It’s priced under $50.

What’s in the box?

The box contains your in-wall amp with a Bluetooth receiver, power adapter, wall plate cover, manual, and 1-year warranty.

Things we like

The amp looks like an advanced wall outlet with some controls and inputs. On the front side, you will see two indicator lights (Bluetooth and power), master volume/power knob, input selector (BT/STEREO/MIC), ¼-in mic input, USB charging port, standard 3.5mm input, and a DC power input. On the backside, you will find speaker terminals for two speakers and wires for hard-wiring (you can use them if you want to eliminate that ugly DC adapter).

The amp supports 4-8Ω speakers. The max power output is rated at 100W per channel (at 4Ω). The RMS power output is 40W per channel (at 4Ω). Since most in-ceiling speakers have 8Ω impedance, you will probably get up to 20W RMS per channel. That’s good enough for less demanding speakers. 

The Bluetooth connection delivers decent performance. To initiate pairing, you have to switch the selector to BT and press the master volume dial for three seconds. The range is 30ft and the connection is stable.

Besides the Bluetooth, the amp features additional connections like the AUX input and MIC input. The USB charging port is also a plus. The amp also features overload protection.

Things we don’t like

If you want to connect more than two speakers or if the speakers have much higher power ratings, you should buy something more capable.

Charging my phone generated a quiet buzzing noise on the 3.5mm port.  

6. Ben & Fellows BA-415R In-Wall Bluetooth Amplifier

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Ben & Fellows in-wall Bluetooth amp is a bit more advanced than the previously mentioned Pyle amp. It has a nice display, touch-sensitive control buttons, and it can supply power to up to 8 speakers simultaneously. The RMS power output is not huge but it’s good enough for all the previously mentioned Bluetooth ceiling speakers.

What’s in the box?

The box contains your Ben & Fellows Bluetooth in-wall amp, IR remote, user manual, and a warranty card. 

Things we like

The amp is a little bit chunkier than the previous Pyle amp (4.7×4.7x2in) so you will have to cut a little bit bigger hole to mount it. The installation is fairly simple once you do the wiring (or if your home is pre-wired). 

On the front panel, there's a nice LCD screen and an array of touch-sensitive buttons including the power button, EQ button, playback/volume buttons, and mode/source button.

At the bottom of the amp’s enclosure, you will find all the inputs – USB input (for music playback and charging), micro SD card slot, and AUX input. 

On the rear panel, there are all the speaker terminals and terminals for hard-wiring. This amp doesn’t come with a 12V DC charger – you can only hard-wire it.

The amp can output 15W RMS per channel (@8Ω). The max allowed number of speakers is 8. 

One of the greatest qualities of this amp is its versatility. Besides the Bluetooth, you can use the USB port, insert a micro SD card and play the music from it, attach any audio source with a standard 3.5mm output or you can turn on the FM tuner and listen to your favorite radio station.

The display will show the track info and the info about the active source. The controls are simple and intuitive. The included remote is a great addition to the package.

Things we don’t like

15W RMS power output is not much and if you have power-hungry speakers, you should look for something more capable.

7. HELMER WS-BM207M In-Wall Bluetooth Amplifier

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HELMER WS-BM207M is even more advanced than the previous Bluetooth amp but it’s also much pricier. This one comes with a 5in touchscreen, it has a built media player, and it can drive up to 4 speakers. Even though it looks great and it’s super-easy to use, its performance and power output don’t really meet the price tag.

What’s in the box?

Inside the package, you will find your HELMER Bluetooth amp, remote, all the mounting equipment (frame, screws, back box for in-wall mounting), one USB to micro USB cable, manual, and a warranty card. 

Things we like

The HELMER amp looks really nice and stylish. 5in touchscreen covers 80% of the front panel. You can use it to control the playback, select source or adjust settings. 

On the top, you will only find the volume controls and power button. On the bottom, there are micro USB port, micro SD card slot, and a reset button. This amp is not as versatile as the previous two – it doesn’t have the AUX input or the USB charging port.

However, the HELMER amp has a built-in media player and can play both music and video files. It also has a built-in FM tuner and a built-in clock and calendar. The amp runs on a proprietary (and very limited) OS. The list of supported audio formats includes MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, APE, AC3, etc. The most common video formats like MKV, MP4, AVI, VOB, FLV, 3GP, etc., are also supported.

HELMER amp can drive up to 4 speakers and, according to the manual, it will output 25W RMS per channel (@8Ω load). So, it’s better than the previous two but not that much better. 

Things we don’t like

At this price point, we have expected a few more advanced features and maybe an Android OS instead of that proprietary OS.

The touchscreen never goes to sleep. It will lock automatically after a certain period of inactivity and it will only show the clock until you touch the screen.

HELMER amp is not as versatile as the previous two amps – it doesn’t have AUX input. 

The following 6 speakers are just regular in-ceiling speakers. They are not Bluetooth-enabled and don’t come with an amplifier. The idea is to buy the ceiling speaker separately and then find the matching Bluetooth amp. Or, if you already have some nice in-wall (or regular) Bluetooth amp, find the matching speakers.

Best In-Ceiling Speakers

8. Micca M-8C 2-Way in-Ceiling Speaker

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Micca is one of the most popular brands when it comes to in-wall/in-ceiling speakers. They are fairly affordable and deliver performance that exceeds the price tag – there’s no better recipe for success if you ask us. Micca 8in in-ceiling speakers are priced under $40 (each). 

What’s in the box?

The packaging contains one M-8C speaker, removable aluminum grille, cutout template, installation manual, and 1-year warranty.

Things we like

Micca M-8C is a circular 2-way speaker featuring one 8in polypropylene cone woofer and coaxial 1in silk-dome tweeter. The tweeter can pivot so you can direct it towards the listening area. The manufacturer used a 6dB crossover network.

The overall diameter of the speaker is 10.7in while the cutout template has 9.4in diameter. So, even if you don’t make a perfect hole, the speaker will hide the imperfections. The installation is fairly simple. Wiring will take some time but, other than that, you won’t experience any major issues. The grilles are paintable so you can match their color to the color of the wall/ceiling. The mounting tabs on the backside of the speaker will provide a secure and stable fit.

The speaker can handle up to 100W (peak). The impedance is 8Ω and the sensitivity is rated at 90dB. Thanks to the large cone woofer, this Micca speaker can go a little bit deeper than others. The frequency response is 40Hz-120kHz. 

The sound is surprisingly good. The bass is not that strong but the midrange is clear and detailed and the highs are fairly consistent.

Things we don’t like

The grilles are technically removable but, once you put them on, it’s really hard to take them off. 

For the price, the sound is great but we still have to emphasize the lack of bass. 

9. Yamaha NS-IW280CWH 6.5in In-Ceiling Speaker System

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Yamaha is a bit more famous than Micca. Their in-ceiling speakers are equally affordable and offer better treble reproduction and clearer mids. The only advantage of the larger Micca speaker is the better bass reproduction. These Yamaha speakers are sold in pairs – you can have them for less than $90.  

What’s in the box?

The box contains two Yamaha NS-IW280CWH speakers, two removable grilles, a cutout template, protective cover for grille-painting, glue strips, manual, and a warranty card.

Things we like

Yamaha speakers, just like all the others on this list, feature that common circular shape. They are 3-way speakers with one 6.5in polypropylene woofer and two .75in tweeters. 

The installation is pretty much standard – you have to cut holes, run the wires, and attach the speakers. The overall speaker diameter is 10.3in while the cutout diameter is 9.4in. So, if you don’t make a perfect hole, you don’t have to worry. The speakers feature push-type speaker terminals – they accept both banana plugs and bare wires. The grilles are paintable so you can match the colors of the grille to the color of your walls/ceiling.

The speaker can handle up to 100W of power (30W RMS). The impedance is 8Ω and the sensitivity is rated at 85dB. The frequency response spans from 65Hz to 28kHz, and the crossovers are set at 6kHz and 9kHz.

The sound quality is quite impressive, considering the price. The mids are sweet and detailed, the vocals are clear. The treble response is extended and very consistent. 

Things we don’t like

The only downside is the lack of bass. These are relatively small speakers and don’t have enclosure so you can’t expect that rumbling bass you would get from some nice subwoofer. 

10. Polk Audio RC80i 2-way In-Ceiling 8in Speakers

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Polk Audio is another popular and fairly affordable choice. These 8in in-ceiling speakers are sold in pairs and cost more than the previously mentioned Micca 8in speakers but don’t offer significantly better performance. So, if you’re choosing between Micca and Polk Audio, go for Micca speakers.

What’s in the box?

RC80i speakers come with removable grilles, cardboard templates, manuals, and warranty cards.

Things we like

RC80i speakers have the same shape as all the previously reviewed speakers. Each speaker houses 2 drivers – one 8in mineral-filled polymer cone woofer and one 1in soft dome tweeter. The tweeter can swivel (for 15°) so you can adjust the sound dispersion and get a better listening experience.  

The speaker is mostly made of ABS but there are some metal parts, too. The rubber seal around the woofer protects the circuits from moisture, which allows you to install this speaker outdoors (under the porch) or in some humid indoor places (saunas, bathrooms, kitchens, etc.).

The installation is fairly simple. Mark the spot with the included template, cut the hole, feed the wires, and insert the speaker. The hole is supposed to have 9.4 inches in diameter. 

The speaker has a pretty impressive frequency response for an in-ceiling speaker (35Hz-20Khz). The sensitivity is 90dB and the required power input is 20-100W so there are numerous amps you can use with them. 

When it comes to sound quality, Polk Audio RC80i speakers are not that better than Micca or Yamaha speakers. Their bass response is pretty good for in-ceiling speakers, probably better than the bass response of Yamaha speakers and on par with Micca. Yamaha speakers, on the other hand, deliver clearer mids and more detailed treble. RC80i is slightly better than the Micca speaker but not better enough to justify the price tag. 

Things we don’t like

Unlike the previous two speakers, RC80i features spring-loaded speaker terminals. They look cheap and flimsy. 

The bass response is good for in-ceiling speakers but it’s hardly comparable with similarly priced bookshelf speakers.

11. Klipsch CDT-5800-C II In-Ceiling Speaker

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Looking for something better and more sophisticated. Klipsch is one of our favorite brands, regardless of some common flaws (like the bright treble). One pair of these speakers will cost you almost $700 and that’s probably the biggest downside of this system. 

What’s in the box?

Along with the CDT-5800-C II, you will get a removable magnetic grille, cutout template, manual, and a limited lifetime warranty.

Things we like

The speaker is circular and has 11in diameter. It houses two coaxial drivers – one 8in cerametallic woofer with a classic spun copper finish and 1in titanium dome tweeter.

The manufacturer used so-called Controlled Dispersion Technology (CDT), which basically means that you can move both the woofer and the tweeter to get better acoustic output and better dispersion. You can swivel the tweeter for 100°, while the woofer can be aimed independently (up to 15°). 

The installation should not be a huge hassle. You don’t have to measure anything since you have the template. So, just pick the right spot and cut a hole. 

The included SLIMTRIM grille is made of aluminum and it’s magnetic. It attaches tightly and stays in place. If you want, you can paint it to match the color of the ceiling.

The speaker’s frequency response spans from 49kHz to 23kHZ. You would assume that it’s not as good as the Polk and Micca speakers but it’s actually better. The sensitivity is 95dB. CDT-5800-C II can handle 50W continuously (200W peak), which makes it very powerful. You could use some of the recommended amps but, if you want the best possible performance, you will need something more powerful.

CDT-5800-C II delivers an impressive, powerful, and surprisingly loud sound. The bass is present but it’s not exactly roof-shaking. The mids and highs are balanced and detailed. We haven’t noticed any brightness in the high-end. 

Things we don’t like

In this case, price is the biggest issue. A pair of these Klipsch speakers will cost you $700 and you will also need some nice amp. 

12. Definitive Technology Di 8R In-Ceiling Speaker

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Definitive Technology is another great brand that deserves our recommendation. Their Di 8R is quite an amazing and powerful in-ceiling speaker. It’s a great alternative if you can’t afford previously mentioned Klipsch speakers. 

What’s in the box?

The box contains your Di 8R speaker with a magnetic grille, cutout template, manual, and a 5-year warranty. There are also fire-rated back boxes for these speakers but they are sold separately.

Things we like

Di 8R is another round in-ceiling speaker with a low-profile aluminum grille. You’re probably going to notice that it’s significantly smaller than other 8in speakers. The overall diameter of the construction is 9.75in while the diameter of the cutout template is 8.75in.

This is a 2-way speaker with coaxially arranged woofer and tweeter. The speaker houses 8in BDSS cone woofer, 1in pivoting aluminum dome tweeter, and an adjustable crossover network.

The speaker can handle up to 225W (peak). It has 8Ω impedance and 90dB sensitivity. The frequency response is surprisingly good for this kind of speaker – DI 8R can go really low (down to 26Hz) and really high (up to 30kHz). 

The installation is simple and smooth. You already have the cutouts so you just have to pick the right spot for drilling/cutting. The speaker features practical push-type terminals, compatible with both banana plugs and bare wires. After you’re done with the wiring, you can just insert the speaker, use the screwdriver to attach it, and put the grilles on.  

Di 8R deliver very detailed and rich sound, with impactful and nicely textured bass, perfectly clear mids and vocals, and crispy highs. Their price tag perfectly matches the performance. You can hardly get a better sound for the price.  

Things we don’t like

Don’t expect incredibly deep bass. After all, this is just an 8in in-ceiling speaker. 

13. Bose Virtually Invisible 591 in-Ceiling Speaker

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Bose Virtually Invisible 591 is another popular choice when it comes to in-ceiling speakers. They may be a bit overpriced (approx. $450 for a pair), but they do deliver enjoyable performance. They are a good option for your stereo or home theater system.

What’s in the box?

Inside the box, you will find two speakers with magnetic grilles, cutout templates, manual, and a warranty card. 

Things we like

Virtually Invisible 591 is another round speaker, but smaller than the previous two. The speaker has 8in diameter, while the diameter of the cutout template is 6.7in.

The speaker houses one 5in woofer and dual .75in tweeters. The manufacturer claims that the tweeters are ‘’strategically positioned’’ to provide perfect sound dispersion and better coverage without the need to move the tweeter.

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The installation is fairly easy. You only need a screwdriver, a power drill, and a cutting tool. After you cut the hole and run the wires (12-18AWG), just insert the speaker and use the screwdriver to fasten it (the speaker features standard dogleg clamps). In the end, attach the magnetic grilles and you’re done. 

The speaker can handle 50W continuously (100W peak) and has 8Ω impedance. 

The sonic performance is satisfying. You won’t get much bass but the mids and highs are nicely balanced and detailed. The vocals are perfectly clear. The treble is just perfect – there’s not even a hint of brightness. 

Things we don’t like

According to the manual, these speakers are not designed for outdoor use and humid areas, so if you’re looking for a pair of speakers for your porch or for your bathroom, look elsewhere.

The bass reproduction is unimpressive.

Buying Guide 

If you're in the market for Bluetooth ceiling speakers, there are a few key factors to consider before purchasing. Here are some important features to keep in mind:

Speaker Size

The size of your speaker is crucial, as it should match your needs and fit within your ceiling space. Larger speakers can provide more powerful and immersive sound, but only if they fit in the available space. Consider the size carefully to avoid wasting money on an oversized speaker.

Peak Power

Peak power refers to the maximum power output of the speaker without distortion. Depending on the size of your room or space, you'll need to choose a speaker with an appropriate peak power output.

Frequency Response

Check the range of frequencies the speaker produces, known as its frequency response. If you enjoy dynamic range music, look for speakers with broad frequency responses.

Number of Speakers

The number of speakers you'll need depends on the room size or area where they'll be installed. You'll need more speakers for optimal sound coverage in larger rooms than in smaller rooms.

Number of Drivers

The accuracy of your speaker will depend on the number of drivers it has. For precise and detailed sound, choose speakers with multiple drivers.

Connectivity Options

For speakers with advanced technology, look for multiple connectivity options, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and wired connections. This will ensure strong connectivity with multiple devices.

FAQs

Q: What are the best Bluetooth ceiling speakers?

A: If you ask us, it’s definitely smarter to buy the equipment separately. So, buy a pair (or four) regular (wired) in-ceiling speakers and buy the Bluetooth amp separately. Now, the number of choices when it comes to ceiling speakers is not huge as the number of bookshelf or tower speakers, but you still have some nice Bose, Klipsch, Martin Logan or Definitive Technology speakers. If you are looking for something cheap Polk, Yamaha, and Pyle are all decent options. When it comes to Bluetooth amps, you can go for some nice and clean in-wall solutions or, you can go for some desktop 2-channel or 4-channel amps. Our choice would be some nice 2-ch/4-ch amp but if you want a perfectly clean installation, all the in-wall amps we've talked about will do the job. 

Q: How do I install Bluetooth ceiling speakers?

A: The installation takes some time. It includes a lot of measuring and planning, some cutting, wiring, and mounting. The hardest part is usually the wiring. 

It all starts with planning. In most cases, you will get the cutout template so you don’t have to measure – just use the template and cut the holes. Then, you have to run the wires. Mounting the speaker and amp is the easiest part, once you have all the holes drilled and when the wiring is done.

If you are not that handy, don’t even bother to cut and drill holes. Just call the local handyman and pay him. It will cost you less than your mistakes. The installation of in-ceiling speakers and in-wall Bluetooth amp should not cost you more than $250.

Q: Do I need an amplifier for my Bluetooth ceiling speakers?

A: Yes. You’re going to need an amplifier. People refer to these speakers as Bluetooth ceiling speakers but, as you already know, the speakers are not even Bluetooth let alone battery-operated. The amp is going to be the essential part of your Bluetooth ceiling speaker system. And it’s not just any amp – it has to be a Bluetooth amp. The amp has to be plugged in all the time and the speakers have to be connected to the amp (since they are just regular wired speakers). 

Q: Do ceiling speakers need a box?

A: In most cases, ceiling speakers don’t have a box/enclosure. They don’t come with an enclosure but you can buy them separately and install them. That way, you can improve the bass response but the difference is not going to be huge. 

Q: How many Bluetooth ceiling speakers do I need?

A: The number of Bluetooth ceiling speakers required depends on the size of the room and the desired audio coverage. Typically, one speaker can cover an area of up to 150 square feet. However, for larger rooms, multiple speakers may be necessary. In such cases, the spacing between the speakers should be determined by the room's dimensions and the speakers' power.

It is important to note that the number of speakers required also depends on the room's purpose. For example, a conference room may require more speakers to ensure even sound distribution, while a small home office may only need one.

By considering the room's dimensions, speaker power, and intended use, you can determine the optimal number of Bluetooth ceiling speakers needed for your space.