The 10 Best Ceiling Speakers For Surround Sound
This wiki has been updated 16 times since it was first published in January of 2020. With the growing popularity of Dolby Atmos, ceiling speakers are good for adding height channels to a home theater without detracting from the room's decor. Some also use them to build a multi-zone arrangement that plays music throughout an entire house. Regardless of your purpose, our list includes options for budget-conscious shoppers, casual listeners, and audiophiles with critical ears. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Polk RC80i
2. Acoustic Audio CS-IC83
3. Yamaha NS-IC800
Editor's Notes
September 16, 2020:
Ceiling speakers can serve a variety of purposes in your home. Not only are they great for home theatres but they're also good for multi-zone music systems that play music in several rooms. With the rising popularity of Dolby Atmos, surround sound systems have become much more dynamic and customizable with ceiling speakers playing a crucial role in adding height channels for improved dimension. Before making any purchases, it's important that you ensure the power output of your stereo receiver/amplifier will not overload the speakers you wish to install.
In a home theatre setting, most options on the list are best for supplementing a surround sound system composed of 5.1 speakers or in-wall speakers. With the exception of the Micca M-8C, most lack the power and versatility to serve exclusively in a home theatre and they should, at the very least, be paired with a subwoofer.
If you want a sound system that works throughout your entire home, including the bathroom or a covered patio, it's important to make sure the speakers are moisture resistant. The Polk RC80i, Polk MC60, and OSD ICE800 are all suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and covered patios. While they sport rust- and water-resistant materials, they cannot be directly exposed to water or the elements.
If you're a borderline audiophile, the best options to consider are the Polk RC80i, Yamaha NS-IC800, Klipsch CDT-5650-C II, and Micca M-8C. These offer the most in terms of customization and tuning to the acoustics of a room. Additionally, they all boast high-quality crossovers that provide a cohesive blend of the middle and upper registers.
Those who are looking for simplicity and find adjustments and tuning to be somewhat tedious, the Polk RC80i, Polk MC60, Pyle Flush Mount, and Acoustic Audio CS-IC83 are your best bet. While the Polk RC80i does offer a lot of features to accommodate room acoustics, they provide superb audio without having to make adjustments.
The Acoustic Audio CS-IC83 and Pyle Flush Mount are the most budget-friendly options on the list. The Pyle Flush Mount, however, does lack a bit of bass and range. They're at their best when used with an existing sound system or in light applications, such as music for a home office.
Special Honors
Bose Virtually Invisible 791 At an extremely steep price point, those who are truly after the highest possible audio quality should consider this option. It's designed to provide well-balanced sound with optimal distribution thanks to the 7-inch woofer and angled 1-inch tweeters. bose.com
MartinLogan ElectroMotion R Eschewing the traditional dome driver, the tweeter uses a folded, rectangular diaphragm that squeezes like an accordion to move air. The design is intended to minimize distortion while providing a faster and more detailed response. martinlogan.com
Sonos In-Ceiling Speaker The choice for those who don't mind paying a premium for superb looks and performance. The paintable grille sits nearly flush to the ceiling and the speakers are optimized for Sonos Amp, which adjusts the speakers to the room's acoustics for the best possible sound. sonos.com
4. Klipsch CDT-5650-C II
5. Micca M-8C
6. OSD ICE800
7. Yamaha NS-IW280C
8. Polk MC60
9. JBL 8124
10. Pyle Flush Mount
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.