Best In-Ceiling Speakers 2021 – Top Picks for Your Home Theatre

A Home Theatre is incomplete without the best in-ceiling speakers. An in-ceiling speaker does a good job when it comes to de-cluttering the space in your home from large speakers. Huge bookshelf speakers are prone to dust build-up. They make your room look cramped and small.

For some people, installing in-ceiling speakers is a fearful assumption. However, considering the advantages, everyone will want to install the best in-ceiling speakers. These types of speakers are good for music listening, gaming systems, and home theatre systems.

Surely, it is not easy to pick the best product since there are many on the market. This is why, in today’s review + buying guide, we are going to list the best in-ceiling speakers. Read on!

Quick Picks

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Top In-Ceiling Speakers Product Reviews

In-ceiling speakers are a great accessory when it comes to saving space in your room and spreading the booming music all over the room. Here are the top in-ceiling speakers.

#1 – Acoustic Audio R191 – Best Cheap Speakers for Regular Use  

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The Acoustic Audio R191 is a 2-way speaker with a 45Hz – 22 kHz frequency response. The R191 has 95dB efficiency and 8-ohm impedance. The speakers deliver high-quality sound. You can use them for background music, home theatres, and gaming surround systems.

One of the best features of the Acoustic Audio R191 is their 5.25 inches woofers, which feature top-quality rigid polypropylene cones and throw assembly. The R191 speakers are durable and create an awesome sound all over the room.

Another important feature of the product is the 12mm soft dome tweeters, which balances both mids and highs with causing any distortions. These speakers have a paintable and low-profile frames and grills.

Thus, they are ideal for the ceiling. It allows for easy and simple installation with basic tools. The price is extremely affordable. They are the best cheap in-ceiling speakers on the market.

Pros

• Good sound quality
• Easy installation
• Durable design
• Extremely Affordable

Cons

• Not for audiophiles

#2 – Polk Audio 265-RT – Ideal Speakers for Home Theatre

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Most often, speakers in the home theatre system are larger, which makes the room appear small as they take a lot of space. However, with Polk Audio 265-RT speakers, you can overcome this problem and enjoy high-quality sound without worrying about the space.

Polk Audio in-ceiling speakers produce high-quality and crystal clear sound. The patented Power Port technology of the Polk delivers deep bass. The speakers have 65 inches woofer and 1-inch tweeter. For a good price, you get an amazing cinematic experience without the trouble of sound distortions.

The good news is that you can easily install the speakers. So, overall, they are a great fit template and a high-quality patented system, which makes sure a simple installation without any vibration.

After the installation, the sleek paintable and low profile grille make them vanish into the room’s ceiling, thus, this creates a clutter-free sound setting.

Pros

• New technologies
• Easy to install
• Great home theater experience
• Amazing sound quality

Cons

• A bit pricey

#3 – Bose Virtually Invisible– Best Sound Quality In-ceiling Speakers

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Bose is a reputable and well-known brand, which does disappoint its broad audience across the world by manufacturing high-quality products. The Bose Virtually Invisible in-ceiling speaker is no exception.

It comes with a 5 inches woofer and two ¾ inches tweeters. As a result, you get a full range of high-quality sound that is both loud and Omni-directional. The speakers do not cause any drop-offs.

The quality of sound is matched by the quality of build as these speakers feature a near-bezel-less construction. The Bose Virtually Invisible in-ceiling speaker can fit any type of room design since you can paint over the grille.

Likewise, it offers easy installation because you can use the standard dogleg clamps with basic tools. Besides, if you are willing to pay a bit high, the Bose Virtually Invisible In-Ceiling Speakers can be combined with gaming audio and home theatre systems.

Pros

• High-quality Sound
• Durable materials
• Invisible profile
• Sleek design
• Easy to install

Cons

• A bit pricey

#4 – MICCA M-8C – Easy to Install & Affordable 2-way In-ceiling Speaker

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If you are looking for a center channel speaker, which you can hide easily or if you want a cheap in-ceiling speaker with an incredible audio system, no matter what – the MICCA M-8C will get the job done.

The most interesting feature of this product is the 8 inches poly woofer with 1-inch soft dome tweeter. This allows the users to use the speaker in a wide range of configurations. You can install it in the stereo mode or make a custom configuration, which molds perfectly according to your requirements.

The M-8C speakers are great when it comes to producing relaxing music in your bedroom. At the same time, they are good for working as a high-quality multi-channel theatre system. The grille is paintable, which makes the speakers virtually invisible.

Likewise, durable materials have been used in the design of each speaker, which promises a long lifespan. You don’t need to be a professional to install the speaker. Everyone can install them with basic tools.

Pros

• Good sound quality
• Virtually invisible
• Durable materials
• Easy to install
• Affordable price

Cons

• None

#5 JBL 8128 – Top-quality Bar & Café In-Ceiling Speakers

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Everyone knows JBL. It is one of the best and well-known brands on the market for its audio product. The JBL 8128 is a high-demand and popular in-ceiling speakers for commercial applications such as the speakers are used in bars, cafes, and restaurants.

The JBL 8128 has 8 inches speakers, which deliver a full-range and loud-enough sound with deep bass, crispy highs, and mids. The drivers of the speaker work on a 50Hz to 16 kHz range of frequency and cover the 90 degrees area to create an awesome Omni-directional audio experience. 

The JBL 8128 has an open-back design – i.e. the back has bare wires and dog-ears, which is good for bling mount installations. So, these are great speakers and can be installed easily without any trouble.

Pros

• Impressive volume levels
• High sound sensitivity
• Perfect for commercial applications
• Good frequency range

Cons

• Open-Back Design

#6 – Martin Logan Installer Series ML-60I – A great choice for quality Background Music

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Martin Logan ML-60I has a titanium dome tweeter and bezel-free, low profile paintable grille. You can install the Martin Logan’s in-ceiling speakers in a wide array of settings. The output power of the speaker is 50 watts, still, they are loud enough without causing any sound distortions.

The best feature of this product is the production of awesome background music due to its great mids and crispy highs. The speakers deliver Atmos-quality and do not cause any glitches.

You can install them easily but you need to know that the manufacturer does not deliver them with a back cover. Therefore, Make sure you buy the cover while installing them in your ceiling with insulation. Taking care of this aspect will increase the lifespan of the speakers. The speakers will disappear in the ceiling due to the paintable grille of the product.

Pros

• Durable profile for inside
• Good sound quality
• 50 Watts of output power
• Paintable grille

Cons

No Back Cover

• Not for humid environments

#7 – Polk Audio RC80I – Top Surround In-Ceiling Speakers

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Polk Audio RC80I is great for adding to the home theatre system as they offer minimalistic design and an awesome solution for the user’s audio quality. Once mounted, the speakers are invisible in the ceiling because they have a magnetic grille, which is paintable.

Besides, the installation is easy, simple, and quick. There is no need for professional help. The interesting feature of the Polk Audio RC80I is that they work wonders in spaces with higher levels of humidity – for example, in the porch, kitchen, and bathroom. The rubber seal of the product prevents moisture.

When it comes to the quality of sound, the company has managed to bring its reputable quality and manufactured a series of speakers, which deliver rich and deep-bass music. Moreover, these speakers have 8 inches dynamic and balanced woofer along with soft dome tweeter. Thus, it won’t be wrong if we say these are the best in-ceiling speakers.

So much so, the strong composite driver basket and the mineral-filled polymer cone are installed to perfectly align the moving parts. This allows the speakers to last longer and enabling them to disperse the sound evenly across the room.

Pros

• Impressive sound quality
• Virtually invisible
• Durable design
• Easy to install
• Perfect for humid environment

Cons

• Slightly Heavy

#8 – KLIPSCH CDT-5650-C II – Top-quality Atmos In-Ceiling Speakers

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KLIPSCH CDT In-Ceiling speakers have 1-inch titanium tweeters along with a 6.5 inches woofer, which is pivoting Cera-metallic – these speakers produce high-quality sound. Also, because of controlled dispersion technology and horn-loaded features, they disperse the sound through the entire room and do not cause any lags or distortions.

KLIPSCH has also installed the mid-bass and treble to ensure you get the best audio experience. Using the switches, you can switch from gaming setting to movie set to music setting – anything you like without making effort.

Also, the speakers can be used in a wide array of settings – for example, the stereo design and a 7.1 system with Dolby Atmos Woofer. Likewise, the movable tweeters improve the 3D effect of the Atmos. Moreover, you can hide the speakers in the ceiling due to the magnetic grille, which is removable. The grille is paintable.

Pros

• Impressive sound delivery
• High-quality materials
• Crisp and detailed sound
• Easy to install
• Virtually invisible

Cons

• Expensive

Buying Guide

Do you want to buy the best in-ceiling speakers? If yes, you are in the right place. Generally speaking, it is not easy to buy quality in-ceiling speakers because there are a few factors you need to consider.

Although the installation is easy but taking care of other things is also necessary. So, without wasting your time, let us tell you how to choose the best speakers. Continue reading!

Speaker’s Depth

First, you need to check whether or not there are low hanging beams or obstacles in the ceiling. It is important for the installation of the speaker. Some ceilings have clearance between the ceiling boards and the roof. In many situations, users have additional layers of the insulation above their ceilings. Therefore, depth is an important factor to consider.

Speaker’s Weight

Another important feature to check is the weight of the speaker. It is essential and necessary because if your ceiling board couldn’t take the pressure of the speaker, you have wasted your time and money. Although most ceilings are durable enough to hold the speakers if you thin ceiling boards, then it might be a problem. So, it is better to check before you buy and install the product.

Speaker’s Amplification

Usually, the in-ceiling speakers are not powered, which means they require the amplification from a receiver or amplifier. You must ensure to buy a good amplifier. Also, if you already have an amplifier, you need to check its compatibility with the speaker.

Speaker’s Cables

It is important to connect the speakers with the amplifier or receiver, which is done through cables. If the cables are of low-quality, then your product becomes pointless and your entire home theatre system will not produce the desired results.

So, getting into the ceiling requires a long cable and not an easy theatre installation. You must ensure to measure the cable length and whether or not it runs precisely. Consider the length to the wall, up the wall, to any obstacles, as well as to your speaker in the ceiling.

Required Tools

Although mounting the speaker on the ceiling is quite easy and simple – it is important to have all the necessary tools. Before the installation, make sure you have a set of all the required tools. Here are the tools required for the installation of the best in-ceiling speakers.

First, you need a screwdriver so that you can use it to tighten all the screws. This allows you to fix the speakers. We recommend you to use a multi-head screwdriver, which is good enough for tackling the screw head.

Second, a measure type is a use to ensure the placement of the speaker. You also need some diagonal pliers, which are used for cutting the cable of the speaker. You can use them to strip the cable as well.

So much so, a drill is useful in getting the pilot hole. A utility knife would be required to trip the cable of the speaker.

Sound Quality

This is perhaps the most important feature of the in-ceiling speaker that you must consider. Make sure you choose the right brand and product with awesome quality of sound. If you are looking to install one speaker only, then it is recommended to buy the one that produces the stereo sound.

Most speakers, which come in pairs are mono – and if you got enough space, you can set them appropriately. So, no matter if you install single or multiple in-ceiling speakers, the stereo feature is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Conclusion

In-ceiling speakers are your ideal option if you have a small room or if you want to save space in your room. These speakers have a paintable grille, which means they are virtually invisible and do not cause a mess to your room’s décor.

Also, the number of speakers depends on the size of the room and the desired sound quality. You can choose a high-end product, a medium-affordable product, or a cheap one. This depends entirely on your budget.

This is why we have mentioned almost all sorts of products – i.e. from cheap to expensive. Make sure you choose the best in-ceiling speakers that fit your needs. Good Luck!

Sources:

• What Size Speakers Do I Need for My Room?
• 10 Things You Need to Know About Ceiling Speakers Before You Install
• In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers