This material first appeared on Mashable targeting a US audience and has been tailored for the UK audience.

There’s a clear fact about audio technology: Not all speakers are created equal. However, this holds true for listeners as well. Some individuals are satisfied with an inexpensive and cheerful option for their audio experience — as long as they can hear the sound, any speaker suffices. Yet, audiophiles belong to a distinctly different group. The speaker must provide a rich and nuanced sound experience.

Fortunately, we recognize the needs and expectations on both sides of the speaker spectrum. This is beneficial for you dedicated listeners, because selecting a speaker can be quite challenging. Indeed, if you’ve never made such a purchase before, buying a speaker necessitates some exploration. There are numerous speakers available, each with various features and specifications to take into account.

We assume you’re here due to a lack of time for all of this. Don’t worry, as we’ve conducted significant research on your behalf and identified some of the finest speakers available on Amazon. Here is a handy guide with all the essential information you need and a roundup of excellent speaker recommendations.

Do you require a new speaker?

It’s always an excellent time to enhance your technology. The key question is which new speaker do you need? Think about whether you intend to use your speaker solely for music, for TV and movies, or both. You should determine this now, as it will influence what type of speaker you purchase. For example, if you’re searching for something to pair with your TV, a soundbar might be a suitable choice, whereas if you prefer a music-centric device, consider a pair of bookshelf speakers or a portable Bluetooth variant.

Additionally, consider the sound quality you desire — whether that involves surround sound, Dolby Atmos, or traditional stereo (which is also fantastic; don’t feel compelled to invest in something overly elaborate and costly if it’s unnecessary). Not every speaker delivers the same sound quality, so it’s crucial to understand the kind of listening experience you aspire to achieve.

What distinguishes passive and active speakers?

The distinction between passive and active (often referred to as “powered”) speakers is quite straightforward, yet essential to recognize. Passive speakers lack any built-in amplification, requiring connection to a stereo receiver to function. Active speakers come fully equipped from the outset, including preamps, volume controls, and inputs. If convenience ranks high on your list of priorities, active speakers are the way to go, as they will necessitate significantly less setup and additional equipment to operate.

How many speakers are necessary?

Having two outstanding speakers will always yield better results than possessing five mediocre ones. Moreover, too many speakers can unnecessarily clutter your space. If you have the capacity, two speakers are the optimal number. This is especially beneficial for those who enjoy a lot of music, which is typically recorded for stereo playback — having a left and right channel will enhance your experience. If your area is limited, one high-quality speaker is just