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Best Speakers For Mac Mini [2023]

Mac Mini Speakers provide good quality sound, but they also offer unmatched convenience of connecting multiple sources. These devices allow you to fine-tune the audio to perfection, and you can choose from several designs that complement your Mac setup.

The Mac Mini is an excellent mini computer that offers tremendous computing experience despite its small footprint. Its 8-Core M1 processor and 8-Core GPU deliver top-notch and unparalleled performance. But despite all of this, it suffers from one major flaw: its built-in speakers, which lets down the entire Mac experience.

The best speaker for your Mac Mini must be easy to connect and provide excellent sound quality. Also, it’s equally important that the speakers complement the overall aesthetic of your workstation, as you wouldn’t want an eye sore marring its visual appeal.

The Mac Mini enables you to connect external speakers using a 3.5mm audio jack, Bluetooth, or AirPlay 2. So, you must select a speaker that supports one of these. But many speakers also support smart assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which undoubtedly add to the convenience and enhance your overall audio experience.

The market is flooded with speakers which work well with the Mac Mini. You’ll find several options that’ll suit your budget and match the aesthetic appeal of your computing setup.

Here is a list of the Best Speaker for Mac Mini based on common use cases.

Comparison of the Best Speakers for Mac Mini

ImageProductDetailsCheck Price
Bose Companion 2 Series III on Amazon
Bose Companion 2 Series III Audio Source: AUX
Power Source: Outlet
Controls: Volume
Sub-Woofer: No
Smart Assistant: No
Headphone Jack: Yes
Auxiliary Input: Yes
Buy on Amazon
Marshall Stanmore II on Amazon
Marshall Stanmore II Audio Source: Bluetooth, AUX, and RCA
Power Source: Outlet
Controls: Volume, Bass, Treble, and Music Controls
Sub-Woofer: Yes, Built-in
Smart Assistant: No
Headphone Jack: No
Auxiliary Input: Yes
Buy on Amazon
Bose Home Speaker 500 on Amazon
Bose Home Speaker 500 Audio Source: Bluetooth, AUX, AirPlay 2, and Wi-Fi
Power Source: Outlet
Controls: Volume, Music Controls, and Preset Buttons
Sub-Woofer: No
Smart Assistant: Yes
Headphone Jack: No
Auxiliary Input: Yes
Buy on Amazon
Sonos One (Gen 2) on Amazon
Sonos One (Gen 2) Audio Source: AirPlay 2 and Wi-Fi
Power Source: Outlet
Controls: Volume and Music Controls
Sub-Woofer: No
Smart Assistant: Yes
Headphone Jack: No
Auxiliary Input: No
Buy on Amazon
Edifier R1280T Speakers on Amazon
Edifier R1280T Speakers Audio Source: RCA
Power Source: Outlet
Controls: Volume, Bass, Treble, and Remote
Sub-Woofer: Yes, Built-in
Smart Assistant: No
Headphone Jack: No
Auxiliary Input: Via RCA ports
Buy on Amazon
Audioengine A5+ Plus Wireless Speaker on Amazon
Audioengine A5+ Plus Wireless Speaker Audio Source: Bluetooth, AUX, and RCA
Power Source: Outlet
Controls: Volume and Remote
Sub-Woofer: Yes, Built-in
Smart Assistant: No
Headphone Jack: No
Auxiliary Input: Yes
Buy on Amazon
No products found.
No products found.Audio Source: AUX
Power Source: Outlet
Controls: Volume
Sub-Woofer: Yes
Smart Assistant: No
Headphone Jack: Yes
Auxiliary Input: Yes
No products found.
Amazon Basics USB Plug-n-Play Computer Speakers on Amazon
Amazon Basics USB Plug-n-Play Computer Speakers Audio Source: AUX
Power Source: USB
Controls: None
Sub-Woofer: No
Smart Assistant: No
Headphone Jack: No
Auxiliary Input: Yes
Buy on Amazon

1. Bose Companion 2 Series III – Best Multimedia Speakers for Mac Mini

The Bose Companion 2 Series III is a versatile set of speakers designed for computer use. Bose is a leader in the audio industry, and the Companion 2 Series III is no exception. It generates excellent sound quality and is perfect for everything from video conferencing to enjoying the occasional web series episode during your lunch break.

You can connect dual-unit Bose Companion 2 Series III using a 3.5mm auxiliary connection from the Mac Mini. Apart from the computer, you can attach one more auxiliary source using the port on the right speaker’s rear panel. The back panel also has a port to connect to the left speaker and a DC-IN port that power the speaker system.

There is a volume control knob on the front panel, which is handy when you need to reduce the volume to take a call quickly. Bose is thoughtful, as they add a headphone jack just below the volume control. Your video call will remain private, and you won’t disturb colleagues when you want to enjoy relaxing music.

Despite all the audio goodness, there are better speakers than the Bose Companion 2 Series III that match the aesthetics of your Mac setup. Its all-black design is not exactly an eye-sore, but it looks out of place sitting next to the Mac Mini.

Our Take

The Bose Companion 2 Series III is a great multimedia speaker you can use with your Mac Mini. The speakers are loud and deliver outstanding sound clarity, which is perfect for attending video calls with colleagues. And the additional auxiliary input allows stream music off your phone when you want to sit back and unwind.

PROS
  • The clear sound quality is perfect for video conferencing.
  • The volume control on the front panel comes in handy when needed in a rush.
  • You can connect a headphone for added privacy.
  • It enables you to connect to two input sources.
CONS
  • No wireless connectivity means too many wires clutter your workstation.
  • No fine-tuning for audio quality.

2. Marshall Stanmore II – Bluetooth Speakers for Mac Mini

The Marshall Stanmore II is a Bluetooth speaker with a retro look that will enhance the aesthetics of your workstation. The black and gold combination gives the speaker its premium look, and once you switch it on, the incredible sound quality with rich Bass and sharp Treble will impress you no end.

You can connect your Mac Min to the Stanmore II using Bluetooth or the 3.5mm Aux input. Using Bluetooth connectivity will reduce the cable clutter at the workstation, keeping it organized and streamlined for productivity. You also get an RCA input to connect the Stanmore II to an alternate audio source.

You’ll find all the controls on the top panel of the Stanmore II. The golden control panel has controls for volume, and you get the fine-tune the audio using the bass and treble control knobs. And if you are particular about the sound quality, you use the Marshall Bluetooth App to use the Equalizer (EQ) function to fine-tune the sound quality further.

The top panel also has a power button, a pause-and-play button, and a button to toggle between input sources. And while the RCA connectors are located on the rear panel, the Aux port is beside the source button on the top panel.

The Stanmore II is aesthetically pleasing and features a black leather texture on the exterior. The front grill is covered with cloth with a golden-colored baseplate and control panel.

Our Take

The Stanmore II Bluetooth speaker delivers superb sound quality that you can fine-tune by using the physical control or the Marshall Bluetooth App. It follows Marshall’s Iconic Design which gives the speaker pleasing aesthetics that’ll complement your workstation and deliver exceptional from your Mac Mini.

PROS
  • Wireless connectivity reduces cable clutter at your workstation.
  • You can fine-tune the audio quality to your liking.
  • Multiple input sources for convenient connectivity.
  • It has pleasing aesthetics that complement the workstation.
CONS
  • Pricey
  • You have to buy audio cables separately.

3. Bose Home Speaker 500 – Apple AirPlay 2 Speakers for Mac Mini

The Bose Home Speaker 500 is among a few speakers that offer Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity and smart features in one device. And you also get the flexibility to use this device as a standalone speaker or pair it with Bose’s soundbar for a comprehensive audio experience.

The Bose Home Speaker 500 offers the most versatile connectivity compared to all other speakers on our list. Bose does away with conventional RCA connectivity of focuses on wireless technologies. It offers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity. So, you can pair your Mac Mini with the Bose Home Speaker 500 and use Apple AirPlay 2 when you want to play music offer your computer or compatible Apple devices. Or, use the Alexa smart assistant to stream music directly from the internet.

But if you prefer a conventional analog connection, the Home Speaker 500 allows you to connect any audio input using the Aux port on the back of the device.

You can control the speaker’s function from the controls on the top panel. These include buttons for pause/play, Bluetooth, Aux, volume control, and mic off. And you can use the Bose Music App on your phone to fine-tune the audio quality by adjusting the Bass and treble.

Interestingly, Bose also includes six present memory buttons enabling you to save playlists, podcasts, and internet radio stations for quick access when you are done working on your Mac Mini. And you also get a small screen on the device’s front panel that shows you what’s playing.

The Bose Home Speaker 500 is one of the most aesthetically compatible devices with your Mac setup. This is mainly because Bose offers the speaker two color variants: black and silver. While the black won’t do much for the aesthetics, it’s the silver that will complement your computing setup.

Our Take

The Bose Home Speaker 500 is a multifunctional device ideal for your home office. You can connect your Mac Mini using Bluetooth or the auxiliary input. But when you are done working for the day, you can steam your favorite music (or podcast) using your Apple AirPlay 2 off your Mac Mini or other compatible Apple devices.

PROS
  • Multiple connectivity options provide flexibility.
  • Smart assistant support makes it convenient to use.
  • Rich sound quality elevates the listening experience.
  • You can fine-tune the audio by using the Bose Music App.
CONS
  • Expensive
  • Poor screen quality and small size

4. Sonos One Gen 2 – Best Smart Speaker for Mac Mini

The Sonos One Gen 2 is an excellent smart speaker that you can use to connect to your Mac Mini and is compatible with Apple AirPlay 2. It has excellent sound quality, and it supports the two most popular smart assistants, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

It uses Wi-Fi as its core connectivity technology with no support for Aux or Bluetooth. You’ll need to use the Sonos App to set it up by selecting your choice of music streaming service and smart assistant. It supports Apple’s AirPlay 2 to connect with your Mac Min, but you can also use it with Google Cast devices if you prefer the Google environment over Apple.

Unlike the previous generation, the Sonos One Gen 2 now has touch-sensitive buttons on the top panel. It also integrates a multidirectional mic that makes it convenient to use voice commands to control the smart assistants. The touch-sensitive buttons allow you to pause/play the audio, control the volume, and turn off the mic when you want to ensure your privacy.

The Sonos One Gen 2 is a compact smart speaker which won’t occupy much space at your workstation. More importantly, Sonos offer the Gen 2 Sonos One in a white color that will complement the Mac-based aesthetics of your workstation well.

Our Take

The Sonos One Gen 2 is one of the best smart speakers for the price. It has incredible sound quality that even trumps devices native to Amazon and Google. And its support for Apple AirPlay 2 makes it the perfect smart speaker to pair with your Mac Mini.

PROS
  • Smart features add convenience.
  • Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity makes it easy to connect with Mac Mini.
  • Support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
  • The aesthetic design will complement your Mac Mini
CONS
  • No Bluetooth and Aux connectivity.
  • You’ll need a home Wi-Fi connection to use the device.

5. Edifier R1280T Speakers – Mac Mini Speaker with Best Aesthetics

The Edifier R1280T are bookshelf speakers with a classical design that’ll make you nostalgic. They feature 4-inch Bass and 13mm silk dome treble drivers that deliver fantastic sound quality. The speakers are housed in a wooden enclosure that adds to the visual appeal of any bookshelf you place them on.

The R1280T lets you connect your Mac Mini using a 3.5mm auxiliary cable. Two sets of RCA ports are located on the rear panel of the right-hand speaker. The back panel also has a power switch and connector port to connect the left-hand side speaker.

Unfortunately, the speakers don’t provide Bluetooth connectivity, but Edifier will send you all the cables to connect two audio inputs simultaneously. These include one RCA-to-RCA and one RCA-to-Aux cable that you can use to connect your Mac Mini.

You find the volume control on the side panel of the right speaker. You also get to fine-tune the audio quality with the Bass and treble Bass and Treble controls adjacent to the volume control. And that’s not all; these speakers from Edifier are among the few that come with remote control. It’s a compact remote with only volume controls and a mute button.

Our Take

The aesthetics of the Edifier R1280T are undoubtedly the most attractive feature of the speaker. Having said that, it is not a statement on the device’s audio quality, which is equally captivating. And you’ll love that the speakers allow you to fine-tune the Bass and Treble to get the perfect sound quality.

PROS
  • It includes a remote to adjust the speaker’s volume conveniently.
  • The wooden enclosures give pleasing aesthetics to the speaker.
  • You can connect two audio inputs using the packaged cables and dual-RCA ports.
  • Affordable price
CONS
  • No support for Bluetooth
  • The wired connection adds to the clutter at your workstation.

6. Audioengine A5+ Plus Wireless Speaker – Best Wireless Bookshelf Speakers

The Audioengine A5+ Plus is small in size but big on sound (50W RMS) courtesy of Kevlar woofers and silk tweeters. These high-quality speakers are housed in MDF wood enclosures that give the speaker its premium feel. And its multiple connectivity options allow you to find the best one to suit your need.

The A5+ are Bluetooth-enabled speakers that also give you the option of RCA and an auxiliary connection. So, Bluetooth connectivity for the Mac Mini will allow you to place the speakers on a shelf, reducing the wire clutter at the workstation. And with Aux and RCA connectivity, you can connect multiple audio sources to alternate between them if you are not working and want to relax.

All the wired connectivity ports are located on the rear panel of the left-hand speaker. The Audioengine A5+ Plus speakers don’t have controls to fine-tune the Bass and Treble, but you get a volume control on the front panel of the left speaker. And like the Edifier R1280T, the A5+ also has a remote to control the volume.

Lastly, the A5+ also has a wired sibling, which is about $100/- cheaper than this wireless variant. And you get to choose between three color variants; this includes a classic black. But the white and wood finish variants look attractive when paired with your Mac Mini.

Our Take

The Audioengine A5+ Plus bookshelf speaker combines the convenience of Bluetooth and wired connectivity. It also features a great set of audio drivers that deliver excellent sound quality and look great while doing it. Thus, they are perfect if you like to maintain a clutter-free work desk but still want the robust audio quality of bookshelf speakers and don’t mind the premium price.

PROS
  • Multiple connectivity options allow you to connect multiple audio sources.
  • Wireless connectivity helps reduce wire clutter around your workspace.
  • The wooden enclosure makes the speakers look attractive.
  • The 50W RMS output speaker delivers excellent sound quality.
CONS
  • Price
  • No controls to fine-tune the Bass and Treble
  • No smart features despite the high cost.

7. No products found. – Mac Mini Speakers with Sub-Woofer

No products found.

The Logitech Z313 is a multimedia speaker that incorporates a sub-woofer. The Bass sounds deeper, and you’ll experience unmatched sound quality that elevates the music experience.

The speakers don’t have Bluetooth connectivity; you can connect your Mac Mini via the speaker’s 3.5mm audio input line. The Z313 has one subwoofer and two satellite speakers. While the satellite speakers are compact enough to place at the workstation, the subwoofer will occupy considerable space. So, consider another speaker if you are constrained by space.

Nonetheless, the speakers deliver 25W RMS, which is loud enough to fill a medium-sized room. While you can’t fine-tune the Bass and Treble, you get volume control via a wired remote that you can paste on the corner of the workstation using double-sided tape. The remote also features a headphone jack which you can use when you want privacy during video calls.

Our Take

The Logitech Z313 is an excellent multimedia speaker that integrates a dedicated subwoofer. So, you get unmatched Bass and superior overall sound quality. It is affordable, but you’ll have to sacrifice wireless capabilities and smart features to settle for basic functionality and design.

PROS
  • Outstanding value for money.
  • It delivers deeper Bass with a dedicated subwoofer.
  • It is easy to install and use.
  • It has a wired remote with volume control.
CONS
  • The bulky design requires space at your workstation.
  • No provision for connecting more than one audio input.

8. Amazon Basics USB Plug-n-Play Computer Speakers – Cheapest Speakers for Mac Mini

These speakers from Amazon Basics are the cheapest speakers you can get for your Mac Mini. Of course, it lacks the frills that other speakers offer. But these speakers are perfect if you want a better audio experience than a standalone Mac Mini.

The Amazon Basic USB Plug-and-Play speakers draw power from a USB port. That is a problem as Mac Minis don’t offer too many USB ports. But it isn’t a deal breaker, as you can use any old USB power brick to power up these modest speakers.

Considering the price, it is no surprise that the speakers don’t offer wireless connectivity or smart features. Instead, you can connect your Mac Mini using the sole audio input line. And this also means that you can connect only one audio input at a time.

The speakers are compact and offer a basic improvement over your Mac Mini’s speakers. They are ideal for the occasional video call, but you need a more robust set of speakers for a wholesome entertainment experience.

Our Take

These speakers from Amazon Basic are ideal if you want to save some money and get marginally better sound quality than the Mac Mini’s built-in speaker. They have a minimalist design which makes them easy to install and use.

PROS
  • The simple design is easy to install and use.
  • Price
  • The padded base won’t damage your workstation’s surface.
  • The compact design makes it easy to carry for presentations.
CONS
  • You’ll need to buy a USB power brick or sacrifice a port on your Mac Mini.
  • Only marginally better sound quality.

Best Speakers for Mac Mini – Our Buying Guide

Keep these parameters in mind when buying a speaker for your Mac Mini.

Connectivity

You can use only two types of connection to connect external speakers to a Mac Mini: wired and wireless.

Wired Connections

The most common wired connectivity involves using an auxiliary cable to connect your Mac Mini’s 3.5mm audio jack as an AUX port on the speaker. Most speakers on the market have an Aux port, and you shouldn’t have a problem finding one.

RCA is also a wired connection standard, albeit an uncommon one. And since the Mac Mini doesn’t have RCA ports, you have to be mindful of it and use an AUX-to-RCA cable with speakers that have an RCA connector.

Wireless Connections

Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay 2 are the two most common wireless technologies to connect your Mac Mini to an external speaker. While a Bluetooth speaker connects to Mac Mini directly, Apple AirPlay 2 to the Mac Mini using your Wi-Fi network.

Many speakers offer one or more of these connection types. Wireless speakers are convenient and don’t add to the wire clutter at the workstation. However, they tend to be costlier than wired speakers.

Smart Features and Smart Assistant

External speakers, with smart features, enable you to use online streaming services and integrate well with automated homes. Further, you can use smart assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to avail of their convenience and add to the overall capabilities of the speaker.

Sound Quality and Subwoofers

Pay special attention to sound quality if you often stream video or listen to music on your Mac Mini. While there isn’t a good measure for the quality of sound reproduction, the price (and brand name) generally act as good indicators. Brands like Bose, JBL, and Marshall are industry leaders in audio equipment. And the age-old wisdom of “You get what you pay for” holds when buying a speaker for your Mac Mini.

Audio Controls and Fine-Tuning

Most speakers offer dedicated volume control to allow you to turn down (or turn up) the volume in a jiffy. It’s advisable to select such a speaker as it’s inconvenient to fumble with the on-screen volume control when you need to answer a phone call urgently. Also, look for speakers that feature Bass and Treble adjustment as it helps you can fine-tune the audio quality. Be informed, some smart speakers allow you to adjust these settings via their smartphone app.

Size

Speakers come in various shapes and sizes. If you are using a Mac Mini, there is a high probability that you are constrained for space. Hence, it would be best to consider the speaker’s dimensions and whether you have adequate room to accommodate it at your workstation.

Best Speakers for Mac Mini – Frequently Asked Questions

Are all external speakers compatible with the Mac Mini?

Essentially, the Mac Mini allows you to connect to an external speaker using one of three options. You can use the 3.5mm audio jack, Bluetooth, or Apple AirPlay 2. Not all external speakers are compatible with these options. In some cases, you can use specialized cables (or adapters) to circumvent compatibility issues, but we recommend that you read the product specification before doing so.

What is the problem with the Mac Mini’s in-built speakers?

The Mac Mini was designed to offer the Mac platform, including macOS, on a device with a small footprint. To maintain a small footprint, Apple had to replace all non-essential components with more compact alternatives. Hence, the speaker got smaller, and with that, the quality of sound too. But the good thing that Apple did was to offer the user flexibility of choice of speakers by using one of the multiple connectivity options. So, you can choose a suitable speaker to get precisely what you need.

What is the best connectivity option to connect external speakers with a Mac Mini?

You can use one of three methods to connect an external speaker, including the 3.5mm audio jack, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay2. It is hard to say which is the best. However, if you mainly use Apple products like the iPhone, iPad, iMac, MacBook, and Mac Mini and have a home Wi-Fi network, we recommend using Apple AirPlay 2.

What is Apple AirPlay 2?

AirPlay 2 is Apple’s proprietary wireless streaming protocol for video and audio. It gives you interconnectivity between different Apple products by using your home’s Wi-Fi network as a communication medium. Using AirPlay 2, you can attach an external speaker to your Wi-Fi network and stream audio using an Apple product like the Mac Mini.

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