All Speakers & Speaker Systems

The Bottom Line: M-Audio's Studiophile AV 20 is smaller and cheaper than its larger siblings, but the better form factor comes with sound quality compromises.

Specs: 3.9 in x 6.1 in x 7.8 in, 2-way Active, 10 KOhm, 10 Watt

The Bottom Line: While the Boston Acoustics Horizon i-DS2 packs a punch, other iPod speakers will deliver you a better bang for your buck.

The Bottom Line: While the Boston Acoustics Horizon i-DS2 packs a punch, other iPod speakers will deliver you a better bang for your buck.

The Bottom Line: While the iHome iH69B may not sound as good as its step-up sibling, the iH70, it effectively combines PC speakers and an iPod speaker dock in one product and is arguably the better value.

The Bottom Line: The Creative TravelSound i50 is a fine choice for iPod Shuffle owners looking for a powerful portable speaker that integrates the player seamlessly, but there are better sounding options out there.

Specs: portable speakers with digital player dock, 0.6 in x 1.9 in x 5 in, High-gloss white, Active, 0.7 Watt

The Bottom Line: Anchored by its minitower speakers, the Aperion Intimus 4T Hybrid SD is an exceptional surround speaker system that ably combines good looks and superior sound.

Specs: home theater speaker system, Medium cherry, Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 150 Watt

The Bottom Line: Anchored by its minitower speakers, the Aperion Intimus 4T Hybrid SD is an exceptional surround speaker system that ably combines good looks and superior sound.

Specs: home theater speaker system, High-gloss black, Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 150 Watt

The Bottom Line: The Altec Lansing Orbit-MP3 is a great choice for any frequent flier, thanks to its travel-friendly design, low cost, and versatility--in the realm of portable speakers, this one's an excellent value.

Specs: portable speakers, Active

The Bottom Line: Despite some budget design traits, the iHome iH70 effectively combines PC speakers and an iPod speaker dock in one product--but you can get the nearly identical black version for half as much.

Specs: 3.2 in x 7.5 in x 8.5 in, Active

The Bottom Line: The Kicker ZK500 Zune speaker system is both physically and sonically intimidating, but it doesn't come cheap.

Specs: portable speakers with digital player dock, 19.2 in x 8.4 in x 8.5 in, Active