The Beginner's Guide to In-Ceiling Speakers | Sonos Blog

If you’re considering in-ceiling speakers, two things are probably true: You want high-quality audio, and you don’t want to sacrifice the aesthetics of your home to get it.

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In-ceiling speakers offer an elegant architectural alternative to traditional floor or bookshelf speakers. Pair them with a home theater setup for a more immersive sound experience, or use them on their own to create an ambient vibe that’s perfect for entertaining.

While in-ceiling speakers offer impressive advantages, they aren’t for everyone. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about in-ceiling speakers and help you decide whether to add them to your home audio system.

Are in-ceiling speakers worth it?

The question of whether to install in-ceiling speakers boils down to three key considerations: sound, aesthetics, and budget.

If your budget allows, in-ceiling speakers offer an attractive combination of sound quality and discreet installation. Let’s break down these considerations to help you determine whether it’s a worthwhile investment.

In-ceiling speakers distribute high-quality audio throughout your home

For sound that fills the rooms throughout your home, in-ceiling speakers can be a great choice. They blend in seamlessly with the physical contours of your space while offering natural, high-quality audio for an impressive range of applications.

When you use Sonos In-Ceiling speakers with Sonos Amp, you can activate the “Detect Sonos Architectural” function in the Sonos app to create a custom sound experience. This enables two features that take advantage of your space’s unique acoustics:

• Digital signal processing (DSP) optimizes the EQ to provide a more robust sound.
• Trueplay measures how sound reflects off walls, furnishings, and other objects or surfaces in a room, then fine tunes your in-ceiling speakers to account for these physical surroundings.

For the most immersive experience, consider pairing in-ceiling speakers with in-wall speakers or another set of ear-level speakers. But even if you use in-ceiling speakers on their own, they can be great standalone speakers for playing music. In-Ceiling Speakers by Sonos and Sonance offer natural, room-filling sound throughout your home to help you achieve a premium ambient sound experience.

In-ceiling speakers blend in with your home’s design and decor

It’s a quandary many people face when building a home sound system: How do I achieve great sound without cluttering my home with speaker hardware? While Sonos wireless speakers were designed to look great on counters or credenzas, our in-ceiling speakers are meant to seamlessly blend in with your home — because, sometimes, “nothing” is exactly what your home decor needs.

So, if discreet installation is what you’re after, in-ceiling speakers are likely your best bet. You can even pair them with other architectural speakers — such as in-wall speakers — for a sound system that blends seamlessly into your space and allows your decor to take center stage.

In-ceiling speakers require special installation

Architectural speakers often require a professional installer. It can be worth it to find someone with design and installation expertise, as different space configurations and ceiling materials may require a different approach.

It’s also worth thinking about what your situation and needs might look like a few years down the road, as in-ceiling speakers can be a relatively inflexible solution. Once installed, they’re not easy to move to a different room or a new home. If you decide to take them with you, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a professional installer (again) as well as any repair costs associated with the removal.

On the plus side, if you own your home, installing in-ceiling speakers is a one-time event and can be well worth the investment. You won’t need to think about it again once it’s done, and you’ll enjoy your in-ceiling speakers for years to come. Even if you do decide to move or sell your home down the line, architectural speakers can be an attractive selling point that adds value for potential buyers.

How do you power in-ceiling speakers?

You will almost certainly need to power your in-ceiling speakers with an external speaker amplifier or AV receiver.

This is because most architectural speakers are passive speakers. In other words, they lack a built-in amplifier that provides power. This is in contrast to wireless speakers such as Sonos Era 100 and Era 300, which are actively powered by a built-in amp.

Why no built-in amp? Passive speakers tend to be larger in size, which translates to better performance but also requires a larger and more powerful amp. Integrating such an amp into the speaker itself would dramatically increase the speaker’s size and weight, creating installation difficulties. This is why in-ceiling speakers (and other architectural speakers) are typically passive.

The good news is that you can easily power Sonos Architectural speakers with Sonos Amp. Amp provides more than enough juice to reliably power up to three pairs of Sonos Architectural speakers (six total) when wired in parallel. Amp also gives you access to the entire Sonos ecosystem, including the Sonos app and its “Detect Architectural Speaker” function that helps your speakers truly shine.

How many in-ceiling speakers do I need?

The exact number of in-ceiling speakers you need depends on a few things, starting with the size and layout of your room. You can adequately cover most small rooms (up to 150 square feet) with only a pair of speakers. For larger rooms (up to 500 square feet), you may need six or more speakers.

But it isn’t just square footage that matters.

Speakers project sound outward in a V shape, which means that the further away they are, the more space they cover. So, in-ceiling speakers can cover more area in a space with 14-foot ceilings than they would in a space with 8-foot ceilings, because the sound waves have more room to travel outward before they reach the height of the listener’s ears.

Other considerations may factor in, too. For example, if you only want in-ceiling speakers to cover the section of a room in which your home theater is installed, you can likely get away with only a pair of in-ceiling speakers installed on either side of your seated location. And if you want a multi-room audio setup, consulting a professional is probably your best bet. They’ll be able to advise on the type, number, and size of speakers that would be optimal for your space.

Where should I place my in-ceiling speakers?

In a typical two-channel system, the left and right in-ceiling speakers should be placed anywhere from six to 10 feet (1.8m to 3m) apart.

For a balanced sound experience, the main listening position should be as close to midway between the speakers as possible. Think about where you listen to music the most — your sofa, for example — and make sure that this location is centered between your speakers.

In a home theater setup, the in-ceiling speakers should also be positioned two to six feet (0.6m to 1.8m) behind your main listening position. This maximizes the soundstage and contributes to a more immersive sound experience. You can find a diagram of this configuration in the Sonos In-Ceiling By Sonance installation manual. We’ve reproduced it below:

Remember that ceiling height is an important factor here, too. In the installation manual, you’ll find detailed instructions on how to space your in-ceiling speakers based on the height of your ceilings and the position of the listener.

What size in-ceiling speakers do I need?

Another factor that determines how many speakers you need? The size of the speakers themselves. Most ceiling speakers come in a 6” or 8” size, with the larger size usually offering a wider coverage angle, deeper bass, and a louder maximum volume.

It’s also possible to mix speaker sizes within the same configuration. Sonos In-Ceiling speakers come in pairs, but a single Amp can reliably power up to three pairs of speakers when wired in parallel. Just note that, in order to activate DSP and Trueplay, all of the speakers connected to Amp must be exactly the same size (e.g. all 6” or all 8” speakers). So if you are mixing speaker sizes and still want the best possible performance, you’ll need to dedicate one Amp for each speaker size.

Can in-ceiling speakers be painted?

Blending in is one of the major benefits of in-ceiling speakers. And painting your speaker grilles the same color as your ceiling can help them blend in even more.

Sonos by Sonance In-Ceiling Speakers include bezel-less grilles that completely cover the exposed speaker frame, so only the grilles themselves require painting. We recommend using only water-based latex paint on the grilles, and waiting until the paint is thoroughly dry before mounting the grille back on the speaker.

You find detailed grille painting instructions in the Sonos In-Ceiling By Sonance installation manual.

How do I control my in-ceiling speakers?

If your speakers are connected to Amp, you can control your Sonos In-Ceiling speakers directly via the Sonos app — no other equipment required.

Of course, you might prefer to use a home controller that isn’t on your smartphone or that also controls other features in your home, such as lighting. In this case, you still have plenty of options. Simply look for the “Works with Sonos” badge to ensure that any third-party controller or hardware components you buy will seamlessly connect with your Sonos home sound system.

What about in-wall speakers?

In-wall speakers are in some ways similar to in-ceiling speakers, though they’re installed at head-level and are thus in a better position to be directly picked up by your ears.

Generally speaking, in-wall speakers are more of a specialized option than in-ceiling speakers. They’re often used in literal home theater setups, offering the kind of focused and immersive listening experience you’d expect from a trip to the cinema. There’s a good reason for this. Because they project sound at ear-level, in-wall speakers are well-suited to deliver crisp, clear dialogue — a must for movie watching.

In-ceiling speakers actually tend to be much more popular than in-wall speakers. Why? For one, people are generally more hesitant to drill holes in their walls than in their ceilings. And in-ceiling speakers can be more practical to install, as most homes have an attic or crawl space that lends itself to easier installation.

This isn’t to say it’s an “either-or” proposition. For a truly immersive sound experience, in-wall speakers can be a great complement to in-ceiling speakers.

Bring ceiling speakers into your home with a Sonos installer

While not the easiest option, in-ceiling speakers are worth considering if you want premium sound that seamlessly blends in with your home.

They also pair well with other architectural speakers from Sonos, including in-wall speakers and our weatherproof outdoor speakers. Combine all of them to create a whole-home audio system that amplifies every experience, from watching movies on the couch to hosting guests in the dining room and back patio.

How to Choose the Best Ceiling Speaker Option for Your Home

Finding the best ceiling speakers for your space can be a difficult subject to navigate at the best of times. With so much choice on the market, making the right decision is harder than ever. We hope that this Ultimate Ceiling Speaker Guide will be useful to answer any questions you may have and help you find the best ceiling speakers for your home. 

We have a large number of ceiling speakers to choose from on our website, which all have different pros and cons for different homes. This Ceiling Speaker guide will help you find the best solution for your space & make a more informed decision.

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Already have an idea of where you want to start or a certain brand in mind? Feel free to jump to the relevant category below.

Jump To...

• Best All-Round Ceiling Speakers Overall - KEF
• Best Ceiling Speakers To Pair With The Sonos Amp - Sonos 
• Best For Upgradeability - Bowers & Wilkins
• Best Value For Money Ceiling Speakers - JBL 
• Also Worth Considering - Monitor Audio
• Best Budget Ceiling Speakers - Lithe Audio
• Best Ceiling Speakers For Outdoors
• Best Single Stereo Ceiling Speakers
• Best Amplifier For Your Ceiling Speakers

We've also written a guide on everything you need to know before installing ceiling speakers which might be worth reading before you embark on your installation! 

Active or Passive Ceiling Speakers?

First things first, you need to decide whether you need Active or Passive ceiling speakers. Active ceiling speakers have an amplifier included in the unit, while Passive ceiling speakers require a separate amplifier to power them.

Link to AISP

Active ceiling speakers

Reasons to consider active ceiling speakers: If you’re on a tight budget but still want that aesthetic feel, Active speakers can be a great compromise.

Not suitable for: As these speakers are an all-in-one unit (with the amplifier included), you may find there are certain limitations, such as reaching higher volumes and filling large rooms due to a lack of power. If you’re still limited by budget, a way to improve this would be to add more pairs to fill the room more evenly.

Passive ceiling speakers

Reasons to consider passive ceiling speakers: Passive ceiling speakers are generally a more popular choice as there’s more room in the driver for better technology as well as more power behind the speakers due to the amplifier being external. 

Not suitable for: Due to the need for an external amplifier, these may not be the best choice for those on a tighter budget, as the price can mount up quickly.

Do you need a budget mid or high-range ceiling speaker?

• GOOD (Budget): If you’re on a budget but still want an aesthetic feel with sound throughout your home, these speakers are the best option. We tend to recommend these for smaller secondary areas like hallways and even bedrooms, as they’re best played at ambient/background volumes.
• BETTER (Mid-Range): These speakers are the best solution for playing ambient to mid-level audio, and they’re a step up from budget, so they're great if you want more engaging sound. Though you may want to think about adding more than just one pair for medium- to-large-sized rooms.
• BEST (High-Range): If you’re wanting immersive sound that can reach high volumes and yet remain composed, you’re better off going for a higher-range speaker. The speakers in this range are great for entertaining, as they won’t struggle to fill the room. If you're looking for a speaker that will push the sound further and offer more bass, then you may want to consider an 8-inch driver.

Which Are The Best Ceiling Speakers For You?

You should now have an idea whether you need an Active or Passive speaker solution and if you would be considering a budget, mid-range, or high-range option for your space. Now let's look at some popular options to help you choose the best solution for you.

Still unsure? Read our Complete Beginner's Guide to Ceiling Speakers to clear up the basics!

Best Passive Speakers

 Best All-Round Ceiling Speakers - KEF

Reasons to consider KEF: KEF are one of our best-selling ceiling speaker options and they are a popular choice for their versatility. With a wide range of models, they offer exceptional audio quality to suit various applications. While we have a selection of top-performing ceiling speakers, KEF's options provide excellent value and adaptability for any listening environment.

KEF also utilises decades worth of experience to provide impressive speakers. Their infamous Uni-Q drivers match dispersion and aim to provide a superior stereo image compared to other brands. Due to this, these speakers are great if you have a unique layout and want everyone to experience the same sound, no matter where they are in the room.

Not suitable for: The grilles are a slightly cream colour and not the usual white you’d expect from a ceiling speaker grille. You’re still able to spray paint the grille for a seamless appearance, which is easy enough to do, though it’s just a good thing to keep in mind.

Looking to get the best from your home cinema? Read our Best Ceiling Speakers for Dolby Atmos (and why they matter) blog to find out more!   

Best KEF Ceiling Speaker Options

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Looking to get even more from your home cinema? Read our Best Ceiling Speakers for Dolby Atmos (and why they matter) blog to find out more!   

 Best Ceiling Speakers To Pair With The Sonos Amp - Sonos

Reasons to consider Sonos: Not only do we love the Sonos Ceiling Speakers for their superb surround sound performance when paired with a compatible Sonos Home Cinema, but they also excel as in-ceiling speakers for open-plan living spaces, boasting top-notch performance, innovative features, and seamless integration into the Sonos home ecosystem. Ideal if you already have Sonos throughout your home.

Not suitable for: Those looking for full-functionality from a third-party amplifier. Unfortunately, you are slightly bound to the Sonos Amp with Sonos in-ceiling speakers. You can use a third-party amp. However, you will miss out on the ability to use the TruePlay Tuning feature.

Best Sonos Ceiling Speaker Options

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Want to learn more? Read our full Sonos In-Ceiling Speaker Review on our website!  

 Best Ceiling Speakers For Upgradeability - Bowers & Wilkins

Reasons to consider Bowers & Wilkins: Bowers & Wilkins is a renowned audio brand that offers fantastic value for money. All ceiling speakers in the Bowers & Wilkins Performance 600 Series Ceiling Speakers are quick and simple to install, taking approximately 1 minute to fit due to the innovative universal cage. This is also installed in two separate parts, enabling the user to simply unscrew the ceiling speaker from the cage and upgrade it as and when they would like to, saving on the long-winded rewiring process.

Not suitable for: The universal cage means there’s a deep mounting depth, so it won’t be suitable for shallow ceiling voids.

Best Bowers & Wilkins Ceiling Speaker Options

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 Best Value For Money Ceiling Speakers - JBL 

Reasons to consider JBL: JBL ceiling speakers offer an exceptional blend of quality and affordability. They deliver iconic JBL sound, perfect for filling your home with immersive music or enhancing your home cinema experience. Their sleek design seamlessly integrates into your ceiling, while the easy installation process ensures a smooth setup. Want even more bang for your buck? Pair your JBL ceiling speakers with the Wiim Amp - A perfect bundle delivering stunning sound without breaking the bank.

Not suitable for: While JBL offers a compelling value, audiophiles seeking absolute top-tier performance might explore other brands for potentially higher fidelity sound. 

Best JBL Ceiling Speaker Options

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 Also Worth Considering - Monitor Audio

Another popular option of ceiling speakers is Monitor Audio. From their premium Creator Series to their more great-value options like the Monitor Audio C165, they offer a range of options available for every use-case and budget.

If you're interested in the Monitor Audio Creator Series, our expert team can assist you in specifying the correct models for a custom installation project tailored to your unique needs. For more information, please get in touch with one of our team or drop us an to and we’ll be happy to help!

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Want to find out more? Read our Monitor Audio Creator Series: Everything You Need To Know blog.

Best Active Speakers

 Best Budget Ceiling Speakers - Lithe Audio - Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Reasons to consider Lithe Audio: This is the cheapest ceiling speaker solution we have, as it’s an active ceiling speaker ranging from £219.99 - £429.99 for a pair of speakers. There's also no need for an external amp, so this would be the total cost.

Not suitable for: Due to the lack of power you’ll find with all-in-one units, you may struggle to reach high volumes and power large rooms, though a compromise would be adding an extra pair to boost the sound.

Best Lithe Ceiling Speaker Options

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Read our Lithe Audio Bluetooth Ceiling Speaker Review to find out more!

Best Ceiling Speakers For Outdoors

There are some really great options for high-quality outdoor speakers at each price point. Although we’ve only included wall-mounted speakers, there are some options for outdoor ceiling speakers too. We’d recommend the good speakers for small outdoor areas, the better for medium, and the best for large outdoor entertaining areas.

Best Outdoor Ceiling Speaker Options

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Best Single Stereo Options

Reasons to consider single stereo speakers: In smaller spaces that can’t accommodate a speaker pair, as they feature a twin tweeter to ensure you’re not losing that detail between the left and right channels.

Not suitable for: Larger rooms. As music is produced with two channels in mind, it’s always better to have a dedicated left and right channel if space allows. We recommend fitting a ceiling speaker pair between 2 - 5 between the left and right channels.

Best Single Stereo Ceiling Speaker Options

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Best Amplifiers For Your Ceiling Speakers

Option 1. Sonos Amp

In this Ultimate Ceiling Speaker Guide, we recommend the Sonos Amp for ceiling speaker applications, as Sonos is the leader in its field and provides an extremely user-friendly interface. As well as this, Sonos can provide a seamless multi-room audio experience for everyone to enjoy. For the best experience, you can pair the Amp with the Sonos in-ceiling speakers - high-quality ceiling speakers that have a pivotable driver and TruePlay technology.

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Option 2 - WiiM Amp

For powering your ceiling speakers, the WiiM Amp stands out as a fantastic budget option, particularly at the £299 price point. While there might be competitors with a slight edge in specific areas, the WiiM Amp excels as an overall package. It seamlessly combines excellent connectivity, a sleek design, user-friendly functionality, and impressive sound quality.

The WiiM Amp is also a strong choice for those who aren't already locked into a specific ecosystem like Sonos. It offers a versatile and feature-rich experience at a competitive price that feels hard to believe in comparison. However, keep in mind that although the WiiM Amp can drive up to four ceiling speakers, for optimal performance, they should all be rated at 8 ohms. If your speakers have a lower impedance, you will be limited to only two.

More: WiiM Amp Review: The All-In-One Solution For You? 

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Option 3 - Bluesound Powernode

The Bluesound Powernode is a great option if you're looking for an alternative to the Sonos Amp. Refreshed in , the Powernode offers a clean, rich performance and is the perfect choice for powering your premium stereo speakers. It offers higher-quality audio performance when compared to the Sonos Amp, but doesn't deliver the same connectivity options. If you're an audiophile looking to dip into wireless streaming, the Powernode could be for you.

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Verdict

Depending on what you're looking to achieve, there are lots of different ceiling speakers that could be right for you. The most important part of picking a speaker is making sure it's going to be the correct speaker for the application in order to optimise your setup, as this will ensure you get the most for your money. If you're still not sure what's best for you and your project, please feel free to get in touch with us. We also offer a free floor plan service and will be pleased to help with any other queries surrounding ceiling speakers. Feel free to contact us on or .

The company is the world’s best Ceiling Speaker for Sale supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.