How to Choose Passive In Wall Speakers: Buyer’s Guide

The dream of high-quality sound without the necessity for loudspeakers occupying space in your home can come true, sort of, thanks to in-wall speakers. The type of speakers that are designed to be positioned in the void behind your wall (should your home have one) are sometimes called ‘architectural’ loudspeakers — it’s a category description that covers in-ceiling loudspeakers too.

If you have the necessary space behind your wall to accommodate the physical components of a loudspeaker, it can be positioned so the drivers (or the grille that’s covering them) can be positioned flush with the wall. Which, of course, makes for a clean and unobtrusive look.

The compromises in sound quality compared to more traditional and comparably priced speakers needn’t be all that great, either, provided you’ve chosen your in-wall speakers with care. Which is, of course, where we come in.

In many ways, you’re entitled to hold passive in-wall speakers to the same sort of standard you’d hold passive bookshelf speakers. Those standards, plus an explanation of what, exactly, constitutes a passive loudspeaker, are examined in our main buyer’s guide and with greater emphasis on the specifics in our bookshelf speaker guide. But there are some additional requirements, unique to in-wall loudspeaker designs, to be aware of that we’re going to look at here.

Surviving in Situ: IP Ratings

The void behind your walls or above ceilings may be slightly more prone to dust or moisture than the living areas you occupy. For this reason, your in-wall speaker should be rated for resistance to ingress of solids and liquids.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) established the IP (ingress protection) rating system. For loudspeakers:

First digit (solids): 0 = no protection, 4 = protected against solid objects larger than 1mm, 5 = dust-protected, 6 = dust-tight.
Second digit (liquids): 0 = no protection, 4 = protected against splashing water, 7 = protected against immersion up to 1 metre, 9 = protected against high-pressure water from every angle.

Consider IP54 as an absolute minimum for in-wall use. Higher ratings indicate greater resilience, while X or missing ratings should be treated with caution.

In or Out of the Box: Back-Boxes vs. Flush Mounts

Many passive in-wall speakers feature just the drivers mounted to a front plate, which sits flush with the wall. Others include a back-box, similar to a traditional cabinet, that houses the hardware behind the wall.

Advantages of a back-box:

Acts like a cabinet, improving the focus of sound waves.
Helps achieve higher IP ratings when properly constructed.

Drawback: Requires more space behind the wall, which may limit placement options in some homes.

Ensure you have at least 4–6 inches of depth for compact models; larger designs with back-boxes may require 6–10 inches.

Moving Tweeters and Directionality

Unlike regular speakers, in-wall speakers cannot be repositioned after installation. Some manufacturers mitigate this by equipping tweeters with pivoting mechanisms. This allows you to adjust the direction of high-frequency sounds, which are more critical for perceived stereo imaging and soundstage than low frequencies.

If your in-wall speakers will be installed in less-than-ideal positions, prioritize models with adjustable tweeters.

Cutout Dimensions and Installation Space

The visible size of an in-wall speaker does not necessarily reflect the total space required behind the wall. Always check the cutout dimensions to ensure there is enough room for the speaker body and any mounting brackets. Even seemingly compact models may demand more space than anticipated. Measure your wall void carefully, allowing an extra 0.5–1 inch on all sides for wiring and ease of installation.

Fixing Your Grilles

Grilles protect drivers and provide a more discreet appearance. Pay attention to:

Whether the grille sits flush with the wall or protrudes.
The attachment method (magnetic vs. lug-holes).
Paintability to match your wall color.

Magnetically attached, paintable grilles provide the cleanest look and maximum flexibility.

The Importance of Listening

In-wall speakers are a major commitment. Hearing them perform in a realistic environment before purchase is crucial. Ideally, audition speakers in a retailer setup that simulates wall installation. Without this, purchasing in-wall speakers is a significant gamble, even with sale or return policies, because of the effort involved in wall installation and amplifier connections.

Focus on clarity, imaging, and bass control. Check for natural tonal balance across your favorite tracks.

Here are some tips for home theater vs music listening use:

Home theater: Focus on speakers that offer tight, controlled bass and consistent frequency response across the room. Consider dedicated subwoofers for immersive low frequencies.
Music listening: Prioritize clarity, detail retrieval, and stereo imaging. Tweeter adjustability and careful placement become even more important.

FAQs

What are the main advantages of in-wall speakers

In-wall speakers save space and provide a clean, minimalist look since they mount flush with the wall. They are ideal for home theaters or multi-room audio setups where floor or bookshelf speakers would be obtrusive.

Do in-wall speakers provide the same sound quality as traditional speakers

They can, but their performance depends on installation and wall construction. Proper placement, correct enclosure (or back box), and using high-quality components are key to achieving clear sound and balanced bass.

How do I choose the right size and number of in-wall speakers

The size should match the room and intended use. Larger drivers deliver more bass, while smaller drivers are suited for midrange and treble. The number of speakers depends on coverage; for surround sound, a combination of front, rear, and possibly height channels is common.

Can I use in-wall speakers outdoors or in damp areas

Most standard in-wall speakers are designed for indoor use. For damp areas like bathrooms or outdoor applications, look for models rated for moisture resistance to prevent damage and maintain performance.

How important is matching impedance and power with in-wall speakers

Very important. Check the speaker’s impedance (usually 8 ohms) and recommended amplifier power. Matching ensures optimal performance and prevents damage to the speakers or amplifier.

Do I need professional installation for in-wall speakers

While some DIY setups are possible, professional installation is recommended to ensure proper placement, secure mounting, and correct wiring. This is especially important for achieving even sound distribution and avoiding structural or acoustic issues.