Short answer: the HD3, and it’s the cheaper one too. It ranks #28 of 47 in its powered bookshelf class at $359; the HD4 ranks #87 of 108 in a larger class at $429, $70 more.
Neither model has a single listed pro, which is unusual on this site, but the cons make the gap clear. The HD3’s complaints are narrow: a small woofer that doesn’t reach deep bass, slightly boosted treble, and a high price for what it offers.
The HD4’s cons are broader and more damning. Our notes simply call it not a great sounding speaker for the price, without a specific technical complaint to point to, which is often a worse sign than a detailed one.
Buy the HD3 if you’re set on this brand; it’s the better-ranked, cheaper option with narrower flaws. Neither is a strong value pick against the rest of either class, so it’s worth checking the powered buyer’s guide before committing to either.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine HD3 | Audioengine HD4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.00 per pair | $429.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #28 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #87 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| Drivers | 2.75” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| EQ | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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Prices on this page were last checked October 15, 2026 at 5:41 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Audioengine HD3: $359.00 per pair Amazon $359.00 Audioengine $359.00 eBay
Same family: the Audioengine HD4 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.2/5), the Audioengine HD6 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.3/5) and the Audioengine HD5 (larger bookshelf, estimated 3.2/5).
Pros: A compact desktop stereo option when cabinet size is a priority. Measured bass extension of 65Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Limited bass makes a subwoofer useful for fuller music reproduction. Its compact format is better suited to close listening than filling a large room.
Full Audioengine HD3 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2015 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 2.75” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
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Audioengine HD4: $429.00 per pair Amazon $429.00 eBay
Same family: the Audioengine HD3 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.2/5), the Audioengine HD6 (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 3.3/5) and the Audioengine HD5 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 3.2/5).
Pros: Compact powered cabinets, analog input options and RCA output can simplify a desktop stereo system. Its modest footprint is useful where larger studio monitors are impractical.
Cons: The compact cabinets suit close desktop listening rather than a large-room system. A separate subwoofer adds cost and space if deeper bass is a priority.
Full Audioengine HD4 review and specifications →
| Released | 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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