Short answer: the HD3, and it’s the cheaper one too. It ranks #4 of 9 in its powered bookshelf class at $359; the HD4 ranks #24 of 25 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.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine HD3 | Audioengine HD4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.00 | $429.00 |
| Ranked | #4 of 8 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #24 of 24 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 Output | RCA Output |
| 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 | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| EQ | No | No |
| Max SPL | 90dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
The Two Speakers In Full
Audioengine HD3: $359.00 Amazon
Cons: Small woofer doesn’t have very deep bass. Slightly boosted treble. High priced
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| 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) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Max SPL | 90dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) |
| Outputs | RCA Output |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Audioengine HD4: $429.00 Amazon
Cons: Not a great sounding speaker for the high price.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | RCA Output |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.