Short answer: the HD3, and it’s the cheaper one too. It ranks #29 of 48 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.
Compact powered desktop speakers with Bluetooth and analog inputs for when space is tight.
A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, analog inputs and an RCA output for a tidy desktop stereo.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine HD3 | Audioengine HD4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.00 per pair | $429.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #29 of 48 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 | 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
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