Short answer: the Audioengine HD3 for the higher ranking, the Yamaha HS5 for the lower price. The Audioengine HD3 ranks #4 of 8 powered bookshelf speakers at $359. The Yamaha HS5 ranks #9 at $339.98, $19.02 cheaper.
What the Yamaha HS5 gets right: Very neutral. Set against that: Not quite as deep of bass as some of the others in this size class.
Buy the Audioengine HD3 if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the Yamaha HS5 if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine HD3 | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.00 | $339.98 |
| Ranked | #4 of 8 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #9 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) | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.7"D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input | XLR |
| Outputs | RCA Output | - |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each |
| Drivers | 2.75" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 5" (127mm) 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 | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Max SPL | 90dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) | 45w 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 |
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Yamaha HS5: $339.98 Amazon
Pros: Very neutral. Excellent for mixing and anything needing a neutral output.
Cons: Not quite as deep of bass as some of the others in this size class. Slight midrange boost.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.7"D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 45w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each |
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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.