Short answer: the Audioengine HD3, if you are buying new. The Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex ranks higher than it (#18 vs #29 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.5/5 vs 3.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Audioengine HD3 is still sold new at $359.
Why pick the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex: A compact wireless streaming speaker with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Roon, which can pair as a cable-free stereo set. Watch for: Standalone preference is only 3.69.
The case for the Audioengine HD3: Compact powered desktop speakers with Bluetooth and analog inputs for when space is tight. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex lacks. The catch: Limited bass makes a subwoofer useful for fuller music reproduction.
Buy the Audioengine HD3 new; the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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
| Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex | Audioengine HD3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £898 per pair Discontinued | $359.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #18 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #29 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active wireless | - |
| Drivers | 1” decoupled double-dome tweeter, 4” woven-glass woofer | 2.75” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 8.5H x 5.1W x 5.1D in | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Weight | 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) each | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W each (2 x 50W) | 30W total (15W per speaker) |
| Wireless | AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, Formation mesh | - |
| Country | United Kingdom (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.69 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.43 | - |
| Inputs | AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | 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 | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| App | - | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 58Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 65Hz |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| EQ | - | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 90dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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