Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex is the better pick: it ranks #18 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5), against #22 (rated 3.3/5) for the Monacor SOUND-4BT. If you want one new, the Audio Smile Little British Monitor ranks #1.
The case for 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. The tradeoff: Standalone preference is only 3.69.
Why pick the Monacor SOUND-4BT: A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, optical and analog inputs, a remote and a subwoofer output. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex lacks. Watch for: Predicted in-room response remains uneven despite the modest midrange span.
Buy the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the Audio Smile Little British Monitor instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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 | Monacor SOUND-4BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £898 per pair Discontinued | $310 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #18 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #22 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active wireless | 2-way powered stereo pair, bass reflex |
| Drivers | 1” decoupled double-dome tweeter, 4” woven-glass woofer | 1” dome tweeter, 4” woofer |
| Dimensions | 8.5H x 5.1W x 5.1D in | 8.5H x 5.5W x 6.7D in |
| Weight | 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) each | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg)/pair |
| Amplifier Power | 100W each (2 x 50W) | 2 x 30W RMS |
| Wireless | AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, Formation mesh | - |
| Country | United Kingdom (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.69 | 3.58 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.43 | 6.10 |
| Inputs | AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth 4.0 aptX, optical, RCA, 3.5mm |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| 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 | 4.0 |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
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