Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Boston Acoustics A25 is the better pick: it ranks #59 of 160 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.6/5), against #132 (rated 2.4/5) for the Q Acoustics 3020i. If you want one new, the Q Acoustics 3020c replaces the Q Acoustics 3020i and is rated 2.6/5 at $639.
Why pick the Q Acoustics 3020i: UK-designed (Finkteam) with attractive styling, including recessed binding posts and custom connectors. Watch for: On-axis response shows a rising upper-frequency trend and a dip in the 2-4kHz crossover region alongside two resonance-related dips; a significant resonance appears at 366Hz in the waterfall plot.
The Boston Acoustics A25 is the better-sounding pick. CEA2034 spinorama is decent once you ignore a peak around 900Hz and a dip around 3kHz: directivity is good enough that the response can be EQed and won’t be too room-dependent. The catch: A crazy port resonance and a tweeter with a steeper rolloff than the woofer both show up in the near-field driver measurements, creating the 900Hz peak and the crossover-region dip.
Buy the Boston Acoustics A25 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, buy the Q Acoustics 3020c, which replaces the Q Acoustics 3020i.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Q Acoustics 3020i | Boston Acoustics A25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $314.99 per pair Discontinued | $299.98 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #132 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #59 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 125mm (5”) bass driver, 22mm (0.9”) tweeter | 1” Kortec soft dome tweeter, 5.25” ceramic/glass-fiber polymer mid/woofer |
| Dimensions | 10.9”H x 6.7”W x 11.1”D (278 x 170 x 282 mm) | 10.7H x 7.25W x 8.9D in |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) each | 10.1 lbs (4.58 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz | - |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum | 8 ohms nominal |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, reflex | ported, rear |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 90Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.86 | 3.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 | 6.19 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | - | 10-150W recommended |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Q Acoustics 3020i: $314.99 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Q Acoustics 3020c, ranked higher, estimated 2.6/5.
Same family: the Q Acoustics 3030i (larger bookshelf, rated 4/5).
Pros: UK-designed (Finkteam) with attractive styling, including recessed binding posts and custom connectors. Vertical directivity is good enough that the tweeter doesn’t need to be exactly at ear level. With EQ correction, especially high-frequency shelving and a sub-40Hz high-pass filter, Amir found performance “improves substantially.”. Measured bass extension of 82.0Hz (-3dB).
Cons: On-axis response shows a rising upper-frequency trend and a dip in the 2-4kHz crossover region alongside two resonance-related dips; a significant resonance appears at 366Hz in the waterfall plot. Horizontal directivity is narrow and uneven due to a woofer/tweeter beamwidth mismatch. Amir cautions the speaker is “merely a distortion generator” if played too low, and its low impedance demands a quality amplifier. Without EQ, Amir “can’t recommend the Q Acoustics 3020i.”. Discontinued; Q Acoustics now sells the 3030i and 3010c in its place.
Full Q Acoustics 3020i review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9”H x 6.7”W x 11.1”D (278 x 170 x 282 mm) |
| Drivers | 125mm (5”) bass driver, 22mm (0.9”) tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, reflex |
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Boston Acoustics A25: $299.98 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is decent once you ignore a peak around 900Hz and a dip around 3kHz: directivity is good enough that the response can be EQed and won’t be too room-dependent. Cabinet fit and finish is well above its price class, and dynamics were strong with no distortion audible even at high volume on well-recorded material. Discontinued, but the reviewer suggests hunting for clearance pricing on remaining stock. Measured bass extension of 90Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: A crazy port resonance and a tweeter with a steeper rolloff than the woofer both show up in the near-field driver measurements, creating the 900Hz peak and the crossover-region dip. The rear port itself measured audibly distorted up close, though it wasn’t noticeable from normal listening distance in the reviewer’s room. Discontinued.
Full Boston Acoustics A25 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 90Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.7H x 7.25W x 8.9D in |
| Drivers | 1” Kortec soft dome tweeter, 5.25” ceramic/glass-fiber polymer mid/woofer |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 10-150W recommended |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.19 |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.58 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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