Short answer: the Yamaha HS4. It ranks #32 of 47 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $249.99. The Yamaha HS3 ranks #40, rated 2.9/5, at $229.99, $20 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the Yamaha HS4: Active compact desktop monitor featuring a 4.5-inch white cone woofer and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter driven by a clean 26W + 26W Class-D amplifier. Watch for: Rating estimated from HS-series measured lineage.
The case for the Yamaha HS3: Compact desktop studio monitor system translating the iconic Yamaha HS white-cone aesthetic and neutral voicing into an ultra-compact footprint. Watch for: Rating estimated based on acoustic specs and larger HS-series (Yamaha HS5, Yamaha HS7, Yamaha HS8) laboratory data.
Buy the Yamaha HS4. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $20 you would save on the Yamaha HS3 does not close the gap.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: Yamaha HS4 2.9 to 3.3; Yamaha HS3 2.7 to 3.1). Treat this verdict as provisional.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS4 | Yamaha HS3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.99 per pair | $229.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #32 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #40 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Amplifier Power | 52W (26W + 26W dynamic) | 52W (26W + 26W dynamic) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.3kHz | 3.2kHz |
| Dimensions | 9.4” x 5.9” x 8.4” (240 x 150 x 213 mm) | 8.8” x 5.2” x 7.4” (223 x 132 x 189 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” soft dome tweeter, 4.5” cone woofer | 0.75” soft dome tweeter, 3.5” cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 22kHz (-10dB) | 70Hz - 22kHz (-10dB) |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs (3.7 kg) (pair total) | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (pair total) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
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- Edifier MR5 vs Yamaha HS4
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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
Yamaha HS4: $249.99 per pair Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the Yamaha HS3 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 2.9/5), the Yamaha HS5 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.6/5), the Yamaha HS7 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5), the Yamaha HS8 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5) and the Yamaha HS8S (subwoofer, rated 3/5).
Pros: Active compact desktop monitor featuring a 4.5-inch white cone woofer and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter driven by a clean 26W + 26W Class-D amplifier. Delivers a more balanced low-end response (reaching down to 60Hz at -10dB) and smoother high-frequency dispersion than the Yamaha HS3, while including flexible XLR/TRS, RCA, and 3.5mm stereo inputs along with Room Control and High Trim boundary acoustic switches.
Cons: Rating estimated from HS-series measured lineage. Lower output capability and less bass extension than the dedicated bi-amplified Yamaha HS5; master/slave passive wire configuration for the second speaker.
Full Yamaha HS4 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2023 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 52W (26W + 26W dynamic) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.3kHz |
| Dimensions | 9.4” x 5.9” x 8.4” (240 x 150 x 213 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” soft dome tweeter, 4.5” cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 22kHz (-10dB) |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs (3.7 kg) (pair total) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Yamaha HS3: $229.99 per pair Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the Yamaha HS4 (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 3.1/5), the Yamaha HS5 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.6/5), the Yamaha HS7 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5), the Yamaha HS8 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5) and the Yamaha HS8S (subwoofer, rated 3/5).
Pros: Compact desktop studio monitor system translating the iconic Yamaha HS white-cone aesthetic and neutral voicing into an ultra-compact footprint. Features a 3.5-inch woofer and 0.75-inch dome tweeter driven by a Class-D 26W + 26W amplifier. Equipped with rear Room Control (0/-2/-4dB below 500Hz) and High Trim (0/±2dB above 2kHz) switches to correct boundary proximity buildup on desktop surfaces.
Cons: Rating estimated based on acoustic specs and larger HS-series (Yamaha HS5, Yamaha HS7, Yamaha HS8) laboratory data. Small 3.5-inch woofer and rear Twisted Flare port roll off sharply below 70Hz (-10dB), with limited maximum SPL compared to full nearfield studio monitors.
Full Yamaha HS3 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2023 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 52W (26W + 26W dynamic) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Crossover Frequency | 3.2kHz |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 5.2” x 7.4” (223 x 132 x 189 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75” soft dome tweeter, 3.5” cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 22kHz (-10dB) |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (pair total) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons