Best Powered PA Speakers of 2024

Technology’s something, isn’t it? Every year, our phones get a little smarter, TVs get a little thinner, and PA speakers crank out more sound per cubic inch than most of us had ever dreamed was possible.

Just look at today’s speaker options. Portable PA speakers that fit under your arm and feature 1,000-watt onboard amps. Sound coverage that can cover an entire 180-degree arc. Onboard mixers and amplifiers that have eliminated the need for racks of external preamps, EQs, and amps.

One thing’s for sure: if it’s a portable PA speaker you’re after, then there has never been a better time to buy. Whether you’re a mobile DJ, a solo entertainer, or a touring band with a backline, we here at Sweetwater would never hesitate to recommend the following PA speakers to any of our customers. And with so many budgets covered in this list, we’re confident there’s a portable PA speaker for everyone’s price range.

Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!

Mackie Thump212 1,400-watt 12-inch Powered SpeakerYamaha DBR12 1,000-watt 12-inch Powered SpeakerElectro-Voice ZLX-12BT 1,000-watt 12-inch Powered Speaker with BluetoothJBL EON712 1,300-watt 12-inch Powered PA SpeakerJBL PRX812W 1,500-watt 12-inch Powered SpeakerQSC CP12 1,000-watt 12-inch Powered SpeakerPioneer DJ XPRS122 12-inch Active Loudspeaker SpeakerQSC K12.2 2,000-watt 12-inch Powered Speaker

Mackie Thump212 1,400-watt 12-inch Powered Speaker

A new spin on the classic Thump formula

The Mackie Thump Series of powered PA speakers has been putting power in the hands of gigging musicians for nearly two decades. The next-generation Thump212 has been redesigned from the ground up — with power, value, and portability at the forefront.

Despite its nearly 30-pound weight, the Thump212 1,400-watt 12-inch powered speaker can easily reach SPLs of 128dB and reproduce bass frequencies down to 47Hz. So, you can feel those lows even without a subwoofer. On the back, an onboard feedback eliminator helps take the squeal out of a live mic or acoustic guitar. There’s even a switchable ducking mode to ensure vocals and DJ announcements always rise to the top of a stage mix or playback track — no need to ride volume levels constantly.

For small- to medium-sized venues, outdoor weddings, and worship settings, the next-gen Mackie Thump212 makes a high-value investment.

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Yamaha DBR12 1,000-watt 12-inch Powered Speaker

Yamaha performance at its most portable

The Yamaha DBR12 1,000-watt 12-inch powered speaker follows in the footsteps of Yamaha’s award-winning DSR and DXR Series of loudspeakers, both perennial favorites among Sweetwater customers. The Yamaha DBR12 generates 1,000 watts of quality Class-D power and cranks out a size-defying 131dB SPL of live sound reinforcement.

Behind the scenes, Yamaha’s FIR-X DSP continually tunes the DBR12 for the task. That means engaging highpass filters, raising gain levels for connected vocal microphones, or enhancing crossover and phase relationships between the woofer and tweeter.

Designed with versatility in mind, the DBR12 offers mounting and fly points plus contour and HPF switches that tune the DBR12 for use as a pole-mounted main or a floor-resting wedge monitor. And at just under 35 pounds, the DBR12 makes an excellent option for both permanent venue installations and solo acts on the go.

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Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT 1,000-watt 12-inch Powered Speaker with Bluetooth

E/V’s top-selling PA speakers just got better

The ZLX-12BT 1,000-watt 12-inch powered speaker brings the power of Bluetooth to Electro-Voice’s top-selling ZLX Series of speakers. So, whether you want to plug in a mic and emcee trivia night, connect a mixer and run a show, or stream music between sets, the ZLX-12BT has you covered.

E/V’s high-caliber drivers and amps allow the ZLX-12BT to pound out a powerful 126dB SPL. But that’s not all that it has under the hood. Preset EQ curves and mode settings squeeze every ounce of performance out of this portable PA speaker — whether you’re running comedy at the club or mixing a polka band.

Want to move some air? The ZLX-12BT is optimized for use with Electro-Voice’s ELX-118P powered subwoofer (not included). Switching to the “ZLX-12” setting on the subwoofer will automatically choose the correct crossover point to create the perfect pairing, whether you’re rocking poles or stands.

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JBL EON712 1,300-watt 12-inch Powered PA Speaker

Quality JBL sound in a portable package

When it comes to PA speakers, JBL goes way back. JBL’s been giving voice to the people ever since Grateful Dead took the stage at Woodstock in ’69. Back then, it took hundreds of pounds of gear to generate the sound and output of today’s featherlight EON712.

The JBL EON712 1,300-watt 12-inch powered PA speaker picks up where JBL’s 600 Series of PA speakers left off. The JBL 2414H high-frequency compression driver and 12-inch ferrite woofer occupy a unique molded cabinet to deliver bass that “not only thumps but punches.” JBL’s waveguide design delivers consistent uniform coverage horizontally (110 degrees) and vertically (60 degrees) to every listener in the audience, whether you’re a solo act with a single EON712 or a concert venue flying a line array.

Speaking of running multiple EON712s — JBL’s True Wireless Stereo (TWS) operation lets you stream stereo audio from a phone or tablet to a wirelessly synced pair of speakers over Bluetooth. This feature and many more are available in the free JBL Pro Connect companion app.

Not an app person? You can access 8-band parametric EQ, ducking (automatically lowering music when a mic signal is detected), speaker-delay compensation, and more — directly from the back of the speaker.

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JBL PRX812W 1,500-watt 12-inch Powered Speaker

Ruggedly tuned for flat response, low distortion, and high power

The JBL PRX812W 1,00-watt 12-inch powered speaker is designed to perform harder and hold up better than any JBL speaker before. From its 18mm wood cabinet and 16-gauge steel grille to its DuraFlex finish, the PRX812W is one powered PA speaker that can stand up to the rigors of the road.

For all its 135dB-SPL muscle, the PRX812W remains surprisingly light. At just about 40 pounds per speaker, it’s proof that even a pro-level array doesn’t need to bottom out a flatbed. Thanks to its lightweight Class-D amplification and JBL Differential Drive 12-inch woofer (which has two voice coils to dissipate heat and further reduce weight), the PRX812W outperforms many PA speakers in its class. An onboard SHARC DSP — the same chip you might find in high-quality digital guitar pedals — gives the PRX812W an even response that can push longer and louder without fatiguing listeners.

Then there’s the onboard Wi-Fi access point, which gives you wireless app control over a single PRX812W or an entire host of them.* App control unlocks advanced features, like 8-band parametric EQ, speaker-delay compensation, and venue-specific user presets.

Another feature worth mentioning is that each PRX812W includes a dozen M10 fly points, so you can safely fly speakers at an angle or horizontally.

* Note: Group Wi-Fi control requires an off-the-shelf consumer Wi-Fi router, which is not included.

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QSC CP12 1,000-watt 12-inch Powered Speaker

Premium QSC performance in a compact enclosure

No brand at Sweetwater is recognized more for ushering in the Class-D PA revolution than QSC. The QSC CP12 1,000-watt 12-inch powered speaker is everything you need in a compact powered PA. It’s lightweight (a tad more than 30 pounds), fierce (capable of 126dB SPL), and produces clean sound through its carefully selected amp-driver pairing.

The CP12’s molded polypropylene enclosure keeps weight to a bare minimum. Meanwhile, its 1.4-inch compression horn, enhanced by QSC’s Directivity Matched Transition (DMT) technology, delivers a respectable 75-degree dispersion pattern without hot spots or dead zones.

The CP12 also features onboard DSP to keep shows running smoothly. On the back panel, a contour switch tailors the QSC CP12 for style and application, whether you intend to use it on the floor as a monitor wedge, mount it on a stand for voice reproduction, or pole-mount it over a sub for music playback.

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Pioneer DJ XPRS122 12-inch Active Loudspeaker Speaker

Blending tech from Pioneer’s DJ and Pro Audio worlds

Pioneer’s DJ and Pro Audio divisions are two of the most respected names in the business. So, suffice it to say that Pioneer knows a thing or two about getting a club on its feet with hard-hitting DJ speakers.

The Pioneer DJ XPRS122 12-inch active loudspeaker — part of the XPRS2 Series — isn’t specifically made for DJing. It’s designed to provide high-output sound reinforcement without succumbing to excess weight. Lightweight and visually clean, the XPRS122 is perfect for indoor/outdoor gigs where performers are hauling their speakers.

At about 45 pounds each, the XPRS122 isn’t the lightest speaker on this list. However, it can still pump out a shocking volume (131dB SPL) of party-starting sound from a small package. A 3-channel onboard mixer gives you inputs for your Serato setup or old-school Pioneer deck and still has separate inputs and level control for a microphone and mobile device.

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QSC K12.2 2,000-watt 12-inch Powered Speaker

QSC’s famous K Series, now with greater power and depth

Entertainers and event personnel have relied on the high headroom and robust projection of the QSC K.2 Series for years. And the granddaddy of the line, the K12.2 2,000-watt 12-inch powered speaker, is a recognized powerhouse for bands, DJs, and beyond.

This much wattage is for more than sheer output. It ensures that you never run out of clean headroom, no matter your listening levels — even if you reach the top of the K12.2’s range (which caps at around 132dB SPL).

The K12.2 gives you wide, even dispersion to reach your listeners without hot spots. You also get three fully independent channels and powerful onboard DSP. The rear LED display and rotary dial are welcome features for users who want to avoid diving through app menus to alter crossover points, mounting locations, etc.

The K12.2’s molded ABS enclosure gives you two mounting options: 0-degree (flat) tilt for traditional stand and pole mounts and 7-degree (angled) tilt to reach listeners on the floor better. It’s a subtle shift, but it can make all the difference for clubs and worship venues.

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Shop Portable PA Speakers at Sweetwater

We hope this list has helped you narrow your portable PA speaker options. If you still need help finding the right PA speaker for you, then please contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 — they’ll guide you to the right portable PA speakers for your needs and budget.
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