For several decades, spherical speakers have held a special place in the world of hi-fi. Long before it was appreciated for its aesthetic appeal, the round shape was conceived to solve very specific sound diffusion problems. In 1953, French manufacturer Elipson launched its first sphere-shaped speakers, thanks to the drive of founder Joseph Léon. His goal was clear: to limit the acoustic shortcomings of traditional cabinets and achieve a more natural sound reproduction. This approach gave rise to legendary models such as the BS50, and inspired other manufacturers over the years.
What are the advantages of round speakers?
The main advantage of a spherical speaker is its total absence of corners. On a conventional speaker with a rectangular cabinet, the edges cause disturbances to the sound when the waves encounter a break in shape, also known as diffraction. A round speaker, on the other hand, allows sound waves to propagate more fluidly around the baffle. This surface continuity limits undesirable coloration and contributes to a more uniform sound reproduction, with more natural highs and a better-defined soundstage. This is one of the historical arguments put forward by Elipson and others.
The spherical shape also has an effect inside the cabinet. In a spherical speaker, the sides are not parallel, which greatly reduces the formation of internal standing waves. This resonance, common in straight baffles, can disrupt the midrange and alter the neutrality of the sound message. Thanks to this geometry, the acoustic load is more regular, and the driver works in more stable conditions. At equivalent volumes, a round baffle is also mechanically more rigid, limiting cabinet vibrations and contributing to cleaner, more legible reproduction that’s more faithful to the original recording.
The best ball-shaped wireless speakers
Elipson W35 XI
The Elipson W35 Xi round connected speaker is an active 2-way stereo model designed to provide wide, even diffusion in large rooms. It features four drivers, with two 6.5″ high-excursion midbass drivers and two 1″ silk-dome tweeters, powered by 350W RMS class D amplification. This configuration enables true stereo spatial imaging and good handling at high levels. The spherical chassis limits internal resonance and favors a clear, balanced reproduction. The digital section incorporates a Hi-Res-compatible DAC up to 24-bit/192kHz. As for connectivity, the W35 Xi supports WiFi, Ethernet and Bluetooth, as well as AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, for extended multi-room integration. Analog mini-jack and optical inputs enable the connection of external sources, such as a TV or audio player.
Cabasse The Pearl
The Cabasse The Pearl round speaker is a top-of-the-range wireless model with an extremely ambitious active architecture. It incorporates a Cabasse tri-axial driver, combining a 10″ woofer, a 5″ midrange driver and a central tweeter, guaranteeing phase coherence and highly uniform diffusion. Each register has its own amplification, for a total power of 1600W RMS (1000W for the bass, 300W for the midrange and treble), allowing very high sound levels without compression, up to 118 dB. The frequency response extends from 14Hz to 27kHz, covering a particularly wide spectrum. This round speaker features a 32-bit/768kHz DAC and CRCS acoustic calibration, automatically adjusting the reproduction to suit the room. WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and multi-room compatible, it also features optical, RCA and USB inputs for seamless integration into a modern audio system.
Cabasse The Pearl Akoya
Compact yet ambitious, the Cabasse The Pearl Akoya round speaker is an active connected model designed to deliver high performance in a small package. It features a Cabasse tri-axial driver combining a 6.7″ woofer, a 5″ midrange driver and a central tweeter, guaranteeing excellent spatial coherence and a stable sound image. Each frequency range has its own class D amplification, for a total power of 1,050W RMS (450W for the bass, 300W for the midrange and treble), delivering up to 115 dB without saturation. The frequency response extends from 30Hz to 27kHz, offering solid bass given the volume of the speaker. This round model features a 32-bit/768kHz DAC, automatic CRCS calibration, and full WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet and AirPlay 2 connectivity, with multi-room management via the Cabasse Streamcontrol app.
Cabasse The Pearl Myuki
Designed for mobile and connected listening, the Cabasse The Pearl Myuki round speaker combines compactness and versatility. This active model features three drivers with two 4.7″ honeycomb-structured midbass units and a 1.7″ Dom 45 tweeter, ensuring good tonal balance. Integrated amplification delivers a total of 141W (2 × 38W + 65W), enough to achieve up to 99 dB in mono and 109 dB in peak stereo. The frequency response extends from 30Hz to 23kHz, offering solid bass for the size of the speaker. This round model incorporates a rechargeable battery offering up to 12 hours of autonomy, making it easy to transport. It benefits from full WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet and AirPlay 2 connectivity, with multi-room management and CRCS acoustic calibration via the Cabasse Streamcontrol app. Optical and mini-jack inputs also enable connection of wired sources such as a TV.
Devialet Mania 95 dB Opéra de Paris
Designed for high-end nomadic listening, the Devialet Mania 95 dB Opéra de Paris round speaker combines power, adaptability and immersive diffusion. Its acoustic architecture is based on six drivers, with four aluminum full-range drivers and two high-excursion woofers, capable of delivering deep bass down to 30Hz. Each transducer has its own amplification, for a total power of 176W and a maximum sound level of 95 dB. The speakers deliver 360° stereo sound, automatically adjusted thanks to ASC (Active Stereo Calibration) technology, which adapts the sound reproduction to the speaker’s position in the room. SAM technology optimizes driver control in real time to limit distortion. Compatible with Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi, AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, this round speaker also integrates Amazon Alexa. Its battery offers up to 10 hours of autonomy, with an IPX4 design suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Homepod Mini
Compact and designed for Apple’s ecosystem, the Apple HomePod mini speaker features uniform sound diffusion and advanced software integration. Its acoustic architecture uses a full-range driver combined with two passive radiators, all driven by real-time digital audio processing. This design enables 360° diffusion, effective wherever the speaker is positioned in the room. Despite its small size, it offers a surprisingly full and balanced sound level for small to medium-sized spaces. The Apple S5 chip continuously analyzes the signal to optimize dynamics and bass control. AirPlay 2 compatible, this round speaker integrates easily into multi-room systems and can be stereo-paired with a second HomePod mini. The touch-sensitive interface and Siri voice assistant, supported by four microphones, ensure simple operation, while WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, UWB and Thread connectivity reinforce its role as an audio and home automation hub within an Apple environment.
Amazon Echo Studio (2025)
Designed as a versatile round speaker, the Amazon Echo Studio (2025) combines immersive audio with advanced connected functions. Its 3.1.1-channel architecture integrates a 3.7″ subwoofer and three full-range drivers, with Dolby Atmos compatibility to create a spatialized, enveloping soundstage for both music and movies. Claimed frequency response goes down to 30Hz, offering solid bass for a compact format. This round speaker also boasts connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E for more stable, synchronized streaming, as well as Bluetooth 5.3. Acoustic auto-calibration adjusts rendering to suit the room. A true control center, it integrates a complete home automation hub (Zigbee, Matter, Thread Border Router) and the Alexa assistant, controllable via four microphones. It can therefore serve as both an immersive audio solution and the heart of a home’s connected ecosystem.
The best round passive speakers
Elipson 402 Tribute
Designed for demanding high-fidelity listening, the Elipson 402 Tribute round speaker adopts a passive 2-way bass-reflex architecture combining mechanical rigor and audiophile components. It features a 6.5″ Supravox-designed midbass driver with a cellulose pulp cone for a dense, natural midrange, with bass extension down to 45Hz. High frequencies are handled by a 1.1″ dome tweeter, fully decoupled from the cabinet and featuring a damped rear chamber to reduce distortion and enhance fine detail up to 25kHz. The spherical, silica-filled resin cabinet benefits from high inertia, effectively limiting unwanted vibrations. A Jantzen Audio passive crossover, combined with Axon internal wiring, ensures transparent, coherent reproduction. With 90 dB sensitivity, 8 ohm impedance and 60W RMS power handling, this round speaker is ideal for use with quality hi-fi amplifiers.
Elipson BS50 Tribute
With its unusual format, the Elipson BS50 Tribute round speaker adopts an original acoustic architecture designed for full, uniform sound reproduction. It features a spherical resin cabinet incorporating an internal resonator, a solution designed to limit vibrations and coloration. The sound reproduction is provided by a 7.9″ coaxial driver, combining a midbass driver with a treated paper cone and a 1″ fabric dome tweeter, guaranteeing excellent register coherence. This configuration allows a low-frequency roll-off down to 40Hz, while maintaining a clear midrange and extended highs up to 20kHz. The acoustic reflector positioned at the top concentrates and diffuses sound waves towards the listener, contributing to a wide, well-structured soundstage. With 90 dB sensitivity, 8 ohm impedance and recommended amplification of 50 to 100W, this round speaker is ideal for ambitious hi-fi systems.
Elipson Planet L Performance
Designed to deliver a versatile reproduction, the Elipson Planet L Performance is a 2-way passive bass-reflex speaker combining compactness and high performance. It features a 6.5″ coaxial driver, combining a cellulose pulp midbass element with damping treatment and a 1″ silk dome tweeter with a neodymium magnet. This coaxial design favors excellent phase coherence and a uniform diffusion. DAR surround technology enhances driver control at high levels, and delivers 100W RMS power handling. Bass-reflex tuning at 50Hz ensures clean, well-maintained bass. An audiophile passive crossover, using MKP components and low-resistance inductors, aims for transparency and tonal accuracy. With 90 dB of sensitivity, a frequency response of 46Hz to 20kHz and an impedance of 8 ohms, this round speaker is equally suited to a hi-fi installation or a home theater system.
Cabasse Riga 2
Designed to deliver an accurate reproduction in a compact format, the Cabasse Riga 2 round speaker is a 2-way passive bookshelf model with a rigid spherical chassis. It features a 6.7″ BC17 coaxial driver, with a central rigid-dome tweeter to ensure perfect phase coherence and a stable sound image. This architecture is based on the SCS (Spatial Coherence Source) principle, guaranteeing high linearity and excellent tonal accuracy. The Riga 2 boasts a high power handling capacity of 150W RMS, with possible peaks of up to 1000W, enabling it to maintain a comfortable dynamic range, even at sustained levels. Its sensitivity of 90 dB and nominal impedance of 8 ohms make it easy to combine with a wide range of amplifiers. The frequency response extends from 95Hz to 20kHz, making it ideal for hi-fi or home theater use, alone or with a subwoofer.
The spherical shape has transcended its status as a mere icon to become a truly modern acoustic solution. Today, there is a wide variety of round speakers available, ranging from pure hi-fi to wireless, portable, and immersive speakers. Despite their very different uses and technologies, they all offer the same fundamental advantages: uniform sound distribution, reduced resonance, and more natural sound reproduction. This ability to adapt to all needs explains why the sphere remains a timeless and highly relevant solution in audio.
