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Compare the best IP speakers

Help your commercial space meet important safety standards.

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Sarah Brandon
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IP — or networked — speakers communicate audio more clearly than traditional loudspeakers using the Internet to send audio messages. When installed in a commercial space such as a medical center or airport, IP loudspeakers can transmit emergency alerts, announcements and pages as well as enact emergency protocols.

IP speakers are not typically used in homes. But if you own or run a large commercial space that needs to meet specific safety and emergency standards, you might benefit from using an IP speaker.

Compare some of the best networked IP speakers

NameAverage priceFrequency responsePowerPurchase
Alto Uber PA Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker 8″ Mains$14990 Hz – 20 kHzUp to 50 W
Behringer EuroLive B208D$17965 Hz – 20 kHz200 WShop now
Ubiquiti UniFi UAP-AC-EDU$3702.4 GHz – 5.0 GHz802.3at PoE+Shop now
Korg Konnect$40055 Hz – 20 kHzAC adapter (DC 20 V or 24 V)Shop now
Axis C2005$43545 Hz – 20 khzPoE IEEE 802.3af Shop now
JBL Eon One$989200 Hz380 WShop now
Data obtained January 2020. Prices are subject to change and should be used only as a general guide.

What are IP speakers?

IP speakers are networked for large-scale use in PA systems for public, commercial or institutional spaces with voice paging, bell ringing, alerts and other emergency notifications. You can use one speaker on its own or connect multiple speakers together to form a network that works similarly to multiroom speakers.

IP speakers rely on a network or Internet connection to transmit audio. They offer more modern features and uses than traditional loudspeakers, such as LED displays and two-way communication.

Who should consider IP speakers?

IP speakers are commonly used in these settings:

  • Airports
  • Churches
  • Factories
  • Medical centers
  • Movie theaters
  • Offices
  • Schools
  • Stadiums
  • Stores
  • Transportation hubs
  • Universities
  • Warehouses

You can install IP speakers in your facility to make communication easier, especially when it comes to emergencies. IP speakers are designed to transmit voice messages clearly through general or emergency announcements. With this system, you can rest assured employees, customers or students will be alerted to important messages.

IP speakers are an effective and often necessary component of emergency protocols. An IP speaker can ensure everyone in your commercial space is alerted of any emergencies and is able to follow warnings and instructions.

If your commercial space is particularly noisy, many IP speakers offer enhanced audio and high volumes that allow announcements and alerts to be heard over loud conversations and equipment noise.

How to compare IP speakers

When comparing IP speakers, consider these important features:

  • Cost. While some brands have listed prices, others will give you a quote for the speakers and installation, with prices depending on individual needs. Prices start around $150 for one portable speaker, and can go upwards of $1,000 for high-end integrated speakers or multiple speakers.
  • Display. Some IP speakers have an LED display or LCD display that can show the time or a text message and can also flash LED lights to alert people of incoming messages.
  • Two-way vs. one-way. Many speakers have talk-back functions, allowing people to speak to you through your loudspeaker. But if two-way communication is unnecessary, less expensive one-way speakers might do the trick.
  • Mounting. IP speakers are typically wall-mounted, although some can be installed in a ceiling. Check to see if the required mounting hardware is included with your speaker. If not, you’ll need to buy it separately.
  • Weatherproofing. If you need an outdoor loudspeaker, look for a weather-resistant speaker with the option for an outdoor intercom station or outdoor microphone.
  • Safety standards. IP loudspeakers can help your building or commercial space meet necessary safety standards. For example, Algo speakers meet the standards for communications systems for life safety in schools, and many IP speakers meet the national fire alarm and signaling code standards.
  • Back-up power. If you’ll be using your speakers for emergency alerts, look for speakers with options for back-up power. This way, your important messages can be sent even if the power goes out.

Bottom line

The right IP speaker system for you will largely depend on the type and size of space you’ll be using it in, as well as the safety regulations you need to meet. Compare a few popular models from various price points to find the best fit for your space.

Ready to buy? Compare popular IP speakers

How did we choose these products?

To choose our list of the best IP speakers, we compared the price, output and power of some of the most popular models currently on the market, also taking into account third-party online reviews.

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