Audioengine’s Best Desktop Speakers Are Actually on Sale Right Now (Rare Deal)

Audioengine is running a rare Black Friday sale on two of its most popular desktop speakers – the A2+ Next Gen and HD3 Next Gen. The A2+ Next Gen just dropped to $199 (normally $255), and the HD3 Next Gen is now $249 (normally $329). These are some of the best compact powered speakers you can get for your desk, and Audioengine almost never discounts their gear like this.

⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
A2+ Next Gen Regular Price: $255
A2+ Next Gen Deal Price: $199 (save $56)
HD3 Next Gen Regular Price: $329
HD3 Next Gen Deal Price: $249 (save $80)
Where to buy: Amazon

Why This Deal Actually Matters

Here’s the thing. Audioengine doesn’t discount their speakers often. The Texas-based audio maker has built a reputation over the years for making some of the best desktop speakers around, and they know it. Their compact powered speaker systems are ridiculously easy to set up, look gorgeous on any desk, and sound way better than you’d expect from speakers this small. They also have built-in Bluetooth, so you can use them as a wireless stereo system when you want.

In 2025, Audioengine updated three of its most popular desktop speakers with the “Next Gen” designation: the A2+, HD3, and HD4 (in order from smallest to largest). These aren’t just cosmetic refreshes. The new models got USB-C connectivity for easier laptop hookup, an improved 24-bit DAC for higher-resolution audio, and Bluetooth 5.3 with AptX Adaptive support. If you’ve been using the older models with their micro-USB ports, the USB-C upgrade alone makes a real difference in day-to-day use.

The fact that both the A2+ Next Gen and HD3 Next Gen are now discounted ahead of the holiday season makes this worth paying attention to. Audioengine speakers typically hold their value, and sales like this don’t come around frequently. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your desk audio setup, this is your window.

Real-World Use Cases

These speakers shine in specific situations. If you work from home and spend hours at your desk every day, having quality audio makes a real difference. Music sounds better during focus sessions. Video calls come through clearer. Even just listening to podcasts or YouTube videos becomes more enjoyable when you’re not stuck with tinny laptop speakers or cheap USB speakers that sound like they’re underwater.

The A2+ Next Gen is the smaller, more affordable option in the lineup. At 6 inches tall with a 2.75-inch woofer and 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, it fits on most desks without dominating your workspace. The 60-watt Class A/B amplifier delivers surprisingly full sound for the size. It’s ideal if you’re working in a small to medium room and want something that doesn’t take up much real estate but still sounds legit. You get clear mids and highs, and the bass response is tight (though not floor-shaking without adding a subwoofer).

The HD3 Next Gen steps things up slightly with a more premium build. Same physical size and driver configuration as the A2+, same 60-watt power output, but you get detachable magnetic grilles, better finish options beyond basic matte, and a dedicated headphone amplifier with a front-panel jack. If you swap between speakers and headphones frequently throughout the day, that dedicated amp matters. You’re not just using a basic pass-through. The sound signature is also slightly warmer and richer compared to the A2+ Next Gen, which some people prefer for longer listening sessions.

Both models handle the full range from detailed highs to tight bass. They won’t rattle your walls, but for near-field desktop listening, they deliver plenty of punch on their own. If you want deeper bass extension, both have subwoofer outputs so you can add a sub later without replacing the entire system.

What’s Good and What’s Not

PROS:

• Rare discount from Audioengine on speakers that almost never go on sale
• USB-C connectivity plus 24-bit DAC and Bluetooth 5.3 with AptX Adaptive
• Compact size fits most desk setups without crowding your workspace
• Hand-built wood cabinets with multiple finish options available
• A2+ Next Gen at $199 is solid value, HD3 Next Gen at $249 is even better

CONS:

• Bass response has limits without adding a subwoofer
• Price is still higher than budget desktop speakers even on sale

Should You Buy This?

If you’re tired of mediocre laptop audio and want desktop speakers that actually sound good without taking up half your desk, either of these is a solid choice at the discounted prices. The A2+ Next Gen at $199 (down from $255) is the better value if you just want excellent sound without extra features. You save $56 and get what matters most: quality audio in a compact package.

A2+ Next Gen Regular Price: $255
A2+ Next Gen Deal Price: $199 (save $56)
HD3 Next Gen Regular Price: $329
HD3 Next Gen Deal Price: $249 (save $80)
Where to buy: Amazon

The HD3 Next Gen at $249 (down from $329) makes sense if you use headphones regularly and want that dedicated amplifier, or if you prefer the premium finishes and detachable magnetic grilles. The $80 savings brings it closer to impulse-buy territory for what you’re getting. Both are hand-built in the USA with real wood cabinets, not cheap plastic.

Skip both if you need speakers for a large room where they’ll get lost, if you want booming bass without adding a subwoofer, or if you’re looking for smart speaker features like voice control or built-in streaming services. These are focused on delivering quality sound in a compact desktop package, nothing more. They’re also not the right choice if you’re on a tight budget and need the absolute cheapest option that makes sound.

Bottom Line

Audioengine has earned its reputation by consistently making desktop speakers that sound better than their size suggests. The Next Gen updates bring these models into 2025 with modern connectivity and improved audio processing without abandoning what made the originals popular. Both the A2+ Next Gen and HD3 Next Gen deliver on the core promise: excellent sound quality in a compact, desk-friendly form factor that doesn’t require a degree in audio engineering to set up.

At these Black Friday prices, you’re getting some of the best desktop audio available without paying full retail. Whether you go with the more affordable A2+ Next Gen or step up to the HD3 Next Gen with its extra features, you’re investing in speakers that should last for years. The build quality is solid, the sound is clean and balanced, and the Bluetooth connectivity means you can use them beyond just your computer. Just don’t wait forever to decide, Audioengine rarely discounts their gear like this, and the sale won’t stick around past the holiday season.