6 Best In-Wall Stereo Systems for Bathrooms

For a truly modern and luxurious bathroom, in-wall stereo systems allow you to relax in style, whether taking a bath to unwind or getting ready for the day.


For a truly modern and luxurious bathroom, in-wall stereo systems allow you to relax in style, whether taking a bath to unwind or getting ready for the day. 

When purchasing these systems, you want to ensure they are moisture-resistant before installing them in a humid environment like the bathroom. Whain-wall bathroom stereo systems should you look for when shopping for your smart bathroom accessories? 

This guide will help you find the best stereo systems to complete your smart bathroom upgrades. The tech gurus at Lifewire evaluated each of these models to give you all the information you need to make an informed purchase.


Key Takeaways:

  • Smart home trends are becoming increasingly popular as technology improves. Experts expect the smart bathroom market size to grow to $10,882.1 million by 2030 as this technology advances.
  • Polk Audio offers the overall best purchase, the best sounds, and is the most stylish with their three top in-wall stereo speaker systems.
  • Pyle delivers the most budget-friendly model, but there are some durability issues and concerns with the sound quality. 
  • If you're looking for a model that offers the best seal to ensure its water resistance, consider the Yamaha NSIC800WH model.

6 Bathroom In-Wall Stereo Systems  

Smart home trends are becoming increasingly popular as technology improves. The bathroom is one of the last rooms where people incorporate smart technology. 

However, as you can see from the chart below, that is changing rapidly. Experts agree that the smart bathroom market size will grow to $10,882.1 million by 2030. That is nearly triple the market size from 2020 when the value was $3,774.6 million.

Bar graph of the Smart Bathroom market size (and projected growth) in USD from 2017 to 2026


New and improved technology is responsible for this growth as the Internet of Things (IoT) begins to advance its smart home features. With all this new technology, how will you know what in-wall stereo system works best with your current home network? 

This guide will cover the pros and cons of each stereo system, its top features, and the price (on the date of this article). Experts rated these systems based on:

  • Overall best purchase
  • Most compact
  • Best sound
  • Easiest installation
  • Most stylish
  • Budget-friendly
  • Seals the best

Please note that you should install any system that states it is waterproof or water-resistant outside of areas with free-flowing water, like tubs, showers, and near sinks. You should install any audio system that says it is not waterproof as far from a water source as possible. 

1. Overall Best Purchase: Polk Audio RC85i Series  

This list starts with one of the most prime audio systems available. Why save the best for last? From sound to design and even the price, you won't find anything that checks off all your boxes quite like this Polk system.

You can find this Polk Audio system on Amazon for around $279. 

Pros: 

  • Exceptional audio quality
  • Stylish design
  • Moisture-resistant 

Cons:

  • Bluetooth connectivity not included
  • Durability concerns

Features:

  • 2-way channels
  • Paintable enclosure
  • 100-watt output

2. Best Sound: Polk Audio 265-RT  

For the very best sound, this Polk Audio system is a must-have. With a frequency response between 35Hz and 25kHz, you will get the best sound quality of other speakers of comparable value. It is best for small to mid-sized rooms, although it will accommodate larger rooms with additional hardware upgrades.

You can find this Polk Audio 265-RT for around $279.

Pros: 

  • Good frequency response
  • Subtle design
  • Natural sound
  • Easy installation 

Cons:

  • Not good for large spaces
  • Customer support issues
  • Bluetooth connectivity not included
  • Not waterproof

Features:

  • 3-way channels
  • Paintable enclosure
  • 200-watt output

3. Easiest Installation: Definitive Technology DT Series 8R

This audio system is perfect for the DIYer. It mounts into the ceiling, which is optimal for high-quality sound. You can customize the bezel with whatever paint or wallpaper you have as part of your decor.

This Definitive Technology DT Series 8R costs around $280.

Pros: 

  • Easy installation
  • Paintable bezels
  • High-quality sound 

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • Bluetooth connectivity not included

Features:

  • 2-way channels
  • Paintable enclosure
  • 100-watt output
  • Moisture-resistant

4. Most Stylish: Polk Audio 255C-RT  

The design of this audio system nearly vanishes into your wall, giving your bathroom a sleek and stylish look. The dual 5.25-inch woofer drivers pair perfectly with the 1-inch tweeter for powerful bass response. So, it looks fabulous and sounds great!

You can find this Polk Audio 255C-RT for around $229.

Pros: 

  • Vanishes into wall
  • Compatible with 5.1 and 7.1 systems
  • Exceptional sound and power bass 

Cons:

  • Pricey 
  • Bluetooth connectivity not included
  • Not waterproof

Features:

  • 2-way channels
  • Paintable enclosure
  • 75-watt output

5. Budget-Friendly: Pyle PDIC60

This audio system is an incredible value and offers exceptional sound quality at mid to high frequencies. You can angle the titanium dome tweeter to direct the sound directly towards you. So, you'll hear your music (or true-crime podcast) crystal clear no matter where you are in the bathroom.

You can find this Pyle PDIC60 for around $55.

Pros: 

  • Most affordable
  • Supports mid and high frequencies
  • Great sound at peak power
  • Relatively easy installation 
  • Moisture-resistant

Cons:

  • Competitors offer better sound quality
  • Durability issues
  • Bluetooth connectivity not included

Features:

  • 2-way channels
  • 3.5mm paintable enclosure
  • 100-watt output

6. Seals the Best: Yamaha NSIC800WH

Image of the Yamaha NSIC800WH in-wall audio speaker.


The sealed back delivers the best protection from dust and moisture entering the speaker casing. It offers a 1-inch fluid-coiled soft dome tweeter and an 8-inch polypropylene mica cone woofer to give the listener the best sound quality possible. 

You can find this Yamaha NSIC800WH for around $200.

Pros: 

  • Exceptional audio quality
  • Great for large spaces
  • Easy installation
  • Moisture resistant 

Cons:

  • Lackluster audio range 
  • Bluetooth connectivity not included

Features:

  • 2-way channels
  • Paintable enclosure
  • 100-watt output

Design Meets Function with Geberit’s Luxury Bathroom Systems

In-wall systems give your bathroom a modern, chic look. From stereo systems to smart mirrors and concealed cisterns, your lavatory could be the trendiest room in your home. 

At Geberit, we specialize in trendy bathroom systems. Our in-wall plumbing systems place unsightly bathroom pipes and plumbing behind the wall and out of view. 

We also offer tips for professionals and novices alike in our Know-how for the Pros section of our website so that you can design the bathroom of your (or your client's) dreams. 

Are you ready for an upgrade to in-wall systems for your stylish new bathroom design? Contact us to see how we can turn your standard bathroom into a luxurious space.