Polk has its own version of compact bookshelf speakers that are great for small rooms, the Polk S10 and S15, both under its Signature Series. Polk S10 and S15 have similar features, so it can be a little challenging to choose which is better, which is why we are going to help you make the right decision by making a side-by-side comparison between the two.
Polk is an excellent brand, so whether you choose the S10 or the S15, you will be happy with your purchase either way.
Sound Quality
Polk S10
The Polk S10 is the most basic bookshelf speaker of the Polk’s Signature Series. The Polk S10 is equipped with a 1-inch dome tweeter and a 4-inch mid-bass driver.
Audio Specification of the Polk S10:
| Polk S15 | Specifications |
| Type | Passive |
| Driver | 1” Terylene Tweeter 4” Polypropylene Woofer |
| Frequency Response | 67 Hz to 40 kHz |
| Impedance | 8 Ohms |
| Crossover | 2.5 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 87 dB |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 20 to 100 W |
Polk has applied its patented Dynamic Balance Technology in the Polk S10, which analyzes the totality of the speaker and eliminates the issues that cause the speaker not to perform to its maximum potential. The technology results in a vibrant and natural sound.
The Polk S10 has a frequency response of 67 Hz to 40 kHz, which is excellent if you look at its size. Its only drawback is that it cannot produce very low bass sound as you would like as it is only limited to 67 Hz, but it is still understandable as it is a compact bookshelf speaker.
The most impressive thing about the sound quality of the Polk S10 is its response to midrange frequency. It sounds clear and accurate. The Polk S10 is a great speaker for watching movies and listening to music, especially in a small to medium room. There is only minimal distortion when you crank up the volume, which is fantastic for its size.
Overall, the Polk S10 is an excellent option for a compact bookshelf speaker as it sounds great and is pretty versatile. You can use it for movies and music purposes without having any issues with its sound quality. It is also compatible with Dolby and DTS formats, which is a great factor for high-quality audio.
Polk S15
The Polk S15 is another entry-level full-range bookshelf speaker under the Polk’s Signature Series. The Polk S15 is equipped with a 5.25-inch polypropylene driver and a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter.
Audio Specification of the Polk S15:
| Polk S15 | Specifications |
| Type | Passive |
| Driver | 1” Terylene Tweeter 5.25” Polypropylene Woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz to 40 kHz |
| Impedance | 8 Ohms |
| Crossover | 2.5 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 88 dB |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 20 to 100 W |
Like the Polk S10, the Polk S15 also applies the Dynamic Balance Technology as it helps the speaker achieve its full potential in terms of sound quality. Using the patented technology results in an accurate, natural, and clear sound.
The Polk S15 has a frequency response of 50 Hz up to 40 kHz, which is better than the Polk S10. It has better performance in low frequencies as it can go down up to 50 Hz compared to the Polk S10, which can only go down up to 67 Hz.
Overall, the Polk S15 is an excellent option for a bookshelf speaker. Its highs and mids are clear with minimal distortion in high volume, while its lows are excellent for its size. The Polk S15 is also compatible with Dolby and DTS surround sound technologies, which are great for watching movies and listening to music.
Build Quality
Polk S10
The Polk S10 has the smallest size of the Polk’s Signature Series. It is well-built and pretty durable and is also very handy. It is lightweight, but rest assured that you can put it anywhere in your room without any issues of toppling.
Build Specifications of the Polk S10:
| Polk S10 | Specifications |
| Dimensions | 13.7 x 21.3 x 15.9 cm (5.4 x 8.4 x 6.2”) |
| Weight | 2.7 kg (6.0 lb) |
| Cabinet Material | MDF |
| Placement and Mounting Options | Keyhole |
The Polk S10 has a non-resonant medium density fiberboard, which is a standard for speaker cabinets in the audio industry. It also has bracings and thick baffles that help produce a natural sound. The speaker’s acoustically inert design also reduces distortion in the released audio, resulting in a less-colored sound.
Like other speakers under the Signature Series (you can read my S15 vs S20 comparison here), the Polk S10 also has a 1-inch Terylene dome tweeter. Terylene is a synthetic polyester fiber material that helps produce high frequencies with clarity and accuracy.
The Polk S10 also has a 4-inch dynamic balance mica-reinforced polypropylene driver for its mid and bass frequencies. The driver has a better efficiency than its competitors and has minimal distortion, even if the volume is cranked up.
The Polk S10 also has a 4-inch dynamic balance mica-reinforced polypropylene driver for its mid and bass frequencies. Even if the volume is cranked up, the driver has better efficiency than its competitors and has minimal distortion. The speaker also applies the company’s patented Power Port technology, which helps the speaker produce better bass.
The Polk S10 is also available in three finishes: White, Black, and Walnut. Its aesthetics is pleasing to the eye, especially with the Walnut finish. It also comes with a removable magnetic grill, so you can remove it if you want to expose the speakers, but both setups look great.
Amazon gave an average score of 4.7 stars out of 5 stars for the quality of materials used in making the Polk S10.
The Polk S10 is an excellent option for a compact bookshelf speaker. Its build quality is excellent for its price, so you can expect these speakers to last long.
Polk S15
The Polk S15 is a compact bookshelf speaker but is bigger than the Polk S10. It has an excellent build quality that can match mid-tier bookshelf speakers. Its base is also pretty stable, so it cannot be toppled easily.
Build Specifications of the Polk S15:
| Polk S15 | Specifications |
| Dimensions | 19.1 x 30.5 x 26 cm (7.5 x 12 x 10.2”) |
| Weight | 5.9 kg (13.0 lb) |
| Cabinet Material | Medite Medium Density Fiberboard |
| Placement and Mounting Options | Keyhole |
The Polk S15 uses a non-resonant Medite medium fiberboard to create the speaker’s cabinet, which is known for its durability and has been the standard material in the audio industry. The Polk S15 has an acoustically inert design, which reduces the speaker’s vibrations, resulting in a lesser sound coloration.
The Polk S15’s dome tweeter is made of Terylene, a synthetic polyester fiber known for durability. The tweeter design helps it produce clear and detailed high frequencies. The mid-bass woofer is also made from polypropylene, an excellent material known for its durability, and it helps to have lesser distortion compared to other materials.
The Polk S15 still uses the company’s patented “Power Port” technology that helps transition the airflow from the Polk S15’s port into the listening area smoothly. The technology used also eliminates turbulence and distortion, which results in a deeper bass impact.
Like the Polk S10, the Polk S15 is available in three finishes: white, walnut, and black. It comes with removable magnetic grills. If you prefer to remove the grills and expose the speakers, it will look glossy, but if not, it is still a cool-looking compact speaker.
Amazon gave an average score of 4.8 stars out of 5 stars for the quality of materials for the Polk S15 speaker.
Overall, the Polk S15 has an excellent build quality, and its design pushes it to perform to its maximum potential. The speaker is durable, so you can expect it to last long. The price you pay for its build quality is a genuine steal.
Controls
Polk S10
The Polk S10 is a passive speaker, so it has limited control options. It only has binding posts that are used to connect to a power amplifier and a built-in passive crossover.
Its binding posts are gold-plated, which is necessary to have a secure connection to a power amplifier. At the same time, its crossover is helpful in separating the frequencies that are appropriate to go through the tweeter and the woofer.
Overall, there is not much to expect for control options if you have a passive speaker. The important thing is that it has durable binding posts to secure the connection to the power amplifier and a built-in crossover that protects the speakers from getting damaged, which both features are available in the Polk S10.
Polk S15
Like the Polk S10, the Polk S15 is also a passive speaker, which you do not expect to have many control options, except for a binding post and a built-in passive crossover. They have the same controls.
Overall, there is nothing to be amazed by in its control options, but it is expected from a passive speaker.
Price
Polk S10
The Polk S10 is the cheapest option if you are looking in the Polk Signature Series line, but it is still one of the best compact bookshelf speakers in the audio industry. It is a versatile compact speaker that you can use if you watch a movie or listen to music without issues with its sound quality.
Amazon gave an average score of 4.6 stars out of 5 stars as reviewers consider that purchasing a pair of Polk S10 bookshelf speakers is an excellent investment.
The price you are paying for a pair of Polk S10 speakers looks like a great steal. It is one of the best investments you will make to improve your room. The sound and build quality of the speaker outweighs its value.
Polk S15
The Polk S15 is the second cheapest option for the Polk’s Signature Series, but its sound and build quality can match against mid-tier bookshelf speakers available in the market.
Amazon gave an average score of 4.7 stars out of 5 stars as an excellent investment if you purchase a pair of Polk S15.
Overall, the price you are paying for the Polk S15’s sound and build quality is great. The Polk S15 is a great speaker for watching movies and listening to music, so you will never regret purchasing a pair with these speakers.
Pros and Cons
Polk S10
Pros:
- Clear mid-frequency response
- Crisp high frequencies
- Beautiful design
- Compatible with different surround sound formats
- Durable
Cons
- Lack of bass
- Needs more power
- Connections are pretty limited
Polk S15
Pros:
- Outstanding audio quality
- Durable and stable
- Top-notch aesthetics
- Compatible with Dolby and DTS surround sound technologies
- The built-in crossover works great
Cons:
- Lacking a little bit of low-frequency response
- Its power is lacking in bigger rooms
- Control options are limited
Which Is Better?
Overall, the Polk S10 and S15 are excellent options if you are looking for a compact bookshelf speaker, but if I have to choose which is a better option, I have to go with the S15. The Polk S15 has a better bass reproduction as it can go down up to 50 Hz compared to S10’s 67 Hz. They have similar features, but their performances differ in lower frequencies.
