Your Guide to Best Directional Speakers

What if your speaker could talk just to you — and no one else around you hears it?

That’s exactly what Directional Speakers do: Beam sound precisely, keeping the rest of the space silent. From retail displays to art galleries and airports, these speakers provide crystal-clear audio only where it’s needed. Check out our top picks and learn why a direction-focused speaker is rapidly being adopted across the U.S.

What is a Directional Speaker?

A directional speaker is a specialized loudspeaker (often called a parametric speaker), an audio technology that emits a narrow beam of focused sound instead of a wide field. It achieves this by using ultrasonic sound waves (frequencies beyond human hearing) as carriers, modulating them with the desired audio to produce audible sound only within the targeted zone. People positioned outside the beam hear nothing.

Ultrasonic Carrier: Uses ultrasonic waves beyond human hearing as a carrier and modulates them with the audio signal; sound becomes audible only within the beam’s intended area.

Museums & Retail: Used in museums and retail stores to deliver targeted audio to one area. For example, an exhibit’s commentary or a store’s ad can be heard only by people in that immediate zone.

A visual representation of how ‘Directional Speakers’ Work.

• Blue Zone: Audio Fields.
• White Zone: Ambient Sound.

Directional speakers boost dialogue clarity by focusing on key frequencies, making it easier to hear in noisy environments.

A Conventional Speaker Vs. A Directional Speaker — The Difference

Conventional traditional speakers use a moving diaphragm (cone) to push out sound in all directions, like a bare light bulb radiating light. This means everyone in the area hears the audio, and sound spills broadly.

Whereas, a directional speaker projects focused sound in a specific direction. It broadcasts a straight, narrow beam of audio that is only audible within a targeted zone. This is achieved using ultrasonic audio technology: directional speakers (or targeted speakers) modulate audible sound onto ultrasonic waves to form a tightly controlled beam.

The result? A “sound spotlight,” concentrating audio like a flashlight beam toward a designated listening area.

Due to their directed approach, directional speakers:

• Offer greater audio privacy and clarity.
• Minimize sound dispersion, so only the intended listener (or area) hears the content.
• People outside the beam hear little to nothing.
• Deliver targeted sound cutting through background noise without adding to it, even in noisy settings.

Whereas, Traditional speakers are opposite. They fill the entire space and thus often stuffle clarity in medium sound.

Top Directional Speaker Brands (And, their Best-Selling Products)

Brown Innovations

Brown Innovations, based in Boston, pioneers high‑precision directional audio with a patented Sound Dome and over 40 SonicBeam variants. Their systems deliver crystal‑clear sound spots, from solo listening to multi‑user zones, for museums, airports, malls, and attractions with minimal sound spill. Here are some of their top models:

1. SonicBeam EJ-22 Directional Speaker

The SonicBeam EJ‑22 installs flush along the edge of a desk or console, blending seamlessly into the installation and delivering a focused audio beam to a single listener seated directly in front. It features sixteen 1″ drivers, each powered by its own 3 W amplifier—totaling 48 W of precision audio. See pic below.

• Mountable & linkable: Built-in brackets allow edge mounting; multiple EJ‑22s can daisy‑chain via a dedicated controller in a ring‑network to share power and signal.
• Smart control via Myriad amp: Add the Myriad amplifier for SmartVolume, Sensor Activation, Vocalizer (for whisper‑quiet videoconferencing), and SD‑card playback—ideal in public or open‑office environments.

As a result, the EJ‑22 creates private, immersive audio zones with minimal spill and maximum clarity. It is perfect for collaborative workstations, kiosks, videoconferencing, and public displays.

2. SonicBeam SB-18 Directional Speaker

The SonicBeam SB‑18 is an ultra‑compact, 18″ directional speaker that projects a focused sound beam approximately 1.5 feet wide. It is ideal for one to two listeners in front of a desk or panel. Equipped with a standard mono amplifier (optional stereo wiring), it delivers excellent frequency response across 150 Hz–20 kHz, ±2 dB, and stereo separation of 6 dB.

• Mounting & power: Rear grommets and included bracket simplify installation. Power range spans from 1 W/channel (minimum) to 100 W/channel peak.
• Sensitivity & impedance: Achieves ~100 dB SPL at 1 W/1 m. Impedance supports both 8 Ω stereo and 4 Ω mono configurations.

Enhance versatility by adding the Myriad amplifier, unlocking SmartVolume, Sensor Activation, and other smart DSP features. With its sleek form and precise beam control, the SB‑18 is perfect for digital signage, exhibit kiosks, or focused speech/music delivery.

3. SonicBeam SB-47 Directional Speaker

The SonicBeam SB‑47 is Brown Innovations’ largest directional speaker. With 47″ width, it projects a tightly focused sound beam approximately 4 ft across, perfect for delivering clear audio up to ~15‑20 ft without spill into surrounding spaces.

• Mounting & installation: Equipped with rear grommets and included brackets for wall or ceiling mounting; installation flexibility allows hanging above displays or video walls.
• Audio specs: Offers mono by default (optional stereo upgrade), with 150 Hz–20 kHz ±2 dB frequency response, 6 dB stereo separation, sensitivity at 100 dB SPL per watt at 1 m, and power handling from 1 W/channel up to 100 W peak.

When paired with the Myriad amplifier, users can add SmartVolume, Sensor Activation, SD‑card playback, and more. Its size and precision make SB‑47 ideal for large-scale exhibits, trade shows, video walls, and retail displays, trusted by designers for combining tight focus with high fidelity.

4. SonicBeam CT 24-24 Directional Speaker

The SonicBeam CT 24‑24 is a low‑profile, 24″ ceiling‑mounted speaker panel engineered to deliver stereo sound to listeners positioned up to 3 ft directly beneath, making it ideal for overhead installations in museums, trade shows, and airports where visual clutter must be minimized. Measuring just 24″ × 24″ × 3.3″ and weighing 16 lb, it blends discreetly into standard ceiling profiles with mounting holes spaced 15″ apart.

• Audio specs & power: When paired with the Myriad amplifier, it produces stereo audio across 250 Hz – 15 kHz (±3 dB). Minimum power is 1 W per channel; maximum is 25 W/channel peak for clean, focused output.

With SmartVolume, Sensor Activation, SD‑card playback, and whisper‑quiet vocalizer features, the CT 24‑24 offers advanced DSP enhancements. Its slim form and precise ceiling‑beam make it perfect for clean, undisturbed public space audio solutions.

5. Single Localizer Sound Dome

The Single Localizer Sound Dome is Brown Innovations’ flagship 32″ hemispheric speaker—a gold-standard solution for one listener. It delivers headphone‑level stereo isolation using patented dome geometry that’s three times more precise than parabolic domes and four times tighter than conventional overhead speakers.

• Isolation & stereo quality: Offers 14 dB of sound isolation and 10 dB stereo separation, perfectly focused within a 30″H × 12″W × 12″D sweet spot for individual listening.
• Mounting & amplifier: Pole‑mountable with adjustable height (6.5–9 ft depending on listener position). Pairs with the Myriad DSP amplifier for features like SmartVolume, Sensor Activation, SD‑card playback, and whisper‑quiet vocalizer functions.

With its precise sound beam and immersive clarity, this dome offers an unparalleled private-audio experience in gallery kiosks, museums, or digital signage installations.

The above pic shows a casino with Single Localizer Sound Domes.

6. Wide Dispersion Localizer Sound Dome

The Wide Dispersion Localizer Sound Dome is a hemispheric 32″ dome speaker engineered for small groups (2–3 listeners), offering balanced stereo audio within a 0.8 m × 1.0 m × 0.7 m listening region. With 12 dB isolation and 10 dB stereo separation, it preserves audio clarity while minimizing ambient spill—ideal for group exhibits or demo kiosks.

• Specifications & installation: Weighs 17 lb, dome height 16″, pole‑mount system with recommended mounting heights between 6.5 and 9 ft depending on listener posture. Excellent balance of focus and coverage.
• Audio capabilities: Accepts 1 W minimum to 50 W peak per channel, with an 80 Hz–20 kHz ±2 dB frequency range when using Brown Innovations’ amplifier. Sensitivity is around 102 dB SPL at 1 W/1 m.

Combined with Myriad DSP add-ons (SmartVolume, Sensor Activation, SD‑card playback), the dome offers precise, immersive group listening in a compact, visually discreet installation.

The above pic shows a Wide Dispersion Localizer Sound Dome in an airport waiting area.

7. Quadeo Localizer Sound Dome

The Quadeo Localizer Sound Dome is engineered specifically for table setups—mounting overhead to deliver highly focused sound to seated listeners, matching table shape and seating configurations. Perfect for offices, conference rooms, restaurants, and booths where sound must be discreetly contained to a single table group.

• Table-focused sound control: Designed to direct audio precisely to listeners seated around a table, minimizing spill to adjacent areas. It is ideal for collaborative meetings or private audio kiosks.
• Mounting & DSP features: Uses a pole-mounted system similar to other Sound Domes, with Myriad-compatible DSP add-ons like SmartVolume, Sensor Activation, and SD-card playback for streamlined public and semi-private audio experiences.

With custom beam configuration and advanced add-ons, the Quadeo Localizer brings immersive, confidential audio to group table environments. It delivers clarity without visual or acoustic clutter.

The above pic shows Quadeo Localizer Sound Domes in a restaurant.

Now, let us move on to our second brand, Holosonics.

Holosonics

Holosonics’ Audio Spotlight speakers use patented parametric‑ultrasound beamforming to deliver sound with laser‑like precision. Their SoundBeam®technology confines audio to a narrow target zone, delivering amazing clarity while silencing the surroundings. Here are some top-performing models:

1. AS-168i

The AS‑168iX is Holosonics’ newest and most affordable entry in their Audio Spotlight® lineup. It is an ultrasonic, parametric speaker that delivers a sharply focused beam of sound, much like a directed light. With its slim 40 × 20 cm (16″×8″) size and low power needs, it’s ideal for bright, clear voice content aimed precisely at a single listener in ultra-quiet spaces like kiosks, ATMs, libraries, art exhibits, or point-of-sale systems.

• Compact & light: Just ~40 × 20 cm and ~1.1–1.3 kg (2.5–2.8 lbs), only 3.5 cm thick; mounts via standard VESA‑100 or M6 inserts for sleek integration.
• Smart connectivity & options: Offers 80–85 dB @ 1 kHz output with a 12–25 W amplifier; built‑in microSD player, 3.5 mm AUX input, balanced Phoenix jack; optional Bluetooth and motion‑sensor modules available.

The AS‑168iX is particularly suited for installations needing discreet, directed audio. It is perfect for delivering targeted messages without disturbing surrounding environments.

2. AS-16i

Holosonics’ most popular Audio Spotlight model, the AS‑16iX, delivers clear and impactful speech or music via patented ultrasonic beamforming. It focuses on sound precisely like a directed light beam. Ideal for quietly delivering focused audio to one or two listeners, the AS‑16iX is a go-to for offices, galleries, showrooms, libraries, hospitals, and homes.

• Targeted & refined sound: Produces approximately 90 dB SPL @ 1 kHz, with a 50 W max power draw. Sized at 40 × 40 cm (16″×16″), only ~4.2 cm thick, and weighing about 2.3 kg (5 lb); mounts cleanly via VESA 100 bracket systems.
• Full audio versatility: Includes built-in micro‑SD playback, stereo line-in (3.5 mm/AUX), and balanced Phoenix inputs; expand with optional Bluetooth or motion‑sensor modules.

This compact yet powerful parametric speaker provides confined, intelligible audio without disturbing surrounding spaces. It is well-suited for installations where only the intended listener should hear the message.

3. AS-24i

Holosonics’ AS‑24i, the most powerful in their Audio Spotlight® series, delivers the strongest output and deepest bass response with ultra‑narrow beam precision using SoundBeam® technology. Designed for group listening in noisy or large spaces, it excels in environments like museums, supermarkets, trade shows, and outdoor installations.

• Powerful & wide‑range sound: Delivers approximately 90 dB SPL @ 1 kHz with a maximum power draw of 50 W.
• Installation‑friendly dimensions: Measures 60 × 60 cm (2′ × 2′), only 3.5 cm thick, weighs around 4.1 kg (9.5 lbs), and is sized to replace a standard ceiling tile without extra hardware—mountable via VESA 100 or M6 inserts.

It has a built‑in microSD playback, balanced/unbalanced inputs, and optional Bluetooth or motion‑sensor modules. The AS‑24i seamlessly integrates into discreet, targeted audio installations and provides clear, intelligible sound to specific areas while keeping ambient spaces quiet.

Now, let us move to the third company that makes quality directional speakers, Acouspade.

Acouspade

Acouspade (an acronym for ACOUstic SPAce DElimiter) is recognised as one of the world’s foremost makers of truly directional audio systems. It’s only three models, Acouspade Classic, Acouspade XLS, and the base Acouspade directional speaker, that deliver laser‑focused sound beams with minimal spill for immersive, precision‑targeted listening experiences.

1. Acouspade

This is a hyper‑directional, powered speaker equipped with Bluetooth and optional motion detection, designed to project a focused audio beam onto a specific listening zone. It cuts through ambient noise to deliver an intimate, headphone-like experience, making it an excellent choice for retail spaces and exhibitions.

• Specs & Connectivity: A maximum output of ~90 dB @ 1 kHz; frequency response spans 150 Hz to 17 kHz. Also includes 2× RCA jacks for wired input plus Bluetooth for wireless audio playback, and an optional motion sensor to trigger content automatically.
• Form Factor & Mounting Modes: Slim and light, 370 × 176 × 22 mm, ~1.1 kg, with multiple bracket‑mounting options. It offers three mounting modes: Spotlight, Sound Shower, and Virtual Speaker. Each mode is optimised for different display setups and listener positions.

In Spotlight mode, the unit directs sound diagonally toward the viewer. With Sound Shower mode, it creates a clear listening spot heard equally by people of different heights, while minimising unwanted reflections. Whereas in Virtual mode, it aims the beam at a surface, like a screen, so the sound reflects to ear level.

2. Acouspade XL

The Acouspade XLS is the largest and loudest directional speaker in the Acouspade series, capable of projecting extremely focused sound over 15+ m, even amidst high ambient noise. It peaks at 100 dB @ 1 kHz/1 m with a frequency response of 150 Hz to 16 kHz, making it ideal for noisier venues.

• Hardware & Connectivity: Emitting panel of 600 × 300 mm, 21 mm thick, weighing 2.9 kg; external Class D amplifier approx. 650 g, plus 500 g mounting bracket. Supports stereo sound field via separated Left/Right channels. Input 2s includes 2× RCA, power input and 4‑pin L/R connector.
• Installation & Modes: Mountable on wall or ceiling, indoors or outdoors (with optional outdoor enclosure). Supports Spotlight, Sound-Shower, and Virtual Speaker modes, the same acoustic deployment schemes used across the Acouspade line.

In short, the Acouspade XLS stands out for its potent SPL, true stereo beam, and rugged external amp, delivering crystal-clear, targeted audio even in noisy or large-scale installations.

3. Acouspade Classic

The Acouspade Classic™ is a compact, fully integrated directional speaker featuring a built-in Class‑D amplifier and digital signal processor. All of this is housed within its sleek circular emitter. It delivers a precise, narrow audio beam that creates headphone‑style sound zones in public spaces, with minimal setup. Just plug in your audio source and it’s ready to go.

• Design & Specs: Disc-shaped emitter includes the amp and DSP, making it a true plug‑and‑play solution (no external amplifier needed). It offers a frequency response from 150 Hz to 17 kHz and a maximum output of around 90 dB @ 1 kHz/1 m. Perfect for creating isolated audio zones without blending.
• Mounting & Sound Modes: It is a mounting kit for ceiling, wall, or overhead placement. Supports Spotlight, Sound Shower, and Virtual Speaker modes, enabling targeted audio delivery in varied configurations. The speaker acts like an audio spotlight, delivering sound only where you intend, allowing overlapping sound zones with different content in the same physical space, without interference.

The Acouspade Classic stands out as a minimalist, easy-to-install directional speaker with professional-grade beam control. It excels in retail, museums, galleries, kiosks, and signage. It is perfect for delivering precise, high‑clarity audio directly to the listener, without disrupting the surrounding environment.

The next brand is PanPhonics.

PanPhonics

PanPhonics, founded in 1997 in Tampere, Finland, offers premium electrostatic directional speakers that deliver clear, natural audio over long distances. Installed in over 20,000 sites globally, including museums and control rooms. They create quiet audio zones around exhibits or workstations without raising ambient noise.

1. Compact

The Panphonics COMPACT® is the company’s most advanced mono-directional speaker. It features an ultrathin (≈ 20 mm), frameless 60 × 60 cm panel made of natural fibre that weighs just ~1.8 kg. Its customizable front surface can be printed with logos, images, or colours for seamless aesthetic integration in design‑sensitive spaces.

• Ultra‑precise beam control: Achieves exceptional directivity with a listening zone (–6 dB) of ~50 cm at 1 m and strong speech intelligibility even in noisy environments. It outperformed other directional models in independent lab comparisons.
• Elegant design & flexibility: Panel mounts flush to walls or ceilings using VESA‑compatible fittings (100/200/400), and supports full-surface custom printing for branding or artistic use.

Compact is ideal for new installations in galleries, museums, libraries, or educational spaces. It delivers focused, high‑fidelity audio zones using a passive panel and external amplifier. Its combination of directionality, clarity, and design makes it a standout choice in modern directional audio applications.

2. Sound Shower

The Panphonics Sound Shower® is a high-performance directional speaker engineered to create ultra-precise audio “showers” over long distances with very low sound attenuation. Using an electrostatic audio element, it generates focused beams, even in narrow corridors or horizontally mounted setups without disturbing nearby zones.

Passive vs. Active Options

• Sound Shower Passive (SSHP): Requires an external Panphonics AA160 amplifier, features an aluminum-framed mono panel available in sizes from 60 × 20 cm up to 180 × 20 cm, each offering specific acoustic footprints.
• Sound Shower Active (SSHA): Integrates the AA160 amplifier inside the 60 × 60 cm or 120 × 20 cm aluminum panel. Easily connects to a media source via RCA cables and includes ambient noise monitoring with auto volume adjustment.
• Directionality & Extended Reach: With directivity as narrow as ~4° at frequencies above 2 kHz, Sound Showers maintain sound pressure over distance and produce exceptionally crisp intelligibility. This allows clear audio delivery across halls or exhibits without raising ambient noise levels.

The Sound Shower offers slim, lightweight mono panels with VESA-compatible mounts, customizable colors (black or white), and scalability. Proven in tens of thousands of installations worldwide, it’s a flagship directional audio solution by Panphonics.

3. Custom Speakers

Tailored to unique spatial and aesthetic needs, Panphonics Custom® speakers are bespoke directional audio solutions made to order. Designed for interior designers, artists, gallery owners, and industrial clients, they offer flexible shapes, sizes, and finishes to blend with architectural or artistic environments seamlessly.

• Fully bespoke design: Each unit is crafted to client specifications, with no fixed shape or size. Whether wall‑mounted, ceiling‑integrated, or floor‑installed, custom panels can reflect logos, artwork, or unique spatial layouts using Panphonics’ electrostatic transducer technology.
• Collaborative tailored workflow: Panphonics works closely with designers and clients through each stage. From concept to prototype, it creates directional audio that meets both functional and visual demands. They leverage decades of experience delivering innovative directional audio solutions across varied industries globally.

Audfly

Audfly’s Focusound® directional speakers include seven indoor and three outdoor models designed to deliver immersive, ultra‑focused audio without disturbing surrounding spaces. Indoor variants like Model B, R, X2, Mini, and Cube offer quiet, high‑clarity zones in exhibits, kiosks, retail, and galleries. Outdoor units (SA‑3001A, YS‑V112CH, SA‑2001A) provide powerful, weatherproof beam audio solutions with long-range reach. Here are the top models we want to talk about:

1. Model B

Audfly’s Model B Wall-Mounted Directional Speaker is a standout choice for focused audio delivery in commercial environments. Designed with precision and performance in mind, it delivers clear, localized sound to a narrow field—ideal for exhibits, kiosks, or retail displays. With an SPL of up to 83 dB at 2 meters and a highly directional angle under 15°, the Model B allows you to add sound exactly where needed without bleeding into surrounding areas.

• Flexible Integration: Offers AUX and USB input (MP3/WAV) and supports wall or ceiling mounting.

• Compact Yet Powerful: Delivers 16–20W through a slim 294×169×29mm frame with built-in bracket.

Overall, Audfly Model B offers outstanding directivity and versatility, making it a go-to for modern, discreet sound zoning.

2. Model X2

The Audfly Model X2 is the most recent evolution in the company’s directional speaker lineup, combining a built‑in amplifier with advanced audio algorithms to achieve a refined, minimalist aesthetic and high‑caliber performance.

• Precision & Stereo Clarity: Featuring dual audio channels, the X2 focuses sound within a narrow <15° beam (<‑20 dB spill), providing clean, intelligible stereo output (~77 ± 3 dB @ 2 m), ideal for individuals with hearing impairments or environments that demand speech clarity.
• Commercial‑Grade Design: Tailored for use in small exhibitions, galleries, and quiet indoor spaces, the X2 enables sound zoning without bleed. Flexible mounting, including wall, desk, ceiling, or rotating base, adds installation versatility.

Overall, the X2 delivers immersive, non‑intrusive audio with refined aesthetics and adaptable deployment. It is perfect for targeted sound applications in professional settings.

3. SA‑2001A

The Audfly SA‑2001A outdoor directional speaker uses exclusive patented beam‑control technology to project sound like a focused beam of light. With a maximum SPL of 140 dB at 1 m (1 kHz), 30° directivity (–15 dB), and a rated power of ≈310 W, it delivers audio clearly and powerfully in noisy outdoor environments, reaching distances up to 200 meters. Crafted from waterproof, anti‑corrosion materials (IPX5, –25 °C to 65 °C), it excels in applications such as highways, tunnels, docks, billboards, and transportation hubs.

• Ultra‑precise sound targeting: Focused beam control minimizes audio spill and ambient noise, ideal for public installations and outdoor displays.
• High penetration and clarity: Deep low‑frequency response and robust SPL ensure intelligible speech and effective alerts even at long range or through dense outdoor environments.

In essence, the SA‑2001A is among Audfly’s most powerful outdoor models—designed for long‑distance projection with pinpoint precision, making it a standout choice wherever targeted outdoor audio delivery is essential.

Directional Speakers – Retail Category

Focusonics

Focusonics (by Neurotechnology) creates commercial-grade ultrasonic parametric-array speakers. It features Model A (3–15 m range) and Model B (1–5 m ceiling-mounted). They deliver pinpoint audio beams with minimal spill, ideal for museums and digital signage.

Focusonics directional speakers are exclusively designed for commercial or institutional applications, rather than home or consumer markets. They are not sold through retail outlets like Best Buy or Amazon, and require installation, power infrastructure, and possibly integration with other systems (e.g. CV/AI or signage).

1. Focusonics^® Model A

Focusonics® Model A is a professional-grade ultrasonic directional speaker that delivers a precise, narrow audio beam over a 3–15 m range. Inside the beam, listeners experience immersive music or speech, while just steps away, sound disappears, evoking the behaviour of a laser in the audio realm.

• Exceptional directional control: Utilises patent‑pending ultrasonic parametric array technology to maintain crisp, high‑clarity audio with minimal spill, ideal for retail displays, exhibitions, or targeted announcements.
• Virtual‑source capabilities: When aimed at reflective surfaces like LCD screens or sculptures, audio appears to emanate from those surfaces, creating immersive illusions such as virtual bird songs.

The Model A excels in large, open spaces with its powerful output and directional reach. While it delivers simulated bass via algorithms, it’s not designed to replace full-range music systems. Its clean design, sensor-triggered playback (microSD, Bluetooth, line-in), and integration flexibility make it a standout for commercial audiovisual projects.

2. Focusonics^® Model B

Focusonics® Model B is a compact, ceiling-mount ultrasonic speaker that emits a confined sound beam over a 1–5 m range. Inside this beam, listeners experience crystal‑clear speech or music, while just outside, silence prevails, akin to audio delivered by a precise laser in the sound realm.

• Ideal for proximity audio: Perfect for museum exhibits or showrooms, Model B enables sound delivery to a single viewer without disturbing others nearby. It’s a 1–5 m range that suits overhead installations and conversational levels.
• Virtual‑source immersion: When the beam reflects off surfaces like an LCD or wall, sound appears to emanate from that surface, creating immersive audio illusions such as ambient bird calls.

Model B supports plug‑and‑play with Bluetooth or line‑in input and now features integrated microSD and proximity sensors for automated playback. Its sleek design and targeted audio performance make it an excellent choice for focused, non-invasive sound zones in commercial and exhibition environments.