Monoprice 133833 Speaker Review
Our verdict
The Monoprice 133833 is an in-ceiling satellite speaker at $93.78 with a 3-inch driver and binding post connection, positioned as a cost-effective solution for in-ceiling surround installations where hiding speakers in the ceiling is preferred over freestanding or wall-mounted options.
Check price on AmazonBest for
In-ceiling surround sound installations in rooms where visible speakers are undesirable, especially in multi-use rooms that need discrete speaker placement
Skip if
You need a conventional freestanding speaker, want full-range response, or are building a surround setup that relies on larger drivers for lower-frequency output
- Speaker type Satellite
- Driver size 3"
- Connectivity Binding Post
- Mounting In Ceiling
- Color Black
- Dimensions 12.8 X 14.9 X 6.8 In
- Priced 70% below the category median ($309.75 across 44 tracked models)
- Weight of 10.95 lb - lighter than 68% of the 44 models we track
Pros
- 284 ratings provides meaningful buyer data for an in-ceiling speaker
- Binding post connection accepts multiple wire termination types
- In-ceiling mounting eliminates visible speaker footprint in the room
- $93.78 is accessible for buyers outfitting multiple ceiling positions
Cons
- 4.1-star average from 284 reviews is below the category average, indicating some buyer dissatisfaction
- 3-inch driver limits low-frequency extension and output
- Installation requires cutting ceiling holes and running wire in the wall
- 10.95 lbs per unit adds overhead load requiring secure ceiling backing
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.1/5
4.1 average across 284 owner ratings
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Popularity4.1/5
284 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other AV receivers and amplifiers, soundbars, home theater speakers, subwoofers, surround sound systems and Blu-ray players we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Monoprice 133833 is an in-ceiling satellite speaker with a 3-inch driver. Its overall housing dimensions are 12.8 x 14.9 x 6.8 inches and it weighs 10.95 lbs per unit. It connects via binding posts, which accept bare wire, pin connectors, and banana plugs. The black finish is standard for in-ceiling grilles.
At $93.78, it is one of the more affordable in-ceiling speaker options with a notable buyer history. Monoprice is known for value-oriented AV accessories and speakers, and this model fits that positioning. The 3-inch driver is suitable for satellite and surround roles but not for full-range primary speaker duty.
With 284 ratings at 4.1 stars, the Monoprice 133833 has a solid review base. The 4.1-star average is slightly below the category norm, suggesting a portion of buyers encountered fit, finish, or performance expectations that did not match the price-to-performance bar they expected.
Specifications
| Speaker type | Satellite |
|---|---|
| Driver size | 3" |
| Connectivity | Binding Post |
| Mounting | In Ceiling |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 12.8 X 14.9 X 6.8 In |
| Weight | 10.95 lb |
Performance notes
Driver size is 3 inches. Physical dimensions are 12.8 x 14.9 x 6.8 inches. Weight is 10.95 lbs. Connectivity is via binding posts. Mounting is in-ceiling. Color is Black.
What buyers say
284 reviews at 4.1 stars is the largest buyer sample in this group that falls below 4.5 stars. The pattern suggests a meaningful minority of buyers had installation difficulties or performance expectations that were not met. For buyers with installation experience, ratings trend higher.
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Frequently asked questions
What ceiling backing is required to install the Monoprice 133833?
In-ceiling speakers require a cut-out in the ceiling drywall and typically need the surrounding drywall area to be sufficient to support the speaker's clamp mechanism. At 10.95 lbs, the 133833 is not a lightweight unit. In-ceiling speaker installation hardware is usually included, but buyers should confirm the ceiling material and depth before purchasing to ensure compatibility.
Can a 3-inch in-ceiling satellite replace a bookshelf surround speaker?
A 3-inch in-ceiling driver covers the frequency range needed for surround effects and dialogue in surround channels, but it does not produce the low-frequency body of a larger bookshelf speaker. For setups with a subwoofer handling bass below 80 Hz, a 3-inch in-ceiling satellite is a practical surround solution. Without a subwoofer, it will sound thin on lower-frequency content.