Active speakers are also called "active speakers". Usually refers to speakers with power amplifiers, such as multimedia computer speakers, active ultra-low speakers, and some new home theater active speakers. Because of the built-in power amplifier circuit, users do not have to consider the matching problem with the power amplifier, and it is also convenient to drive directly with low-level audio signals.

In addition, some professional recording and monitoring speakers with built-in power amplifier circuits and electronic frequency divider speakers with built-in electronic frequency divider circuits and amplifiers can also be classified as active speakers.

Passive speakers are also called "passive speakers". Passive speakers are ordinary speakers we usually use, and there is no power amplifier circuit inside. Although passive speakers do not have amplifiers, they usually have frequency division networks and impedance compensation circuits.

Active speakers are usually marked with the output power, input impedance and input signal level of the built-in amplifier. The active ultra-low speaker also marks the frequency characteristics of the input signal (such as full-band signal or low-frequency signal), low-pass filter characteristics and other parameters. Passive speakers are generally marked with parameters such as impedance, power and frequency range.