What’s the difference between ported and sealed bookshelf speaker designs?

Ported bookshelf speakers feature a vent or port in the enclosure, allowing air to move in and out, enhancing low-frequency response but potentially sacrificing accuracy. Sealed designs have no port, providing tighter bass but usually at the expense of overall output. Ported designs are often preferred for home theater setups or music genres requiring deep bass, while sealed designs are favored for critical listening in smaller rooms.