One additional aspect to consider, especially in smaller to medium venues, is the importance of speaker placement and coverage pattern over sheer wattage. Even with quality speakers, poor placement can lead to feedback issues or areas of the audience not getting clear sound. Aim for even coverage and, if possible, take advantage of speaker stands to keep the sound above head-level, reducing direct reflections from the floor.
Since you’re starting out, keep scalability in mind. Many powered speakers can be “daisy-chained” to add monitors or a subwoofer later without reconfiguring your entire rig. This can be especially cost-effective as your needs grow.
For brands, besides what’s already been mentioned, consider offerings from Yamaha and QSC in the powered speaker range. Models like the Yamaha DXR series or QSC K series are often seen as industry standards due to their reliability and relatively neutral sound profile.
Lastly, don’t forget to account for weight and portability, especially if you’ll be setting up and tearing down yourself. Some speakers may sound great but can be prohibitively heavy for a one-person crew. Looking at the technical specs for weight and build material (like molded plastic enclosures vs. wood) can save you some headaches down the line.
If you ever have a chance, try to demo a few options at a local music store or rent different models. It’s the best way to judge if they suit your band’s sound and the venues you’ll be playing.