1. Consider the application scenario. Is it home, indoor small and medium-sized activities, or is it a large outdoor event?
If it is a home or some small and medium-sized activities, both of "active speakers" and "passive speakers" are suitable. This depends on your personal preference. If you don't know the sound knowledge well, you can choose "active speaker". In addition to the audio cable, the "active speaker" need to give the power supply of multiple speakers, but don't need the power amplifier, processor and other equipment. Only the preamp amplifier or the mixer need to be used. Of course, it is no problem to directly connect the player output.
If you like to study these, "passive speakers" is suitable for you, you can choose the best combination of your style by matching different speakers, wires, and even the front and rear amplifiers. Of course, it may take more time and capital cost.
If it is a large outdoor event, no matter the requirements of environment or professional, the passive speaker is the best choice, but this requires you to have a professional engineer to help you control the equipment tuning, if you are a professional is even more perfect.
2. Consider personal preference. If you don't want to spend too much time and energy on building a sound system, then the active box in one step is definitely the best. If you are interested in audio equipment and like to try different styles of equipment, the passive box is yours preferred.
3. Consider the budget. Choose the most suitable product based on your needs and your existing budget.