Whether you have a PC gaming, a personal desktop PC, or a laptop, you need a pair of speakers to get the most out of it. PC speakers come in a wide range of sizes and prices. Computer speakers are great to add some oomph to your entertainment. One thing I like about them is that they allow you to stay aware of your surroundings and know what’s going on in your home.
For a better experience in gaming, music, or movies, you need the best computer speakers. With advanced USB microphones reducing background noise, you can even use them for conversations without worrying about echoes or background noises.
Quick List
Best overall
These speakers, though a bit older, still offer excellent sound in a budget-friendly package, making them the top choice for most users.
Best budget
Priced under $50/£50, this 2.1 PC speaker set delivers impressive audio and effectively minimizes distortion even at high volumes.
Best surrounding sound
Featuring two front satellites, a center channel speaker, two rear satellites, and a subwoofer, this system elevates your audio experience to a deeper level.
Best subwoofer
Outperforming its predecessor, this product ensures clear, detailed highs, robust midrange presence, and a substantial dose of punchy bass with deep rumbles.
Best for budget gamers
Enjoy high-quality audio, an immersive soundstage, and access to Steelseries’ audio suite—all without the hefty price tag, thanks to this stereo option.
Best soundbar for PC
Looking for a compact 5.1 speaker system? This feature-rich PC soundbar is the perfect solution for a truly immersive audio experience.
Best for light studio work
Vigilant Audio speakers effortlessly shift from a HiFi-rich profile to a flatter, more neutral frequency response, ideal for studio use.
Best budget for creatives
At its price point, these studio monitors amaze with fantastic audio, offering a neutral quality ideal for podcasts or song mixing.
Best Bluetooth
Finding powered bookshelf speakers that match the exceptional sound of these, especially for Bluetooth music listening, is a challenging task.
Best Overall Computer Speaker
Logitech Z407
Weight: 389g (satellites), 2,450g (sub) – Size: 7.87 x 3.70 x 3.35 in (satellites), 9.45 x 9.21 x 7.09 in (sub) – Drivers: 7-inch woofer, 2.5-inch full-range drivers – Supported Connectivity: Bluetooth – Audio Inputs: 1 x micro USB, 1 x 3.5mm jack – Outputs: Subwoofer output
Reasons to buy:
- Impressive sound with rumbling sub
- Classy, versatile and compact design
Reasons to avoid:
- Wireless control can be confusing
The Logitech Z407 provides excellent value in a budget-friendly and visually appealing package. These compact, capsule-shaped speakers not only deliver impressive sound quality but also offer a good volume level. With wireless connectivity, two physical input options, and a good design, they cater to various needs.
These speakers come with a wireless desktop remote dial, almost 2.8 inches in diameter. The remote runs on two AAA batteries (included in the package). This dial allows you to adjust the volume, control bass levels, play/pause/stop content, and navigate forward or backward from a distance of up to 20 meters. The bottom panel of the remote has a Bluetooth pairing button, and another button for switching between wired and Bluetooth audio sources.
Surprisingly, the subwoofer, despite its small size, packs a powerful punch, producing substantial rumble for intense gaming and movie moments. If you’ve been underestimating the importance of computer speakers, the Logitech Z407 is sure to change your perspective with its impressive features and performance.
Best Budget PC Speakers
Creative Pebble Plus
Weight: 0.30kg left, 0.34kg right, 1.05kg sub – Size: 4.8 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches (satellites), 5.9 x 7.7 x 8 inches (sub) – Drivers: 2-inch full range speakers driver – Supported Connectivity: none – Audio Inputs: 3.5mm stereo mini-jack – Outputs: none
Reasons to buy:
- Cheap compared to the rest
- Quality sound for the price
- Unique look
Reasons to avoid:
- Only 3.5mm input
- No other connectivity, wired or otherwise
You don’t have to break the bank to get these quality computer speakers. Creative’s Pebble Plus offers an excellent choice for those looking for an option in budget, whether you’re a gamer or a movie lover. While this 2.1 speaker system may not reach audiophile standards, it delivers impressive sound quality considering its affordability. In fact, within this price range, it’s challenging to find superior stereo sound.
Comprising two far-field drivers angled at 45 degrees and a downward-firing subwoofer, the Pebble Plus excels in delivering clear highs, mids, and lows. Remarkably, during our testing, it effectively minimizes distortion even at higher volumes, a rare feat for speakers in this budget category.
Certainly, there are some compromises, as one might expect from cost-effective peripherals, but none are substantial enough to dissuade you. Without a doubt, if you’re on a tight budget, this is the top pick for computer speakers.
Best Surround Sound Computer Speaker
SteelSeries Arena 9
Weight: 2.31kg (front satellites), 5.65kg (subwoofer) – Size: 4.13in x 4.97in x 7.72in (front satellites), 9.25in x 9.41in x 12.8in (subwoofer) – Drivers: 3-inch woofers, ¾-inch tweeters (front satellites), 2.75-inch woofers, ¾-inch tweeters (rear satellites), 2x 2.75-inch woofer, ¾-inch silk dome tweeter (center satellite), 6.4-inch downward firing woofer (subwoofer) – Supported Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth, Optical, Analog 3.5mm – Audio Inputs: USB, Optical, Analog 3.5mm – Outputs: Optical passthrough, Analog 3.5mm
Reasons to buy:
- Full, fun, and engaging audio
- Surround sound is epic and immersive
Reasons to buy:
- RGB lighting could be more extensive
- Needs a little extra space for setup
The genuine experience of true surround sound is irreplaceable. Enabling virtual surround sound on headphones or speakers merely approximates the full immersive encounter, and it’s rare to find a computer speaker setup that can genuinely provide a complete 360-degree audio experience.
Steelseries has addressed this issue with their flagship speaker system, the Arena 9. Comprising six distinct speakers, including two front satellites, a center channel speaker, two rear satellites, and a subwoofer, this 5.1 system accomplishes the task of instantly transporting you, just as it did for us, into your favorite games and movies.
The Arena 9 truly shines when it comes to gaming, as it brings audio elements to life, surrounding us as we shift our character’s perspective. With the subwoofer, every explosion resonates with a powerful rumble. Even when listening in stereo, the audio remains remarkably detailed, crisp, and captivating.
Therefore, if you’re contemplating an investment in a surround sound system, the Arena 9 stands out as a top choice. Just be sure to check if you have sufficient desk space to accommodate it.
Best Subwoofer
Razer Nommo V2 Pro
Weight: 5.84lbs (speakers), 10.14lbs (sub) – Size: 130 x 184 x 181 mm (speakers), 265 x 300.5 x 265 mm (sub) – Drivers: 2x 3.2-inch, 1x 5.5-inch woofer – Supported Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 – Audio Inputs: USB-C to USB Type A – Outputs: Sub via Bluetooth
Reasons to buy:
- Amazing, immersive audio
- Nice redesign
- Handy control pod
Reasons to avoid:
- Ambient lighting could be better
- Not exactly cheap
Razer’s highly anticipated successor to their best computer speaker system has arrived, and it surpasses its predecessor in ways we didn’t think possible. The Razer Nommo V2 Pro boasts significant improvements both in design and performance. It features a sleeker, more space-efficient design, although it’s not exactly what one would call compact. The addition of a wireless control puck enhances user convenience, and the overall audio quality is notably better.
The standout feature of this 2.1 system is its exceptional audio performance. During our testing, it delivered crisp, detailed highs and rich, prominent mids. Moreover, it provided a substantial dose of punchy bass and deep rumble that practically shook our reviewer’s apartment building. While the soundstage proved to be reasonably broad, the sound imaging was impressive. Switching to THX Spatial Audio heightened the gaming experience, adding immersion while maintaining a natural sound.
Admittedly, this level of speaker system excellence comes at a cost, and in the case of the Razer Nommo V2 Pro, it’s a rather steep one. However, if you have discerning audio preferences, this investment offers great value, especially when compared to more expensive audiophile systems.
Best speakers for gamer on budget
SteelSeries Arena 3
Weight: 1.04kg per speaker – Size: 4.57in x 5.98in x 7.95in – Drivers: 4-inch woofers – Supported Connectivity: Bluetooth, 3.5mm – Audio Inputs: 2x Analog 3.5mm, 3.5mm PC – Outputs: Bluetooth, Analog 3.5mm
PROS:
- Full, fun, and engaging audio
- Surround sound is epic and immersive
CONS:
- RGB lighting could be more extensive
- Needs a little extra space for setup
The Steelseries Arena 3 represents the company’s entry-level speaker offering, and consequently, it’s the most streamlined in their product lineup. While you won’t have the rear satellites featured in the Arena 9 or the subwoofer from the Arena 7, you can still expect quality sound, an immersive soundstage, and access to Steelseries’ new audio suite.
Upon listening to these speakers, we noted a robust mid-range and a spacious soundstage. Naturally, the bass doesn’t reach deep levels due to their compact size, and the high-end frequencies have a subtle veil.
Nevertheless, what impressed us is the extent to which you can customize the sound, thanks to Steelseries’ Sonar Audio Suite. Notably, it offers a parametric EQ that allows for more in-depth audio fine-tuning than what most gaming and computer-oriented speakers typically provide. If you have a setup with multiple devices, the Arena 3 simplifies the process with its two analog inputs and a multi-function button, enabling seamless switching between them.
Best PC Soundbar
Razer Leviathan V2 Pro
Weight: 5lbs (soundbar), 11.19lbs (sub) – Size: 600 x 113.7 x 90.1 mm (soundbar), 260 x 295 x 260 mm (sub) – Drivers: 5x 2-inch full-range drives, 1x 5.25-inch downward firing sub – Supported Connectivity: Bluetooth – Audio Inputs: USB – Outputs: 3.5mm
PROS:
- Powerful subwoofer with a lot of rumble
- Great sound imaging, wide soundstage
- Head-tracking AI
CONS:
- High end is lacking
- Mid range can be muddy
The Razer Leviathan V2 Pro sets a compelling example that a space-efficient setup can still deliver a truly immersive audio experience. This soundbar-subwoofer combination offers an exceptional audio solution for those seeking a 5.1 speaker system for their desk but facing space constraints.
Razer’s ingenious approach extends beyond merely incorporating five drivers into a single, relatively compact soundbar and adding a downward-firing subwoofer. The package includes thoughtful features like head tracking AI, various audio modes, and customizable RGB lighting, all of which contribute to an enriched audio experience. Surprisingly, this setup is more budget-friendly than you might expect.
While it may not be flawless, our testing revealed a shortfall in the high-frequency range and occasional muddiness in the mids. However, these drawbacks are offset by robust bass capable of shaking a small room, impressive sound imaging, and a remarkably expansive soundstage. Consequently, the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro stands out as one of our favorite computer speakers in 2023.
Best Studio Work Speaker
Vigilant Audio SwitchOne
Weight: 6.6lbs/pair – Size: 7.1 x 7.1 x 4.3 inches – Drivers: 4-inch full range – Supported Connectivity: Bluetooth – Audio Inputs: 3.5mm, RCA, ¼-inch – Outputs: Headphone
PROS:
- Great room-filling sound
- Solid connectivity
- Compact enough for any desk setup
CONS:
- Studio to Hifi switch is subtle
- Missing USB
The Vigilant Audio SwitchOne stands out for several compelling reasons. Firstly, these compact bookshelf speakers manage to deliver powerful, room-filling sound without the need for a subwoofer, and they do so admirably. Yes, they impress even in the absence of a sub.
What truly sets them apart is “The Switch,” a feature that transforms the SwitchOne from a high-fidelity stereo speaker setup into one with a flatter, more neutral frequency response, making it ideal for studio work. During our tests, we even found them suitable for mixing, although the shift in frequency responses was subtle.
While the speakers lack USB connectivity, they offer a comprehensive range of other connection options, including Bluetooth. Overall, the Vigilant Audio SwitchOne proves to be an excellent choice if you can do without USB connectivity and are willing to invest in a slightly higher-priced option.
Best Budget Speakers For Content Creation
Edifier MR4
Weight: 9.9lbs per speaker – Size: 140 x 228 x 197.5 mm (5.5 x 9 x 7.7 inches) per speaker – Drivers: 1-inch tweeters, 4-inch woofers – Supported Connectivity: Analog only – Audio Inputs: RCA, TRS, 3.5mm Aux – Outputs: 3.5mm headphone jack
PROS:
- Great sound quality
- Multiple (analog) inputs
- Inexpensive
CONS:
- Low-end is a little lacking
- EQ controls and modes a bit too subtle
- Only analog inputs
Upon our initial encounter with the Edifier MR4 studio monitors, we were genuinely impressed, especially when considering their price point. These speakers, for the most part, deliver exceptional sound quality that aligns closely with neutrality, making them suitable for content creation tasks, whether it’s fine-tuning audio for a podcast or mixing a musical composition.
Yet, given their affordable price, there are certain trade-offs to bear in mind. Most notably, the MR4’s low-frequency performance leaves something to be desired when operated at standard listening volumes, only becoming more substantial when cranked up. Even then, you won’t experience that deep sub-bass rumble often sought in movies or gaming (with no subwoofer output available). Additionally, while the multiple analog inputs are versatile for connecting to computers, audio interfaces, and external devices like phones, the absence of Bluetooth and USB connectivity is noticeable.
Nevertheless, a brief audition of the MR4 studio monitors and a glance at their price tag swiftly diminish any reservations, as their audio quality and affordability make the aforementioned concerns less significant.
Best Bluetooth Computer Speakers
Fluance Ai41
Weight: 3.86kg left, 3.37kg right – Size: 7.6in x 6.5in x 10.9in – Drivers: 5-inch woofers,1-inch silk-dome tweeters – Supported Connectivity: Bluetooth, RCA/3.5mm, Optical – Audio Inputs: RCA, Optical – Outputs: Subwoofer
PROS:
- Full, high-mid forward sound
- Multiple connectivity
CONS:
- No USB or USB-C
- Not quite enough volume for large spaces
The Fluance Ai41 has a notable drawback, lacking USB connectivity. However, with Bluetooth, RCA, and optical inputs available, overcoming this limitation allows you to experience exceptional sound quality that is hard to match in powered bookshelf speakers.
During our testing, we were pleasantly surprised by the impressive audio performance, especially the deep bass produced by the ported speakers. The bass is so substantial that the absence of a subwoofer is hardly noticeable. Additionally, the high-mids are subtly elevated, contributing to a bright yet rich audio output.
While the speakers may occupy a bit more desk space than ideal, we wholeheartedly endorse them. Unless you have an exceptionally compact desk or are constrained by budget considerations, these speakers are a fantastic choice. The one-inch silk dome tweeters and five-inch woofers deliver a glorious sound experience, particularly when you crank up the volume.
How to choose the best Computer Speaker?
Choosing the best computer speakers is trickier than picking a laptop or desktop. While a higher price might suggest better quality, the absence of clear metrics makes it more complex.
There are still some objective factors to think about. Some speakers only connect with a 3.5mm analog connection, while others have USB, optical, or Bluetooth options. For those who prioritize audio fidelity, a digital connection like USB or optical is crucial. If simplicity is key, Bluetooth-enabled speakers are a good choice. Thankfully, Bluetooth speakers now offer great sound. However, if budget is a concern, you’ll likely end up with speakers with an analog connection.
Consider the importance of low-end resonance. If you want speakers that can deliver a powerful kick during intense gaming or movie scenes, a system with a subwoofer is a good idea.
Think about the size of the speakers, especially if your space is small. Other features, like a remote or control pod for easy management, should also be considered.
The most critical consideration, sound quality, is subjective. Everyone has different preferences—some like heavy bass, others prefer a brighter sound, and some want a balanced output. Your choice will depend on whether you want strong bass, clear high-end, or a balanced sound.
FAQ's
What features define a quality computer speaker?
Differentiating top-tier computer speakers from average ones isn’t necessarily about specific features but rather how well they are executed. However, opting for speakers with digital connectivity, like USB, Optical, or Bluetooth, usually leads to better results. While analog speakers can still sound good, they often have a slightly more compressed audio quality.
Furthermore, some computer speakers come with user-friendly features for easier control. A remote or control pod is a useful addition, enabling users to adjust volume and potentially other settings without having to minimize their current activities, such as watching or playing.
Which brand speaker is best for PC?
There isn’t a definitive leader in the realm of top computer speakers. Numerous brands offer reliable options that cater to the audio needs of most users, whether it’s for movies, music, or games. The most suitable choice for you will depend on how you predominantly use your computer.
However, reputable peripheral companies like Logitech, Creative, and Razer consistently deliver quality products. Similarly, audio-focused companies like Audio Engine and Harmon Kardon are known for producing excellent speakers.
The potential pitfall with brands arises when attempting to cut costs by opting for lesser-known options from platforms like Amazon. While there might not be a singular best choice, it’s advisable to stick with recognizable brands with a proven track record of manufacturing high-quality speakers when aiming to make a budget-conscious decision.
How do I set up my computer speakers?
Most computer speaker systems typically consist of either 2 or 3 pieces, providing a left speaker, a right speaker, and sometimes a subwoofer. Setting them up is usually straightforward, but it’s crucial to go beyond merely placing each speaker on either side of your monitor or laptop. Ensure they are angled towards where your head typically is while sitting at your computer, and some speakers come pre-angled to assist with this. If you want a more immersive experience, you can widen the sound stage by moving the speakers further apart, maintaining a distance of a few feet.
Subwoofers are designed to be placed on the floor, as many are downward-firing, meaning the sound is intended to bounce off the floor before reaching you. Since subwoofers move more air than regular speakers, placing them on your desk can lead to unnecessary vibrations. Keep the subwoofer relatively close to your desk, either directly underneath it or off to the side.
Lastly, there are soundbars specifically marketed for computer use. If you have one of these, ensure it is centered with you to maximize its likely limited sound stage.
