ElectronicsAudioComputers
The Best Computer Speakers On The Market
Your games will come to life with the greatest PC speakers. They enhance everything you do with movie theater-quality audio. Now, you could be pleased with the sound quality provided by one of the finest gaming headsets, and that's OK. But every now and again, it's good to untangle oneself from a constricting gaming headset, forget about the battery life, and simply relax while being bombarded with alien laser weapons or sick rhythms.
In Elden Ring, you'll hear every orchestral swell before a major fight, and in Hunt: Showdown, you'll hear every terrible stray gunshot. These speakers will suffice if your idea of relaxation is blasting music as loud as possible and jumping about like a lunatic.
One of the most important considerations when choosing the best PC speakers for your desk is the amount of space available. If you have the space, go for the traditional 2.1 left/right speaker configuration with a subwoofer placed under your desk.
Soundbars provide exceptional depth of sound and spatial audio. If you have bookshelves next to your PC, putting a Bluetooth soundbar up high can also work. Soundbars may be a better solution if you don't have enough room. Some even have a subwoofer to deliver some rump-shaking bass. Be aware, though, that decent speakers, like good gaming headphones, can be expensive. Thankfully, we've also included a handful more budget-friendly solutions.
Here Are The Best Computer Speakers
The Logitech G560 is the first of its kind
Pebble Plus with Creativity
Nommo Chroma by Razer
Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2 Soundbar
LG UltraGear GP9
MR1 Ruark
FAQ about the best computer speakers
The best gaming PC speakers
Weight: 3.9lbs (satellites), 12.1lb (sub)
Size: 5.8 x 6.5 x 4.6-inches (sats), 15.9 x 10 x 8.1-inches (sub)
Drivers: 6.5-inch subwoofer, 2-inch tweeters
Connectivity: USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth
+Lightsync RGB lighting that is completely immersive
+DTS:X Virtual Surround is used.
-In standby mode, RGB LEDs do not turn off.
-Even at low volume, it's quite loud
RGB lighting is either something you adore or something you despise. The PC Gamer staff is split on this issue as well, but there is one thing we can all agree on: Logitech's G560 Lightsync feature is far from gimmicky. This is the RGB product we'd recommend if you want to improve your PC gaming experience.
The software from Logitech lets you pick between two speaker control options. For lights, hardware control replaces software with Bluetooth or AUX input. A soothing rainbow color cycle serves as an audio visualizer, flashing and brightening in time with the music's beat. You can pick between fixed color, color cycle, breathing, audio visualizer, and screen sampler lighting modes when you switch to software control.
The G560, on the other hand, shines in the screen sampler. The program takes user-defined sections of the screen and spreads the colors outwards to produce a more immersive lighting experience, similar to ambient TV backlighting devices. Because the rear-facing LEDs are responsible for a large part of this effect, the speakers should be placed immediately next to your display, with their backs against a wall, for the best results. However, if you get it properly, the impact is stunning.
The best budget computer speakers
Size: 4.5 x 4.8 x 4.5-inches (sats), 5.9 x 7.7 x 8-inches (sub)
Drivers: 4-inch subwoofer, 2-inch tweeters
Connectivity: 3.5mm
+Affordable
+Tiny footprint
+Extremely clear
-A tangle of wires
-The bass isn't as strong as it could be.
When looking for low-cost PC speakers under $50, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the options. It doesn't help matters that reputable brands provide a variety of products in the same price range. Although the low-end variations are minor, the Creative Pebble Plus speakers set themselves apart from the competition with their large sound despite their small size.
These speakers produce clearer sounds than competitors using two to three times the amount of power, thanks to their total power output of 8W. Despite the fact that they don't create the loudest sound, we discovered negligible distortion even when the volume was turned all the way up. The main criticism is that there is no bass control to accompany the handy volume knob on the right speaker.
Although the Pebble Plus speakers lack sheer power, they make up for it in clarity. Because the speakers are small enough to fit on any constrained desk surface, we highly recommend them for students and others who move about a lot. They're the most portable system we tested, and they worked best in a tiny room or dorm.
The Creative Pebble Plus speakers, like any other pair of speakers under $50, are easily outshone by a mid-range set, but we found them to be the obvious winner for gamers on a budget.
Best speaker and subwoofer combo for around $100
Size: 13.5 x 10.7 x 8.4-inches
Drivers: 2.3-inch tweeters, 5 inch subwoofer
Connectivity: 3.5mm, Bluetooth, micro usb
+Adjustable wireless control knob
+Easy to install
+A sound that booms
-Cable runs that aren't too long
The Logitech Z407s are quite much the most deceptively fantastic PC speakers on the market. This 80W speaker system may be effortlessly connected to your phone, gaming laptop, or PC through Bluetooth, 3.5mm headphone port, or micro USB. In keeping with the wireless idea, I adored the wireless control knob, which allowed me to manage my media with pleasurable spins.
The extremely short 4ft wires, which limit the ways you can put them up, were unsatisfactory. The ability to position the speakers vertically or horizontally, on the other hand, is a wonderful addition. For a speaker set that costs only $80, the sound is remarkably balanced, making it a solid yes for anyone wishing to improve their current dinky desktop speakers.
The best computer speaks with RGB
Size: 5.5 x 6.7 x 8.7-inches
Drivers: 3-inch
Connectivity: USB, 3.5mm
An RGB palette that's both fun and delicate
A sound that booms
The Razer Nommo Chroma is a significant improvement over your old desk speakers. The enormous cylindrical speakers, which resemble the engines of the USS Enterprise, deliver crisp, clear audio with powerful bass. The RGB ring beneath the speakers is also a wonderful addition.
Razer's Nommo Chroma competes directly with numerous other alternatives on our list at $130. The Nommo may not offer the same sound quality or feature set as the Logitech G560, but if you have the desk space, they're a good choice for PC gamers who want a pair of great-sounding speakers without a subwoofer.
Best gaming soundbar and subwoofer
Weight: 3.4lbs Sound Bar, 14.1lb (Sub Woofer)
Size: 23.6 x 3.7 x 2.4-inches (Sound Bar) 5.9 x 14.4 x 14.4-inches (Sub)
Drivers: 2.5-inch (64mm) Upfiring Midbass Drivers, 1.3-inch (34mm) High-excursion Tweeter, 5.25-inch (133mm) Subwoofer Driver
Connectivity: Optical, 3.5mm, Bluetooth, NFC, USB-C, AUX
+Versatile
+Excellently designed
+A large number of links
-Problems with Bluetooth
-Pricesy for a soundbar
-Large enough to fit some workstations
We haven't had a soundbar on this list in a long time. The reason behind this is that many soundbars are calibrated and designed for TVs rather than PC gaming. Often, the soundbar is either too wide or too tiny for your workstation, and the sound is flat. With a sleeker design and, more crucially, better-sounding tweeters and subwoofer, the Sound Blaster Katana V2 is a major boost over last year's model.
Bright RGB lighting accentuates the underside of the bar and adds a little flair to the Katana V2. The 5.25-inch drivers in the subwoofer provide the V2 that extra kick in the butt when you're playing shooters while also providing a nice soundscape for music listening. Thanks to its numerous connectivity possibilities, it may be hooked into almost anything you possess.
The Katana V2's drawback is its steep $350 price tag, which makes it more expensive than other gaming soundbars on the market today. Another issue was configuring premium features like SXFI and Battle mode, which required the use of a clunky software. We were irritated by some strange Bluetooth connectivity troubles. Surprisingly, the fix was always cycling through different inputs. The approximately 24-inch soundbar can be a tight fit if you have a small workstation or don't have much space to spare.
The Sound Blaster Katana V2 soundbar is fantastic. It's tiny enough to fit on your desk without taking up too much space, but loud enough to be used as a sound system in your living room (thanks to its subwoofer).
Best wireless speaker
Size: 14.8 x 3.3 x 4.2-inch
Drivers: Tweeter 20mm x 2, Woofer Unit 2-inch x 2
Features: DTS, built-in microphone, EQ, app support
+Wireless
+Amazing Surround Sound
+Excellent battery life
-Extremely costly
-The microphone is in need of repair.
At first appearance, the GP9 appears to be a conventional gaming soundbar. There's a lot more to it than that. For starters, one of the GP9's numerous tricks is that it can function as a Bluetooth speaker with a battery life of roughly 5 hours. So you can bring this small speaker into the living room and use it to improve the sound on your TVs (if it's Bluetooth) or link it to your phone and listen to music on the move.
Using its FPS mode option, the tiny three-pound, 15-inch speaker performs a remarkable job of producing realistic 3D surround sound. If it's late and you truly can't hear anything, the speaker will also emit 7.1 simulated surround sound to any headset with a 3.5mm headphone connector that you plug into it. It works with a variety of devices and consoles, and an intuitive smartphone app handles all of your modifications, including RGB lighting and EQ options.
This Bluetooth speaker also has a built-in mic for voice conversation, which you won't find in any of the other entries on the list. My voice was crisp and sounded fine between work calls and Discord chats. During more hectic Back 4 Blood sessions, though, I had some trouble distinguishing between voice chat and the sounds of gunshots and zombie death gargles. When things become crazy, it's difficult to hear your teammates, much alone try to talk to them without feeling like you have to scream to be heard, despite the in-game sound-canceling doing its best.
The GP9 does pretty much everything and then some, which explains the astronomically expensive $499 price tag. However, if you're looking for a rather versatile gaming speaker that sounds great and can do it all, this is the speaker for you. The built-in microphone is excellent, but for team games that demand a little more cooperation, I don't see it replacing a headset/microphone combo.
Best looking computer speakers
Weight: 7.7lbs per pair
Drivers: Ruark Audio 20mm, long throw 75mm woofer
Connectivity: Bluetooth, optical, 3.5mm
+Exquisitely Designed
+Excellent Sound
+Small in size
-There is no USB port
-Failure to include gaming elements
The MR1 isn't one of the best-looking bookshelf speakers we've tested this year, but it is one of the most powerful tiny Bluetooth speakers we've tested. The Walnut finish and gray fabric grill exude a sense of sophistication. The MR1s don't disappoint in the sound arena, delivering very robust music and managing to hit you with some solid bass without the need for a subwoofer (though you can plug one in).
While the MR1 is without a doubt one of the best PC speakers we've ever heard, they're not gaming speakers. There are no custom EQs or preset game modes, however I'd say that these powerful speakers are already perfect and don't need to be improved. These Ruarks make listening to music a joy right out of the box, and they transform chaotic action games like Back 4 Blood into near-cinematic experiences.
However, I was disappointed to learn that USB was not listed as a viable connection. This limits you to Bluetooth, Optical, and 3.5mm connections, which isn't the worst thing in the world, but having to plug in a PS5 through 3.5mm from the Dualsense controller isn't the most elegant solution.
The outstanding sound quality and style of the Ruark MR1 Bluetooth speakers make it a terrific pick for anyone wishing to spice up their workstation despite the absence of gaming functionality. But, after ten minutes of listening to these speakers in action, you won't care about any of it.
Is a 2.1, 5.1, or 7.1 configuration required?
For the PC market, you'll generally find 2.1 setups with simply left/right channels plus a subwoofer—and in some cases, a 2.0 setup without a subwoofer. That's mostly because it meets the requirements for a desktop and monitor, with the speakers placed in front of the user for good stereo sound.
In most situations, living room speaker configurations and home cinema systems will go a step further, with at least five surround speakers. You could connect such a system to your PC as well, and get great support for it, but due to the sheer number of wires involved around a single desk, we're hesitant to endorse it. It's not worth contemplating.
Some firms, such as Microsoft's Sonic function, will tout virtual 5.1 to compensate for the lack of actual speakers, typically at the price of sound quality. Remember that many games use smart 3D audio techniques to generate positional game sounds with pinpoint accuracy, so you might not want much assistance.
How do we put computer speakers to the test?
We put each set of speakers to the test in-game for many hours, playing titles like Doom Eternal, Call of Duty: Warzone, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, and Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, all of which have rich soundtracks and sounds. Following that, we conducted listening tests using samples from Jurassic World and different lossless FLAC albums, including Daft Punk's Random Access Memories and Psychic from Darkside.
With gaming in mind, the left/right balance was one of the most critical things to examine. We used geri43's CS: GO Audio Test Chamber workshop project to check this in-game. It's a basic map that lets you recreate many in-game sounds, such as ladder movements, sniper scopes, shooting, footsteps, and so on. We were able to change the sounds' location by moving around the map or hiding behind a wall, and we were able to evaluate how quickly we could identify their direction with the speakers by moving around the map or hiding behind a wall.