All-in-one computers, gaming PCs, and laptops aren’t known for their stellar sound quality, and it’s worth investing in a set of computer speakers if you want to enjoy movies, games, and other content at higher volumes with better clarity. The best computer speakers offer a fuller sound with less distortion at high volumes because they have bigger mid-range drivers and include subwoofers for that extra bass.
Best portable speakers: Audiophile approved
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We tested computers and laptops all year and used many of the speakers below while gaming, listening to music, and watching content to see what they offered. Then, based on our findings, we made a list of the best computer speakers, ensuring we included a variety of set-ups for different price points, so there’s something for everyone.
Best computer speakers: Our favorite picks
Logitech Z906
1. Best overall computer speakers
Sound above all else
The Logitech Z906 offers authentic 5.1 surround sound in an easy-to-install, great-sounding speaker set. Its setup is simple, and the speakers are durable for years of use.
- True 5.1 experience
- Great sound
- Simple setup
- No wireless connectivity
- Needs space
Logitech’s Z906s have stood the test of time because of their basic setup and outstanding sound quality. As a 5.1 set, they include one subwoofer and four satellites with 550 watts of RMS power and are placed strategically around you for a true surround sound experience. They’re perfect for hearing where the gunshots are coming from in games, enhancing the sound of car chases in movies, or listening to your favorite band’s best live performance.
All four satellites plug into the subwoofer, which keeps things simple with RCA, 3.5mm audio in and out, and an optical port for home theaters and TVs. There’s no Bluetooth or wireless mode, so buyers with the latest smartphones need an adapter to connect. The four speakers, remote, and subwoofer have a business-like matte black appearance and long-term durability, but they’re starting to show their age and might be too conservative for adventurous buyers.
The Logitech Z906 speakers might have limited connection options, but they perform where it counts and deliver amazing surround sound. They’re the best speakers if you’re looking for affordable surround sound, but they need adequate space, and the extensive cabling might put off buyers looking for a plug-and-play setup.
KEF LSX II Wireless HiFi Speaker
2. Best premium computer speakers
Stylish streamer with many color options
The KEF LSX II Wireless speakers have a breathtaking design that looks like nothing else and offers fantastic sound quality in a compact package.
- Connects to most devices
- Loud, clear sound
- Eye-catching looks
- Premium pricing
- Complicated app setup
KEF’s LSX IIs are the best option if money’s no object, and you want versatile speakers that grab attention. They have a minimalist, retro-futuristic design in six eye-catching colors, like Lava Red, Olive Green, and Soundwave Beige, to match your decor or setup. Like compact bookshelf speakers, they don’t include a separate subwoofer but still offer booming high-fidelity sound and support most codecs and audio formats.
The best thing about the LSX II wireless speakers is their wide connection options that surpass most rivals, and they’re compatible with 2.4GHz and 5.0 GHz wireless frequencies and include Bluetooth, HDMI, and USB-C connections. App-control makes everything easier, and streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, and Amazon Music are included to access your favorite songs anywhere.
The KEF LSX II Wireless speakers don’t come cheap, but they justify their price with a mix of stunning designs unlike anything else out there and fantastic versatility for connecting to computers and tablets. More importantly, they deliver amazing sound, which is unbelievable considering their diminutive size.
Logitech G560 Speaker System
3. Best value computer speaker
Sound and light show
$180 $200 Save $20
The Logitech G560 speakers are a fantastic option because the two RGB satellites fit on most desks and are backed up with a subwoofer for extra bass.
- RGB isn’t for everyone
- Complicated setup
Logitech’s G560 is a jack of all trades designed primarily for gaming but has the chops to take on movies and whatever else you throw at it. The 2.1 design features an all-black subwoofer connected to a pair of compact 5.8 x 6.5 x 4.6-inch satellites, and they put out a total of 120 watts of RMS power. Adjusting the 7.1 DTS:X surround sound and other EQ settings is easy with Logitech’s G-HUB app, which also controls the RGB lighting.
Speaking of RGB lighting, each satellite has four programmable zones, which, depending on your preference, can elevate your setup with vivid colors or distract you while you’re working. They include environmental lighting that matches the RGB lighting to the onscreen colors of compatible games like Fortnite and GTA5 in real-time.
The G560 updates the 2.1 experience for the modern era by adding 7.1 DTS:X virtual surround sound and colorful lighting on the speakers. While the initial setup can be complicated because of all the wiring, it’s worth it once connected because of the booming sound and vivid lighting that can sync with other products in Logitech’s ecosystem.
Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2
4. Best soundbar computer speaker
Easy setup, great sound
The Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2 is easy to install and fits on most desks with a slim design that provides a 5.1 surround sound experience.
- Easy to set up
- Fits on most desks
- Great sound
- Isn’t cheap
- One listening angle only
Soundbars like the Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2 are usually easy to set up because they only have two components, and their long, slimline design makes them easy to fit on desks or out of the way under a monitor. The Creative soundbar measures 23.6 x 3.74 x 2.44 inches and has a gloss black design, RGB lighting, and mesh covering the two sets of mid-range drivers and tweeters inside. It’s accompanied by a large 50 x 367 x 367mm 5.9 x 14.4 x 14.4-inch subwoofer with a 165mm driver.
Connecting the Katana V2 to computers and TVs is easy with a wide range of physical ports, including USB-C, HDMI, and optical. You can also attach your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. Finding the right source and changing the volume is easy with the tactile buttons on the soundbar, and there’s a wireless remote for adjusting the RGB lighting and other advanced features.
Creative’s Sound Blaster Katana V2 might be a bit pricey, but it offers a 5.1 surround sound listening experience in a practical and easy-to-install package that should fit on most desks. Its excellent sound quality is worth it for games and movies, although you don’t get much adjustability, and the sound comes from one angle only.
Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4
5. Best design computer speakers
Art you can hear
The Harman Kardon Soundsticks turn heads with their timeless transparent style while offering excellent sound quality and ease of use.
- Eye-catching design
- Premium quality
- Excellent listening experience
- No 3.5mm cable included
- No app control
The Harman Kardon Soundsticks are now in their fourth generation with a timeless clear design to turn heads. They include two glass tower-like satellites with four 1.4-inch drivers in each, accompanied by a transparent domed subwoofer with a 5.25-inch driver for a combined power output of 140 watts.
Thankfully, there are no flashy lights to distract from the elegant design, although the subwoofer has a subtle white glow to tell you when it’s on. Connecting to the Soundsticks is easy via a 3.5mm cable or Bluetooth 4.2, but there’s no app control, and you can only adjust the volume and other settings with the touch controls on the subwoofer.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better-looking set of computer speakers than the Harman Kardon Soundsticks, especially at their competitive price. They aren’t the best if you’re looking for modern features like app-controlled EQs and USB-C or HDMI connectivity, but they offer clear sound and create more talking points than any rivals out there.
SteelSeries Arena 9 5.1 Gaming Speakers
6. Best computer speakers for gaming
Gaming Goodness
The SteelSeries Arena 9 provides immersive 5.1 Dolby Atmos and THX-certified surround sound in a stylish package with RGB lighting.
- 5.1 surround sound
- RGB lighting
- Compatible with most PCs and consoles
- Pricey
- Microphone is an optional extra
It’s easier for players to win games when they can hear enemy footsteps approaching, and the SteelSeries Arena 9 provides an immersive 5.1 surround gaming experience that puts you in the thick of things and adds another dimension to your gaming experience. The set has six speakers, including two front speakers, a dual-driver center speaker, a subwoofer, and two rear speakers for all-around sound. They are accompanied by a disc-like remote that adjusts the RGB lighting, volume, and other settings.
When it comes to connectivity, Arena 9 has a decent port selection with USB-C, optical, and a 3.5mm port. You can also use Bluetooth to play music from your iPhone or Android smartphone. The lighting on these speakers is kept to a minimum, with four lighting zones and several effects via the SteelSeries GG Engine app.
The SteelSeries Arena 9 speakers are superb for consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X and PC gaming because they put you at the center of the action. Their hefty price tag is reasonable for the quality on offer, but competitive players might be reluctant to fork out more for the Arena Wireless microphone to go with it.
Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT
7. Best home studio computer speakers
Mix it up
The Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT speakers come in black or white and offer an excellent sound for aspiring DJs.
- Available in black or white
- Excellent quality
- Inexpensive
- No Bluetooth
- No optical port
Aspiring DJs and producers wanting to practice at home can try the booming Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT speakers to try out their mixes. These speakers are fairly chunky thanks to each housing a 127mm subwoofer and 19mm tweeters, and there’s a Class D amp providing 25 watts of output per channel. They have a solid build quality that’s expected considering their beefy 10.32 x 10.12 x 6.89-inch design, with the left speaker a bit heavier at 8.6 lbs versus the right at 7.7 lbs because it houses the connectors and buttons.
The DM-50D-BTs come in black or white and include pro-level inputs for audio equipment, like a TRS jack, RCA, and 3.5mm audio in and out, but there are no Bluetooth or optical ports for smartphones and TVs. They still offer an incredibly detailed and balanced audio experience with special DJ and Production modes depending on what you’re using them for.
For relatively inexpensive speakers, the Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BTs punch above their weight in the sound quality department with two unique modes, offering a deep and detailed listening experience. Their high volume and impressive clarity make them the best option for home studios, but the lack of Bluetooth and wireless might put off casual buyers.
Creative Pebble Plus
8. Best budget computer speakers
Sound for all
$40 $50 Save $10
The Creative Pebble Plus speakers, which include two satellite speakers and a subwoofer, are simple to install and sound great for a low price.
- Amazing price
- Easy to install
- Powered by USB-C cable
- Limited connectivity options
- No EQ settings
The best computer speakers don’t need to be expensive, and budget-friendly options like the Creative Pebble Plus get the job done without costing an arm and a leg. It’s a no-frills 2.1 set with two black satellite speakers that look like spheres, with the top sliced off at 45-degrees to provide the best listening angle. Each contains a 50mm driver delivering 2 watts of output and combines with the 101mm driver in the subwoofer to offer a decent sound for movies and games.
The wired connections between the speakers are expected at this price point, but at least the Creative Pebble Plus doesn’t require a separate socket because it’s powered via a USB-C cable. Unfortunately, the USB cable is strictly for power only, and the only way to connect to computers or laptops is with a standard 3.5mm cable, with no Bluetooth or HDMI available.
Creative’s Pebble Plus speakers stand head and shoulders above similarly-priced rivals thanks to their unbeatable price. They may be rough around the edges, with limited connectivity options and no EQ settings, but they have excellent sound for the price and deliver superb performance for shows and gaming with a fun design.
The bottom line: which are the best computer speakers?
The Logitech Z906s are the best computer speakers based on sheer performance, and they’re tried and tested for durability by legions of fans worldwide. If you’re looking for something more upmarket and exclusive, the KEF LSX II speakers offer a unique design unlike anything else out there and make life easy with live-streaming, app control, and fabulous rich sound. Logitech’s G650s offer the most bang for the buck with a simple but effective 2.1 system with Bluetooth and a wireless remote for a low price.
Logitech Z906
Editor’s Choice
How did we choose the best computer speakers?
Our team members spend their days testing gaming laptops, 2-in-1s, and other devices all year and evaluating computer speakers while working and playing in the hope of finding the perfect set. They use sound quality, construction and features, and price as the main criteria to keep it simple on a level playing field. Sound quality isn’t easy to judge because speakers come at various price points and tiers. All the models listed here offer excellent sound for their price, with many at the top of their segments in terms of performance.
Construction and features refer to the quality and durability of the speakers, as well as extra features like RGB lighting and Wi-Fi. We chose models among the best of their classes at every price point, and all the picks listed here are suitable for daily use and shouldn’t need replacing anytime soon if they’re taken care of.
Value is among the most important factors because it greatly influences buying decisions. Everyone has different budgets and requirements, so we try to have options in every price category, so nobody’s left out. The picks listed here offer brilliant value, and even the premium options can justify their cost with outstanding sound or other features.
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FAQ
Q: Which brand of computer speaker is best?
There are many great computer speaker brands, and Logitech, Creative, and Harman Kardon are among the best.
Q: What speaker should I buy for my computer?
You can buy the Logitech Z407, SteelSeries Arena 9, Harman Kardon Soundsticks 4, or other great speakers for your computer.
Q: Can any speakers work with a PC?
Most speakers will work with a PC if they have a compatible connector like a 3.5mm jack or USB.
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