More Desktop Computer Speakers Worth a Mention
The market is crowded with computer speakers, and plenty of those I put through their paces are perfectly decent, yet each missed a place in the main list for some reason or other.
Creative Pebble Nova and Ruark MR1 MK3
The Creative Pebble Nova, priced at $240, is a pair of spherical speakers, each with an RGB glow encircling its foot, which makes them hard to overlook on a desk. Both units are sizeable and tilted upwards at 45 degree and buyers may choose between a flat base and raised stands. I thought the sound was enjoyable, reach across the whole frequency range, with genuine weight in the low end. Volume can rise far higher than any desk setup could need. I also liked the simulated surround effect during gaming.
Do not assume the Creative App is an afterthought: it has a wealth of settings, including a dialogue enhancement and RGB lighting controls. I liked the stand, but with two monitors on my desk it lifted the speakers too high. The touch controls also felt a bit temperamental, and I would suggest switching off the mode that saves power.
Ruark MR1 MK3, $599: A good pick for anyone who wants a retro look, with a fabric front, a black finish and a dial on the top. The soundstage is smooth and wide, so music comes across beautifully, and there is a respectable low-end thump even with no subwoofer attached. I found them equally agreeable for films and video calls, since voices come through very clearly, although deeper voices produced a little distortion during work calls. They are also rather big, perhaps too big for certain desks.
Soundbars and 2.1 Systems as Computer Speakers
OXS Thunder Pro, $600: This compact soundbar has a sci-fi appearance and RGB illumination, and has no separate subwoofer, so I was uncertain what it would deliver. Measuring 24 inches (0.61 m) in length and only 3 inches (ca. 8 cm) in height, it fitted neatly beneath my monitor. In the box you get a remote, a corded dial for adjusting settings and additional feet for tilting it upwards.
I was won over the moment the bass line of Dead Prez's “Hip-Hop” dropped, and the passive radiators started pulsing in and out. It delivers a wide soundstage, much more low-end punch than you would anticipate without a big subwoofer, and unexpectedly sharp treble. It carries Dolby Atmos certification and offers three separate modes for gaming. With the FPS setting switched on, the spatial audio was excellent: in Halo Infinite, I picked up a cloaked Elite's footsteps and grunts soon enough to dodge a fatal stab.
After using it, I have a favourable view of the OXS Thunder Pro. Even so, anyone who puts music quality first would get better sound from two standalone computer speakers paired with a subwoofer.
Gaming Computer Speakers Using RGB Lighting
Razer Nommo V2 Pro, $450: When every piece of your gaming kit comes from a single brand, getting it all to cooperate is simpler, and a single app handles the entire setup. If you are devoted to Razer, the Nommo V2 Pro is a 2.1 setup packed with appealing extras. Its stylish cylindrical speakers cast light from the rear and angle up towards your head. The big subwoofer connects tirelessly, which could help if you would rather leave the floor beneath your desk clear. The wireless puck for control works as a dial for volume, and pressing it mutes, plays or skips.
The bass is thumping, and the bids are warm and full, though the treble lacks a little crispness, especially at high volume. The sound is a good match for action films and gaming, with a low-end growl that you sense deep in your stomach. Connections are restricted to USB or Bluetooth 5.3.
I had trouble pairing the wireless puck, but the new firmware installed successfully after several tries. It still seemed slightly unreliable to me, and I disliked having to press and hold it to switch the units on. (They switch themselves off unless you turn off the energy-saving option.)
Razer Chroma RGB works with over 300 games, provides a range of effects and includes an ambient setting that responds to whatever is shown on your screen. The drawback is that you get just two zones of illumination, one in each speaker. Another irritation is that some options can only be changed through Razer Synapse, an app that feels heavy and can sometimes eat up your PC's resources.
Logitech G560 Lightsync, $250: Should you prefer to stick with Logitech, the G560 Lightsync is worth a look. It is a 2.1 setup pairing a large subwoofer with two speakers styled into an attractive loop, which cast RGB lighting on whatever is behind them. On sound, the bass drowns out the rest and the soundstage is badly defined, although Logitech's presets, or EQ tweaks you make yourself, can ease the problem.
For films and games the G560 is the stronger choice, as DTS:X Ultra simulated surround sound mimics a bigger speaker arrangement. Explosions land with a satisfying thump of bass, and in games the speakers do a reasonable job of conveying the direction sounds come from. Connection options are USB, a 3.5-millimetre auxiliary socket and Bluetooth 4.1.
Anyone who cares about lighting may feel let down by just four LED zones, even though plenty of presets and colours exist and the glow can track what is happening on screen. Bass swamps the sound, and I was not won over, but they represent decent value, especially as the cost has fallen sharply since they first went on sale.
SteelSeries Arena 7 for $299: The SteelSeries Arena 7 offers excellent sound and genuine flexibility. In the Arena range, this 2.1 setup strikes the best balance, combining a hefty sub with RGB lighting that the Arena 3 lacks, at a reasonably sensible cost. Setting up is easy: insert the USB cable and fit the speakers, shaped like pears, onto the base unit. These distinctive, adjustable speakers shine with RGB light at the bottom and back, and the right-hand one has a volume knob and a button for switching modes, with the headphone socket hidden behind it.
The soundstage is clear and precise, although the audio can seem flat and excessively bass-heavy, something you can fix in the SteelSeries GG app. In games the spatial audio is so convincing and precise that you can locate footsteps or a helicopter thudding nearer.
Connectivity is comprehensive: USB, Bluetooth 4.2, input and output via fibre-optic cable, and a 3.5-millimetre auxiliary socket. Prism RGB lighting can be synced with your other kit, made to pulse along with your tracks, or locked to a single colour. As a negative, the speakers stand fairly tall, and the bulky subwoofer can at times drown out everything else.
Budget Computer Speakers Worth a Look
The DX10 Desktop Speakers cost £13 and draw their power through USB. Bass is thin, and the sound is only moderately clear, yet nothing cheaper turned up in my search. Inside each speaker sits a single 10W driver of 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) that covers the whole frequency range and points at whoever is sitting in front of it. Controls amount to an on/off switch and a volume knob, and a headphone socket of 3.5 mm is included too. Availability is limited to the UK. For anyone working with a very small budget, they get the job done acceptably.
Edifier G2000 Pro, $250: This is an upgraded version of the Edifier G2000, offering 64 watts of power. Edifier has added a transparent casing and vivid RGB lighting from LED strips inside each speaker. Sound is marginally better, but the bass is still thin, and although some will like the futuristic glow, this small step up does not justify the far higher price. (It is a revised version of the cheaper model.)
Onkyo Creator GX-10DB, $160: These speakers produce a rich, warm sound and are the right size for a desk, and they come with tilted stands, though the stands are plastic. Connections are plentiful: USB-C, stereo RCA and optical, plus Bluetooth 5.3. They can get somewhat louder than the speakers we ranked first, but anyone after plenty of bass will need to add a subwoofer, and there is an output socket for one.
The negatives: the volume control is positioned at the rear of the speaker, so it is awkward to get at, the slender remote has a strange button layout, and the front light showing the selected input stays lit permanently. What annoyed me most was the auto-shutoff after 15 minutes of inactivity (Onkyo says this “feature” is required by eco-design regulation in Europe). For those with more space who want extra power, I also tried the Onkyo Creator Series GX-30ARC ($350), which is much louder and produces a satisfying low-end thump.
The Creative Pebble X Plus, at $116, is worth a look if the cheaper choice seems too small for you. A boxy subwoofer designed to go under your desk is included, and the larger speakers, which glow in RGB, can reach higher volumes while the sub adds a proper punch to the low end. Given the price, the sound is pretty decent. Against the V3 covered earlier, it offers better connectivity, with sockets for both headphones and a microphone along with Bluetooth 5.3, though each of those additions pushes up the cost.
Soundblade by BlueAnt, $100: If a prize existed for the best-looking soundbar, this curved BlueAnt unit would take it. With a woofer built into its casing, it produces impressively detailed audio and a genuine punch of low-end. Although it is meant to sit beneath your monitor, it cannot act as a riser or stand for the display, and BlueAnt warned me against placing objects on its top.
You can connect via USB-C, a 3.5-millimetre auxiliary cable or Bluetooth 5.3, though the voice prompts grate. Movies and games sounded fine, but a slightly murky mid-range and restrained treble count against it for music. A useful miniature remote comes in the box.
Creative Sound Blaster GS5, $95: It cannot quite match the output of the OXS Thunder Lite, but it is cheaper and offers the same connections, plus pleasing RGB lighting underneath as a bonus. A remote comes with it, along with capable software for adjusting the EQ and lighting. Clarity is lacking, and the low end is restricted, but for the money it is a sturdy, compact soundbar that sits neatly on a desk.
Logitech Z407, $114: Getting a full speaker setup for this little cash is a real feat. The speakers can be linked through USB, a 3.5-millimetre auxiliary cable or Bluetooth, and a wireless dial adjusts the loudness from the other side of the room. The build feels flimsy, and the audio is short on definition. Even so, the subwoofer thumps out satisfying bass, and the mid and highs remain reasonably clean provided you keep the volume from rising too far.
Razer Nommo V2 X, $150: These are Razer's cheapest computer speakers, and they produce audio that is good enough for music and stronger still for films and games, thanks in part to THX Spatial support, although low frequencies are weak. They look smart and keep things straightforward, with no subwoofer, no RGB glow and no remote. You connect via USB or Bluetooth, and adjustments can be made in Razer's Synapse app.
Computer Speakers I'd Steer You Away From
Each of these sets had a flaw that, in my view, outweighs its strengths.
OXS Thunder Duo X, $550: Powerful and very loud, this pair ships with a cordless collar-style unit that adds surround sound. Even so, the speakers are huge, far too large for my workspace, and honestly a little garish when lit up. Audio quality is reasonably good, and I enjoyed the surround effect when playing games, yet the collar unit is uncomfortable, particularly over long sessions (your office chair will matter). A version with a subwoofer is also available.
OXS Thunder Lite, $150: Compared with the dearer OXS Thunder Pro ($600), this small soundbar drops the additional features, which accounts for its much lower price. It gets very loud, provides simulated surround sound and arrives with a small controller. Unfortunately, the audio smears together, which makes it hard to tell where effects originate while gaming, and for something named Thunder, its base has woefully little punch. Connections include USB-C, a 3.5-millimetre auxiliary cable, HDMI or a fibre-optic port, and Bluetooth 5.0 is also available.
Edifier QR65, $370: Stylish to look at, with eye-catching lighting and a truly large, forceful sound, these suit music, movies, and gaming alike. Two angled stands come in the box, letting you aim the speakers at your ears. You get USB, RCA and Bluetooth 5.3 connections, plus USB sockets to charge gadgets. The controls work well, with a dedicated power and mode-switching control on the speaker at right. Their size is the catch: they are enormous and will not fit on most desks, mine included.
Creative Stage V2, priced at $150: This budget soundbar is well-equipped for connections, with HDMI ARC, plus USB, optical, Bluetooth 5.0 and a 3.5 millimetre auxiliary socket. However, its output is modest, the sound can come across as flat and murky, and the cable is too short for desks that raise and lower. The bass unit gives reasonable low-end weight, a remote is included, and I appreciate the Clear Dialog setting that makes voices crisper, yet better options exist.
House of Marley Get Together Duo, at $170: made from an attractive, environmentally friendly blend of fabric and bamboo, this pair of speakers won't cost much. Connection is through Bluetooth 5.0, RCA or a 3.5 millimetre auxiliary socket. There is no separate bass unit, the mid-range dominates the sound, and the top end feels thin. The right-hand speaker runs on a battery, so it can also be carried around as a portable unit, and the pair can sit on a shelf or work alongside House of Marley's Stir It Up record player ($160) (8/10, WIRED Review). As computer speakers, though, they are merely acceptable.
SteelSeries Arena 3, at $129: this entry-level model has a neat pear-shaped body, speakers that can be tilted and understated branding, and it plays at high volume. Bass is weak, fine detail disappears in the treble, and music comes out slightly blurry. Even loyal SteelSeries buyers have little reason to pick it over several of the options we recommend above. It has no lighting, no USB and no other extras.
Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System, at $445: THX-certified, this 5.1 setup includes an enormous bass unit, a quintet of satellite units, plus a control box at the centre. The styling looks old-fashioned and arguably a little ugly, and wiring has to be routed around the room. Surround effects are good, and a 3D mode can even turn stereo material into surround, but on the whole the system leans heavily on bass.
Is It Worth Buying Computer Speakers?
Most people's choice comes down to cost, but even inexpensive desktop speakers sound much better than a monitor's built-in audio. Headphones make a good substitute, though not everybody wants them on all day. Spending on audio equipment can be limitless, but I have kept to mid-priced desktop setups, from as little as $35 up to no more than $700.
Which Features Matter When Choosing Computer Speakers?
The answer varies from person to person. Buying a pair of PC speakers involves many trade-offs, so begin by working out your own priorities. In my case, one desktop computer serves for both work and play, which means the speakers must cope with video calls, marathon gaming sessions, music, and films. My standing desk and cramped monitor arrangement leave little space too, so I favour small, versatile models with generous cable lengths. These are the factors to consider:
- Sound quality: For most buyers this comes first, so get the finest audio your budget allows. Good speakers strike a balance between crisp voices, bright high notes and deep, rumbling lows. Anyone who wants bass they can feel in their chest needs a subwoofer, although that may be unwise if people live in the flat below you. If precise directional audio matters, consider a surround system with several speakers.
- Design: Think about the look. Since your speakers will sit in plain view, choose a style that suits your room.
- Brand: If your gaming gear already comes from one maker, you may want speakers from that same maker, as all of it can then be managed through a single piece of software. This matters most for speakers with built-in lighting, since your whole setup can then glow in sync.
- Extras: Some buyers regard these as unnecessary, but a handset for relaxing on the sofa or RGB illumination to add a splash of colour to your desk are bonuses found on pricier models. Choose speakers with a good variety of connections, so you can reuse them with other devices later. Most models include every cable required, but confirm this before purchase. For each set of speakers I recommend, I have noted what comes in the box.
Where Is the Best Place for My Desktop Speakers?
Tilt the speakers up by roughly 15 degrees, so each one aims at your ears. As you already know precisely where you will be seated, you can position them to get the best audio. Leaving them flat on the table and forgetting about them is a poor approach. Keep shifting them and tweaking their angle until you find the sweet spot for listening.
Are Speaker Stands Necessary?
Stands can improve sound quality, since they cut down on desk vibrations that make audio sound muddy. Stands with an angle also help send the sound towards your ears. A few brands, including Edifier and Onkyo, supply stands in the box; IK Multimedia and Razer provide adjustable bases or foldable feet; Audioengine offers stands as a separate purchase. Plenty of third-party options are also available online.
How Big Should My Computer Speakers Be?
Where room is tight, a compact pair of speakers is the sensible option. The compromise is that smaller units usually trail larger ones in power, loudness, and overall sound quality. Choosing a subwoofer means you need space for it under your workstation. A surround sound set-up calls for cables to be routed and speakers positioned at suitable points behind you. If your wide monitor rests on a bracket, a slim soundbar beneath it might suit best. Study the size of each model closely, and measure the room you have available before you buy.
How Should I Connect Computer Speakers to My PC?
Speakers offer a wide range of sockets and ways to link up. A USB cable generally gives the cleanest sound, since it passes the digital signal straight to the speakers' built-in digital-to-analogue converter (DAC), which will probably outperform the one on your computer unless you own a quality sound card. Still, the surest approach is to test each option and judge by ear.
Bluetooth is essential if you wish to link a phone or notebook computer without cables. Nearly every pair of speakers has a 3.5-millimetre auxiliary socket, and a few also include a headphone output. Be sure the speakers you fancy offer the connections you require. Also confirm that your PC or portable machine has enough spare ports, although a USB hub can always supply extra ones.
How Computer Speakers Are Tested Here
Each speaker set featured in this guide spent a minimum of one week under test, and in some cases longer. As I never wear headphones, the speakers handled my video calls across the working day, plus songs and podcasts, and then films and games after hours. Beyond the many games, shows, films, songs, and podcasts I enjoyed along the way, I played the same fixed set of test material on every system so that comparing them would be easier.
That test material featured the title Halo Infinite, the film Dune, and a playlist made up of “Hip-Hop” (Dead Prez), “The National Anthem” (Radiohead), “All Along the Watchtower” (Jimi Hendrix), “Hey” (Pixies), “Sabotage” (Beastie Boys), “A Day in the Life” (the Beatles), “Nothing Compares 2 U” (Sinéad O'Connor), and “Only God Knows” (Young Fathers).
