Wearing headphones for hours on end while gaming can be annoying and restrictive.
This is where a pair of proper computer speakers come in handy and whether you want a better gaming experience or just enjoy clear music at your desk, you need a great pair of PC speakers.
Computer audio systems can be tough to shop for as there are so many different types for different purposes, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
We tested, reviewed, and listed our favorite speakers of every single category you might be interested in, and hopefully, this will help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Best 2.0 Computer Speakers
1. Bose Companion 20
About: 2x 2.75″ / 7cm wide-range drivers, Bose TrueSpace technology, Control pod, HDMI & Jack connectivity.
Incredibly rich sound quality, in part due to Bose TrueSpace tech- Surprisingly deep bass for 2.0 speakers
- Easy to set up
- The included jack cable feels a bit cheap
Very few companies have as much experience and authority when it comes to speakers of any kind as Bose, and that shines through with the incredibly popular Companion 20. While gaming or computers have never been Bose’s main priority, that has not stopped them from crafting some of the best pairs of speakers for exactly that.
With the Companion 20, you get the signature Bose sound and build quality put into two handsome and compact speakers made for PC use. Despite being a simple 2.0 speakers set up, it has incredibly rich sound effects, and the Bose TrueSpace technology creates a much broader and immersive sound experience than what you usually get from 2.0 speakers. Considering they might not have a stand-alone subwoofer, the bass is surprisingly deep.
On top of their brilliant performance and build quality, they are also straightforward and easy to both use and set up. The Bose Companion 20 is a pair of simple plug-and-play speakers that work the second you plug them in, and the control pod makes adjusting the speakers a joy. The Bose 20 Companion is by far our favorite pair of 2.0 speakers within a reasonable price class as it manages to create the same deep and rich sound as a 2.1 set but without having to find room for a large subwoofer.
2. Audioengine A2+
About: 2.0 setup, 60 Watts peak, 15W RMS, 2.75″ aramid fiber woofers(drivers), 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, RCA and USB inputs, 65Hz-22kHz frequency response.
- Perfect size for desktop use
- Unparalleled sound quality in it’s price range.
- Bass quite strong for a 2.0 setup
- No remote control included
Over the last decade, Audioengine has gone from a smaller company that made very little noise in the industry to one of the top developers of quality sound systems at reasonable prices, and the A2+ is a testament to that.
While it is one of Audioengine’s cheaper models, they have not skimped on their product here, and for the price, the A2+ is filled with powerful specs and a quality build, and most importantly, it also has some of the best in class audio on the market.
It is no coincidence that the Audioengine speakers consistently score so high with consumers and reviewers; they quite simply make phenomenal audio systems at very fair prices. Audioengine remains an independent company that is run by passionate people, and that shines through with everything from their products to their customer service.
Read our full review of the Audioengine A2+ here.
Best 2.1 Computer Speakers
1. Logitech G560 Lightsync
About: 240 Watts peak, 7.1 DTS:X Ultra Surround sound, Down-firing subwoofer, Lightsync technology, Bluetooth.
- Great sound quality with a strong bass
- Exceptionally immersive surround sound feel for a 2.1 set up
- Bluetooth makes it easy to swap between PC and phone use
- LED lighting works in sync with most big games to create a more immersive gaming experience
- The default bass might be a bit too strong
Logitech has always been at the forefront when it comes to creating fantastic 2.1 speaker setups for gaming and computer use in general, and the G560 Lightsync is one of their best ones yet. Logitech has filled the G560 with all the latest technology and some serious firepower for them to create one of the most immersive gaming experiences yet.
The thing that puts the G560 above all other 2.1 in our book is that they were explicitly crafted for gaming purposes, and it shows. They have an impressive 240 Watt peak and a unique driver set up created just for gaming, which works together with the DTS:X integrated surround sound feature that creates a 3D sound experience that you usually only see with 5.1 speaker setups.
The G560 sounds not only great but also looks stunning with the subtle, modern design that has integrated Lightsync technology with beautiful RGB lighting. You can match the LED lights with your current PC set up or any other color you might want, but you can also choose to make it match the in-game color pallets, which creates an almost transcending immersive experience. This also works with music as the audio visualizer will make the LED work together with the music playing. The Logitech G560 is not only our favorite 2.1 speakers on the market but also the best gaming speakers of its price class in our honest opinion.
2. Edifier USA S330D
About: 72 Watts peak, 2 drivers, multimedia compatible, control pod, 140Hz – 20kHz frequency response.
- Subwoofer and speakers compliment each other perfectly
- Has a very qualitative and durable feel to it
- Very easy to use and to set up
- No bass adjustment on the control pod
This subtle 2.1 computer speaker setup from Edifier might be far less flashy than the Logitech G560, but that has nothing to do with its actual performance. What it doesn’t have in flashiness and lighting it makes up for in superb sound quality and strong bass that perfectly balance the overall audio.
As I said, it is by no means flashy, but that does not mean it doesn’t look good. The black piano-like housing for speakers and subwoofer gives it a distinct, sleek look and a very qualitative feel. The S330D does feel and look a lot more high-end than they are, and their durability and quality feel are where they start to outdo the G560 setup.
The Edifier S330D is the subtle and more classy approach to a 2.1 speaker set that offers a ton of quality for your buck. While it might not go as high as the G560, it’s sound quality is undeniably crispy, and the speakers and subwoofer work in perfect sync. On top of that, it is also incredibly simple to set up, and unlike the Logitech speakers, they do not have any software or anything. You just plug them in, and you are good to go. I would recommend the S330D to anyone looking for a more down to earth option than the G560.
Best 5.1 Computer Speakers
1. Logitech Z906
About: 5.1 surround sound, THX certified, 500 Watts, works for any media, 165 Watts subwoofer.
- Immersive surround sound setup
- Fantastic sound quality with a booming bass
- Very diverse connectivity
- Has a lot of cables which can be annoying
For some people, two speakers just won’t cut it, and if that is the case for you, then look no further than the Logitech Z906 5.1 surround sound system. This THX-certified surround sound system from Logitech is extremely powerful and works for both PC and TV use. Unless you are willing to spend a lot more on your 5.1 sound system, then the Z906 is second to none, and no 5.1 speakers in the same price class can compete.
These beautiful speakers can deliver 500 watts continuously and even peak up at around 1000 watts when pushed, which is supported perfectly with the booming, well-rounded bass from the subwoofer. The Z906 is not only powerful but also very flexible. Its diverse array of connectivity options makes it ideal for any form of entertainment, whether it is for listening to music on your phone, playing games on your PC, or watching a film on your TV.
2. Logitech Z607
About: 5.1 surround sound, 160W peak / 80W RMS, 2.1 modes, Bluetooth, multimedia compatible, wireless remote control.
- Oustanding value for your buck
- Superb audio quality for it’s price tag
- Can switch between 2.1 & 5.1 sound
- Bass feels a bit over the top
Very few 5.1 surround sound systems feel like they were crafted for computer gaming use, but the Z607 is one of them. While not nearly as powerful as most home theater systems or even the Z906, this system works as an affordable alternative to its high-end big brother, and it is tough to overstate how much value for your money you get with the Z607.
The small and compact size of the Z607 speakers makes it quite easy to fit this into your gaming setup compared to most 5.1 systems, and while the audio quality is not high-end, it is still pretty fantastic. So if you are not a stout audiophile, you will likely be more than happy with the quality of the Z607. All and all, a fantastic budget option in the 5.1 categories.
Read our full review of the Logitech Z607 here.
Best Computer Soundbars
1. Sound BlasterX Katana
About: 5.1 surround sound, 5-driver design, multimedia compatible, Programmable LED lights, 2,5” midbass drivers.
- Incredibly immersive sound experience
- Very powerful audio & bass delivery
- Small and sleek design and very easy to set up
- Perfect for gaming
- Very small remote
A soundbar audio system is the perfect solution for gamers that want a 5.1 surround sound experience but don’t want to deal with the spacing issues and general hazzle of such a system. With a soundbar you can have your cake, and eat it too and there are no better soundbar for gaming right now than Sound BlasterX’s Katana.
While a soundbar will never be able to fully recreate the sound experience of a real five-speaker surrounds sound setup like the Z906, it is incredible just how close the Katana gets. The Sound BlasterX Katana is quite small and looks very slick, which is why it’s 5.1 performance is so impressive and borderline unbelievable.
Just like the Katana’s of ancient Japan, this speaker uses a sharp and effective design to get the job done to perfection. The Katana might not be the biggest or most flashy speakers on the market, but the five driver design delivers a performance that is hard to argue with.
2. Razer Leviathan
About: 5.1 Dolby surround sound, 180Hz – 20KHz response rate, multimedia compatibility, Bluetooth.
- Specifically crafted for gaming
- Powerful 5.1 Dolby sound quality
- Fantastic value for money
- No remote control
The Razer Leviathan is an excellent, slightly cheaper alternative to the Sound Blaster Katana soundbar with best-in-class audio quality and sleek design. One glance at the Razer Leviathan, and it is quite clear that this 5.1 system was crafted specifically for gaming. It fits perfectly below a 24-inch monitor, but while we do prefer the Leviathan for desktop gaming, it also does a great job in the console department.
The single speaker set up does a fantastic job at mimicking the immersive feel of a five-speaker surround sound system, and I would recommend this to anyone looking for a compact surround sound solution for PC gaming.
The 5.25” subwoofer and duo driver speakers create some of the best sound quality you can get at around 200 dollars, and it is our favorite gaming soundbar of its class. The Razer Leviathan is the ideal option for anyone looking for an affordable, compact, and immersive audio system for their gaming setup.
Best High-end Speakers
1. Audioengine A5+
About: 2.0 setup, Watts peak out at 150, 50 Watts RMS, 75W pr. channel, .5mm stereo mini-jack, 5″ aramid fiber woofers.
- Pristine build quality & finish
- Excellent sound quality
- Slick, classy look
- No Bluetooth
The A5+ by Audioengine is our high-end pick, and quite frankly it is the best sounding one amongst all the ones listed here. If you are willing to sacrifice a bit of desk space, you want excellent sound quality in return, and the A5+ delivers.
Across frequencies, the lows, highs & mids all sound crisp, providing a luxurious experience. The analog amplifiers these uses are indeed pretty warm sounding, which we liked. It’s available in 3 options the traditional black option looks impressive while the bamboo and white set will offer a clean finish to your PC setup. It’s worth noting that these speakers are about 11 inches high, meaning they are quite large as well, and it’s almost like having a couple of mini-subwoofers beside your screen.
These speakers are not exactly cheap, but the sound quality does validate the price tag to a certain extent. But it doesn’t go lower than 50Hz (frequency response is 50 Hz to 22 kHz), which means you need a 2.1 solution like the BOSE if you want more bass. We do need to mention that the speakers do have excellent bass on their own, but if you need more oomph, then it might be better to pair these with the Audioengine S8 subwoofers. As far as premium bookshelf speakers go, it doesn’t get much better than the A5+.
2. Razer Nommo Pro
About: 2.1 system, Virtual surround sound, THX certified, Dolby surround sound, RGB lighting, Multimedia compatibility, control pod.
- Very powerful bass and virtual surround sound audio
- Unique design with beautiful LED lighting
- Crafted specifically for gaming purposes
- A bit overpriced
The Razer Nommo Pro gaming speakers from Razer is everything you might expect from a high-end Razer product. Very flashy and fantastic performance. While most people don’t want to spend this kind of money on a gaming audio system, there is no denying that you do get a different kind of sound quality at this price range.
The THX-certified speakers create an incredibly immersive experience despite being a simple 2.1 speaker set up due to the downward-firing subwoofer and expertly directed drivers. Speaking of bass, the subwoofer in the Razer Nommo Pro is nothing short of a beast and will be able to shake your entire room if you so wish it. Luckily the speakers are as adjustable as they are powerful, and you very conveniently adjust everything from the bass to the LED lighting.
While I do prefer the sound quality in the A5 speakers slightly, The Razer Nommo Pro is crafted explicitly for gaming, and you can feel it. The sound is laser-focused, and whether you want to hear every footstep while playing Counter-Strike or just want a more immersive experience, the Razer Nommo Pro is an excellent pick.
Best Affordable Speakers(Below 150$)
1. Edifier R1700BT
About: 66 Watts RMS, 2.0 setup, double AUX input, Bluetooth, remote control included, 4-inch bass driver, 60Hz ~ 20kHz frequency response.
- Bluetooth for full wireless experience
- Fantastic build and sound quality for it’s price range
- Deep bass for a 2.0 setup
- Remote control is quite limited
The right mixture of low-end bass, crystal clear highs & resounding mids are hard to come by & the Edifier has all of the above. The Bluetooth connectivity, the finish & the sound quality put together to offer amazing value for audiophiles as well as everyday users.
If you are wondering why we picked this one in particular instead of other great options, in a nutshell, the sound quality is amazingly good for this price point. So why is it not the winner in this category? Well, the Klipsch is a 2.1 system that offers a lot that the Edifier does with even better bass. One could argue that you can’t directly compare the Edifier with the Klipsch, which is true, but overall the two picks will appeal to different people based on preference alone.
The inputs are primarily RCA, but you do get 3.5mm to RCA cables, or you can just use the Bluetooth input, which makes it so much easier and reduces the number of wires lying around. The controls are on the side, which means you don’t have to reach around the back to adjust the bass & treble, which is the case with most solutions in the market today. The upward titled design is offering a 10-degree slant aimed at aiding the experience for the listener.
As for the sound like we mentioned earlier, it is excellent across all frequencies, but it does have a warmer tone and crisper treble that you mind on many good bookshelf style speakers in comparison to 2.1 solutions. Some users did mention the excessive bass prevalence at times.
2. Logitech Z537
About: 2.1 system, 60W RMS/120W Peak, Bluetooth, cross-platform compatibility, control pod.
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Booming bass and good overall sound quality
- Compact & easy to use
- Sound clarity is a bit lacking compared to the Edifier
This sleek 2.1 audio system from Logitech is admittedly not quite as evident in its sound as the Edifier R17, but what it doesn’t have in clarity it makes up for in bass power, great design, and overall ease of use. This is not to make it sound like it’s audio is unclear because it has a rather remarkable sound quality for its price range, just not quite a much as the R17.
What makes the Z537 great is the stylish and compact design, which makes it convenient to set up and will fit on any desk. On top of that, the control pod and Bluetooth features further enhance the ease of use and make them a real joy to use.
Another thing that makes it worth considering compared to the Edifier speakers is the fact that it has a crafty stand-alone subwoofer that brings a lot of Watts to the party. While some might prefer the simplicity of a 2.0 system, this subwoofer does make the sound and feel of the speakers more powerful.
Best Budget Computer Speakers(Below 100$)
1. Bose Companion 2
About: 2.0 setup, Multimedia compatibility, auxiliary input.
- Best performance in price class
- Rich, deep sound quality
- Bass is a bit weak
Among the others, we tested the Bose companion 2 was one of the more effective options. It’s not often you find BOSE speakers at this price point, and these multimedia speakers surprised us quite a bit with the quality across volume levels. When considering our low-end models, the companion 2 probably has the best sound on offer. It is a pricier option in comparison to the Logitech.
Despite being their most affordable option, Bose indeed didn’t hold back as these produce a pretty balanced sound with mild bass. As is the case with most stereo systems, the deep end performance can only go so far. Another great thing about these is that there’s no distortion even at max volume. Despite being very affordable, it is quite impressive how much quality sound you can get for just below 100 dollars. Once again, Bose shows off their expertise as one of the best in the business.
If your budget is higher than the Acoustics or Z313 but lower than the Edifier, then the Bose 2 is a no-brainer, in our opinion.
2. Swans M10
About: 2.1 system, 8W x 2 RMS, 20Hz – 20kHz response rate.
- Compact & sleek design
- A lot of bass for your buck
- Sound quality begins to crack at very high volume
Now, if you want a bit more bass in this price range, then the M10 Swans is a perfect option. I will admit that regarding pure sound quality, the Bose Companion 2 is the better system, but due to the 2.1 set up, these do offer some quite heavy bass for its price class.
Now, I am not going to lie, if you are a certified audiophile then the M10 will not make you happy, the sound tends to get unclear at high volume, but honestly, that is to be expected at this price range.
Our biggest gripe with the M10 speakers is the fact that the volume adjustment is on the subwoofer, which is traditionally located below the desk or otherwise out of reach. Now that said, the M10 is more than compact enough to fit all three pieces onto your desk.
The M10 is a bit more affordable than the Companion 2 and still offer decent sound quality and robust bass. What I love, though, is the unique, compact, and white design that makes it easy to squeeze into your gaming setup.
Best Cheap Computer Speakers(Below 50$)
1. Cyber Acoustics CA-3602FFP
About: 2.1 system, 62 watts peak & watts RMS, 5.25 inch Power Pro bass driver, duo drivers.
- Best in class sound quality
- The control module is great
- A little polar with the highs & lows drowning out the mids
There are many great speaker options with marginal differences in the mid-range category but the budget category is a bit more straightforward we felt. After extensive testing, we thought that the Cyber Acoustics 2.1 & the Logitech Z313 are a cut above the rest.
The sound quality of the Cyber Acoustics and the Z313 is pretty similar, but the former does have a higher peak and RMS power. The speakers are elegantly designed, and the set comes with a control pod for volume, bass, and even a headphone output jack, which makes it a versatile solution for gamers too.
Despite the control pod being a tad flimsy its adds a bit more overall utility when compared to the Logitech. This feature, coupled with the sound quality on hand, makes it an excellent pick for gamers on a budget.
Unlike most options on our list, these don’t work well enough when used with a TV. The quality just doesn’t cut it. One downside associated with these is that the speakers are pretty top-heavy, meaning they can tip over a lot unless your desk is devoid of anything but the speakers, which is rarely the case. We had to shift it around with care, too, during testing. The sound quality is quite comparable to the Logitech, which is our runner-up as it’s an even simpler solution than this. A bit of tinkering with the settings on the computer and the sound can be quite clear & crisp, although the bass is pretty bad when approaching max volume. Many users also reported enduring a constant humming sound with the sub was switched on but not in use.
2. Logitech Z313
About: 2.1 system, 50 Watts Peak/25 Watts RMS power, connect to any device, control pod, 15W subwoofer.
- Outstanding sound quality for its price
- Fair bit of bass
- Very high value for money
- Very high volume results in distortion of sound
- The highs are a bit harsh
For us, a good budget pick should be plug & play and have a decent amount of bass, and the Logitech Z313 offers both at a desirable price. It works quite well and to our liking when used with low to medium volume. There’s barely any distortion, and the bass is quite heavy but still pretty good.
It’s pretty decent when watching movies or playing games too. The two satellites are pretty small and are connected to the back of the sub. There’s only 1 form of input through the 3.5mm jack, and this is the norm for almost all budget options. The sub doesn’t occupy too much space as well, and there is a volume and power control module as well. At this price range, it is a case of “you get what you pay for,” with the sound being quite average and not as crisp or dynamic as the others on our list. It isn’t winning any points for aesthetics, too, with a pretty ordinary design.
With age, you might hear some crackling when adjusting the volume due to the dust settling in the volume control mechanism. When we tested it out, we found the best place to keep the sub would be between the satellites for the best experience. It’s quite normal for the subwoofer to be placed below a table in which case at medium to higher volumes, the bass rumble can prove to be intolerable if you happen to be seated adjacent to the setup. Nonetheless, at its price point, it’s far better than many of its rivals except the Cyber acoustics 2.1, in our opinion. The Z313 is an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade from their stock speakers or for use with a laptop but is not meant for audiophiles.
Best Bluetooth Speakers
1. Audioengine Wireless A5+
About: 50 watts per channel, Works with both Mac & PC, 95dB sensitivity, USB & Bluetooth connection.
- Sound quality that would make any audiophile happy
- Sublime sound quality & connectivity
- Beautiful, sleek design
- Pricey
What was our only gripe with the Audioengine A5+ regular? That’s right, no Bluetooth. Well, lucky for us and everyone else who loves sublime audio quality and wireless technology, they went and made a Bluetooth version. Now the one problem with the wireless version is that it is quite a bit more expensive than the regular versions with no significant differences apart from being wireless.
Audioengine has accomplished something special with the A5+ speakers, and the fact that they managed to create the same feel and performance with their Bluetooth system is astounding. Just as the A5+ regular is the best 2.1 speakers for computer use, there is, so are the A5+ wireless the best Bluetooth speakers of its price class. If you don’t mind a bit of wiring, we still recommend the regular speakers, but if you cannot live without wireless technology, then these are worth every dime.
How We Tested – What to Consider Before Buying
How We Tested – What to Consider Before BuyingIn a nutshell, we simply listened. If you are thinking, “it’s all about that bass no pair treble,” then it’s certainly not the case. We had multiple movie watching sessions, gaming sessions, and various music sessions to determine how each speaker performed across frequencies.
Vocal clarity
Vocal clarity is essential, especially when we watch movies, and speakers like the Edifier excelled at providing a crisp & clear sound.
Bass
Bass is sometimes all that matters to folks, and we tested each of our sets to see how the bass delivery impacted the overall sound at low, medium & high volumes. It’s quite common that speaker solutions work well concerning one category and not the others.
We had multiple people from our team sample different speaker systems without them being aware of the brand or system. The placement or separation of satellites is another thing that we tried to standardize. We kept both at least 3 feet apart, which is a pretty standard setup on desks. In the case of our high-end models, we tried a different special arrangement of about 7 feet, which we felt was optimal if people opted to utilize them with their TV sets in addition to their PCs.
