AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
A great pair of speakers can make a huge difference to your computer experience. The speakers built into laptops are usually fine at best, and if you have a desktop computer, there are often no speakers at all. Sure, you could use a pair of headphones every time you’re at the computer, but wearing headphones all the time can get uncomfortable. Plus, the experience of using even the best noise canceling headphones won’t be as great as a high-end pair of speakers. That’s where dedicated computer speakers come in.
Computer speakers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are bigger and more expensive but often sound better, while others are more compact and better suited to things like podcasts. Some speakers are built for gaming, while others are designed for audiophiles who want the most natural sound they can get. Regardless of what you need from a pair of computer speakers, there should be something for you on our list of the best computer speakers.
What to consider when buying computer speakers
Audio quality
The most important consideration when buying any speakers is audio quality, but it can be difficult to judge audio quality based on online specifications alone. You’ll find deep bass, relatively flat mids and crisp high-end detail appealing if you game or listen to music. If you plan on mostly using your speakers to listen to spoken word content like podcasts, high-quality audio may not be as important to you.
Design
You’ll want a pair of speakers that look good on your desk, but looks are subjective. There’s also more to design than looks: Design relates to the shape, dimensions and weight of a pair of speakers, all of which are important factors to consider when matching speakers with your desk. Design can also relate to build quality. Lighter designs made primarily of plastic tend to cost less, while heavier speakers that incorporate denser materials tend to be more robust and expensive.
Connectivity
There are two types of connectivity when it comes to computer speakers: wired and wireless. Most computer speakers offer some type of wired connectivity, usually via USB or sometimes through a 3.5-millimeter connection that connects directly into a computer’s headphone jack. When computer speakers also offer an option for wireless connectivity, they typically use a Bluetooth radio that allows you to connect the speakers to your phone.
Subwoofer
A subwoofer can greatly improve the low-end response of a pair of computer speakers, and plenty of the best computer speakers do include one. The downside of a subwoofer is that it’s usually quite large and takes up a lot of space. Fortunately, due to the way that low frequencies propagate, placing a subwoofer is a little easier than placing other speakers.
Price
When you start looking for computer speakers, the first thing you should do is decide on a budget, as it will likely narrow the field of options that you would otherwise consider. There are plenty of extremely cheap computer speakers out there — even some for less than $20. There are also many very expensive computer speakers, some of which can run into multiple thousands of dollars.
Our top picks for the best computer speakers
Best value computer speakers: Logitech Z407
Best value computer speakers
Logitech - Z407 2.1 Bluetooth Computer Speaker System with Wireless Control (3-Piece) - Black
While many people might be looking for an overall best pick, the term “best” is a little tricky here — we could find some multi-thousand-dollar speakers that might be better. But these speakers offer absolutely incredible value, with great audio quality, helped along by a subwoofer that delivers good bass response. They support USB and 3.5mm connectivity and Bluetooth for wireless audio. They’re also well-designed and should look great on any desk, and they include a desktop control knob, which is handy.
Specifications
- Main speakers dimensions: 7.87 inches tall x 3.7 inches wide x 3.35 inches deep,
- Subwoofer dimensions: 9.45 inches tall x 9.21 inches wide x 7.09 inches deep.
- Connectivity: USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth.
- Configuration: 2.1.
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty.
- Price on publish: $116.99.
What we like:
- Sleek design.
- Great audio.
- Very simple operation.
What we don’t like:
- Audio can distort at loud volumes.
- No headphone jack built in.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Logitech Z407 speakers look good, sound great and are easy to use — all at a very reasonable price.
Get it here: Logitech Z407
Best budget computer speakers: Creative Pebble Pro
Best budget computer speakers
Creative Pebble Pro Minimalist 2.0 USB-C Computer Speakers with Bluetooth 5.3 and Customizable RGB Lighting, Clear Dialog and BassFlex Tech, USB Audio, Headset Port, for PC and Mac …
If you’re looking for a great pair of computer speakers on a budget, then the Creative Pebble Pro speakers are worth considering. These speakers are quite compact and look nice, and they even have customizable RGB lighting. They won’t sound as detailed or as rich as more expensive speakers due to their small size, but they do sound better than other speakers in this price range thanks to their tuning. They support USB and Bluetooth connectivity, plus they have a headphone jack.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 4.84 inches tall x 4.84 inches wide x 4.65 inches deep (each speaker).
- Connectivity: USB (required), headphone jack, Bluetooth.
- Configuration: 2.0.
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty.
- Price on publish: $54.99.
What we like:
- Stylish design with RGB lighting.
- Bluetooth built-in.
- Good audio performance for the price.
What we don’t like:
- No subwoofer.
- Slightly cheap build.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Creative Pebble Pro speakers are among the better-sounding speakers in this price range, plus they look good and have fun features like RGB lighting.
Get it here: Creative Pebble Pro
Best computer speakers for audio: Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT
Best computer speakers for audio
If you’re looking for a pair of computer speakers that prioritize audio, then the Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT speakers are the way to go. These speakers are a little larger than other computer speakers, allowing them to deliver deep, rich bass and detailed high-end. They support both pro-audio-spec wired connections and Bluetooth, which is helpful for those who want to stream music from their phone. These speakers may not be for professional producers due to their slightly sculpted frequency response, but they sound better than the majority of consumer speakers out there.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 10.32 inches tall x 6.89 inches wide x 10.12 inches deep.
- Connectivity: TRS, RCA, 3.5mm, Bluetooth.
- Configuration: 2.0.
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty.
- Price on publish: $219.
What we like:
- Great audio quality.
- Strong build.
- Wired and wireless connectivity.
What we don’t like:
- Bass extension could be a little better.
- A little expensive.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT speakers offer versatile connectivity and an excellent audio response, with crisp high-end detail.
Get it here: Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT
Best PC soundbar: Creative Stage V2 2.1
Best PC soundbar
Creative Stage V2 2.1 Soundbar with Subwoofer, Clear Dialog and Surround by Sound Blaster, Bluetooth 5.0, TV ARC, Optical, and USB Audio, Wall Mountable, Adjustable Bass and Treble, for TV
The Creative Stage V2 is an excellent choice for those who prefer a soundbar approach to PC audio. While it’s built specifically for computer use, this soundbar does include an HDMI ARC input for use with a TV, too. It’s relatively inexpensive and it sounds good. Plus it comes with a relatively large subwoofer for delivering deep and powerful bass.
Specifications
Dimensions:
- Soundbar: 3.07 inches tall x 26.8 inches wide x 3.94 inches deep.
- Subwoofer: 16.7 inches tall x 4.6 inches wide x 9.84 inches deep.
Connectivity: HDMI ARC, 3.5mm, optical, Bluetooth.
Configuration: 2.1.
Warranty: One-year limited warranty.
Price on publish: $99.99.
What we like:
- Subwoofer for deep bass.
- Compact size for a soundbar.
- Can get very loud.
- Inexpensive.
What we don’t like:
- Lacks detail in the high end.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Creative Stage V2 offers solid audio quality and a low price, plus it comes with a subwoofer for deep bass.
Get it here: Creative Stage V2 2.1
Best compact computer speakers: Edifier G2000
Best compact computer speakers
Edifier - G2000 2.0 Bluetooth Gaming Speakers with RGB Lighting (2-Piece) - Black
The Edifier G2000 speakers are great for users who want something compact for their desk while retaining good audio quality. Not only are these speakers compact, but they also come in a range of colors, so there should be something to fit your design preferences. The speakers offer good midrange response and solid clarity in the high-end, while the bass is slightly limited, though that’s to be expected at this size.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.25 inches tall x 4.25 inches wide x 4.5 inches deep.
- Connectivity: USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth.
- Configuration: 2.0.
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty.
- Price on publish: $89.99.
What we like:
- Compact size.
- Comes in a range of colors.
- Good audio considering the compact build.
What we don’t like:
- Bass response is limited.
- Slightly cheap finish.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Edifier G2000 speakers are very compact, while still offering a generally good audio quality.
Get it here: Edifier G2000
Best computer speakers for gaming: Razer Nommo V2 Pro
Best computer speakers for gaming
Razer - Nommo V2 Pro Full-Range 2.1 PC Gaming Speakers with Wireless Subwoofer (4 Piece) - Black
The Razer Nommo V2 Pro speakers are ideal for gamers who want high-end audio in a gamer-friendly design. While they’re quite expensive, these speakers offer crisp detail in the high-end and excellent bass response thanks to the included subwoofer. They also feature customizable RGB lighting and support audio standards like THX Spatial Audio, which should make for a more immersive gaming experience when used with compatible games.
Specifications
Dimensions
- Main speakers: 7.24 inches tall x 5.12 inches wide x 7.13 inches deep.
- Subwoofer: 11.84 inches tall x 10.43 inches wide x 10.43 inches deep.
Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth.
Configuration: 2.1.
Warranty: One-year limited warranty.
Price on publish: $449.99.
What we like:
- Sleek design.
- Excellent audio quality.
- Good connectivity features.
What we don’t like:
- Expensive.
- Software can be confusing.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Razer Nommo V2 Pro speakers may be expensive, but they sound excellent, with stunning high-end detail and support for immersive audio formats.
Get it here: Razer Nommo V2 Pro
Best budget gaming computer speakers: SteelSeries Arena 3
Best budget gaming computer speakers
SteelSeries - Arena 3 Bluetooth Gaming Speakers with Polished 4" Drivers (2-Piece) - Black
The SteelSeries Arena 3 are great-sounding speakers that are affordable for their gaming pedigree despite their above-average price point. These speakers sound quite good, with great detail in the high-end. The bass response is solid, though without an included subwoofer it’s still not as impressive as some other options. There are also good connectivity options here, and they’re easy to control with the built-in volume knob.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 7.95 inches tall x 5.98 inches wide x 4.57 inches deep.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, 3.5mm, headphone jack.
- Configuration: 2.0.
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty.
- Price on publish: $129.99.
What we like:
- Can get loud.
- Easy to control.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
What we don’t like:
- Still not cheap.
- No subwoofer.
- Short warranty.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The SteelSeries Arena 3 speakers are well-designed and sound great, plus they’re more affordable than other gaming-focused speakers.
Get it here: SteelSeries Arena 3
Best midrange computer speakers: Logitech G560
Best midrange computer speakers
Logitech - G560 LIGHTSYNC 2.1 Bluetooth Gaming Speakers with Game Driven RGB Lighting (3-Piece) - Black
Our pick for the best gaming speakers is pretty expensive, so if you’re looking to save a bit of money but don’t want to go full budget-tier, then the Logitech G560 speakers are worth a look. These sleek and stylish speakers include a subwoofer for deep bass and customizable RGB lighting, which is always fun for sprucing up your space. They sound good and support DTS:X multi-dimensional audio, which will make supported games more immersive despite the lack of physical surround-sound speakers.
Specifications
Dimensions:
- Main speakers: 5.83 inches tall x 6.54 inches wide x 4.65 inches deep.
- Subwoofer: 15.91 inches tall x 10.04 inches wide x 8.15 inches deep.
Connectivity: USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth.
Configuration: 2.1.
Warranty: One-year limited warranty.
Price on publish: $167.99.
What we like:
- Subwoofer included for deep bass.
- Stylish design with RGB lighting.
- Good input selection.
What we don’t like:
- Still a little pricey.
- Not a lot of games support DTS:X.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Logitech G560 speakers are a little cheaper than some alternatives, and they still sound great while offering customizable RGB lighting.
Get it here: Logitech G560
Best surround sound computer speakers: SteelSeries Arena 9
Best surround sound computer speakers
SteelSeries - Arena 9 5.1 Bluetooth Gaming Speakers with RGB Lighting (6 Piece) - Black
While plenty of speakers support immersive audio formats, it still won’t sound all that impressive without an actual surround system. The SteelSeries Arena 9 is a great choice for those who want a true surround sound system for their computer. The system comes with a center speaker, two front speakers, two rear speakers and a subwoofer. The system is built for 5.1 surround sound, but it doesn’t support newer object-based formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. That said, it’s still much more immersive than two-speaker systems that do support those formats. The system also boasts an excellent frequency response and handy features like a tabletop control dial.
Specifications
Dimensions:
- Front speakers: 7.72 inches tall x 4.13 inches wide x 4.97 inches deep.
- Rear speakers: 6.49 inches tall x 4.19 inches wide x 4.41 inches deep.
- Center speaker: 3.93 inches tall x 3.85 inches wide x 9.60 inches deep.
- Subwoofer: 12.8 inches tall x 9.41 inches wide x 9.25 inches deep.
Connectivity: USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth, optical, headphone jack.
Configuration: 5.1.
Warranty: One-year limited warranty.
Price on publish: $463.99.
What we like:
- Excellent frequency response.
- Immersive surround sound.
- Sleek design with RGB lighting.
What we don’t like:
- Expensive.
- Limited support for surround formats.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The SteelSeries Arena 9 is built for immersive surround sound, comes with all the speakers you’ll need and sounds great, too.
Get it here: SteelSeries Arena 9
Best-looking computer speakers: Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4
Best-looking computer speakers
Harman Kardon SoundSticks IV Bluetooth Speaker System (White)
Those looking for a pair of speakers that look unlike anything else should consider the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4. These speakers feature a now-iconic transparent design that should look great in any environment. They sound great, too, offering crisp detail and solid bass produced by the subwoofer. Their setup is a little limited, given that the controls are all on the subwoofer, so you’ll probably want it within reach. Fortunately, given how great it looks, you may want that anyway.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 10.7 x 3.3 x 3.3 inches (each main speaker), 9.1 x 10.7 x 9.1 inches (subwoofer).
- Connectivity: 3.5mm, Bluetooth.
- Configuration: 2.1.
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty.
- Price on publish: $299.95.
What we like:
- Super stylish design.
- Long cables.
- Great audio quality.
What we don’t like:
- No adjustable EQ settings.
- Limited setup options with subwoofer.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 don’t just sound good — they look stunning too, with a super-sleek transparent design.
Get it here: Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4
How we selected the best computer speakers
In building this list of the best computer speakers, we conducted extensive research and considered all the most important aspects of a great computer speaker. These included things like audio quality, design and support for modern audio connectivity options. I’ve personally reviewed speakers for years, having tested many of the most popular options, and am an expert on audio technology with a Bachelor of Science in Music Technology.
What are the different types of computer speakers?
Computer speakers come in a range of shapes and sizes. The most common computer speakers are simple designs that connect to your computer’s USB port or headphone jack. These are most commonly called “computer speakers,” and sometimes come with a subwoofer.
Bookshelf speakers are another common variety, which are larger and rectangular and can be used with a computer despite not being specifically built for that use. Studio monitors are a step up from there, offering a similar shape but built more for the precise needs of musicians and audiophiles. Other types of computer speakers include PC soundbars, which are typically smaller than home theater soundbars, and surround-sound computer speakers, which feature numerous small speakers designed to be dotted around your room.
Features of a good computer speaker
At their core, great computer speakers should sound good and be easy to connect to your PC — everything else is a bonus. If you’ll be spending more on high quality computer speakers, you should expect that they offer a sleek design and include a subwoofer for improved bass response. Additionally, it’s always helpful when speakers include built-in volume control, whether it be through a separate knob on your desk, or through a knob built into one of the speakers.
How to set up computer speakers
The way you set up computer speakers depends on the speakers themselves. You can place most basic computer speakers on your desk — one on either side of your display — and plug them into a USB port, which will both power the speakers and facilitate audio playback. Some computer speakers connect to a computer’s headphone jack instead, in which case they’ll also need to be plugged into a power source. More advanced computer speakers, like surround-sound systems, require that you set up multiple speakers around your room, and they’re usually wired, meaning that you’ll have to run wires between the speakers.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Are soundbars better than speakers?
Not necessarily, but it depends on the soundbar and the speakers in question. Soundbars can accommodate more audio channels in a single unit, however they also have a larger continuous footprint. Most users will be happier with the flexibility of traditional speakers, which can be placed a little more easily and take up less room while often sounding just as good.
What speakers are best for sound quality?
While there’s no single computer speaker brand that’s best for audio quality, studio monitors are typically the best type of computer speaker for audio quality. These come from a variety of companies, including Yamaha, Genelec and Barefoot Sound. When it comes to normal computer speakers, the best-sounding speakers on this list are the Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT.
Which brand of speaker is best for a PC?
There are several brands that offer great computer speakers, including Logitech, Creative and SteelSeries. None of these are necessarily better than the others — it just depends on the actual speakers in question. That said, our current top pick is built by Logitech.
What is the frequency range of computer speakers?
Computer speakers offer a variety of frequency ranges, just like other audio products like the best wireless earbuds, the best noise canceling headphones and the best soundbars. Cheaper computer speakers are generally smaller, giving them frequency ranges of between 80Hz and 20kHz on average. More expensive speakers are generally larger, allowing them to produce more bass, often down to around 50Hz or even lower for those that come with subwoofers.
Looking at the published frequency range of a pair of speakers doesn’t really offer a full picture of how they sound, though — it just indicates what the speakers can technically produce. For example, speakers that can technically produce a 50Hz tone might play that frequency very quietly and therefore lack the bass response that you might expect.
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
