Adding one of our best computer speakers will bring big improvements to the sound experience of the built-in speakers from your desktop PC or laptop. As many of us continue to juggle a working hybrid between the workplace and home office, investing in a better desktop setup can help improve the working from home experience.
But it’s not all about work, and what criteria defines “best” for you may depend on your needs. For instance, PC gamers might want something that heightens the atmosphere of their favorite first-person shooter. Music lovers may require a system that pumps out dynamic, well-balanced sound to enjoy every detail of a recording.
In much the same way as the best soundbars improve on the audio output from built-in TV speakers, even an affordable set of desktop speakers will likely outperform the tiny little speakers built in to a laptop or monitor screen.
The computer speakers in this list each have a built-in amplifier with the power output rated in watts (W). In this list, we assembled the best computer speakers based on use, performance and pricing. All produce a better-sounding audio experience whether you’re working, listening, viewing or gaming.
Scroll down to see which computer speaker models are worth picking up.
Top 3 best computer speakers in 2022
Back to school best computer speakers for students
Summer will be over before you know it so it’s time to start thinking about back to school sales. The best computer speakers for students are always in high demand in the run up to schools returning, so it pays to start shopping as early as possible. Whether you’re heading off to college or going back to school, you’ll want the best-computer speakers for your desktop setup when it comes to online tutorials, web research, gaming, and listening to music. Right now many of our favorite picks are currently on sale making now the ideal time to buy one of the best computer speakers. Be sure to follow our back to school guide for all of your shopping needs this season.
The best computer speakers you can buy right now
The Companion 2 Series III represents the best desktop speakers for most people. The 7.5 x 5.9 x 3.1-inch satellites don’t take up much space on your desk, but they create a big, full sound. The price won’t break the bank, and it’s worth the premium over cheaper units. Remember, too, that you’re also paying for the brand name, and Bose generally doesn’t come cheap. It produces more bass than speakers twice the size, and with robust vocals and pleasing treble, it delivers very good sound overall.
The simple and elegant design features a single volume knob on the right speaker, along with a headphone jack so you don’t have to disconnect the speakers to listen privately. These speakers don’t give you any way to adjust the bass or treble, but with the well-balanced sound, you likely won’t miss that feature.
Read our full Bose Companion 2 Series III review.
If you’re in the market for computer speakers that come bundled with a subwoofer, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX is quite a bargain. Audio quality is impressive with a wide soundscape that allows you to hear subtle nuances in songs. Vocals, instruments, and sound effects are detailed, which benefits listeners when indulging in movies and video games. Each satellite sits attractively on the side your desktop and laptop as well.
Not having Bluetooth can be a deal-breaker for some. Also, figuring out where to place the large subwoofer may present challenges for those with very little space to work with. However, if you have the extra room to store it, the ProMedia 2.1 will reward you with robust bass.
Read our full Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker review.
Building out your desktop setup can get expensive, especially for those who are working from home regularly. The Creative Pebble V3 proves you don’t have to spend crazy money to snag a pair of serviceable and super-affordable computer speakers. Despite its compact size, the Pebble V3 produces loud and crisp sound, putting what comes out of your laptop speakers to shame. The orb-inspired design is attractive and takes up very little space, plus we appreciate all the hardware (e.g., 2.25-inch driver, passive bass radiator) and inputs (e.g., 3.5 mm port, USB-C) Creative managed to squeeze in.
There isn’t much bass coming out of the driver, which means lows can lack depth on contemporary songs. A headphone output would have also been appreciated to enjoy music privately, but the price point makes the Pebble V3 incredible value.
Read our full Creative Pebble V3 review.
The Logitech G560 are the best computer speakers for serious gamers. The G560 produces robust sound, whether you’re playing a game or listening to music, and the subwoofer really adds to the experience. If you like to play loud, this system is a great fit for you. It also features a sophisticated lighting system comprising four distinct zones with bright, colorful LEDs, which are fun but can be distracting. The included software is integral; you use it to configure the lights, activate surround sound and even create profiles for specific games.
One helpful feature of the G560 is its Bluetooth compatibility, which lets you funnel in your own music from a smartphone. This means that you can play pretty much anything on these speakers, and you can hand off control from person to person easily. If you need something powerful for an impromptu dance party, the G560 will work in a pinch, and even provide its own light show to go along with the proceedings.
Read our full Logitech G560 review.
How to choose the best computer speakers for you
There are three things to consider when choosing the best PC speakers for your setup: sound quality, extra features and price.
Cheaper, less elaborate systems can sometimes offer decent sound quality, but the sound output is often not particularly well nuanced, and the maximum volume is sometimes not loud enough to fill your listening space or impactful enough for your activity. More elaborate systems tend to offer richer treble, deeper bass and more substantial vocals. A great-sounding pair of speakers should be nicely balanced across the frequency range.
Extra features tend to come standard in more expensive speakers, but even cheaper models can have them. The most common extra feature is discrete bass/treble controls, but you can also have remote controls, wireless functionality and RGB lighting. None of these things is strictly necessary, but some can make your life a lot easier, especially if you’re looking to turn your computer into an audio powerhouse.
How we test the best computer speakers
To an extent, testing to find the best computer speakers isn’t that different to testing one of the best Bluetooth speakers or even a soundbar. We’re looking for high audio quality across a range of uses, from making sure voices are clear in video calls to the speakers’ music, movie and gaming performance. We’ll play a variety of different media, including multiple musical genres, to identify any sonic strengths and weaknesses.
We also examine how easy it is to set up a pair (or multi-speaker set) of computer speakers, but generally you shouldn’t need any special knowledge to get them up and running.
Generally, we try to spend a few days using each speaker set on a desktop/home office setup, to fully replicate the conditions in which you’d use them yourself.
Once our testing is complete, we rate the best computer speakers based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Products that hit nearly every mark are awarded an Editor’s Choice badge.
Next: If you’re thinking of upgrading your home office, then don’t forget to check out our pick of the best Windows laptops, or get great audio for your online calls and recordings with the pick of the best microphones and best USB microphones.
Alternatively, if headphones are more your thing then you may be interested in our best headsets and headphones for working from home.
Be sure to check out all of our guides to help you study or work from home:
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