When it comes to PC audio, there are people out there who will spend hours insisting that the best headphones are the best solution available. However, there are plenty of people who don’t like the idea of wearing headphones all day long. For these people, the best computer speakers are going to do wonders. As with any PC hardware however, finding the best computer speakers for your specific needs isn’t exactly a walk in the park, so when you go out to find the best set, there are several things that you’ll need to consider from things like price and aesthetic, to more technical details that will really let you pump out the jams.
How do they sound? Does the stereo or surround sound have decent separation? Do they start to get annoying after a few minutes? Is the sound profile balanced? All of these things will make or break a set of computer speakers, and you should keep them all in the back of your mind when you’re out shopping. Plus, you need to think about what you’re going to be doing with your speakers, whether you’re playing games, or just listening to music. At the end of the day, if you have one of the best PCs, you need to put some thought into getting the best computer speakers.
You’re not in this alone, however. We here on the TechRadar editorial team have created this list of the best computer speakers that we have tested or reviewed over the last year or so. So, sit down, put on some music and enjoy.
Even if Audioengine’s A2+ came out four years ago, they’re still one of the best sets of speakers on the market. These aesthetically pleasing speakers are compatible with digital audio from your PCs USB port for uncompressed audio and unparalleled audio fidelity through its built in DAC. This winning combination means these speakers feature the highest sound quality in their class with amazing clarity and thumping bass.
When you realize that these small six-inch speakers don’t come with a sub, you start to learn that they really have a lot of bang for the buck. Be warned though, you might need to invest in a subwoofer for really low bass, or heavy bass sound at higher volumes. Luckily, they do come with an RCA output, so connecting one is a breeze. And, for just a few more dollars, you can pick up a pair of stands for even better audio.
Logitech’s higher end speaker system, Z623, might be a little more than what you’d expect pay for the brand’s speakers. But considering that it’s still very much affordable, you’re getting fantastic audio performance as well as a powerful subwoofer, so these are actually a steal.
The pair delivers great mids and highs, though it’s a little bass heavy, which might be a plus to some people. Its subwoofer produces a thundering sound that can be easily dialed up or down depending on your need and preference. And it offers a great soundstage for a more immersive gaming and movie watching experience right on your desktop.
While slightly large and a little expensive for a pair of computer speakers, Aperion’s classic-looking Allaire is packed with pros that justify its price. These babies produce controlled, rich bass; a full, balanced sound; and great, non-harsh high end. They’re equipped with an optical input, which allows you to connect to not just your PC but also other devices like Blu-ray players and game consoles. This input also delivers a slightly better sound quality than a USB—though it’s worth noting that you might not notice the difference.
This pair doesn’t come with a subwoofer, but it does come with a sub output. Other extras include a USB charging port, an aluminum remote control, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Audioengine A2+.
Vanatoo’s Transparent Zero boasts the powerful, beautifully refined sound of a big speaker packed in a mid-size package all thanks to its high-quality drivers. Though it comes in a boxy, plain aesthetic, this pair delivers great clarity with more presence in the lower mid tones as well as a lot of smooth high-end range so the sound is brighter but not harsh.
They also offer great sound imaging for an immersive experience and an extended base range. Last but not least, they’ve got a great selection of inputs – optical, USB, analog, and Bluetooth, making them extremely versatile. These are not cheap, but if you’ve got the funds, they’re certainly worth the investment.
- This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Audioengine A2+.
If you stare at it long enough, the Soundsticks III might start to look like some kind of glowing alien jellyfish. These translucent babies, designed by Harman, seem more like a set of modern art installation than a functional speaker system until you step back and let it do its thing. This speakers and bass combo boasts extra bass power thanks to its subwoofer while still producing crisp highs so you’re getting excellent sound at only $170, making it ideal for music fans with a mid-range budget.
Keep in mind its few minor cons however—it doesn’t have a headphone jack, its bass volume control is not accessible, and the LED lights cannot be turned off.
Sure, the Edifier E25 Luna Eclipse can be a bit bass-heavy, but these gorgeous Bluetooth speakers produce a surprisingly excellent sound for something that looks like it must have stepped straight out of Wall-E with its gimmicky space age design. The Luna, which comes in red, white, and black, offers a powerful but controlled bass, great balance with slightly pronounced mids, and good stereo separation. Using DSP and DRP technologies, the pair delivers excellent quality with minimal distortion even at louder volumes.
Its other perks include touch sensitive controls and a fancy little remote. Purchase its stands for an even better sound quality and the Jetsons look, if you’re into that.
These Logitech speakers are a thing of beauty with their elegantly eccentric circular design and silver accents. And at $99 a pop, they certainly deliver a little more than what you’d look for in speakers. Before we talk about MX Sound’s pros however, let’s discuss its important con – while the brand is proudly advertising an extended bass range, thanks to its unique, rear-facing port tubes, the bass can sometimes overpower the mids and highs, making the audio a bit muddy.
That said, it does deliver an excellent soundstage and powerful audio, which makes it great for gaming. It’s got a few cutting edge aces up its sleeves as well: the dual Bluetooth connectivity so you can connect two devices simultaneously, and the backlit motion sensor controls so a light touch is all it takes to connect a device and adjust the volume.
The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speaker system promises enchanced sound for versatile use so that whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or listening to music, you’re in for a great experience. And it does. These THX-certified speakers boast power, a wide frequency range (31 Hz to 20kHz), and a detailed audio quality with punchy bass, maximum clarity, and great balance. It’s powerful enough to replicate that home theater quality.
That’s a lot punch for $160, even if it means having to tolerate the fact that the sub stops at 31 Hz so there’s no low end rumble.
- This product is only available in the US at the time of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Logitech Z623
Dell’s AE715 may not be the most powerful speaker in the market. It produces a decent 360-degree sound that, while is fairly common in portable audio, is a rarity with computer speakers. For it's low, low price, this Bluetooth speaker is nothing amazing; not a lot of bass and there’s a bit of delay, but the audio quality good enough if your listening standards aren’t quite as demanding.
However, what you’re getting in exchange are its wireless functionality, the USB charging port so you can charge the device, and the built-in mic so you can use it for conference calls. It’s definitely a great portable, wireless solution.
- This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Jabra SPEAK 510.
Mackie CR4BT promises professional-grade performance, which is a lot more than what its competitors offer. The question is, does it really do that? Well, they sound good for a premium pair of speakers, but there are drawbacks including thinner mid range, and high bass cut off at 70 Hz, which means while there’s good bass presence, you might be missing the really low stuff.
The pros, however, include the acoustic foam pads to isolate the speakers from the surface it’s standing on, and the front auxiliary input. Overall, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill computer speakers. They are useful for multimedia creation and production as well.
- This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Logitech MX Sound.
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