These days, computers are so versatile that you can really do just about anything on them. Whether you enjoy streaming videos, playing games, or just browsing the web, having good computer equipment is a vital part of being able to enjoy your online experience. One of those things is audio. Having good sound can make or break your interactive video game, feature-length film, or conference call experience. If you are in need of a new set of computer speakers, check out our picks of the 10 best computer speakers currently on the market.
Best Computer Speakers: Frequently Asked Questions
- What Makes Computer Speakers Different?
- Why Do You Need Speakers for Your Computer?
- How Do You Know Which Speakers Are Best for You?
1. What Makes Computer Speakers Different?
Computer speakers are smaller speakers, typically in a pair, that are specifically designed for desktop use. They can be either wired or wireless and have different sound qualities, depending on what you intend to use them for.
2. Why Do You Need Speakers for Your Computer?
Most desktop computers don’t have any sound built-in, and if they do, it isn’t worth using. If you’re an avid gamer or use your computer for audio/video projects, or if you use it for watching movies, you’ll problem want a good set of speakers for it.
3. How Do You Know Which Speakers Are Best for You?
Do you need gaming speakers, desktop speakers, stereo speakers, Bluetooth speakers, a soundbar, a home theater system, or a combination?
The best computer speakers for you will all depend on what you intend to use them for.
There are certain speakers designed for gamers, ones designed for business or professional use, and other affordable options designed for casual users, as well as more powerful systems for the audiophile that will hook up to your computer.
Take the time to consider your computer usage and our list of the best computer speakers to determine which speakers will work best with your lifestyle.
How We Reviewed the Speakers on This List
To make sure we got an accurate review of the best computer speakers available, we spent a great deal of time compiling a list of brands.
Once we had this list, we went over the features, pros, cons, and price for each brand to determine how beneficial each would be compared to the last. We then reviewed the entire list and came up with a final verdict on the best computer speakers currently on the market.
Overall Price Range of the Speakers on This List
The price of the best computer speakers will vary depending on the brand, the features they have, and where you purchase them from.
There are also a great deal of other speakers on the market, not featured on this list, that may cost a little more or a little less than our estimated price range. The best computer speakers, the ones featured here, will range in price from about $100 to $500.
What We Reviewed
- Harman Kardon Soundsticks III 2.1 Channel Multimedia Speaker System w/ Subwoofer
- Logitech Z623 400 Watt Home Speaker System
- Audioengine HD3 Powered Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) Walnut
- Edifier Exclaim Bi-Amped 2.0 Speaker System
- Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
- JBL 305P 5 in. Studio Monitors
- M-Audio BX5 Carbon | 5″ Single Speaker Studio Monitor
- Razer Leviathan: Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound
- Razer Nommo Pro: THX Certified Premium Audio
- Audioengine A5+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers
Harman Kardon Soundsticks III 2.1 Channel Multimedia Speaker System with Subwoofer
Features
The Harman Kardon Soundsticks III 2.1 Channel Multimedia Speaker System with Subwoofer is a unique sound system for your computer. The speakers themselves have a see-through design that allows you to see and hear the speakers while they work. This speaker system comes in at a reasonable price and can create superb sound again and again.
Pros
- Compatible with more than just computers
- Has touch mute and volume controls
- Has great bass performance
- Has an amplifier output power of 10W RMS per channel
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than some of the other best computer speakers on this list
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $170.
Logitech Z623 400 Watt Home Speaker System
Features
The Logitech Z623 400 Watt Home Speaker System is a great choice for those on a budget. These speakers provide high-quality sound at a reasonable price point. They are able to play sounds at all volumes without distorting the quality of your audio. They also offer the option to plug in up to three different devices to the speakers, allowing you to use them for multiple purposes.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Will not distort the sound when the volume is high
- Can plug in up to three different devices
- Comes with two speakers and a subwoofer for a full sound
Cons
- Cords are short
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $120.
Audioengine HD3 Powered Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Features
The Audioengine HD3 Powered Bookshelf Speakers can produce some incredible sound if you can afford something a little bit more expensive. They have dual analog audio inputs and their own built-in power amplifiers. What makes these speakers great is that they can be used wirelessly, allowing you to place them where you please without the worry of short cords.
Pros
- Have built-in power amplifiers
- Can be used wirelessly
- Has dual analog audio inputs
- Has silk tweeters and custom woofers
Cons
- More expensive than some of the other best computer speakers on the market
- Bluetooth is not always reliable
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $350.
Edifier Exclaim Bi-Amped 2.0 Speaker System
Features
For something a bit unique in appearance, check out the Edifier Exclaim Bi-Amped 2.0 Speaker System. These speakers have a spherical base that is then complimented with a rectangular speaker. This keeps the overall mass small, but the performance high. They are compact enough to fit on any desk but well built enough to last you for years to come.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Has a unique design
- Small enough to fit on any desk
- Includes two 1” midrange tweeters, a 3” woofer, and a 3” passive bass radiator
Cons
- Some of the sounds may become distorted when at a higher volume
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $100.
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Features
The Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers provide you with the classic speaker look. With their sleek black fronts and wood finish, these speakers would look great on any desk or workspace. They come with a remote control to control volume from a distance and come in at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Offers two auxiliary inputs
- Has a remote to control the sound
- Has a sleek wood finish
- Comes with a two-year warranty
Cons
- Does not have the best quality bass
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $100.
JBL Professional 305P MkII Next-Generation 5-Inch 2-Way Powered Studio Monitor
Features
The JBL 305P Mkii 5 inch Studio Monitors are sleek monitors with the ability to create full, loud sounds anytime you want. They have Image Control Waveguide, which controls the sound coming from the speaker to ensure precision, and have been well tested for their reliability. This is a solid choice for anyone looking to really amp up their sound game.
Pros
- Creates a solid sound
- Has Image Control Waveguide
- Has been tested for reliability
- Has a deep pedigree
Cons
- Does not offer wireless connection (which makes them better sound quality, really)
Price
These monitors can be found on Amazon for around $130 per speaker.
PreSonus Eris E3.5-3.5″ Near Field Studio Monitor (Pair) (E3.5)M-
Features
The Presonus Eris E3.5-3.5″ Near Field Studio Monitors can really amp up the sound in your room. These self-powered speakers pack a good amount of sound for their size, and can easily be used for gaming, producing, or mixing music.
While aesthetically pleasing, they can also project a clean sound at any volume level.
Pros
- Has a 3.5” low-frequency driver—a reasonable size for desktop speakers
- Output current limiting, and over-temperature turn off
Cons
- 3.5″ might be a bit smaller than some are looking for
Price
You can get a pair of these speakers for just under $100—a great deal.
Razer Leviathan: Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound
Features
If you are a frequent gamer, you need to check out the Razer Leviathan: Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound. This incredible speaker system connects wirelessly, preventing you from having to connect to a small wire. These speakers are a bit large, but can provide full surround sound for any game, movie, or show. They have a large frequency response rate and are built by a reliable computer brand.
Pros
- Comes with a one-year warranty
- Connects to any device using Bluetooth
- Has a 180Hz to 20KHz frequency response rate
- Includes sound drivers, a subwoofer, and Dolby technology
Cons
- A little more expensive than some of the other best computer speakers on the market
- Speaker size may be larger than what some are looking for
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $200.
Razer Nommo Pro: THX Certified Premium Audio
Features
For the ultimate set of computer speakers, you have to check out the Razer Nommo Pro: THX Certified Premium Audio. These sleek black speakers are unbelievably well crafted, create optimum sound for any gamer or music lover, and are great to look at. What is especially cool is that they are able to project LED lights in a variety of colors for you to enjoy. They help to create one of the most fun displays for your equipment currently on the market.
Pros
- Has an LED control pod
- Uses Dolby surround sound
- Has unrestricted bass
- Can connect wirelessly
- Has a downward-firing subwoofer
Cons
- Expensive compared to some of the other best computer speakers on this list
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $500.
Audioengine A5+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers
Features
The Audioengine A5+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers is a great choice if you are willing to spend a little extra cash. These speakers are large and are able to provide a lot of high-quality sound for your computer. Plus, they are wireless and do not require you to install any type of app in order to use them.
Pros
- Comes with a three-year warranty
- Simple to set up
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Can be hooked up via Bluetooth
Cons
- Expensive compared to some of the other best computer speakers on this list
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $500.
The Verdict
There are countless speakers out there on the market competing for the title of the best computer speakers. However, finding the perfect computer speakers for you can be a difficult task.
Consider what you use your computer for, and what your ideal audio experience would sound like.
Consider what type of audio you listen to most, whether you need speakers or a headset to achieve the best audio quality for PC gaming, and what your budget is before deciding on your top pick for a set of speakers.
You will find all sorts of different price tags on this type of equipment. Hopefully, our list of speakers will help lead you in the right direction to finding the best speakers for your unique needs.
Our Pick: the Harman Kardon Soundsticks III
Our overall pick of the best computer speakers from this list is the Harman Kardon Soundsticks III 2.1 Channel Multimedia Speaker System with Subwoofer.
These speakers come in at a reasonable price, can create incredible sound, and offer a unique design that puts them ahead of the rest.
Give them, or one of our other picks on this list, a try so you can get back to listening to audio the way it was intended.
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