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If you, like so many of us, spend most of your waking hours at your desk, then you deserve to own some of the best computer speakers your budget will allow. These portable audio receivers combat the tinny sound often found in some of the best laptops, combining full, balanced sonics with handy features like Bluetooth and headphone outputs. The right one for you will depend on your budget, design taste, and, ideally, how much space you have on your desk.
The market plays host to numerous models of different styles, which work great for any setup or computing device (e.g. desktop, laptop, smartphone) you have in mind. Key players worth mentioning that have cemented their legacy as top computer speaker manufacturers include Edifier, Creative, and Audioengine just to name a few. You’ll even find gems here from consumer electronics staples like Bose, Harman Kardon, and gaming accessory giant, Razer.
Check out our top picks for the best computer speakers, based on hours of testing and research. Need something for private listening? Then make sure to also look at our roundup of the best noise-cancelling headphones, which includes everything from over-ear luxury cans to truly wireless buds.
What are the best computer speakers?
The Audioengine HD3 currently sits at No.1 on our best computer speakers list. These Bluetooth bookshelf speakers match the precise sound found on most wired computer speakers. Bass is tight and the midrange is emphasized for vocals to shine. Connectivity is spot-on too, so you won’t ever have to worry about dropout when streaming music. It’s also one of the better-looking models out there with a retro-inspired design that’s donned in a wooden veneer and mesh magnetic grille.
Our runner-up is Klipsch’s The Fives, retro-inspired sound blasters designed for high-end audiophiles. Dynamic bass equalization combined with numerous inputs and intuitive controls make this a killer sound system. The only thing better than the performance is the beautifully handcrafted cabinet made from real wood. Oh yeah, these are also the first powered monitors on the market that come with HDMI-ARC, allowing you to connect the system directly to any compatible TV for hi-res surround sound.
For bargain hunters, there is the Creative Pebble V3, which packs loud sound into a compact design that is perfect for small desks and most media formats (music, video games, movies). If money is no object, then the KEF LSX is an amazing sound system that doubles as computer speakers and delivers top-notch audio performance and tons of features. The Edifier R1280DB is another relatively affordable option with numerous connection options that balances smooth-sounding mids and highs superbly.
The best computer speakers you can buy today
Audioengine’s reputation for building premium speakers with accurate sound is flawless. The HD3 is proof of this, producing stellar audio that makes music and movies sound pristine. Wired speakers are known for offering the better audio experience, but these Bluetooth-only speakers exceed expectations. Mids are articulate and highs are compelling, giving vocals plenty of clarity and detail. Wireless range is stable as well with little to no dropout occurring. What’s more surprising is how well sound carries over to the headphone jack, as listening with over-ear cans maintains the HD3’s rich performance. Having a built-in DAC and amp also increases the HD3’s value.
Our only complaint is that Audioengine took it easy on the low end. You’ll still get to some nice oomph out of the drivers when listening to bass-dominating tracks, but don’t expect to blow a hole through your college dorm roof.
The Fives speaker system looks like something you would find in your great-grandfather’s study, but the only thing retro about these speakers is the design. Despite no subwoofer, these monitors blast powerful, balanced sound to create an immersive listening experience when enjoying music, movies, sports, and video games. The details in craftsmanship are remarkable as exhibited by the aluminum dials sitting atop the right channel to allow for seamless switching between the numerous connections. There is even an output to connect to turntables; we recommend checking out our best USB turntables roundup to find some worthy pairings.
All that firepower does come at the cost of size. As you can see by the dimensions, The Fives isn’t exactly a pair of computer speakers that rest steadily on any tiny desk, so you’ll definitely want to clear out some space before these arrive on your doorstep.
Our favorite tiny computer speakers have been upgraded with louder sound, more input options, and a new mode that doubles the audio intensity. The latter works great for music, movies, video games, and podcasts. Those with distinctive hearing may also notice how well the Pebble V3’s clear dialog audio processing performs when compared to what comes out of your MacBook’s built-in speakers; dialogue-heavy scenes in movies and games sound amazing. We do advise not to blast the speakers at max volume, as it can produce some crackling and minor distortion when jamming out to tunes.
Wireless playback is superb with Bluetooth 5.0 providing steady connectivity across all devices (e.g. laptops, desktops, smartphones). Then you have the super-compact design, which is perfect for small work environments or to pack with you on the road. For $40, it’s a no-brainer that you can also pass onto someone else once you’re ready to look at bigger, more powerful options.
KEF has built a solid reputation for creating some of the finest-sounding monitors out there, many of which serve as exceptional computer speakers, granted they come at a premium. The company designed the LSX smaller than most passive stereo speakers, so that they can be easily transported and sit attractively on any bookshelf. We absolutely love the combination of high-gloss finish on the front and color-matched fabric on the sides, as well as distinctive details like the Uni-Q driver array, which consists of a 19mm aluminum dome tweeter sitting in the center of a 10cm bass cone. The speakers deliver rich, full sound, something that can also be customized in the sound system’s EQ settings via Control app.
We do find that having two companion apps – the aforementioned Control and Stream – is a bit impractical: why not just combine the two? Either way, they both are useful for their own purposes, the former for personalizing the speakers and the latter for streaming networked music. However, Stream is known for acting up at times, especially with Tidal playback.
Edifier knows all about making some of the best computer speakers, and the R1280DB is a fine addition to the brand’s long line of heritage receivers. Their penchant for build quality is certainly on display, with the speakers featuring a wood grain finish, vinyl wrap, and magnetic shields for protection from surrounding items. They’ll feel right at home on any bookshelf, while also blending nicely on any entertainment center. More enticing than the design is the sound quality, which is ideal for multiple media formats (e.g. music, movies, and games), thanks to its superb mids and highs. Bluetooth connection is another bonus, letting you pair the speakers with multiple computing devices.
You’ll just want to be mindful of listening at high volumes since that can create distortion. The low end won’t blow you away either, so bass lovers looking to shake their game room with explosions may want to look at other models on this list.
The small-but-mighty A2+ is considered one of the best computer speakers for those who appreciate detailed audio and can afford to pay for it, if they can find it. That’s right, at nearly seven years old, the A2+ remains a hot commodity among PC owners who want top of the line sound. You’ll hear crisp treble and balanced midrange and bass — no subwoofer needed, though there’s a subwoofer output if you want to add one. Best of all, the A2+ fills the room with sound, and they can get really loud. You can connect in a variety of ways, including RCA stereo, 3.5 mm minijack and USB (you can also get a version with Bluetooth for $50 more).
The solidly built units come in satin black, glossy white or glossy red to match your aesthetics. You’re going to want to find the right volume level and stick with it because Audioengine made the inconvenient decision to place the volume control on the back, which becomes annoying to access every time.
The Canadian audio manufacturer is responsible some of the finest music systems and turntables out there and the Ai41 powered bookshelf speakers are no exception. Chic and compact, these sound blasters sit nicely on any surface and blend well into any environment, thanks to a nice matte finish and wooden construction. Sound-wise, your ears will be on the receiving end of some great clarity and midrange, along with accurate highs. Bass response is powerful, and you can extend it by adding a subwoofer into the mix. The Ai41 supports aptX for optimized streaming over Bluetooth, plus Wi-Fi casting to pair with smart home devices like Google Home, Amazon Echo, and AppleTV. Fluance even included a remote that makes switching between sources a breeze.
There’s a version with a bigger driver size labeled the Ai61 that not only ups the wattage to 120W, but also welcomes a few extras such as a larger woofer and USB-C connection.
Pioneer finally got around to updating their studio monitor speaker lineup, introducing three new models: the VM-50, VM-70, and V-80. Our favorite of the three is the VM-50, not just for its attainable price point ($169), but for its sonic prowess and versatility. Underneath the solid construction are a 4 mm-thick aluminum front baffle, flat voicing, Class D amplifier, Aramid fiber cones, and Vortex Bass Accelerator, which help reproduce accurate sound with limited vibrations. The adjustable DSP offers some form of sound customization, while the numerous inputs make it easy to connect to studio equipment or common devices like your iPhone or MacBook Pro.
Why no audio cables are bundled with the purchase is somewhat mindboggling; don’t toss out your old RCA wires just yet. Bluetooth would have certainly given these monitors more flair as well.
Great desktop speakers that are also practical for home office use, the Z407 packs some serious sound into a desktop-friendly design. The speakers are engineered more for music listening, as exemplified by the powerful bass levels, though you can enjoy some crisp sound quality when indulging in Netflix content or podcasts. We would just recommend bringing down the volume and disconnecting the subwoofer, which is more useful for extending the low end and driving your roommates nuts with loud explosions during Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War online battles.
Logitech also includes one of the coolest controllers we have tested in the category; it resembles a hockey puck and lets you adjust audio from across the room via dial mechanism. We just wish the controller didn’t require batteries to function; in an age where almost all tech products are rechargeable, why not this one?
Razer is a brand that has become synonymous with PC gaming, as best exhibited by their award-winning gaming laptops. It didn’t take long for them to release a line of gaming computer speakers, and if you want top-tier performance, then the Nommo Pro might be the gaming set-up for you. These speakers boast a loud, wide soundstage that delivers an immersive listening experience perfect for gaming; you’ll be more aware of sneak attacks during Call of Duty: Warzone multiplayer matches and hear players voices clearly over heavy gunfire. The Razer Synapse app makes it easy to personalize the speakers, be it the EQ or RGB lightning pattern. Also, the dial control makes volume adjustment and switching between audio sources a breeze.
The subwoofer does help the speakers produce pleasant rumble, though it can also make bass too punchy when blasting sound at high volume. Also, the high price tag doesn’t make the Nommo Pro financially accessible to all PC gamers.
Our favorite sustainable audio brand has made their way into the computer speaker market, offering up an attractive set of sound blasters composed of solid bamboo and HoM’s trademark REWIND Fabric made from recycled materials. You can expect crisp, detailed audio to come out of this dual-speaker system, along with 20 hours of playtime from the right speaker, which can be used wirelessly around the house or on the go. The Get Together Duo even has RCA outputs and an aux input for wired playback; we recommend pairing it with some of the market’s best noise-cancelling headphones or USB turntables.
Bass heads who want deep, boomy sound might want to look elsewhere, as this speaker system places heavy emphasis on midrange. It would have also been great if HoM added lossless Bluetooth codecs and AAC support, but neither of these omissions is a dealbreaker.
If you’re looking for something that can be easily transported between the home and office, and feed your gaming addiction during work hours, it doesn’t get any better than the Edifier G2000. Compact in size, yet capable of delivering ample sound, these tiny computer speakers will pump out tight bass and midrange. There are three sound profiles available –Gaming Mode, Music Mode and Movie Mode – each one good enough to create a more immersive listening environment for its assigned media format. There is a sub-out port to connect an optional subwoofer unit. Size is also a major selling point since the speakers can sit discretely on any desk or hide behind a monitor.
Bluetooth is on board to stream music or movies wirelessly, but we noticed some latency when gaming on mobile devices. Placing the RBG light panels on the rear also seems useless since it doesn’t help enliven the environment of whatever games you’re playing.
How to choose the best computer speakers for you
You’ll want to prioritize audio performance, connection type, extra features, and pricing when seeking out the best computer speakers.
Ask yourself what suits your setup best: wired or wireless. The former is known for guaranteeing better sound, yet requires dealing with more cables and ports, which can be overbearing for small setups. If you’re not looking to be tethered to your machine, then know that there are plenty of wireless models available that come with stereo or surround sound technology. Speaking of sound, also look for computer speakers that deliver clean vocals, deep bass, and rich treble, and with volume levels that aren’t too loud or distort sound.
Something else to keep in mind is codecs. SBC (Sub Band Codec) is the most common and is a great option for streaming music on popular services like Spotify. You can look into newer and more advanced codecs like AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), Qualcomm aptX, and Sony LDAC as well; each one processes information quickly and delivers superior audio output.
In terms of features, the most common tend to be bass and treble controls, allowing you to personalize sound to your liking. Multiple inputs are important too, especially if you’re looking to connect the speakers to other devices like smartphones or tablets. Make sure the speakers have an auxiliary input jack, USB slots, and extra ports for more versatility.
Top-tier performance usually comes at a premium, but not all of the best computer speakers carry a steep MSRP. Yes, the more expensive models will likely have more powerful sound and components underneath the hood, along with a more upscale appearance. That’s not to say you won’t get some great performance out of a less expensive pair. Look at reviews – both expert and consumer – then figure out what models offer everything you want for the most reasonable price.
How we test the best computer speakers
Similar to how we test all audio products, our reviewers evaluate several factors, including audio, battery life, design, and value. We also compare each model to similar ones in terms of features, pricing, and setup.
Computer speakers are tested over the course of a week for 2 hours at a time. During this process, we analyze Bluetooth performance, ease of use, and, most importantly, sound quality. Reviewers listen to numerous predetermined tracks across a variety of music genres: classical, EDM, hip-hop, jazz, rock, and R&B. Movies, podcasts, and video games are taken into serious consideration too. Overall, we evaluate clarity, fullness, and volume.
With more streaming services offering high-resolution audio, we advise reading this audio codec FAQ to learn more about FLAC files, MP3s and, everything in between. The streaming service you choose could enhance sound quality.
After testing is completed, we rate each model based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Any product that is exemplary is awarded a Laptop Magazine Editor’s Choice badge.
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