Best Computer Speakers (December - 2022)
Whether it’s for gaming, music, and video production, or simply for casual music listening, the best computer speakers are almost a must-have for a proper computer setup. To help you find the best computer speakers on the market, we spent 10 days reviewing speaker systems and testing out over 30 models, carefully considering their footprint, connectivity, sonic capabilities, and sustained audio quality over time.
Our top pick goes to the Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers for their clear, detailed sound, immersive soundstage, and lightweight design. But, compare Sonos vs Bose brands to make your own judgment on which one is best. Keep reading to learn more about our top pick and our six other choices for the best computer speakers on the market today.
Top 7 Best Computer Speakers
#1 Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Computer Speakers
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Our top pick for audiophile computer speakers combines portability and high-quality audio performance, with its ported cabinet design producing detailed sound. We love how its wide soundstage enables us to hear the location of the instruments for a more immersive experience. For more quality speaker products, check out our guide to the loudest Bluetooth speakers or read our write-up of the top-rated Bluetooth speakers under $300.
Read Full Review: Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Review
Pros Audiophile computer speakers
Best high-quality, detailed sound
Lightweight design
Loud volume Cons Lacks wireless connection
Short wires
The Bose Companion 2 Series III Speakers boast an easy setup, with the volume control and headphone jack on the right speaker. The speakers’ digital signal processing ensures that they can sustain their high audio quality over long periods. They also employ the patented TrueSpace stereo digital processing circuitry for that clear, lifelike soundstage. Though the speakers don’t have a bass module, they do have built-in ports for the reproduction of low notes. The bass can sound a little muddy and the lows may tend towards a little distortion compared to the highs and mids, but these are hardly discernible and do not detract from the overall audio performance. If you enjoy bass and stereo sound, then check out our guide to the best soundbar.
Even though the Companion 2 speakers are not magnetically shielded, the magnetic field around them is not strong enough to harm the data in most hard drives or older CRT monitors. In terms of connectivity, the Bose Companion 2 Series III Speakers give the option to connect to other devices via auxiliary input so you can play music from your phone and music players. For a computer with the best speaker, you may as well also pick up the best printer paper too.
#2 TaoTronics TT-SK018 Computer Speaker
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: The best computer soundbar on our list, the TaoTronics Computer Speakers put a premium on portability without sacrificing powerful audio performance. We also love that it comes with Bluetooth connectivity for connecting your smart devices.
Read Full Review: TaoTronics TT-SK018 Review
Pros Best computer soundbar
Bluetooth connectivity
Slim, space-saving design
USB-powered Cons Weak bass
Hissing sound at low volume
With their slim, compact design and USB-powered feature, the TaoTronics Computer Speakers save you precious space on your work desk and lessen the number of wires that you have to contend with. They’re also simple to set up—just plug them in, connect your device, and you’re ready to enjoy a premium audio performance. They also have a microphone port located at the back, alongside the 3.5mm audio port and the power input.
Despite their size, these speakers deliver impressive cinematic audio quality in small spaces, producing 10 watts of combined power. Its compatibility with devices that have a 3.5mm jack is further supplemented by Bluetooth connectivity. With speakers this nice, you might also want to look into the best motherboard for your computer.
#3 AmazonBasics USB-Powered PC Computer Speakers
Award: BEST BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Despite their compact size, the AmazonBasics Computer Speakers deliver well-rounded audio quality with clear, crisp highs and decent, springy bass, making them the best budget computer speakers on our list. They also provide easy volume control with an in-line cord extending from one of the speakers.
Read Full Review: AmazonBasics USB-Powered PC Computer Speakers Review
Pros Best budget computer speakers
Handy and convenient
Well-rounded sound
Sleek, stylish design Cons Accent lights can’t be turned off separately
Lacks Bluetooth connectivity
Weighing 1.5 pounds and producing 1.2 RMS watts apiece, the AmazonBasics Computer Speakers are surprisingly sturdy, with a metal frame that provides strong support. Their audio output is loud for their size, and they can produce clear quality up to a certain volume, with a frequency range of 80 Hz to 20 kHz. Like the TaoTronics TT-SK018, this model is also USB-powered, adding to its portability. To keep your computer running smoothly, you may also want to invest in one of the best CPU fans.
#4 Logitech Z130 Compact Laptop Computer Speakers
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Light and compact, the Logitech Z130 Computer Speakers deliver clean, filling audio quality with decent highs and mid-range up to a fair volume limit while still being ideal for cramped spaces.
Read Full Review: Logitech Z130 Review
Pros Light and portable
Convenient volume control
Easy setup
3.5mm headphone jack Cons Some distortion at very high volume
Boasting a total of 5 RMS watts, the Logitech Z130 Computer Speakers can provide loud volume despite their size. These speakers also provide extra bass to your listening experience with their front-facing reflex port design. They work with both Windows and macOS, so you don’t have to worry about software compatibility. Alternatively, you can compare the Logitech Z623 vs Z625 for speakers with much more power and compatibility options.
This product comes with a headphone jack and convenient power and volume control on its right speaker, and 3.5mm input. It works with any device with a headphone jack input such as TVs, computers, smartphones, tablets, and music players. With the ability to work across so many devices, you might also want to look into the best ethernet switch for your home.
#5 Elegiant SR300 USB-Powered Wired and Wireless Computer Speakers
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: MOST VERSATILE
WHY WE LIKE IT: With their built-in subwoofers, the Elegiant SR300 Computer Speakers are arguably the best desktop speakers with bass on our list, delivering clear audio performance with good treble and excellent bass.
Read Full Review: Elegiant SR300 Review
Pros Best with bass
Full-range audio quality
Wireless connectivity Cons Short wires
With a rated power of 5 RMS watts apiece, the Elegiant SR300 Computer Speakers can produce rich, full-range sound even at loud volumes. The built-in 5W dual sub-woofers reproduce great-sounding low frequencies, and thanks to its Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, this product is compatible with a wide range of devices.
You’ll see that Bluetooth connectivity in this active speaker is much better, especially when comparing active vs passive speakers, as passive speakers need more accessories to work the best.
Its versatile control panel makes it easy to increase or decrease the volume, skip tracks, turn the LED lights on or off (yes, there are built-in LED lights in these speakers), and enter Bluetooth mode. These speakers will have your gameplay audio so crisp, that you’ll need the best gaming mouse pad for your setup.
#6 Sanyun SW102 Computer Speakers
Award: BEST PORTABLE
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Sanyun SW102 Speakers’ small size and long wires make them the ideal audio desk companion. The high-quality metal and plastic body provide enough stability to keep it from vibrating on any surface, ensuring clean audio quality.
Read Full Review: Sanyun SW102 Review
Pros 360-degree all-around sound
In-line wire control
Strong bass at low volume Cons Distortion with low power source
Lacks independent volume control
The USB-powered Sanyun SW102 has a built-in bass diaphragm to provide decent bass performance for such a small speaker. Its unique acoustic resonator structure produces a sound that is powerful, resonant, and penetrating.
It also features the standard 3.5mm audio input to connect to most music players and audio devices. The USB cable can be connected to laptops and computers or to any 5V charger power supply for more portability options.
To best enjoy the stereo sound experience, it is recommended that the speakers are placed in an equilateral triangular position with the listener.
#7 Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speakers
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: BEST PERFORMANCE
WHY WE LIKE IT: The only 2.1 system on this list, the Klipsch ProMedia Computer Speakers are the best computer speakers for music production. They feature two satellite speakers and a subwoofer to deliver clear, detailed, and room-filling sound, even at the highest volume.
Read Full Review: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Review
Pros Best for music production
Consistently clear performance
Immersive sound experience and powerful bass Cons Not portable
Parts wear out after prolonged use
This sleek audio system from Klipsch uses its patented micro Tractrix horn technology with Poly compression tweeters and 3″ long-throw fiber composite cone woofers for that consistently clear audio quality. The 6.5” subwoofer further enriches this with its bass performance.
This audio system produces a rich and detailed sound, making it an excellent choice for those looking to dabble in music production. The Klipsch ProMedia sound system also comes with the Promedia 2.1 Control Pod, allowing you to control the volume for the main speakers and the subwoofer with ease.
How We Decided
To narrow down our choices and ensure that only the best computer speakers make it to our list, we tested and evaluated them based on the criteria of audio clarity, convenience in terms of portability and connectivity, and consistency in audio quality over time at different volumes.
We assessed their performance by playing various music and video file types, connecting from different sound sources, and playing video games with notable sound effects. The ones that made it to our list have a maximum frequency range of 20KHz, except for our top pick with the highest maximum range of 35KHz. Most of them have a minimum frequency range anywhere between 50 to 80Hz, with the Elegiant SR300 the outlier with the higher minimum range of 150Hz, and the Sanyun SW102 and Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 having the lowest minimum range of 30Hz. This means that our picks maintain a good balance of volume and audio clarity, with some more capable of producing better-sounding bass and others, such as our top pick, able to reproduce higher pitches more faithfully.
To ensure that we only have the best computer speakers that can deliver loud volume, those on our list have 5 to 20 watts of RMS power. The only exceptions are the AmazonBasics Computer Speakers, which can still deliver loud volume despite having a total of 2.4 watts in power, and the Klipsch ProMedia Speakers with its 200 watts under its 2.1 sound system. As for the portable speakers on our list, we made sure that they weigh less than four pounds for easy and convenient transport. All products feature the standard 3.5mm audio input, while some offer added connectivity via Bluetooth.
Best Computer Speakers Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
Speaker Footprint
Check how much space you have available in your work or gaming area. Soundbars are ideal for smaller setups, but if you have a bit more room, you may consider speakers coming in pairs for that more immersive left-and-right system, or even spring for a 2.1 audio system with a 4.5-inch subwoofer. Power Source
Computer speakers can get their power from batteries, electric outlets, or a USB connection. Before purchasing speakers that need to be plugged into an outlet, make sure that you have space for your speakers near one and that you have an available socket for the speakers. Wattage
Wattage measures power, and when it comes to speakers, it generally means that the higher the wattage—the RMS (Root Mean Squared), and not the max wattage—the higher the volume that the speaker produces. Sensitivity
Sensitivity measures the loudness of the sound that a speaker can produce at a certain power level. Simply put, the higher a speaker’s sensitivity rating is, the louder the sound it produces. Connectivity
The standard for connectivity among speakers is the auxiliary jack, which usually comes in the standard 3.5mm and allows you to connect your speakers to a variety of sound sources. However, this can be prone to distortion and feedback when the connection isn’t tight. An alternative wired connection is via USB, which avoids this potential distortion. For wireless connectivity, you can opt for a Bluetooth connection, which makes connecting your speaker to your phone much easier, though it comes second to wired connections in terms of quality due to the limitations of Bluetooth codecs.
Read about the best speakers and check out our best computers section for the best desktop computers to power your speakers and more computer accessories.
The Best Computer Speakers for 2022
Computer speakers are ideal for any computer owner. Whether you are a gamer, an editor, or you enjoy listening to music or watching movies, you can benefit from owning an amazing set of powered computer speakers.
Speakers vs soundbar
A soundbar is a popular alternative to standard speakers because it offers high-quality audio and comes at a relatively affordable price. It is long, rectangular, and has multiple speakers built into it. In terms of audio quality, a set of speakers is better than a soundbar. Soundbars are often cheaper, more convenient, easy to set up, and a great choice for small rooms. Speakers, on the other hand, lack that flexibility, but they always offer a superior sound and are easy to upgrade. It ultimately comes down to which one will fit into your life and living space better.
Are they worth splurging on?
Nope. Do not spend your entire savings or try to take a loan to purchase one because there will be an updated version of the speaker that you have with each new year. Indeed, there’s always going to be a degree of you getting what you pay for, and higher quality speakers may come at an added cost, but a lot of quality speakers can offer satisfying results for less than $200!
Will it support Bluetooth?
Some speakers are designed to receive digital audio wirelessly via Bluetooth when paired with any Bluetooth-enabled audio device, but not all computer speakers have this feature. If your desired speaker does not support Bluetooth, you can choose to purchase a small Bluetooth transmitter. You could even consider a good old wired audio cable.
Powered vs wireless
While we can’t offer you a final answer when it comes to whether to opt for a powered speaker or a wireless one, we can offer you some useful insights on the benefits of each. Though powered speakers are considered out-of-date, they can be trusted to deliver a better and richer sound with zero fear of any disruption in the flow of the audio. We all know how annoying frequent cutouts can be when listening to any audio file, and this can happen with wireless speakers. On the other hand, wireless speakers are stylish, come with many placement options, and have a lower chance of getting damaged easily.
Best computer speakers 2022: give your PC or Mac a serious audio upgrade
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When it comes to picking out the best computer speakers for your setup in 2022 you don't want to leave anything to chance: from movies to games to music, the quality of the sound coming out of your PC or Mac is vital to the overall experience.
With our comprehensive best computer speakers guide to hand though, you don't need to worry about buying anything less than the top speaker sets on the market. We've done the hard work in terms of the research so that you can select the speakers that work best for your platform and your requirements.
Whether you want an affordable pair of stereo speakers to upgrade the audio coming from your computer, or you're ready to invest in a high-fidelity surround sound system to rival the local cinema, we've got some good picks for you.
As always when purchasing any kind of technology, ranging from the best SSDs to the best office chairs and onto the best 4K monitors, it pays to spend some time beforehand figuring out exactly how you're going to use it, and the other devices you need it to be compatible with. That should help you decide which option is best for you out of all the choices currently available, and computer speakers are no different.
Computer speakers and major sales events go hand-in-hand, which is why we're also suggesting to people right now to consider waiting on ringing up a purchase. This is because this year's Amazon Prime Day deals super sale is going to be here very soon, and typically computer speakers are heavily discounted. As such, we feel that there could be some great savings on offer for potential shoppers.
The best computer speakers you can buy today in 2022
Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best computer speakers for most people? That's the Audioengine A2+. (Image credit: Audioengine)
1. Audioengine A2+ The best computer speakers for most people Specifications Number of speakers: 2 Inputs: Bluetooth, USB, RCA Phono, 3.5mm Watts: 60W Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Fantastic sound quality + Integrated DAC Reasons to avoid - No subwoofer option
A premium pair of speakers for a premium audio experience, the Audioengine A2+ system is available in both wired and wireless (Bluetooth) versions, and comes with an integrated DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter). You can pick this up in three colours as well: black, white or (a very striking) red.
The 60W of audio power packed into the Audioengine A2+ gives you a level of sound output that remains crisp and clear even as you ramp the volume up, and these speakers come highly recommended by just about everyone who's ever tested them. The founders of Audioengine have previously worked for companies including Harman and Apple, and that comes through in the quality of this product.
With a variety of wired and wireless inputs to pick from, you can easily connect up your other devices to the Audioengine A2+ speakers as well as your computer, and their compact size means you don't have to have a huge amount of room to set them up either. Fantastic speakers in just about every department.
The best premium computer speakers are the Ruark MR1 MkII. (Image credit: Ruark)
2. Ruark MR1 MkII The best premium computer speakers Specifications Number of speakers: 2 Inputs: Bluetooth, optical, 3.5mm Watts: 40W Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at John Lewis (opens in new tab) View at Selfridges (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Beautiful finish + Superb size Reasons to avoid - On the more expensive side
It's hard to find enough superlatives to talk about the Ruark MR1 MkII Bluetooth speakers – and don't be fooled by their diminutive size, because these two units can pump out a hefty level of volume without any distortion (you can easily adjust this via the supplied remote control, if you like).
You get plenty of inputs with these speakers too – we're talking Bluetooth, 3.5mm and even an optical input, so you could use this pair with a television set as well as a computer if you wanted to. The Bluetooth connectivity means if you need to go without wires you can, and there's a subwoofer output here as well, if you want to add another component to the setup.
These are some of the most stylish speakers we've come across as well – all wood and fabric – but it really is the audio quality that's the big draw here. There's a lot of richness and subtlety to the sound, and the Ruark MR1 MkII are capable of producing sounds you'll think are from a full hi-fi system.
The Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II are the best budget computer speakers. (Image credit: Creative)
3. Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II The best budget computer speakers Specifications Number of speakers: 2 Inputs: 2 x 3.5mm Watts: 32W Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Appealing design + Crisp, clear sounds Reasons to avoid - Older tech
Creative has a long and storied history when it comes to computer audio, and the GigaWorks T40 Series II do no harm to the company's reputation as one of the best for manufacturing speakers like these. Connect this pair up to your computer and you'll get a vastly improved soundscape for your ears to enjoy.
These are older speakers but the sound quality is still excellent, and as they're not the very latest products on the market you can pick them up for a very reasonable price – not bargain basement prices, but certainly at a level that makes them fantastic value for money. They sound like speakers that cost a lot more money.
And you get a whole load of Creative audio technology packed in here: a three-driver Midrange-Tweeter-Midrange configuration for crystal clear fidelity, and BasXPort technology so those lower sounds can really be heard. The controls on the front of the units are a nice touch too.
(Image credit: Bose)
4. Bose Companion 2 Series III The best computer speakers for simplicity Specifications Number of speakers: 2 Inputs: 2 x 3.5mm Watts: 14W Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at John Lewis (opens in new tab) View at Bose (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Compact size + Simple configuration Reasons to avoid - Limited max volume
Bose has really outdone itself with the Companion 2 Series III pair of speakers, which give you top-tier sound quality at a very reasonable price. We should also point out how easy these are to set up and configure, thanks in part to the simple volume dial and the headphone jack on the front.
Although these speakers aren't going to reach the very top volumes of some of their competitors, they can quite comfortably fill a room with rich, immersive sound, and they'll ensure that the entire audio spectrum is hitting your ears. Whether it's music or video calling, the Bose Companion 2 Series III fit the bill.
This being Bose, the design and build quality are at a level that stand out from the crowd as well. They're small and discreet enough to fit in with whatever desk aesthetic you're going for, and you're not going to need a huge amount of room to get them in place.
Head to our Bose discount codes to find a great deal.
(Image credit: Logitech)
5. Logitech Z906 The best surround sound computer speakers Specifications Number of speakers: 6 Inputs: RCA Phono, digital coaxial, optical, 3.5mm Watts: 1,000W Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Lots of power + Separate control unit Reasons to avoid - It'll cost you
While a surround sound system can seem like more than anyone would need for their computer, one of these setups can make a massive difference when it comes to gaming, movies and listening to music – hear your enemies creep up on you from all angles, enjoy your albums in a more immersive way than ever before, and watch films with the audio soundscape they were made with.
You get five satellite speakers and a subwoofer with this set, as well as a remote control and a control box, so it really is for people who want to upgrade their computer audio setup to the max. Despite all the tech on show, this is a relatively simple system to set up, and it shouldn't take you more than a few minutes to put everything in place.
This is a speaker set to consider if you want a cinematic experience in front of your computer: it offers THX-certified sound, Dolby Digital and DTS support, and much more besides, as well as plenty of inputs and 1,000W of maximum power. Overall, it's hard to find anything negative to say about it, except perhaps for the price.
