Best PC Speaker for Quality Audio
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Logitech Z313 2.1-Channel PC Speaker -
Logitech Multimedia PC Speaker -
Harman Kardon SoundSticks III 2.1 System PC Speaker -
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 System PC Speaker -
Logitech Z623 2.1 System PC Speaker -
Logitech Surround Sound Z506 PC Speaker -
Logitech Z130 2.0 System PC Speaker -
Harman Kardon SoundSticks Wireless Bluetooth PC Speaker -
Infinity One Premium Wireless Portable PC Speaker -
Buyer's Guide
Computer speakers play the largest role in determining the quality of the audio from your system. Most basic computer speakers have two "satellites" which are often placed on either side of a computer monitor, providing left and right channels for stereo sound. Beyond that, 2.1 and 5.1 speaker systems are growing in popularity.
These setups have multiple satellites and a dedicated subwoofer and offer much higher performance than basic speaker systems. They have substantially better bass response, making them an ideal choice for PC gaming and watching movies. While a simple pair of speakers can be inexpensive and easy to choose, take a look at our picks for the best PC Speakers in 2022 and the buyer’s guide below for more information to help you pick exactly the right speakers for your setup.
Detailing the Best PC Speakers of 2022
Logitech Z313 2.1-Channel PC Speaker - Top Pick
While your preferences on some of these points may vary, this is an excellent setup for just about anyone. 2.1 sound means you'll get much better bass quality to accompany the high and mid-tones created by the other two speakers. But it also means you'll need to have room for the fairly large subwoofer that comes with this set. You can't have it closed up in a cabinet or similar space, so this is an issue that is important to consider when making your choice. This model has peak power of 50 watts for excellent volume and sound quality, along with a control pod you can use to adjust volume and tone so the speakers themselves can be placed where they can achieve optimal audio quality. The only real issue with the pod is it doesn't have a control for the bass level, but it does have a headphone jack and Logitech covers this model with a two-year warranty.
Logitech Multimedia PC Speaker - Runner Up
This is a really nice, simple two speaker setup that you should consider if a 2.1 system is more speaker than you want or need. You get two solid satellite speakers with this one that sound good and offers 10 watts of peak power. While that may seem low, keep in mind that without a dedicated subwoofer you don't need nearly as much power as other speaker setups require to still get great volume and sound quality. This one has volume controls on the front face of one of the satellites along with a bass adjustment control on the side that lets you change the tone of your speaker sound. You get a two-year warranty on this one and it is a great, simple option if you do not want 2.1 sound.
Harman Kardon SoundSticks III 2.1 System PC Speaker - Honorable Mention
The sound quality for these speakers is definitely top notch and can compete with any other 2.1 computer speakers on the market. They might not be as powerful as the Corsair Gaming Audio Series SP2500, but you'll still be able to appreciate deep, rich sounds even at high volume levels. On top of that, these speakers have one of the sleekest and most interesting designs of any computer speakers on the market. White LEDs within their clear frames enhance this look further and they definitely accentuate just about any computer setup.
While there’s no control pod with this system, it includes controls which are touch-sensitive for easy adjustments that don’t impact their sleek design. Most people place their subwoofer under their desk, both to keep it out of the way and to enhance the audio from it, which means the wonderful aesthetics of the subwoofer design are essentially wasted if it’s placed somewhere unseen. Harman Kardon only covers these speakers with a one-year warranty, but they also offer a wireless Bluetooth model of these speakers at a much higher price.
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 System PC Speaker - Consider
In terms of their audio quality, these speakers are certainly fantastic. THX certification indicates you'll get tremendous sound quality and clarity and the bass in these speakers can definitely shake a room. You'll get both clear mid and high ranges as well as solid bass that you can adjust quickly and easily. The volume controls on this speaker set connect to the underside of one of the speaker satellites.
You can detach the controls if you want to move or replace them. The satellites include metal stands that are well-built and the metal case on the subwoofer is durable. These speakers are exclusive to Best Buy or ordering through the Klipsch website which is frustratingly limited; however, they’re covered by a one-year warranty on electronics and three-year warranty on other parts. If you're interested in a wireless setup, there's also a wireless version available from Klipsch.
Logitech Z623 2.1 System PC Speaker - Best 2.1 Computer Speakers
These are some of the most affordable, high-quality 2.1 computer speakers around. While they’re certainly not a "budget" model, you can find them for quite a bit less than some of other speakers out there. However, even at a lower price these are solid speakers which are quite powerful and offer tremendous sound. They might not look as nice as the Soundsticks from Harman Kardon, but they perform their job admirably due to 120 watts of peak power and a powerful subwoofer.
The control pod gives you easy controls for volume and bass, plus it includes a 3.5mm input jack. If you want to save a little money while still getting terrific sound and great controls, then give this one a good look. Logitech supports it with a one-year warranty and it is made from solid materials including cloth covering to protect your speakers.
Logitech Surround Sound Z506 PC Speaker - Best 5.1 Computer Speakers
This is basically the "budget" model of 5.1 speakers from Logitech, so keep that in mind as you look at them. The speakers are good, though with 75 watts RMS of power they’re certainly not nearly as powerful as the ones available in the Logitech Z906 setup; however, at 1/4 the price, that's to be expected.
There are multiple inputs on the subwoofer, so you can connect multiple devices to these speakers, but they don’t have a control center to easily switch between them. You also have to adjust volume directly on one of the satellites, so potentially restricts how you set them up; a simple control pod would be a great addition. The speakers are made from solid, quality materials and include metal mesh driver covers, giving you a solid overall system covered by a two-year warranty.
Logitech Z130 2.0 System PC Speaker - Best Laptop Speakers
The primary flaw with these speakers is that they aren't the most portable laptop speakers out there. If you have a laptop that you tend to use in one particular space and you're not looking for speakers that you can easily move around and use anywhere thanks to battery power, then these are a very good choice. Their sound quality is quite nice, thanks to five watts of total power. While they’re larger than many other models out there, they are only about five and a half inches tall and weigh less than a pound.
Simple volume controls are located on the front of them as well as a connection for headphones. These speakers do require a wall outlet for power, and they also require a 3.5mm connection, with no wireless option, so keep that in mind. The two-year warranty by Logitech is great and the metal grills on the front of them help protect the sound drivers within.
Harman Kardon SoundSticks Wireless Bluetooth PC Speaker - Best Wireless Computer Speakers
You get some incredibly powerful speakers with this setup at a price that's actually pretty reasonable, though definitely not cheap. Even though these speakers are pretty small, they are quite loud and offer excellent overall sound quality at every level. This pick also offers Bluetooth connectivity that lets these the speakers pair well with a computer, laptop, tablet, and even smart phones for easy media playback. If you need it, you can also use 3.5mm audio connections to set this up, with a wireless option for all of your devices. The 2.1 audio is excellent and the subwoofer gives you great bass for a tremendous overall experience thanks to 65 watts of maximum power. Keep in mind these speakers are tethered to a power cord so it's not a completely wireless setup. Harman Kardon covers this system with a one-year electronics warranty and five-year loudspeaker warranty.
Infinity One Premium Wireless Portable PC Speaker - Best Wireless Computer Speakers
While this might not be ideal for every desktop and computer setup, this is a great little wireless option that works well and sounds great. It is a single speaker unit, so you do not get a pair of satellites or any options for 2.1 sound, but the case houses four 45mm drivers and a pair of passive radiators to ensure it sounds great. It has a peak power output of 25 watts which is very good for such a small speaker and ensures excellent volume as well as sound quality. This model is battery powered so it gives you completely wireless functionality, but you will need to invest in rechargeable batteries or swap them out after about 10 hours of use. That makes this less than ideal for a setup where you need to use it for extended time every day, but remains a great option for casual use.
Buyer's Guide
There is a wide range of computer speakers on the market that include everything from simple two-satellite options to 5.1 surround sound systems. Navigating such a flood of options can be difficult, but prior research makes the process easier. Different manufacturers utilize a variety of materials and technologies when designing speakers, and also control the warranties on their models. When it comes to audio quality, the number and configuration of speakers are important, but so is the maximum wattage. Consider all of these options along with your overall computer build, which often determines how you need to connect the speakers to your system and the best controls for ease of use.
Details to Consider Before Buying PC Speakers
Wattage and Decibels
In any type of speaker, the wattage indicates how loud the speaker can get and still offer high-quality sound without damaging the speakers themselves. This wattage value can be a bit misleading, however, because what’s really important is the decibel levels that can be achieved at a given wattage. High-quality speakers, for example, can already reach excellent volumes at just one watt, so high wattage levels are not necessary to get loud, clear sound from such speakers. Unless you plan on using your computer to really fill a large area with sound, this is less important than it might immediately seem as most PC speakers offer enough wattage and decibels for an office or home setup.
Connectivity
Wired or wireless are your two options when it comes to PC speaker connectivity. Consider how your computer is set up in terms of whether a six-foot or ten-foot cord could work for your system or if you need wireless speakers. With that in mind, each connectivity option has its own features to consider.
Wired Connectivity
If you're considering speakers with wired connectivity, then there are a few specific things to look at. You should look at the length of the cord/cable connecting the speakers to your computer; you want speakers with at least a six-foot cable, but ten feet or longer is usually ideal.
You should also look at how the wire connects to a computer, which will typically be either through a USB port or a 3.5mm audio connection. Many motherboards have 3.5mm audio connections, but not all, so consider what connection you have available and choose speakers which can work with it.
Wireless Connectivity
Most wireless speakers connect to a computer through a Bluetooth signal. This means you need to have a computer with Bluetooth connectivity enabled or purchase and install an expansion card with a Bluetooth signal. Some speakers have a wireless dongle that you connect to your computer and then the speakers receive a signal through it, but these are somewhat rare.
The biggest perk of wireless Bluetooth PC speakers is that they’re often compatible with other Bluetooth devices, but audio quality is sometimes less than what you get with a wired option.
Number of Speakers and Configuration
Speaker configuration is indicated via a number written as X.Y. X indicates the number of satellite speakers, which provide the treble and mid-range sound, while Y tells you if there is a subwoofer for dedicated bass.
2.0 sound is the most basic setup usually available and just gives you a pair of satellite speakers for the left and right channels, without a subwoofer. 2.1 means you get two satellites and a subwoofer. The most elaborate set up you are likely to find for PC speakers is 5.1, which gives you five satellites that you can arrange in a surround setup, with left, right, rear-left, rear-right, and a dedicated subwoofer.
While 5.1 sound is terrific, not every computer setup or office is right for it, so consider how you have your computer arranged and how many speakers really make sense.
Audio Controls
While almost every set of PC speakers has some type of basic volume control, there are also a lot of options that you can find on other systems. At the very least, you should look at how the volume controls are set up on the speakers since some of them are easier to use than others.
For a 2.1 or 5.1 system, you want to look for separate bass controls and balance, so that you can easily control the audio volume and quality. Some PC speaker systems even have remote controls or apps which let you use your phone as a remote, so you can easily adjust and control the computer's volume and sound from across the room.
Manufacturer
Although there are a decent number of PC speaker manufacturers out there, only a handful of them are well known for building quality systems that sound great and work well. Companies like Logitech and Corsair are known for making a number of computer peripherals and producing excellent PC speakers which sound great. There are also manufacturers like Klipsch and Harman Kardon, known for making great speakers and they’ve branched into manufacturing high-quality PC models. Creative Labs, maker of the Sound Blaster series of sound cards, and Cyber Acoustics also produce excellent PC speakers worth looking into.
Reliability and Warranty
Good design, six speakers, and mobile phone controls are all meaningless if your speakers stop working after a month of use. You want to choose a system that’s built to last and continue working for years to come so look for companies that have good reputations like the ones mentioned above.
The warranties provided by companies are important since defects are possible even in the best of products. A one-year warranty is the bare minimum that you should accept, though at least a two-year warranty is definitely preferable. Some high-end models are covered for five years of performance.
