The best computer speakers 2023: top speakers for your PC

Editor’s Note: February 2023

We’ve been busy putting a few bookshelf speakers through their paces to add newer and better products for you to choose from. This month, we have a couple of new entries: the influencer-favorite Edifier G2000, which is terrific for users with smaller setups, and the epic Razer Leviathan V2 Pro, which delivers a powerful bass that will blow you away.

We’re also currently testing another offering from Edifier and the retro-futuristic Harmon Kardon Soundsticks 4. So, stay tuned as there might be newer entries on our list below.

Michelle Rae Uy, Buying Guides Editor

Invest in one of the best computer speakers to get great audio out of your Mac or PC. After all, built-in speakers, whether they’re in your laptop or monitor, are usually barely adequate at best and getting bargain basement speakers from unknown brands off Amazon isn’t going to be much better. If you want to truly experience music, gaming, or the newest movie the way they were intended, you owe it to yourself to get a speaker setup that can do whatever media you’re hoping to consume justice.

Of course, many people will buy one of the best headphones or the best PC gaming headsets instead. While that can certainly do the trick, wearing headphones for long periods of time can be fatiguing. Considering that many popular models still require a physical connection, you’ll end up tethered to your desk. On top of that, you need speakers if you’re hoping to share that amazing song or game with someone.

So, don’t underestimate how much a good pair of computer speakers can improve your computer setup. And, now that many of the best USB microphones have algorithms built in to minimize background noise, you can use computer speakers even when chatting with others without fear of echoes or feedback.

Since we’ve put plenty of computer speakers through the wringer, we have a lot of experience as to what makes for good or lousy PC speakers. We’ve applied that expertise to bring you our top picks for the best computer speakers available at the moment, including models for all sorts of budgets and needs.

The best computer speakers 2023

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(Image credit: Logitech)

1. Logitech Z407

The best computer speakers overall

Our expert review:

Specifications

Weight:

389g (satellites), 2,450g (sub)

Size:

7.87 x 3.70 x 3.35 in (satellites), 9.45 x 9.21 x 7.09 in (sub)

Drivers:

7-inch woofer, 2.5-inch full-range drivers

Supported Connectivity:

Bluetooth

Audio Inputs:

1 x micro USB, 1 x 3.5mm jack

Outputs:

Subwoofer output

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Reasons to buy

+

Impressive sound with rumbling sub

+

Classy, versatile and compact design

Reasons to avoid

–

Wireless control can be confusing

The Logitech Z407 offers great value in an affordable and appealing package. These minimalist, capsule-shaped speakers deliver great sound quality and a decent amount of volume while offering wireless connectivity, two physical input options, and a versatile design. 

For your convenience, it comes with a control puck that connects wirelessly so you can change the volume, dial the bass power up/down, play/pause/stop the current content and move forward or go back from up to 20 meters away. We found this dial a bit confusing to use at first, but it’s a nifty addition that adds convenience to its use.

That subwoofer is surprisingly powerful for its size as well, producing a good amount of rumble for those intense game and movie moments. If you think that computer speakers are becoming obsolete, these will certainly change your mind.

Read the full Logitech Z407 review

(Image credit: Creative)

2. Creative Pebble Plus

The best budget PC speakers

Our expert review:

Specifications

Weight:

0.30kg left, 0.34kg right, 1.05kg sub

Size:

4.8 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches (satellites), 5.9 x 7.7 x 8 inches (sub)

Drivers:

2-inch full range speakers driver

Supported Connectivity:

none

Audio Inputs:

3.5mm stereo mini-jack

Outputs:

none

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Reasons to buy

+

Cheap compared to the rest

+

Quality sound for the price

+

Unique look

Reasons to avoid

–

Only 3.5mm input

–

No other connectivity, wired or otherwise

You don’t need to spend a fortune on a good set of computer speakers. For budget-conscious consumers, Creative’s Pebble Plus is more than good enough for the job, whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a film fanatic. This 2.1 speaker system may not be audiophile quality, but it produces great sound for how much it costs. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find better stereo sound at this price range.

Consisting of two far-field drivers angled at a 45-degrees and a down-firing subwoofer, the Pebble Plus delivers good highs, mids and lows. Not only that, but we found during our tests that it also does a great job of minimizing distortion at loud volumes, which isn’t something you’ll often find on budget speakers. 

There are some compromises here, as is expected on inexpensive peripherals, but none of those are too big to put you off. Hands-down, this is the best computer speakers for those on a tight budget.

Read the full Creative Pebble Plus review

(Image credit: SteelSeries)

Nothing can replace the experience of real surround sound. Turning on virtual surround sound for a pair of headphones or a set of speakers only approximates that fully immersive experience. And, there aren’t many computer speaker setups that will give you a true 360 degrees of audio.

Well, Steelseries has fixed that with their flagship speaker system, the Arena 9. Comprised of six separate speakers: two front satellites, a center channel speaker, two rear satellites, and a subwoofer, this 5.1 system will transport you, as it did us, into your favorite games and movies instantly.

We find that games especially come alive with the Arena 9s. Audio elements physically circle us when we move our character’s point of view. And, thanks to that subwoofer, we feel the rumble whenever there’s an explosion. Even listening in stereo, the audio sounds detailed, clear and engaging.

So, if you’re considering investing in surround sound, it’s hard to do better than the Arena 9. Just make sure you have the desk space for it.

Read our full SteelSeries Arena 9 review

(Image credit: Razer)

4. Razer Leviathan V2 Pro

The best PC soundbar that delivers a whole lot of rumble

Our expert review:

Specifications

Weight:

5lbs (soundbar), 11.19lbs (sub)

Size:

600 x 113.7 x 90.1 mm (soundbar), 260 x 295 x 260 mm (sub)

Drivers:

5x 2-inch full-range drives, 1x 5.25-inch downward firing sub

Supported Connectivity:

Bluetooth

Audio Inputs:

USB

Outputs:

3.5mm

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Reasons to buy

+

Powerful subwoofer with a lot of rumble

+

Great sound imaging, wide soundstage

+

Head-tracking AI

Reasons to avoid

–

High end is lacking

–

Mid range can be muddy

The Razer Leviathan V2 Pro is proof that you can get away with a space-saving setup and still have a truly immersive experience. This soundbar-sub combo is a fantastic audio solution if you want a 5.1 speaker system for your desk but don’t necessarily have the space to accommodate that kind of setup.

Razer’s brilliant plan here isn’t just to put five drivers in a single – and relatively compact – soundbar, add a downward-firing sub, and let it all lose. This offering also comes with thoughtful features such as head tracking AI, different audio modes, and customizable RGB lighting, all of which contribute to your audio immersion. And, it’s more affordable than you might think.

It isn’t perfect. During testing, we found that the high end to be a lacking and the mids sometimes sounding a little muddy. However, it makes up for those with a powerful bass that can literally make a small room shake, great sound imaging, and a surprisingly wide soundstage. It’s definitely one of our favorite computer speakers in 2023.

Read the full Razer Leviathan V2 Pro review

(Image credit: SteelSeries)

The Steelseries Arena 3 are the company’s entry-level speakers. As such, they’re the most stripped down of the company’s product line. And, while you won’t get the rear satellites of the Arena 9 or the subwoofer of the Arena 7, you’re still getting quality sound, an immersive soundstage, and entry into Steelseries’ new audio suite.

Listening to these speakers, we found them to have a solid mid-range and a wide soundstage. Of course, the bass doesn’t go too deep as these are on the smaller side and the high end is slightly veiled. 

However, we found that we could play around with the sound quite a bit thanks to the Steelseries’ Sonar Audio Suite. Specifically, there’s a parametric EQ on hand that lets you fine-tune your audio far beyond what most gaming and computer-centric speakers allow. And, if you have a multiple device setup, know that the Arena 3 come with two analog inputs and a multi-function button that lets you switch between the two easily.

Read our full SteelSeries Arena 3 review

(Image credit: Creative)

6. Creative Labs T100 Speakers

Another budget option ideal for smaller desks

Our expert review:

Specifications

Weight:

1.0kg left, 1.0kg right

Size:

8.2 x 3.7 x 5.1 inches

Drivers:

2 x 2.75″ Full-Range Driver

Supported Connectivity:

Up to 10 meters Bluetooth connectivity

Audio Inputs:

3.5 mm, USB FLAC, Optical-in, AUX-in

Outputs:

Optical Output

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Reasons to buy

+

Compact design

+

Good sound quality for the size

+

Bluetooth 5.0

Reasons to avoid

–

Won’t blow you away with its performance

–

Limited ports compared to other options on the list

The Creative T100 proves that you don’t need to have a lot of space or spend a lot of money for great sound. This stereo setup may not blow you away with rumbling bass or surround sound, but we still found it to be great sounding. That’s impressive considering its compact design and affordable price. As long as you’re not really looking for a deeply immersive experience, it’s terrific for music-listening, movie-watching, and even gaming. 

Plus, it offers a few connectivity options. While many bookshelf speakers only limit to a couple of those, this offering from Creative gives you a variety. You’re getting wireless Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm AUX-in, optical audio and USB FLAC. You’ll rarely find all options in one computer speaker package. If you’re looking for the best computer speakers for the budget-conscious, you cannot go wrong with this one.

Read the full Creative T100 review

(Image credit: Fluance)

The Fluance Ai41 comes with one major flaw in that it doesn’t come with USB connectivity. But, if you can get around that – after all, you do have Bluetooth, RCA, and optical inputs – you’ll have a hard time finding a set of powered bookshelf speakers that sound as good as these. 

We were surprised when testing at how good they sound. The bass is particularly deep on these ported speakers. Almost to the point where we don’t miss having a subwoofer. And, the high-mids are only slightly boosted for a bright yet still rich audio quality.

While we did find it to take up a little more desk space than we would like, we still heartily recommend them. Of course, if you have an unusually cramped desk or are on a budget, you might have to look elsewhere. But, those one-inch silk dome tweeters and five-inch woofers do sound glorious when you turn them up.

Read our full Fluance Ai41 review

(Image credit: Edifier )

8. Edifier G2000

Mini PC speakers that punches above their weight

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:

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☆

☆

☆

☆

☆

Specifications

Weight:

1.54lb per speaker

Size:

106 x 105 x 130 mm (per speaker)

Drivers:

2x ¾-inch woofer

Supported Connectivity:

Bluetooth

Audio Inputs:

Bluetooth, USB sound card, 3.5mm

Outputs:

Sub out

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Reasons to buy

+

Multiple connectivity options

+

Full sound for its size

+

Sub out and LED lighting as extras

Reasons to avoid

–

Sound imaging is practically non-existent

–

High end isn’t very detailed

The Edifier G2000 may be the among the tiniest computer speakers you’ll ever see, but don’t let that small footprint fool you. These popular offerings from Edifier are more potent than they look in terms of audio and punch above their weight in connectivity as well.

They may not look it, but we found the G2000 to deliver full, rich audio with fairly-balanced mids and clear high-end. And, while they’re not that great in sound imaging, they should deliver a wide soundstage as long as they’re placed far enough apart. We also appreciate that you can not just connect to them via USB and 3.5mm, but Bluetooth as well. 

Some might argue that these should be cheaper than they cost, but we do think you’re getting a great value here. You’re getting the perfect compact computer speakers for your small setup without compromising on sound quality, which is pretty great. Throw in the RGB lighting and the unique look, and it’s the full package.

Read our full Edifier G2000 review

(Image credit: Vigilant Audio)

9. Vigilant Audio SwitchOne

Great computer speakers that are great for studio work

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:

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☆

☆

☆

☆

☆

Specifications

Weight:

6.6lbs/pair

Size:

7.1 x 7.1 x 4.3 inches

Drivers:

4-inch full range

Supported Connectivity:

Bluetooth

Audio Inputs:

3.5mm, RCA, ¼-inch

Outputs:

Headphone

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Reasons to buy

+

Great room-filling sound

+

Solid connectivity

+

Compact enough for any desk setup

Reasons to avoid

–

Studio to Hifi switch is subtle

–

Missing USB

There are a few things that make the Vigilant Audio SwitchOne special. To start, they’re powerful and room-filling speakers that sound excellent despite the fact that there are just two small-ish bookshelf speakers and no subwoofer. And, yes, they come with impressive even without a sub.

They also come with “The Switch” that switches the SwitchOne from a more HiFi sounding stereo speaker setup to one with a flatter, more neutral frequency response perfect for doing studio work. We were even able to use these monitors to mix when tested. Of course, we did find the switch in frequency responses to be on the subtle side.

Since they were meant for use with a computer, we did miss having USB connectivity but it has all the other types of connectivity you could need including Bluetooth. All in all, the Vigilant Audio SwitchOne are a fantastic option if you don’t need USB and can afford their slightly higher price tag.

Read our full Vigilant Audio SwitchOne review

(Image credit: Edifier)

10. Edifier M3200

Audiophile quality for a cheaper computer speaker system

Our expert review:

Specifications

Weight:

5.3Kg

Size:

2.91 x 11.1 x 3.5in

Drivers:

Subwoofer with 5½ inch driver

Supported Connectivity:

none

Audio Inputs:

3.5mm jack

Outputs:

Headphone jack

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Reasons to buy

+

Affordable compared to the competition

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Great sound quality for the price

Reasons to avoid

–

Base can sound distorted at higher levels

Edifier has also been a trusted name in audio, which is why it’s making a two-time appearance on this list. But it’s no stranger to making unique-looking satellites, either. And just like the E25 Luna Eclipse, the Edifier M3200 comes in a unique form. Unlike the former’s EVE from Wall-E looking satellites, however, this system’s look like modern hourglasses with blue trimming

It doesn’t fall far from the Edifier tree in terms of sound quality either. This audio speaker system boasts audiophile-level sound, which makes it a terrific choice for PC users with more discerning ears. It also comes with a magnetically shielded subwoofer with 5½ inch driver for richer, deeper bass whether you’re gaming or watching The Witcher. What is surprising, however, is its price. It’s one of the more affordable options on this list.

Read the full Edifier M3200 review

How to choose the best computer speakers for you

Choosing the best computer speakers is more complex than choosing the best laptop or desktop. While you can always go with something more expensive and hope that’s an indication of quality, there aren’t clear-cut metrics or numbers to go on as there are with a computer. 

There are still some objective considerations, however. Some speakers only connect through an analog 3.5mm connection, while others include USB, optical or Bluetooth connectivity. If you’re a stickler for audio fidelity, a digital connection like USB or optical is necessary for an uncompressed signal. If you care more about a minimalist setup, you should prioritize speakers with Bluetooth. Thankfully, Bluetooth has come a long way and plenty of Bluetooth speakers offer incredible sound. However, if your primary concern is budget, you’ll most likely end up with a set of speakers equipped with an analog connection.

You’ll also want to consider how important that low-end is for you. If you want something that can shake the walls whenever there’s an explosion in the game you’re playing or movie you’re watching, you’ll want a system with a subwoofer.

Consider the speakers’ size as well, particularly if you have a small space, and other included features such as an included remote or control pod/puck to easily control the speakers.

The most important consideration, the sound quality, is also the most subjective. Do you prefer bass-heavy audio or want something a bit brighter? Everyone gravitates towards a different sound. You’ll have to consider if you want something with a lot of bass, a brighter sound or a more neutral frequency response.

How we test computer speakers

When we test a pair of computer speakers, we spend hours listening to various media. We use it for audio to watch blockbuster movies and the latest shows on Netflix, listen to multiple genres of music, and play an assortment of computer games.

During our listening sessions, we focus on how well the low-end, midrange and high-end frequencies are represented and how it all affects the speakers’ frequency response. Some speakers might have too much high-end, making for an overly bright and unpleasant listening experience. Sometimes, there’s too much low-end, resulting in muddy-sounding audio. 

We spend a lot of time living with the speakers, getting a sense of how they sound, if they’re appropriate for certain applications and, subjectively, making a judgment call on the audio quality.

Beyond the sound quality, we take into account the different connectivity options and how that impacts what we hear. We compare the sound quality between the different connections and whether the end result has the same audio quality or not.

We consider the build quality as well. We inspect speakers that we test to see what they’re made of and whether the parts look to be made of tougher or cheaper material.

Any extra features are thoroughly tested. If a speaker system comes with a subwoofer, we see how much control we have over it, how loud it can get in comparison to the speakers and how well it mixes with the speakers. Remotes and control pods, also sometimes referred to as pucks, are tested to make sure they work as advertised. And, if there’s any RGB lighting, we take a look at that as well.

Lastly, we take all of that and weigh it against the asking price to see if it’s offering a good amount of value or whether it’s worth its accompanying price tag.

What are the features of a good computer speaker?

There are not necessarily any particular features that separate the best computer speakers from subpar ones. It’s more a matter of execution. However, you’ll end up with better results if you get something with some kind of digital connectivity, whether that’s USB, Optical or even Bluetooth. Analog speakers can still sound great, but they tend to sound a little more compressed in comparison.

With that said, some computer speakers come with some quality of life features that make controlling them easier. A remote or control pod are a welcome addition so you can adjust the volume and possibly other parameters without having to minimize whatever you’re watching or playing.

Which brand speaker is best for PC?

There’s no king of the mountain when it comes to the best computer speakers. Plenty of brands offer quality options that will satisfy most people’s needs when it comes to listening to movies, music, or games. The best one for you will somewhat depend on what you spend most of your computer time doing. 

However, you can count on most peripheral companies like Logitech, Creative and Razer to produce quality products. And, of course, audio-focused companies like Audio Engine and Harmon Kardon produce great speakers as well. 

Where you can get into trouble with brands is when you’re trying to save money and go with something unknown such as a random manufacturer off of Amazon. While there may not be a best, it’s best to stick with brands that are recognizable and have a track record of making good quality speakers.

How do I set up my computer speakers?

Most computer speaker systems come with either 2 or 3 pieces. You’ll end up with a left speaker, a right speaker, and, in some instances, a subwoofer. Setting them up is typically fairly easy. But, you don’t want to just place each speaker on either side of your monitor or laptop. You’ll also want to angle them so that they’re pointing at where your head typically is when you’re sitting at your computer. You’ll notice that some computer speakers are even angled to help with this. You can also move the speakers further out to widen the sound stage if you want to feel a little more immersed. Just make sure to keep them around a few feet away.

Subwoofers are meant to go on the floor. Not only are a good number of them downward-firing, meaning the sound is supposed to bounce off the floor before it gets to you, but they tend to move more air than regular speakers. So, if you’re keeping your subwoofer on your desk, you might end up dealing with a lot of unnecessary vibrations. Just keep the subwoofer somewhat close to your desk, whether it’s directly underneath or off to the side.

Lastly, there are a few soundbars marketed towards computer use. If you’ve bought one of those, just make sure that it’s centered with you so that you get the most of its most likely limited sound stage.

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