10 Best Computer Speakers in 2023

The Pro Media set from Klipsch is a wired hybrid 2.1 system that is THX certified. It's an affordably priced option that has a very capable dedicated subwoofer at the heart to give you the best sound quality possible. It also has left and right full-range satellites that feature the compay's preferred Tractrix horn.

The Tractrix design takes the sound waves very rapidly from a circular to a square-shaped escape route. This does two things; firstly it speeds up the process. This keeps the tweeters working at maximum efficiency and also distributes the audio with better dispersion.

You'll find some of the best mid-range woofers alongside the tweeters. Between them, they delegate very well and cover a good response range.

The subwoofer is a hybrid amplifier. It has a hardy design and incorporates a large port for better bass handling.

They serve-up great sounding audio. They have a built-in headphone connection and a generous length of cable, which makes them one of the best pair of speakers if you often switch to your headphones.

Pros:
+ Wired 2.1 system.
+ Bass port.
+ Tractrix horn tweeters.

Why We Liked It - These speakers are a great 3-piece solution. They're very well-manufactured. The audio quality is great with a good definition and impressive bass depth.

Next, we have selected the Soundsticks model. This is a modern-chic, see-through set from Harmon Kardon. Each computer speaker is beautifully manufactured and striking to look at. When in use, they allow you to see what's happening as well as feel the air move. In terms of style, this is one of the best PC speakers for a computer.

This 3-piece 2.1 system has a dedicated subwoofer for better efficiency and surround sound.

The subwoofer is downwards firing and features a unique enclosure shape. The system itself is modeled on an original piece developed for New York Cities MoMa (museum of modern art).

It has a very effective bass port that counters wave cancellation through its tubular innards. The speaker itself is 6 inches in diameter. It has a dynamic sound response for listening to music.

The left and right channels or SoundSticks feature 4 1-inch full-range transducers each and are very room-filling despite their low-wattage, giving you that surround sound you crave. This makes them a great pair if you want to create a home theater or want to immerse yourself in a gaming experience.

This speaker system sits on mechanized bases, which allow them to be angled. This directs the audio exactly where you want it. The wires are high-end quality and attractive. They measure two meters each and the power cord is 2.5 meters in length. The price isn't cheap, but they're some of the best on the market.

Pros:
+ Eye-catching design.
+ Capable 2.1 system.
+ Great audio dynamics for the best surround sound.
+ Premium wiring.

Why We Liked It - These computer speakers make for a stunning set. The downward-firing bass is very deep and punchy, managing to compete with some 8-inch models. We love their modern-art inspired aesthetics. Harmon Kardon also makes another see-through set which have crystal-shaped enclosures that are just as interesting to watch in action. These are some of the best computer speakers if you want to listen to audio in style.

We couldn't review the best speakers without an entry from Logitech. So here we have the Z323 Squeezebox system to gawp at.

This is another 3-piece 2.1 speaker system that harbors a powerful downward-firing subwoofer, which makes it another great option for surround sound. The cones are made from a premium pulp blend that is stable enough to deliver a punchy low-end. It has a bass output dial so you can tailor your bass mix to your preferences. This means it won't overpower the definition in the mid and high-frequency regions.

The left and right enclosures feature curved fronts and freely mounted tweeters that, together, provide 360 degrees of audio.

It has auxiliary inputs so you can connect two separate devices running your computer and gaming console without having to disconnect and reconnect cables.

It also has a built-in headphone connection for private listening. This makes them one of the best for gaming.

Pros:
+ 2.1 sub left and right channels.
+ Curved enclosures.
+ Quality components and subwoofer.
+ Rich audio for surround sound.

Why We Liked It - This speaker system is well-made and surprisingly powerful for a 60 watt RMS set-up. We like that the subwoofer has an independent sound control. This is one of the best for surround sound.

Next up we have a cheap and cheerful package from Amazons' line of basic electronic solutions. It presents the best value for money for those looking at a lower price range.

These computer speakers are a price friendly USB-powered pair that features a clever compact design concept. This sleek and contemporary set is lampshade-shaped. Their curved grilles provide directional great dispersion.

Their mounted nature allows for the cunning incorporation of a bass radiator to help assist the small driver unit with its low-end handling. This gives them a bouncier bass response.

These speakers are a plug and play option, which requires no driver installation. They have trendy, low-consumption LEDs that light the underside blue. They're adequate for gaming.

Pros:
+ Basic computer speaker pair.
+ Bass radiators.
+ Budget-friendly.

Why We Liked It - While bus-powered options aren't going to blow you away in terms of sound, this tiny twosome is very well-made and provides a sensible low price solution.

We're heading over to the Bose companion series for a look at one of their second series, next-gen pairs. These are a high-quality left and right satellite set which delivers great depth, despite not benefiting from a dedicated subwoofer.

They are very well engineered and their admirable speaker drivers have been designed to provide a widened sound stage. To achieve this, they utilize the company's TrueSpace stereo digital signal processing within their high-tech circuitry to enhance and optimize the driver functionality.

They have enclosures that are built at an optimized angle for proximity listening, which makes them ideal for computer-based use. Each feature a port to prevent any muddiness caused by low-end response wave cancellation.

They have a broadened frequency response between them and provide rich, detailed audio with some of the best sound and vocal definition - perfect for listening to narratives as well as music. This makes them one of the best pairs for gaming.

These speakers have a headphone jack and a volume dial and are easy to set-up. They also have an auxiliary input to connect your mobile or tablet directly.

Pros:
+ Optimized enclosures.
+ Enhanced DSP.
+ Rich audio and sound.

Why We Liked It - These are a very capable pair of speakers that work very efficiently and sound great as a stand-alone without the need for a subwoofer, in spite of their compact size.

Another 3-piece ensemble that offers compact satellites to help save some desk space is the Pebble Plus set from Creative labs.

We have looked at the Pebbles 2.0 USB model before but this 2.1 edition comes with the new inclusion of a separate external subwoofer that takes their performance to the next level.

It features a 4-inch cone and is downwards-firing and despite being bus-powered is surprisingly capable. It has a well-made, durable enclosure with a sufficient porting.

The Pebble plus left and rights are spherical and designed with an elevation of 45 degrees to help fill the room.

They harbor well-balanced 2-inch mid-range drivers that have good definition ad are deceptively powerful as well.

It is a low-consumption option as it is entirely bus-powered. It features a High Gain switch which effectively acts a bass boost as far as the woofer is concerned, raising your volume at the touch of a button. When the boost is engaged it increases the power output to 8W RMS.

They can be connected to the power outlet with a 5V USB adapter but you will have to source one separately.

Volume can be easily controlled via the front-mounted dial.

Pros:
+ Compact option.
+ Some of the best, award-winning speakers.
+ Convenient to use.

Why We Liked It - This is a convenient USB option that has a dedicated subwoofer and cute left and right speakers for some of the best sound.

The Luna Eclipse Bluetooth set is another compact option to consider. It has been very well-designed to provide exceptional sound and audio quality from small speaker units.

They have clean, modern aesthetics with an appealing shape. This gives them great character but also helps them make the most of their tiny footprint. The speaker fronts are shaped like ovals and their backs are circular, giving them the best depth for sound production.

This Bluetooth set features a large cut-out that provides room for the incorporation of additional dual 2 and 3-inch passive bass radiators. This is what gives them superior low-end sound reproduction comparatively to speakers with matching dimensions.

The front sports a 3-inch bass driver and 19 mm silk dome tweeter combination, delivering full-range audio and sound quality. They have intuitive touch-sensitive user controls so you can adjust your sound however you like.

These are an AC powered set with generous 9.10-foot cabling. This can be directly connected via an auxiliary input or work via Bluetooth. If you don't want them near the computer, or you'd rather put them somewhere else, Bluetooth is a great option for you. These speakers run at a peak power of 75 watts RMS.

The Bluetooth maintains a stable stream, so you don't need to worry about losing connection - this makes it one of the best Bluetooth sets. The on-board processing and digital room correction tech (DRC) helps optimize the audio delivery, filtering to enhance the audio. This helps to provide the best output, regardless of any room aberrations.

The advanced circuitry adjustments also ensure there is zero distortion, even at max outputs. The best computer speakers will have all these and more.

Pros:
+ High-end design.
+ Excellent DSP and DRC.
+ Bluetooth connection.

Why We Liked It - These speakers are a practical, space-saving set which serves up some of the best audio in-league with the best computer speakers with big sized systems. The engineering is top-notch and gives these speakers an edge over the majority of compact pairs on the current market, in terms of sound and design.

This robust pair from the team at Audioengine A2 features hardy enclosures with smooth contoured edges that harbor some high-end components within their confines.

They are well-calibrated and feature hand-finished wooden cabinets. Although these speakers may look compact, they are some of the best in terms of power. The cabinets sit on wedge-like bases that help tilt the speakers for optimal dispersion and better listening experience.

They are equipped with 2.75-inch, custom-designed, aramid fiber woofers that utilize Kevlar to provide much-needed stability for low-frequency reproduction. The output handling is optimized by the enclosures ported design.

Paired with the woofers are two very capable high-performance tweeters that measure 0.75-inches in diameter and have a modern silk-dome design.

They have a built-in analog amplifier assisted by their 24bit DAC circuity, so they can be used for much more than your average computer needs, including gaming.

The rear panel of the left speaker is chocked full of input and output options, making them a versatile set and widening their practical application. The connections have an easy uncluttered layout, and they also sport an on-board volume dial.

An alternative to these would be Audioengine HD3. Audioengine doesn't disappoint with great audio.

Pros:
+ Durable wooden enclosures.
+ Premium drivers for great sound.
+ Versatile I/O.
+ High-quality audio.

Why We Liked It - These speakers have a durable construction and are well-equipped for effective audio handling. They feature a range of input and output options, and they're very impressive for a compact pair, making them one of the best computer speakers out there.

We're back to Bose for a nose at something a little more premium. This is from their renowned companion series. Their number 5 speaker system is a powerful 3-piece that benefits from sophisticated circuitry and refined processing to deliver exceptional audio and sound quality.

These speakers are well-constructed. They come with elegantly curved speaker stands to raise the left and right speakers into an optimal position and save on desk space, giving them a much smaller footprint. They are magnetically shielded so they won't interfere with monitors.

The subwoofer is large, with a great depth to provide better bass handling. It incorporates a port for maintaining distortion-free output.

The signal processing makes these speakers' response very accurate as a united system. The delegation is efficient and the reproduction very dynamic. They employ compression technology to give the audio the best possible clarity and the definition is top-notch. This is one of the best computer speakers for sound quality, which makes them a great choice for gaming.

These speakers have an in-line sound-pod controller that harbors a sound control, a single-touch quick mute function, a headphone jack, and an auxiliary connection to play from a secondary input source.

Pros:
+ High-tech processing.
+ Shielded satellites on stands.
+ Capable subwoofer.

Why We Liked It - This is a beautifully manufactured set with great aesthetics and exceptional engineering. The sound quality is superb and impeccably processed. We like the easy access sound-pod which eliminates the need for having to dive behind the speakers.

In our ultimate spot, we have a compact, audiophile-quality pair that can be connected to a dedicated subwoofer.

The KEF EGG has an egg-shaped enclosure, much like its name suggests. These speakers are only 11-inches in height but provide a far mightier sound quality, thanks to their premium components and sophisticated engineering.

Their signal processing is refined to provide an intricately recognized response, giving them superior cross-spectrum definition.

These speakers come with a very capable proprietary KEF Unit-Q driver Array with a wide response. They deliver great bass reproduction and harbor a 2-way bass-reflex design that eliminates distortion risks.

These are the best computer speakers for Bluetooth connectivity and are supported by Apt-X tech to keep streaming fluid and seamless for better reliability. These speakers are equipped with a mini USB and auxiliary connection for direct use, as well as an available subwoofer hook-up for extended bass response. The frequency range is excellent, making them a good choice for gaming.

Pros:
+ Premium engineering.
+ High-quality speaker array.
+ High-definition audio.
+ Bluetooth connectivity.

Why We Liked It - If you're looking for the best computer speakers, these are a cute pair that are exceptionally engineered to deliver hi-def audio and sound. They support Bluetooth connectivity; Bluetooth is the best choice if you want your speakers elsewhere - that is, not on the desk. The price is a little more expensive, but the sound and frequency range is superior.

Computer Speakers Buyers Guide

WThere are still many things you need to consider. Do you need a Bluetooth connection? Do you want gaming speakers? Should your speakers come with a headphone jack, or doesn't that bother you? How big should the subwoofer be? What sound quality are you looking for? What about the price?

We aren't going to delve too heavily into the inner workings of your computer speakers in today's guide, as we've exhausted the subject in previous articles. If you have read any of our related features, you should have a pretty good understanding of their functionality by now.

Top Pick

Our top pick is the Klipsch ProMedia 3-piece set. These speakers deliver great sound and are highly efficient, thanks to their Tractrix horn delivery system.

Premium Choice

The Soundsticks from the team at Harman Kardon can be found in our premium choice. Despite not being our highest priced set, we think the audio is superior. We're besotted with these speakers' unique, modern-art aesthetics. Their transparent enclosures and unique domed subwoofer design are great. Watching them hard at work is pretty mesmerizing.

Great Value

Connecting your computer speakers is a relatively simple task that should only take a few minutes to complete. There are two phases: one physical and one technological.

First, you need to make sure you have the right cables. If you have a 3-piece system, you'll need to plug the left and right speaker channels into the correct connections on your subwoofer. Then the subwoofer needs connecting to the sound output connection on your PC, Mac, or laptop.

You then need to find your "manage devices" menu and make sure you have the new speakers selected as the new default playback device. Some speakers will require a driver installation (you will need the internet to find this) but others will connect without a driver.

Drivers are typically required for a USB set of speakers as they will need to use your computers' sound-card. USB speakers are generally not as good as a set of powered speakers.

How to make Bluetooth Speakers & Computer Speakers Play Simultaneously?

To get audio to play via wired and wireless speakers at the same time is quite tough. They aren't all that compatible with one another; you're better off having a completely wired or completely wireless system.

Even if you set your computer to recognize both in its device set-up and system settings menu, Bluetooth will always have a nominally slower signal. This results in lagging, meaning the audio output will be out of sync.

If you're set on using the two together, you'll have to select your computer speakers as the default playback and communication device via your computers' playback menu. You'll find this under the "sound settings" which are usually located in your desktop taskbar.

Once they're selected for primary use, you need to make sure your Bluetooth speakers are a recognized device. Right-clicking in the device menu on the Bluetooth speakers should bring up a sub-menu, where you can enable a stereo mix and listen to the selected device. You can then elect to playback through the device.

You should also be able to tailor a surround speaker set-up, selecting between the various devices connected and configuring the set-up you want between the two sets.

Of course, all operating systems will vary slightly but this should allow you to play with both sets. But as previously stated, a Bluetooth set may be a little behind the wired set.

There are a few programs available that allow you to control your computer audio settings in a more advanced manner, allowing you to change the delay in milliseconds. One such program is Voicemeeter.

The easiest solution is, however, to get a set of Bluetooth speakers with an auxiliary out and connect them directly to your PC or Mac. But then you will then need multiple auxiliary inputs in your tower.

How to Connect Computer Speakers to TV?

While we don't recommend you use computer speakers for a TV, so long as they are powered set, you can connect them to your television through a variety of input and output connections. This is great for creating a home theater.

If you have a set of Bus-powered computer speakers, then this will not be the case. They require powering from their USB connection. Your television will probably only have this for reading from USB devices and not sending to.

What Are the Best Inexpensive Computer Speakers?

We've looked at a few options with a reasonable price that makes for good, affordable speaker options. You'll find our great value suggestion at the top of today's buyers' guide. It's one of the best computer speakers for an inexpensive price.

We've also previously looked at both computer speakers and bookshelf speakers in the past, so we'd also like to recommend Polk Audio as an alternative for a cheap choice. Remember, price isn't everything and you can still get a good pair of computer speakers for a cheap price, without the bells and whistles.

If you're shopping on a shoestring budget, see our Did you Know Link at the end of this article.

Conclusion

There is a vast array of audio-electronics widely available so it can be difficult where to start. For computer use, you should always look for a computer-designed set of speakers. Sometimes they are called satellites or peripherals. There are some surround systems and bookshelf pairs suitable for computer connection. If you like your desk space clear and your speakers out of the way, then bookshelf speakers are a great option.

If you want the best computer speakers for bass, it's wise to look for a 2.1 computer speaker. There are a few decent lefts and right speaker channel pairs on the market that will suffice for most at home needs.

If you have a lower budget and are looking for the best speakers at a cheaper price, there are some very cheap USB solutions out there. But bear in mind that a bus-powered set is never going to be as capable as a mains-powered set. Having a far lower wattage available to run on will make them considerably less impressive in terms of their audio.

Budget allocation and price will always have an impact on what you can feasibly get your hands on, but we hope we have done a good enough job of presenting a range of available options.

Expert Tip

Wood provides better natural acoustics, which means that it's less likely to buzz and rattle at max outputs, even if internal engineering isn't the best.

Did you Know

WWe have previously looked at the best budget speakers and the best bookshelf speakers under $50, under $100 and under $200, all of which may be useful to you if you're shopping with a stricter budget in mind.

If you've enjoyed this review by Music Critic, please leave a positive rating: