If you're new to gaming on a PC, you'll soon realize that a set of the best computer speakers is vital. Gaming monitors don't tend to come with speakers in them, and when they do, they're usually not great. If you're blasting your favorite music while you work from home, or you want to be truly immersed in the war zone of your current FPS campaign, a set of speakers is the best way to ensure your ears aren't coming under direct fire from a headset at all times.
The best gaming PCs deserve great sound quality - especially since video game soundtracks just keep getting better and better these days. If you're willing to spend a little more, there are plenty of amazing speakers that will fit atop a desk without taking up an enormous amount of space. There are some great, and very versatile options out there just now including soundbars, 2.1, and even total surround sound speakers. The majority will connect via Optical cable, aux cable, or even Bluetooth. Regardless of your PC's build, there's bound to be a great set of speakers for you.
Of course, when you're gaming, different hardware can come in handy for different reasons. If you're playing a competitive multiplayer game, it's probably best that you whip on a gaming headset so you can hear every footstep and audio cue. Then again, if you're playing something a bit more relaxed, like an open-world exploration game that makes use of ambient music, some of the best computer speakers will help the experience wash over you. Not to mention, if you work from home or need audio solutions for general PC use, speakers are the way to go.
The Quick List
The Logitech Z407 speakers might be a little older, so much so that they use Micro-USB. But that doesn't stop them from being an epic set of speakers for the money, and everything most PC gamers will ever need.
SteelSeries and its Arena range are a popular choice among PC players since they can customize the sound profile using the brand's Sonar software. The entry-level Arena 3 gets you that perk for the least cash.
We hear you. You want a soundbar and the spatial audio quality and power it can give you, but you don't have space on your desk for one. BlueAnt has a cracking, compact soundbar that can sit under any monitor.
If you're looking for a versatile pick that doesn't tie you down to one connection type, and still gives you the audio quality an audiophile would want, look no further than the excellent Ruark MR1 MK2 speakers.
If you're one of those gamers who like to keep things in the family with one brand, Razer's Nommo speakers are here for you. Thanks to Synapse and an easy method of talking to other Razer gear, these are worth considering.
If you're looking for a full-sized soundbar to add some serious audio power to your setup, Yamaha has a beast in the form of the SR-C20A. There are newer soundbars out there these days, but we think this offers great value.
The best computer speakers overall
Our top pick might be a little muted on the visual side of things, and it may not be the absolute last-word in pure audio quality, but the Logitech Z407 2.1 speaker setup is our favorite overall pick because it's an untouchable all-rounder. The biggest issue? Since it's an older set, it uses micro-USB as opposed to the current USB-C standard, but that's hardly going to be a dealbreaker.
In terms of design, you have a versatile set of satellite speakers that can be sat vertically or horizontally to suit a couch, desk, or shelf and wall-mounted display. You also have a subwoofer that, although powerful, keeps a low profile in terms of real estate. The bassy component of this setup could fit under a desk, in a TV unit, or even on top of a desk without stealing all the space you have.
To control them is a small, wireless puck that lets you change connection mode between Bluetooth, 3.5mm aux, or USB. You can also play and pause, skip back and forth, and adjust volume. While there isn't in-depth audio software to customize a sound profile you like, you can adjust the bass level.
For a relatively cheap, ageing set of speakers, I'm continually surprised by how great they sound. Not only do they convey detail in musical soundscapes exceedingly well, but they also manage to present positional audio with unexpected accuracy for a 2.1 system. Although you can adjust the bass level, I never did since out of the box it seemed perfectly dialed for the powerful feedback of playing games, and unlike the SteelSeries Arena 7, I didn't feel as though I was missing out on detail when I turned the volume down.
I consider myself a non-purist audiophile, and the sound quality that comes with the Z407 is more than enough for me to enjoy music, gaming, and streaming content. For the price they charge, these really are all most PC gamers will ever need. A fantastic all-rounder in terms of price, performance, features, connectivity, and practicality.
The best value computer speakers
The SteelSeries Arena 3 is the entry-level option in the brand's computer speaker range. The more expensive Arena 7 and Arena 9 allow for 3.0 and 5.1 setups respectively, but this simple 2.0 loadout more than does the trick, as we found out in our review.
The reason we think these are great value speakers is because if you opted for the more expensive models, you'd still get the same speakers here - the shape and build is practically unchanged, offering you the same great audio quality in a more affordable package. Be wary, these aren't the smallest devices on this list, and their pebble shape does mean they'll take up some real estate on a desk. Regardless, their 20 degrees of tilt offers some versatility if you want to mount them on a shelf.
As is the case for most 2.0 speaker sets, you'll get handy controls on the right unit, an that's where you'll connect your sound system to your PC. You have the option of 3.5mm or Bluetooth here, unfortunately there's no USB or Optical connectivity.
Both with music and in-game sounds, these speakers excel though. You really do get SteelSeries audio consistency, and we found that the companion Sonar software helped to make the most of the drivers too. For the money you spend here, you'll get great audio that will be tough to match at this price. Overall, we found few issues with the SteelSeries Arena 3.
The best compact soundbar
The BlueAnt Soundblade tried to remedy one of the biggest problems that PC-aimed soundbars have. Where are you supposed to fit the damn things? The Sounblade has a compact and clever design that allows it to sit comfortably underneath most gaming monitors and even complement a minimalist desk setup by being a stylized surface that doesn't stick out too much. Not only is it practical, but it's a fantastic speaker as well.
The 120W package squeezes an 80mm neodymium subwoofer, dual drivers, voice coils, and a single cone speaker driver into something that's only 2.13 inches tall. That's a powerful device for its size, especially when other PC soundbars are longer, bulkier, and don't often produce the results their price tag would have you suspect.
One thing to note is that, despite the Soundblade's shape, this isn't a monitor riser. Unless you want peripherals, photos, or your gaming display vibrating off a desk as you listen to your favorite work-from-home playlists, don't sit anything on top of it. The true benefit is how this will sit over the top of the awkwardly shaped feet of a gaming display, direct noise out from underneath, but not take up room on the sides of your desk.
In terms of connectivity, you get a remote control, a 3.5mm connection, and USB-C. There are some handy controls on the side of the blade itself, but with a remote in play, there's no real need to stick your hand between the speaker and your monitor.
Audio quality is great, especially when it comes to the bass quality which we actually find can be a bit too heavy at times. Annoyingly, there are no manual EQ settings here, but the built-in one BlueAnt has made is fortunately pretty good.
The most versatile computer speakers
The Ruark MR1 Mk2 speakers are up there with the best gaming sound systems thanks to their great versatility, classy style, and top drawer sound quality. They're marketed as a set of Bluetooth speakers first and foremost, but we found that they work just like any other PC speakers. If anything, the Bluetooth support simply adds another string to their bow. There is the option of going for the BackPack model, which means you can even take one of them on the go without powering them from the mains.
The Ruark MR1 Mk2 speakers look beautiful on a bookshelf, desk, or TV stand thanks to their classy wooden design. They're available in a walnut or soft grey colour, and either will help to bring your gaming setup together. For your money, you even get a handy remote that lets you control volume and source input on the fly. If we could pick any potential flaw, it would be that there's no USB connectivity, but even without it, they're some of the most versatile and stylish speakers you'll come across.
Perhaps most importantly, these speakers offer excellent sound quality at high and low volumes. When we tested them, they showed no weaknesses at all in sounding crystal clear along the full lengths of the musical spectrum. We were particularly impressed with their gaming chops - even audio design geared at headphones was represented accurately, and that was without a subwoofer.
Read more: Ruark MR1 Mk2 speakers review
The best Razer speakers
If you're on the lookout for premium speakers then the Razer Nommo Pro system is perfect. It is premium in every way, from build quality to design, and from audio quality to (inevitably) price. However, the quality speaks - and sounds - for itself here.
I have these speakers and use them every day for everything from Zoom calls to music (of all kinds) to gaming and watching TV or films. The audio is incredibly crisp, clear, and rich in all of the above. Teamed with Razer's Synapse app, the customization and flexibility at your disposal increases exponentially and you can really tune the THX-certified audio to your precise liking. There's also a control dial and switch which sits neatly on your desk and means you're not reaching around every speaker for dials and buttons, which is obviously great.
You will still have to get the positioning of the speakers right and they are quite sizeable, taking me by surprise when I received them (the woofer being a particularly large boi). But they are slick and chic and ooze that Razer aesthetic, and yes, including the RGB glow we all know and love.
During sales events, the Nommo Pro has been seen having price cuts of 40-50%, so when these do happen, that's the time to get some serious bang for your buck in the best computer speaker department. A great set of premium PC speakers that will give even the biggest gaming sound systems a run for their money.
The best soundbar
Known for its audio pedigree but less so for computer or gaming speakers perhaps, Yamaha and the SR-C20A All-in-one soundbar exemplify the former and then smashes through the barrier of the latter.
This neat, compact, and brilliant soundbar is such an easy recommendation on its design and audio quality alone - compact enough for under a monitor, and rich and loud enough to fill a room easily. However, when you throw in its value-busting price tag too, it's the perfect, perfect choice for someone looking for a simple one-and-done solution in their computer speaker search.
First the audio quality: as an all-in-one soundbar, there can be an immediate thought and worry that there just won't be any bass. However, bass is not lost here. I haven't ever felt that a subwoofer was necessary, and have enjoyed fulsome, rich audio blasting into my face no matter the media. It really is that good.
Secondly, the design: it is sleek, well-built, and compact enough that it can neatly slot on your desk under a monitor, or under a TV in smaller living spaces. And with there being no need for a subwoofer, it's immediately neater and tidier, losing that cable that others demand. However, while it is near-perfect for gaming and a desk setup but at its heart, it is of course a Yamaha soundbar: the design doesn't tilt up toward your face (like the Razer Leviathan V2), nor does it have a USB connection - but this doesn't, on the whole, keep it back or stop it performing excellently.
Caveats are only a few and feel a bit nitpicky on the whole when everything else is considered. The volume gauge could be better and a bit clearer, or more tangible - it relies on the same lights as the inputs are assigned, and increases the amount that is lit from left to right as volumes goes up. The remote is a bit plain and plasticky, but it is clear and helpful enough for those who will use this under a TV or sit back from it from time to time. And that lack of USB input would be a nice option to have as Yamaha promotes the soundbar as perfect for gaming too.
However, for the price, we really haven't tested a better all-in-one soundbar for gaming. An easy choice as your next do-it-all set of computer speakers.
Best computer speakers: FAQs
Which is the best speaker for computer?
We think the Logitech Z407 2.1 speakers take some beating. They have excellent audio quality for the price, a practical design, affordable cost, and Logitech's sound pedigree. However, there are also great options to consider from Ruark, SteelSeries, and more.
What should I look for when buying computer speakers?
As usual with gaming tech purchases, you want to balance off a small range of things when it comes to eyeing up the best computer speakers. You'll want to get as good an idea as you possibly can (given that you might not hear them in real life first) of their audio quality from reviews and guides. This goes no matter what you're looking at - be it a compact soundbar solution, or something more premium like the Razer Nommo Pro speakers. Then you do need to think about connections that you need, and, of course, budget - the price tags vary greatly, so set yourself a ceiling, but also know what you can possibly stretch to.
What should I look for when buying computer speakers?
As usual with gaming tech purchases, you want to balance off a small range of things when it comes to eyeing up the best computer speakers. You'll want to get as good an idea as you possibly can (given that you might not hear them in real life first) on their audio quality from reviews and guides. This goes no matter what you're looking at - be it a compact soundbar solution, or something more premium like the Razer Nommo Pro speakers. Then you do need to think about connections that you need, and, of course, budget - the price tags vary greatly so set yourself a ceiling, but also know what you can possibly stretch to.
How we test computer speakers
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Just like the other go-to gaming audio givers - headsets - when it comes to testing out the best computer speakers, we put them all through long and arduous 'live in' tests and use them like you would - as if they were our own. We use them everyday at our desks for work and play for hours and hours and hours. We use them for work meetings, and the music we listen to during the day. But then we also pump out some of the biggest, baddest games out of them, covering most genres and types from shooters to RPGs and everything in between, ensuring the audio up and down the ranges doesn't impact our in-game enjoyment. We also blast a range of music out of them, and ensure we can use them for watching TV or binging Netflix. We then compare them, when appropriate and possible, to other units and make sure that the price point is competitive for what the speakers offer.
Not the right kind of audio provider? Check out our best gaming headset and best wireless gaming headset guide.
