● Wired 📅 27/05/2026 à 16:30

Tech & Innovation 👤 Simon Hill

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Save this storySave this storyFeatured in this articleBest OverallAudioengine A2+Read more$279 AmazonBest Small PC SpeakersKanto UKIRead more$270 $226 (16% off) WalmartAudiophile PickIK Multimedia iLoud Micro MonitorRead more$350 $200 (43% off) AmazonBest Under $200Edifier M60Read more$200 AmazonGood computer speakers can make for a quick desktop upgrade. Sound is often overlooked when people buy a PC. Some folks prefer headphones, others stick with those old, battered speakers they inherited, and some rely on the awful built-in speaker in their monitor. With any of the speakers in this list, you can enhance voices in video calls and movies, tease out greater depth in your favorite music, and provide spatial awareness in games. After several months of testing, I've narrowed my selection across various budgets and preferences. Whether you want a soundbar for your computer, a pair of speakers, or a surround sound system, you can find it here.Be sure to check out our many other audio guides, like the Best Soundbars, Best Bluetooth Speakers, Best Wireless Headphones, Best Gaming Headsets, and Best Bookshelf Speakers.Updated May 2026: I reorganized this guide and slimmed down my recommendations, added speakers from Kanto, added mentions for speakers from Ruark and OXS, and updated prices.Table of ContentsOther Computer Speakers I LikedThe PC Speakers I Don't RecommendAre Computer Speakers Worth It?What Should I Look for in Computer Speakers?Where Should I Position My Desktop Speakers?Do I Need Speaker Stands?What Size Speakers Should I Get?What’s the Best Way to Connect My Speakers to My Computer?How I Test Computer SpeakersBest OverallPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistAudioengineA2+$279 Amazon$279 WalmartAfter testing more than 30 computer speakers and soundbars over the last few years, I always return to the Audioengine A2+. With an elegant design and quality construction, they are compact enough for my busy desktop. But don’t be fooled by the small stature—these speakers pack a serious punch. The clarity in the higher registers is excellent, but there’s also depth and accuracy in the mids. While the lack of a subwoofer means the bass can be a little shallow, it’s not distractingly so. Music is where the Audioengine A2+ shines, but I had no trouble hearing cloaked Elites with positional sound in Halo Infinite, and voices came through crisp and clear during in-game chat, video calls, and movies.Connectivity is well-rounded, but just watch out for jumps in volume with different input devices. The volume knob, which also turns the speakers on or off, is a little awkward behind the left speaker, and there’s no remote, but I have no other complaints about these PC speakers. You can also upgrade the A2+ by adding a subwoofer and 15-degree stands. Audioengine updated the A2+ in 2025, making the best even better by adding Bluetooth 5.3, 24-bit audio, and USB-C connectivity. There’s also a built-in USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter), so USB-C is the best way to connect your PC or laptop. Ultimately, these are the best computer speakers for most people because they strike the perfect balance of style, power, features, and price.SpecsDrivers2.75-inch aramid fiber woofers, 0.75-inch silk dome tweetersPower60 wattsConnectivityUSB-C, 3.5-mm aux, RCA (in and out), Bluetooth 5.3Size6 x 4 x 5.25 inchesIn the BoxUSB-C cable, 3.5-mm cable, microfiber bagsBest Small PC SpeakersPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistKantoUKI$270 $226 (16% off) Walmart$270 Amazon$270 Sweetwater$270 KantoWith a properly compact form, 6.5 x 4.3 x 4.2 inches (165 x 112 x 109 mm), these cute wee computer speakers can squeeze onto the busiest desktops. There’s an elegance to the molded plastic design with rubbery feet, and the Kanto UKI speakers come in a couple of fun colors (blue or green), alongside the classic black or white. More importantly these speakers produce rich, warm, and detailed sound, with surprisingly good bass. They served me well for music, games, and video calls.I connected the speakers and plugged the right one into my PC via USB-C (no cable supplied), but there’s also a pair of RCA inputs, a subwoofer output, a 3.5 mm headphone port around front, and support for Bluetooth 5.0. Pairing and streaming from my phone was quick and easy. I appreciated the simple volume knob on the front of the right speaker that you press the switch modes. Desktop stands ($30) are available (sold separately) to angle these speakers at your ears, and they’re probably worth snagging, though there is also a rear screw mount hole.SpecsDrivers3-inch woofers, 0.75-inch silk dome tweetersPower50 wattsConnectivityUSB-C, 3.5 mm, RCA, Bluetooth 5.0Size6.5 x 4.3 x 4.2 inches, 2.2 pounds (left)In the BoxNothingAudiophile PickPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistIK MultimediaiLoud Micro Monitor$350 $200 (43% off) Amazon$300 $200 (33% off) Sweetwater$300 WalmartBoasting a big sound for such a compact set of speakers, the iLoud Micro Monitors come recommended by WIRED's resident audiophiles. These speakers impressed me right from the simple setup (plug in the 3.5-mm audio output). The sound is well-balanced, with plenty of detail in the warm mids and sparkly highs. Even the bass response is good, considering there’s no subwoofer. I love the tiny fold-out feet, enabling you to angle them up for a better sound. There is also Bluetooth support (A2DP) to stream from your phone or other devices. The iLoud Micro Monitors do a great job with music, movies, and games.But the design might not be for everyone; I don’t like the big iLoud logo on the side. You also have to reach around the back of the left speaker for the power switch, volume dial, and Bluetooth button, though I like the straightforwardness of these controls. There are also three switches to tweak EQ settings, but these speakers are basically plug-and-play. There is no USB port or built-in DAC.SpecsDrivers3-inch woofers, 0.75-inch silk dome tweetersPower70 wattsConnectivity3.5-mm aux, RCA, Bluetooth A2DPSize7.09 x 5.31 x 3.54 inchesIn the Box3.5-mm to 2RCA cableBest Under $200Photograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistEdifierM60$200 Amazon$200 Best BuyThese speakers from Edifier come close in sound quality to our top picks and are significantly cheaper. The M60 speakers produce a rich, clear sound that persists when you crank the volume. The bass is decent, considering the lack of a subwoofer, but it can get muddy and a bit rattly. You have three connection options, including USB-C (which will be best for most folks), 3.5 mm, or Bluetooth 5.3. My test music playlist sounded great on these speakers, and only the rumbly bass distracted me in games and movies, though they come with angled stands that point them at your ears and reduce vibrations. The M60 speakers are also the perfect size for most desktops.On the downside, the touch controls are a little annoying (you have to hold down for three seconds to power on/off or change mode), and the Edifier ConneX app for Android (also available on iOS) was a little flaky, though it offered some handy customization options and a six-band equalizer. Overall, these speakers are a solid option if this is your budget.SpecsDrivers3-inch woofers, 1-inch silk dome tweetersPower66 wattsConnectivityUSB-C, 3.5-mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3Size6.61 x 3.93 x 5.79 inchesIn the BoxUSB-C cable, 3.5-mm cable, 15-degree aluminum standsBest Under $100Photograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistEdifierG2000$150 $100 (33% off) Amazon$130 $100 (23% off) Edifier$130 WalmartYou don’t have to spend big to get a decent set of computer speakers, as Edifier proves with the G2000. Angled to fire sound up at you, these speakers have LED lighting on the back and a compact form that makes them easy to fit on a crowded desk. My test speakers were white, but you can also find them in black, pink, or red. Controls on the right speaker include a switch-like volume rocker and a mode button that cycles between music, movies, and games. Long-press the mode button to cycle LED lighting effects (there are 12). There is distortion on anything bassy, and the G2000 are a bit muddy on the high end. Because the sound imaging is far from precise, it can be tough to pinpoint sounds spatially. This is particularly noticeable with movies and games.Connectivity options are solid, with USB, 3.5-mm aux, and Bluetooth 4.2. There is also a sub-out for adding a subwoofer, and they really need one if you want a deep rumble. Unfortunately, when you power up these speakers, they play a silly revving race car sound. I also dislike the volume rocker. (Why can't it just be a knob?) The Edifier G2000 can’t compete with our top picks here, but for the money, these compact speakers are impressive, and they offer a nice upgrade over our budget pick below.SpecsDrivers2.75-inch full-rangePower32 wattsConnectivityUSB-A, 3.5-mm aux, sub-out, Bluetooth 4.2Size4.17 x 4.13 x 5.11 inchesIn the BoxUSB-A cable, 3.5-mm cableBest Budget Computer SpeakersPhotograph: Nena FarrellSave to wishlistCreativePebble V3 Speakers$40 Amazon$45 $40 (11% off) CreativeThese tiny, cute, affordable computer speakers from Creative have a lovely orb-shaped design with a gold-colored cutout contrasting the black or white exterior. Angled up to fire sound at your ears, and just 4.8 inches tall, these speakers fit on the most crowded desktops. The right speaker has a volume control and a gain switch. WIRED reviewer Nena Farell raved about these speakers and was impressed by their volume and sound quality, considering the price.Connectivity options include USB-C, 3.5-mm aux, or Bluetooth 5.0. The box includes a USB-C to USB-A adapter, but you need a port that can provide enough power to get the most out of these speakers. Bass is inevitably lacking, and some distortion can kick in at higher volumes. Creative also offers the even cheaper V2 if you don’t need Bluetooth.SpecsDrivers2.25-inch full-rangePower16 wattsConnectivityUSB-C, 3.5-mm aux, Bluetooth 5.0Size4.8 x 4.7 x 4.6 inchesIn the BoxUSB-C cable, USB-C to USB-A converterBest Desktop SoundbarPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistCreativeStage Pro$160 $150 (6% off) Amazon$170 $150 (12% off) Creative$170 $160 (6% off) LenovoThe latest compact soundbar from Creative is my favorite from the company so far. This affordable 2.1-channel soundbar and subwoofer system has been hooked up to my desktop computer via USB for the last few weeks, and I’m pleasantly surprised by its performance. The near field mode is ideal for desktop use, and I enjoyed using the Stage Pro for gaming and movies. Voices come through clearly, and there’s a deep rumble of bass, courtesy of the subwoofer. (The subwoofer is large, but tall and thin, so it easily fit beneath my desk). Music sounds good in general, though lacking the warmth, stereo separation, and clarity of our top picks.Connectivity options include HDMI ARC with CEC, Bluetooth 5.3, optical-in, 3.5-mm aux, and USB audio, so you can also use this soundbar with your TV in a home theater setup or with your smartphone. There are controls on top, and you get a slim remote that thankfully includes the option to turn the display off. The Creative Stage Pro looks smart and fits neatly beneath my superwide monitor. It can be tough to find room for speakers on my desk, as I have a vertical monitor to the left. A soundbar can be a better fit if you have a similar setup using monitor arms. The Creative Stage Pro is a big improvement over previous Creative soundbars I tested (see below), and it’s a bargain if you’re set on a soundbar. Read our Best Soundbars guide for other picks.SpecsDrivers1x racetrack 2.17 x 3.35 inches, 1x 5.25-inch subwooferPower80 watts (160 watts peak)ConnectivityUSB-A, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI (ARC), 3.5-mm aux, opticalSizeSoundbar: 4.41 x 21.65 x 3.18 inches/Subwoofer: 4.53 x 10.43 x 16.54 inchesIn the BoxUSB-A to C cable, remote controlBest Surround SoundPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSteelSeriesArena 9$680 $544 (20% off) Amazon$680 $550 (19% off) SteelSeries$680 LenovoAs a fan of SteelSeries, makers of some of the best gaming mice, and the Apex Pro keyboard I use, I was excited to try its speaker lineup. The Arena 9 is SteelSeries' top-of-the-line surround sound system. It includes a central speaker flanked by a pair of front speakers with LED zones and a control unit, all of which plug into a large subwoofer. A pair of rear speakers connects to each other and a separate power outlet, but they connect to the rest of the system wirelessly, so you don’t have to run long cables. The Arena 9 speakers are fine for music, but the real reason to get a surround system is for movies or games. They elevated the epic battle scene as House Atreides falls in Dune and helped me react in the nick of time when Banished troops flanked me in Halo Infinite. Only a good set of headphones can provide better spatial sound.The SteelSeries Arena 9 connects to a computer via a single USB cable, but there’s also an 3.5-mm aux and optical-in and -out ports. There are no controls on the speakers because you get a wired control unit with a touchscreen that acts as a volume dial by default, but can also be used to tweak EQ, lighting, and system settings. You can also dig into this on your computer via the SteelSeries GG software. The Prism RGB lighting can sync with the rest of your SteelSeries gear, with a huge range of animated effects, colors, and even the option to match the colors from your screen. Sadly, there are only four zones of LEDs (two on each front speaker), so it's not like the entire setup lights up. You will also need quite a bit of desk space and suitable spots for those rear speakers, but if you crave surround sound in your games, the Arena 9 is worth the hassle.SpecsDrivers2.75-inch or 3-inch fiber , 0.75-inch silk tweeters, 1x 6.5-inch down-firing subwooferPower300 wattsConnectivityUSB-A, 3.5-mm aux, optical (in and out), Bluetooth 4.2Size(front) 7.72 x 4.13 x 4.97 inchesIn the BoxUSB-C to USB-A cableOther Computer Speakers I LikedThere are tons of computer speakers on the market, and many of the ones I tested are perfectly fine, but don't deserve a spot above for one reason or another.Photograph: Simon HillCreative Pebble Nova for $240: These eye-catching orb-shaped speakers with RGB rings around the base are a statement piece for your desk. They are big, angled at 45 degrees, and you have the choice of a flat base or elevated stands. They light up, produce a pleasant sound that’s rich across the board and with real depth, and can, frankly, get far too loud for your desktop. I was also impressed by the virtual surround sound for gaming. Don’t make the mistake of thinking the Creative App is superfluous, because it’s packed with options, from an equalizer to dialogue enhancement to RGB lighting controls. While I love the stand, it made them too tall for my desk because of my dual monitors. I also found the touch controls a bit finicky, and I advise switching off the power saving mode.Photograph: Simon HillRuark MR1 MK3 for $599: Perfect for a retro vibe, the styling includes a fabric front, and black finish with a dial on top. With a fluid and expansive soundstage, music sounds great on these speakers, and even without a subwoofer, there’s a decent rumble of bass. I found Ruark’s speakers equally pleasing for watching movies and video calls, as voice clarity is excellent, though I experienced some slight distortion with deep voices during meetings. They are also quite large, maybe too large for some desks.Photograph: Simon HillOXS Thunder Pro for $600: With a compact design, sci-fi styling that includes RGB lighting, and no separate subwoofer, I was unsure what to expect from this soundbar. The Thunder Pro is 24 inches long and just 3 inches tall, so slotted into place perfectly under my monitor. It comes with a wired control dial, a remote control, and extra feet in the box to angle it. I was immediately impressed when the bass of Dead Prez’s “Hip-Hop” kicked in, bouncing the passive radiators up and down. The sound is expansive, the bass is far better than it has any right to be without a large subwoofer, and the highs are surprisingly crisp. This soundbar is Dolby Atmos-certified and has three distinct gaming modes. The first-person shooter mode offered excellent spatial sound, allowing me to hear the footsteps and grunts of a cloaked Elite in Halo Infinite just in time to avoid being impaled. Connectivity is comprehensive with USB-A and USB-C, 3.5-mm aux, Bluetooth 5.0, two HDMI ports (one eARC), a mic-in port, and a headphone jack. All that’s missing is the option to hook up a subwoofer. The wired control unit lights up, acts as a volume dial and power button, and has EQ and mode buttons on the back. While the OXS Thunder Pro impressed, you will get better sound, especially for music, if you buy separate speakers and a subwoofer.Razer Nommo V2 Pro for $450: Stick to one brand for all your gaming gear, and it’s easier to achieve harmony. Plus, you only need one app to configure everything. If Razer is your jam, the Nommo V2 Pro is a 2.1 system with tempting bells and whistles. These stylish cylindrical speakers fire light out the back and tilt up towards your ears. The chunky subwoofer is wireless, which could be handy if you prefer to keep the space under your desk free. The wireless control puck acts as a volume dial, and you can press it to mute, play, or skip. You can expect booming bass and rich mids, but there’s a little crispness lacking in the highs, particularly when you crank the volume up. The sound profile is well-suited to action movies and games, with a deep bass rumble that you feel in the pit of your stomach. Connectivity is limited to USB or Bluetooth 5.3. I had some setup issues with the wireless control puck, but after a few attempts, the new firmware was installed successfully. I still found it a bit flaky and didn’t like having to hold it down to turn the speakers on. (They switch off automatically unless you deactivate the power-saving setting.) While Razer Chroma RGB now supports more than 300 games, offers various effects, and an ambient awareness mode that reacts to your screen, there are only two lighting zones (one for each speaker). Unfortunately, the Razer Synapse software is the only way to get at some settings, and it feels bloated and sometimes hogs system resources.Logitech G560 Lightsync for $250: Folks who prefer Logitech gear should consider the G560 Lightsync. This 2.1 system comprises a huge subwoofer and two speakers with an attractive curved loop design. The speakers project RGB lighting onto the wall behind them. Sound-wise, the bass is dominant and the soundstage lacks definition, but you can play around with the equalizer or use the presets Logitech provides. For movies and gaming, the G560 does better, with DTS:X Ultra virtual surround sound to emulate larger systems. There’s a good thump of bass for explosions, and they provide a decent positional sense in games. These speakers connect via USB, but there’s also a 3.5-mm aux port and support for Bluetooth 4.1. Sadly, for lighting fans, you only get four zones of LEDs here, but there are lots of presets and colors to choose from, and you can have them react to the onscreen action. While these speakers don’t grab me, with the bass bossing the show, they are decent value, particularly as the price has dropped significantly since they were first released.SteelSeries Arena 7 for $299: The SteelSeries Arena 7 boasts great sound and real versatility. This 2.1 system is the sweet spot in the SteelSeries Arena lineup, as it adds a chunky subwoofer and RGB lighting over the Arena 3, but is still relatively affordable. Simply plug in the USB and attach the pear-shaped speakers to the subwoofer. The adjustable speakers look interesting, with RGB lighting around the base and back, and a mode button and volume dial on the righ

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