Best Computer Speakers For Gaming

Offering a great combination of pricing and performance, the SteelSeries Arena 7 is an enticing package. Featuring a booming subwoofer, multiple connectivity options (USB, Aux, Optical) along with support for Bluetooth on select devices and two-way speaker drivers that create organic sounds, there’s not much missing from its spec sheet. You can connect a wired headset to the speakers to add chat functionality, or you can pick up the Arena Wireless Mic, which is designed specifically for this system. Best of all, the Arena 7 is highly customizable, with the Sonar Software allowing you to modify just about every aspect of its performance. Rounding out the package is a slew of LED lights, a premium design, and built-in controls so you can quickly adjust the volume or enable the mute button.

Razer might be known for its robust lineup of headsets and other gaming gear, but the manufacturer's expertise also extends to PC speakers. In fact, the Leviathan V2 is every bit as impressive as anything else in the Razer catalog, as it supports THX Spatial Audio, can quickly switch between eight devices, and comes with the usual assortment of RGB lights powered by Razer Chroma. Along with a sleek, soundbar-esque footprint, you’ll also get a big subwoofer to pump out explosions and gunfire. So, if you’re looking for an alternative to the Arena 7 and prefer a single-piece speaker with a soundbar design, be sure to give this premium sound system a closer look.

Not pulling any punches with your budget for PC speakers? Then consider stepping up to the SteelSeries Arena 9--a robust sound system that takes everything in the Arena 7 and makes it better. For one, you’ll get support for 5.1 surround sound, allowing you to truly become immersed in the on-screen action. You get a central speaker as well as a total of four standard speakers. It also comes with a nifty Control Pod so you can toggle your headset, enable Bluetooth pairing with other devices, or mix your audio. It’s a bit pricey at $550, but you’d be hard-pressed to find another set of PC speakers that’s as well-equipped as this. Before picking up the Arena 9, however, it'd be wise to make sure your gaming setup has enough space for this six-piece kit.

The Razer Leviathan V2 X doesn’t come with the subwoofer found on the Leviathan V2, not is it equipped with THX Spatial Audio, but it still offers a powerful punch, especially when you consider its small footprint. The Leviathan V2 X has two full-range drivers with passive radiators that deliver solid audio without breaking the bank. It comes with USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity support as well as Razer's signature Chroma RGB lighting effects. So if you're worried about space for your other computer gadgets but still want audio that's better than built-in speakers on monitor, the Leviathan V2 X is a solid pick.

Another entry on this list, another product from SteelSeries. In fact, this one is also from the Arena lineup, as the budget-friendly Arena 3 packs a punch without consuming your entire desk. With large four-inch drivers, support for the Sonar Software to modify performance, and two 3.5mm jacks along with Bluetooth connectivity, the Arena 3 speakers are stealthily well-equipped. There’s no subwoofer with this kit, but the big four-inch drivers on these two tiny speakers produce a surprisingly robust sound with solid bass. Plus, these gaming speakers don't require much desk real estate at all. As an added bonus, you can connect a wired headset to these speakers so you can chat while the audio is filtered to your headphones.

The Nommo won’t outclass many of their similarly priced peers in the audio department, but when you factor in (or factor out, as it were) the lack of a subwoofer, their capabilities become more impressive. The Nommo falls into the same category as the Arena 3 speakers. Though the Arena 3 has more features, including Bluetooth and additional audio customization options, the Nommo is still a good pick that can typically be purchased for less than the Arena 3.

Each speaker features a single front-facing, full-range driver, a rear-facing bass port that can pump out loud music and gameplay audio with decent bass all on their own, and the built-in automatic gain control minimizes distortion.

If you already have some Razer products and make use of Chroma RGB lighting, you could opt for the Nova Chroma, which adds lighting effects around the base of the speakers. The Chroma also benefits from a USB connection versus the 3.5mm cord on the regular Chroma. This allows the Chroma model to have a built-in DAC.

The Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 are the best affordable PC speakers option. The package includes two rounded speakers that stand just 4.5 inches tall, each with a single 2-inch full-range driver, plus an external 8-inch tall subwoofer (there are even cheaper Pebble versions that ditch the subwoofer if you want a more compact setup). The full setup sounds excellent despite the speaker’s small size and low power output, and few sub-$50 speakers sound as clear as the Creative Pebble Plus 2.1.

That said, you’ll still have to deal with common drawbacks to audio setups at this price range--specifically the lower max volume compared to bigger, more powerful speakers. However, the Pebble Plus 2.1 has an onboard gain booster switch that increases the power output for louder audio without affecting sound quality. The feature should work on modern desktop PCs out of the box, but anyone on older machines or low-powered laptops can use the feature by plugging the USB power cable into a 5V 2A wall socket adapter (sold separately).

Don’t confuse the Logitech Z407 with the Logitech Z207, as this Bluetooth speaker system is much more than just budget friendly. Despite a price tag well under $150, the Z407 comes with a subwoofer, two speakers, and a control dial that lets you quickly adjust the action. Best of all, these components can connect wirelessly using Bluetooth, removing the need to run pesky wires across your desk. Its speakers can also be positioned vertically or horizontally, giving you even more freedom to place them around your battlestation as you see fit.

Spending around 50 bucks on PC speakers can backfire. After all, there’s no shortage of unscrupulous companies out there selling budget-friendly speakers that simply can’t meet even the lowest of standards. Thankfully, that’s not true with the Logitech Z207, which is held to the company’s usual standards despite clocking in around $60. You won’t find many fancy features here, but you will find support for both Bluetooth and 3.5mm jack connections, the ability to quickly switch between devices, and decent sound quality that’s pumped from speakers with a unique vertical design.

AudioEngine’s PC speakers are considered some of the best on the market, but the A5 Plus Wireless get our pick for the best cordless listening experience.

As one of the high-end AudioEngine options, the A5 Plus Wireless are strong enough to fill your home office or PC gaming room with big sound thanks to the built-in 150W amps in each speaker. And since they’re wireless, you can place them wherever works best for you and your room--whether that’s your desk, entertainment center, bookshelf, or even mounted on speaker stands. The speakers will sound good from almost anywhere, though; the A5 Plus Wireless also supports APTX-HD, which allows for high-quality 24-bit audio playback over Bluetooth connections, and extends the overall connectivity range.

Of course, you can also connect the A5 Plus Wireless to your computer with a cable instead, but it might be better to save yourself some money with the $400 wired-only model instead if you don’t plan to use the Bluetooth mode.

Much like the Z207, the Logitech Z313 punches above its price. For just $60, you’ll get two speakers and a standalone subwoofer, which allows for booming bass typically reserved for much larger systems. There’s even a control dial for easy access--although it’s wired and not quite as sleek-looking as the one found on the Logitech Z407. Still, for a budget speaker system with a subwoofer, the Logitech Z313 gets a lot right.

Designed with a large strip of RGB lights, the Redragon GS520 is clearly designed for gaming. They’re also remarkably budget-friendly, with a price tag that’s often discounted to less than $40. And even though they’re highly affordable, the GS520 speakers have some cool tech packed inside, including drivers that have been optimized to provide clear bass and touch controls to customize its RGB lights. They lack the rich tone and audio vibrancy of some of the other entries on this list, but with such an attractive price tag, they’re definitely worth a closer look if you're on a budget. Chances are these speakers are still better than built-in speakers on your monitor.

With a sleek design featuring RGB lights and a central control knob, this budget soundbar looks much better than you’d expect for a product under $50. It’s also fairly compact, which allows you to place it under your monitor and out of the way of your mouse and keyboard. Other highlights include 40W drivers, 3.5mm and USB connections, and the option to quickly adjust its RGB lights using the control knob.

If all you need is a dependable set of speakers without pulsing LEDs or external subwoofers, the Bose Companion 2 Series III will do the job well. Sure, the volume output on these speakers is modest compared to bigger models, there’s no subwoofer for big bass, and no surround sound support, but the Companion 2 Series III are meant to be simple speakers.

The speakers themselves look unassuming, with an elegant aesthetic that verges on utilitarian (in a good way). They’re 7.5-inches tall with matte-black plastic and a slanted design, and the only control is a single volume knob on the right-hand speaker. There’s also a headphone-out jack, but that’s the only external connection you’ll find here. While some users may want something flashier, these speakers don’t stand out and can easily fit into any setup, and they’ll handle everything from work-from-home meetings and YouTube videos to gaming and music very well, and they sound leagues better than speakers at lower price points.