There are plenty of options out there for extracting quality audio from your computer, but how do you really pick the best speakers for computer use? Size? Design? Raw power? Price? Brand? The truth is that the best computer speakers out there are a combination of all of those things and your personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for a full surround setup or don’t want to spend more than a Jackson, there’s a set of computer speakers out there for you. Here are our 7 favorite sets of computer speakers:
Amazon Basics A100/A150 Computer Speakers
With a built-in headphone jack, one finger control, a small 3.4” x 2.6” x 5” footprint and USB or AC power options, it’s no wonder that Amazon’s Basics A100 (USB) /A150 (AC) Computer Speakers are the #1 and #2 best small computer speakers on Amazon. They’re not huge in the watts department, but they more than make up for it in clarity, features and price. $14+
Creative GigaWorks T20 Series
Between the separate front controls for volume, bass and treble, along with Creative Labs innovative BasXPort technology, the Creative GigaWorks T20 Series speakers have all the features, controls and well-balance audio you’d expect from a high-end speaker system—without the need for a separate subwoofer and a huge price tag. These small speakers (3.3″ x 9″ x 5.6″) combine crisp, clear sound in a package that’s small and sleek. $90
M-Audio AV42
Built by renowned manufacturer M-Audio as the desktop equivalent of their widely used studio monitors, these M-Audio speakers combine professional level audio and build quality with consumer accessibility and price. When the 4″ polypropylene-coated woofers, 1″ ferrofluid-cooled silk cone tweeters and 20-watt per channel amplifier get too loud for your workspace—and they will—just adjust the volume with the front knob or plug in headphones and keep working. $149
Harmon Kardon Soundsticks III
Harmon Kardon is a name you’ve heard before, and these Soundsticks III might even be a setup you’ve seen before because the design is unforgettable. Six-inch, 20 watt downward-firing subwoofer. Eight 1″ full-range transducers. Plug-and-play compatibility. Stunning design. Combine all of those features with the touch volume and mute controls, and it’s easy to see why this three-piece, 2.1-channel multimedia sound system is part of the permanent collection at MoMA. $150+
Polk Audio Hampden AM6510-A
This Polk Audio Hampden setup combines 80 watts of total system power, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, downward-firing bass ports and app connectivity into a teak-veneered, retro-styled setup that will work perfectly on your laptop, home computer or as the centerpiece of a whole office entertainment setup. And with the special app, these Polk Audio speakers will even let you and your guests DJ the party when your office turns into nightlife hotspot after the workday is over. $249
Audioengine A2+ Powered Speaker System
At under 7 pounds and measuring 4″ x 5.2″ x 6″, the Audioengine A2+ speaker system is a bookshelf quality setup that can also be used specifically for a computer thanks to the integrated USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter). Built with hand-finished wood cabinets and the same custom tweeters you’ll find in their significantly more expensive A5+ system, the Audioengine A2+ setup might be small, but it packs a big punch. With options for a subwoofer, stands and the ability to plug in a standard 3.5mm cable, it’s also expandable depending on your needs. $249
Logitech Z906 Surround Sound Speakers
Logitech has been making kick ass peripherals (including speakers) for ages, but their latest set of speakers blows all previous options out of the water. With 1000 watts peak power, 5.1 digital surround, Dolby Digital and DTS, digital and analog inputs, and 3D stereo, this THX-certified speaker setup will give your computer thunderous, room-shaking audio that’s probably better than the surround setup you have connected to your big screen. $349
Amazon Basics A100/A150 Computer Speakers
With a built-in headphone jack, one finger control, a small 3.4” x 2.6” x 5” footprint and USB or AC power options, it’s no wonder that Amazon’s Basics A100 (USB) /A150 (AC) Computer Speakers are the #1 and #2 best small computer speakers on Amazon. They’re not huge in the watts department, but they more than make up for it in clarity, features and price.
$14+Creative GigaWorks T20 Series
Between the separate front controls for volume, bass and treble, along with Creative Labs innovative BasXPort technology, the Creative GigaWorks T20 Series speakers have all the features, controls and well-balance audio you’d expect from a high-end speaker system—without the need for a separate subwoofer and a huge price tag. These small speakers (3.3″ x 9″ x 5.6″) combine crisp, clear sound in a package that’s small and sleek.
$90M-Audio AV42
Built by renowned manufacturer M-Audio as the desktop equivalent of their widely used studio monitors, these M-Audio speakers combine professional level audio and build quality with consumer accessibility and price. When the 4″ polypropylene-coated woofers, 1″ ferrofluid-cooled silk cone tweeters and 20-watt per channel amplifier get too loud for your workspace—and they will—just adjust the volume with the front knob or plug in headphones and keep working.
$149Harmon Kardon Soundsticks III
Harmon Kardon is a name you’ve heard before, and these Soundsticks III might even be a setup you’ve seen before because the design is unforgettable. Six-inch, 20 watt downward-firing subwoofer. Eight 1″ full-range transducers. Plug-and-play compatibility. Stunning design. Combine all of those features with the touch volume and mute controls, and it’s easy to see why this three-piece, 2.1-channel multimedia sound system is part of the permanent collection at MoMA.
$150+Polk Audio Hampden AM6510-A
This Polk Audio Hampden setup combines 80 watts of total system power, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, downward-firing bass ports and app connectivity into a teak-veneered, retro-styled setup that will work perfectly on your laptop, home computer or as the centerpiece of a whole office entertainment setup. And with the special app, these Polk Audio speakers will even let you and your guests DJ the party when your office turns into nightlife hotspot after the workday is over.
$249Audioengine A2+ Powered Speaker System
At under 7 pounds and measuring 4″ x 5.2″ x 6″, the Audioengine A2+ speaker system is a bookshelf quality setup that can also be used specifically for a computer thanks to the integrated USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter). Built with hand-finished wood cabinets and the same custom tweeters you’ll find in their significantly more expensive A5+ system, the Audioengine A2+ setup might be small, but it packs a big punch. With options for a subwoofer, stands and the ability to plug in a standard 3.5mm cable, it’s also expandable depending on your needs.
$249Logitech Z906 Surround Sound Speakers
Logitech has been making kick ass peripherals (including speakers) for ages, but their latest set of speakers blows all previous options out of the water. With 1000 watts peak power, 5.1 digital surround, Dolby Digital and DTS, digital and analog inputs, and 3D stereo, this THX-certified speaker setup will give your computer thunderous, room-shaking audio that’s probably better than the surround setup you have connected to your big screen.
$349
