Since many PCs and Macs don't come with good speakers, many users who want to enjoy powerful audio from their computers have to resort to buying computer speakers. Even if the speakers are low-cost, they have a way of providing an improvement when it comes to your listening experience. There are soundbar speakers, stereo speakers that are simply a combination of two speakers with one on each side, and there are 2.1 speakers that come with a subwoofer.

When looking for computer speakers, you want speakers that will bring out the sound from your PC without you straining your ears. You don't want to miss out on information being passed on that YouTube video or miss out on the melody of your favorite music. At Screen Rant, we understand your desire to get good quality sound without spending an amount that would require you to break the bank. So read on to discover several new modern computer speakers and decide for yourself which is the best for your circumstance. Once you're finished, you'll be able to find the best computer speaker for you!

When you buy the Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers - for PC, you are getting one of the best computer speakers from Bose. The speaker weighs 4 pounds and provides you with high-quality sound no matter the volume you place it on. It is a combination of two inter-connected speakers that can be placed on either side of your PC or together. The right speaker houses all the needed connection ports and controls for the Companion 2 Series III. There is a port at the back of the right speaker where you plug in the auxiliary cable coming from your computer. Above that port is another auxiliary port where you can plug in an additional device to take advantage of your speaker's sound prowess. You can find the DC power port above the aux port, where you plug in the speakers that use 12V 1.8A. Lastly, above them is the port where you connect the left speaker so you can enjoy the true audio pleasure that comes from when you buy the Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers - for PC, you are getting one of the best computer speakers from Bose.

The headphone jack at the frontal part of this right speaker allows you to plug in your headphones in case you want your audio file to play directly to your ears. Above this is the volume control. This makes it possible for the listener to control the volume of the music right from the speakers. Buy the Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers - for PC, enjoy the deeper low-end performance and detailed sound.

Key Features
  • Can connect 2 devices at once
  • High-quality audio
  • Headphone jack
  • Solid volume button
Pros
  • Easy to set up
  • Nice bass response
  • No sound distortion
Cons
  • Short connection cables
Buy This Product
Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers - for PC

The Bose Companion 20 Multimedia Speaker System is a pair of speakers that come with a versatile control pod. The speakers come with the proprietary Bose Truespace stereo digital processing circuitry which helps provide a wide two-channel soundstage to listen to sounds coming from your computer. It has a sleek, space-saving design that makes it fit perfectly on the desk along with your computer. The presence of an Active electronic equalization makes the speakers easily balance low, mid, and high frequencies during production and produce a natural tone and sound clarity. The speakers produce a great low-note performance as a result of the advanced port design, hence, they fill your room with full, natural sounds. 

The versatile control pod that comes with the speakers enable users to control the output volume on the speakers. The control pod also has a headphone jack where you can plug in your headphone whenever you want to listen privately without unplugging your speakers from the PC. In addition to that, the control pod lets you add an extra audio source to the speaker via the auxiliary input port present on the side. When used, the Bose Companion 20 Multimedia Speaker System perfectly balances the sounds coming from the two audio sources and can project both at the same time. A single-touch mute button is present to mute sound production from the speakers with ease. 

Overall, this speaker system provides great sound quality and you will have a solid experience when you use it as your computer speaker.

Key Features
  • Control pod
  • Sleek, space-saving design
  • Truespace technology
  • Active electronic equalization
Pros
  • Connect extra audio source
  • Single-touch mute
  • Advanced port design
  • Headphone jack
Cons
  • Short chord between both speakers
Buy This Product
Bose Companion 20 Multimedia Speaker System

The AmazonBasics Computer Speakers for Desktop or Laptop PC is a decent pair of speakers for computer users. It is USB-powered and has a single knob at the front side of the left speaker that serves as both the on/off switch and the volume control. The location of the knob makes it easily accessible to users. It is easy to install as it is plug-and-play and no new driver installation is needed to make use of it. There is a 3.5mm headphone jack at the front of the speaker that makes it possible for users to listen privately to their audio by simply plugging in the headset. This helps eliminate the hassle of disconnecting your computer speakers just because you want to listen to audio privately or you want to avoid disturbing others in close vicinity.

The AmazonBasics Computer Speakers for Desktop or Laptop PC has a frequency range of 103Hz to 20KHz. Each speaker is capable of 1.1 watts RMS bringing the total of the speakers' production to 2.2 watts of RMS power. They are lightweight and come with thick enough cables to prevent accidental internal breakage. They have a compact design, hence, they won't take up much space on your desk. There is a blue LED indicator light on the front side that can, however, be a source of concern for users because of its brightness. However, if it is a source of concern for you, you can easily solve this by masking it with electrical tape.

It won't give you super-loud sounds, but it's a pretty decent, average, and cheap computer speaker.

Key Features
  • USB-powered
  • Headphone jack
  • 2.2 watts total RMS
  • 103 Hz - 20 KHz frequency range
Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Compact size
  • Decent sound quality
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Blue LED light can be distracting
Buy This Product
AmazonBasics Computer Speakers for Desktop or Laptop PC

The Logitech Speaker System Z323 with Subwoofer is a combination of two speakers and a subwoofer. The speaker system provides immersive Logitech 360-degree sound for clear audio that fills your room. You get deep, rich bass sounds from the ported, downwards-firing 10.2 cm subwoofer that accompanies this speaker system. It has both RCA and 3.5 mm inputs that can be used to connect it to your PC and any other device you might wish to connect this speaker system to. Hence, you can connect both your phone or tablet and your PC to it at the same time and enjoy the audio that comes from the respective devices. It comes with a headphone jack that can be used whenever you want to listen to your audio privately without disconnecting the speaker from your PC. It provides 30 watts of total RMS, with the subwoofer accounting for 18 watts. The output peaks at 60 watts of power.

The right speaker carries the power and volume controls at the front, while you can find the bass control knob at the back of the subwoofer. The volume control knob is also the one that is used to turn the speaker system on or off. There is a yellow LED light that notifies you if the speaker system is on or off. It is easy to set up as it is plug-and-play, so you do not need to install any new additional drivers on your PC. The Logitech Speaker System Z323 with Subwoofer is great in that when not in use, it does not produce any humming or buzzing sound.

Key Features
  • Ported, down-firing subwoofer
  • RCA and 3.5mm inputs
  • Integrated headphone jack
  • 30 Watts RMS
Pros
  • Immersive 360-degree sound
  • 2 auxiliary inputs
  • Volume control
  • Subwoofer for bass control
Cons
  • Short connection cables
Buy This Product
Logitech Speaker System Z323 with Subwoofer

The Creative Pebble 2.0 USB-Powered Desktop Speakers is one of the best and cheap computer speakers for the average user. The speaker system is powered by a USB connection, eliminating the need for an adapter to power it. It, however, needs to be connected to the audio jack on your PC and buyers should not make the mistake of thinking the USB connection is the only thing that is needed to make this pair of speakers function. They come with far-field 45 degrees elevated drivers and passive radiators that make the sounds go towards the ears of the computer user. This provides an enhanced audio projection and gives the listener an immersive experience. There is a volume control knob at the frontal part that makes it easy to control the output volume of the speakers.

The Creative Pebble 2.0 USB-Powered Desktop Speakers have a modern and stylish design and can fit in any room, home, or office that has modern interior design. Creative claims that the design of the speakers stems from the zen Japanese rock garden. They are compact and small in size, however, this does not interfere with the sound quality the speakers produce. Each speaker has a passive radiator that produces 2.2W RMS, making the combined RMS an impressive 4.4W.

The sound is immersive, it is convenient to use, it does not take up much space on your desk and you can choose either the white or black color to match your style and the environment in which you will be using it.

Key Features
  • Far-field drivers
  • Passive radiators
  • 45° elevated sound stage
  • 4.4W total RMS
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Volume control
  • Compact and portable design
  • 2 color options
Cons
  • Loses sound quality at higher volumes
Buy This Product
Creative Pebble 2.0 USB-Powered Desktop Speakers

The AmazonBasics USB-Powered PC Computer Speakers is one of the best computer speakers in 2020. This set comes with two speakers that are linked together by a connecting cable that is about 12 inches long. The speakers then connect to the computer via a USB port for power and the PC's 3.5mm audio jack. The speakers have Dynamic Sound and can easily be installed and used as they are plug and play and need no new drivers to be installed for them to work.

There is an in-line volume control that makes it easier for users to control the volume output of the speaker, and it produces 1.2 watts per speaker, bringing the total RMS power to 2.4 watts. The speakers also have a frequency range of 80Hz to 20kHz. They come with a brushed black metal finish and have blue light accents. The physical design presents a sleek and modern style, and a padded base is present to prevent scratches by surfaces on which the speakers might be placed. The padded base also ensures stability for the speakers. It is compact and weighs just 1.4 pounds.

2 LED lights come on whenever you plug in the speakers to notify you that the speakers are on. The LED lights do not have an off switch and this has made it uncomfortable for some users. Some have preferred putting tape on the lights as a solution. The speakers provide great sound quality for the price and should be okay for the average user who isn't looking for floor-shaking bass from their computer speakers.

Key Features
  • 5V USB-powered
  • Blue LED-lights
  • Springy base
  • 2.4 Watts total RMS power
Pros
  • Plug and play
  • Compact size
  • Sleek and modern style
  • Padded base to prevent scratches
Cons
  • Short connection chord between the 2 speakers
  • No headphone port
Buy This Product
AmazonBasics USB-Powered PC Computer Speakers

The Logitech Z333 2.1 Speakers deliver 40 watts of RMS power and peak at 80 watts, thereby giving you loud and clear audio from the two satellite speakers. It also has a front-facing subwoofer with a 5-inch driver to deliver rich and deep bass to the ear of listeners. You can adjust the depth of the bass via the control knob located at the back of the subwoofer. There is a lightweight control pod present which you can attach your headphones to if you want to listen to your audio privately. This is especially useful for moments when you just want to quickly switch between public and private listening without getting up to disconnect your speakers from your PC. The wired control pod also gives you easy access to the power and volume controls. However, it does not have an anti-slip base. Therefore you might have to hold the whole pod while using it to avoid it slipping around. The versatile setup makes it possible to connect more than one device at a time to the speakers. You can connect one via the 3.5mm port and another via the RCA input port.

The satellite speakers are designed with a small tweeter on each one. However, you should note that they are not functional and are only there for aesthetic reasons. They are not wired to anything. You should also not crank this speaker system to extremely high volumes because if you do so, you might lose out on the audio quality and get distorted sounds. The Logitech Z333 2.1 Speakers are easy to install as they are plug and play.

Key Features
  • 80 watts peak sound
  • Headphone jack
  • 5-inch driver
  • 3.5mm and RCA inputs
Pros
  • Deep bass sound
  • Connect up to 2 devices
  • Easy to install
  • Easy-to-use controls
Cons
  • Non-functional tweeter
Buy This Product
Logitech Z333 2.1 Speakers

The Sanyun SW102 is a pair of elliptical speakers from Sanyun. Each speaker produces 5 watts of power and is powered via a USB connection. The audio connection is made via a 3.5mm cable that is integrated with the speakers. However, you should note that the SW102 does not have a headphone jack that can be used for private listening.

The speaker is made of metal and plastics and is steady while in use. It has an inbuilt bass diaphragm, closed cavity, and low-frequency aid design to improve bass production. However, while the speakers produce decent sound for the price range, you should not expect the same quality of low-frequency sounds you would get from a sound system using a dedicated subwoofer. They are 2.0 channel stereo speakers, and if you want to enjoy the optimal output from them, you should place them 1 meter apart from each other and from the user. Some users have complained about a buzzing sound coming from the speakers when plugged into a power outlet, hence, plugging them into a USB port on your PC is advisable.

The Sanyun SW102 is easy to install and has a regular frequency range of 30Hz to 20KHz. You get clear sounds from the pair which are suitable for use in listening to music, other audio files, or watching videos on your desktop as the 5 watts of output from each speaker pushes out the sounds well. They are also suitable for watching tutorials or YouTube videos and you never have to worry about not hearing the speakers clearly. They are compact in size and shouldn't take up space at your workstation.

Key Features
  • Elliptical structure
  • 5 watts maximum output power
  • 30Hz to 20 KHz frequency response
  • USB-powered
Pros
  • Plug and play
  • 3.5mm audio interface
  • Great sound quality
  • 360-degree stereo sound
Cons
  • No headphone jack
Buy This Product
Sanyun SW102

The Cyber Acoustics CA-2014 is one of the best inexpensive computer speakers you can buy in 2020. The CA-2014 is a pair of space-saving 2.0 speakers that do not take up space on your desktop. The right speaker contains the controls for the whole speaker system on the front panel. Those include the power and volume button in addition to a blue LED light indicator that notifies you of the power status of the speaker. There is also a headphone jack present for private listening purposes. All these controls being located on the front side of one of the speakers make them easily accessible to users and improves the usability of the speakers.

The satellite speakers have 1.5-inch high-efficiency drivers for mid and high-frequency sounds and they are covered with cloth grill covers instead of the metal mesh that is found on some speakers. The Cyber Acoustics CA-2014 is not USB-powered, hence, you have to plug it into a wall socket or extension box. That is why it comes with two chords, one for power and the other one for the 3.5mm audio connection. You have to put them together, close to your PC, or on each side of the computer as the audio-connecting cable is just about 3 feet long. The speakers have a nice design and will not look odd or stand out in your room or office. You will get decent sound quality from this, however, you should not expect the great stereo sounds that high-end speakers produce. Overall, it will provide you decent treble and bass sounds for your listening enjoyment.

Key Features
  • Magnetically shielded satellites
  • 1.5-inch drivers
  • Headphone output jack
  • On/off LED indicator
Pros
  • Space-saving design
  • Cloth grill covers
  • Convenient controls
  • Decent sound production
Cons
  • Bright LED lights
  • Connection cables can be longer
Buy This Product
Cyber Acoustics CA-2014

The Cyber Acoustics 2.1 Subwoofer Speaker System is a combination of two satellite speakers, a subwoofer, and a control pod. The system produces 9 watts of RMS and 18 watts of peak power. The control pod is easy to use and helps you turn the system on and off. It is also used to adjust the master volume and has a headphone jack where you can connect your headphone for private listening. In addition to this, the control pod also has a 3.5mm jack that can be used to connect an additional device to the subwoofer speaker system. It also has a LED light indicator that notifies you whenever the speakers are on. The subwoofer is a 4-inch side-firing poly carbon subwoofer that accentuates the bass sounds and lower frequencies in your audio. It has a 4-inch Power Pro Series driver made to deliver pleasurable low-frequency sound to the ears of the listener. You can adjust the bass output using the control knob at the back of the subwoofer.

The satellite speakers each have 2-inch high-efficiency drivers that deliver mid and high-frequency sounds. These, in conjunction with the subwoofer, help deliver great audio whenever they are in use. The Cyber Acoustics 2.1 Subwoofer Speaker System has a contemporary design that makes it fit in with any room design or setting where you might use it. Some users complain about the brightness of the LED light indicator on the control pod, and if you find it uncomfortable, you might want to use electrical tape to cover it. However, in all, for the price, the Cyber Acoustics 2.1 Subwoofer Speaker System is great for any regular audio needs you might have for your computer.

Key Features
  • 18 watts peak power
  • Control pod
  • 4-inch subwoofer
  • 2-inch satellite speaker drivers
Pros
  • Headphone jack
  • Easy to use
  • Contemporary design
  • Immersive sound
Cons
  • Short cable from controller to subwoofer
  • Blue light ring around controller too bright for some users
Buy This Product
Cyber Acoustics 2.1 Subwoofer Speaker System

There are factors you want to consider before you purchase your computer speaker. Such factors include the type of computer speaker you want to buy and the other features you want your speaker system to have. You want decent sound quality at the minimum, and you might want other things such as the presence of a subwoofer to improve the delivery of low-frequency sounds, that is, to improve the depth of the bass sounds you will hear.

Price Range & Features

The major influencing factor when buying a computer speaker, as with many other purchases, is the amount of money you are willing to spend. This will determine whether you will be buying a high-end, average, or low-end computer speaker. You can get the AmazonBasics computer speakers which cost as low as $15, or you can get the Bose Companion 20 Series that goes for around $250. While one will provide you with decent sound quality, the other is expected to give you great sound and other extra features such as a subwoofer and a control pod.

Some computer speakers come with features such as a control pod, and an ability to plug in headphones for private listening. Some also allow you to connect more than one device at a time. You also want to consider if you want a computer speaker system that has a dedicated subwoofer or not. Computer speakers with subwoofers are usually referred to as 2.1 PC speakers and they help enhance the production of the bass sounds when listening to audio through them. This can be useful for you if you want to feel the effects of low-frequency sounds while watching movies or while listening to music on your computer.

Size And Power Supply

Some of the modern computer speakers are portable in size and can be carried around in your bag along with your PC. However, not all computer speakers are designed like this. Some are designed to only sit atop your desk or on the floor and not be carried around. Hence, you have to factor this into your consideration whenever you want to buy speakers for your computer. You should also consider whether you want a speaker that is USB-powered or one that is powered by an AC connection to a wall socket. The advantage of the USB-powered speakers is that you don't have to worry about finding an outlet whenever you want to use them. This is most especially important for users who buy their computer speakers to use with their laptops.

Take a look at the collection of speakers we have above and use the factors we have stated to decide which one is the best for you. We've listed products within a wide range of price ranges for you to consider so that you can find the best computer speaker for you!

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between stereo and surround sound?

You might have seen those two terms thrown around and wondered what they meant. If your speakers comprise only left and right speakers with no subwoofer, then you have stereo speakers. If you throw a subwoofer into the mix, then you have a ‘2.1’ sound system. The advantage of a ‘2.1’ sound system over a stereo sound system is the subwoofer which allows you to enjoy deeper bass frequencies. 

However, if your sound system has between five and seven speakers working with the subwoofer, then you have a surround sound system. With that said, you already know the vast majority of computers make use of stereo sound system.

Q: What is the difference between stereo and surround sound?

You might have seen those two terms thrown around and wondered what they meant. If your speakers comprise only left and right speakers with no subwoofer, then you have stereo speakers. If you throw a subwoofer into the mix, then you have a ‘2.1’ sound system. The advantage of a ‘2.1’ sound system over a stereo sound system is the subwoofer which allows you to enjoy deeper bass frequencies. 

However, if your sound system has between five and seven speakers working with the subwoofer, then you have a surround sound system. With that said, you already know the vast majority of computers make use of stereo sound system.

Q: Should I go for computer speakers or a soundbar?

Both computer speakers and soundbars will help you get a good sound production and enjoy the media from your computer, however, they both have their unique pros and cons. If you go for a soundbar, the most evident advantage you get is the compact size. This size allows you to maximize your space usage and get more out of your setup’s real estate.

However, while computer speakers are likely to take more space than soundbars, you get better sound quality from speakers, especially if you go for one of those listed above. But, if all you care about is hearing what being said on your computer and you are really concerned about the little difference in space-saving, then you can go for a soundbar.

Q: Can I use computer speakers and headphones together?

If you’re wondering about the possibility of listening to audio from your headphones and computer speakers at once, know that it is possible. However, that it is possible does not mean all computers will be able to achieve this feat. This is because some computers might be missing the necessary Realtek audio chipset needed to achieve this.

However, you can read up on how to tweak your windows settings to achieve this, or third-party software needed for this and once you make the needed adjustments, you will be on your way to enjoying your audio on two outputs. You should note though, that there might be a slight difference in the audio production of both outputs.

Q: Why are my computer speakers humming?

If your computer speakers are humming while plugged in, the most likely cause is that you have placed the cable close to other electrical components or their cables. This is because some other electronic equipment can interfere with the signal. You might also have the problem of improper grounding which might lead to excess electricity entering your speakers and producing unwanted noise. 

Another reason your computer speakers might hum is if your sound components are not properly plugged in. To solve this, check your cables, including your audio jack, to ensure you properly plugged them into their ports. You can also check to ensure the ports are not damaged or loose due to wear and tear. 

Q: Can I use my computer speakers with my TV too?

TVs do not offer speaker outputs, but as long as your TV has a way to send out audio apart from its internal speakers, then you can use your computer speakers with your TV. However, the main concern should be how to use it and get good audio output. 

If your TV provides analog audio outputs, you can connect your computer speakers directly and enjoy your audio. However, not all TVs have analog audio outputs. These days, many come with digital audio outputs, and for you to use that with your computer speakers, you need to convert the provided signal to an analog sound signal. You can do this with a converter box, or you can connect to a home stereo or home theater receiver that allows digital audio inputs.