Many times, we can take for granted the speakers that are connected to our computers.
Depending on the type of work you might do, having a great set of speakers can be the difference between hearing the whole range of notes in a song or barely recognizing the drumbeat behind the guitar solo. To help, we wanted to look at the best computer speakers for designers & music lovers available today and offer some help in picking your next sound system for your computer.
Where to start though? There are so many different options out there, how do you choose? Luckily, we have some tips we think you should consider before you buy it.
Let’s start there! See our guide just under the comparison table
10 Best Computer Speakers for Graphic Designers & Creatives
- Harman Kardon Soundsticks III – Best computer speakers overall (Editor’s Choice)
- Audioengine A2+ – The best speaker in a small package
- Logitech Z623 – A fantastic speaker with an affordable price
- Logitech G560 – A light show for your desk
- Razer Nommo Pro – The ultimate gaming speakers
- Edifier E25 Luna Eclipse – Beautiful sound with a design from the future
- AudioEngine HD3 Wireless Speakers – The best speakers if you want to cut the cord
- Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX – The best THX sound playing speaker
- Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 – The best budget-friendly speakers
- Mackie CR4BT – The best speakers for multimedia use
- Q Acoustics 3020i – The best speakers for designers with the latest technology
Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Amazing Sound
What are the best desktop speakers? Check our comparison table to see what’s best for you.
How to Choose the Best Speakers for your Computer
Choosing the best speakers for your computer set up shouldn’t be one of the hardest things that you do during your day. To help make the process easier, we wanted to offer some tips you can use to pick the best speakers for your needs.
Intended Use
What are you using the speakers for? Knowing exactly the reason you are going to use a set of computer speakers will help you narrow down your choices significantly. So, if you’re looking for the best speakers to watch movies and listen to the latest Taylor Swift album, your needs are going to be different than someone who will be using speakers to help them mix tracks for a new album or editing video. Knowing what you intend to use them for is important.
Sound Quality
The sound quality that you can get from the right set of speakers can make all the difference when it comes to the clarity of what you are listening to. Choosing one with a subwoofer not only helps fill in the spaces between the notes but also gives the sound some meat. What we mean is that a set of speakers with a subwoofer sounds fuller than without and can provide a much better experience.
Desk Space
Not every desk or office has enough room to accommodate larger speakers or even speaker stands. While the sound quality that you would get from those speakers would be much better, you shouldn’t think that if you don’t have the room, then it will sound horrible. Look for speakers that while they don’t take up enough real estate to make things uncomfortable, aren’t so small that the sound they products mimics their diminutive size.
Best Computer Speakers for Amazing Sound
1. Harman Kardon Soundsticks III (Editor’s Choice)
Best computer speakers overall (Great sound and a cool design!)
Weight: 2.04kg | Size: 10in x 2x satellites; 10.8in x 9in subwoofer | Drivers: four 1-inch full range transducers | Audio Inputs: 3.5mm jack | Outputs: none
While the design looks like something out of Star Trek, the Soundsticks III from Harman Kardon more than prove their worth once you hit the power button. With detailed high and booming bass from the subwoofer, the sound quality is amazing at such an affordable price. If you have a mid-range budget, the Soundsticks III is worth considering but do note that these have no wireless connectively.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Compatible with all devices with a stereo minijack output
- Outstanding bass performance
- Touch volume and mute controls. Satellite Height (inches) 10.
- Subwoofer volume control and Angle adjustable satellites
- Amplifier output power 10 Watt RMS per channel
2. Audioengine A2+
The best speaker in a small package
Weight: 1.6kg left, 1.4kg right | Size: 6in x 4in x 5.25in | Drivers: 2.75-inch Kevlar woofers, ¾-inch silk dome tweeters | Supported Connectivity: Wireless with Audioengine’s W3 adapter | Audio Inputs: USB, RCA, 3.5mm stereo mini-jack | Outputs: RCA
While not the newest speakers on the market, the A2+ from Audioengine is still one of the best computer speakers available. Powered by your computer’s USB port, which provides an amazing sound quality along with uncompressed audio thanks to the built-in DAC. While it doesn’t come with a subwoofer, that shouldn’t keep you from buying them. With an RCA output, you can easily connect an external subwoofer if you need one.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- PREMIUM POWERED BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS: The award-winning A2+ Wireless Speakers provide detailed, true stereo sound and can easily connect to all your music in seconds. Great for your desktop or home...
- FEATURES: Bluetooth aptX, a USB audio input and dual analog audio inputs for connecting multiple devices. The A2+ features elegant design in painted wood cabinets, a subwoofer output, and analog class...
- 60 WATTS OF POWER: Experience room filling sound in a tiny footprint. Easily connect the compact Audioengine S6 or S8 subwoofer via the RCA variable output. And at 6”H x 4”W x 5.25”D each, the...
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Pair of Audioengine A2+ Wireless Powered Speakers, 6.5ft speaker wire, power supply & cord, 5ft USB cable, 5ft mini-jack audio cable, microfiber speaker and cable bags, setup guide.
- WARRANTY: Stellar US based customer support and 3 year product warranty is included. Based in Austin, TX, Audioengine has been changing the way people listen to music since 2005. We believe in the...
3. Logitech Z623
A fantastic speaker with an affordable price
Weight: 0.95kg left, 1kg right; 7kg subwoofer | Size: 7.7in x 4.6in x 5.0in speakers; 11.2in x 12in x 10.5in subwoofer | Drivers: 2.5-inch front-firing, sealed drivers, 7-inch bass-reflex subwoofer | Supported Connectivity: none | Audio Inputs: 3.5mm jack, RCA | Outputs: headphone jack
While Logitech speakers tend to be known for their affordability, the Z623 speakers might cause some sticker shock but the quality makes the price more than reasonable. With a subwoofer that produces a deep, powerful sound which you can adjust based on your preference, plus the speakers themselves have a spectacular soundstage of their own. With great highs and mids, these speakers are perfect for editing video or a relaxing afternoon watching a movie or playing a game.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- THX-certified 2.1 speaker system brings your music, movies and games to life in immersive studio-quality audio; Satellites: 2 x 35 Watt.Mounting Type:Tabletop.Speakers maximum output power:400 watts
- RCA and 3.5 millimeter inputs make it easy to plug in up to 3 audio devices - your computer, iPod, game console, DVD player and more
- 2 satellite speakers and a powerful subwoofer deliver sound big enough to fill even large entertainment rooms.Please Note: Kindly refer the User Guide before use.
- Compatible with Television,Computer,Smartphone,Tablet,Music player,DVD player,Blu-ray player,PlayStation,Xbox,Wii. System Requirements: Works with any device with either a headphone jack (3.5...
- 400 Watts Peak/200 Watts RMS power delivers amped audio from this 2.1 speaker system. Subwoofer-130 W. Dimensions( H x W x D)-Subwoofer-11.2 x 12.0 x 10.5 inches. Right Satellite-7.7 x 4.6 x 5.0...
4. Logitech G560
A light show for your desk
Weight: 1.79kg left, 1.79kg right, 5.5kg sub | Size (Satellites): 5.8 x 6.5 x 4.6 inches | Size (Sub): 15.9 x 10 x 8.1 inches | Drivers: 6.5-inch subwoofer, 2-inch tweeters | Supported Connectivity: USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth | Audio Inputs: USB, 3.5mm stereo mini-jack | Outputs: Headphone
When it comes to accessories for your computer, Logitech can easily put other companies to shame. While they are a household name in that market, the G560 speakers build up their presence in this one. Designed for gamers, they are one of the best computer speakers around. Not only do they employ DTS surround technology but they also have RGB lighting, which can be adjusted to whatever kind of content you’re enjoying providing a more brilliant and enjoyable experience.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Built-in LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting blasts game driven lighting colors and effects activated by the audio in many popular games
- Explosive 240 Watts Peak power and unique driver design deliver a huge soundscape for a heightened gaming experience
- Integrated DTS:X Ultra surround sound renders 3D positional audio so you hear your gaming environment from every angle
- Easily customize four speaker lighting zones with Logitech Family Software for both front and rear light projection in your choice of 16.8 million colors
- Works with Windows based PCs and Bluetooth enabled devices including computers, smartphones and tablets (DTS:X not supported on Mac OS X)
5. Razer Nommo Pro
The ultimate gaming speakers
Weight: 27.6 lbs | Drivers: Down-firing woofer, 0.8-inch silk dome tweeters, 3-inch full-range drivers | Supported Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 | Audio Inputs: USB, Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5mm stereo mini-jack | Outputs: 3.5mm
While it’s unique look is apparent, don’t be fooled into thinking that the Nommo Pro speakers from Razer are some of the best quality speakers available today. While the price can be a bit steep for those on a budget, it may be well worth the investment that you make. With its Razer Chroma technology, the quality coming through is impressive as is the power that the subwoofer produces. Even though there might be at the high end of just about any one’s budget, they may also be a wise investment that pays itself back year after year.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- THX Certified Premium Audio: Tuned to bring out the speaker's full potential
- Dolby Virtual Surround Sound Technology: Providing powerful cinematic immersion
- Solid Firing Subwoofer: Downward firing subwoofer for desk-shaking, room-thumping low end sound
- Control at Your Fingertips: LED illuminated control pod lets you adjust the volume or mute the speaker quickly and easily
- Please visit the Official Razer Support on the Razer website for assistance/ troubleshooting on this product.
6. Edifier E25 Luna Eclipse
Beautiful sound with a design from the future
Weight: 3.6kg | Size: 4.8in x 8.35in x 8.74in | Drivers: ¾-inch silk dome tweeter, 3-inch full-range bass driver | Supported Connectivity: Bluetooth | Audio Inputs: Bluetooth, 3.5mm jack | Outputs: USB port for charging, headphone jack
Between its appealing design and terrific sound, there is no reason why the E25 Luna Eclipse wouldn’t be on our list. If you like a lot of rumbling and booming bass, these speakers are for you. Available in different colors, the speakers have great balance along with sharp mids and good stereo separation. If you like pumping up the volume with little noise distortion, the Luna Eclipse, and its included remote are a great choice.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Bluetooth pairing capability with Bluetooth enabled devices and auxiliary input port for versatile connectivity to external devices
- Touch sensitive controls for volume, play/pause, previous/next track and standby and wireless remote for volume and power
- Incorporation of DSP and DRC for enhanced audio performance and distortion control as well as electronic crossover and dedicated power amplifier to each tweeter and bass drivers
- 3 inch bass driver and Ф19mm silk dome tweeter in each speaker and dual 2 inch x 3 inch passive bass radiators for enhanced bass effect in each speaker
- Combined 74 Watts of power
7. AudioEngine HD3 Wireless Speakers
The best speakers if you want to cut the cord
Weight: 1.8kg left, 1.5kg right | Size: 11.6″ x 11.75″ x 8.8″ | Drivers: 2.75-inch aramid fiber woofers, ¾-inc silk dome tweeters | Supported Connectivity: Advanced Bluetooth Wireless | Audio Inputs: 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, stereo RCA, USB | Outputs: RCA variable line-out, 3.5mm mini-jack headphone out
While wireless speakers may not be for everyone, but the HD3 Wireless Speakers from AudioEngine may change a few minds. When using them as a wireless option, any latency is only about 30ms, making it pretty negligible whether you’re listening to music or watching a video. If you’re in a gaming state of mind at the end of a long week, you can connect these to your computer via USB audio and Dual Analog Audio inputs as well as a subwoofer output to crank up the bass. Being from AudioEngine, regardless of your views on wireless speakers, the sound quality is some of the best you can get.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- LISTENING TO YOUR MUSIC SHOULDN'T BE COMPLICATED: The HD3 is simple to use and designed for the way people listen to music today. Connect any way you like: wireless or wired, digital or analog....
- 60 WATTS OF POWER: Experience clear, precise sound with 60W of combined peak output. Easily connect the compact Audioengine S6 or S8 subwoofer via the RCA variable output. And at 7"H x 4.25"W x 5.5"D...
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Pair of Audioengine HD3 Wireless Powered Speakers, Bluetooth antenna, 6.5ft gold-plated banana plug speaker wire, 5ft USB cable, 6ft AC power cord, 6.5ft mini-jack audio cable,...
- WARRANTY: Stellar US based customer support and 3 year product warranty is included. Based in Austin, TX, Audioengine has been changing the way people listen to music since 2005. We believe in the...
8. Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX
The best THX sound playing speaker
Weight: 0.95kg satellite; 5kg subwoofer | Size: 8.5in x 4.2in x 5.67x satellite; 9.5in x 9.8in x 10.2in subwoofer | Drivers: ¾-inch Poly compression tweeter, 6.5-inc side-firing, long-throw fiber composite cone woofer | Supported Connectivity: none | Audio Inputs: MP3 two-channel soundcard miniplug | Outputs: headphone jack
Regardless of whether you’re listening to music, watching a movie or even editing your first documentary, the sound provided by the ProMedia 2.1 THX speakers from Klipsch will sound fantastic from start to finish. Boasting a lot of power, the THX-certified speakers have a wide frequency range of 31Hz to 20kHz, the sound quality is very detailed with great balance, strong bass, and maximum clarity. It’s not an exaggeration to say that these speakers can easily replicate the quality of having a home theater in your living room, these speakers are that good. The affordable price is the best part of these incredible speakers.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- LEGENDARY SOUND EXPERIENCE FROM KLIPSCH AND THX - The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Speaker System pairs the legendary sound of Klipsch audio with the revolutionary THX experience, filling the...
- KLIPSCH MICROTRACTRIX HORN TECHNOLOGY makes a major contribution to the ProMedia’s amazing clarity. Their highly efficient design reproduces more sound from every watt of power, controlling the...
- POWER & ATTITUDE - The two-way satellites’ 3” midrange drivers blend perfectly with the ProMedia THX Certified solid, 6.5” side-firing, ported subwoofer for full bandwidth bass response you can...
- MAXIMUM OUTPUT: 200 watts of peak power, 110dB (in room) – to put that number into perspective - live rock music (108 - 114 dB) on average
- PERFORMANCE FLEXIBILITY - With its plug and play setup and convenient 3.5 millimeter input, the ProMedia THX Certified 2.1 speaker system offers an easy-to-use control pod with Main Volume and...
9. Creative Pebble Plus 2.1
The best budget-friendly speakers
Weight: 5.45lbs | Size: 2″ x 4″ x 8″ | Drivers: 2” mid-range | Supported Connectivity: USB | Audio Inputs: N/A | Outputs: N/A
Not every great set of Computer speakers needs to cost a hundred dollars or more. The term, ‘small but mighty’ certainly applies to the Pebble Plus 2.1 speakers from Creative. Delivering a rich and powerful sound that seems much larger than their physical size indicates. Producing clean sound with an amazing amount of clarity which can be a struggle for smaller models but the Pebble Plus manages to produce it and shine while doing so. If you’re searching for a great set of speakers that might not cost more than the keyboard you use, Creative’s Pebble Plus 2.1 will deliver every time.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- POWERFUL DOWN-FIRING SUBWOOFER | The Creative Pebble Plus features a newly designed standalone 4” down-firing ported subwoofer for remarkable power and depth, providing a significant audio...
- 45° ELEVATED DRIVERS | Featuring 2” mid-range drivers that are elevated at 45°, the Pebble Plus speakers are specifically angled towards you, providing the best soundstage while ensuring that you...
- HIGH GAIN MODE | Bring out the most of the Creative Pebble Plus! With a simple switch of a button, access the High Gain Mode to increase the power output to 8W RMS with a 5V 2A USB adapter (not...
- EASY ACCESS VOLUME CONTROLS | The volume controls are conveniently located at the front of the speakers for easy and hassle-free access
- USB-POWERED FOR ADDED CONVENIENCE | Powered entirely by USB and connected to your devices via a universal 3.5mm AUX-in cable, the Pebble Plus eliminates the need for a wall socket while doubling up on...
10. Mackie CR4BT
The best speakers for multimedia use
Weight: 6kg | Size: 11.6in x 9.4in x 17in | Drivers: three 2.25-inch full-range drivers | Supported Connectivity: Bluetooth | Audio Inputs: Bluetooth, RCA, ¼-inch, 1/8-inch | Outputs: headphone jack
If you do a lot of multimedia creation and production-related work every day, the CR4BT speakers from Mackie might be the answer you have been searching for. While they offer professional-grade performance, these speakers do have a downside, A weaker mid-range and bass that cuts off at 70Hz which means while the bass presence is good, you might end up missing out on the extra low stuff. While the speakers are isolated from the surface below it thanks to acoustic foam padding and also comes with an auxiliary input on the front. While these may sound like average speakers, they aren’t and can provide great sound for your multimedia projects.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Studio-quality design, sound and performance ideal for multimedia creation and entertainment
- Stream music from any smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth enabled device
- Professional-grade components for optimized sonic performance
- Convenient front panel features including headphone out and aux in
- Tons of included accessories including monitor pads to get started right out of the box
11. Q Acoustics 3020i
The best speakers for designers with the latest technology
Weight: 4.1kg | Size: 253 x 150 x 251 mm | Drivers: 0.9-inch tweeter, 4.9-inch woofer |
Q Acoustics 3020i is the best multi-award-winning prototype. It boasts 125mm and 22mm precision drivers to deliver deep bass and room-filling sound. There is a high degree of frequency definition, with bass leading the sonic brigade, snares, and drums sound mighty.
This is shelf-mounted with pre-fitted rubber feet, stand-mounted or it can come wall-mounted to fit in your area and give a seamless experience with bold and elegant sounds. It comes with another hallmark of 300i with a curved unibody frame in Graphite Grey, Carbon Black, English Walnut, or Arctic White colors.
The Q Acoustics 3020i includes a P2P supporting enclosure to improve enclosures that are rigid and to make the sound stages more accurate. In addition, it comes with a mid-bass driver and high-frequency driver with tweeters decoupled with baffles allowing it to perform dramatically by reducing the interference. It overall gives you a smooth and rich experience not just in your workspace but also in your personal space while listening to music.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Powerful Hi-fi Speakers Bookshelf Set: Immerse yourself in music with our 3020i bookshelf speakers. The cabinet is 25% bigger than our previous models for larger scale sound and deeper bass. A 0.9"...
- Low Profile Terminals: Designed with recessed cut-outs to reduce cabinet noise, and featuring low profile binding posts with sockets deep enough for 0.16" banana plugs, you can shelf mount or stand...
- P2P Bracing: With internal bracing placed with computer aid, the structural integrity of the bookshelf speakers' enclosures is greatly improved. This helps keep the enclosure extra quiet, enhancing...
- Bookshelf Speaker Specifications: Enclosure Type: 2-way Reflex, Bass Driver: 5", Tweeter: 0.9", Frequency Response: (+3 dB, -6 dB) 64 Hz – 30 kHz, Nominal Impedance: 6 Ohms, Minimum Impedance: 4...
- What’s Included: 2 x 3020i Bookshelf Speakers (W6.7 x H10.9 x D11 inch, Weight: 10.6 lb), 2 x Foam Bungs, 2 x Speaker Grilles, 1 x User Manual, 1 x Pair Handling Gloves, 8 x Rubber Speaker Grips.
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Best Computer Speakers for Creatives
Picking the best computer speakers for your needs can be as difficult as picking the best mouse or even keyboard. You will use your speakers just about every day, depending on what you’re working on and making sure that you’re comfortable with them and they offer the performance you’re looking for is key. We hope our list of the Best Computer Speakers for Designers helps make this search easier for you.
Do you have a set of speakers you wouldn’t trade for anything? Let us know in the comments below!!