Best computer speakers 2018: the best audio systems for your PC

There are certain people out there that’ll tell you that having the best headphones are the only way to get great sound out of the best PCs. However, not everyone is comfortable with wearing headphones all day. For these people, the best computer speakers are a dream come true. Still, like any PC hardware, finding the best computer speakers isn’t as easy as you’d think.

Fortunately, we’ve created this list of the best computer speakers you can buy today.

You need to consider a few things before you go out to grab the best computer speakers. What do they sound like? Is its surround or stereo separation up to snuff? Does your head start to hurt a little bit after listening to them for just a few minutes? Do they have balanced sound? These are all questions you need to keep in mind when hunting for the best computer speakers.

You need to think about what you’re planning to do with the best computer speakers, as well. Are you going to play the best PC games, like World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth, where immersion is the name of the game? Are you just trying to catch up with some Marvel movies before Infinity War Part II drops? Or, maybe you just want to chill, while checking out the new Nicki Minaj album. No matter what you’re trying to do with your speakers, you should go out and buy the best computer speakers you can buy today.

You’re not in this alone, however. The TechRadar editorial team here have created this list of the best computer speakers that we have tested or reviewed over the last year or so. So, sit down, put on some music and enjoy.

Even if Audioengine’s A2+ came out four years ago, they’re still one of the best sets of speakers on the market. These aesthetically pleasing speakers are compatible with digital audio from your PCs USB port for uncompressed audio and unparalleled audio fidelity through its built in DAC. This winning combination means these speakers feature the highest sound quality in their class with amazing clarity and thumping bass.

When you realize that these small six-inch speakers don’t come with a sub, you start to learn that they really have a lot of bang for the buck. Be warned though, you might need to invest in a subwoofer for really low bass, or heavy bass sound at higher volumes. Luckily, they do come with an RCA output, so connecting one is a breeze. And, for just a few more dollars, you can pick up a pair of stands for even better audio.

While they may be more expensive than you’d expect to pay for the brand’s speakers, the Logitech Z623 is still very affordable when you consider just how powerful they are. The Z623 may look like your average pair of speakers, but its subwoofer produces a thundering sound that can easily dialed up or down depending on your preference. And, it offers a great soundstage – with great highs and mids – making for a more immersive gaming and movie experience.

Logitech is well known for its gaming peripherals and computer speakers in 2018, but never before has it combined the two so spectacularly. The first Logitech computer speakers designed for gaming, the Logitech G560 are the best computer speakers for gamers, bar none. Not only do they feature luminous RGB lighting, but through Logitech’s software, the multi-colored illumination can adapt to any kind of content you consume – whether you’re playing a game, or listening to music through your phone.

Vanatoo’s Transparent Zero boasts the powerful, beautifully refined sound of a big speaker packed in a mid-size package all thanks to its high-quality drivers. Though it comes in a boxy, plain aesthetic, this pair delivers great clarity with more presence in the lower mid tones as well as a lot of smooth high-end range so the sound is brighter but not harsh.

They also offer great sound imaging for an immersive experience and an extended base range. Last but not least, they’ve got a great selection of inputs – optical, USB, analog, and Bluetooth, making them extremely versatile. These are not cheap, but if you’ve got the funds, they’re certainly worth the investment.

This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Audioengine A2+.

If you stare at it long enough, the Soundsticks III start to resemble some kind of glowing alien jellyfish. These translucent babies, designed by Harmon Kardon, look more like a modern art installation rather than a functional speaker system until you step back and let it do its thing. This speaker and sub combo features extra bass power thanks to its subwoofer while still managing to produce crisp highs – so you’re managing to get excellent sound at a decent price, making it perfect for music fans with a mid-range budget.

Keep in mind its few minor cons, however – it doesn’t have a headphone jack, its bass volume control is not accessible, and the LED lights cannot be turned off.

This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Edifier E25 Luna Eclipse.

It may be a bit bass heavy, but the Edifier E25 Luna Eclipse is a gorgeous Bluetooth speaker setup that not only looks cool, but also produces fantastic sound – it’s not just a sci-fi prop. The Luna, which comes in red, white and black, offers a powerful but controlled bass, fantastic balance with pronounced mids and good stereo separation. It even includes touch-sensitive controls and a nifty little remote. These are some of the best computer speakers, especially if you like to pump up the volume with little to no distortion.

The Logitech MX Sound Speakers are simply the best wireless PC speakers you can buy today. They’re a thing of beauty, with their eccentric circular design and silver accents. And, for the price, they definitely deliver a little more than what you’d expect from the best laptop speakers. The bass may sometimes overpower the mids and highs, but it still delivers an excellent soundstage and powerful audio, which makes it great for gaming. It also features dual Bluetooth connectivity so you can connect two devices simultaneously. Finally, the backlit motion sensor controls are so sensitive, a light touch is all it needs.

Read the full review: Logitech MX Sound

The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speaker system promises enchanced sound for versatile use so that whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or listening to music, you’re in for a great experience. And it does. These THX-certified speakers boast power, a wide frequency range (31 Hz to 20kHz), and a detailed audio quality with punchy bass, maximum clarity, and great balance. It’s powerful enough to replicate that home theater quality.

That’s a lot punch for $160, even if it means having to tolerate the fact that the sub stops at 31 Hz so there’s no low end rumble.

This product is only available in the US at the time of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Logitech Z623

Dell’s AE715 may not be the most powerful speaker in the market. It produces a decent 360-degree sound that, while is fairly common in portable audio, is a rarity with computer speakers. For it's low, low price, this Bluetooth speaker is nothing amazing; not a lot of bass and there’s a bit of delay, but the audio quality good enough if your listening standards aren’t quite as demanding.

However, what you’re getting in exchange are its wireless functionality, the USB charging port so you can charge the device, and the built-in mic so you can use it for conference calls. It’s definitely a great portable, wireless solution.

This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Jabra SPEAK 510.

Mackie CR4BT promises professional-grade performance, which is a lot more than what its competitors offer. The question is, does it really do that? Well, they sound good for a premium pair of speakers, but there are drawbacks including thinner mid range, and high bass cut off at 70 Hz, which means while there’s good bass presence, you might be missing the really low stuff.

The pros, however, include the acoustic foam pads to isolate the speakers from the surface it’s standing on, and the front auxiliary input. Overall, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill computer speakers. They are useful for multimedia creation and production as well.