Best Computer Speakers 2025 – Forbes Vetted
When you’re setting up your computer system, a computer speaker can offer a balanced, rich audio quality that helps immerse you in your music, games and more. After researching, speaking with computer hardware experts and reviewing our team’s testing insights, I chose the Logitech G560 PC Gaming Speaker System as the best computer speakers overall thanks to their crisp and powerful output, rich bass and a handsome design.
The best computer speakers greatly enhance your experience of gaming, music, movies and more.
Forbes / Photo: Retailers
One of the other computer speaker selections featured here may be your best choice based on value, special features or the simple logistics of size or connection requirements. If you want a pair of computer speakers the punch well above their weight, the Creative Pebble V3 2.0 Desktop Speakers are a great option that keeps the cost under $100. Here are the best computer speakers you can add to your desktop, as well as what you should think about when considering speakers for a computer in general.
How We Chose The Best Computer Speakers
When compiling our list of the best computer speakers, we took into account our favorite models based on firsthand testing experiences and expertise in the audio and computers spaces. Below, see the steps we took to identify the top models.
- We narrowed our list of contenders to some of the most established brands in both the audio and the computer hardware arenas, including Logitech, SteelSeries and more.
- We spoke to other members of the Forbes Vetted team and considered their firsthand testing insights.
- We also spoke to a number of tech experts, including those with a specialty in computer hardware and others with a background in audio.
- We read through scores of reviews and considered ratings posted by verified buyers of every computer speaker.
What To Look For In The Best Computer Speakers
Before you choose the speakers you think will best pair with your computer and best serve your needs, take a moment to think about computer speakers in general. Here are a few aspects to consider.
Frequency Range
Frequency range refers to how low or high a range of sound speakers can reproduce. The greater the frequency range, meaning from low numbers such as 35 Hz to large numbers such as 28,000 Hz, the more realistic and better movies, shows and games will sound.
Sound Quality
Think about what sound quality means to you. “If bass is a priority, you’ll want to look at speakers with larger drivers and power output,” says Carl Prouty, tech and retail expert from Abt Electronics. Bass can make games and movies more compelling. If you are all about podcasts or dialogue-heavy shows and movies, midrange sound clarity is key. If you’re a gamer, you’ll want to consider audio quality that can provide surround sound, too, for more immersive gameplay.
Compatibility/Connectivity
Many computer speakers are plug-and-play ready and need only to be connected to a USB-C port to start outputting audio, while others offer an easy Bluetooth connection. Others may require an adapter or dongle in order to make the speakers pair properly or use an optical output. Be sure to double-check the connectivity options to ensure your computer speakers can connect via your preferred connection. Also note that some speakers work best when paired with software for proper settings, and said software might not work on all operating systems.
Speaker And Room Size
“Your desk space and budget will determine a lot of what you can use when it comes to computer speakers,” says Prouty. “If you’re only using them while at your desk, you don’t necessarily need to get the most powerful speakers since you’ll be sitting so close.” But if you have a larger space, he says, a larger speaker may be worth the splurge. That way, you can, “get something more powerful that fills the whole space.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The tech team on the Forbes Vetted staff has dozens of years of combined experience testing, researching and reviewing consumer tech products, including everything from wired earbuds to Dell laptops to digital calendars.
- This article was written by Steven John, a Forbes Vetted staff writer who focuses on gear and tech and who brings more than 14 years of experience working as a journalist to his role.
- In addition to covering gaming—including testing the best gaming TVs—the editor of this story, consumer tech and electronics editor Rebecca Isaacs, has also tested most of the latest audio devices on the market, including the best wireless earbuds and the best wireless headphones.
- John spoke to several unbiased experts to gather more insights about computer speakers, including Carl Prouty, tech and retail expert at Abt Electronics, and Jeremy Rambarran, Touro University Graduate School of Technology adjunct professor. Prouty and Rambarran offered both general thoughts on choosing and using computer speakers as well as specific brand and model recommendations.
