PC speaker preferences vary from person to person, as it really depends on your rig, set up and the space restrictions of your home or apartment — not to mention your budget.
We've broken down this list to include some more affordable and compact options, and round things out with some of our favorite picks for 5.1 surround sound setups for gaming .
Bose Companion 2 Series III
If you're looking for a simple two-speaker setup that offers great sound quality at a great value, you've got to go with Bose. These computer speakers are very reasonably priced at just $99 but feature the high-quality audio performance that you've come to expect from speakers marked with the Bose brand.
What these speakers lack in flashiness they make up in pure utility. Bose somehow managed to create a cheap speaker that's still capable of filling the room with sound. With a simple layout for volume control, as well as the second AUX-in port on the back for conveniently plugging in a phone or other device without touching the line going to your PC.
GoGroove BassPULSE
If the Bose speakers started things off on a somewhat dull note, let these GoGroove BassPULSE ($49.99) speakers perk things up with their out-of-this-world look that immediately draws you in. Featuring a built-in light show, the LEDs accent lights on the speakers and subwoofer — available in blue, green or red — will pulse to the beat of your music when you turn the bass equalizer past 80%.
But here's the good news: not only do they look crazy, they also sound great. Featuring 40 watts of peak power, these speakers can handle the volume and bass you want when gaming, watching movies or listening to music. The subwoofer is the hub for this futuristic speaker setup, with the two slim side speakers plugging into the back, alongside the one 3.5mm port for input from your computer or phone. Another great option available for under $50.
Creative Sound BlasterX Kratos S5
If you're a gamer with a unique PC design, you're going to want some speakers to match and the Sound BlasterX Kratos S5 by Creative does the job nicely. Not only is it manufactured by a reputable brand within the audio market, there are a number of features sported by this $129.99 2.1 setup that makes it perfect for the PC gamer.
There's a powerful sub for bass and thumping lows, a whole number of connections (including USB), wood construct for enhanced resonance dampening, and RGB lighting, because of course. This is a seriously good package for taking your PC gaming to the next level with better sound support.
Edifier R1700BT
Looking to class up your computer setup with some quality bookshelf speakers? These beauties from Edifier look and sound great, featuring a four-inch bass driver and 19mm "Eagle Eye" tweeters packaged within a stylish wood casing. Edifier has a number of really great PC Speaker options, but we love the R1700BT ($149.99) because it includes Bluetooth connectivity on top of the 3.5mm headphone output and dual RCA output, giving you plenty of options for connecting your computer, TV, record player and phone at the same time.
Don't let the price tag fool you, these are high-quality speakers that let you connect all your devices and include a handy wireless remote for controlling volume. They sound great for listening to music but can also handle gaming and other multimedia. They're definitely worth checking out if you're looking for great sounding speakers for less than $150.
Audioengine A2+
Audioengine A2+ ($249) is compact speakers which deliver surprisingly great sound, with a size that makes them a great fit for your desktop setup or placed on a bookshelf across the room. There are multiple input options on the back, including RCA, 3.5mm, and USB digital audio, so you can connect them to your computer or pretty much any other device you have in your home.
Despite lacking a dedicated subwoofer, these two speakers can deliver some bassy tones. However, you've also got the option to plug in your own subwoofer on the back, if you choose. Doing so will crank things up to the next level of awesomeness, but they still stand tall a wise and versatile choice on their own. They cost $249.
Logitech Z906
If nothing but full 5.1 surround sound will do, then you got to go all out with the Logitech Z906 (around $280). Featuring five THX-certified satellite speakers plus a booming side-firing subwoofer, this setup is capable of delivering a continuous 500 watts of power — peaking at 1,000 watts under certain circumstances. These speakers will deliver audio like you've never experienced before from a computer.
Make these the center of your entire home entertainment system with the ability to connect up to six different input devices and then quickly and conveniently toggle through each input from the desktop control hub. You also get a handy remote control for controlling things from across the room. Considering the sound quality and features packed into this set, they're an absolute steal priced at just under $300.
Creative Inspire T6300
If you're looking for 5.1 surround sound on a smaller budget, the Creative Inspire T6300 fit the bill. You simply won't find a better deal than $69.99 for a capable, wired 5.1 speaker system.
The setup features two main front-facing speakers, with three smaller satellite speakers for the rear and center channels, and a down-firing subwoofer with adjustable bass controls. These are ideal for setting up for your PC room as opposed to your full living room multimedia center, because they're limited by hardwired connections with front and rear speaker cord lengths of six and 12 feet respectively.
Fifty-seven watts of power is a bit less than other budget speakers, but Creative tries to make up for less wattage with Dual Slot Enclosure technology that apparently offers louder playback with more mid-bass.If your PC is in need of an affordable bass boost, Creative has you covered here.
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Updated April 13, 2018: This list has been updated to offer you the best PC speakers.
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