The Best PC Speakers

There are all kinds of immensely powerful gaming PC setups out there, carefully crafted and assembled with components hand-picked for the most optimal performance to drive your experience. Even the most meticulous of builds, however, aren’t complete without a great audio system to deliver the coveted, detailed sound that perfectly complements your system and delivers a major impact for your gaming and other computer-related endeavors.

Built-in monitor speakers, much like TV speakers, won’t cut it for most folks at the end of the day. Luckily, there is a vast amount of powered desktop speakers, soundbars, and other audio solutions that are itching for an opportunity to show what they’re capable of. Whether you want tons of bass, immersive surround sound, or speakers that put clarity at a premium, there’s an option out there that’s right for you.

TL;DR – These Are the Best PC Speakers for Gaming:

Best Speakers for PC

Best Ultra Cheap PC Speakers

Best Non-Traditional PC Speakers

Best Surround Sound PC Speakers

Best PC Soundbar

Gaming laptops, monitors and headsets don’t have much space for substantially sized drivers. Without much size to work with, these miniscule speakers typically cannot produce a full range of audio frequencies, which in turn hampers the listening experience.

By contrast, desktop computer speakers break out of that mold thanks to the advantage they have when it comes to size, amplification and overall components. Most speakers offer a two-way design consisting of a woofer and a tweeter, which work together seamlessly to produce lower and higher frequencies, respectively.

The two-way speaker design does a good job of covering the frequency range of human hearing, generally acknowledged as 20Hz-20kHz, but doesn’t get quite down to the very low end. With music, you don’t need to worry too much about hitting the 20Hz lower threshold, but if you’re watching movies or playing games with a lot of bass, you might want to consider speakers that include a subwoofer, although it will take up extra space under your desk.

You’ll also want your speakers to be powered, meaning they have an amplifier built-in (usually found inside one of the speakers) and will need to be plugged in. The audio signal coming from your computer needs to be amplified before it's sent out through the speaker drivers to your ears.

There are a few more options to keep an eye on and they can make life a bit easier. Having a headphone jack on the front of the speaker can be very convenient when you want to quickly plug in your headphones and not deal with reassigning outputs in your OS. A front-mounted aux-in is an easy way to attach a music source like your phone. Bluetooth functionality is another way some speakers will allow you to attach additional sources.

Your selection process will be heavily influenced by the space you have available for gaming and the audio that comes with it. Is there space to the left and right of your monitor, but not much elsewhere? A stereo pair of speakers will greatly improve your audio quality. Don’t have room to the sides, but do have room to spare beneath your desktop? A compact computer soundbar should do the trick. Is your computer on display in a room that’s got all kinds of breathing room? Opt for a system that has an included subwoofer, or a full surround sound package where you can place speakers at the rear of your room for a completely immersive gaming environment.

Additionally, if you have unique spatial needs but still want a wide, immersive soundstage, you can explore options that feature virtual audio enhancements. Technologies like THX Spatial Audio are meant to virtually mimic the sound of full surround sound setups, sending audio signals that coax your ears into believing that sound is coming from the side or behind you. It’s not a perfect science, and it’s not without its pitfalls. But it is compelling for those who don’t have space to spare.

As with any kind of audio upgrade, there are lots of things to think about here, including connectivity options, budget, and additional features. Gamers might want RGB lighting, for example, or audiophiles might look for built-in controls, subwoofers, etc. When selecting the best computer speakers, if you feel completely lost, it’s a safe bet to look for reputable brands known for producing high-quality speakers. Don't forget to read reviews and testimonials from other users to get insights into the reliability and performance of the speakers you're interested in.

Is it worth buying PC speakers in 2026?

Absolutely. While modern laptops and high-end monitors have made strides in audio quality, their size and lack of space for speakers still physically limits them. If you care about sound quality even slightly, dedicated PC speakers will almost always outperform built-in alternatives. Beyond just volume, quality speakers reveal the nuances in a game’s sound design, like the crunch of gravel or the direction of distant gunfire, that helps to create a level of immersion that laptops or monitors just can’t match.

Can any set of speakers work with a PC?

Generally, yes, as long as the connections align. In 2025, the most common way to connect is via a 3.5mm auxiliary jack, which is found on nearly every motherboard and laptop. However, many modern speakers now use USB-C, which allows them to act as their own high-quality sound card, or Bluetooth for a wireless, minimalist aesthetic.

What do numbers 2.0, 2.1,and 5.1 mean for speakers?

When shopping for speakers, you’ll encounter numerical labels that describe the system's layout. The first digit represents the number of standard speakers, while the second digit refers to the subwoofer, or the speaker responsible for bass. A 2.0 system is the most traditional setup, consisting of a simple left and right speaker pair. This is ideal for music and smaller desks where space is at a premium, as it provides a clean stereo image without the need for a bulky floor unit.

If you want more "thump" in your explosions or a richer kick in your music, a 2.1 system is the common upgrade. This keeps the two desk speakers but adds a dedicated subwoofer to handle low-frequency effects. Moving further into the "immersive" territory leads to 5.1 systems, which feature five speakers: a left, center, and right speaker up front, plus two in the rear and a dedicated subwoofer. This creates a true surround sound environment where audio literally circles around you, though it requires significantly more wiring and space.

Are soundbars better than traditional speaker systems?

One isn't necessarily better than the other. It’s a matter of choosing the right tool for your desk. Soundbars are slim, all-in-one units designed to sit directly under your monitor, making them the perfect choice for minimalist setups or small apartments. While modern soundbars use digital processing to mimic a wide soundstage, they often struggle to match the true stereo separation of a dedicated two-speaker system. A traditional speaker setup allows you to place the units farther apart, creating a more accurate sense of space and directionality to your sound. If your priority is desk space and ease of movement, go with a soundbar. If your priority is immersion and accuracy, a multi-speaker system is usually the winner.

Nick Woodward is a sportswriter-turned-tech journalist, with bylines at Digital Trends and the like. You can find Nick covering all things A/V tech as a freelance writer at IGN.