Let’s take a closer look at some of the best options in the market, offering the best sound quality for gaming and entertainment purposes.
10 Best PC Speakers for Gaming and Entertainment
Most people would agree that when it comes to gaming accessories like speakers, the more you have to pay, the better quality you will get. But we can argue that the best speakers need not be the most expensive, nor do they have to offer mind-blowing, cinematic quality audio. The best speakers are the ones that provide great sound quality for reasonable prices. Having said this, here are some of the options that you should consider:
Considerations for Selecting a Speaker for Your PC
Gaming speakers generally cost less than gaming consoles and PCs, but that doesn’t mean that you should pick the first pair that comes to mind. A speaker system is still a long-term investment, and the aim is to find a system that your ears can appreciate for a very long time. So how do you find the right sound system for your PC? Let’s find out. Design-wise, the speakers look highly sophisticated and professional with their black coating and ergonomic design. The speakers are inclined upwards by a few degrees like a satellite to direct the audio signals straight into the ears of the listener. Each satellite comes with a headphone jack, power button, and bass knobs. It works with any device with a headphone jack or RCA input. The sound quality that you get with this unit is clear and crisp, although the bass notes are a little heavy. If you want a more balanced sound profile, you’re going to have to turn both the bass notes and the mid-lows down to ease the frequency transition between the speakers and the subwoofer. It would also help to place the subwoofer some distance away from the speakers to keep the sound balanced. Each speaker has its own power button, which means that it can function independently from the other. Normally, you have one power button for each speaker pair, but in this case, you can turn off one of the speakers and have the other play. You can get your own Logitech Z623 set for a price of between USD 100 and 150. The device typically comes with a seven-day replacement policy as well as a one-year warranty. The speakers have a modern and sleek design, and they stand taller than most speakers at a height of approximately nine inches. They’re angled upwards by a few degrees, presumably to direct audio signals straight to the listeners’ ears. Each speaker sits on top of a circular base with a padded bottom to keep it from sliding off the table. The composition of the exterior casing of the speakers is your standard combination of plastic and metal, with a matte-black design. The most notable aspect of their composition is they don’t collect fingerprints when you touch them. But the most eye-catching design aspect is the Chroma bands or rings of light at the bottom of each speaker. They reflect rainbow-like bands of color whenever the speakers are in active mode. The Chroma lights are special because they not only add an aesthetic appeal to your speakers, they also bring your speakers to life when you play games. These lights are also capable of colors in keeping with the activity level in a game. For example, the rings light up with either a green or blue color to indicate volume or bass levels. The Nommo Chroma offers excellent sound performance as it delivers a full, rich range of audio signals with increased bass. The average volume is not quite as loud as the Nommo Chroma Pro, but it should be sufficient for solo gameplays at your desk or inside your bedroom. Each speaker has its own bass knob for adjusting bass notes on any song or soundtrack. The average price for the Razer Nommo Chroma falls within the USD 100 to 150 price range. The device comes with an optional one-year warranty, but this is something you have to claim from customer service. It takes a single glance at the speakers to understand the origins of their name, as they are very “pebble-like” with their orb-like form factor. But even then, you might notice that these orb-like speakers aren’t completely cylindrical. As a matter of fact, they have their tops slanted off to a 45-degree angle, wallowing them to slink audio signals straight in your direction. When it comes to performance, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything like it at this price point. The sound signature for most tracks is clear, well-defined, and balanced. Even complex tracks have a lot of life and detail to them, and you can readily distinguish between the instruments that are being played in harmony. Whether you are gaming or listening to music, a crisp level of sound is to be expected. The Creative Pebble retails for less than USD 50. This price range is a huge steal especially considering the build quality of the speakers as well as the additional features that you get in return. Also Read: Best Computer Speakers Under $50 You can’t be faulted for wondering, how can a pair of speakers manage to stay in the market after so many years? The general consensus cites the speakers’ superb sound quality as well as flexibility as the main reasons for its enduring popularity. As a matter of fact, the unit is THX-certified, which means that it has been tested and proven to reproduce sounds in a manner that is as close to the original as possible. The certification is an arduous and expensive process, which is also why only select brands are afforded the honor. The unit also owes its efficiency to Klipsch’s proprietary horn technology. The highly efficient design produced more accurate sounds for less power while minimizing distortion, resulting in a cleaner and louder sound profile. If you had no prior knowledge about this edition, you would still likely be able to guess its age by its appearance. Its box-like form factor is very reminiscent of the early 2000s, even though it may have been considered futuristic-looking when it was first released. Surprisingly, the speakers and the subwoofer are much lighter than they appear, so they should be easy to move around. The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 belongs to the middle range within the pricing scale and usually retails for a price point below USD 200. The speaker system doesn’t appear to include a warranty, but you can expect full customer service. Despite being named after a massive sea serpent, the Leviathan is actually rather small for a sound bar. The sound bar is less than 20 inches in length, while a full-sized sound bar typically measures anywhere from 40 to 50 inches in length. The sound bar is also short compared to the average computer screen length, with a length upwards of 24 inches. Aesthetics-wise, the Leviathan takes after the typical appearance of a Razer product with its matte-black casing and smooth plastic finish. The company’s snake-triskelion logo sits in the middle of the soundbar, with a pad of controls resting on top of it. The pad contains buttons for managing volume and input selection. It also features buttons for turning the Dolby digital surround sound on and off as well as for selecting equalizer presets. For obvious reasons, the Leviathan can’t physically reproduce sounds from different directions. But it can mimic the surround-sound effect employed by most 5.1 speaker systems using special drivers and software. With surround sound enabled, you should be able to hear a directional quality to the different instruments within a piece. The soundbar also fully supports Bluetooth, which makes for a semi-wireless setup. The Razer Leviathan Sound Bar normally retails for less than USD 200. While that amount can get you a mid-tier speaker system with a subwoofer, it’s still a lot cheaper compared to most subwoofer-equipped soundbars in the market. If you have never tried a soundbar before, then the Leviathan is a great place to start. The Audioengine A2+ consists of two speakers that are six inches in height, four inches in width, and a little above five inches in length. With a form factor like this, the speakers should blend in easily into any setup, whether that be next to your computer or on top of your bookshelf. Another design aspect that caught our eye was the glossy finish on the speakers, which we surmise to be some type of cellulose varnish. This is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, as it protects the speakers from dust and water exposure. The grille-free drivers on the speakers also stand out, and they give the speakers a retro vibe. There are three color options for the A2+: black, glossy red, or glossy white. The Audioengine A2+ plays music via Bluetooth connection, which means it doesn’t require a physical wired connection with your computer. Even then, it’s not completely wireless since it still requires a physical connection between the two speakers. A second cable plugs the speakers into the power port as well. What makes the Audioengine A2+ speakers special are the high-end components that they contain. Each speaker is outfitted with specialized components including a silk dome tweeter and fiber woofer, which accurately reproduce low and high-frequency sounds, respectively. Each speaker supports Bluetooth 5.0 as well as support codes such as aptX for CD-quality audio. The Audioengine A2+ wireless speakers retail for a price between USD 250 to 300. The actual price already incorporated the cost of a three-year warranty for the product. The CA-3908 has four devices in total, including two speakers, one subwoofer, and a control pad. The speakers are a lot taller than they are wide, with each measuring nine inches in height and three inches in width. Meanwhile, the key design aspect of the speakers is that they are magnetically shielded to prevent external magnetic forces from interfering with audio output. Each speaker has three circular drivers positioned on top of each other in a vertical lineup. The drivers are angled upwards by about thirty degrees to redirect the sound signals straight into your ears. Each speaker is supported at the base by aluminum-coated pedestals, whose main function is to keep the speakers from sliding off. Let’s not forget the very burly-looking and box-like subwoofer, which has equal proportions of about nine inches on all sides. Naturally, the setup would not be complete without the control pod, which contains buttons for managing volume, bass volume, LED lights, and so on. The CA-3908 offers stellar audio performance, with powerful drivers that can deliver up to 92 watts at peak power. Whether you want to play a game or a movie, you can always expect a clear and well-defined sound profile. The bass response feels extra punchy and raw, but at the same time, the more delicate notes are still very distinguishable and well-defined. The Cyber Acoustics CA- 3908 was originally sold at a price upwards of USD 100 but nowadays you can get the full package for well below that. The speaker system doesn’t appear to include a warranty, but you still get customer support. This system is composed of only three components: a pair of speakers and a subwoofer. The subwoofer acts as the centerpiece of the system since it connects to both speakers as well as the PC. If you can imagine the placement of devices, the speakers are meant to sit on opposite sides of your monitor while the subwoofer sits at the foot of the PC. But perhaps the most exciting design aspect of the G6560 is the RGB. Each speaker is outfitted with not one or two lights, but six lights. Four of these lights are at the front, and two are at the back. The lights emit a colorful rainbow pattern by default, and they also have the ability to change colors along with the level of activity in a game. For example, the lights brighten and flash during peak action and mellow down during conversational scenes. The G560 provided a rich, immersive sound that is comparable to the sound profile of high-end gaming headsets. Everything from the recorded voices to the background music and special effects is reproduced clearly and accurately. The addition of a subwoofer makes a tremendous difference since you can really feel the action in your gut. Pricing for the Logitech G560 starts at USD 200. The price already includes a one-year warranty for any component in case of a factory defect. This system is a two-speaker show, and it doesn’t have a subwoofer. While that might seem like a major disadvantage, the speakers are well able to deliver excellent bass. The speakers can also deliver a wide sound space, and they give each instrument the texture and clarity due to them. The Series 3 has a very minimalistic and basic design. It has the same look and feels like a stereo from the late 90s, with its matte-black plastic body and dark mesh covering for the drivers. The speakers are also inclined upwards to redirect sound signals directly to the listeners’ ears. On the downside, the system doesn’t support wireless playback via Bluetooth, which also serves as an indication that the system is fully wired. Cables are required to connect the speakers to each other, the speakers to the computer, and the computer to the power source. A cleaner setup would have been preferable, especially for a system with a minimalistic design. The Bose Companion 2 Series 3 retails for anywhere between USD 150 to 200. The package typically includes a two-year warranty, although it may change depending on where you purchase the setup. The Kratos speaker system consists of two satellite speakers and one subwoofer. Each box-like speaker contains a four-inch driver, protected by a semi-transparent, non-removable mesh cloth. The speakers are fringed at the bottom with thin strips of light that reflect patterns of colors when the speakers are in active mode. But the real centerpiece of the system is the very tall and sizeable subwoofer. The subwoofer hosts a variety of controls, including a switch for the Aurora Reactive lighting presets, as well as a button for controlling the subwoofer level. Besides ports for the speakers, the subwoofer also contains auxiliary ports (Micro-USB, 3.5mm audio jack, and an RCA input). The Kratos S5 consistently delivers an excellent sound profile, with clear highs, detailed mids, and deep bass. But the most surprising aspect of its design is that you can customize your soundscape using dedicated software called SoundBlaster Connect. For example, you can tweak the bass level, adjust the EQ, or stabilize the volume of any sound piece. This feature is sufficient to render the Kratos S5 one of the best PC speakers for gaming. The SoundBlaster X Kratos S5 originally retailed for a price range above USD 200. But if you know where to look, you may be able to get it for less than USD 130. Most sellers throw in a one-year warranty for the setup, which is an extra benefit for you.
Space
The first consideration you need to make is the amount of space you have to store your speaker in. If you are working with a cramped room or a PC table, we highly recommend getting a simple 2.1 stereo setup. This would only have two speakers, one for each side of your computer. Most systems also offer a subwoofer, though it can be optional. A system like this doesn’t take a lot of space to store, and they are usually custom-fit for PC and television tables. Additionally, the power of the sounds produced by the speakers (measured in milliwatts) will only be enough to cover the space. You want the speakers to play loudly and clearly, but not to the degree where your eardrums will be blown out. It is for this reason that 5.1 speaker systems are usually kept to open spaces like living rooms and conference halls.
PC Specifications
You will also need to check the specifications of your computer to make sure that it can accommodate the speaker of your choice. For instance, most PCs only have one or two speaker ports, which only fit a two-speaker system. It would then be ideal to check the porting on your PC before going out to purchase a pair of speakers. Check that the number of ports and their particular type matches the speakers you want to buy. You will also want to check for the digital compatibility between your speakers and the PC. In some cases, you might need a special converter to have the speakers work with your PC. Some speakers connect to and play music via Bluetooth, and these setups are usually accompanied by minimal cabling. If you prefer to go wireless with your music, you will do well to check whether your PC supports the latest Bluetooth standards.
Sound Card
Speaker systems do not always perform at their best, and sometimes it has nothing to do with the speakers themselves. Typically, most people would blame the speakers, not knowing that the actual cause is the sound card. The sound card is a piece of hardware that converts digital audio signals into an analog format and vice versa. The ideal soundcard should comply with the SoundBlaster and General MIDI standards. These are the latest standards for quality hardware and software configurations in audio systems. In addition, the sound card should be able to record and play digital audio at 44.1kHz stereo. This is the standard resolution for most CD-quality tracks, including background music for games. Sound cards differ in terms of the installation process that they require. Sound cards that install externally via Firewire or USB port are easier to manage than those that need installation into an internal PCI express. If possible, avoid a soundcard that will require you to fish around the internal components of your PC. Another factor that you should look into is the type of audio files that the sound card supports since it varies across different brands.
Portability and Installation
The ideal pair of speakers is also easy to install and won’t require special assistance from a technician. Most PCs can recognize new speakers automatically, and most speakers don’t need a software installation. In that case, all you have to do is match the speakers’ cables with the correct input ports. Most speakers also come with a switch that allows you to turn it on or off without disconnecting the cables from the PC. You might also prefer speakers that are lightweight and highly portable. This is in anticipation of the possibility that you will want to move them to another location or use them for another purpose in the future. If you get a generic pair of speakers, you will likely want to use them for purposes other than gaming, such as listening to music or watching movies. In that case, you will want to select lightweight speakers that you can easily carry.
Extra Features
Special features are always great to have since they contribute to the overall experience of your unit. You might want to look at the special features of the speakers that you want to buy. For example, the speakers might come with a special app that lets you control the different classes of sound frequencies (treble, bass, mids). Some speakers come with a remote control or an app to let you manage the functions of the speakers remotely. Others have dual adapters and auxiliary ports for connecting your speakers to other devices such as DVD players and televisions. Still, a few offer virtual surround sound technologies to give sound directional quality. There are many other features that speakers can offer, and all of them seek to improve the overall quality of your listening experience.
Final Thoughts on the Best PC Speakers for Gaming and Entertainment
Speakers are one of the more popular gaming accessories, next to graphics cards and gaming consoles, so there are many options in the market. Generally speaking, though, there are two basic categories for speakers: those designed to pair exclusively with PCs and those that offer a more flexible setup. Having said this, you need to decide on your purpose for the speakers, whether you intend to use it for gaming or for auxiliary entertainment such as playing music or movies. Dedicated gaming speakers and generic speakers usually have subtle differences in terms of features, so your decision will make all the difference. Also, keep in mind that there are no perfect speakers, so the best alternative is to find a pair that you are most comfortable with. Also, read this compilation of the best surround-sound headphones for audiophiles and the best noise-canceling earbuds and headphones.
