The Best Computer Speakers Available in 2022 — Because Built-in Speakers Won’t Cut It Anymore

Let’s face it, computer and laptop speakers just aren’t very good. And with an emphasis on slimmer and more lightweight laptops, there isn’t enough room inside your laptop for quality speakers. Whether you’re taking classes online, attending Zoom meetings all day, or just wanting a decent sound system for your computer, you are going to want a good pair of computer speakers to level up the sound quality.

The best computer speakers are easy to set up and operate. Simply plug them into your computer via USB, through the headphone jack, or in some cases via Bluetooth, and you’re ready to go. The bigger and better speakers will help you hear every word your professor says, understand your quiet-talking boss, or make your favorite music sound more enjoyable.

It’s time to stop listening through those tin cans your laptop calls speakers and upgrade your home office with a quality pair of computer speakers.

Below you’ll find our recommendations for the best computer speakers for sale in 2022. We’ve included options for every budget and type of device, and we’re confident you’ll be able to find the perfect speakers.

1. Audioengine A2+

BEST OVERALL

If you’re looking for crystal clear sound quality, look no further than the Audioengine A2+ computer speakers. With an expansive soundscape, clear highs, and good bass (who needs a subwoofer, anyway?), audio sounds great whether you’re listening to music or a class lecture. You can connect them straight to your computer via USB or listen wirelessly via Bluetooth. If you want to add a subwoofer later down the road, you can connect it using the RCA connections on the back. These are proof that you don’t need big speakers to get a big sound.

2. Bose Companion 2 Series III

ALSO GREAT

Simple and affordable with sound is what you get with the Bose Companion 2 Series III. They boast a no-frills design, with a single volume knob and headphone jack on the right speaker that makes up the total of the controls. It makes it easy to plug in headphones and adjust the volume without digging around the back of the speakers. Even without a subwoofer, these speakers sound good and full. And the price is right, too.

3. Mackie CR-X Series

STUDIO MONITORS

For studio-quality audio, the Mackie CR-X Series computer speakers are a prime choice. The absolute best way to connect these computer speakers is with an additional interface. Still, for convenience’s sake, built-in Bluetooth helps you quickly connect to your computer without the need for wires. The large woofers and an all-wood cabinet combine for sound quality that thumps but keeps audio clean and tight. They even come with audio isolation pads to reduce bass vibration rattle. If you take listening to music seriously, this is a sound choice (pun intended).

4. Edifier e235

FUTURISTIC DESIGN

The Edifier e235 set boasts one of the more unique designs you’ll see for computer speakers, but this isn’t some fancy trick to deceive you — these speakers are awesome. Delivering deep bass as well as balanced mids and clear highs, these speakers are worth their lofty price tag. They have Bluetooth connectivity — albeit Bluetooth 4.0 — as well as an optical aux-in for multiple connectivity options and are THX Certified if you choose to use them for your home entertainment system. These speakers sound as cool as they look.

5. Razer Nommo Speakers

LIGHTING FOR GAMERS

Each speaker has built-in RGB lighting customizable through Razer’s software that syncs to the audio of the games you are playing or can be tailored to your liking. These speakers deliver prime surround sound quality for gamers and a light show to match. But these aren’t strictly for gamers. Additionally, the bass knob allows you to fine-tune the bass when you want to crank things up or turn it down when you’re trying to stay quiet during a late-night session.

6. Creative T100

REMOTE CONTROL

This set of computer speakers is packed with features. You can connect them to your computer or mobile device in a handful of ways, including Bluetooth, optical-in (for your TV), and aux connectivity. The remote is welcome and helps you control things like volume, treble, and bass without having to reach for your speakers. There are also built-in EQs available at a single touch of a button. This set of computer speakers is one of the most convenient around.

7. Amazon Basics USB-Powered Computer Speakers

SUPER BUDGET

Need an affordable computer speaker solution? Amazon Basics’ computer speakers cost less than an Andrew Jackson. These speakers won’t take up much room on your desktop as they are only a few inches long and tall. Even though they are inexpensive, passive bass radiators give them some audio depth, and the brushed metal finish makes them look anything but budget. Not a bad computer speaker solution, especially when you consider the price.

8. Klipsch ProMedia

LOUD AND CLEAR

This is basically a home theater audio setup for your computer. It’s loud, punchy, and produces surround sound quality thanks to two powerful 260-watt THX-certified speakers. Controls for the volume and subwoofer are conveniently located on the front of the speaker, so no awkward reaching behind your speakers to make adjustments. It lacks Bluetooth and any other connectivity but is compatible with about anything with a 3.5mm port. And the best part, you get all this room rattling sound for just over $100.

9. Lenrue USB Computer Speakers

PLUG AND PLAY

The soundbar design can be advantageous, especially if your computer sits on a laptop stand. You can easily slide the soundbar under the stand and maintain as much desktop real estate as possible. This computer speaker soundbar is plug and play — plug it in via USB, and it’s ready to rock and roll. It is compatible with PC and Mac OS and produces much better audio than sub-par built-in laptop speakers. Plus, it’s only $20 for this convenient audio solution.

10. Edifier R1280DB Wireless Studio Monitors

EDITORI’S PICK

These computer speakers make a statement with their design. The wood enclosure combined with the silver grille looks elegant and professional. As for the sound, well, that follows suit. Bluetooth makes connectivity easy as the 4-inch woofers create natural, crisp studio-worthy sound quality. There are even coaxial and optical inputs on the back of the woofers to use as bookshelf speakers for your home entertainment system. The controls are located on the side, keeping the front of the speakers clutter-free and clean. Goodness, these speakers look great.

Our Assistant Managing Editor also swears by these and even uses them with his vinyl record player. So if you want a wallet-friendly pair of computer speakers that can pull double duty, these are them!

11. Razer Leviathan

5.1 SURROUND SOUND

Whether you are using these for gaming or to listen to music and watch movies, the Razer Leviathan computer speakers sport awesome sound and a great design to match. The down-firing subwoofer provides major depth to gameplay and music, while the soundbar — equipped with two full ranged drivers and tweeters — delivers clear and crisp audio and recreates convincing surround sound. You can save plenty of desktop space by sliding the soundbar under your monitor stand or placing it right in front of your monitor. NFC technology quickly connects nearby devices, and a 3.5mm connection is also available for a wired connection.

12. LG GP9 UltraGear Speaker

BEST FOR GAMERS

Thanks to its striking design, LG’s GP9 UltraGear speaker features a design that will look right at home in an existing gaming setup. The soundbar includes a built-in speaker, so you don’t need to pair a headset alongside it, meaning you can cut down on extra gear for your setup. But more than that, the hi-res audio output will fill any space with fantastic sound. Oh, and it’s portable (it can connect with your existing setup via Bluetooth) with six hours of battery life so that you can position it anywhere in your space.

13. Harman Kardon SoundStick III

COOL DESIGN

If a modern design is up your alley, you’ll appreciate the see-through engineering of the Harman Kardon SoundStick III. But know the look is backed up by stellar performance. The translucent hub is actually a big, ported woofer that generates bottom-end that listeners crave. And the four-speaker design on the slim desktop speakers can get plenty loud. This set of desktop computer speakers is reasonably priced, too, so you aren’t paying a premium just because the speakers look cool.

14. Audioengine HD3

MOST STYLISH

The Audioengine HD3 speakers provide a classic and stylish look to your home office setup, with the rich cherry wood or walnut speaker cabinets. And they sound as good as they look with crystal clear highs and warm midrange. If you’re craving extra bass, you can always add a subwoofer later. The pair of HD3s sound great wired to your computer, but you can also connect to them via Bluetooth if you feel like streaming music from your phone or other mobile devices.

15. Klipsch The Fives

SPLURGE PICK

These computer speakers are powerful enough to be bookshelf speakers for your home entertainment setup. They also look the part — they are gorgeous. You can remove the tweed grille on the front to expose the speakers, which has its own decor flavor. Shifting the focus to the sound quality, these sound as clean and clear as computer speakers come. The Fives also sports a handful of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, HDMI, and RCAs. If you have the money to spend, The Fives is a complete and fantastic pair of computer speakers.

16. Logitech Z625

GOOD MID-TIER

The Logitech Z625 is a full computer system setup with two desktop speakers and a subwoofer to enhance the low-end. Gamers will appreciate the additional subwoofer rattling the ground during intense gameplay. But the desktop speakers can start to distort when you push them to their maximum volume. You can control and shape the sound with the handy dials on the speaker’s front, which is a convenient design. For under $200, overall, this Logitech setup is a pretty good find.

17. Creative Pebble 2.0

SMALLEST FOOTPRINT 

There’s a lot to like about the Creative Pebble 2.0 computer speakers. They are tiny, which makes them portable, but instantly enhance the performance of your crumby computer speakers, and they are inexpensive — under $20 is a steal. You can also go with the Creative Pebble Plus, which includes a subwoofer and is only $20 more expensive if you want a little more bottom end. But if you’re on an extreme budget (we remember those college days), the Creative Pebble computer speakers will do the trick.

18. Creative Stage Computer Soundbar

BEST COMPUTER SOUNDBAR

If you thought soundbars were only for TVs, you’d be wrong. This Creative Stage soundbar brings the convenient, single speaker design from your entertainment center to your computer. It connects to your desktop or laptop via aux input and even has a wired subwoofer if you really want to get the most out of it. The only drawback is that you’ll need a big desk if you’re going to use it, as the soundbar is just under 24 inches long.

19. Logitech S120 2.0

BUDGET OPTION

When money is tight, consider the Logitech S120 2.0 speakers. They plug right into the headphone jack of your laptop or the input on your desktop and immediately level up the sound quality. And without a subwoofer, you won’t be driving your neighbors or roommates below you nuts with rumbling bass. You can pick these up for under $15 dollars, so you can even upgrade to nicer computer speakers down the road when you have the funds.

These Bookshelf Speakers Are a Classy Solution to Your Home Audio Woes