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The best computer speakers are a great addition to any PC gaming (and working) home setup. If you have the desk space, then adding some top speakers opens up a wealth of options for players – even in a world seemingly dominated by headsets.
A set of the best PC speakers is not a thing of the past anymore; while it did seem like headset were the only way forward a few years ago, there’s definitely a case to be made for having both a set of cups on your head, and a set of great speakers either side of your monitor or next to the best gaming PC (budget dependent, of course).
For example, I much prefer having a headset on for socially-distanced web chats at work, while I prefer to blast my music on my PC speakers. As for gaming, it depends on what I’m playing: for shooters, I prefer a headset to hear every footstep, but for strategy games like Total War or even some open worlds like Assassin’s Creed, I will turn to the best computer speakers to soak up the atmosphere more naturally as opposed to having it plugged directly into my brain (almost).
If you have the desk space and the budget, the best PC speakers can melt into your setup very pleasingly and quickly, offering great audio boons to your office or gaming area. And, given so many of the best gaming speakers out there are made by some familiar names, it’s never been easier to match top-quality speakers to your existing gear.
The best computer speakers for 2022
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1. Logitech G560
The best computer speakers overall
Specifications
Weight: 3.94lbs (satellites), 12.1lb (sub)Size: 5.8 x 6.5 x 4.6 in (satellites), 15.9 x 10 x 8.1 in (sub)Drivers: 6.5-in subwoofer, 2-in tweetersSupported Connectivity: USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth
Reasons to buy
+Excellent Lightsync RGB lighting+Built in DTS:X Virtual Surround+Good value
Reasons to avoid
-Large subwoofer
The Logitech G560s are perennially and perpetually renowned as the best computer speakers. And that’s for a number of reasons, one of which – brace yourselves – is that these actually use RGB… tastefully. I know, shock news, right? Whereas we’re used to gaming gear having garish lighting and any excuse is made to slap some more RGB here and there, the Logitech G560 speakers use lighting to genuinely enhance their main function. Their lighting heightens immersion by providing rich color in a ‘normal’ RGB way, acting as an audio visualizer by matching in-media sounds and beats, or by matching what’s on-screen – like ambilight TVs – to create a cohesive lighting experience. Pushed against a wall at the back of a desk, and these will illuminate your setup very pleasingly.
In addition, they actually sound very good too! A big plus when you’re looking at speakers, we know. For the two small satellites and one woofer, the sound is excellent and made better by the DTS:X Ultra surround sound which extends to 3D positional audio, heightening the immersion further.
The subwoofer is large which is something to consider if you’re light on space, but otherwise allows for great bass audio. A great, great set of computer speakers for the price, and very worthy of the top spot here.
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2. Creative T100
The best computer speakers under $100/£100
Specifications
Weight: 2.2lbs (each unit)Size: Size: 8.5 x 3.5 x 4.8 inDrivers: 2.75-in full-rangeSupported Connectivity: Optical, 3.5mm, Bluetooth, NFC
Reasons to buy
+Crisp and clear audio+Restrained two-speaker design+Great set of features/controls
Reasons to avoid
-No dedicated woofer
Given the price point of these speakers, the value here is undeniable. The T100s are extremely competent and a bit plain overall, but they are definitely worth the money. They have a very plain and ordinary aesthetic of just black, and no RGB, lighting, or flair to speak of. Even the remote is a plain-looking thing. However, the true qualities of the T100s are deceptive and lie underneath those plain exteriors.
The remote is easy to use and comes with enough presets to activate, the speakers have a small footprint to reduce the need for lots of setup real-estate, and the connectivity is also good, with a Bluetooth option further reducing their need for space. The audio is also deceptively rich and strong. For speakers that at first look underwhelming, these ones can do it all, even in the absence of a dedicated woofer. Of course, they might not blow your socks off, but if you’re looking for something that can handle it all, and provide solid sound no matter the task without spending hundreds, then these are worthy of your consideration.
If you have a compact or slightly cramped space for gaming – or maybe you’re looking for something unfussy – then these are a great option, offering a cheap way to get some of the best computer speakers.
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3. Razer Leviathan V2
The best computer speakers in sound bar form
Specifications
Weight: 3.08lbs/1.4kg (soundbar); 6.61lbs/3kg (sub)Size: 19.7 x 3.6 x 3.3″ / 500 x 91.3 x 84 mm (soundbar), 8.67 x 8.67 x 9.5″ / 220 x 220 x 241.5 mm (sub)Drivers: 5.5in subwoofer; 2 x 0.75in tweeters, 2 x 2.0×4.0in full range drivers, 2 x 1.7×5.3in passive radiator driversSupported Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth 5.2
Reasons to buy
+Great, compact design+Wonderful audio quality+Neat RGB+THX Spatial surround sound
Reasons to avoid
-Not quite as immersive as L+R speakers-Fewer inputs than its predecessor
The successor to the original Leviathan, this V2 variation looks to improve and take things further than what came before – and it largely succeeds, but not without a couple of small caveats.
However, what the Leviathan sets out to do in so much as offer a compact, quality soundbar solution to be your best computer speakers is definitely achieved. It’s a neat solution to providing you with quality audio without sprawling all over your desk. And not only is it great for compact spaces, but it’s also good for having the audio come straight at you without any directional ‘differences’ or discrepancies. And the audio quality is actually very, very good; it’s rich, detailed, and really enjoyable, packing a punch in whatever media is playing – and it’s surprisingly layered and detailed for a soundbar too. That’s thanks to the expanded number of speakers that the V2 offers now. These really do make the sound beefier, even if it can’t quite match the immersion of dedicated left and right speakers. Having said that, it still does share a lot of what makes the best soundbars great too.
And, of course, it has RGB, because Razer. This is actually pretty tastefully done, though it’s harder to appreciate in the daylight and when the Leviathan V2 has its angled feet on. In low light or in the evening, however, it really does provide a pleasing look on the front of one’s desk. The two sets of feet are handy and enable you to have the soundbar parallel with the desk’s surface or have the front pointed up toward you more – though the second is so much more pleasing for looks and audio, I’m not sure why one would pick the flat option now (though that is better for seeing the RGB).
A niche complaint is that when I am using the Leviathan V2 on my standing desk and have it set to a standing position, the bass from the whoofer doesn’t travel too well. Though this can be mitigated with fiddling with the EQ settings. The amount of connections has been slimmed down and should be fine, but this reduction in ports also removes the trusty failsafe that is a 3.5mm jack and also the optical port. The lack of the latter means the V2 is firmly positioned away from console payers and more at PC and laptop gamers.
Small gripes aside though, the V2 is a great upgrade and next evolution in the Leviathan line and should be at the forefront for anyone looking for a soundbar solution on their desk. A shoo-in for our best computer speakers guide – though not the cheapest.
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4. Razer Nommo Pro
The best computer speakers at a premium level
Specifications
Weight: 5.18lbs (satellites); 13.2lbs (woofer)Size: 7.87 x 5.51 x 11.41in (satellites), 15.4 x 10.6in (cylindrical sub)Drivers: 0.8in tweeter + 3in full range (each speaker)Supported Connectivity: Optical, USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth
Reasons to buy
+Razer audio quality+THX certified sound+Built in bluetooth+Dolby 5.1 virtual surround
Reasons to avoid
-Expensive compared to other speaker sets-Quite big
If you’re on the lookout for premium speakers then the Razer Nommo Pro system is perfect. It is premium in every way, from build quality to design, and from audio quality to (inevitably) price. However, the quality speaks – and sounds – for itself here.
I have these speakers and use them every day for everything from Zoom calls to music (of all kinds) to gaming and watching TV or films. The audio is incredibly crisp, clear, and rich in all of the above. Teamed with Razer’s Synapse app, the customization and flexibility at your disposal increases exponentially and you can really tune the THX-certified audio to your precise liking. There’s also a control dial and switch which sits neatly on your desk and means you’re not reaching around every speaker for dials and buttons, which is obviously great.
You will still have to get the positioning of the speakers right and they are quite sizeable, taking me by surprise when I received them (the woofer being a particularly large boi). But they are slick and chic and ooze that Razer aesthetic, and yes, including the RGB glow we all know and love.
During sales events, the Nommo Pro has been seen having price cuts of 40-50%, so when these do happen, that’s the time to get some serious bang for your buck in the best computer speaker department. A great set of premium PC speakers that will give even the biggest gaming sound systems a run for their money.
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4. Razer Leviathan Sound Bar
The best computer speakers offering lots of connections in a sound bar
Specifications
Weight: 4.4lbs (soundbar), 5.1lbs (sub)Size: 19.7 x 3 x 2.8 in (soundbar), 9.5 x 8.7 x 9.5 in (sub)Drivers: 5.25-in subwoofer, .74-in tweeters, 2.5-in full rangeSupported Connectivity: Optical, 3.5mm, Bluetooth, NFC
Reasons to buy
+Great for gaming desks and tighter spaces+Powerful subwoofer+Lots of connection options
Reasons to avoid
-Superceded now by the V2-‘Surround sound’ disappoints -Slight audio lag
This gaming soundbar is a great fit for your desk just under your monitor, especially if you don’t have a laptop between you getting in the way. While the 5.1 surround sound aspect is certainly overplayed, there is a left/right audio distinction that’s handy for playing competitive shooters, but only when sat at a desk – you’ll lose the distinction if playing on a TV from your couch. We’ve seen plenty of Razer headsets (opens in new tab) perform much better on the immersive audio front though, especially with something like the Razer Nari Ultimate (opens in new tab). Though, given how compact the Leviathan is, the sound it provides is impressive.
The rumbling bass supplied by the large down-firing subwoofer adds some real weight to audio though, and not just explosions. Flying a helicopter around Hope County in Far Cry 5 really nailed that repetitive thwomp-thwomp of the blades as you flew over the deranged cultists.
The Razer Leviathan is TV/console-friendly and works especially well if your TV’s feet or table stand can’t accommodate a full-size soundbar. We would have liked the controls to light up while in use though, as they’re generally tilted away from you so it’s difficult navigating them before committing the buttons to memory. There’s also no visual representation of the volume making it very difficult setting ‘safe’ volume levels for different times of day – that subwoofer means you’ll want to be very careful of annoying the neighbors too. We experienced a very slight audio lag, using the Leviathan on our consoles and TV with all connection options, but muting the TV’s audio got rid of the irritating echo.
All in all, a nice tidy audio solution for a desktop gaming setup, r for those looking fr a soundbar-shaped solution in their search for the best computer speakers that will have a decent crack at gaming and movies on your TV as well. Simple tap and connect NFC connections make it very useful for playing music from your phone too.
Note: as this has been superceded by the V2 (above) we aren’t sure how long and how readily available this Leviathan will be going forward.
How we test computer speakers
Just like the other go-to gaming audio givers – headsets – when it comes to testing out the best computer speakers, we put them all through long and arduous ‘live in’ tests and use them like you would – as if they were our own. We use them everyday at our desks for work and play for hours and hours and hours. We use them for work meetings, and the music we listen to during the day. But then we also pump out some of the biggest, baddest games out of them, covering most genres and types from shooters to RPGs and everything in between, ensuring the audio up and down the ranges doesn’t impact our in-game enjoyment. We also blast a range of music out of them, and ensure we can use them for watching TV or binging Netflix. We then compare them, when appropriate and possible, to other units and make sure that the price point is competitive for what the speakers offer.
Not the right kind of audio provider? Check out our best gaming headset and best wireless gaming headset guide.
