The best computer speakers after testing 30 pairs

Why speakers matter for your desk

Good computer speakers enhance voices in video calls and movies, add depth to music, and provide spatial awareness in games. Most people overlook sound when buying a PC.

How this guide was made

The reviewer tested more than thirty computer speakers and soundbars over several months, narrowing the selection across various budgets and preferences to find the best options.

Best overall: Audioengine A2+

The Audioengine A2+ costs $299 and offers excellent clarity in higher registers with depth and accuracy in the mids. Compact and well-built, they work well for music, games, and video calls.

A2+ connectivity and updates

The A2+ connects via USB-C, three point five millimetre aux, RCA, and Bluetooth five point three. Updated in twenty twenty five, they now include Bluetooth five point three, twenty four bit audio, and USB-C connectivity.

A2+ upgrades available

You can upgrade the Audioengine A2+ by adding a subwoofer and fifteen degree stands. The built in USB DAC makes USB-C the best way to connect your PC or laptop.

Best small speakers: Kanto UKI

The Kanto UKI measures six point five by four point three by four point two inches and costs $270. These compact speakers produce rich, warm, detailed sound with surprisingly good bass.

Kanto UKI connectivity and design

The Kanto UKI connects via USB-C, RCA inputs, subwoofer output, three point five millimetre headphone port, and Bluetooth five point zero. They come in blue, green, black, or white.

Audiophile pick: IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor

The IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor costs $300 and impresses with well balanced sound, plenty of detail in warm mids, and sparkly highs. Even without a subwoofer, bass response is good.

iLoud Micro Monitor features

The iLoud Micro Monitors come recommended by WIRED's resident audiophiles. They have tiny fold out feet to angle them up for better sound and Bluetooth A2DP support for streaming from phones.

Best under $200: Creative XF1

The Creative XF1 costs $180, on sale for $150 with seventeen percent off. These well rounded PC speakers are relatively compact and come with lovely cork speaker stands for a fifteen degree angle.

Creative XF1 sound and software

The XF1 produces warm sound with decent bass thump, pleasing detail, and fills a room without distorting. Creative's Nexus app offers a ten band parametric equalizer and more than one hundred presets.

Creative XF1 connectivity

The XF1 connects via USB-C, three point five millimetre line in, and Bluetooth six point zero, plus a subwoofer output. It has an energy saving mode that powers down after fifteen minutes of inactivity.

Around $100: Edifier G2000

The Edifier G2000 costs $110 and comes in white, black, pink, or red. Angled to fire sound up at you, these compact speakers have LED lighting on the back and fit crowded desks.

Budget pick: Creative Pebble V3

The Creative Pebble V3 costs $43 and has a lovely orb shaped design with gold colored cutout. Just four point eight inches tall, these tiny speakers fit on crowded desktops.

“WIRED reviewer Nena Farell raved about these speakers and was impressed by their volume and sound quality, considering the price.”

Best soundbar: Creative Stage Pro

The Creative Stage Pro costs $170, on sale for $140 with eighteen percent off. This two point one channel soundbar and subwoofer system connects via USB and performs well for gaming and movies.

Creative Stage Pro connectivity

The Stage Pro connects via HDMI ARC with CEC, Bluetooth five point three, optical in, three point five millimetre aux, and USB audio. You can use it with your TV or smartphone.

Best surround sound: SteelSeries Arena 9

The SteelSeries Arena 9 costs $680 and is the top of the line surround sound system. It includes a central speaker, front speakers with LED zones, and rear speakers that connect wirelessly.

Arena 9 for gaming and movies

The Arena 9 elevated the epic battle scene as House Atreides falls in Dune and helped the reviewer react in time when Banished troops flanked them in Halo Infinite.Only good headphones provide better spatial sound.

Arena 9 controls and customization

The Arena 9 connects via a single USB cable, with three point five millimetre aux and optical in and out ports.