The Best Computer Speakers for Jamming Out in Your Home Office

These eye-catching orb-shaped speakers with RGB rings around the base work well if you want a statement piece for your desk. They are kinda large, and they are angled at 45 degrees. You have the choice of a flat base or elevated stands to float them in the air, improving both sound and light. Creative is known for its budget audio gear, but the Pebble Nova is its high-end model. They produce a really pleasant sound that’s rich across the board and with real depth. With built-in passive bass radiators around back and power up to 100 watts, these speakers can, frankly, get far too loud for your desktop, but that could be handy if you want them to double as room-filling sound when you’re done on the computer for the day. I was also impressed by the virtual surround sound for gaming.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking the Creative App is superfluous, because it’s packed with options, from an equalizer to dialogue enhancement to RGB lighting controls. This isn’t garish RGB lighting, by the way; it can be subtle. While I love the stand, it made them too tall for my desk because of my dual monitors. I also found the touch controls a bit finicky, and I advise switching off the power saving mode. The two options above it edge it out on sound quality, but the gap isn't big, and the Pebble Nova is far more interesting to look at.

These speakers from Edifier come close in sound quality to our top picks and are significantly cheaper. The M60 speakers produce a rich, clear sound that persists when you crank the volume. The bass is decent, considering the lack of a subwoofer, but it can get muddy and a bit rattly. You have three connection options, including USB-C (which will be best for most folks), 3.5 mm, or Bluetooth 5.3. My test music playlist sounded great on these speakers, and only the rumbly bass distracted me in games and movies, though they come with angled stands that point them at your ears and reduce vibrations. The M60 speakers are also the perfect size for most desktops.

On the downside, the touch controls are a little annoying (you have to hold down for three seconds to power on/off or change mode), and the Edifier ConneX app for Android (also available on iOS) was a little flaky, though it offered some handy customization options and a six-band equalizer. Overall, these speakers are a solid option if this is your budget.

You don’t have to spend big to get a decent set of computer speakers, as Edifier proves with the G2000. Angled to fire sound up at you, these speakers have LED lighting on the back and a compact form that makes them easy to fit on a crowded desk. My test speakers were white, but you can also find them in black, pink, or red. Controls on the right speaker include a switch-like volume rocker and a mode button that cycles between music, movies, and games. Long-press the mode button to cycle LED lighting effects (there are 12). There is distortion on anything bassy, and the G2000 are a bit muddy on the high end. Because the sound imaging is far from precise, it can be tough to pinpoint sounds spatially. This is particularly noticeable with movies and games.

Connectivity options are solid, with USB, 3.5-mm aux, and Bluetooth 4.2. There is also a sub-out for adding a subwoofer, and they really need one if you want a deep rumble. Unfortunately, when you power up these speakers, they play a silly revving race car sound. I also dislike the volume rocker. (Why can't it just be a knob?) The Edifier G2000 can’t compete with our top picks here, but for the money, these compact speakers are impressive, and they offer a nice upgrade over our budget pick below.

These tiny, cute, affordable computer speakers from Creative have a lovely orb-shaped design with a gold-colored cutout contrasting the black or white exterior. Angled up to fire sound at your ears, and just 4.8 inches tall, these speakers fit on the most crowded desktops. The right speaker has a volume control and a gain switch. WIRED reviewer Nena Farell raved about these speakers and was impressed by their volume and sound quality, considering the price.

Connectivity options include USB-C, 3.5-mm aux, or Bluetooth 5.0. The box includes a USB-C to USB-A adapter, but you need a port that can provide enough power to get the most out of these speakers. Bass is inevitably lacking, and some distortion can kick in at higher volumes. Creative also offers the even cheaper V2 if you don’t need Bluetooth.

With a compact design, sci-fi styling that includes RGB lighting, and no separate subwoofer, I was unsure what to expect from this soundbar, especially since OXS is an unfamiliar brand. The Thunder Pro is 24 inches long and just 3 inches tall, and it slotted into place perfectly under my monitor. It comes with a wired control dial, a remote control, and extra feet in the box to angle it toward you. I was immediately impressed when the bass of Dead Prez’s “Hip-Hop” kicked in, bouncing the passive radiators up and down. The sound is expansive, the bass is far better than it has any right to be without a large subwoofer, and the highs are surprisingly crisp. This soundbar is Dolby Atmos-certified and has three distinct gaming modes. The first-person shooter mode offered excellent spatial sound, allowing me to hear the footsteps and grunts of a cloaked Elite in Halo Infinite just in time to avoid being impaled. The surround sound for movies is also great.

Connectivity is comprehensive with USB-A and USB-C, 3.5-mm aux, Bluetooth 5.0, two HDMI ports (one eARC), a mic-in port, and a headphone jack. All that’s missing is the option to hook up a subwoofer (the bass is good, but it would still be nice to have the option), though that may be a good thing for folks with downstairs neighbors. The wired control unit lights up, acts as a volume dial and power button, and has EQ and mode buttons on the back. The design may be ostentatious for some, though you can turn the lights off. If you’re willing to drop an extra hundred, the Thunder Pro+ adds a wireless satellite neck speaker. This approximates a surround sound system with support for 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos, and it’s an innovative idea, but you need a chair with a headrest to strap it to. It’s comfy enough, and I had no latency issues, but the sound from the headrest is a little tinny, and because it’s wireless, you must charge it frequently (the battery only lasts up to 12 hours).

While the OXS Thunder Pro impressed, you will get better sound, especially for music, if you buy separate speakers and a subwoofer. This is a pricey option, and I'd only recommend it for anyone who wants an all-in-one soundbar, especially if your primary activities are gaming and watching movies. Read our Best Soundbars guide for other picks.

The latest compact soundbar from Creative is my favorite from the company so far. This affordable 2.1-channel soundbar and subwoofer system has been hooked up to my desktop computer via USB for the last few weeks, and I’m pleasantly surprised by its performance. The near field mode is ideal for desktop use, and I enjoyed using the Stage Pro for gaming and movies. Voices come through clearly, and there’s a deep rumble of bass, courtesy of the subwoofer. (The subwoofer is large, but tall and thin, so it easily fit beneath my desk). Music sounds good in general, though lacking the warmth, stereo separation, and clarity of our top picks.

Connectivity options include HDMI ARC with CEC, Bluetooth 5.3, optical-in, 3.5-mm aux, and USB audio, so you can also use this soundbar with your TV in a home theater setup or with your smartphone. There are controls on top, and you get a slim remote that thankfully includes the option to turn the display off. The Creative Stage Pro looks smart and fits neatly beneath my superwide monitor. It can be tough to find room for speakers on my desk, as I have a vertical monitor to the left. A soundbar can be a better fit if you have a similar setup using monitor arms. The Creative Stage Pro is a big improvement over previous Creative soundbars I tested (see below), and it’s a bargain if you’re set on a soundbar.

As a fan of SteelSeries, makers of some of the best gaming mice, and the Apex Pro keyboard I use, I was excited to try its speaker lineup. The Arena 9 is SteelSeries' top-of-the-line surround sound system. It includes a central speaker flanked by a pair of front speakers with LED zones and a control unit, all of which plug into a large subwoofer. A pair of rear speakers connects to each other and a separate power outlet, but they connect to the rest of the system wirelessly, so you don’t have to run long cables. The Arena 9 speakers are fine for music, but the real reason to get a surround system is for movies or games. They elevated the epic battle scene as House Atreides falls in Dune and helped me react in the nick of time when Banished troops flanked me in Halo Infinite. Only a good set of headphones can provide better spatial sound.

The SteelSeries Arena 9 connects to a computer via a single USB cable, but there’s also an 3.5-mm aux and optical-in and -out ports. There are no controls on the speakers because you get a wired control unit with a touchscreen that acts as a volume dial by default, but can also be used to tweak EQ, lighting, and system settings. You can also dig into this on your computer via the SteelSeries GG software. The Prism RGB lighting can sync with the rest of your SteelSeries gear, with a huge range of animated effects, colors, and even the option to match the colors from your screen. Sadly, there are only four zones of LEDs (two on each front speaker), so it's not like the entire setup lights up. You will also need quite a bit of desk space and suitable spots for those rear speakers, but if you crave surround sound in your games, the Arena 9 is worth the hassle.

Stick to one brand for all your gaming gear, and it’s easier to achieve harmony. Plus, you only need one app to configure everything. If Razer is your jam, the Nommo V2 Pro is a 2.1 system with tempting bells and whistles. These stylish cylindrical speakers fire light out the back and tilt up towards your ears. The left speaker plugs into the right and connects to your PC via USB. The chunky subwoofer is wireless, which could be handy if you prefer to keep the space under your desk free. The wireless control puck acts as a volume dial, and you can press it to mute, play, or skip. You can expect booming bass and rich mids, but there’s a little crispness lacking in the highs, particularly when you crank the volume up. The sound profile is well-suited to action movies and games, with a deep bass rumble that you feel in the pit of your stomach. The THX Spatial Audio puts you in the thick of it and adds to the immersion. You can also tweak the EQ settings and the lighting in Razer’s Synapse software.

Connectivity is limited to USB or Bluetooth 5.3. I had some setup issues with the wireless control puck, but after a few attempts, the new firmware was installed successfully. I still found it a bit flaky and didn’t like having to hold it down to turn the speakers on. (They switch off automatically unless you deactivate the power-saving setting.) While Razer Chroma RGB now supports more than 300 games, offers various effects, and an ambient awareness mode that reacts to your screen, there are only two lighting zones (one for each speaker). Unfortunately, the Razer Synapse software is the only way to get at some settings, and it feels bloated and sometimes hogs system resources. But if you already use Razer gear, you likely have it installed. If you don’t care about the lighting or subwoofer, check out the Razer Nommo V2 X in our honorable mentions below.

Folks who prefer Logitech gear should consider the G560 Lightsync. This 2.1 system comprises a huge subwoofer and two speakers with an attractive curved loop design. The speakers project RGB lighting onto the wall behind them. Sound-wise, the bass is dominant and the soundstage lacks definition, but you can play around with the equalizer or use the presets Logitech provides. For movies and gaming, the G560 does better, with DTS:X Ultra virtual surround sound to emulate larger systems. There’s a good thump of bass for explosions, and they provide a decent positional sense in games.

These speakers connect via USB, but there’s also a 3.5-mm aux port and support for Bluetooth 4.1. Sadly, for lighting fans, you only get four zones of LEDs here, but there are lots of presets and colors to choose from, and you can have them react to the onscreen action. While these speakers don’t grab me, with the bass bossing the show, they are decent value, particularly as the price has dropped significantly since they were first released.

The SteelSeries Arena 7 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) boasts great sound and real versatility. This 2.1 system is the sweet spot in the SteelSeries Arena lineup, as it adds a chunky subwoofer and RGB lighting over the Arena 3, but is still relatively affordable. It is easy to set up. Simply plug in the USB and attach the pear-shaped speakers to the subwoofer. The adjustable speakers look interesting, with RGB lighting around the base and back, and a mode button and volume dial on the right speaker (headphone port behind it). This system produces a soundstage with clarity and precision, quickening my pulse from the opening organ of Young Fathers’ “Only God Knows.” It can sound too bassy and flat, but you can tweak away in the SteelSeries GG software. The spatial sound for games is immersive and accurate enough to help you pinpoint footsteps or the whomp of an approaching helicopter.

With USB, Bluetooth 4.2, optical in and out, and 3.5-mm aux, your connectivity bases are covered. You can also sync the Prism RGB lighting with the rest of your setup, have it react to music, or just pick a color. On the downside, the speakers are quite tall, and I had trouble getting the ideal placement with my ultra-widescreen monitor. The subwoofer is also bulky and sometimes overpowers the sound. If you have downstairs neighbors, pick something else. Ultimately, these are easy to recommend for folks with SteelSeries gear, and I am impressed by their versatility.