8 Best Computer Speakers (2026) After Testing 25+ Pairs | WIRED
Skip to main contentCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyFeatured in this articleBest OverallAudioengine A2+Read more$279 AmazonBest Small PC SpeakersKanto UKIRead more$270 $226 (16% off) WalmartAudiophile PickIK Multimedia iLoud Micro MonitorRead more$300 $200 (33% off) AmazonBest For $200Edifier M60Read more$200 AmazonGood computer speakers can make for a quick desktop upgrade. Sound is often overlooked when people buy a PC. Some folks prefer headphones, others stick with those old, battered speakers they inherited, and some rely on the awful built-in speaker in their monitor. With any of the speakers in this list, you can enhance voices in video calls and movies, tease out greater depth in your favorite music, and provide spatial awareness in games. After several months of testing, I've narrowed my selection across various budgets and preferences. Whether you want a soundbar for your computer, a pair of speakers, or a surround sound system, you can find it here.Be sure to check out our many other audio guides, like the Best Soundbars, Best Bluetooth Speakers, Best Wireless Headphones, Best Gaming Headsets, and Best Bookshelf Speakers.Updated May 2026: I reorganized this guide and slimmed down my recommendations, added speakers from Kanto, added mentions for speakers from Ruark and OXS, and updated prices.Table of ContentsOther Computer Speakers I LikedThe PC Speakers I Don't RecommendAre Computer Speakers Worth It?What Should I Look for in Computer Speakers?Where Should I Position My Desktop Speakers?Do I Need Speaker Stands?What Size Speakers Should I Get?What’s the Best Way to Connect My Speakers to My Computer?How I Test Computer SpeakersBest OverallPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistAudioengineA2+$279 Amazon$279 WalmartAfter testing more than 30 computer speakers and soundbars over the last few years, I always return to the Audioengine A2+. With an elegant design and quality construction, they are compact enough for my busy desktop. But don’t be fooled by the small stature—these speakers pack a serious punch. The clarity in the higher registers is excellent, but there’s also depth and accuracy in the mids. While the lack of a subwoofer means the bass can be a little shallow, it’s not distractingly so. Music is where the Audioengine A2+ shines, but I had no trouble hearing cloaked Elites with positional sound in Halo Infinite, and voices came through crisp and clear during in-game chat, video calls, and movies.Connectivity is well-rounded, but just watch out for jumps in volume with different input devices. The volume knob, which also turns the speakers on or off, is a little awkward behind the left speaker, and there’s no remote, but I have no other complaints about these PC speakers. You can also upgrade the A2+ by adding a subwoofer and 15-degree stands. Audioengine updated the A2+ in 2025, making the best even better by adding Bluetooth 5.3, 24-bit audio, and USB-C connectivity. There’s also a built-in USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter), so USB-C is the best way to connect your PC or laptop. Ultimately, these are the best computer speakers for most people because they strike the perfect balance of style, power, features, and price.SpecsDrivers2.75-inch aramid fiber woofers, 0.75-inch silk dome tweetersPower60 wattsConnectivityUSB-C, 3.5-mm aux, RCA (in and out), Bluetooth 5.3Size6 x 4 x 5.25 inchesIn the BoxUSB-C cable, 3.5-mm cable, microfiber bagsBest Small PC SpeakersPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlistKantoUKI$270 $226 (16% off) Walmart$270 Amazon$270 Sweetwater$270 KantoWith a properly compact form, 6.5 x 4.3 x 4.2 inches (165 x 112 x 109 mm), these cute wee computer speakers can squeeze onto the busiest desktops. There’s an elegance to the molded plastic design with rubbery feet, and the Kanto UKI speakers come in a couple of fun colors (blue or green), alongside the classic black or white. More importantly these speakers produce rich, warm, and detailed sound, with surprisingly good bass. They served me well for music, games, and video calls.I connected the speakers and plugged the right one into my PC via USB-C (no cable supplied), but there’s also a pair of RCA inputs, a subwoofer output, a 3.5 mm headphone port around front, and support for Bluetooth 5.0. Pairing and streaming from my phone was quick and easy. I appreciated the simple volume knob on the front of the right speaker that you press the switch modes. Desktop stands ($30) are available (sold separately) to angle these speakers at your ears, and they’re probably worth snagging, though there is also a rear screw mount hole.SpecsDrivers3-inch woofers, 0.75-inch silk dome tweetersPower50 wattsConnectivityUSB-C, 3.5 mm, RCA, Bluetooth 5.0Size6.5 x 4.3 x 4.2 inches, 2.2 pounds (left)In the BoxNothingAudiophile PickPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlistIK MultimediaiLoud Micro Monitor$300 $200 (33% off) Amazon$300 $200 (33% off) Sweetwater$300 WalmartBoasting a big sound for such a compact set of speakers, the iLoud Micro Monitors come recommended by WIRED's resident audiophiles. These speakers impressed me right from the simple setup (plug in the 3.5-mm audio output). The sound is well-balanced, with plenty of detail in the warm mids and sparkly highs. Even the bass response is good, considering there’s no subwoofer. I love the tiny fold-out feet, enabling you to angle them up for a better sound. There is also Bluetooth support (A2DP) to stream from your phone or other devices. The iLoud Micro Monitors do a great job with music, movies, and games.But the design might not be for everyone; I don’t like the big iLoud logo on the side. You also have to reach around the back of the left speaker for the power switch, volume dial, and Bluetooth button, though I like the straightforwardness of these controls. There are also three switches to tweak EQ settings, but these speakers are basically plug-and-play. There is no USB port or built-in DAC.SpecsDrivers3-inch woofers, 0.75-inch silk dome tweetersPower70 wattsConnectivity3.5-mm aux, RCA, Bluetooth A2DPSize7.09 x 5.31 x 3.54 inchesIn the Box3.5-mm to 2RCA cableBest For $200Photograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlistEdifierM60$200 Amazon$200 Best BuyThese 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.SpecsDrivers3-inch woofers, 1-inch silk dome tweetersPower66 wattsConnectivityUSB-C, 3.5-mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3Size6.61 x 3.93 x 5.79 inchesIn the BoxUSB-C cable, 3.5-mm cable, 15-degree aluminum standsBest For $100Photograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlistEdifierG2000$150 $100 (33% off) Amazon$130 $100 (23% off) Edifier$130 WalmartYou 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.SpecsDrivers2.75-inch full-rangePower32 wattsConnectivityUSB-A, 3.5-mm aux, sub-out, Bluetooth 4.2Size4.17 x 4.13 x 5.11 inchesIn the BoxUSB-A cable, 3.5-mm cableBest Budget Computer SpeakersPhotograph: Nena FarrellSave to wishlistSave to wishlistCreativePebble V3 Speakers$40 Amazon$45 $40 (11% off) CreativeThese 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 volum