Buying Guide
The Best 2.1 PC Speakers with Subwoofer
Four speakers ranked on peak power and form, where the ProMedia 2.1 has the highest peak power; the Z313 is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
A 2.1 set adds a separate subwoofer for bass that small desk speakers cannot reach. Every pick is a 2.1 system.
We ranked these speakers on form, peak power and inputs using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out peak power, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Logitech Z313 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for Logitech Z313 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Logitech Z407 2.1 Bluetooth Speakers with Subwoofer
A wireless control dial with a 30m range.
Best for: Buyers who want wireless control dial with a 30m range.
Our take Check price for Logitech Z407 2.1 Bluetooth Speakers with Subwoofer (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 Speakers
15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter.
Best for: Buyers who want 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter.
Our take Check price for Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 Speakers (opens in a new tab)
Highest Peak Power
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speakers
The highest peak power here (200W).
Best for: Buyers who put peak power first.
Our take Check price for Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speakers (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for Logitech Z313 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer (opens in a new tab) |
| A wireless control dial with a 30m range. | Buyers who want wireless control dial with a 30m range. | Check price for Logitech Z407 2.1 Bluetooth Speakers with Subwoofer (opens in a new tab) |
| 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter. | Buyers who want 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter. | Check price for Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 Speakers (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest peak power here (200W). | Buyers who put peak power first. | Check price for Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speakers (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
Logitech Z313 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's Z313 is a simple 2.1 set: two satellites, a compact subwoofer and a control pod on the cable.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its peak power before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
Logitech offers 25W RMS in total. It outputs 25W RMS, and a wired control pod handles volume and power. The wired control pod keeps volume and power within reach on the desk.
A compact subwoofer is unique to it among these picks, while the Pebble X Plus uses a separate subwoofer. No other pick in this guide offers wired control pod extras; compare the Z407, which has wireless control dial extras. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Z407 was closest. If you want a confirmed peak power, look to the ProMedia 2.1 instead: it offers 200W, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form: 2.1 with subwoofer
- Inputs: 3.5mm
- Subwoofer: Compact subwoofer
- Extras: Wired control pod
Pros
- 25W RMS total output
- Control pod on the cable
- Compact subwoofer
- Wired control pod extras, the only one here
Cons
- No published peak power
Also Consider2 of 4
Logitech Z407 2.1 Bluetooth Speakers with Subwoofer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's Z407 adds a subwoofer and a wireless control dial with a 30m range.
Best for
- Buyers who want wireless control dial with a 30m range.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Z313 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It has 40W RMS. It delivers 80W peak and 40W RMS with a down-firing subwoofer, and it connects over Bluetooth or USB. A wireless control puck handles volume.
Its 80W peak power ranks second of 3 here, behind the ProMedia 2.1 (200W) and ahead of the Pebble X Plus (30W). It shares a separate subwoofer with the Pebble X Plus; the Z313 goes with a compact subwoofer. No other pick in this guide offers wireless control dial extras; compare the Z313, which has wired control pod extras.
It also offers 40W RMS output and three inputs. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. When we checked, only the Z313 cost less, and the Pebble X Plus cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form: 2.1 with subwoofer
- Peak power: 80W
- Inputs: USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth
- Subwoofer: Separate subwoofer
- Extras: Wireless control dial
Pros
- Wireless control dial with a 30m range
- 40W RMS output
- Three inputs
- Peak power of 80W, ahead of the Pebble X Plus
Cons
- Costs more than the Z313 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 4
Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Creative's Pebble X Plus is a compact 2.1 set that doubles to 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter.
Best for
- Buyers who want 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter.
Skip if
- Skip it if peak power matters most to you; the ProMedia 2.1 offers 200W.
Why we like it
It connects over USB-C, AUX and Bluetooth 5.3. Its 2.75-inch drivers and compact subwoofer deliver 15W RMS and 30W peak, and a 30W USB-C PD adapter unlocks more volume. RGB lighting can be set to match a desk setup.
Its 30W peak power is the lowest in this group; the ProMedia 2.1 leads at 200W. It shares a separate subwoofer with the Z407; the Z313 goes with a compact subwoofer. It is the only pick here with RGB extras; the Z313 has wired control pod extras instead.
Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. It was priced above the Z407 and below the ProMedia 2.1 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form: 2.1 with subwoofer
- Peak power: 30W
- Inputs: USB-C, AUX, Bluetooth 5.3
- Subwoofer: Separate subwoofer
- Extras: RGB
Pros
- 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter
- Compact 2.1 layout
- Bluetooth 5.3
- RGB extras, the only one here
Cons
- Peak power trails the ProMedia 2.1 (200W)
- Costs more than the Z313 at the time of writing
Highest Peak Power4 of 4
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Klipsch's ProMedia 2.1 is THX certified and pairs horn-loaded satellites with a 6.5in side-firing subwoofer.
Best for
- Buyers who put peak power first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Z313 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Klipsch offers 200W peak, the highest figure here, and the control pod sets subwoofer level separately. It is THX certified, and Klipsch's horn tweeters give clear highs at volume. The subwoofer adds real bass for games and films.
A control pod on the right satellite handles volume and bass. Its THX certification means it met THX's performance standards for a computer speaker system. Its 200W peak power is the highest here; the Z407 comes next at 80W. Only the Pebble X Plus came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 4 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form: 2.1 with subwoofer
- Peak power: 200W
- Inputs: 3.5mm
- Subwoofer: 6.5in side-firing ported subwoofer
- Extras: Control pod with volume and subwoofer gain
Pros
- THX certification
- MicroTractrix horn tweeters
- Control pod with separate subwoofer gain
- Highest peak power of the picks (200W)
Cons
- Costs more than the Z313 at the time of writing
How We Chose These 2.1 PC Speakers with Subwoofer
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Power figures
- We noted peak and RMS figures, without comparing unlike figures.
- Extras
- We checked subwoofers, lighting, remotes and headphone outputs.
- Inputs
- We checked USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth, optical and HDMI support.
- Form and size
- We recorded whether each is a soundbar, a stereo pair or a 2.1 set.
What to Look for in 2.1 PC Speakers with Subwoofer
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Inputs your PC has
USB speakers need no sound card; 3.5mm works with any PC; Bluetooth frees cables but adds delay; HDMI and optical suit TVs more than desktops.
Read wattage carefully
Peak figures are much higher than RMS (continuous) figures, and brands mix them. Compare like with like, and treat wattage as a rough guide rather than a measure of quality.
Controls within reach
A front volume knob or a wired control pod saves reaching behind the PC. Some sets rely on software or a remote.
Soundbar or stereo pair
A soundbar sits under a monitor and saves desk width. A stereo pair spreads the sound wider and usually fills a room better at the same price.
Do you need a subwoofer
A separate or down-firing subwoofer adds low bass for films and games. In a flat or shared room, a 2.0 set may be the better neighbor.
Measure the desk
Check the width of a soundbar against the monitor stand, and the depth of stereo speakers against the desk edge.
How to Choose 2.1 PC Speakers with Subwoofer
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | Z313 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want wireless control dial with a 30m range | Z407 | A wireless control dial with a 30m range |
| Buyers who want 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter | Pebble X Plus | 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter |
| Buyers who put peak power first | ProMedia 2.1 | The highest peak power here (200W) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Speaker | Form | Peak power | Inputs | Subwoofer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z313 | 2.1 with subwoofer | Not listed | 3.5mm | Compact subwoofer |
| Z407 | 2.1 with subwoofer | 80W | USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth | Separate subwoofer |
| Pebble X Plus | 2.1 with subwoofer | 30W | USB-C, AUX, Bluetooth 5.3 | Separate subwoofer |
| ProMedia 2.1 | 2.1 with subwoofer | 200W | 3.5mm | 6.5in side-firing ported subwoofer |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Speakers |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Z313 |
| About $100 to $150 | Z407, Pebble X Plus |
| About $150 to $250 | ProMedia 2.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do these speakers compare on peak power?
The ProMedia 2.1, at 200W. The Z407 follows at 80W, while the Pebble X Plus has 30W.
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
At our last price check the Z313 was the cheapest pick and the ProMedia 2.1 the most expensive; the Z407 was the next step up from the Z313.
Is Bluetooth fine for games?
For casual play it is usable, but it adds delay. A wired input avoids that.
Where should desk speakers go?
Place stereo speakers either side of the monitor at ear height, angled toward you. Keep a soundbar centered below the screen.
Can I use a TV soundbar with a PC?
Yes, over Bluetooth, optical or HDMI where the PC supports it. A desktop soundbar with USB or 3.5mm input is simpler at a desk.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Z313, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the Z407 for a wireless control dial with a 30m range, the Pebble X Plus for 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter and the ProMedia 2.1 for the highest peak power here (200W) if those matter more to you.
Put the subwoofer on the floor near a wall for fuller bass.