Buying Guide
The Best Surround Sound PC Speakers
From the Hecate to the Bar 700MK2: five speakers ranked on peak power and form, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Surround systems place sound behind you in games and films. Every pick offers surround channels or detachable rears, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for form, peak power and inputs; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out peak power, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers
Undercutting the Leviathan V2 on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Razer Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar with Subwoofer
A down-firing subwoofer.
Best for: Buyers who want down-firing subwoofer.
Our take Check price for Razer Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar with Subwoofer (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming Speakers
DTS:X virtual surround on Windows.
Best for: Buyers who want DTS:X virtual surround on Windows.
Our take Check price for Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming Speakers (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
JBL Bar 500MK2 5.1 Soundbar
Dolby Atmos with MultiBeam 3.0.
Best for: Buyers who want Dolby Atmos with MultiBeam 3.0.
Our take Check price for JBL Bar 500MK2 5.1 Soundbar (opens in a new tab)
Highest Peak Power
JBL Bar 700MK2 Soundbar with Detachable Surrounds
The highest peak power here (780W).
Best for: Buyers who put peak power first.
Our take Check price for JBL Bar 700MK2 Soundbar with Detachable Surrounds (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Edifier's Hecate pair uses 2.75in drivers tilted up 10 degrees toward the listener.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers.
Why we like it
It takes USB, AUX and Bluetooth. Its 2.75-inch drivers produce 16W plus 16W peak, and 12 RGB effects can sync with gameplay. It switches between Bluetooth and wired sources.
Matte panels and metal knobs resist scratches, and one-click EQ switches between Gaming, Movie and Music modes. On peak power it trails the group at 32W, while the Bar 700MK2 offers 780W. It also offers a 10-degree upward tilt.
Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. It makes the most sense for spending as little as possible, since it offers undercutting the Leviathan V2 on price when we checked. It undercut the Leviathan V2 and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form: Stereo pair
- Peak power: 32W
- Inputs: USB, AUX, Bluetooth 5.1
- Subwoofer: None
- Extras: 12 RGB effects, 10-degree tilt
Pros
- 2.75in drivers
- 10-degree upward tilt
- 12 RGB effects
- Undercutting the Leviathan V2 on price when we checked
Cons
- No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
- Peak power trails the Bar 700MK2 (780W)
Also Consider2 of 5
Razer Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar with Subwoofer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Leviathan V2 adds a down-firing subwoofer and THX Spatial Audio to Razer's desktop bar.
Best for
- Buyers who want down-firing subwoofer.
Skip if
- Pass if a published peak power matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
Bluetooth 5.2 covers phones. Two full-range drivers and a down-firing subwoofer come in a bar that fits under a monitor. THX Spatial Audio adds 7.1 virtual surround for games and films.
Two full-range drivers and a down-firing subwoofer cover the full range, with THX Spatial Audio for 7.1 virtual surround. The compact bar fits under a monitor, angled toward you on rubber feet. You get a down-firing subwoofer here, which sets it apart from the Bar 500MK2 and its a 10in wireless subwoofer.
It also offers 18 Chroma RGB zones. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. It was priced above the Hecate and below the G560 at the time of writing. There is no published peak power figure, whereas the Bar 700MK2 offers 780W.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form: Desktop soundbar with subwoofer
- Inputs: USB, Bluetooth 5.2
- Subwoofer: Down-firing subwoofer
- Extras: THX Spatial Audio, 18 RGB zones
Pros
- Down-firing subwoofer
- THX Spatial Audio 7.1 virtual surround
- 18 Chroma RGB zones
Cons
- No published peak power
- Costs more than the Hecate at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's G560 is a 2.1 set with a separate subwoofer, DTS:X virtual surround and four lighting zones that react to games.
Best for
- Buyers who want DTS:X virtual surround on Windows.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Hecate was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
DTS:X is not available on Mac. It pairs 240W peak power with a subwoofer and DTS:X Ultra surround. LIGHTSYNC RGB reacts to supported games.
Its subwoofer and satellites can be placed apart for a wider soundstage. At 240W peak it is loud enough for a large room, and it connects over USB or Bluetooth. Its 240W peak power ranks third of 4 here, behind the Bar 700MK2 (780W) and ahead of the Hecate (32W).
You get a separate subwoofer here, which sets it apart from the Bar 500MK2 and its a 10in wireless subwoofer. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form: 2.1 with subwoofer
- Peak power: 240W
- Inputs: USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth
- Subwoofer: Separate subwoofer
- Extras: DTS:X 2.0, 4 lighting zones
Pros
- DTS:X virtual surround on Windows
- Four game-driven lighting zones
- Separate subwoofer
- Peak power of 240W, ahead of the Hecate
Cons
- Costs more than the Hecate at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
JBL Bar 500MK2 5.1 Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Bar 500MK2 is a 5.1 set with a 10in subwoofer, Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam 3.0.
Best for
- Buyers who want Dolby Atmos with MultiBeam 3.0.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Hecate, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
PureVoice 2.0 targets dialogue clarity. It works with voice assistants, and MultiBeam 3.0 widens the soundstage. Its 750W peak power ranks second of 4 here, behind the Bar 700MK2 (780W) and ahead of the Hecate (32W).
It shares a 10in wireless subwoofer with the Bar 700MK2; the G560 goes with a separate subwoofer. It also offers HDMI eARC. It connects by HDMI or optical, so a PC needs a graphics-card HDMI output routed as audio or a sound card with optical out; Bluetooth is the simpler route.
Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. When we checked, only the G560 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Bar 700MK2 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form: 5.1 soundbar
- Peak power: 750W
- Inputs: HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Subwoofer: 10in wireless subwoofer
- Extras: Dolby Atmos, MultiBeam 3.0
Pros
- Dolby Atmos with MultiBeam 3.0
- PureVoice 2.0 dialogue tuning
- HDMI eARC
- Peak power of 750W, ahead of the G560
Cons
- Costs more than the Hecate at the time of writing
Highest Peak Power5 of 5
JBL Bar 700MK2 Soundbar with Detachable Surrounds on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
JBL's Bar 700MK2 has surround speakers that detach from the bar, with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X.
Best for
- Buyers who put peak power first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Hecate cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The subwoofer is 10in. PureVoice 2.0 lifts dialogue automatically, and its end speakers detach for wireless surround behind you. Its 780W peak power is the highest here; the Bar 500MK2 comes next at 750W.
It shares a 10in wireless subwoofer with the Bar 500MK2; the G560 goes with a separate subwoofer. It connects by HDMI or optical, so a PC needs a graphics-card HDMI output routed as audio or a sound card with optical out; Bluetooth is the simpler route. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Bar 500MK2 the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form: 7.1 soundbar
- Peak power: 780W
- Inputs: HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Subwoofer: 10in wireless subwoofer
- Extras: Detachable surrounds, Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X
Pros
- Detachable wireless surround speakers
- Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X
- 10in subwoofer
- Highest peak power of the picks (780W)
Cons
- Costs more than the Hecate at the time of writing
How We Chose These Surround Sound PC Speakers
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five speakers on form, peak power, inputs and subwoofer as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Hecate to the Bar 700MK2, state form, inputs and subwoofer.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Leviathan V2 gives no peak power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Hecate ($100 to $150) to the Bar 700MK2 ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in Surround Sound PC Speakers
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much peak power you need
Here peak power runs from 32W on the Hecate to 780W on the Bar 700MK2. For less, the Bar 500MK2 is the runner-up at 750W. No figure for the Leviathan V2.
What to check at home
Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. It connects by HDMI or optical, so a PC needs a graphics-card HDMI output routed as audio or a sound card with optical out; Bluetooth is the simpler route.
Features beyond the spec table
The G560: four game-driven lighting zones. The Bar 500MK2: PureVoice 2.0 dialogue tuning. The Bar 700MK2: Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X.
Budget
$100 to $150 buys the Hecate; $150 to $250 buys the Leviathan V2 and the G560; $250 to $500 buys the Bar 500MK2; $500 to $1000 buys the Bar 700MK2 at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Spending as little as possible: the Hecate. Buyers who put peak power first: the Bar 700MK2.
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.
How to Choose Surround Sound PC Speakers
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | Hecate | Undercutting the Leviathan V2 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want down-firing subwoofer | Leviathan V2 | A down-firing subwoofer |
| Buyers who want DTS:X virtual surround on Windows | G560 | DTS:X virtual surround on Windows |
| Buyers who want Dolby Atmos with MultiBeam 3.0 | Bar 500MK2 | Dolby Atmos with MultiBeam 3.0 |
| Buyers who put peak power first | Bar 700MK2 | The highest peak power here (780W) |
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Key specs side by side
The Bar 700MK2 leads on peak power at 780W, ahead of the Bar 500MK2 at 750W. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Speaker | Form | Peak power | Inputs | Subwoofer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hecate | Stereo pair | 32W | USB, AUX, Bluetooth 5.1 | None |
| Leviathan V2 | Desktop soundbar with subwoofer | Not listed | USB, Bluetooth 5.2 | Down-firing subwoofer |
| G560 | 2.1 with subwoofer | 240W | USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth | Separate subwoofer |
| Bar 500MK2 | 5.1 soundbar | 750W | HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | 10in wireless subwoofer |
| Bar 700MK2 | 7.1 soundbar | 780W | HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | 10in wireless subwoofer |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Hecate was the lowest-priced pick and the Bar 700MK2 the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Speakers |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Hecate |
| About $150 to $250 | Leviathan V2, G560 |
| About $250 to $500 | Bar 500MK2 |
| About $500 to $1000 | Bar 700MK2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Bar 500MK2 compare with the Bar 700MK2 on peak power?
The Bar 700MK2 leads at 780W, with the Bar 500MK2 at 750W. The Hecate is at the other end of this group with 32W. The Leviathan V2 doesn't state a figure, so it sits outside this comparison.
Is the Bar 700MK2 worth paying more than the Hecate?
On paper it adds peak power (780W against 32W). The Hecate was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the Bar 700MK2 the Highest Peak Power?
It earns the label for the highest peak power here (780W). It suits anyone who put peak power first.
What should I check before buying the G560?
Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. In this guide it ranks third of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Hecate and the Leviathan V2 apart?
The Hecate: 2.75in drivers. The Leviathan V2: a down-firing subwoofer. The G560: DTS:X virtual surround on Windows.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Hecate, chosen for undercutting the Leviathan V2 on price when we checked. Look at the Leviathan V2 for a down-firing subwoofer, the G560 for DTS:X virtual surround on Windows and the Bar 500MK2 for Dolby Atmos with MultiBeam 3.0 if those matter more to you.
Set Windows to the matching speaker configuration.