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 Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Edifier Hecate Gaming SpeakersUndercutting the Leviathan V2 on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Leviathan V2 the next step up.
Check price for Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Razer Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar with SubwooferA down-firing subwoofer.
Best for: Buyers who want down-firing subwoofer.
Check price for Razer Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar with Subwoofer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming SpeakersDTS:X virtual surround on Windows.
Best for: Buyers who want DTS:X virtual surround on Windows.
Check price for Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
JBL Bar 500MK2 5.1 SoundbarDolby Atmos with MultiBeam 3.0.
Best for: Buyers who want Dolby Atmos with MultiBeam 3.0.
Check price for JBL Bar 500MK2 5.1 Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest Peak Power
JBL Bar 700MK2 Soundbar with Detachable SurroundsThe highest peak power here (780W).
Best for: Buyers who put peak power first.
Check price for JBL Bar 700MK2 Soundbar with Detachable Surrounds on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers
Edifier's Hecate pair uses 2.75in drivers tilted up 10 degrees toward the listener.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the Leviathan V2 the next step up.
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 undercut the Leviathan V2 and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key 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
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.
Key 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
The catch
There is no published peak power figure, whereas the Bar 700MK2 offers 780W.
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming Speakers
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 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
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 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
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 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
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We compared five speakers on form, peak power, inputs and subwoofer as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 5 fields compared are stated for every pick, while peak power has gaps.
- 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
The Bar 700MK2 tops peak power at 780W and the Hecate sits lowest at 32W. For less, the Bar 500MK2 is the runner-up at 750W ($250 to $500 tier). The Leviathan V2 gives no peak power figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
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.
Desktop speakers either side of a monitor 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, with the Leviathan V2 the next step up: the Hecate. Buyers who put peak power first: the Bar 700MK2.
White bookshelf speakers either side of a monitor 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, with the Leviathan V2 the next step up | 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) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Bar 700MK2 leads on peak power at 780W, ahead of the Bar 500MK2 at 750W. "Not listed" marks peak power where the Leviathan V2 leaves the 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
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Hecate, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 4 tiers in all up to the Bar 700MK2 at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| 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 spread runs down to the Hecate at 32W. The Leviathan V2 doesn't state a peak power figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the Bar 700MK2 worth paying more than the Hecate?
What it brings is peak power (780W against 32W). The Hecate sat in the $100 to $150 tier and the Bar 700MK2 in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if peak power decides your purchase.
What makes the Bar 700MK2 the Highest Peak Power?
It earns the label for the highest peak power here (780W). The Bar 500MK2 is next on peak power at 750W, so this pick's 780W is 4% further out. The Hecate, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $500 to $1000 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who puts peak power first.
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.
Should I pick the Hecate or the Bar 700MK2?
The Hecate suits spending as little as possible, with the Leviathan V2 the next step up; the Bar 700MK2 suits buyers who put peak power first.
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.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best PC Speakers for Your Desk
- Related guideThe Best Speakers for a Gaming PC
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Speaker Bars for a PC Desk
- Lower budgetThe Best PC Speakers Under $40
- Similar guideThe Best 2.1 PC Speakers
- ExplainerHow to Choose Desktop Speakers for a PC
- ExplainerPC speaker connections compared: 3.5 mm, USB, optical and Bluetooth
- Also see: headsets and headphonesHow to Choose a PC Headset
- Similar guideThe Best 2.1 PC Speakers with Subwoofer
- Topic hubAll pc speakers guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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