The Best Computer Speakers

Audio arrives over 3.5mm. At about 16 inches wide it fits under most monitors, and its RGB lighting can sync to the music. It suits a gaming desk where space for two speakers is tight.

A volume knob with a built-in power switch sits on the bar, and it runs on USB power with a 3.5mm audio cable. It works with PCs, TVs and consoles. USB supplies power only; sound arrives over the 3.5mm cable.

It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the GS520 was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed peak power should compare it with the GS3, which offers 24W.

Sound comes over 3.5mm. Volume sits on the speaker itself, so you don't need to reach for the keyboard. Separate volume buttons give precise control, and it runs on USB power with 3.5mm audio and mic cables.

The brushed finish suits a minimalist desk. Its full-range 2.0 stereo drivers suit a small desk without a subwoofer. It is the only pick here with 6 touch RGB modes extras; the GS3 has headphone output extras instead.

It also offers a low price tier. USB supplies power only; sound arrives over the 3.5mm cable. It was priced above the GS560 and below the Pebble V3 at the time of writing. There is no published peak power figure, whereas the GS3 offers 24W.

Its 2.25in drivers angle up at 45 degrees toward the listener, and a gain switch adds volume. Its 2.25-inch drivers are 50% louder than the previous Pebble, and Clear Dialog processing helps speech in calls and films. It also connects over Bluetooth 5.0 or a 3.5mm input, and its drivers angle up 45 degrees toward your ears.

Its 2.25-inch drivers are 50% louder than the previous Pebble, and one USB-C cable carries power and audio. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. It was priced above the GS520 and below the GS3 at the time of writing. There is no published peak power figure, whereas the GS3 offers 24W.

It has 24W peak. Its racetrack drivers and port tube reach 24W peak, and SuperWide processing widens the stereo image. RGB presets include a peak meter that follows the audio.

Its RGB presets include a peak meter that follows the sound, and SuperWide processing widens the stereo image. No other pick in this guide offers headphone output extras; compare the GS520, which has 6 touch RGB modes extras. It also offers three inputs in a compact bar.

Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. When we checked, only the Pebble V3 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Pebble Pro cost more.

Creative offers up to 10W RMS and 20W peak when powered from a suitable USB-C source. Built-in amps with audio processing drive noticeably more output than earlier Pebbles, and RGB lighting has three effects. It runs from USB-C.

BassFlex tuning extends the low end, and the drivers angle 45 degrees toward you. One USB cable carries power and audio. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games.

Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the GS560 at the time of writing. At our last price check it topped the group, with the GS3 the nearest cheaper option.