The Best Computer Speakers

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 also offers a low price tier.

USB supplies power only; sound arrives over the 3.5mm cable. It makes the most sense for buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the GS560, since it offers undercutting the GS560 on price when we checked. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the GS560 the next step up.

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.

Its price falls between the GS520 and the Pebble V3, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed peak power should compare it with the Pebble Pro, which offers 20W.

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 GS560 and below the Pebble Pro at the time of writing. There is no published peak power figure, whereas the Pebble Pro offers 20W.

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 GS520 at the time of writing. When we checked, only the Pebble V3 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Philips soundbar cost more.

A built-in mic handles calls. It streams over Bluetooth 5.4, has RGB modes that follow the audio, and includes a microphone for calls. It fits under a monitor.

Its built-in battery lasts up to 12 hours, or 6 with lights on, so it works away from a power outlet. It outputs 14W peak from two full-range drivers. It includes a volume knob and USB playback, and the maker positions it for laptops, monitors and gaming setups.

It also comes with 7W RMS output. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Pebble Pro.