Buying Guide
The Best Gaming PC Speakers Under $150
From the GS520 to the Hecate: three speakers ranked on form and inputs, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read3 products evaluated
USB-powered speakers keep cabling simple on a gaming desk. Every pick uses USB and cost $150 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: form, inputs and extras come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Which of the 3 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Redragon GS520 PC SpeakersUndercutting the GS560 on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the GS560.
Check price for Redragon GS520 PC Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Redragon GS560 PC SoundbarA roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors.
Best for: Buyers who want roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors.
Check price for Redragon GS560 PC Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers2.75in drivers at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the GS520 costs less.
Check price for Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the GS560 on price when we checked. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the GS560. | Check price for Redragon GS520 PC Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors. | Buyers who want roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors. | Check price for Redragon GS560 PC Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 2.75in drivers at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the GS520 costs less. | Check price for Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 3
Redragon GS520 PC Speakers
Redragon's GS520 is a USB-powered stereo pair with six touch-controlled RGB modes.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the GS560.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers.
Why we like it
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. You also get 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 3 picks at the time of writing, with the GS560 the next step up.
Key specs
- Form
- Stereo pair
- Inputs
- USB power, 3.5mm audio
- Subwoofer
- None
- Extras
- 6 touch RGB modes
Pros
- Six touch-controlled RGB modes
- USB power
- Low price tier
- Undercutting the GS560 on price when we checked
Cons
- No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
Also Consider2 of 3
Redragon GS560 PC Soundbar
Redragon's GS560 is a roughly 16in USB-powered bar with a front volume knob and four lighting modes.
Best for
- Buyers who want roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers is a problem.
Why we like it
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.
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the GS520 at the time of writing. Its price falls between the GS520 and the Hecate, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Form
- Desktop soundbar
- Inputs
- USB power, 3.5mm audio
- Subwoofer
- None
- Extras
- 4 lighting modes, volume knob
Pros
- Roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors
- Front volume knob
- Four lighting modes
Cons
- No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
- Costs more than the GS520 at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 3
Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers
Edifier's Hecate pair uses 2.75in drivers tilted up 10 degrees toward the listener.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the GS520 costs less.
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. It also comes with a 10-degree upward tilt. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games.
It makes the most sense for buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the GS520 costs less, since it offers 2.75in drivers at the highest price in the group. It was the highest-priced of the 3 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the GS560 and the rest.
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
- 2.75in drivers at the highest price in the group
Cons
- No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
- Costs more than the GS520 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming PC Speakers Under $150
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 three speakers on form, inputs, subwoofer and extras from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and all 4 compared fields are stated for every pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 3, from the GS520 to the Hecate, state form, inputs and subwoofer.
- Who each pick suits
- The GS520 for undercutting the GS560 on price when we checked; the GS560 for a roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors; the Hecate for 2.75in drivers at the highest price in the group.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the GS520 (under $50) to the Hecate ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in Gaming PC Speakers Under $150
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Features beyond the spec table
The GS520: USB power. The GS560: a front volume knob. The Hecate: a 10-degree upward tilt.
Where your budget lands
Under $50 buys the GS520 and the GS560; $100 to $150 buys the Hecate at our last check.
Desktop speakers either side of a monitor Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the GS560: the GS520. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the GS520 costs less: the Hecate.
Measure the desk
Check the width of a soundbar against the monitor stand, and the depth of stereo speakers against the desk edge.
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 Gaming PC Speakers Under $150
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the GS560 | GS520 | Undercutting the GS560 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors | GS560 | A roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the GS520 costs less | Hecate | 2.75in drivers at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The GS520, the GS560 and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Speaker | Form | Inputs | Subwoofer | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS520 | Stereo pair | USB power, 3.5mm audio | None | 6 touch RGB modes |
| GS560 | Desktop soundbar | USB power, 3.5mm audio | None | 4 lighting modes, volume knob |
| Hecate | Stereo pair | USB, AUX, Bluetooth 5.1 | None | 12 RGB effects, 10-degree tilt |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the GS520, sat in the under $50 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Hecate at $100 to $150; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Speakers |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | GS520, GS560 |
| About $100 to $150 | Hecate |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the GS520 the Lowest Price Here?
It carries the badge for undercutting the GS560 on price when we checked. It makes sense for anyone who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the GS560.
Beyond the specs, what sets the GS520 and the GS560 apart?
The GS520: six touch-controlled RGB modes. The GS560: a roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors. The Hecate: 2.75in drivers.
Who should choose the Hecate?
The Hecate carries our Premium Pick label for 2.75in drivers at the highest price in the group. It ranks third of 3 here and sat in the $100 to $150 tier at our last price check; it suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the GS520 costs less.
Should I pick the GS520 or the Hecate?
The GS520 suits buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the GS560; the Hecate suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the GS520 costs less.
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 GS520, chosen for undercutting the GS560 on price when we checked. Look at the GS560 for a roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors and the Hecate for 2.75in drivers at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
USB power can cap volume; use a strong port.
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 Gaming Speakers Under $100
- Similar guideThe Best Gaming Speakers
- ExplainerHow to Choose Desktop Speakers for a PC
- ExplainerPC speaker connections compared: 3.5 mm, USB, optical and Bluetooth
- Also see: headsets and headphonesPC Headset Features Explained: What Is Worth Paying For?
- Similar guideThe Best RGB Gaming Speakers
- 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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