Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Speaker Bars for a PC Desk
A desk soundbar fits under a monitor and saves width. These five differ in inputs, bass and extras.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated

A speaker bar is the tidy way to get sound at a desk: one unit under the monitor instead of two speakers either side. Inputs vary, from USB-C to 3.5mm to Bluetooth.
We compared inputs, bass hardware, lighting and extras from each listing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

Best Single-Cable Bar
Razer Leviathan V2 X PC SoundbarPower and audio over one USB-C cable.
Best for: Tidy desks
Check price for Razer Leviathan V2 X PC Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Bass
Razer Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar with SubwooferDown-firing subwoofer included.
Best for: Games and films
Check price for Razer Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar with Subwoofer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Most Inputs
Creative Sound Blaster GS3 SoundbarUSB-C, AUX and Bluetooth 5.4 plus headphone out.
Best for: Multiple devices
Check price for Creative Sound Blaster GS3 Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Bar
Redragon GS560 PC SoundbarLowest price tier with a front volume knob.
Best for: Budget desks
Check price for Redragon GS560 PC Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Portable Bar
Philips Portable Bluetooth Soundbar12-hour battery.
Best for: Moving between rooms
Check price for Philips Portable Bluetooth Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Power and audio over one USB-C cable. | Tidy desks | Check price for Razer Leviathan V2 X PC Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | Down-firing subwoofer included. | Games and films | Check price for Razer Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar with Subwoofer on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | USB-C, AUX and Bluetooth 5.4 plus headphone out. | Multiple devices | Check price for Creative Sound Blaster GS3 Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | Lowest price tier with a front volume knob. | Budget desks | Check price for Redragon GS560 PC Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | 12-hour battery. | Moving between rooms | Check price for Philips Portable Bluetooth Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Single-Cable Bar1 of 5
Razer Leviathan V2 X PC Soundbar
Razer's Leviathan V2 X runs power and sound over one USB-C cable, with two drivers and two passive radiators.
Best for
- Tidy desks
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the GS560, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is small enough to sit under a monitor. Two full-range drivers and two passive radiators fit in the most compact bar in Razer's Leviathan V2 range. It pairs over low-latency Bluetooth 5.0, and Razer's software controls lighting and audio switching.
It is the only pick here with a two passive radiators subwoofer; the Leviathan V2 has a down-firing subwoofer instead. 14 Chroma RGB zones extras is unique to it among these picks, while the GS3 uses headphone output extras. It also comes with a 90dB maximum volume.
Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. Its price falls between the Philips soundbar and the Leviathan V2, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Form
- Desktop soundbar
- Inputs
- USB-C (power and audio), Bluetooth 5.0
- Subwoofer
- Two passive radiators
- Extras
- 14 Chroma RGB zones
Pros
- Two drivers with two passive radiators
- Power and audio over one USB-C cable
- 90dB maximum volume
- 14 Chroma RGB zones extras, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the GS560 at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed peak power should compare it with the GS3, which offers 24W.
Best Bass2 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
- Games and films
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the GS560, which cost less when we checked.
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. It also offers 18 Chroma RGB zones.
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 Leviathan V2 X. Buyers who need a confirmed peak power should compare it with the GS3, which offers 24W.
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
- Costs more than the GS560 at the time of writing
Most Inputs3 of 5
Creative Sound Blaster GS3 Soundbar
Creative's Sound Blaster GS3 takes USB-C, AUX and Bluetooth 5.4, and has a headphone output.
Best for
- Multiple devices
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers is a problem.
Why we like it
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. You get headphone output extras here, which sets it apart from the Leviathan V2 X and its 14 Chroma RGB zones extras. You also get three inputs in a compact bar.
Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper GS560 and the pricier Philips soundbar, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Form
- Desktop soundbar
- Peak power
- 24W
- Inputs
- USB-C, AUX, Bluetooth 5.4
- Subwoofer
- None
- Extras
- Headphone output
Pros
- Headphone output
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Three inputs in a compact bar
- Highest peak power of the picks (24W)
Cons
- No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
- Costs more than the GS560 at the time of writing
Best Budget Bar4 of 5
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
- Budget desks
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
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 cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the GS3 the next step up. There is no published peak power figure, whereas the GS3 offers 24W.
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
- Lowest price tier with a front volume knob
Cons
- No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
Best Portable Bar5 of 5
Philips Portable Bluetooth Soundbar
Philips's soundbar runs on a 12-hour battery and connects over Bluetooth 5.4.
Best for
- Moving between rooms
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers.
Why we like it
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.
You also get 7W RMS output. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. It was priced above the GS3 and below the Leviathan V2 X at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Form
- Portable soundbar
- Peak power
- 14W
- Inputs
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Subwoofer
- None
- Extras
- 12-hour battery, built-in mic
Pros
- 12-hour battery
- Built-in microphone for calls
- 7W RMS output
- Bluetooth 5.4 inputs, the only one here
Cons
- No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
- Costs more than the GS560 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming Speaker Bars for PC
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 set side by side five speakers on form, peak power, inputs and subwoofer from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 5 fields compared are stated for every pick, while peak power has gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Leviathan V2 X to the Philips soundbar, state form, inputs and subwoofer.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Leviathan V2 X, the Leviathan V2 and the GS560 give no peak power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the GS560 (under $50) to the Leviathan V2 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Gaming Speaker Bar for PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Peak power across these picks
Across these 2 picks peak power spans 14W (the Philips soundbar) to 24W (the GS3). The GS3 is the pick for peak power. The Leviathan V2 X, the Leviathan V2 and the GS560 give no peak power figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Extras that separate them
The GS3: Bluetooth 5.4. The GS560: a front volume knob. The Philips soundbar: a built-in microphone for calls.

A keyboard and mouse on a desk mat below a monitor and speaker Where your budget lands
Under $50 buys the GS560; $50 to $100 buys the GS3, the Philips soundbar and the Leviathan V2 X; $150 to $250 buys the Leviathan V2 at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Tidy desks: the Leviathan V2 X. Games and films: the Leviathan V2. Multiple devices: the GS3.

Desktop speakers either side of a monitor Inputs your PC has
USB speakers need no sound card; 3.5mm works with any PC; Bluetooth frees cables but adds delay; HDMI and optical suit TVs more than desktops.
How to Choose a Gaming Speaker Bar for PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tidy desks | Leviathan V2 X | Power and audio over one USB-C cable |
| Games and films | Leviathan V2 | Down-firing subwoofer included |
| Multiple devices | GS3 | USB-C, AUX and Bluetooth 5.4 plus headphone out |
| Budget desks | GS560 | Lowest price tier with a front volume knob |
| Moving between rooms | Philips soundbar | 12-hour battery |
Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side
The GS3 leads on peak power at 24W, ahead of the Philips soundbar at 14W. "Not listed" marks peak power where the Leviathan V2 X, the Leviathan V2 and the GS560 leave the figure out.
| Speaker | Form | Peak power | Inputs | Subwoofer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leviathan V2 X | Desktop soundbar | Not listed | USB-C (power and audio), Bluetooth 5.0 | Two passive radiators |
| Leviathan V2 | Desktop soundbar with subwoofer | Not listed | USB, Bluetooth 5.2 | Down-firing subwoofer |
| GS3 | Desktop soundbar | 24W | USB-C, AUX, Bluetooth 5.4 | None |
| GS560 | Desktop soundbar | Not listed | USB power, 3.5mm audio | None |
| Philips soundbar | Portable soundbar | 14W | Bluetooth 5.4 | None |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The GS560 was the lowest-priced pick (under $50) and the Leviathan V2 the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Speakers |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | GS560 |
| About $50 to $100 | GS3, Philips soundbar, Leviathan V2 X |
| About $150 to $250 | Leviathan V2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GS3 ahead of the Philips soundbar on peak power?
The GS3 leads at 24W, with the Philips soundbar at 14W. No peak power figure is published for the Leviathan V2 X, the Leviathan V2 and the GS560, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.
Why is the Leviathan V2 our Best Bass pick?
The label rests on down-firing subwoofer included. The GS560, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at games and films.
What extras do the Leviathan V2 X and the Leviathan V2 include?
The Leviathan V2 X: two drivers with two passive radiators. The Leviathan V2: a down-firing subwoofer. The GS3: a headphone output.
Who should choose the Leviathan V2 X?
The Leviathan V2 X carries our Best Single-Cable Bar label for power and audio over one USB-C cable. It ranks first of 5 here and sat in the $50 to $100 tier at our last price check; it suits tidy desks.
Should I pick the Leviathan V2 X or the Philips soundbar?
The Leviathan V2 X suits tidy desks; the Philips soundbar suits moving between rooms.
Bottom Line
The Leviathan V2 X is the simplest desk bar with one USB-C cable. The Leviathan V2 adds a subwoofer, the GS3 adds a headphone output and three inputs, the GS560 costs least, and the Philips runs on battery.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Speakers for a Gaming PC
- Related guideThe Best JBL Soundbars With a Subwoofer
- Related guideThe Best PC Gaming Gear
- 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 Gaming PC Speakers Under $150
- 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
View all articles