The Best Gaming Speaker Bars for a PC Desk

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. Buyers who need a confirmed peak power should compare it with the GS3, which offers 24W.

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.

It also offers 18 Chroma RGB zones. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. You also get 7W RMS output.

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. It was priced above the GS3 and below the Leviathan V2 X at the time of writing.