Buying Guide
The Best PC Soundbars
We weighed three speakers on peak power and form, and the GS560 costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read3 products evaluated
A desktop soundbar fits under a monitor and runs from USB or 3.5mm without a TV connection. Every pick is a desktop-style soundbar, ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these speakers on form, peak power and inputs using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these speakers ourselves, and where a maker leaves out peak power, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 3 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Redragon GS560 PC SoundbarThe cheapest way into this group, below the GS3.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the GS3 the next step up.
Check price for Redragon GS560 PC Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Creative Sound Blaster GS3 SoundbarA headphone output.
Best for: Buyers who want headphone output.
Check price for Creative Sound Blaster GS3 Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Philips Portable Bluetooth SoundbarA 12-hour battery at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the GS560 costs less.
Check price for Philips Portable Bluetooth Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the GS3. | Spending as little as possible, with the GS3 the next step up. | Check price for Redragon GS560 PC Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A headphone output. | Buyers who want headphone output. | Check price for Creative Sound Blaster GS3 Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 12-hour battery at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the GS560 costs less. | Check price for Philips Portable Bluetooth Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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
- Spending as little as possible, with the GS3 the next step up.
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
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 makes the most sense for spending as little as possible, with the GS3 the next step up, since it offers the cheapest way into this group, below the GS3. It cost the least of the 3 picks at the time of writing, with the GS3 the next step up.
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
- The cheapest way into this group, below the GS3
Cons
- No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
- No published peak power
The catch
There is no published peak power figure, whereas the GS3 offers 24W.
Also Consider2 of 3
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
- Buyers who want headphone output.
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
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 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 3, 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
Premium Pick3 of 3
Philips Portable Bluetooth Soundbar
Philips's soundbar runs on a 12-hour battery and connects over Bluetooth 5.4.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the GS560 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
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 offers 7W RMS output. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. Only the GS3 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 3 picks.
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 PC Soundbars
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 lined up three speakers on form, peak power, inputs and subwoofer, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and peak power is missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 3, from the GS560 to the Philips soundbar, state form, inputs and subwoofer.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The GS560 gives no peak power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the GS560 (under $50) to the Philips soundbar ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a PC Soundbar
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much peak power you need
The GS3 tops peak power at 24W and the Philips soundbar sits lowest at 14W. The GS3 is the pick for peak power. The GS560 gives no peak power figure, so 2 of 3 picks are compared here.
Extras that separate them
The GS560: a front volume knob. The GS3: Bluetooth 5.4. The Philips soundbar: a built-in microphone for calls.
White bookshelf speakers either side of a monitor Where your budget lands
Under $50 buys the GS560; $50 to $100 buys the GS3 and the Philips soundbar at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Spending as little as possible, with the GS3 the next step up: the GS560. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the GS560 costs less: the Philips soundbar.
A wooden desk with a monitor on an arm and small speakers Do you need a subwoofer
A separate or down-firing subwoofer adds low bass for films and games. In a flat or shared room, a 2.0 set may be the better neighbor.
How to Choose a PC Soundbar
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the GS3 the next step up | GS560 | The cheapest way into this group, below the GS3 |
| Buyers who want headphone output | GS3 | A headphone output |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the GS560 costs less | Philips soundbar | A 12-hour battery at the highest price in the group |
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 GS560 leaves the figure out.
| Speaker | Form | Peak power | Inputs | Subwoofer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS560 | Desktop soundbar | Not listed | USB power, 3.5mm audio | None |
| GS3 | Desktop soundbar | 24W | USB-C, AUX, Bluetooth 5.4 | 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 Philips soundbar the highest ($50 to $100) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Speakers |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | GS560 |
| About $50 to $100 | GS3, Philips soundbar |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Philips soundbar compare with the GS3 on peak power?
Between the top two, it is 24W on the GS3 against 14W on the Philips soundbar, a 71% difference. The GS560 doesn't state a peak power figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 2 of 3 picks are ranked.
Why is the GS560 our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the GS3. It suits spending as little as possible, with the GS3 the next step up.
What extras do the GS560 and the GS3 include?
The GS560: a roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors. The GS3: a headphone output. The Philips soundbar: a 12-hour battery.
Should I pick the GS560 or the Philips soundbar?
The GS560 suits spending as little as possible, with the GS3 the next step up; the Philips soundbar suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the GS560 costs less.
Does RGB lighting affect sound?
No. Lighting is cosmetic; some sets let you turn it off.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the GS560, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the GS3. Look at the GS3 for a headphone output and the Philips soundbar for a 12-hour battery at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Place it centred under the monitor for the best stereo image.
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
- Similar guideThe Best 2.1 PC Speakers
- Similar guideThe Best Surround Sound PC 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 PC 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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