Buying Guide
The Best PC Soundbars
We weighed three speakers on peak power and form, and the GS560 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Redragon GS560 PC Soundbar
The cheapest way into this group, below the GS3.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Redragon GS560 PC Soundbar (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Creative Sound Blaster GS3 Soundbar
A headphone output.
Best for: Buyers who want headphone output.
Our take Check price for Creative Sound Blaster GS3 Soundbar (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Philips Portable Bluetooth Soundbar
A 12-hour battery at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for Philips Portable Bluetooth Soundbar (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the GS3. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for Redragon GS560 PC Soundbar (opens in a new tab) |
| A headphone output. | Buyers who want headphone output. | Check price for Creative Sound Blaster GS3 Soundbar (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. | Check price for Philips Portable Bluetooth Soundbar (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 3
Redragon GS560 PC Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
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 cost the least of the 3 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 dimensions & 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
Also Consider2 of 3
Creative Sound Blaster GS3 Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
Worth noting too: highest peak power of the picks (24W). On price it sat second of 3, between the cheaper GS560 and the pricier Philips soundbar, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
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 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 dimensions & 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
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Form and size
- We recorded whether each is a soundbar, a stereo pair or a 2.1 set.
- Power figures
- We noted peak and RMS figures, without comparing unlike figures.
- Inputs
- We checked USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth, optical and HDMI support.
- Extras
- We checked subwoofers, lighting, remotes and headphone outputs.
What to Look for in a PC Soundbar
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
Read wattage carefully
Peak figures are much higher than RMS (continuous) figures, and brands mix them. Compare like with like, and treat wattage as a rough guide rather than a measure of quality.
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.
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.
Soundbar or stereo pair
A soundbar sits under a monitor and saves desk width. A stereo pair spreads the sound wider and usually fills a room better at the same price.
Measure the desk
Check the width of a soundbar against the monitor stand, and the depth of stereo speakers against the desk edge.
How to Choose a PC Soundbar
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | 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 | Philips soundbar | A 12-hour battery at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| 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
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Speakers |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | GS560 |
| About $50 to $100 | GS3, Philips soundbar |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least I can spend on one of these speakers?
The GS560 cost the least when we checked, and the Philips soundbar sat at the top of the range. Prices move often, so check the current listing before buying.
Does RGB lighting affect sound?
No. Lighting is cosmetic; some sets let you turn it off.
Where should desk speakers go?
Place stereo speakers either side of the monitor at ear height, angled toward you. Keep a soundbar centered below the screen.
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.
Do virtual surround modes work on PC?
Some need the brand's software or Windows spatial sound settings. Support can differ between Windows and macOS.
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.