The Best PC Speakers for Your Desk

Its 2.25in drivers angle up at 45 degrees toward the listener, and a gain switch adds volume. Its 2.25-inch drivers are 50% louder than the previous Pebble, and Clear Dialog processing helps speech in calls and films. It also connects over Bluetooth 5.0 or a 3.5mm input, and its drivers angle up 45 degrees toward your ears.

Its 2.25-inch drivers are 50% louder than the previous Pebble, and one USB-C cable carries power and audio. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. It cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the Pebble Pro the next step up. There is no published peak power figure, whereas the ProMedia 2.1 offers 200W.

Creative offers up to 10W RMS and 20W peak when powered from a suitable USB-C source. Built-in amps with audio processing drive noticeably more output than earlier Pebbles, and RGB lighting has three effects. It runs from USB-C.

BassFlex tuning extends the low end, and the drivers angle 45 degrees toward you. One USB cable carries power and audio. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. When we checked, only the Pebble V3 cost less, and the Z313 cost more.

Logitech offers 25W RMS in total. It outputs 25W RMS, and a wired control pod handles volume and power. The wired control pod keeps volume and power within reach on the desk.

On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper Pebble Pro and the pricier R980T, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its peak power; if that figure matters, the ProMedia 2.1 offers 200W.

Two AUX inputs, 3.5mm and RCA, can stay connected at the same time. Its wooden enclosures reduce resonance, and RCA and 3.5mm cables are included with a universal power supply. It suits music and films on a desk.

It delivers 24W RMS through a front-facing flared bass port, so it can sit close to a wall. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Pebble V3 at the time of writing. Its price falls between the Z313 and the R1280DB, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed peak power should compare it with the ProMedia 2.1, which offers 200W.

A remote and side knobs handle volume, bass and treble. It suits music as much as gaming. Bluetooth lets a phone play through it without a cable, and two RCA inputs connect a PC and a TV at once.

Side-panel knobs adjust bass and treble on the powered speaker. Optical and coaxial inputs connect a TV or console digitally. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games.

When we checked, only the R980T and cheaper picks cost less, and the ProMedia 2.1 cost more. If you want a confirmed peak power, look to the ProMedia 2.1 instead: it offers 200W, while this one gives no figure.

Klipsch offers 200W peak, the highest figure here, and the control pod sets subwoofer level separately. It is THX certified, and Klipsch's horn tweeters give clear highs at volume. The subwoofer adds real bass for games and films.

A control pod on the right satellite handles volume and bass. Its THX certification means it met THX's performance standards for a computer speaker system. The nearest alternative on peak power is the Pebble Pro at 20W, against 200W here.

Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Pebble V3 at the time of writing. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the R1280DB.