Buying Guide
The Best RGB Gaming Speakers
Four speakers compared, from the GS560 to the Hecate, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
RGB gaming speakers add lighting that can match a keyboard and mouse. Every pick has RGB or lighting effects.
Our comparison rests on published figures for form, inputs and extras; where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 4 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 GS520.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Redragon GS560 PC Soundbar (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Redragon GS520 PC Speakers
Six touch-controlled RGB modes.
Best for: Buyers who want six touch-controlled RGB modes.
Our take Check price for Redragon GS520 PC Speakers (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Razer Leviathan V2 X PC Soundbar
Two drivers with two passive radiators.
Best for: Buyers who want two drivers with two passive radiators.
Our take Check price for Razer Leviathan V2 X PC Soundbar (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers
2.75in drivers at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the GS520. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for Redragon GS560 PC Soundbar (opens in a new tab) |
| Six touch-controlled RGB modes. | Buyers who want six touch-controlled RGB modes. | Check price for Redragon GS520 PC Speakers (opens in a new tab) |
| Two drivers with two passive radiators. | Buyers who want two drivers with two passive radiators. | Check price for Razer Leviathan V2 X PC Soundbar (opens in a new tab) |
| 2.75in drivers at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
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 makes the most sense for spending as little as possible, since it offers the cheapest way into this group, below the GS520. It undercut the GS520 and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
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 GS520
Cons
- No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
Also Consider2 of 4
Redragon GS520 PC Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Redragon's GS520 is a USB-powered stereo pair with six touch-controlled RGB modes.
Best for
- Buyers who want six touch-controlled RGB modes.
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
Sound comes over 3.5mm. Volume sits on the speaker itself, so you don't need to reach for the keyboard. Separate volume buttons give precise control, and it runs on USB power with 3.5mm audio and mic cables.
The brushed finish suits a minimalist desk. Its full-range 2.0 stereo drivers suit a small desk without a subwoofer. No other pick in this guide offers 6 touch RGB modes extras; compare the Leviathan V2 X, which has 14 Chroma RGB zones extras.
It also offers a low price tier. USB supplies power only; sound arrives over the 3.5mm cable. When we checked, only the GS560 cost less, and the Leviathan V2 X cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form: Stereo pair
- Inputs: USB power, 3.5mm audio
- Subwoofer: None
- Extras: 6 touch RGB modes
Pros
- Six touch-controlled RGB modes
- USB power
- Low price tier
Cons
- No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
- Costs more than the GS560 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 4
Razer Leviathan V2 X PC Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's Leviathan V2 X runs power and sound over one USB-C cable, with two drivers and two passive radiators.
Best for
- Buyers who want two drivers with two passive radiators.
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.
No other pick in this guide offers 14 Chroma RGB zones extras; compare the GS520, which has 6 touch RGB modes extras. It also offers a 90dB maximum volume. 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. When we checked, only the GS520 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Hecate cost more.
Key dimensions & 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
Premium Pick4 of 4
Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Edifier's Hecate pair uses 2.75in drivers tilted up 10 degrees toward the listener.
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
It takes USB, AUX and Bluetooth. Its 2.75-inch drivers produce 16W plus 16W peak, and 12 RGB effects can sync with gameplay. It switches between Bluetooth and wired sources.
Matte panels and metal knobs resist scratches, and one-click EQ switches between Gaming, Movie and Music modes. It also comes with a 10-degree upward tilt. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games.
It makes the most sense for buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since it offers 2.75in drivers at the highest price in the group. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Leviathan V2 X.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form: Stereo pair
- Peak power: 32W
- Inputs: USB, AUX, Bluetooth 5.1
- Subwoofer: None
- Extras: 12 RGB effects, 10-degree tilt
Pros
- 2.75in drivers
- 10-degree upward tilt
- 12 RGB effects
- 2.75in drivers at the highest price in the group
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 RGB Gaming Speakers
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.
- Inputs
- We checked USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth, optical and HDMI support.
- Power figures
- We noted peak and RMS figures, without comparing unlike figures.
- Extras
- We checked subwoofers, lighting, remotes and headphone outputs.
What to Look for in RGB Gaming Speakers
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
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.
Measure the desk
Check the width of a soundbar against the monitor stand, and the depth of stereo speakers against the desk edge.
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.
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.
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 RGB Gaming Speakers
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | GS560 | The cheapest way into this group, below the GS520 |
| Buyers who want six touch-controlled RGB modes | GS520 | Six touch-controlled RGB modes |
| Buyers who want two drivers with two passive radiators | Leviathan V2 X | Two drivers with two passive radiators |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | Hecate | 2.75in drivers 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 | Inputs | Subwoofer | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS560 | Desktop soundbar | USB power, 3.5mm audio | None | 4 lighting modes, volume knob |
| GS520 | Stereo pair | USB power, 3.5mm audio | None | 6 touch RGB modes |
| Leviathan V2 X | Desktop soundbar | USB-C (power and audio), Bluetooth 5.0 | Two passive radiators | 14 Chroma RGB zones |
| Hecate | Stereo pair | USB, AUX, Bluetooth 5.1 | None | 12 RGB effects, 10-degree tilt |
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, GS520 |
| About $50 to $100 | Leviathan V2 X |
| About $100 to $150 | Hecate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick costs the least here?
The GS560 cost the least when we checked, and the Hecate 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.
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.
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.
Is Bluetooth fine for games?
For casual play it is usable, but it adds delay. A wired input avoids that.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the GS560, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the GS520. Look at the GS520 for six touch-controlled RGB modes, the Leviathan V2 X for two drivers with two passive radiators and the Hecate for 2.75in drivers at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Lighting does not change the sound; compare inputs and form first.