Buying Guide
The Best RGB PC Speakers
From the GS520 to the Pebble X Plus: four speakers ranked on form and inputs, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
RGB speakers match a lit desk and often sync to audio. Every pick has lighting, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for form, inputs and subwoofer; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Redragon GS520 PC SpeakersUndercutting the GS560 on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the GS560.
Check price for Redragon GS520 PC Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Redragon GS560 PC SoundbarA roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors.
Best for: Buyers who want roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors.
Check price for Redragon GS560 PC Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Razer Leviathan V2 X PC SoundbarTwo drivers with two passive radiators.
Best for: Buyers who want two drivers with two passive radiators.
Check price for Razer Leviathan V2 X PC Soundbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 SpeakersThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter.
Best for: Buyers who want 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter and can spend more than the Leviathan V2 X costs.
Check price for Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the GS560 on price when we checked. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the GS560. | Check price for Redragon GS520 PC Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors. | Buyers who want roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors. | Check price for Redragon GS560 PC Soundbar on Amazon (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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter. | Buyers who want 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter and can spend more than the Leviathan V2 X costs. | Check price for Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
Redragon GS520 PC Speakers
Redragon's GS520 is a USB-powered stereo pair with six touch-controlled RGB modes.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the GS560.
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
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.
You also get a low price tier. USB supplies power only; sound arrives over the 3.5mm cable. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the GS560 was closest.
Key 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
- Undercutting the GS560 on price when we checked
Cons
- No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
Also Consider2 of 4
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
- Buyers who want roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers rules it out for your setup.
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. On price it sat second of 4, between the cheaper GS520 and the pricier Leviathan V2 X, at the time of writing.
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
Cons
- No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
- Costs more than the GS520 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 4
Razer Leviathan V2 X PC Soundbar
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
- Skip it if price comes first: the GS520 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.
A two passive radiators subwoofer is unique to it among these picks, while the Pebble X Plus uses a separate subwoofer. 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. When we checked, only the GS560 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Pebble X Plus cost more.
Key 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 GS520 at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 4
Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 Speakers
Creative's Pebble X Plus is a compact 2.1 set that doubles to 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter.
Best for
- Buyers who want 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter and can spend more than the Leviathan V2 X costs.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the GS520, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It connects over USB-C, AUX and Bluetooth 5.3. Its 2.75-inch drivers and compact subwoofer deliver 15W RMS and 30W peak, and a 30W USB-C PD adapter unlocks more volume. RGB lighting can be set to match a desk setup.
No other pick in this guide offers a separate subwoofer; compare the Leviathan V2 X, which has a two passive radiators subwoofer. You get RGB extras here, which sets it apart from the Leviathan V2 X and its 14 Chroma RGB zones extras. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. It was the highest-priced of the 4 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Leviathan V2 X and the rest.
Key specs
- Form
- 2.1 with subwoofer
- Peak power
- 30W
- Inputs
- USB-C, AUX, Bluetooth 5.3
- Subwoofer
- Separate subwoofer
- Extras
- RGB
Pros
- 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter
- Compact 2.1 layout
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Separate subwoofer, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the GS520 at the time of writing
How We Chose These RGB PC Speakers
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 four speakers on form, inputs, subwoofer and extras from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and all 4 compared fields are stated for every pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the GS520 to the Pebble X Plus, state form, inputs and subwoofer.
- Who each pick suits
- The GS520 for undercutting the GS560 on price when we checked; the GS560 for a roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors; the Leviathan V2 X for two drivers with two passive radiators.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the GS520 (under $50) to the Pebble X Plus ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in RGB PC Speakers
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Features beyond the spec table
The GS560: a front volume knob. The Leviathan V2 X: power and audio over one USB-C cable. The Pebble X Plus: a compact 2.1 layout.
How much to spend
Under $50 buys the GS520 and the GS560; $50 to $100 buys the Leviathan V2 X; $100 to $150 buys the Pebble X Plus at our last check.
Desktop speakers either side of a monitor Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the GS560: the GS520. Buyers who want 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter and can spend more than the Leviathan V2 X costs: the Pebble X Plus.
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.
White bookshelf speakers either side of a monitor 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.
How to Choose RGB PC Speakers
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the GS560 | GS520 | Undercutting the GS560 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors | GS560 | A roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors |
| Buyers who want two drivers with two passive radiators | Leviathan V2 X | Two drivers with two passive radiators |
| Buyers who want 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter and can spend more than the Leviathan V2 X costs | Pebble X Plus | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The GS520, the GS560 and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Speaker | Form | Inputs | Subwoofer | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS520 | Stereo pair | USB power, 3.5mm audio | None | 6 touch RGB modes |
| GS560 | Desktop soundbar | USB power, 3.5mm audio | None | 4 lighting modes, volume knob |
| Leviathan V2 X | Desktop soundbar | USB-C (power and audio), Bluetooth 5.0 | Two passive radiators | 14 Chroma RGB zones |
| Pebble X Plus | 2.1 with subwoofer | USB-C, AUX, Bluetooth 5.3 | Separate subwoofer | RGB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the GS520, sat in the under $50 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Pebble X Plus at $100 to $150; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Speakers |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | GS520, GS560 |
| About $50 to $100 | Leviathan V2 X |
| About $100 to $150 | Pebble X Plus |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the GS520 the Lowest Price Here?
It carries the badge for undercutting the GS560 on price when we checked. It is aimed at anyone who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the GS560.
Beyond the specs, what sets the GS520 and the GS560 apart?
The GS520: six touch-controlled RGB modes. The GS560: a roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors. The Leviathan V2 X: two drivers with two passive radiators.
Who should choose the Pebble X Plus?
The Pebble X Plus carries our Premium Pick label for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter. It ranks fourth of 4 here and sat in the $100 to $150 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who wants 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter and can spend more than the Leviathan V2 X costs.
Should I pick the GS520 or the Pebble X Plus?
The GS520 suits buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the GS560; the Pebble X Plus suits buyers who want 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter and can spend more than the Leviathan V2 X costs.
What else do the Leviathan V2 X and the Pebble X Plus offer?
The Leviathan V2 X: a 90dB maximum volume. The Pebble X Plus: Bluetooth 5.3.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the GS520, chosen for undercutting the GS560 on price when we checked. Look at the GS560 for a roughly 16in body that fits under most monitors, the Leviathan V2 X for two drivers with two passive radiators and the Pebble X Plus for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 15W RMS by default and 30W RMS with a 30W+ USB-C PD adapter if those matter more to you.
Turn lighting to static to avoid distraction while working.
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
- Lower budgetThe Best PC Speakers Under $40
- Similar guideThe Best RGB Gaming Speakers
- ExplainerHow to Choose Desktop Speakers for a PC
- ExplainerPC speaker connections compared: 3.5 mm, USB, optical and Bluetooth
- Also see: headsets and headphonesHeadset connection types for PC, PS5 and Xbox
- Similar guideThe Best Gaming 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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