Buying Guide

The Best Speakers for a Gaming PC

Stereo pairs and 2.1 sets fill a room better than most bars. These six cover budgets from entry to high-power.

By The PC Journal editorial team

12 min read6 products evaluated

Speakers either side of the monitor give a wider stereo image than a bar, and a separate subwoofer adds bass. The sets here range from USB-powered pairs to a 240W peak 2.1 set.

We compared layout, inputs, power figures and controls from each listing.

Quick Picks

Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

  1. Best for Gaming

    Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming Speakers

    Subwoofer with DTS:X and game-driven lighting.

    Best for: Immersive play

    Our take Check price for Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming Speakers (opens in a new tab)

  2. Best Stereo Pair

    Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers

    16W RMS with USB, AUX and Bluetooth.

    Best for: Balanced desk sound

    Our take Check price for Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers (opens in a new tab)

  3. Best Angled Pair

    Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers

    Drivers tilted 10 degrees toward you.

    Best for: Low desks

    Our take Check price for Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers (opens in a new tab)

  4. Best Controls

    Logitech Z407 2.1 Bluetooth Speakers with Subwoofer

    Wireless dial with a 30m range.

    Best for: Couch and desk

    Our take Check price for Logitech Z407 2.1 Bluetooth Speakers with Subwoofer (opens in a new tab)

  5. Best Compact 2.1

    Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 Speakers

    Up to 30W RMS with a PD adapter.

    Best for: Small desks

    Our take Check price for Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 Speakers (opens in a new tab)

  6. Best Budget Pair

    Redragon GS520 PC Speakers

    Lowest price tier, USB powered.

    Best for: First speakers

    Our take Check price for Redragon GS520 PC Speakers (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming Speakers

Best for Gaming1 of 6

Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Logitech's G560 is a 2.1 set with a separate subwoofer, DTS:X virtual surround and four lighting zones that react to games.

Best for

Immersive play

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the GS520 cost less when we checked.

Why we like it

DTS:X is not available on Mac. It pairs 240W peak power with a subwoofer and DTS:X Ultra surround. LIGHTSYNC RGB reacts to supported games.

Its subwoofer and satellites can be placed apart for a wider soundstage. At 240W peak it is loud enough for a large room, and it connects over USB or Bluetooth. Nothing else here matches its 240W peak power; the Z407 comes closest at 80W.

Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the GS520 at the time of writing. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Pebble X Plus the nearest cheaper option.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Form: 2.1 with subwoofer
  • Peak power: 240W
  • Inputs: USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth
  • Subwoofer: Separate subwoofer
  • Extras: DTS:X 2.0, 4 lighting zones

Pros

  • DTS:X virtual surround on Windows
  • Four game-driven lighting zones
  • Separate subwoofer
  • Highest peak power of the picks (240W)

Cons

  • Costs more than the GS520 at the time of writing
Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers

Best Stereo Pair2 of 6

Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Edifier's G2000 offers 16W RMS and 32W peak with USB, AUX and Bluetooth inputs.

Best for

Balanced desk sound

Skip if

Look at the others if this bothers you: no subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers.

Why we like it

Twelve RGB effects are built in. Its 2.75-inch drivers and rear bass ports deliver 16W RMS, and Game, Music and Movie EQ modes change the tuning. It suits a gaming desk without a subwoofer.

Its column cabinets tilt 10 degrees toward you, and it connects over 3.5mm, Bluetooth or USB. It matches the Hecate on peak power (32W). It is the only pick here with 12 RGB effects extras; the GS520 has 6 touch RGB modes extras instead.

Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. It was priced above the GS520 and below the Hecate at the time of writing.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Form: Stereo pair
  • Peak power: 32W
  • Inputs: USB, AUX, Bluetooth
  • Subwoofer: None
  • Extras: 12 RGB effects

Pros

  • 16W RMS output
  • Three inputs
  • 12 RGB effects
  • Peak power of 32W, ahead of the Pebble X Plus

Cons

  • No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
  • Costs more than the GS520 at the time of writing
Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers

Best Angled Pair3 of 6

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

Low desks

Skip if

Look at the others if this bothers you: 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. On peak power it ties with the G2000 at 32W. You also get a 10-degree upward tilt.

Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the GS520 at the time of writing.

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
  • Peak power of 32W, ahead of the Pebble X Plus

Cons

  • No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
  • Costs more than the GS520 at the time of writing
Logitech Z407 2.1 Bluetooth Speakers with Subwoofer

Best Controls4 of 6

Logitech Z407 2.1 Bluetooth Speakers with Subwoofer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Logitech's Z407 adds a subwoofer and a wireless control dial with a 30m range.

Best for

Couch and desk

Skip if

If budget leads, the GS520 was cheaper at our last price check.

Why we like it

It has 40W RMS. It delivers 80W peak and 40W RMS with a down-firing subwoofer, and it connects over Bluetooth or USB. A wireless control puck handles volume.

On peak power it sits mid-pack at 80W: the G560 offers 240W, and the Pebble X Plus comes in at 30W. Wireless control dial extras is unique to it among these picks, while the GS520 uses 6 touch RGB modes extras. It also comes with 40W RMS output and three inputs.

Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. Its price falls between the Hecate and the Pebble X Plus, based on our last check.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Form: 2.1 with subwoofer
  • Peak power: 80W
  • Inputs: USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth
  • Subwoofer: Separate subwoofer
  • Extras: Wireless control dial

Pros

  • Wireless control dial with a 30m range
  • 40W RMS output
  • Three inputs
  • Peak power of 80W, ahead of the G2000

Cons

  • Costs more than the GS520 at the time of writing
Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 Speakers

Best Compact 2.15 of 6

Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

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

Small desks

Skip if

Skip it if peak power matters most to you; the G560 offers 240W.

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.

On peak power it trails the group at 30W, while the G560 offers 240W. You get RGB extras here, which sets it apart from the Z407 and its wireless control dial extras. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. On price it sat fifth of 6, between the cheaper Z407 and the pricier G560, at the time of writing.

Key dimensions & 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
  • RGB extras, the only one here

Cons

  • Peak power trails the G560 (240W)
  • Costs more than the GS520 at the time of writing
Redragon GS520 PC Speakers

Best Budget Pair6 of 6

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

First speakers

Skip if

Worth skipping when no subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main driver is a problem.

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 G2000, which has 12 RGB effects 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 G2000 was closest. If you want a confirmed peak power, look to the G560 instead: it offers 240W, while this one gives no figure.

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
  • Lowest price tier, USB powered

Cons

  • No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
  • No published peak power

How We Chose These Speakers for a Gaming PC

Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Power figures
We noted peak and RMS figures, without comparing unlike figures.
Extras
We checked subwoofers, lighting, remotes and headphone outputs.
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.

What to Look for in Speakers for a Gaming PC

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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 Speakers for a Gaming PC

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Immersive playG560Subwoofer with DTS:X and game-driven lighting
Balanced desk soundG200016W RMS with USB, AUX and Bluetooth
Low desksHecateDrivers tilted 10 degrees toward you
Couch and deskZ407Wireless dial with a 30m range
Small desksPebble X PlusUp to 30W RMS with a PD adapter
First speakersGS520Lowest price tier, USB powered

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

Figures as each maker states them.

SpeakerFormPeak powerInputsSubwoofer
G5602.1 with subwoofer240WUSB, 3.5mm, BluetoothSeparate subwoofer
G2000Stereo pair32WUSB, AUX, BluetoothNone
HecateStereo pair32WUSB, AUX, Bluetooth 5.1None
Z4072.1 with subwoofer80WUSB, 3.5mm, BluetoothSeparate subwoofer
Pebble X Plus2.1 with subwoofer30WUSB-C, AUX, Bluetooth 5.3Separate subwoofer
GS520Stereo pairNot listedUSB power, 3.5mm audioNone

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 tierSpeakers
Under $50GS520
About $100 to $150G2000, Hecate, Z407, Pebble X Plus
About $150 to $250G560

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 plug headphones into the speakers?

Only if the maker specifies a headphone output. Otherwise, use the PC's own jack.

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.

Is Bluetooth fine for games?

For casual play it is usable, but it adds delay. A wired input avoids that.

Bottom Line

The Logitech G560 is the pick for games with a subwoofer and game-driven lighting. The Edifier G2000 and Hecate are the balanced stereo pairs, the Z407 adds a wireless dial, the Pebble X Plus is the compact 2.1, and the GS520 costs least.