The Best USB Powered PC Speakers

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 GS3, which has headphone output extras.

It also offers 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. If you want a confirmed peak power, look to the Z407 instead: it offers 80W, while this one gives no figure.

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 5, between the cheaper GS520 and the pricier GS3, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its peak power; if that figure matters, the Z407 offers 80W.

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. It is the only pick here with headphone output extras; the GS520 has 6 touch RGB modes extras instead. It also comes with three inputs in a compact bar.

Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. It was priced above the GS560 and below the Z407 at the time of writing.

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.

Wireless control dial extras is unique to it among these picks, while the GS3 uses headphone output extras. It also comes with 40W RMS output and three inputs. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games.

Worth noting: separate subwoofer, the only one here. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the GS520 at the time of writing. Its price falls between the GS3 and the M60, based on our last check.

It also offers 66W RMS. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. Only the Z407 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. There is no published peak power figure, whereas the Z407 offers 80W.