Buying Guide
The Best USB Powered PC Speakers
From the GS560 to the Leviathan V2: four speakers ranked on form and inputs, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
USB-powered speakers run from the PC with no wall adapter. Every pick offers USB power or audio.
We sorted these picks by form, inputs and extras, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and any figure a maker omits is noted as missing.
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
Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers
16W RMS output.
Best for: Buyers who want 16W RMS output.
Our take Check price for Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Razer Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar with Subwoofer
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a down-firing subwoofer.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Razer Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar with Subwoofer (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) |
| 16W RMS output. | Buyers who want 16W RMS output. | Check price for Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a down-firing subwoofer. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for Razer Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar with Subwoofer (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
- Pass on it if no subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main driver 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.
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 G2000, which has 12 RGB effects 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 G2000 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
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
- Buyers who want 16W RMS output.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main driver rules it out for your setup.
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 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.
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the GS560 at the time of writing. It was priced above the GS520 and below the Leviathan V2 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
Cons
- No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
- Costs more than the GS560 at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 4
Razer Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar with Subwoofer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Leviathan V2 adds a down-firing subwoofer and THX Spatial Audio to Razer's desktop bar.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the GS560 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Bluetooth 5.2 covers phones. Two full-range drivers and a down-firing subwoofer come in a bar that fits under a monitor. THX Spatial Audio adds 7.1 virtual surround for games and films.
It also offers 18 Chroma RGB zones. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. It makes the most sense for buyers who want the most complete package, since it offers the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a down-firing subwoofer.
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the GS560 at the time of writing. At our last price check it topped the group, with the G2000 the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form: Desktop soundbar with subwoofer
- Inputs: USB, Bluetooth 5.2
- Subwoofer: Down-firing subwoofer
- Extras: THX Spatial Audio, 18 RGB zones
Pros
- Down-firing subwoofer
- THX Spatial Audio 7.1 virtual surround
- 18 Chroma RGB zones
- The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a down-firing subwoofer
Cons
- Costs more than the GS560 at the time of writing
How We Chose These USB Powered PC Speakers
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Inputs
- We checked USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth, optical and HDMI support.
- Form and size
- We recorded whether each is a soundbar, a stereo pair or a 2.1 set.
- Extras
- We checked subwoofers, lighting, remotes and headphone outputs.
- Power figures
- We noted peak and RMS figures, without comparing unlike figures.
What to Look for in USB Powered PC 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.
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.
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.
How to Choose USB Powered PC 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 16W RMS output | G2000 | 16W RMS output |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | Leviathan V2 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a down-firing subwoofer |
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 |
| G2000 | Stereo pair | USB, AUX, Bluetooth | None | 12 RGB effects |
| Leviathan V2 | Desktop soundbar with subwoofer | USB, Bluetooth 5.2 | Down-firing subwoofer | THX Spatial Audio, 18 RGB zones |
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 $100 to $150 | G2000 |
| About $150 to $250 | Leviathan V2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick costs the least here?
The GS560. It undercut the GS520 when we checked, while the Leviathan V2 cost the most of the group.
Can I plug headphones into the speakers?
Only if the maker specifies a headphone output. Otherwise, use the PC's own jack.
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.
Does RGB lighting affect sound?
No. Lighting is cosmetic; some sets let you turn it off.
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 G2000 for 16W RMS output and the Leviathan V2 for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a down-firing subwoofer if those matter more to you.
USB power limits volume; bookshelf speakers with their own supply play louder.