On a computer, using headphones is fine, but speakers will clearly be more comfortable for long periods of time. Here is our comparison of the best speakers for your PC, either to play quietly or to watch videos without disconnecting from the world.
Headphones are often the companion of choice for PC gamers, especially when you need a microphone to communicate with your teammates in online games. But having real speakers is sometimes more practical and especially more comfortable if you are not a fan of having your ears covered all the time. In fact, headphones and speakers are complementary to build a complete and efficient installation.
Whether it is to play games, listen to music or simply watch a video or a series, we have selected the best PC speakers of the moment for you. Here we offer classic speakers, to be connected to the audio port of your PC tower. If you don’t want to bother with cables or prefer a backup solution, you can also just use your Bluetooth speaker.
And if you want a good headset, check out our selection of PC gaming headsets.
Do you work from home and want advice to set up your office? Find our complete guide to the best equipment for teleworking, as well as the best gaming chairs, the best screens and the best office keyboards.
The best PC speakers at a glance
Bose Companion 2 Series III: our PC speaker recommendation
The Companion 2 are Bose’s entry-level PC speakers, and in our opinion the best compromise in the PC speaker arena. The first reason for this is a limited footprint and a very understated design. The two speakers will fit perfectly into any interior, leaving room on your desk.
The counterpart of this limited size is logical: the Companion 2 do not shine in the bass. Some frequencies will be chewed up at the bottom of the spectrum. This can be a bit annoying in some cases, but generally speaking, you shouldn’t notice it on a daily basis. Given their price, they couldn’t work miracles either.
We also appreciate the presence of a volume potentiometer on the front, easily accessible, as well as a 3.5 mm jack output on the front. It’s always handy if you need to keep noise down for some reason, especially if you don’t have an audio output on the front panel of your PC tower. Offered below the €110 bar, the Bose Companion 2 Series III are, in our opinion, the best option for PC speakers.
The Bose Companion 2 Series III in brief
- compact and discreet
- Bose quality
- But they lack a bit of bass.
Audio Engine A2+: the premium option
If you are looking to take it to the next level, even if it means spending more, we advise you to turn to the AudioEngine A2+ 60W speakers. In addition to the audio quality historically recognized by the brand, they have the merit of offering Bluetooth, which will allow you to enjoy it easily with your mobile devices too.
They also have a Phono input for turntables and a 3.5-inch jack input. In short, this is a pair of multi-purpose speakers that, to complete an already very complete picture, incorporates a 24-bit DAC to transform your digital signal into an analog signal in the best possible way. On the other hand, you will have to pay the bulky sum of 300 euros to be able to take advantage of it.
Why choose Audio Engine A2+?
- audio quality
- 24 Bit DAC
- Bluetooth and Phono input
Razer Nommo Chroma: for LED lovers
If you are a gamer and you like things full of LEDs, you should know that Razer offers the Nommo Chroma speakers with RGB LEDs that will be added to your equipment from the Razer Chroma ecosystem, such as keyboards and mice. . It’s fun for the atmosphere, especially playing in the dark. They also have the merit of being very well designed and mounted on a stand. This makes them more discreet… when the lighting is not working.
Unlike Bose, Razer’s sound isn’t always very well balanced. So it’s much more for the lights than the sound that you have to go for the Nommo Chroma. Count around 155 euros to get your hands on, which is a bit expensive given the level of audio. That being said, the RGB lighting gives them an undeniable extra soul.
Why choose the Razer Nommo Chroma?
- For RGB lighting
- Because of its small size
- the clean look
Logitech Z200: cheap PC speakers
Conversely, if you’re on a budget, we recommend heading to Logitech and their Z200 Speakers. Sold around 30 euros, do not expect miracles in the sound. On the other hand, they will be very suitable as a backup solution when you don’t want to use the helmet. Note that they also include a 3.5mm jack input and output.
Little joke, with bass adjustment wheel, but then again, with speakers this small, it will do more to cut than boost. Both speakers offer a maximum power of 10 W. In other words, you won’t be shaking the walls. The Z200 also exists in a Bluetooth version, numbered Z207 and sold for 50 euros. It’s a little better when it’s needed.
Why choose the Logitech Z200?
- a very small price
- Logitech quality
Logitech Z906: for maximum immersion
If we often imagine 5.1 kits reserved for the living room, this is not always the case. Logitech has been offering its Z906 kit for a long time.
Composed of 5 speakers and a subwoofer, this kit also comes with a docking station that includes the connectors. The latter consists of two optical inputs, one coaxial as well as RCA and traditional mini jack inputs. We regret, however, the absence of an HDMI input which would have been handy for more recent consoles.
From a purely sonic point of view, things are quite satisfactory. The speakers sound clean and detailed, with the added bonus of enough power to shake the walls when you turn up the volume.
If you want great sound for your PC (or your TV) without investing in a true home theater kit with an amplifier, we can’t do better despite how old this kit is (10 years anyway…).
Why choose Logitech Z906?
- Energy
- they are enveloping
- Shake the walls and angry neighbors
Choosing the right PC speakers
Why choose a PC speaker instead of a classic speaker?
Because they are designed to work with a computer. They typically have a form factor better suited for sitting on a desk and limiting clutter. Some speakers, generally high-end, connect directly to USB and also incorporate their own DAC (digital / analog signal converter) to offer better sound quality. Finally, some, more oriented towards games, also have LED lighting.
How do I connect my speakers to my computer?
Most of the products in our selection offer different connection modes. Some claim to plug and play right on your computer. All you have to do is connect the dedicated cable to the correct port. Others require a wireless connection. Through a button placed on a speaker, you only have to activate the Bluetooth of your PC to establish a good connection.
Do I need a dedicated sound card?
Unlike wired headphones that are sometimes quite sensitive to the quality of their audio outputs, most speakers will be happy with the output built into their motherboard. If you notice excessively audible interference, purchasing an entry-level card may help resolve the issue.
How did we make this selection?
To make our selection of the best PC speakers, we first base ourselves on the price criteria, but also on the size of the speakers, their aesthetics, as well as certain technical specificities. If audio quality is obviously important, we consider it a bit more secondary on PC speakers, so we spend a little less time on this point than on headphones, for example. Know that if we have not tested strictly speaking all the products in this selection, we know most of them. When in doubt, we conduct a press review of various tests to ensure we bring you products that won’t let you down.
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