The 5 Best Gaming Speakers Reviewed
From the blast of bombs on the battlefield to the screeching of tyres on an asphalt track, the sounds of your video games are a huge factor in achieving an immersive and enjoyable experience during play.
Even if your visuals are as crystal clear as possible, with a CPU and SSD that allows for as many frames per second as your heart desires, shoddy sounds from subpar speakers will ruin the overall effect and could skew your concentration.
If you’re not well-versed in technology, finding a quality set is tricky business – it’s not just about how loud they can go, you know. There are other factors to consider, and that’s why we’ve hand picked five of our favorite pairs, just for you.
To learn more about exactly what constitutes a solid set of speakers, look no further than our handy Buyer’s Guide, which breaks down all of the features you ought to consider before making your choice and hitting Add To Cart.
Last but not least, we’ve even got a set of FAQs at the end, so that any last-minute questions might be answered. We’ve searched the internet to find the most common queries from your fellow customers, providing all the info you need right here.
Time to Shape Up The Sound Of Your Setup? Here’s Our Top Pick:
Best Gaming Speakers
1. Creative Pebble 2.0 USB-Powered Desktop Speakers
For a pair of affordable PC speakers that look great and sound better, we highly recommend this pair of Pebble 2.0s from Creative, available in two streamlined, stylish designs to match any budding PC builder’s set up. And that’s why they’re our top pick!
Connected using a single USB cable, there’s no need for additional wires that ruin the aesthetic of your desk.
Weighing only 645 grams, these are some seriously small but mighty speakers, with an excellent 100 Hertz frequency response.
Featuring custom-tuned far-field drivers and rear facing passive radiators, you’ll achieve excellent audio quality alongside some enhanced bass reproduction; drivers are also elevated at 45 degrees for increased projection and truly immersive audio.
The contemporary design is eye catching and impressive, with easy access to the volume controls, which are conveniently placed at the front of the speaker to allow instant adjustments whenever you want to change things up.
Simply plug it in via USB and hook it up to your sound system using the 3.5mm audio jack input, to enjoy the immersive, crystal clear sounds – the four foot cable should be more than long enough to achieve this without compromising the visual appeal of your setup.
- Single USB cable for computers and laptops | enjoy a hassle-free Audio experience with a single USB cable without the need for a power adapter
- Far-field drivers and passive radiators | custom-tuned far-field driver solution with rear facing passive radiators for excellent audio and enhanced bass reproduction
- 45° elevated drivers | for enhanced audio projection and an immersive personal listening experience
- Modern and stylish aesthetics | perfect for any modern homes, offices and workspaces.
- Easy access volume control | Conveniently placed Front-facing controls for instant adjustments
2. Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers
Providing beautiful sound quality at any volume, these speakers from media giants Bose are sure to suit any gamer, upgrading your experience for a significant improvement on the quality of your original sound source.
A wide, lifelike soundstage is created, delivering spacious, realistic audio thanks to TrueSpace stereo digital processing circuitry; notice deeper, more detailed sound as a result of a ported, cabinet-style design.
Installation takes just a few minutes, with everything you need for set up included in the box as part of your purchase.
Using the speakers is even easier, with volume controls and the headphone jack located on the front of the right unit.
There’ll be no sign of that telltale hissing or buzzing created by low quality PC speakers, as this pair of bad boys runs silently – be careful you don’t startle yourself when the game kicks in!
Using the auxiliary input, you can even achieve that decadent Bose sound using other audio sources, including your phone, tablet and laptop, for a versatile purchase that you’ll be satisfied with for years to come.
- High quality audio performance, with clear sound at any volume. Use the auxiliary input to bring Bose performance to another audio source such as your iPhone or iPad. Upgrade your sound and your experience with Bose Companion 2 Series III speakers
- Play an additional device just connect to the auxiliary input
- Volume controlheadphone jack on front of the right speaker
- Operating compatibility: Mac, Windows XP
3. Razer Nommo Chroma Full Range 2.0 PC Gaming Speakers
Razer are notorious for producing some of the best of the best when it comes to PC building, and these speakers are no different.
Not only do they look incredibly cool, but they’re also optimized for gaming to deliver a truly impressive sound every time.
Producing a tighter sound, even on those higher frequencies, the custom three inch woven glass fiber drivers allow for the crispest, clearest sound; you’ll be able to distinguish between sound layers and hear even the finest details.
Increased bass output is delivered thanks to rear facing bass ports, for a full, rich audio.
Controlled by a devoted bass knob featuring automatic gain control, you can fine tune your sound to achieve exactly the balance you want.
With a wide sound field boosted by high positional accuracy and a frequency response from 50 all the way to 20,000 Hertz, plus that classic Razer Chroma lighting, this is an extravagant set-up that still won’t break the bank.
All you need to get started is a PC with a USB port, Windows 7 or Mac OS X 10.9 and above, an internet connection and 100MB of remaining hard disk space.
Razer Synapse hardware is included, so users can personalize every aspect to suit them.
- Full Range 2.0 Gaming Speakers: Optimized drivers built for full range sound and extreme clarity.Waterproof : No
- Custom 3" Woven Glass Fiber Drivers: Producting a tighter sound with higher frequencies, allowing you to hear disinct layers and audio details
- Rear-Facing Bass Ports: Deliver increased bass output for a fuller, richer range of audio
- Bass Knob With Automatic Gain Control: Fine-tune the output perfectly from ground-shaking bass to a low hum for late night sessions
- System Requirement: PC/Mac with a free USB port, Razer Synapse requirements: Windows7/Mac OS X 10.9 (or higher), internet connection: 100 MB of free hard disk space. Use with either 3.5mm jack or USB
4. Logitech Z333 2.1 PC Speakers
For an impressively powerful tabletop speaker set, look no further than the Z333’s from Logitech, boasting 80 watts of peak power to deliver the loudest, richest, clearest sound, with two satellites and a bonus large subwoofer to boot.
Using the 3.5 millimeter audio jack or RCA inputs, you can connect two compatible devices at once – there’s no need to disconnect and rewire when you want to change sound sources, for a streamlined setup that changes with your mood.
A wired control pod allows swift access to the power, volume and headphone jack, whilst the subwoofer features a dedicated bass level adjustment knob on the back, for boosting those rich, deep lows for true video game immersion.
This isn’t a setup for a small, cramped desk, as the speakers and the subwoofer are quite sizable, but all three have attractive exteriors and make a great addition to any gaming rig, provided you have the space for them!
Be aware that the small ‘tweeters’ on both the left and right satellite speakers are simply there as decoration and serve no purpose, but don’t worry – that mighty subwoofer is plenty powerful enough to make up for it.
- 80 WATTS OF BOLD SOUND -80 Watts Peak/40 Watts RMS power delivers maximum loudness via two satellite speakers and a large subwoofer. Enjoy rich, clear, bold sound. (Small driver (tweeter) on satellite speakers is decorative and non-operational)
- STRONG BASS - The front-facing subwoofer produces rich bass, adding another dimension to your videos, games and music. Experience strong bass you can hear and feel.
- VERSATILE SETUP – Connect up to two compatible devices via the 3.5 millimeter and RCA inputs. No need to disconnect when switching between audio sources.
- SIMPLE CONTROLS - Easily access power, volume and the headphone jack using the wired control pod. Adjust the bass level with the dedicated control knob on the back of the subwoofer.
- Headphone jack - Listen to your music privately via the headphone jack located on the front of the right speaker.
5. Edifier G2000 Computer Speakers
Built for the sole purpose of serving gamers, the G2000 set from Edifier might be small in size at under three inches tall, but don’t let that fool you.
Powerful bass, plenty of volume and clear trebles proffer realistic, HIFI sound.
Not only can you enjoy the clear and crisp sounds of your favorite video games, but these speakers are also Bluetooth compatible, allowing you to instantly connect via your cell phone, tablet or other smart devices whenever you like.
Installation is a breeze, simply using a USB port or 3.5mm audio jack (AUX cord) for compatibility with a wide range of PCs, Macs and gaming laptops.
Just choose the EQ mode that suits you (game, music or movie) and you’re ready to go.
Adjusting the volume, sound effects, RGB lights and power is as simple as hitting the buttons, and there’s also a dedicated power adapter provided in-box so you can have a safe and constant power supply outside of your PC.
Are you a gamer who likes to customize your desktop? Choose between twelve different light set-ups at the push of a button, selecting the RGB lights that suit your mood on a whim and impressing your friends with their cool visual shows.
- ♪【Superior Sound】HIFI 2.75 inches full range speakers unit with backward mega bass port 16W RMS power, 32W total peak power to deliver unexceptionable sound quality and strong bass, and a subwoofer output interface included.
- ♪【Multiple Sound Mode】Professional acoustic-team tuning, EQ adjustment with Game, Music and Movie three modes for multiple usage and outstanding sound effect.
- ♪【Broad Compatibility】Versatile compatibility with 3.5mm AUX, Bluetooth and USB sound card inputs, for all your devices like PC Mac/ PS4/ Xbox/ Laptop/ TV/ CD Player/ Mobile Phones etc.
- ♪【RGB Illumination】12 RGB lighting effects aim to elevate your gaming experience by dressing your desktop and room into a spectrum style.
- ♪【Delicate Design】Unique column-shaped cabinet with 10-degree elevation and 0.65L isometric cavity, matte panel and metal laser engraving, screen printing logo and anti-slip foot pads.
Buying Guide for Gaming Speakers
PC Build Specifications
Okay, if you don’t know what we’re talking about here, feel free to skip this section, but it is important.
If your CPU isn’t capable of handling the speakers you go for, which may be the case for older models or newer speakers, you’ll be stuck.
Making sure you opt for a set that is compatible with your existing PC setup is imperative.
There’s no use picking up hundreds of dollars worth of tech only for it to be wasted on your old sound card, so be wise and do your research!
Volume
Being able to blast you out of your seat does not a quality pair of speakers make, but if you are a fan of gaming at high decibels, or at least having the option to when you’re home alone, then be sure to consider the maximum volume of your speakers.
If you’re also a fan of watching movies at your desk, use your PC for work or business purposes or have any other reasons to utilize the speakers, ensuring your volume adjustments are versatile is an added bonus for general use.
Stereo Versus Surround
The classic 2.1 stereo systems are still a worthy investment today, boasting a subwoofer to really maximize those bass levels without taking up too much of your precious desk real estate.
However, 5.1 surround sound will undoubtedly allow for the most immersive, all consuming experience.
As a result, though, speakers with this technology tend to be larger and more of an investment, price wise.
Which one you go for is up to you, as both have their perks and potential drawbacks, though if you’re investing hundreds of dollars in the visual quality of your gaming experience, you may as well do the same for sound enhancement, too.
Style
Any aesthetically-conscious gamer will agree that whilst performing its function adequately is the most important factor in any PC component, looking good and matching the rest of your setup is also worth thinking about.
If you’ve shelled out on a fancy tower with flashing lights and a super-sleek design, and your monitor is thinner and shinier than your family TV screen, you’ll want some super-cool speakers to match, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound better?
This is really only important when you’re considering a home theater setup, as increasing the power of a speaker setup from 5.1 to 7.1 surround sound is not noticeable unless you’re in an especially large room or watching as a group.
Primary differences between the two include more speaker channels in the 7.1, to offer a fuller, richer surround sound, with a much higher quality of build, but you’ll also see a large price increase at the same time.
Newer games and movies are more likely to utilize the technology that works in accordance with 7.1 surround sound, so if you’re a retro player who sticks to the classics, you’re unlikely to notice a difference.
Do you need speakers for a gaming PC?
This depends on the motherboard that you have, as some come with sound integration, where others don’t.
However, this doesn’t mean your PC is capable of playback, as you’ll still need headphones or a monitor with built in speakers to hear.
In almost all circumstances, it’s recommended to have speakers, as you’ll still need a standalone device capable of emitting sound in order to hear your games, and unless you’ll constantly be playing with a headset then it’s the only option.
Is a soundbar better than speakers for a PC?
Whilst a pair of speakers can offer a more immersive experience and create more of a surround sound feeling, sound bars can serve as a great addition to setups that are limited in space or for users who prefer a minimalistic approach to PC building.
Smaller desks will suit a soundbar approach, as they’re capable of packing quite the audio punch despite their more compact design, but you’ll probably appreciate the soundtrack of your games more from a pair of dual speakers.
The experience will also feel more immersive with a speaker set up on your left and on your right, to deliver sound as it was designed to be heard.
This is also improved with the use of a subwoofer, so if your speakers feel lackluster, give one a try!