There are all kinds of immensely powerful gaming PC setups out there, carefully crafted and assembled with components hand-picked for the most optimal performance to drive your experience. Even the most meticulous of builds, however, aren’t complete without a great audio system to deliver the coveted, detailed sound that perfectly complements your system and delivers a major impact for your gaming and other computer-related endeavors.
Built-in monitor speakers, much like TV speakers, won’t cut it for most folks at the end of the day. Luckily, there is a vast amount of powered desktop speakers, soundbars, and other audio solutions that are itching for an opportunity to show what they’re capable of. Whether you want tons of bass, immersive surround sound, or speakers that put clarity at a premium, there’s an option out there that’s right for you.
TL;DR – These Are the Best PC Speakers for Gaming:
1. KEF LSX II
Best Speakers for PC
KEF’s LSX II expertly blends the best of both worlds into one high-end package. They’re equipped with a wide variety of inputs (including HDMI-ARC) that fall in line with the modern-day soundbar. But, instead of the sound being produced from a singular piece of equipment, the LSX II achieves the perfect stereo separation that has long been a custom characteristic of a great pair of speakers.
The LSX II have plenty of power to complement your gaming with excellent, room-filling sound, thanks to ultra-low noise amplifiers that are built specifically to maximize performance without the need for an external amp. They have built-in support for streaming up to 24bit/384kHz, and offer wireless connectivity with a wide variety of streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, and more.
The LSX II does come equipped with quite a hefty price tag compared to other selections on this list, though for what it’s worth, it does take that into account with the craftsmanship and quality materials that make up the speaker pair’s striking aesthetic. That being said, in this instance, you’re paying for the best sound quality you can find in speakers of this size and price range. If you’re after the best of the best to flank the left and right sides of your monitor, the LSX II will punch that ticket.
2. Creative Pebble V3
Best Ultra Cheap PC Speakers
Creative has updated its affordable compact computer speaker options with the Creative Pebble V3. These new stylish little speakers don’t cost much more than their V2 predecessors while bumping up the actual speaker size and bringing in support for Bluetooth audio.
The Creative Pebble V3 speakers still keep your desk setup simple by using a single USB-C cable for drawing power and connecting to an audio source. You can also connect them to an additional device with a 3.5mm cable if you have an analog audio source. And, with the addition of Bluetooth 5.0, you can connect them to a ton of additional devices while enjoying a stable signal across all of them. These speakers won’t blow away your neighbors, as each speaker has just 4W of output power, but they’ll easily outshine the ones built into your computer monitor. For just $40, that’s not a bad upgrade.
3. Razer Clio
Best Non-Traditional PC Speakers
The Clio is something of a pioneer in the computer speaker world, breaking the mold of traditional monitor speakers to offer a unique solution to gaming audio. The Clio straps to the top of your gaming chair and, with its stereo pair of full-range drivers, pumps detailed audio into your ears for an immersive experience that mimics headphones. This time, though, you’re getting great sound in an open-air environment, with no strings attached or headphone fatigue to speak of.
In what feels like a fitting pairing, the Clio is also equipped with THX Spatial Audio, which allows its drivers to widen your soundstage for a more encompassing, enjoyable experience while you are gaming, watching YouTube, or listening to music. To that end, the Clio offers EQ modes for all three (Gaming, Movie, Music) while sporting up to 14 hours of battery life. Admittedly, it is a bit of a hassle to pull the speaker off your chair to recharge each time you run out of battery, but it’s a small price to pay for a great combination of comfort and sound quality.
Finally, the Clio offers the ability to serve as surround sound speakers for an existing setup. If you already have a soundbar or other speakers connected to your computer, the Clio can be established as rears in that system, adding a theater-esque sound to your gaming or streaming. It’s not a perk that everyone will take advantage of, but it’s a great way to get surround sound without having to position speakers at the rear of your room.
4. Logitech Z906
Best Surround Sound PC Speakers
A common pipeline for hardcore home theater heads starts with a wired set of Logitech speakers, and for good reason. The brand knows how to make solid, accessible sound that you don’t have to tinker with to enjoy, a sentiment that holds especially true for the Z906. A complete setup with dedicated left, right, and rear speakers plus a center channel for improved dialogue and a hulking subwoofer, the Z906 is a plug-and-play solution that delivers a full range of sound. It’s bound to bring all sorts of gaming, from first-person shooters to story-driven selections and even high-octane sports, to life in a way that your standard desktop monitors simply cannot.
There are some considerations that have to be made for the Z906 to ensure that it’s set up for success. You will need appropriate spacing between the left, center, and right speakers to allow for a proper soundstage that delivers immersive sound. Plus, the whole system is wired. This means that your rear speakers and subwoofer will need to have cables following it wherever you decide to put them in your gaming space.
If you don’t have an appropriate room for running wires, or just don’t enjoy that aesthetic, you may need to look beyond the Z906. But if you can manage, it’s an excellent solution that pumps powerful surround sound audio into every game you play.
5. Razer Leviathan V2
Best PC Soundbar
If, like me, space on your computer desk is a precious commodity, you don’t have room for the kind of behemoth soundbars that sit under TVs. The alternative is the Razer Leviathan V2, a purpose-built computer soundbar system that slides beneath your monitor and cranks out consistently great sound. The bar itself has a pair of full-range drivers, two tweeters, and a set of passive radiators all dedicated to delivering big, dynamic sound from a small package. Add in the Leviathan’s included down-firing subwoofer, and suddenly you have a compelling audio setup geared towards improving every gaming experience.
And while the Levithan doesn’t offer the full surround sound package in the same way that something like the Logitech Z906 does, it’s aided by THX Spatial Audio, a technology that’s meant to virtually replicate a detailed 7.1 soundstage, mimicking the presence of speakers to your side and rear. It’s not a perfect substitute for real, physical speakers flanking your sides and sitting at the back of your room, but it’s a good option for anyone who doesn’t have the square footage for all those extra speakers.
To top things off, the Leviathan’s RGB lighting system has 18 different lighting zones that feature all kinds of patterns and lighting effects to enhance the games you play. It may take a back seat to the actual audio benefits of the Leviathan, but it’s still a nice addition to a well-rounded package.
How to Pick the Best Speakers for PC
Gaming laptops, monitors and headsets don’t have much space for substantially sized drivers. Without much size to work with, these miniscule speakers typically cannot produce a full range of audio frequencies, which in turn hampers the listening experience.
By contrast, desktop computer speakers break out of that mold thanks to the advantage they have when it comes to size, amplification and overall components. Most speakers offer a two-way design consisting of a woofer and a tweeter, which work together seamlessly to produce lower and higher frequencies, respectively.
The two-way speaker design does a good job of covering the frequency range of human hearing, generally acknowledged as 20Hz-20kHz, but doesn’t get quite down to the very low end. With music, you don’t need to worry too much about hitting the 20Hz lower threshold, but if you’re watching movies or playing games with a lot of bass, you might want to consider speakers that include a subwoofer, although it will take up extra space under your desk.
You’ll also want your speakers to be powered, meaning they have an amplifier built-in (usually found inside one of the speakers) and will need to be plugged in. The audio signal coming from your computer needs to be amplified before it's sent out through the speaker drivers to your ears.
There are a few more options to keep an eye on and they can make life a bit easier. Having a headphone jack on the front of the speaker can be very convenient when you want to quickly plug in your headphones and not deal with reassigning outputs in your OS. A front-mounted aux-in is an easy way to attach a music source like your phone. Bluetooth functionality is another way some speakers will allow you to attach additional sources.
Your selection process will be heavily influenced by the space you have available for gaming and the audio that comes with it. Is there space to the left and right of your monitor, but not much elsewhere? A stereo pair of speakers will greatly improve your audio quality. Don’t have room to the sides, but do have room to spare beneath your desktop? A compact computer soundbar should do the trick. Is your computer on display in a room that’s got all kinds of breathing room? Opt for a system that has an included subwoofer, or a full surround sound package where you can place speakers at the rear of your room for a completely immersive gaming environment.
Additionally, if you have unique spatial needs but still want a wide, immersive soundstage, you can explore options that feature virtual audio enhancements. Technologies like THX Spatial Audio are meant to virtually mimic the sound of full surround sound setups, sending audio signals that coax your ears into believing that sound is coming from the side or behind you. It’s not a perfect science, and it’s not without its pitfalls. But it is compelling for those who don’t have space to spare.
As with any kind of audio upgrade, there are lots of things to think about here, including connectivity options, budget, and additional features. Gamers might want RGB lighting, for example, or audiophiles might look for built-in controls, subwoofers, etc. When selecting the best computer speakers, if you feel completely lost, it’s a safe bet to look for reputable brands known for producing high-quality speakers. Don't forget to read reviews and testimonials from other users to get insights into the reliability and performance of the speakers you're interested in.
PC Speakers FAQs
Is it worth buying PC speakers in 2026?
Absolutely. While modern laptops and high-end monitors have made strides in audio quality, their size and lack of space for speakers still physically limits them. If you care about sound quality even slightly, dedicated PC speakers will almost always outperform built-in alternatives. Beyond just volume, quality speakers reveal the nuances in a game’s sound design, like the crunch of gravel or the direction of distant gunfire, that helps to create a level of immersion that laptops or monitors just can’t match.
Can any set of speakers work with a PC?
Generally, yes, as long as the connections align. In 2025, the most common way to connect is via a 3.5mm auxiliary jack, which is found on nearly every motherboard and laptop. However, many modern speakers now use USB-C, which allows them to act as their own high-quality sound card, or Bluetooth for a wireless, minimalist aesthetic.
What do numbers 2.0, 2.1,and 5.1 mean for speakers?
When shopping for speakers, you’ll encounter numerical labels that describe the system's layout. The first digit represents the number of standard speakers, while the second digit refers to the subwoofer, or the speaker responsible for bass. A 2.0 system is the most traditional setup, consisting of a simple left and right speaker pair. This is ideal for music and smaller desks where space is at a premium, as it provides a clean stereo image without the need for a bulky floor unit.
If you want more "thump" in your explosions or a richer kick in your music, a 2.1 system is the common upgrade. This keeps the two desk speakers but adds a dedicated subwoofer to handle low-frequency effects. Moving further into the "immersive" territory leads to 5.1 systems, which feature five speakers: a left, center, and right speaker up front, plus two in the rear and a dedicated subwoofer. This creates a true surround sound environment where audio literally circles around you, though it requires significantly more wiring and space.
Are soundbars better than traditional speaker systems?
One isn't necessarily better than the other. It’s a matter of choosing the right tool for your desk. Soundbars are slim, all-in-one units designed to sit directly under your monitor, making them the perfect choice for minimalist setups or small apartments. While modern soundbars use digital processing to mimic a wide soundstage, they often struggle to match the true stereo separation of a dedicated two-speaker system. A traditional speaker setup allows you to place the units farther apart, creating a more accurate sense of space and directionality to your sound. If your priority is desk space and ease of movement, go with a soundbar. If your priority is immersion and accuracy, a multi-speaker system is usually the winner.
Nick Woodward is a sportswriter-turned-tech journalist, with bylines at Digital Trends and the like. You can find Nick covering all things A/V tech as a freelance writer at IGN.
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