January 2022
Computer Speakers: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Computer Speaker rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2022.
At a glance - January 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Computer Speaker |
TechRadar
|
CNET
|
Wirecutter
|
SoundGuys
|
Laptop Mag
|
PCMag
|
Digital Trends
|
IGN
|
Tom's Guide
|
PC Gamer
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $269 |
Audioengine A2 Plus
|
1
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $74 |
Logitech Z407
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
7
|
4
|
2
|
-
|
3
|
|
3
|
- | $360 |
Logitech G560
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
7
|
7
|
1
|
|
4
|
- | $47 |
Creative Pebble Plus
|
10
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
5
|
- | Check price |
Creative Pebble V3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
6
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $349 |
Audioengine HD3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | Check price |
Razer Nommo Pro
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $113 |
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX
|
8
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
9
|
+3 | $300 |
Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
-1 | $499 |
Audioengine A5 Plus Wireless
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
-1 | Check price |
Mackie CR5-XBT
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
-1 | $140 |
Edifier R1280DB
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $600 |
Klipsch The Fives
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | $170 |
Harman Soundsticks III
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | $199 |
Audioengine A1
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | $95 |
Razer Nommo Chroma
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
17
|
New * | $230 |
Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
|
18
|
-1 | $497 |
LG UltraGear GP9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
We ranked Audioengine A2 Plus #1 in January 2022 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Audioengine A2 Plus as #1.
TechRadar
Big things come in small packages
|
Pros
Built-in digital-to-audio converter
Uncompressed audio through USB
|
Cons
No included subwoofer
|
Laptop Mag
Superb computer speakers that are hard to come by
|
Pros
Crisp treble, balanced midrange, and bass
Wide soundfield
Compact and stylish
Useful outputs
|
Cons
Volume control placed in the back
|
Tom's Guide
The best computer speakers for big budgets
|
Pros
Detailed sound
Balanced bass, treble and mid
|
Cons
Expensive
|
We ranked Logitech Z407 #2 in January 2022 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
A whole lotta BOOM for your buck
|
Pros
Impressive sound with rumbling sub
Classy, versatile and compact design
|
Cons
Wireless control confusing at first
|
Laptop Mag
Affordable desktop speakers that don’t skimp on bass
|
Pros
Immersive audio quality
Innovative dial controller
Stellar connectivity
Small size makes for a great desktop setup
|
Cons
Not the best for dialogue-related content
Controller is battery powered
|
PCMag
Best 2.1 Audio on a Budget
|
Pros
Powerful audio performance with rich lows and bright highs
Easy to operate
Affordable
|
Cons
Subwoofer can distort at top volumes
Hardwired cables are a little short
|
PC Gamer
Best speaker/subwoofer combo under $100
|
Pros
Great Price
Wireless control knob
Easy to set up
Booming sound
|
Cons
Short cable runs
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend Computer Speakers.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of Computer Speakers, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for January 2022 ranking
TechRadar
CNET
Wirecutter
SoundGuys
Laptop Mag
PCMag
Digital Trends
IGN
Tom's Guide
PC Gamer
We ranked Logitech G560 #3 in January 2022 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Logitech G560 as #1.
TechRadar
An RGB light show
|
Pros
Brilliant RGB lighting
DTS surround technology
|
Cons
Expensive
|
SoundGuys
Best for Gamers
|
Pros
RGB lighting syncs with game audio
Integrated DTS:X surround sound
Easy setup
Wired and Bluetooth support
|
Cons
RGB can be overbearing
Adding speakerscan get expensive
Surround sound not supported on MacOS
|
Tom's Guide
The best computer speakers for gaming
|
Pros
Excellent overall sound
Big bass
Fun lighting options
|
Cons
Lighting software can be finicky
Large subwoofer
|
PC Gamer
The best gaming PC speakers
|
Pros
Immersive Lightsync RGB lighting
Built in DTS:X Virtual Surround
|
Cons
RGB LEDs don't turn off in standby mode
Quite loud, even at low volume
|
We ranked Creative Pebble Plus #4 in January 2022 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
Best budget option
|
Pros
Cheap
Quality sound for the price
Unique look
|
Cons
Only 3.5mm input
No other connectivity, wired or otherwise
|
PCMag
Best for budget 2.1 audio / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Affordable.
Powerful audio performance with bright, detailed highs and rich lows.
Properly angled drivers.
|
Cons
Lots of wires.
No bass level knob.
Only one input.
|
PC Gamer
The best budget computer speakers
|
Pros
Affordable
Small footprint
Excellent clarity
|
Cons
Tangle of cables
Bass is a little lacking
|
We ranked Creative Pebble V3 #5 in January 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
SoundGuys
Best for Students
|
Pros
Minimal design
Portable
Price
USB-C
|
Cons
Bass can ruin certain songs
Plastic build
|
Laptop Mag
Best budget computer speakers
|
Pros
Unbeatable price
Amplified audio mode
Compact enough to travel with and a fit in any space
Bluetooth 5.0
|
Cons
Crackling at max volume
Won’t replace your home theater system
|
Tom's Guide
The best computer speakers value
|
Pros
Big sound from a small package
Stylish design
Plenty of connection options
|
Cons
Limited bass
Lacks headphone output
|
We ranked Audioengine HD3 #6 in January 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Audioengine HD3 as #1.
SoundGuys
Best all around
|
Pros
Sound quality
Simple design
Built-in DAC and amp
|
Cons
Price
|
Laptop Mag
Elite bookshelf computer speakers with hi-fi sound
|
Pros
Crystal clear sound
Built-in DAC and headphone amp
Handsome design
Strong wireless performance
|
Cons
Not for bass lovers
|
We ranked Razer Nommo Pro #7 in January 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
The ultimate gaming speakers
|
Pros
Fantastic sound quality
Razer Chroma
|
Cons
Razer tax
|
Laptop Mag
The best computer speakers for gaming
|
Pros
Immersive sound
Multiple inputs
User-friendly app and software
Striking design
|
Cons
Up there in price
Sound modes can make low end overbearing
|
We ranked Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX #8 in January 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
THX-certified speakers that pack a punch
|
Pros
THX-certified, home theater-quality sound
Stunning value
|
Cons
Misses some low ends
|
Tom's Guide
Excellent speakers with a subwoofer — but no Bluetooth
|
Pros
Impressive bass
Clear vocals
Wide sound
|
Cons
No Bluetooth
|
We ranked Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 #9 in January 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
Laptop Mag
Premium sound in a futuristic design
|
Pros
Eye-catching design
Deep bass and full vocals
Bluetooth streaming
|
Cons
Up there in price
Requires extra room for the setup
|
PCMag
Most Iconic Design / Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Balanced, powerful 2.1-channel audio performance
Iconic transparent design
Long cables for ideal stereo separation
|
Cons
All physical controls are located on the subwoofer
No adjustable EQ or sub settings
|
We ranked Audioengine A5 Plus Wireless #10 in January 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Audioengine A5 Plus Wireless as #1.
PCMag
Best for audiophiles / Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Excellent audio performance with solid bass depth and clarity throughout the frequency range.
High-quality Bluetooth streaming with 24-bit upsampling.
Wired connectivity options.
Can be used with a subwoofer.
|
Cons
No source knob.
Limited remote control.
|
We ranked Mackie CR5-XBT #11 in January 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Mackie CR5-XBT as #1.
We ranked Edifier R1280DB #12 in January 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
Laptop Mag
Solid build quality and sound
|
Pros
Sophisticated and reliable construction
Well-balanced mids and highs
Bluetooth connectivity and bundled remote control
Distortion at high volumes
|
Cons
Bass presence could be stronger
|
We ranked Klipsch The Fives #13 in January 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
Laptop Mag
Monstrous speakers with monstrous sound
|
Pros
Stellar sound signature
Beautiful design and controls
Plenty of connection options
Can be paired with most turntables
|
Cons
Massively sized
|
PCMag
Best for powerful, versatile stereo sound / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Excellent sound signature with crisp, detailed highs and round, rich bass depth
Handsome design, with removable tweed grilles
Lots of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical, and an input for turntables
192kHz/24-bit decoding from USB inputs
|
Cons
Expensive
No app or EQ support (yet)
|
We ranked Harman Soundsticks III #14 in January 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
Great sound in a cool,aesthetically pleasing package
|
Pros
Futuristic look
Tons of bass power
|
Cons
Limited controls
|
Tom's Guide
Space-age looks with slick sound
|
Pros
Stylish
Well-balanced sound
|
Cons
Tall satellites
More expensive than similar-sounding systems
|
We ranked Audioengine A1 #15 in January 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
PCMag
Best for DSD-free stereo bluetooth audio
|
Pros
Accurate stereo audio performance with no DSP
Wired aux in and subwoofer out
AAC and AptX support
|
Cons
Lacks powerful bass depth
Drivers should be angled upward to align with ears
|
We ranked Razer Nommo Chroma #16 in January 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
We ranked Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2 #17 in January 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
Laptop Mag
The best soundbar for gaming
|
Pros
Wide, spacious sound
Lots of customization and input options
Attractive design with RGB lighting
Ideal for music, movies, and gaming
|
Cons
Expensive
Added height might not accommodate desktop placement
|
PC Gamer
Best gaming soundbar and subwoofer
|
Pros
Versatile
Well designed
Plenty of connections
|
Cons
Bluetooth issues
Expensive for a soundbar
Large for some desks
|
We ranked LG UltraGear GP9 #18 in January 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
PCMag
Best for best soundbar for gamers
|
Pros
Powerful sound
Good stereo imaging
Bluetooth connectivity
Built-in battery
Headset jack supports DTS Headphone:X simulated surround sound
|
Cons
Expensive
Limited as a portable speaker
Poor microphone
|
PC Gamer
Best wireless speaker
|
Pros
Wireless
Great Surround Sound
Good battery life
|
Cons
Very expensive
Microphone needs work
|