September 2021
Computer Speakers: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Computer Speaker rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2021.
At a glance - September 2021 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Computer Speaker |
Tom's Guide
|
TechRadar
|
CNET
|
Wirecutter
|
PCMag
|
SoundGuys
|
Laptop Mag
|
Digital Trends
|
PC Gamer
|
IGN
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $269 |
Audioengine A2 Plus
|
2
|
1
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
|
2
|
- | $75 |
Logitech Z407
|
-
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
9
|
4
|
3
|
2
|
|
3
|
- | $200 |
Logitech G560
|
6
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
5
|
1
|
7
|
|
4
|
- | $57 |
Creative Pebble Plus
|
-
|
10
|
3
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
2
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $486 |
Razer Nommo Pro
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
10
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $349 |
Audioengine HD3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $40 |
Creative Pebble V3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
8
|
+10 | $95 |
Razer Nommo Chroma
|
3
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
9
|
+8 | $199 |
Audioengine A1
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
-2 | $499 |
Audioengine A5 Plus Wireless
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
-2 | $220 |
Mackie CR5-XBT
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
12
|
-2 | $140 |
Edifier R1280DB
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
-2 | $300 |
Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
-2 | $799 |
Klipsch The Fives
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
-2 | $200 |
Harman Soundsticks III
|
5
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
-2 | $30 |
Cyber Acoustics CA-3090
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
-2 | $100 |
Creative T100
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
18
|
-2 | $107 |
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
New * | $499 |
Klipsch R-41PM
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
- | $169 |
Pioneer DJ VM-50
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Audioengine A2 Plus #1 in September 2021 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Audioengine A2 Plus as #1.
Tom's Guide
The best computer speakers for big budgets
|
Pros
Detailed sound
Balanced bass, treble and mid
|
Cons
Expensive
|
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
|
We ranked Logitech Z407 #2 in September 2021 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
|
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
|
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
|
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 September 2021 ranking
Tom's Guide
TechRadar
CNET
Wirecutter
PCMag
SoundGuys
Laptop Mag
Digital Trends
PC Gamer
IGN
We ranked Logitech G560 #3 in September 2021 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Logitech G560 as #1.
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
|
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
|
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 September 2021 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
Editor's 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 Razer Nommo Pro #5 in September 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
The ultimate gaming speakers
|
Pros
Fantastic sound quality
Razer Chroma
|
Cons
Razer tax
|
PCMag
Best for PC Gamers
|
Pros
Powerful, bass-heavy sound.
Crisp, clean music performance.
|
Cons
Relatively expensive for desktop speakers.
THX and Dolby sound modes tend to focus a bit too much on sub-bass.
|
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 Audioengine HD3 #6 in September 2021 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 Creative Pebble V3 #7 in September 2021 because:
- 3 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
|
We ranked Razer Nommo Chroma #8 in September 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best cheap computer speakers
|
Pros
Impressive sound quality
Loud for its size
Customizable Chroma lighting
|
Cons
A bit bulky
|
We ranked Audioengine A1 #9 in September 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
PCMag
Most Affordable Audioengine Speakers
|
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
|
Laptop Mag
Affordable bookshelf speakers with sonic accuracy
|
Pros
High-resolution stereo sound
Compact, well-built design
Bluetooth 5.0
|
Cons
Bass depth could be stronger
Noticeable hum when using line-in cable
|
We ranked Audioengine A5 Plus Wireless #10 in September 2021 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
Editors' 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 September 2021 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 September 2021 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 Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 #13 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
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 Klipsch The Fives #14 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
PCMag
Editor's 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)
|
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
|
We ranked Harman Soundsticks III #15 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Space-age looks with slick sound
|
Pros
Stylish
Well-balanced sound
|
Cons
Tall satellites
More expensive than similar-sounding systems
|
TechRadar
Great sound in a cool,aesthetically pleasing package
|
Pros
Futuristic look
Tons of bass power
|
Cons
Limited controls
|
We ranked Cyber Acoustics CA-3090 #16 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Big sound on a budget
|
Pros
Inexpensive
Bright treble
|
Cons
Muffled bass and midrange
|
SoundGuys
Bang for your Buck
|
Pros
Price
Comes with dedicated sub
control pod
|
Cons
Bass is a little weak
Satellite speakers are a little small
|
We ranked Creative T100 #17 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
Ideal for smaller desks
|
Pros
Compact design
Good sound quality
Bluetooth 5.0
|
Cons
Won't blow you away
Limited ports
|
PC Gamer
The best all-round speakers
|
Pros
Crisp and clear audio
Restrained two-speaker design
Great set of features/controls
|
Cons
Lack oomph
|
We ranked Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX #18 in September 2021 because:
- 2 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
|
We ranked Klipsch R-41PM #19 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
PCMag
Best for Subwoofer Owners
|
Pros
Excellent audio performance with rich bass and clear, articulated highs.
No stereo receiver required.
Excellent connectivity, including built-in Bluetooth.
Handsome design.
|
Cons
Doesn't automatically pair with recently connected devices.
Not for those seeking sub-bass rumble.
|
Laptop Mag
Legacy sound in a fancy design
|
Pros
Wide soundstage with rich bass
Plenty of connection options
Handsome design
|
Cons
Stridency at high volume
Bluetooth is clunky
|
We ranked Pioneer DJ VM-50 #20 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
PCMag
Reasonably Priced Studio Monitors
|
Pros
Powerful, accuracy-focused sound signature
Adjustable DSP aims for flexibility, not sculpting
Relatively affordable as a pair
|
Cons
DSP cannot be bypassed
No audio cables included
|
Laptop Mag
Entry-level speakers with high-end audio
|
Pros
Accurate sound
Customizable DSP
Sleek construction
Studio-friendly inputs
|
Cons
Lacks accessories
No Bluetooth
|