November 2022
Computer Speakers: Meta Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Computer Speaker rankings posted by key online experts, as of November 2022.
Summary
As of 3 Nov 2022, Logitech Z407 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed computer speaker with 5 expert endorsements. 1 experts out of 5 recommended it as the '#1 computer speaker' this month. It is followed by Creative Pebble Plus and Logitech G560 , with 5 and 4 expert endorsements respectively.
At a glance - November 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Computer Speaker |
CNET
|
PC Gamer
|
IGN
|
SoundGuys
|
Wirecutter
|
Digital Trends
|
Tom's Guide
|
TechRadar
|
Laptop Mag
|
PCMag
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $100 |
Logitech Z407
|
4
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
6
|
|
2
|
- | $40 |
Creative Pebble Plus
|
3
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
|
3
|
- | $300 |
Logitech G560
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
5
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $35 |
Creative Pebble V3
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $425 |
Klipsch The Fives
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
|
6
|
- | $269 |
Audioengine A2 Plus
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $349 |
Audioengine HD3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $559 |
Razer Nommo Pro
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
3
|
11
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $125 |
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
2
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | $499 |
Audioengine A5 Plus Wireless
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
11
|
- | $169 |
Pioneer DM-50D
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
|
12
|
- | $105 |
Edifier R1280DB
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | $285 |
Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
17
|
- | $199 |
Audioengine A1
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
|
18
|
- | $350 |
Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
- | $250 |
Fluance Ai41
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
- | $148 |
House of Marley Get Together Duo
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
8
|
|
21
|
- | $250 |
Razer Leviathan V2
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
We ranked Logitech Z407 #1 in November 2022 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Logitech Z407 as #1.
PC Gamer
Best speaker and subwoofer combo for around $100
|
Pros
Great Price
Wireless control knob
Easy to set up
Booming sound
|
Cons
Short cable runs
|
TechRadar
The best computer speakers overall
|
Pros
Impressive sound with rumbling sub
Classy, versatile and compact design
|
Cons
Wireless control confusing at first
|
PCMag
Best Affordable 2.1 Audio System
|
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
|
We ranked Creative Pebble Plus #2 in November 2022 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
PC Gamer
The best budget computer speakers
|
Pros
Affordable
Small footprint
Excellent clarity
|
Cons
Tangle of cables
Bass is a little lacking
|
TechRadar
The best budget PC speakers
|
Pros
Cheap
Quality sound for the price
Unique look
|
Cons
Only 3.5mm input
No other connectivity, wired or otherwise
|
PCMag
Most Affordable 2.1 System / 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.
|
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 November 2022 ranking
CNET
PC Gamer
IGN
SoundGuys
Wirecutter
Digital Trends
Tom's Guide
TechRadar
Laptop Mag
PCMag
We ranked Logitech G560 #3 in November 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Logitech G560 as #1.
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
|
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 with big sound for gamer
|
Pros
Excellent overall sound
Effective EQ and surround modes
Great bass performance
Impressive lighting options
|
Cons
Bass levels difficult to control for nighttime gaming
Lighting software can be finicky
Finding space for the large subwoofer may prove tricky
|
We ranked Creative Pebble V3 #4 in November 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
|
Tom's Guide
The best computer speakers for style and value
|
Pros
Impressive sound performance
Space-saving design
Good selection of connectivity options
Price
|
Cons
Limited bass output
No headphone jack socket
|
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 Klipsch The Fives #5 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Klipsch The Fives as #1.
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 Connectivity Options / 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 Audioengine A2 Plus #6 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Audioengine A2 Plus as #1.
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 Audioengine HD3 #7 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert 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 #8 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
A premium set of computer speakers designed for gaming
|
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 #9 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Best speaker and subwoofer package for immersive multimedia
|
Pros
Impressive sub-bass performance with level control
Great clarity with music vocals
Wide stereo soundstage
THX certified for high-quality audio experience
|
Cons
No Bluetooth support
Finding space for the subwoofer may prove tricky
|
TechRadar
Speakers that pack a punch and home theater-quality sound
|
Pros
THX-certified, home theater-quality sound
Stunning value
|
Cons
Misses some low ends
|
We ranked Audioengine A5 Plus Wireless #10 in November 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 / 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 Pioneer DM-50D #11 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Pioneer DM-50D as #1.
PCMag
Best for Accurate Mixing on a Budget
|
Pros
Accurate and detailed sound signature
Dual audio modes
Multiple wired input options
|
Cons
Lacks sub-bass rumble
Limited EQ control
|
We ranked Edifier R1280DB #12 in November 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
|
Cons
Distortion at high volumes
Bass presence could be stronger
|
We ranked Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 #13 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
PCMag
Most Iconic Design / Editors' 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 A1 #14 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
PCMag
Audioengine's Only Wi-Fi Speakers
|
Pros
Rich, natural, and detailed audio with no digital signal processing
Multiroom playback via app
Wired aux input and subwoofer output
|
Cons
App doesn’t have an EQ
Not for those seeking powerful bass
Drivers aren't angled upward for ideal playback
|
We ranked Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2 #15 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
PC Gamer
Best gaming soundbar
|
Pros
Versatile
Well designed
Plenty of connections
Designed for gaming
|
Cons
Bluetooth issues
Expensive for a soundbar
Large for some desks
Cumbersome app
|
We ranked Fluance Ai41 #16 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
The best Bluetooth computer speakers for music
|
Pros
Full, high-mid forward sound
Multiple connectivity
|
Cons
No USB or USB-C
Not quite enough volume for large spaces
|
We ranked House of Marley Get Together Duo #17 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
Laptop Mag
An eco-friendly computer speaker you can take anywhere
|
Pros
Stylish, sustainable design
Bright sound
Can go wireless with one speaker
Reasonable price
|
Cons
Light on bass
Lossless and AAC Bluetooth codec support is MIA
|
PCMag
Doubles as a Portable Speaker
|
Pros
Attractive, eco-friendly design
Bright, detailed sound signature
One speaker is portable
Can stream audio via Bluetooth or connect to aux/RC input
|
Cons
Can distort on deep bass
Lacks much true bass depth
Non-portable speaker must be plugged in to work
|
We ranked Razer Leviathan V2 #18 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Computer Speakers” rankings.
PCMag
Best Desktop Soundbar for Gamers
|
Pros
Full, crisp sound with thunderous bass
Good stereo imaging
Customizable RGB lighting
|
Cons
No 3.5mm or optical audio input
THX Spatial Audio offers limited benefits
|