Top 5 Best computer speakers 2025
Class-leading compact speakers for every desk and budget
If only PCs and laptops had good built-in speakers or headphone outputs, they would be perfect devices for listening to music. They have large screens, are simple to use, and come with a plethora of desktop music software.
Regretfully, that isn’t true. Like those built into TVs, phones, and other multipurpose everyday devices, the speakers and digital audio circuitry inside these multipurpose machines are far from ideal; they are thin, lifeless, and, quite plainly, not good enough for you.
Your desktop audio system needs a major quality increase if you want to stay motivated from 9 to 5.Additionally, you might think about getting a pair of stylish desktop stereo speakers to place on a nearby shelf or flank your computer if you would rather have it come via speakers rather than connected headphones (and a DAC).
Without taking up much space, these will play your YouTube videos, Tidal or Spotify playlists, or even Zoom calls far more expertly than your laptop could.All of them will connect to and play music from your computer, but some will also offer Bluetooth streaming for wireless playback, and others will go over and beyond to include wireless network streaming if you desire it. Just pay attention to the connections and specifications, as some are better equipped than others. Go directly to our editors’ selections or visit our section on how to choose.
Table of Contents
best overall
1. Elac Debut Connex
best compact
2. Ruark MR1 Mk2
Best budget
3. Q Acoustics M20 HD
Best system
4. KEF LSX II LT
Best audiophiles
5. Acoustic Energy AE1 Active
1. Elac Debut Connex
The Elac Debut ConneX DCB41 are small, powerful speakers that can be placed neatly on either side of your computer on a desktop. However, if necessary, the gifted duo may also operate in a room of a respectable size close to your stereo or television. A normal, included speaker cable connects the two speakers, but other than that, they are really simple to house.
USB type B input (which plays high-resolution tracks up to 24-bit/96kHz) and Bluetooth aptX streaming allow you to play from numerous sources, including your PC and smartphone.With their optical and HDMI ARC inputs, as well as a built-in moving magnet phono stage that allows you to connect a turntable and start playing your records, the Elacs can even be used as a good substitute for a soundbar. If you want to hear the Elacs at their best, we suggest using the digital inputs in our review of the Debut ConneX DCB41: “Used this way it is a clear, balanced and intelligent performance. There’s a good degree of detail here and the ability to integrate that information into a cohesive and musical whole.”
The entire presentation is balanced and controlled, much like Elac’s Debut 2.0 series of passive speakers, which won awards. There is nothing that disturbs or detracts from the music as these speakers contentedly dissolve into the background.
These Elacs are the ideal choice if you’re searching for a pair of computer speakers that sound fantastic yet are still reasonably priced.
2. Ruark MR1 Mk2
Ruark’s MR1 Mk2 are a stylish set of small, powerful computer speakers that are ideal if you’re short on space.
It’s no surprise that they are popular since those handcrafted wooden cabinets are exquisitely constructed, the speakers are functional, and they are the ideal little size to fit on either side of your laptop and on a small desk, bookshelf, or TV stand.
Hi-res audio is supported up to 24-bit/192kHz, and connecting by Bluetooth, optical, or 3.5mm is simple and quick. The attractiveness is also greatly enhanced by those chic vintage attire, which exude more sophistication than the majority of the Mad Men cast.Here, Ruark uses the concepts of hi-fi speakers: “From tuned crossovers to the use of A/B amplification – everything is aimed at delivering the best possible sound quality,” according to our assessment of the MR1 Mk2. And it’s evident that you care about engineering.
In terms of sound, the MR1 are incredibly melodic and perceptive, with nuance and detail presented in a satisfying and rich manner. The MR1 Mk2 have a rich, smooth, and articulate sound, and their fluid dynamics, quick timing, strong bass, and organic vocal style make them incredibly entertaining to listen to. Additionally, they faithfully capture the mood of songs, which is remarkable for a wireless speaker set.Because of the remarkable performance improvement over the original MR1 model, the Mk2 is now even more alluring at a very competitive price. Simply put, these are excellent PC speakers for any room and are perfect for anyone trying to save money.
3. Q Acoustics M20 HD
Although the Q Acoustics M20 isn’t the smallest pair of powered speakers on this list, it’s incredibly versatile, easy to use, well-made, and reasonably priced. With so many functions, we’d definitely find a way to fit them on our desktop.
The sleek units include several practical connectors on the back. You can connect the M20 to TVs, CD players, turntables, and laptops via optical, RCA line-level, aux, and USB Type B connections. If you don’t like cords, you can also stream music wirelessly over Bluetooth.
Through a provided connector cable, the other speaker in the pair is fed by the mains-powered “master” speaker. Most importantly, they have the right sound—full, boisterous, roomy, and vivacious. Our experts were amazed by how sophisticated and detailed they were for such reasonably priced speakers with so much functionality. In our M20 review, they mentioned that the Q Acoustics model “feels fuller, louder, and less compressed” when compared to the considerably smaller but equally priced Ruarks above.
We can’t help but appreciate the simple, just-add-source powered speakers that Q Acoustics has created. The M20 are much more likely to become your entire music system than just your new desktop speakers because of the master speaker’s extensive amplification and the wide range of connectivity and placement options it offers.
4. KEF LSX II LT
One important addition to this list was the standard KEF LSX II speaker system, which was a verified What Hi-Fi? Award winner. However, if you are willing to make a few minor compromises, we now have a more cost-effective and streamlined version of the LSX II that we believe gives even more value.
The newer LSX II LT are nearly identical to the conventional LSX II in terms of size and form, retaining the recognizable tangerine waveguide and gleaming Uni-Q driver array that have made KEF so famous. The Class D active speakers produce a total of 200W, of which 30 power the tweeter and 70 power the mid/bass throughout each channel. This is also the 11th generation 11.5cm Uni-Q driver array, where the tweeter is positioned in the middle of the mid/bass.
A successful formula has been expertly honed by KEF. In contrast to the normal LSX II, the LT just requires a single mains lead hooked into the primary unit, with the spare speaker receiving power via a USB-C interspeaker cable. This allows you to have all the essential connectivity features, including an HDMI ARC connector for your TV, optical input, and subwoofer output.
5. Acoustic Energy AE1 Active
For the same price, it’s hard to find a combination of passive speakers and amplifier that could match these Acoustic Energy active speakers.
In terms of setup and operation, they are fairly simple; simply connect them to your source using their balanced XLR or RCA inputs, and you’re good to go. Although there isn’t Bluetooth, you can always add a different module (such the iFi Zen Blue) after you buy it.
To provide a noticeable upgrade over these Acoustic Energy active speakers, you would have to spend more money on speakers and amplifiers. They undoubtedly made our reviewers happy: “We get through a hefty chunk of our library over a number of days, and with each album the AE1s’ response is absolutely a delight,” according to our assessment of AE1 Active. The dynamic range is subtle and wide enough to highlight different beat intensities that could, texturally, be congested in other systems, the timing is perfect, and the punch and drive that permeate all musical genres is exhilarating. Tonal balance and seamless integration are also there, along with a very remarkable level of maturity.
The fact that these speakers are still available after all this time (we evaluated them back in 2018) is a testimonial to their caliber. Having said that, you should find a pair and experience the AE1’s capabilities for yourself.
Size is undoubtedly a consideration when buying a pair of PC speakers for your laptop or desktop computer system. Compared to most stereo speakers, all of the computer speaker pairs we evaluated are naturally on the smaller end of the speaker market and are more suitable for desk placement.
However, size isn’t the only consideration; having speakers at your office has the added benefit of being simple to connect to your laptop or phone. While some computer speakers require a connection to connect via USB, which may be less convenient but provides more reliable and high-quality transmission, others can connect via Bluetooth, eliminating the need for cables to trail around.
To create a more comprehensive home system, some computer speakers can also link to your TV and/or turntable, while others have built-in network streaming capabilities and wi-fi capability.
Examine the specifications of each item in this list of the greatest computer speakers to see what features and connections you require, especially if you wish to connect something other than a laptop. Avoid choosing computer speakers with many more capabilities than you require because you will only be paying for them and they might not sound as nice as more affordable, more basic versions.
How much should I spend on speakers for my computer?
This is the quintessential “how long is a piece of string” conundrum, but the good news is that you can get far better sound quality without breaking the bank
You can get far better sound quality from any of the devices on the above list than by just using your laptop’s speakers, for example. It also has significantly more depth, breadth, and richness, and it will sound much louder than your laptop or PC can handle. Additionally, keep in mind that you can use any of the aforementioned possibilities for purposes outside than computer-based use cases because we have selected high-fidelity devices.
Visit a reputable dealership and listen to speakers, starting at the lower end (check out the Q Acoustics M20) and working your way up. This is the best thing you can do once you’ve agreed on a budget (or even to help you decide on one in the first place). Should you just require increased force, strength, and loudness, the M20 will be more than capable of meeting your demands.
Although there is no cap on your spending, keep in mind the purpose for which you intend to use your speakers.It is useless to spend thousands of dollars on a pair of headphones that will be playing from a subpar audio source (like YouTube), but if you want to use them frequently and for a variety of tasks and responsibilities, it may be worthwhile to spend a bit more money.
Are computer speakers or standmount speakers superior?
They are interchangeable for the purposes of this list. Naturally, this isn’t the case in the real world, and many models are marketed more as “computer speakers” than as hi-fi-focused bookshelf/standmount ones. However, for a number of reasons, we’ve selected the latter for our list.