These days, integrated speakers are common in both laptops and computer monitors. But regardless of how expensive a laptop or monitor is, an internal speaker rarely sounds good.

A set of desktop speakers is better because they aren't confined by the space limitations of a laptop or monitor. This extra space allows them to include amplifier components, which are crucial for producing a high-quality sound. But good desktop speakers aren't cheap!

We found several desktop speaker recommendations that offer the most bang for your buck, with a lean toward prioritizing sound quality over cost savings.

Our Favorite Desktop Computer Speakers in 2023

leviathan pro 2
Razer Leviathan V2 Pro
Best Overall

THX Spatial Audio with adaptive beamforming for the ultimate in soundbar audio

With innovative head-tracking AI features, the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro produces unrivaled 3D audio compared to other soundbars. And with 30 customizable RGB lighting zones, it's the perfect companion for immersive long-haul gaming sessions.

Pros
  • THX Spatial Audio
  • Razer Chroma RGB lighting
  • Head-tracking AI
  • Useful customization options
  • Cool design
Cons
  • On the expensive side
  • Some may prefer a full speaker set for their gaming

Razer’s Leviathan V2 Pro represents a world-first in PC soundbars. Using head-tracking AI and adaptive beamforming, it delivers 3D sound directly to your ears. Powered by THX Spatial Audio and an integrated IR camera, its intelligent on-the-fly tracking creates true-to-life personalized 3D audio with unbroken consistency, even as you move your head.

The Leviathan V2 Pro features five 2-inch drivers plus a down-firing subwoofer to create next-gen sound quality that deepens and widens player immersion. Naturally, being a Razer soundbar, you’ll also enjoy the benefit of Chrom RGB lighting too. Featuring 30 lighting zones as well as dynamic in-game lighting effects, you’ll have a whale of a time customizing Leviathan’s RGB effects.

As you’d expect, it can be used to play audio from any of your Bluetooth devices too, and using the Razer Audio App gives you access to countless other customization options for your audio and Chroma settings. Ideal for games that feature a multi-channel audio source, the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro provides dynamic and exciting audio that you’ll get a real kick out of.

LG Ultragear GP9
LG Ultragear GP9
Best RGB

Customize your gameplay with over 16.7 million colors

$130 $500 Save $370

Delivering high-resolution audio optimized for each session, the LG Ultragear GP9 provides for an immersive gameplay experience. And with dazzling RGB lighting that can be fully customized, it's the perfect way to compliment your gaming favorites.

Pros
  • Specialized FPS and RTS gaming modes
  • 7.1 surround sound
  • Customizable RGB lighting
  • Built-in mic for voice chat
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Audio could do with a few more options for customization

Although it’s been available for a couple of years already, the LG UltraGear GP9 is still one of the best computer speakers you can buy. Featuring Hi-Fi Quad DAC, it delivers high-resolution audio for an immersive in-game experience. Creating surround sound that’s optimized to what you’re playing, you can safely ditch the headphones here.

A built-in microphone means you can enjoy clear voice chat without the need for a headset. It adeptly distinguishes the sound of your voice from in-game audio, so that your teammates can always hear you loud and clear. And customizable RGB lighting means you can light it up like a Christmas tree, with more than 16.7 million colors to play around with.

With an average of five to six hours of battery life on a full charge, you can enjoy a decent-sized session here. And with 3D gaming modes for FPS and RTS gaming, this portable speaker is a great way to get even more from your games. Premium audio with a price tag to match.

Creative Pebble Plus 2.1
Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 USB-Powered Desktop Speakers
Best Value

Small in stature and price

$40 $50 Save $10

Compact yet powerful, the Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 represents great value for money. Enjoy clear, crisp audio, peppered with plenty of bass, and bring your next gameplay session to life. And for even more power, you can engage High Gain Mode and boost the power output.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Compact, space-saving design
  • High Gain Mode for double the power
  • Great sound quality for the price point
Cons
  • Few options for customization

A high-quality speaker set for your rig needn’t cost the Earth, as the Creative Pebble Plus 2.0 comfortably proves. This set consists of two speakers, each equipped with 2-inch mid-range drivers angled at 45 degrees, plus a standalone 4-inch down-firing subwoofer, that delivers impressive and powerful audio, all for under the $75 mark.

These diminutive speakers take up virtually no space and can therefore be positioned anywhere for optimum effect. They are powered entirely by USB and connected via a 3.5-millimeter AUX-in cable, making them even more convenient to use, with no need for an extra outlet. Plus, with the addition of a 5V 2A USB adapter, you can take advantage of the High Gain Mode, which amplifies the power output to 8W RMS.

Given the size of these speakers, you may be surprised at how well they perform. The audio is crisp and clear, with a decent dollop of bass (even without High Gain Mode engaged). Plus, their minimalist design blends in seamlessly with any desktop setup. For the price point, this is easily one of the best speaker sets you can buy for your PC.

Razer Nommo V2 Pro
Razer Nommo V2 Pro
Best Design

Effortlessly cool, with plenty of customization options

$373 $450 Save $77

Hook up the Razer Nommo V2 Pro full-range speaker system and bathe in glorious THX Spatial Audio and 7.1 surround sound. Each speaker is equipped with rear-facing RGB Chroma lighting, which can be fully customized to deepen your gameplay experience.

Pros
  • THX Spatial Audio
  • Razer Chroma RGB lighting
  • Customizable EQ
  • Wireless control pod
Cons
  • Expensive

The Razer Nommo V2 Pro is a full-range speaker system and wireless subwoofer combo with THX Spatial Audio for 7.1 surround sound. Each speaker features powerful 3-inch drivers and rear projection Razer Chroma RGB lighting. The subwoofer is installed with a 5.5-inch driver, and is capable of producing deep and satisfying bass.

Also included in this set is a wireless control pod which can be used to easily adjust volume settings, customize the EQ, and more. Customizable lighting zones can be set on each of the speaker’s rear projections, giving you additional scope to tailor your gaming experience.

Being wireless, the subwoofer can be placed anywhere, conveniently reducing the clutter around your desk. The speakers themselves are also small in stature, so you don't have to worry about them dominating your desk space. Boasting an ultra-cool design, with the audio and visual chops to back it up, the Razer Nommo V2 Pro impresses across the board.

SteelSeries Arena 9
SteelSeries Arena 9 5.1 Gaming Speakers
Best for 5.1

Illuminated speaker set with 5.1 surround sound

With the SteelSeries Arena 9 speaker set, you can introduce your gaming setup to 5.1 surround sound. Featuring customizable RGB lighting, an accompanying control pod with an OLED screen, plus Sonar Spatial, there are a multitude of ways to customize your experience even further.

Pros
  • 5.1 surround sound
  • Reactive PrismSync RGB lighting
  • Wireless rear speakers
  • Separate control pod
  • Customizable EQ
Cons
  • Premium price tag
  • Can be a little tricky to set up

A great option for 5.1 surround sound, the SteelSeries Arena 9 Illuminated Desktop Speaker Set consists of two front speakers, two rear speakers, a dedicated channel speaker, and a wireless 6.5-inch subwoofer. Best of all, this 5.1 surround sound system hooks up via a single USB connection.

The two front-facing speakers are illuminated with four-zone reactive RGB lighting, which can be synced with other SteelSeries devices, providing a dazzling light show for your game time. An included control pod with an OLED screen can be used for easy audio customization on the fly, and deeper customization options are available via Sonar Spatial, which provides access to a 10-band parametric EQ.

The SteelSeries Arena 9 is a hefty investment for sure. But one that pays off in terms of features and customization. Yet delivering 5.1 surround sound from a single USB connection is the main selling point here. And for rich, detailed audio of this caliber, it would be hard not to recommend this premium speaker set, even at this asking price.

Logitech G560
Logitech G560 PC Gaming Speaker System
Best Dolby Surround

For 7.1 DTS:X Ultra surround sound with positional 3D audio

$180 $200 Save $20

Enjoy crystal clear Dolby surround sound with the Logitech G560 PC Gaming Speaker System. Featuring 7.1 DTS:X Ultra surround sound, you can feel the glory of 3D audio with your gameplay. And with RGB lighting that can be synched to the on-screen action, it delivers a sublime audio-visual experience.

Pros
  • DTS:X Ultra surround sound
  • LIGHTSYNC RGB
  • Multiple connection options
  • Customizable audio
Cons
  • Logitech GHub can be patchy at times

If it’s Dolby surround sound you’re after with your PC speaker setup, you’ve come to the right place. The Logitech G560 Gaming Speaker System can happily accommodate you. Featuring 7.1 DTS: X Ultra surround sound, you can enjoy positional 3D audio from every angle.

Consisting of two satellite RGB speakers and a powerful down-firing subwoofer, this is a compact speaker set that looks elegant and unobtrusive. Powered by Logitech G Light Sync technology, the G560 can synchronize your RGB lighting and audio to perfectly match your on-screen action, across four speaker lighting zones.

With 240 watts peak power, the Logitech G560 packs a decent punch, providing an immersive audio experience perfectly suited to gaming. And with reactive lighting added into the mix, it’s an excellent mid-range option for your desktop setup.

Logitech - Z906 5.1
Logitech - Z906 5.1-Channel Satellite Surround Sound Speaker System
Best Mid-Range

The best mid-range speaker set for your PC

For a best-in-class mid-range speaker set, the Logitech Z906 is a tough act to follow. These THX-certified speakers offer a fully customizable listening experience, which can be optimized to meet your gameplay needs. Enjoy deep, powerful bass tones, with soaring highs, and add a new dimension to your audio.

Pros
  • Incredible audio
  • Plenty of connection options
  • THX-certified speakers
  • Control console and remote provide customization options
Cons
  • No RGB lighting

One of the best options out there for the mid-range is the Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System. These are THX-certified home speakers, and capable of providing up to 1,000 watts of power. There’s no fancy RGB lighting here, just booming bass and rich audio.

Consisting of four satellite speakers, one central channel, a wireless subwoofer, a control console, and a wireless remote, you get plenty of bang for your buck here. The control console and remote control allow you to customize your audio and tweak the surround sound experience for maximum impact.

The level of each speaker can be adjusted independently, and it delivers a very good 5.1 setup overall. It supports multiple input sources, including 3.5-millimeter aux, RCA, six-channel direct, digital, or optical, and you can switch between these easily using the console or remote. An ideal choice for impressive cinematic sound for your favorite games and movies.

What to Consider When Looking for Desktop Computer Speakers

Budget will undoubtedly be a driving factor in looking for a desktop computer speaker. Having said that, there will be plenty of options for every budget, and within that range, you'll need to consider what you want to be getting out of your speakers.

Are you looking for a gaming-compatible soundbar, or a full speaker set? Do you want to experience the full effect of 3D spatial audio with fully synched RGB lighting? Or are you looking for a simpler upgrade to your current setup?

At the premium end of the range, the LG Ultragear GP9 offers astounding 3D audio with a slew of customizable RGB lighting options. It's compact and portable and features a built-in mic for crystal-clear voice chat with your teammates.

For a much more modest outlay, the Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 Desktop Speakers offer unbeatable value for money. There's no surround sound or customizable RGB lighting here, just a solid audio output that will represent a decent boost in quality for many.

However, our top pick in terms of audio output, customization, and innovation, is the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro. Offering beamforming surround sound with AI-powered head-tracking, you have 3D audio that follows your head movements while you play. It has a ton of customizable features, including Razer Chroma RGB lighting, and is one of the most exciting gaming soundbars we've seen.

leviathan pro 2
Razer Leviathan V2 Pro
Best Overall

THX Spatial Audio with adaptive beamforming for the ultimate in soundbar audio

With innovative head-tracking AI features, the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro produces unrivaled 3D audio compared to other soundbars. And with 30 customizable RGB lighting zones, it's the perfect companion for immersive long-haul gaming sessions.

Pros
  • THX Spatial Audio
  • Razer Chroma RGB lighting
  • Head-tracking AI
  • Good customization options
  • Cool design
Cons
  • On the expensive side
  • Some may prefer a full speaker set for their gaming