We're spending more time at home working (and playing) on our desktops and laptops than ever before, and that means listening to our computer's built-in speakers — which, likely, aren't very good. An easy way to change that: buy a nice pair of computer speakers.
A set of computer (or desktop) speakers generally isn't as expensive or as big as bookshelf speakers; in fact, you can buy a pretty good pair of computer speakers for less than $100. The pair is able to create a wider soundstage with much better stereo sound than your computer's built-in speakers, and it's a no-brainer for anybody who cares about audio.
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PreSonus Eris E3 Read More -
Kanto Living YU2 Read More
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Audioengine A2+ Wireless Read More
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Audioengine HD3 Read More
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Kanto Ora Read More
Before buying a set of computer speakers, there are a number of things you want to consider. You need to figure out how much you want to spend (which could range between $50 —$500) and what kind of system you want; some computer speaker systems, for example, come with a wireless subwoofer, others don't. You also need to consider how you're going to connect your computer and speakers: 3.5mm? USB audio jack? Or a wireless connection like Bluetooth?
The last thing to note is that some of the most popular wireless speakers, which don't support Bluetooth, can't actually be used as computer speakers. You might be surprised that Sonos speakers can't really be used as computer speakers (although there is a workaround). You also can't use two HomePods or two HomePod minis as computer speakers with your Mac, which is a bit odd (and hopefully will change).
How We Tested
We've been writing about and reviewing speakers and desktop accessories for near-on a decade. We've had hand-on testing with most of the below computer speakers. We've also included a few computer speakers made by trusted brands and aim to get hands-on with them in the near future.
To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.
The Best Computer Speakers Under $500
PreSonus Eris E3.5
- Power: 25 watts (per speaker)
- Size: 5.6" (W) x 8.3" (H) ; 6.4 pounds (pair)
- Inputs: RCA (Aux adapter included)
- Bluetooth: No
For our money, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 are the best computer speakers you can buy for under $100. They're small but mighty near-field studio monitors that deliver surprisingly clear mids and highs — and if you want deeper bass, you can pair them with the company's Eris Sub8 sub ($180). On the front of the primary speaker is an on-speaker control knob to easily adjust volume. There's a headphone jack, too, so you can connect headphones without having to unplug the speakers from your setup.
Note: These speakers do not support streaming, but if you're willing to pay a little more, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 BT ($130) are the exact same speakers but with built-in Bluetooth.
Kanto YU2
- Power: 50 watts
- Size: 4" (W) x 6" (H) ; 6 pounds (pair)
- Inputs: 3.5mm
- Bluetooth: No
Kanto is well-known for making some of the best and budget-friendly active loudspeakers — its TUKs being the standout example. The company's YU2 is a smaller and minimalist powered speaker system. It has a built-in DAC and each speaker has a 3-in-1 Kevlar woofer and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter. You can easily connect them to your desktop or laptop via USB or a 3.5mm mini jack. And they're available in four different finishes (bamboo, black, white or walnut) so you can get a pair to match your workstation's aesthetic.
Audioengine A2+ Wireless
- Power: 60 watts
- Size: 4.2" (W) x 6.25" (H); 6.7 pounds (pair)
- Inputs: 3.5mm, USB, RCA
- Bluetooth: Yes
Audioengine makes some of the best-sounding bookshelf speakers under $500 you can buy, period. The A2+ are the company's tiny and super-versatile powered speakers. You can connect them to your laptop or desktop via a 3.5mm jack or Bluetooth (meaning it's super easy to stream music from your smartphone, too). You can also use its RCA connections to use them as stereo speakers for your turntable. The kicker is that you can buy the A2+ in three different colors: black, red or white.
Audioengine HD3
- Power: 60 watts
- Size: 4.25" (H) x 4.25" (W); 7.4 pounds (pair)
- Inputs: 3.5mm, USB, RCA
- Bluetooth: Yes
You can think of the Audioengine HD3 as a slightly dressed-up and a little better-sounding version of the company's well-loved A2+ desktop speakers. And yes, they're also a good chunk more expensive. The two speakers share the same drivers (silk dome tweeters and Kevlar woofer), crossover and power. They also have the same Bluetooth and wired connectivity options. The difference is that the HD3 speakers are a little taller and have a slightly bigger chamber, plus they have an improved built-in amplifier, meaning you can expect a little bump in overall sound quality.
Kanto Ora
- Power: 100 watts
- Size: 6.9" (H) x 3.9" (W); 4.4 pounds (pair)
- Inputs: USB-C, RCA
- Bluetooth: Yes
Released in late 2023, the Kanto Ora are the company's reference quality desktop speakers. Despite their relatively compact speakers, the Oras have a 100-watt peak power and get quite loud. They also sound great. When connected to your computer via USB-C, they can play lossless audio up to 24-bit/96kHz; they also have RCA connections and support Bluetooth streaming, though those can't quite reach the same audio quality. The only possible downside is that the Oras lack some features, like RGB lighting and customizable EQ, that are common in other computer speakers.
Peachtree M25
- Power: 50 watts
- Size: 10.2" (H) x 6.6" (W); 8.7 pounds (pair)
- Inputs: USB-A, USB-B, optical, RCA
- Bluetooth: Yes
The Peachtree M25 is a versatile little speaker pair. They make a great set of computer speakers as they can connect via USB or RCA; although the latter is recommended as it supports high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz. They have a built-in MM phono stage, meaning you can connect them to a turntable. And they support Bluetooth streaming. The Peachtree M25 are available in two finishes: bamboo or black (shown).
Q Acoustics M20 HD
- Power: 65 watts (per speaker)
- Size: 10.9" (H) x 6.7" (W); 23 pounds (pair)
- Inputs: 3.5mm, USB, USB-B, optical, RCA
- Bluetooth: Yes
The Q Acoustics M20 HD are admittedly a little overkill for computer speakers. They're the size of bookshelf speakers and they share some similar acoustic technologies as the British hi-fi maker's more expensive active speakers (such as Point to Point cabinet bracing and support for high-resolution audio up to 24bit / 192kHz). But they work great as computer speakers, thanks via their 3.5mm mini jack connection. Plus they have built-in Bluetooth so you can easily stream audio to them, too.
What to Look for in Computer Speakers
We've been writing about and reviewing speakers and audio accessories for near-on a decade. We've had hand-on testing with several of the below computer speakers, but we've also included a few speakers that are made by brands we trust and aim to get hands-on with them in the near future.
Size
Desk space is limited and thus computer speakers tend to be significantly smaller and compact than bookshelf speakers. Remember, before you buy desktop speakers, make sure they'll actually fit on your desk.
Inputs
The way computer speakers connect to your laptop or desktop will vary. Most have a variety of input options including the standard 3.5mm mini jack or a USB connection. Some computer speakers only have RCA outputs and require a special RCA to 3.5mm jack adapter — like this — to connect to your computer.
Bluetooth
Some computer speakers are more versatile than others. Some support Bluetooth streaming, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone — or even your laptop without a wired connection. It's a nice feature, but might be overkill for you. Plus, it tends to bump up the cost of the speakers.
