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Best PC Speakers 2025: From Budget Picks to Audiophile Gems

Best PC Speakers 2025: From Budget Picks to Audiophile Gems

Valeriy Bagrintsev Valeriy Bagrintsev
10 minute read

Best PC Speakers 2025: From Budget Picks to Audiophile Gems

Explore the best PC speakers of 2025, covering everything from affordable options to premium audiophile setups for every desk.

Elevate Your PC Audio Experience in 2025

Whether you're a casual YouTube watcher or a hardcore gamer craving immersive sound, choosing the right PC speakers can transform your setup. Built-in laptop speakers might suffice for basic tasks, and gaming headsets offer convenience and quality, but nothing beats the freedom, flexibility, and rich sound of dedicated PC speakers.

The variety is stunning in 2025—from sleek, budget-friendly stereo pairs to full-blown surround sound gaming rigs with subwoofers. Ready to find your perfect match? Let me guide you through the top options we tested, mixing nostalgia for simpler sound days with the thrill of cutting-edge audio tech.

Quick Picks: Must-Know PC Speakers for 2025

1. Creative T100

These slim, glossy speakers punch well above their weight, delivering loud, clear audio with multiple connection options and a handy wireless remote.

2. Creative Pebble Pro

Tiny yet mighty, these pebble-shaped speakers charge via USB and sound surprisingly great for just about $60.

3. Onkyo Creator Series GX-30ARC

A versatile and stylish sound system compatible with PCs, consoles, and more, boasting USB-C, optical, RCA, Bluetooth 5.3 LE, Aux, and HDMI connections.

4. AudioEngine A2+

Solid build, classic design, and stellar sound quality—a premium choice for audiophiles and serious listeners.

5. Edifier G2000

Affordable gaming speakers with multiple connections and eye-catching RGB lighting, perfect for players on a budget.

6. Razer Nommo V2

A powerful 2.1 setup delivering focused sound and virtual surround—ideal for the solo gaming PC warrior.

7. SteelSeries Arena 9

An impressively loud 5.1 surround system with wireless rear satellites and gamer-friendly lighting effects.

8. Creative Sound Blaster Katana SE

A compact yet powerful soundbar with vibrant RGB lighting and diverse connection options for both PC and TV.

Best PC Speakers You Can Buy Today

Budget-Friendly Speakers Under $110

Budget PC speaker setup

1. Creative T100

Technical Specifications:
  • Type: 2.0
  • Frequency Response: 50–20,000 Hz
  • Power: 40 W RMS (80 W peak)
  • Dimensions: 8.2 x 3.6 x 5.1 inches (each)
  • Inputs: 3.5 mm analog, TOSLINK optical, Bluetooth 5.0

Pros:

  • Excellent sound for the price
  • Multiple connectivity options
  • Includes wireless remote

Cons:

  • Glossy plastic design may feel plain
  • No USB input

If you don’t mind the boxy black plastic look and don’t require a subwoofer or 5.1 surround sound, the Creative T100 is a top pick around $80. They deliver sound and volume that often surpass pricier setups and include extra features like Bluetooth, USB playback, and optical input.

During testing, they hit a loud 82.5 dBA at 50% volume and 90.4 dBA max, ranking among the loudest 2.0 desktop speakers we've tried. The included remote controls volume, input switching, and equalizer presets, making them surprisingly versatile.

Their primary drawback? No USB connection and no subwoofer port, but for the money, this is a superb all-rounder.

Compact Budget Champs

Compact budget Creative Pebble Pro speakers

2. Creative Pebble Pro

Technical Specifications:
  • Type: 2.0
  • Frequency Response: 80–20,000 Hz
  • Power: 10 W RMS (20 W peak), up to 30 W RMS (60 W peak with power adapter)
  • Dimensions: 4.8 x 4.8 x 4.6 inches (each)
  • Inputs: 3.5 mm analog, USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3

Pros:

  • Extremely affordable
  • Compact and minimalist
  • USB-powered, great for tight spaces
  • RGB lighting base with customizable options

Cons:

  • Designed strictly for desktop use
  • No subwoofer or subwoofer port

Creative Pebble Pro is the premium sibling in the Pebble lineup, retailing around $60. Its charming pebble shape and angled drivers direct sound upward for an excellent listening experience on your desk. Upgraded drivers and Creative’s "BassFlex" tech boost the bass beyond typical 2.0 speakers, plus the Clear Audio enhancement enriches vocals and effects.

Powered straight from USB, they’re easy to set up with no extra power bricks, and the USB-C port supports Power Delivery to crank the volume up when plugged into a 30W adapter (sometimes included free). They can get surprisingly loud with minimal distortion until near max volume.

You might question the price though, as the Creative Pebble V3 offers similar features for about $40, though without power boost or RGB.

Versatile 2.0 Speakers for Any Setup

Onkyo GX-30ARC versatile desktop speakers

3. Onkyo Creator Series GX-30ARC

Technical Specifications:
  • Type: 2.0
  • Frequency Response: 50–20,000 Hz
  • Power: 50 W
  • Dimensions: 5.75 x 8.7 x 6.7 inches (each)
  • Inputs: USB-C, TOSLINK, RCA, Bluetooth 5.3 LE, 3.5 mm Aux, HDMI

Pros:

  • Loads of input options
  • Includes speaker stands
  • Solid sound quality for size and price

Cons:

  • Visible seams and plastic stands feel a bit cheap
  • Large footprint may not fit smaller desks

Onkyo’s Creator GX-30ARC made a splash in 2025 with a renaissance for the brand. These speakers cover all bases with six simultaneous input options and a subwoofer port, making them a jack-of-all-trades for PC, console, TV, and stereo systems. Their remote makes switching inputs easy, and at 99 dBA max, they’re among the loudest 2.0 speakers tested.

The plastic stands angle the speakers toward your ears, improving soundstage, a thoughtful touch despite their modest build quality.

Premium 2.0 Excellence

AudioEngine A2+ premium bookshelf speakers

4. AudioEngine A2+

Technical Specifications:
  • Type: 2.0
  • Frequency Response: 65–22,000 Hz
  • Power: 30 W RMS (60 W peak)
  • Dimensions: 6.25 x 4.2 x 5.6 inches (each)
  • Inputs: 3.5 mm analog, micro USB, RCA, Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX)

Pros:

  • Superb sound quality
  • Excellent build quality
  • Multiple inputs and outputs
  • AptX Bluetooth for low-latency streaming

Cons:

  • Pricey at $269
  • Requires stands for optimal soundstage
  • Open drivers may not suit all spaces

This one’s a true classic. I’ve owned an earlier version since 2012, and they still shine in both looks and sound. The A2+ updates bring Bluetooth aptX, a sleek glossy enclosure, and versatile inputs. While not the loudest (maxing around 85.6 dBA), their sound clarity and balance outshine many competitors.

Open-style drivers need careful placement—ideally on angled stands—to hit your ears just right. That’s a small investment for a premium listening experience that’s stood the test of time.

Gaming Speakers That Impress

Edifier G2000 RGB-lit gaming speakers

5. Edifier G2000

Technical Specifications:
  • Type: 2.0
  • Frequency Response: 98–22,000 Hz
  • Power: 16 W RMS (32 W peak)
  • Dimensions: 5.12 x 4.13 x 4.2 inches (each)
  • Inputs: 3.5 mm analog, USB-A, Bluetooth 5.1

Pros:

  • Powerful sound with subwoofer port
  • RGB lighting effects
  • Multiple connectivity options
  • Aux port for subwoofer

Cons:

  • Start-up sound can be annoying (but disable-able)
  • Side controls aren’t very intuitive
  • Prone to visible smudges on the finish

The Edifier G2000 is an affordable gamer’s dream speaker, compact enough to fit any desk yet packing surprisingly immersive sound with emphasis on the bass. It includes a dedicated subwoofer port and has multiple connection options—USB, analog, Bluetooth—making it easy to hook up to any rig.

The RGB lighting adds flair, though controlling it isn’t as smooth as software-based options. Soundwise, it leans a bit bass-heavy due to its single cone design but excels in gaming environments.

2.1 Gaming Sound Richness

Razer Nommo V2 2.1 gaming speakers with wired subwoofer

6. Razer Nommo V2

Technical Specifications:
  • Type: 2.1
  • Frequency Response: 40–20,000 Hz
  • Power: Not disclosed
  • Dimensions: 5.1 x 7.2 x 7.1 inches (satellites), 10.4 x 11.8 x 10.4 inches (subwoofer)
  • Inputs: Bluetooth, USB-C to USB-A

Pros:

  • Powerful bass and directed sound
  • Virtual surround sound capabilities

Cons:

  • Wireless control module prone to issues

The Razer Nommo V2 is a wired 2.1 system perfect for solo gaming sessions, packing deep bass and precise directional audio. It’s the more affordable sibling of the Nommo V2 Pro, which features wireless subwoofer and customizable controls.

Satellites sit on fixed angled stands targeting your ears, and the RGB-lit drivers add attractive lighting effects. Though not the best multitasker and a bit bass-heavy, it’s tough to beat for PC gaming immersion.

True Surround Sound for Gamers

SteelSeries Arena 9 5.1 gaming surround sound system

7. SteelSeries Arena 9

Technical Specifications:
  • Type: 5.1
  • Frequency Response: 35–20,000 Hz
  • Power: 280 W peak
  • Dimensions: Multiple satellites and a 6.5-inch subwoofer
  • Inputs: 3.5 mm analog, USB-C, optical in/out, Bluetooth 4.2

Pros:

  • Extremely powerful
  • Rich immersive soundstage
  • True surround sound experience

Cons:

  • High price tag ($550)
  • Takes up considerable space

SteelSeries claims Arena 9 is the first dedicated 5.1 surround sound system designed specifically for gamers, and it backs it up with wireless rear speakers and a hefty subwoofer. The control pod with OLED display lets you tweak EQ, lighting, and surround modes easily.

The system truly immerses you in game audio with crisp mids, satisfying lows, and a broad sound field. While expensive, it stands out in functionality and PC-specific features that home theater setups lack.

Compact Soundbar Solution

Creative Sound Blaster Katana SE slim soundbar

8. Creative Sound Blaster Katana SE

Technical Specifications:
  • Type: Soundbar
  • Frequency Response: 55–20,000 Hz
  • Power: 90 W RMS (180 W peak)
  • Dimensions: 3.1 x 25.6 x 4.3 inches
  • Inputs: 3.5 mm analog, USB-C, HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth 5.0

Pros:

  • Sleek form factor
  • Attractive RGB lighting
  • Great connectivity for PC and TV

Cons:

  • Basic display
  • No dedicated subwoofer

Soundbars aren’t just for TVs anymore. The Katana SE is an excellent choice for tight desks and limited space. Its low profile fits neatly under monitors, and with multiple inputs plus Dolby Audio decoding, it’s versatile for gaming, music, or movies.

While lacking a subwoofer, the Katana SE offers clean, loud sound with rich tones. It’s perfect for users who want simplicity without sacrificing quality.

Other Noteworthy Tested Speakers

Unique gaming soundbar with neck speakers

We recently tested the OXS Thunder Pro+ — a 7.1 gaming soundbar that includes a unique “neck satellite” — a neck pillow with built-in side speakers for immersive surround sound. While the soundbar itself is compact, RGB-lit, and excels in midrange-heavy music and clear dialogue, the neck pillow is more of a novelty with limited battery life and weaker sound quality.

Fluance Ai41 powered bookshelf speakers

The Fluance Ai41 powered bookshelf speakers deliver richer sound than most desktop speakers. They come with a remote for bass and treble adjustments but are larger and pricier ($249), suitable if you have the desk space and want impressive audio clarity.

We also tested new acoustic systems from the revived Onkyo brand, now owned by Voxx, which offers modern features and attractive designs. More time is needed to fully assess their sound quality.

How We Test PC Speakers

Choosing PC speakers isn’t just about specs; it’s about how they sound in your space and feel day to day. We use a sound level meter at 1 meter distance to measure loudness at 50% and 100% volume via a standard test track. This gives us an objective look at maximum output and distortion.

But we don’t stop there. We game, watch videos, and listen to music to judge real-world performance and ease of use, including hardware and software controls. We understand your ears and room will influence your experience, so we blend hard data with personal impressions.

What to Consider When Buying PC Speakers

  • Stereo, Subwoofer, or Surround? 2.0 speakers are simple and space-friendly. If you want richer bass, look for 2.1 with a subwoofer. For full immersion, consider 5.1 surround—though it’s pricier and requires more setup.
  • Connection Types: USB speakers have built-in DACs for better sound quality and easy connection. Many still use analog 3.5 mm inputs. Ensure your PC supports the connections, especially for surround systems.
  • Bluetooth: Handy for wireless versatility but not essential for desktop speakers unless you frequently switch devices.
  • Placement: Most speakers are designed for desktops, often angled upward. If you want to place them elsewhere, check if stands are removable or adjustable, or be ready to buy extra stands.
  • Size Matters: Speakers range from tiny desktop units to larger bookshelf models. Larger speakers typically offer better sound but need more space.

“What makes a set of dedicated desktop speakers the best for you depends on your needs, budget, and desk space.”

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  • Which speakers are best for small desks?
    Compact models like Creative Pebble Pro or Creative Sound Blaster Katana SE fit well in tight spaces without sacrificing sound quality.
  • Do I need a subwoofer for better bass?
    Yes, a subwoofer (2.1 system) greatly enhances bass impact, especially for gaming and movies.
  • Are USB speakers better than analog?
    USB speakers often include built-in DACs, providing clearer sound than typical analog connections.
  • Can gaming speakers double as music speakers?
    Many can, but some gaming-focused models emphasize bass and effects over balanced audio.
  • Is Bluetooth necessary for PC speakers?
    No, but it adds convenience for wireless streaming and multi-device use.

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