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8 Best Computer Speakers (2026) After Testing 30 Pairs
Good computer speakers can make for a quick desktop upgrade. Sound is often overlooked when people buy a PC. Some folks prefer headphones, others stick with those old, battered speakers they inherited, and some rely on the awful built-in speaker in their monitor. With any of the speakers in this list, you can enhance voices in video calls and movies, tease out greater depth in your favorite music, and provide spatial awareness in games. After several months of testing, I've narrowed my selection across various budgets and preferences. Whether you want a soundbar for your computer, a pair of speakers, or a surround sound system, you can find it here.
Be sure to check out our many other audio guides, like the Best Soundbars, Best Bluetooth Speakers, Best Wireless Headphones, Best Gaming Headsets, and Best Bookshelf Speakers.
Updated May 2026: I reorganized this guide and slimmed down my recommendations, added speakers from Kanto, added mentions for speakers from Ruark and OXS, and updated prices.
After testing more than 30 computer speakers and soundbars over the last few years, I always return to the Audioengine A2+. With an elegant design and quality construction, they are compact enough for my busy desktop. But don’t be fooled by the small stature—these speakers pack a serious punch. The clarity in the higher registers is excellent, but there’s also depth and accuracy in the mids. While the lack of a subwoofer means the bass can be a little shallow, it’s not distractingly so. Music is where the Audioengine A2+ shines, but I had no trouble hearing cloaked Elites with positional sound in Halo Infinite, and voices came through crisp and clear during in-game chat, video calls, and movies.
Connectivity is well-rounded, but just watch out for jumps in volume with different input devices. The volume knob, which also turns the speakers on or off, is a little awkward behind the left speaker, and there’s no remote, but I have no other complaints about these PC speakers. You can also upgrade the A2+ by adding a subwoofer and 15-degree stands. Audioengine updated the A2+ in 2025, making the best even better by adding Bluetooth 5.3, 24-bit audio, and USB-C connectivity. There’s also a built-in USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter), so USB-C is the best way to connect your PC or laptop. Ultimately, these are the best computer speakers for most people because they strike the perfect balance of style, power, features, and price.
With a properly compact form, 6.5 x 4.3 x 4.2 inches (165 x 112 x 109 mm), these cute wee computer speakers can squeeze onto the busiest desktops. There’s an elegance to the molded plastic design with rubbery feet, and the Kanto UKI speakers come in a couple of fun colors (blue or green), alongside the classic black or white. More importantly these speakers produce rich, warm, and detailed sound, with surprisingly good bass. They served me well for music, games, and video calls.
I connected the speakers and plugged the right one into my PC via USB-C (no cable supplied), but there’s also a pair of RCA inputs, a subwoofer output, a 3.5 mm headphone port around front, and support for Bluetooth 5.0. Pairing and streaming from my phone was quick and easy. I appreciated the simple volume knob on the front of the right speaker that you press the switch modes. Desktop stands ($30) are available (sold separately) to angle these speakers at your ears, and they’re probably worth snagging, though there is also a rear screw mount hole.
Boasting a big sound for such a compact set of speakers, the iLoud Micro Monitors come recommended by WIRED's resident audiophiles. These speakers impressed me right from the simple setup (plug in the 3.5-mm audio output). The sound is well-balanced, with plenty of detail in the warm mids and sparkly highs. Even the bass response is good, considering there’s no subwoofer. I love the tiny fold-out feet, enabling you to angle them up for a better sound. There is also Bluetooth support (A2DP) t