The 6 Best Computer Speakers For Gaming

Let me ask you a question: what’s your favorite part of going to the theaters? What sets that experience apart from watching at home? Is it the beautiful visuals on the big screen? The feeling of watching a movie with a crowd of people?

For me, the most powerful part of going to the theater is undoubtedly the sound. I love how the theater shakes with each explosion, how the room fills with the rise and fall of the beautiful movie soundtracks, and sometimes even the sudden absence of sound when the only thing you hear during intense scenes in horror films is other people’s terrified breathing.

Good visuals excite the eyes, but sound penetrates the soul. The sound makes you feel what’s happening on screen. 🎶 ✨

Best Speakers for Gaming

Now imagine if you could take that theater-quality sound and bring it to your gaming setup. Good news, it’s possible. You may already have the best gaming monitor, but monitors alone don’t tend to have very good speakers. There are many computer speakers out there that can kick your gaming experience up a notch and turn your living room or your office into your own personal gaming theater.

A new set of computer speakers may not be as expensive as you think either. For you audiophiles out there who are looking for the best sound out there, then yes, you will have to pay big money for it. But gamers on a tighter budget can take heart in the fact that there are plenty of great value options out there.

Introducing GameGavel’s list of the best computer speakers for gaming. We have compiled a list of speakers from large to small, from the highest quality to best value, to help you pick the best speaker for your gaming setup.

If you haven’t shopped for a good pair of computer speakers before, I would highly suggest checking out the computer speakers buying guide at the bottom of this article to get some tips on what to look for when shopping. But without further ado, here is our list of the best computer speakers for gaming.

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Pros & Cons

• High-quality sound for under $100
• Lightweight

• No wireless connectivity

Key Features

• Two speakers
• On-speaker volume control
• 3.5mm and PC inputs
• Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.9 x 3.1 x 7.5 in

Bose Companion 2 Series III Review

Bose has long been one of the leaders in high-quality audio devices. A brand name can be powerful, but can the Companion 2 Series III live up to the Bose quality? Well for speakers that are under $100, they certainly do an excellent job and are a great upgrade to any computer speakers.

If you’re looking for inexpensive computer speakers, make sure to check out our Mackie CR3 review.

The Bose Companion 2 Series III speakers are very small, weighing just 1.1 pounds, and they barely take up any room. For those that lack space on their desk, these would be a great choice. Setting them up is easy and you can connect nearly any device to them with the 3.5mm AUX cable and PC inputs.

It’s too bad that there isn’t a wireless connection option because the AUX cable is pretty short, which can be a little annoying.

For small speakers, the sound quality of the Companion 2 Series III’s is fantastic. While they struggle to produce deep bass due to the lack of a subwoofer, these speakers are able to handle a wide range of sounds with clarity. Alongside the Logitech Z623s, the Bose Companion 2 Series III’s are a great option for budget shoppers.

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Pros & Cons

• Great bass
• Very unique design
• Wireless connection

• A tad expensive

Key Features

• 2 satellite sticks, 1 subwoofer
• Wireless connection
• Touch volume control
• Frequency Response: 35Hz-20kHz
• 6-inch, 20-watt downward-firing powered subwoofer
• 2.0 speaker design
• Weight: 6.39 pounds
• Dimensions: 11 x 11.3 x 15.5in

Harman Kardon SoundSticks Wireless Review

These are one of the most unique-looking set of speakers out there: the Harmon Kardon SoundSticks Wireless. This set of speakers includes one subwoofer and two slim satellite speakers, a combination of which create a full sound with deep bass.

The Harman Kardon SoundSticks has a frequency response rate of 35Hz – 20kHz, so it is able to pick up a very wide range of sound with great detail. One of the best parts of the Harman Kardon SoundSticks is its design. Both the sub and the satellite speakers are completely see-through with some elegant black accents, giving it a very modern look.

The SoundSticks appear more like an art piece than a set of speakers, which is perfect for those who want their speakers to add to the design of their space rather than be an eyesore. The speakers are very light, so they are very easy to move around where you like.

What also helps with the design is the fact that the SoundSticks are completely wireless, so no need to worry about a bunch of pesky cords. These speakers have a 3.5mm stereo audio connection, so they should be able to connect to just about all of your devices.

You would expect a set of speakers that look like the Harman Kardon SoundSticks to be pretty expensive, but they actually aren’t priced too terribly high. In fact, for the value that you are getting out of these wireless speakers, it’s actually a great deal. For under $200 you are getting a set of wireless speakers that can put out a deep, rich sound that will fill up your room.

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Pros & Cons

• Good sound quality
• Under $100
• On-Speaker Controls
• Can get very loud – great for parties

• No optical input
• Connection isn’t the best

Key Features

• THX-certified 2.1 speaker system
• RCA and 3.5mm inputs
• Two satellite speakers and one subwoofer
• Peak Power: 400W
• Wired Connection
• Weight: 18.35 pounds
• Dimensions: 17.3 x 11.9 x 12.2 in

Logitech Z623 Review

The Logitech Z623s are out to prove that you don’t need to spend over $100 to get a great set of speakers. For just $91 you get two satellite speakers and a subwoofer, all of which combine to create a deep and rich sound that comes with the almighty THC-certification.

Right out of the box the sound is great – good bass from the sub and relatively crisp trebles from the satellite speakers – but you can add as much bass as you want by tuning the dial on the right-hand speaker.

Even though these speakers are under $100, the Logitech Z623s still feels well built. The design of the satellite speakers is a little funky, but it doesn’t stand out too much. Overall, they should sit as a subtle addition to your room because of their small size.

Even though the sub is pretty small, it still puts out some good, low bass sounds. These speakers can also put out a lot of noise, which is great for keeping the music going with a lot of people in the room. If you are looking for a good pair of speakers to add to your gaming desk on the cheaper side, the Logitech Z623s should be at the top of your list.

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Pros & Cons

• Great sound
• Easy to set up
• Lots of connectivity options

• Large size for a gaming desk
• Expensive
• Could use a sub for deeper sound

Key Features

• Full Featured IR Remote
• Frequency response: 64 – 24000 Hz
• Output power: 2 x 50W
• 10.3 pounds
• 8.2 x 7 x 12.5 inches
• Connectivity: USB, 3.5mm, Optical, Bluetooth

Klipsch R-15PM Review

From one beautifully designed set of speakers to another. Introducing the Klipsch R-15PM, a set of gorgeous vinyl-wrapped speakers that can fill up your room with beautiful sound. Its black vinyl finish is accented very nicely by a copper Cone Woofer. These would give any bookshelf or desk an upgrade.

The sound of the Klipsch R-15PMs is very clear. It has a frequency response of 64 – 24000Hz, so it can pick up a wide range of sounds. Each speaker has 50W of output power, which is plenty of power to fill up a room with music during loud parties or for intense gaming. The speakers are a little short on bass due to the lack of a subwoofer, but overall the sound is good.

One thing to watch out for with these speakers, though, is just how big they are. Its dimensions are 8.2 x 7 x 12.5 inches, so they might have a hard time fitting on every desk. The combination of its bigger size and weight (10.3 pounds) will probably make you want to put these speakers in one place and never move them again.

Once you find a place for them though, the Klipsch R-15PMs is thankfully very easy to set up and connect to due to the multitude of connection options: USB, 3.5mm, optical, and Bluetooth connections. Also, it has a remote, so a big plus for convenience there.

The Klipsch R-15PMs speakers are easy to use, have a sturdy build quality, beautiful design, and powerful sound. The one drawback to these speakers is the price, which is expensive on its own, but it might get even more expensive if you add a subwoofer to this set.

If you have the money, though, it will absolutely be worth it since it will create an absolutely top-notch experience for your home theater. By the way, if you are looking for a new gaming desk to fit both your PC and your speakers, check out GameGavel’s article on the best gaming desks to get you started.

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Pros & Cons

• Great price for a sound bar
• Lots of bass
• Takes up small amount of space

• No remote
• Not true surround sound

Key Features

• Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound
• Bluetooth v4.0 connection
• Built-in NFC technology for ultra-fast pairing and connecting devices
• 5.25” downward firing subwoofer with 2 full-range drivers and tweeters
• Nominal Output Power: 60 Watt
• Frequency response rate: 180Hz – 20KHz
• Weight: 9.76 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.1 x 19.7 x 2.9 in

Razer Leviathan Sound Bar Review

For those who love a bass-heavy sound with plenty of input options, check out the Razer Leviathan Sound Bar. This set of speakers comes with two components: a sound bar and a subwoofer.

The sound bar has Bluetooth, optical audio-in (so you can connect a PS4 or Xbox One), and a 3.5mm AUX connection. The amount of input options gives the Razer Leviathan a wide range of uses, making it very versatile.

The Razer Leviathan Sound Bar feels well built. It has a sleek black finish with the classic Razer logo on the front. The soundbar itself is pretty light, so it’s very easy to move it around your desk where you would like it. It’s also short enough to sit right under your monitor and face right at you.

The sound of the Razer Leviathan is all about the bass. You will really feel the heaviness of a grenade blast or the beat of a bass rhythm when having these speakers turned on. It’s an awesome experience for gaming, especially for first-person shooters.

On the downside, Razer claims that the Leviathan has Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound, but the surround sound isn’t all that good. Pick up the Razer Leviathan Sound Bar if you are looking for a bass-rich sound and an easy user experience. You’ll have to pay over $200 to get it, but those that spend the money will get high quality for their money.

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Pros & Cons

• Great connectivity
• Sleek design
• Digital USB connection

• No remote control
• Volume is on the back side of the speakers

Key Features

• 2 Desktop Speakers
• Hand-finished wood cabinets
• Wired connection
• Nominal Output Power: 30 Watt
• Max Output Power: 60 Watt
• Frequency Response: 65 – 22000 Hz
• Weight: 6.61 lbs
• Dimensions: 4 x 5.2 x 6 in

Audioengine A2+ Review

These speakers may be small in stature, but they sure put out some amazing stereo sound. While they are lacking the bass that only a sub can give, the two Audioengine A2+ speakers give you crisp, clear audio. The hand-finished wood panels give the A2+ speakers a very classic look.

Since the Audioengine A2+ speakers are a stereo pair, they require a connection between the two speakers so that power can flow between the left and the right speakers. As for other connection options, these speakers have an output for a subwoofer, a 3.5mm aux input, and even a micro USB input.

You also have the option to connect to these speakers via Bluetooth. One weird quirk about the Audioengine A2+ speakers is the fact that you need to angle them up to hear their full sound potential since they are so short. Thankfully, Audioengine includes some wedges to help you angle them correctly.

But here’s the question: with the price that the Audioengine A2+ speakers go for, which right now is $219, are they really that much better than some of the other options on this list? Well, those that like a bass-heavy sound should look elsewhere. But if you value a stereo sound with excellent audio accuracy, then it is hard to match the quality of these speakers.

Computer Speakers For Gaming: Buying Guide

Computer speakers come in many shapes, sizes, and setups. You can get speakers that come with a subwoofer, one that comes with a soundbar, or just two speakers of the same size. Each different type of speaker has unique qualities that might make them great for one person, but not suitable for another.

To help you determine which computer speakers will fit best for your setup, here are some of the top factors you should pay attention to when choosing computer speakers for your gaming setup. Want another option for great sound when gaming? Check out our article on the best gaming headsets.

Connectivity Type: Wired vs. Wireless

How much flexibility do you want when it comes to the setup of your speakers? If you wish to create surround sound or have the sound coming from all directions, then you will want to invest in wireless speakers to make sure you can put your speakers in different parts of the room.

While they are more convenient to set up, wireless speakers are often more expensive than their wired brethren. Be prepared to pay at least $50 more for wireless speakers.

Make sure to also factor in what you want to plug into these speakers. If you wish to plug in a phone or computer, then a 3.5mm aux cable should be fine. Those wishing to connect these to a console gaming system, like a PS4, should pick speakers with an optical port.

Noise Level: how loud do you need them to be?

If you plan to use these speakers at large social gatherings (I’m looking at you, college students), then make sure they can put out a sound that can be louder than a crowd of people.

Speaker size: how big is your desk?

Speakers come in all different sizes and setups. I would suggest taking a look at the size of your desk and figure out how much space you have available for speakers. If you don’t have a lot of room, take a look at a smaller set of speakers, like the Logitech Z623s or the Bose Companion III’s.

A quick note: just because the speakers are smaller doesn’t mean that you are compromising on sound quality or volume. Tiny speakers can be very loud.

Sound Type

If you are someone who likes to hear a lot of basses when they are gaming or listening to music, make sure to invest in a set of speakers with a subwoofer. Stereo is also a unique sound that not all speakers can do. Check out the Audioengine A2+ speakers for excellent stereo sound. For those looking for surround sound, make sure to check that the speakers you are looking at have Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions that people have when buying computer speakers:

Are speakers good for gaming?

Yes, good speakers can add to your gaming experience. It’s one thing to have a great screen to get the best visuals, but you want to make sure you can hear the sound of the game to its fullest extent as well.

Do I need speakers for my gaming PC?

Not all monitors come with speakers included, so it may be necessary to purchase additional speakers for sound. Check the specs of the monitor you want before you buy to see if purchasing other speakers will be required.

How do wireless computer speakers work?

Wireless computer speakers work the same way that regular computer speakers work, except they receive electronic signals through a transmitter instead of through wires. The speakers receive the electric signals from a computer or a phone and transform those signals into sound.

Wireless speakers tend to have a range of about 150 feet from the transmitter, so it is easy to place them when you want in the room.

Summary

Even though it’s more popular to get something like Ninja’s gaming headset and become a Fortnite pro (we wish…), some people might prefer speakers. Whether you like it when your landlord listens to your Fortnite battles, or you just feel discomfort when wearing a headset, using computer speakers you can have more pleasant gaming experiences.

Couple them with a high-quality cheap gaming microphone and you have your communications setup for a negligible price.

Furthermore, the best computer speakers for gaming that we listed here aren’t that expensive at all. Especially if you consider their sheer number of practical uses. You can utilize them as a bonus to your sound system when you’re hosting a party, for example. Same goes for movie nights and similar events.

Overall, if you have the budget, having a pair of computer speakers is always a good idea. Even when you prefer gaming with a headset.