Gaming headsets deliver truly immersive audio for PC battles. However, wearing headphones for a long time can lead to a feeling of pressure on the ears and headaches. Here comes the finest hour of computer acoustics, which are devoid of such shortcomings.
The best computer speakers, like any other computer peripheral, have so many price and performance differences that it can be difficult to figure out which one is best for you. We will help you figure it out, using both the recommendations of experts from PC Gamer, PC Mag and other specialized sites, and the reviews of Russian users of Yandex.Market.
A short guide to choosing computer acoustics
Stereo, 2.1, or Surround Sound: What's the Difference?
- Stereo speakers consist of only left and right speakers.
- The term "2.1" refers to a pair of speakers complemented by a subwoofer.
- And the speaker system, claiming to be surround sound, includes four to seven speakers plus a subwoofer.
The role of the subwoofer is to provide deep and low frequencies, typically from 20 Hz.Some pairs of stereo speakers provide excellent sound even without a subwoofer, primarily because their woofers (designed to handle the loudest sounds from 30 Hz to 1 kHz) cope with low frequencies.
The vast majority of inexpensive desktop speakers are stereo pairs. If you are a pro gamer or movie buff then consider a 5.1 surround sound system. But consider the additional costs and inconveniences of placing all these speakers in the room.
Which is better: wired or wireless?
Wireless PC speakers are convenient with no wires on or under the table. However, a common problem with wireless models is audio latency. At the same time, most Bluetooth-speakers provide for connection directly to the 3.5-mm audio input of the system using a cable.
Wired models are preferred for sound quality.
Additional features and ergonomics
High-quality audio and robust advanced features are not necessarily mutually exclusive. How about a Mute button? Or a remote control?
Also note the location of the controls and the shutdown button. Some manufacturers place them on the "back" of one of the speakers, making access difficult. Whenever possible, choose a computer acoustics in which the controls and the off button are located on the front side or on the side of the speaker.
Best inexpensive wireless computer acoustics under 5000 rubles
3. Creative T15 Wireless
The average price is 4,400 rubles.
Characteristics:
- computer acoustics stereo
- single-way speakers
- Bluetooth
The Singapore company has been delighting lovers of high-quality sound with inexpensive and good computer acoustics for more than a decade. And the T15 Wireless is one of the most popular modern models.
It provides high-quality sound and convenient control of tone control for high frequencies, perfectly reproduces music even from a phone and pleases with good bass even without a subwoofer. Of course, fans of complete immersion during games and movies will need a subwoofer, but for home listening to low-end music, the T15 Wireless is more than enough.
pros: Uses BasXPort technology for better bass sound, and if you play around with the EQ and add a good sound card, these speakers will sound even better.
Minuses: the headphone jack is located at the back, there is no 3.5 mm audio jack cable included, the front panel is very soiled.
2. SVEN SPS-721
The average price is 4,503 rubles.
Characteristics:
- PC acoustics stereo
- total power 50 W
- two-way speakers
- speaker cabinet material: MDF
- frequency range 45 - 25000 Hz
- Bluetooth
- remote control
- SD card support
- headphone jack
These solid-looking computer speakers not only connect via Bluetooth, but also have a slot for SD memory cards, a headphone jack and a USB Type A interface for connecting a flash drive.
In addition, a nice bonus for those who are too lazy to get up from the chair once again: all the HF and LF adjustments can be made from the remote control.
The speakers are not overly large and would be great for a medium sized room. They perfectly reproduce bass, mids and highs, and have a wide frequency spread - 45-25000 Hz.
pros: clear sound, simple design and convenient settings.
Minuses: glossy finish is very easily soiled, limited sound settings when playing tracks from a memory card or flash drive.
1. OKLICK OK-441
The average price is 2 630 rubles.
Characteristics:
- computer acoustics 2.1
- RMS 50 W
- single-way speakers
- subwoofer case material: MDF
- frequency range 35 - 20,000 Hz
- Bluetooth
- remote control
- SD card support
This model, first of all, attracts attention with its magnificent design. This immediately sets it apart from the competition, as well as the low price.
On the front panel of the OKLICK OK-441 there is a volume control with blue illumination, as well as treble and bass control. But all these manipulations can be performed from the remote control.
It's amazing how OKLICK engineers managed to fit in their budget creation both radio and the ability to play audio tracks from a memory card and flash drive. At the same time, everything is configured quickly and intuitively, and the sound will delight you with purity and powerful low frequencies (thanks to the subwoofer for this)
pros: very convenient remote control, large power reserve, there is a small display with information about FM frequency and sound level.
Minuses: The off switch is located on the back of the subwoofer, which is not very convenient.
Best computer speakers 2.0
3. Audioengine A5 +
The average price is 31,990 rubles.
Characteristics:
- bass reflex type
- two-way bookshelf speaker
- built-in amplifier
- power 50 W
- frequency range 50-22000 Hz
- body material MDF
- dimensions (WxHxD) 180x270x230 mm
The A5 + Wireless AudioEngine combines Bluetooth wireless capabilities with high wired audio performance.
The left speaker on this model is slightly deeper than the right one, because it houses the controls and communications, as well as the heat sink. An internal 24-bit DAC with sampling rate guarantees high quality playback.
The pairing process is outrageously simple. Turn on the system and it will immediately appear in the Bluetooth menu. Plugging in the cable to the AUX or RCA input doesn't kill the Bluetooth connection, presumably because Audioengine wanted users to be able to have multiple sources connected at the same time. This sometimes creates a problem as the speakers try to play music from multiple sources at the same time.
Users recommend not to judge the Audioengine A5 + right away, but to give it a couple of days to "warm up". And listen from a distance of several meters, then the sound capabilities of this system are fully revealed.
Pros: Excellent sound performance with deep bass, wired connection options, can be used with a subwoofer.
Minuses: high price, limited functionality of the remote control (only four buttons: Volume Up, Volume Down, Mute, and Sleep Mode).
2. Microlab Solo-2 mk3
The average price is 16,890 rubles.
Characteristics:
- computer acoustics stereo
- total power 60 W
- two-way speakers
- speaker cabinet material: MDF
- frequency range 62 - 20,000 Hz
One of the most popular representatives of computer stereo acoustics on the Russian market has won the sympathy of listeners with its elastic bass, which even at high volume becomes only more distinct and stronger. And if you set the volume to 100%, your walls will start to tremble, and at the same time the neighbors behind them.
A silk dome tweeter is responsible for clear and bright high frequencies.
Thanks to its stylish appearance and removable protective nets, Microlab Solo-2 mk3 looks great in any interior. And their large size and impressive volume allow them to be used anywhere in a large room without losing sound quality.
pros: high-quality build, two inputs (stereo RCA).
Minuses: inconvenient location of the power button and volume controls (back), no wireless capabilities.
1. Edifier R2800
The average price is 20,990 rubles.
Characteristics:
- computer acoustics stereo
- total power 140 W
- three-way speakers
- speaker cabinet material: MDF
- frequency range 42 - 20,000 Hz
- remote control
These stereo speakers give you rich, balanced and powerful sound with adjustable EQ in a beautiful design and an excellent price / power ratio. On the sides, wood veneer trim looks expensive and solid.
On the right speaker is the IR sensor for the remote control, which has 5 buttons: Mute, Volume Up and Volume Down and 2 buttons for selecting the sound source. And on the back is a power switch and a power cable connector.
The Edifier R2800 doesn't have any type of wireless connection, so you won't be able to stream music over Bluetooth from your phone or other device.
On tracks with rich sub-bass content and standard settings, the speakers deliver powerful, deep bass.
pros: Powerful sound characteristics with rich lows and bright, crisp highs, adjustable low and high frequencies.
Minuses: no wireless capabilities.
Best computer speakers 2.1
3. Harman / Kardon SoundSticks III
The average price is 11 800 rubles.
Characteristics:
- portable acoustics 2.1
- power 2 × 10 W
- subwoofer power 20 W
- mains supply
- line input
When building a gaming PC or upgrading your Battlestation for gaming, speakers are usually somewhere at the bottom of your priority list. But take a look at the design of the Harman / Kardon SoundSticks III and tell them you don't want to see this device next to your computer as soon as possible.
Unlike most Bluetooth speakers, the SoundSticks enters pairing mode as soon as it is turned on. Thanks to this, the acoustics can easily switch between sound sources at any time. However, this is both a plus and a minus of the device, because if you are in an office or dormitory, then other people can connect to the speakers at any time.
With its beautiful appearance and high quality sound, SoundSticks are the preferred choice for playing music in PC games.
pros: unique design, Bluetooth support,
Minuses: for the volume level, touch control is provided, but for setting the bass on the subwoofer - mechanical.
2. SVEN SPS-820
The average price is 3 625 rubles.
Characteristics:
- computer acoustics 2.1
- total power 38 W
- single-way speakers
- speaker cabinet material: MDF
- subwoofer case material: MDF
- frequency range 20 - 20,000 Hz
This computer speaker may not have the best design on the market, but who cares when you consider the price tag? SVEN SPS-820 has a loud enough sound, and if you turn it to the full, you will enjoy your favorite game or watch a movie on the computer together with people from the next apartment.
The reviews praise the high frequencies, not cut, like many budget models, and the powerful bass, which, in the words of one of the users, will make an "aerodynamic hairstyle" if you bring your face to the subwoofer.
pros: excellent sound for a low price, good build quality, wooden body.
Minuses: The off button is on the back, the wires are short, there is no wireless connection.
1. Creative Sound BlasterX Katana
The average price is 3 625 rubles.
Characteristics:
- computer acoustics 2.1
- two-way speakers
- Bluetooth
- remote control
- headphone jack
This is one of the best computer speakers of 2020. Mainly because it has a number of useful features such as wireless connectivity, a USB flash drive and a remote control.
You will love the fact that the soundbar model is compact and sleek and fits right under your monitor. Its stylish appearance will be an interior decoration.
Creative Sound BlasterX Katana is equipped with a proprietary DSP audio processor, which is designed to adjust the soundstage so that the user feels in the center of the stereo effect area.
The system comes with software for fine-tuning the modes (night, game, cinema, music, neutral), with ready-made modes for those who are too lazy to adjust.
pros: built-in sound card, a large number of ports, there is a wall mount.
Minuses: price.
Best computer acoustics 5.1
3. Dialog AP-555
The average price is 3 625 rubles.
Characteristics:
- computer acoustics 5.1
- total power 100 W
- USB connection
- SD card support
If you are looking for the very best when it comes to your PC sound system, but on a budget, consider purchasing the Dialog AP-555.
This system with a case made of MDF is distinguished by both external beauty and decent "stuffing", it has support for memory cards and will delight volume lovers with a maximum power of 100 watts. It comes with a convenient remote control, and even batteries for it (although not in every set, we recommend checking the completeness when ordering).
Despite its low price, the acoustics pleases with good bass and sound clarity in general. Just remember that in order to enjoy surround sound, your computer must have a 5.1 or 7.1 sound card installed.
pros: When you turn on the FM tuner, it can catch about 20 radio stations, long wires.
Minuses: no wireless connection, the subwoofer is not enough at maximum volume, but how often do you listen to music so that the glass shakes?
2. Trust GXT 658 Tytan 5.1
The average price is 9,483 rubles.
Characteristics:
- computer acoustics 5.1
- total power 90 W
- remote control
This model is one of the most reliable in terms of build quality. And its most important advantage is that you do not have to pay extra money for extra bells and whistles or brand name. The result is good sound quality at an affordable price.
The model is also good in terms of sound quality and volume. Its total power is more than enough for most users. All documentation is simple and straightforward, and a remote control is included for simple and quick control.
The balance of the entire system is pleasantly surprising. The low end sounds gorgeous, the top and middle frequencies do not lag behind them, and even at maximum volume the sound is clear and rich.
pros: long wires, no noise or humming even at maximum volume.
Minuses: Mains power only, no optical s / pdif input.
1. Logitech Z906
The average price is 28,710 rubles.
Characteristics:
- computer acoustics 5.1
- total power 500 W
- built-in decoders Dolby Digital, DTS
- remote control
With this speaker, immersing yourself in surround sound is as easy and fun as your favorite game. The depth and detail of the sound is at a height, for example, with its help you can determine by ear in a shooter where the enemy is shooting from.
One of the advantages of the Logitech Z906 is the large number of inputs (from stereo and multichannel linear to coaxial and digital optical) for different sound sources. And from the volume of the device, glasses in the windows and even iron doors begin to rattle by 70-90%. And these will be the only hindrances to enjoying music, because the system from a renowned manufacturer does not allow distortion and rattling of sound.
The potential of the Logitech Z906 is best revealed in a large room; for a small room, their power is overkill, unless you want the neighbors to hate you.
pros: there is a remote control, the settings are not reset after the power is turned off.
Minuses: there is a little lack of high frequencies (an equalizer will help), there are no built-in decoders of modern HD audio formats, a non-standard mount for placement on the wall.