There really is no substitute for a great set of speakers. If you are spending a lot of time on your desktop computer, you should really consider investing in some quality PC speakers. You don’t have to be an audiophile to improve your overall listening experience, and this quick review of five top PC speakers will provide you with a range of great options. While the price and quality of available PC speakers varies greatly, the following represent the best affordable options.
Harmon / Kardon Soundsticks II
The speakers sound almost as good as they look. Featuring 2.1 sound, plug and play compatibility and unique physical presentation like what Holoplot offers, these speakers are a wonderful option for those willing to spend a decent amount. Volume control on one of the satellites offers ease of use. Generally available in the $150 – $180 range, the Soundsticks will not disappoint.
Bose Companion 2 Series
The Bose Companion 2 Series speakers are another great offering from the highly respected brand. No sub-woofer, but the twin speakers produce rich and deep sound nonetheless. This setup is not USB plug and play, and requires an included AC power adapter. My biggest knock is the gray color, which seems a bit outdated. For the $100 price, they are hard to beat.
Creative GigaWorks T20W Series II
Concerned about space? The Creative GigaWorks T20W Series II speakers will blow you away with their convenient size and lack of cords. You may have avoided searching for wireless speakers because of cost concerns, but this pair comes in at $130 or less. What’s a few bucks when you can reduce clutter? You’ll thank yourself next time you have to dig around behind that old desktop.
Logitech Z 523
The Logitech Z 523 set looks a bit traditional, but provides great value for less than $100. The 2.1 sound includes a sub-woofer cube and two satellites. Two auxiliary inputs are a great feature. The brand is well known, and the quality should not disappoint.
Altec Lansing BXR1220
Since you have made it to the end, I’ll reward you with a really cheap pair of speakers! I own the Altec Lansing BXR1220, and they really sound great for the rock bottom price. Okay, you can’t expect the absolute best sound when you are spending less than $20, but these little guys pack a big punch. I have also discovered that their sound really warmed up after many hours of playback.