The 10 Best Computer Speakers

Few things in life are as important as good music. But as you've probably noticed, that music only sounds as good as the system it's playing through. Many PCs and Macs don't come with very good speakers. And that's to say nothing of the tiny built-in drivers found in most laptops.
Sound quality issues aside, it's pretty clear that the days of the home component stereo system are pretty much over—that is, aside from home theater fans, and a small but dedicated high-end audio following. Most people now find it easier to either just use an iPod dock or Bluetooth speaker, or, for better sound quality and stereo separation, to hook up a pair of PC speakers to their desktop, laptop, or mobile device.
For this story, we'll focus on that second task. Fortunately, the sound quality of PC speaker systems has skyrocketed. You can get some pretty amazing sound these days for as little as $150 on the street.
There's plenty of flexibility out there, too. Some systems offer both wired and wireless modes. Others come with built-in tone controls and a headphone jack, the latter for easier listening at night without having to connect and disconnect the speakers all the time. And lately, we're seeing some speaker manufacturers put a premium on design, and relegating the old, boxy pair of speaker cabinets to the dusty past in the process.
So with that, here's a roundup of the best PC speakers we've tested recently. You'll find a diverse array of 2.0- and 2.1-channel systems, as well as a wide variety of designs and price points. Regardless of your tastes, you're bound to find something that sounds fantastic and goes perfect with your décor—and your wallet.
Before you buy, though, be sure to check out our PC Speakers Product Guide for the latest reviews. You can also read How to Buy PC Speakers, and How to Buy the Best Speaker System for Your iPad, iPhone, or iPod, but for now, here are 10 of our favorite PC speaker systems.

FEATURED IN THIS ROUNDUP

Audioengine 5+

$399 direct
$399.99 at Crutchfield Our current favorite pair of 2.0 PC speakers overall, the Audioengine 5+ delivers stellar sound quality, impressive bass punch, and flexible connection options. Its sonic signature is also neutral enough to stand in for a pair of proper studio monitors on occasion. Read the full review ››

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Harman Kardon SoundSticks III

$169.99 list
We've been recommending Harman Kardon's venerable SoundSticks series for the better part of a decade. The latest version still doesn't impress on paper, thanks to its conservative power ratings and minimal feature set. But brilliantly designed speakers like these don't go stale the way old computers and cell phones do. Trust us; if you haven't given these ultra-modern speakers a listen, now's the time. Read the full review ››

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Paradigm Millenia CT

$699.99
Long a purveyor of high-end audio speakers, the Canadian-based Paradigm scores big with its first major PC speaker system, the Millenia CT. It's pricey, but its alluring design, beautiful finish, and clean, powerful, full-range sound is beguiling. It's ideal for a small home theater setup as well as a desktop system. Read the full review ››

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Edifier Exclaim e10

$99.99
$96.87 at Amazon The Edifier Exclaim e10 proves you can get quality audio out of a slim, easy-to-position, two-piece speaker system. At $99.99 (direct), the e10 is a killer value, thanks to its above-average audio output, sweet midrange and treble, and an eye-catching design that is both distinctive and not unnecessarily polarizing. Read the full review ››

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Edifier Spinnaker

$349.99 list
$287.83 at Amazon Easily the strangest looking speaker system we've tested recently, the Edifier Spinnaker cuts a striking profile that's perfect for any modern décor-infused home. The Spinnaker also sounds clear and robust. And while it works just fine as a wired PC set, its wireless Bluetooth streaming capability adds extra value. Read the full review ››

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Hercules XPS 101

$249.99 list
$215.00 at Amazon Another striking, if more conventional 2.1 system, the Hercules XPS 101 delivers powerful output and smooth, detailed sound quality. Unlike most powered systems, though, you get adjustable treble and bass controls, plus a wired remote control. Read the full review ››

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M-Audio BX5 D2

$399.95 direct
$299.95 at zZounds If you need a real pair of studio monitors for recording and mixing music, but can't afford a $2,000 pair of Genelecs, the BX5 D2 will get you most of the way there for surprisingly little cash. M-Audio has learned a lot with earlier iterations of the BX5, and really nailed the midrange and top-end clarity this time. Read the full review ››

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Audyssey Wireless Speakers

$299.95
$200.97 at Amazon This smartly designed 2.0 system offers both wired and wireless Bluetooth audio, plus surprisingly powerful bass at higher volumes given the lack of a separate sub. Audyssey dialed in some digital signal processing that may put off purists. But used within its limits, the Audyssey Wireless Speakers are quite satisfying. Read the full review ››

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M-Audio AV40

$229.99
$159.99 at OWC The M-Audio AV40 strikes a good balance between neutral sound for recording and post-production tasks, and a musical response curve for listening to and enjoying music. The AV40 could use a slightly fuller low-end at lower listening levels. But crank the volume and these speakers will sing. Read the full review ››

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Orb Mod1 (With Booster)

$403 direct
$239.00 at Amazon Marketplace The Orb system comes in several pieces. The stereo speakers sound transparent and detailed by themselves. But pair all three products together—the Booster amp, the Mod1 satellites, and the companion $399 Super Eight subwoofer—and you'll end up with a pricey ($800!) but incredible sounding, full-range 2.1 system, one that works either on the desktop or in a medium-size living room. Read the full review ››