Great audio is a key element to any PC experience. Whether it is gaming, editing, or just browsing, having a good pair of speakers makes all the difference. As more and more people opt for extensive in-home office setups, it looks like USB PC speakers have become the go-to choice for many, considering their seamless integration and advanced features.
There are a lot of things, you need to keep in mind while purchasing speakers, like the frequency response, tweeter size, woofer size, connectivity options, power usage, and what not. And, with so many options flooding the market, it can be a little bit of a hassle to figure out which pair of speakers suits your requirements the best.
Edifier S3000 Pro Wireless Bookshelf Speakers
Best High-End
Rustic design, modern tech.
With some of the best connectivity choices in the market, these speakers are tailored to seamlessly integrate themselves into any modern audio setup while offering true placement freedom. The unparalleled audio clarity, wireless configuration, and a sonically driven acoustic panel design, you get palpable audio depth – from movies to music.
- Elegant design with dark wood paneling.
- Multiple connectivity options including USB, coaxial, and optical.
- High-resolution audio with a wide frequency response.
- Not designed for outdoor use.
- No voice assistant integration given the price point.
Edifier’s S3000Pro is a testament to the advancements in audio tech. When you first look at it, the dark paneling gives off a rustic, retro vibe, but the features scream 21st-century sophistication. The USB connectivity for PCs ensures a high-fidelity, direct link for those who value precision in their audio setup.
A cool feature in these is the expansive soundstage which is a blessing for gamers. The in-game audio cues come off quite sharp and distinct, giving you an immersive experience.
With additional features such as planar ribbon tweeters for clear highs and bassy lows, Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX for pristine wireless connectivity, this pair of speakers is truly one of the best that money can buy for PC enthusiasts.
Razer Nommo V2 2.1 PC Gaming Speakers
Best Mid-Range
Immersive and dynamic
With 3” full-range drivers that ensure optimal clarity and sound reproduction, a powerful down-firing subwoofer, and Chroma RGB – the Nommo V2 promises an audio-visual experience that’s both captivating and intense. This makes it a great choice for both audiophiles and gamers alike.
- THX Spatial Audio offers a detailed 7.1 surround sound experience.
- Cross-platform compatibility, including USB for PC and PlayStation.
- Frequency response can be improved.
- Razer Wireless Control Pod sold separately.
Designed while keeping gamers in mind, the Razer Nommo V2 is a spectacular experience at a reasonable budget. The THX Spatial Audio elevates your audio consumption to another level, offering surround sound quality that puts you in the heart of the action.
The output you get for the mids and highs on the speakers are beautiful, and the 5.5 inch subwoofer does a great job at ensuring all your bass drops (and game explosions) are felt with great depth.
A commendable inclusion is the cross-platform functionality. USB connectivity allows you to switch seamlessly between PC and consoles like the Playstation without any hiccups. On the other hand, the chroma RGB setup offers a more-than-decent ambience while syncing in-game events.
Edifier G2000 Wireless Computer Speakers
Best Budget
Good audio, great budget.
Peaking at 16W each, these speakers are great for producing clear trebles, deep bass, and ample volume. Versatile connectivity options such as USB, 3.5mm AUX, and bluetooth allow you to connect to several interfaces. Additional inclusions like pro audio presets and customizable RGB lighting make the G2000 a definite bang for your buck.
- Adjustable EQ for tailored sound.
- Wide connectivity options
- Powerful 2.75″ full frequency unit for undistorted audio.
- Limited to a frequency response of 98 Hz-20kHz.
- RMS power is only 2.5 watts.
The Edifier G2000 is one of the most competent budget gaming speakers available in the market, and it comes packed with some great features. The 2.75 inch full frequency unit offers a robust and crisp audio experience that you would not expect from such a small build.
The professional EQ adjustments are a definite standout considering the price range, and work great for tailoring your sound whether you’re engaged in gaming, streaming some music, or just watching a nice movie.
The speakers do offer some flair with the RGB lighting, but considering the quality of syncing, you probably shouldn’t go for them if ambient lighting is your primary focus. Overall though, they’re a great choice if you want quality and versatility at an accessible price point.
Logitech G560 Speaker System
Best RGB
Dynamic audio, vibrant visuals.
Redefine your audio experience with the Logitech G560. The dynamic RGB lighting adapts to in-game actions giving an unparalleled visual experience while the DTS:X Ultra surround makes sure you get crisp hi-res audio from every angle. The satellites and subwoofer make a powerful addition, delivering intense, immersive sound every single time.
- Powerful 240W peak power handling
- Integrated DTS surround sound for 3D positional audio.
- LIGHTSYNC technology
- DTS:X not supported on Mac OS X.
- Heavier subwoofer weight at 12.1 pounds.
Logitech is known for making some great peripherals but the G560 is in a class of its own. Peaking at a whopping 240W, you get some insane power handling on this unit. With impeccable audio quality, cross platform functionality, and crisp frequency response, this is one of the best RGB speakers you can get.
The LIGHTSYNC technology in these speakers creates an ambience that transcends aesthetics by being dynamically driven by your gaming actions. You also have the option of screen sampling, where you can choose specific colors on your gaming screen and replicate it through your speakers for enhanced visuals.
It only gets better with the surround sound, rendering 3D positional audio that makes you feel like you’re practically a part of the game.
Sound BlasterX Katana
Best Ergonomic
For the ergonomically inclined
The Sound BlasterX Katana comes with a tri-amplified setup that gives you dynamic lows and a room-filling audio. The tweeter detail on this unit combined with the ergonomic design makes this speaker not just an audio device, but a centerpiece for your gaming setup.
- Aurora Reactive programmable lighting system for ambiance.
- Wide compatibility with devices
- Powerful bass response
- The generic design may not appeal to all.
If you are someone who wants the perfect pair of speakers to work with without sacrificing precious desk real estate, then the Sound BlasterX Katana is the thing to go for. An ergonomic masterpiece, this device maximizes space without compromising on the audio quality.
The 5.2 inch sub adds some real depth to your lows, while the under-monitor soundbar handles precise highs and mids. The speaker also comes with an Aurora Reactive lighting system which elevates your ambience by providing some great visuals.
The fact that your soundbar is under the monitor actually adds a unique background light effect, and it comes with a dedicated 3.5mm headphone jack that allows for private listening. Both these features are inclusions that you don’t see in a lot of speakers.
SteelSeries Arena 9 5.1 Gaming Speakers
Best Overall
Surround sound, redefined.
The SteelSeries Arena 9 Gaming Speakers deliver 5.1 surround sound thanks to a 6.5-inch subwoofer and a set of wireless rear speakers. All of this is neatly packed with RGB lighting and an easily accessible control panel.
SteelSeries has truly outdone themselves when it comes to Arena 9. The beautiful 5.1 surround sound delivers all-round high precision audio without any disturbances on the higher end. The wireless rear speakers are a nod to SteelSeries’ commitment to designing ergonomic products and ensuring your space remains uncluttered.
The silk dome tweeters and the organic fiber woofers are great for delivering punchy mids and bassy lows. The Control Pod is a great touch, placing essential customizations and controls at the reach of your fingertips. The beautiful RGB lighting reacts dynamically to on-screen events, making your gaming experience a lot more immersive.
One of the standout software features here is the Sonar, which allows for intricate audio customizations and presets. This adds a personal touch and shows a lot of thought on their part. Combined with a really sleek design and some great durability, the Arena 9 is overall the best speakers you can get, whether you’re a gamer or an audiophile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the audio quality better with USB-wired PC speakers compared to traditional 3.5mm jack speakers?
While 3.5mm jacks are a great interface for headphones, there are better alternatives for speakers. USB wired speakers often have their own built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC), which can provide a cleaner and more consistent sound quality compared to the DACs in some computers. However, the actual audio quality difference would depend on the quality of the speakers, the DACs involved, and the source of the audio so make sure to keep that in mind.
Will using a USB hub affect the performance or quality of my USB-wired PC speakers?
While a USB hub can be convenient, it might end up causing potential issues with you PC. If the hub isn’t powered, it might not provide enough energy for the speakers to function optimally. Also, sharing the hub with multiple devices can sometimes cause interference or reduced audio output. For the best performance, it’s recommended to connect the speakers directly to the computer’s USB port. Or just get a high-quality powered USB hub.
Do USB-wired PC speakers require additional software or drivers to function?
99% of the time USB wired PC speakers are plain ole’ plug-and-play, meaning they should work just fine as soon as you plug them into a compatible device. However, some speakers might benefit from specific drivers to unlock advanced features or fine-tune audio settings. Always make sure to check the manufacturer’s website or user manual for specific installation instructions.
