Speakers for laptops: 8 Best Laptop Speakers In 2022 (Affordable, Petite & Portable)

Best budget computer speakers: $100 or less

Updated

Audio upgrades that won’t break your budget.

By Alaina Yee and Michael Ansaldo

PCWorld Apr 7, 2023 9:00 am PDT

Image: Rob Schultz/IDG

Don’t let your favorite music and movies go to waste as you play them through your laptop’s built-in sound system. Your audio can come out sounding weak and lifeless with even the best laptop speakers. External PC speakers—along with a good set of headphones—are essential for getting the best fidelity from your media files.

Luckily, you don’t need to buy a complete 7.1 surround sound system to make up for it. For less than $100, you can find some affordable speakers that provide quality audio. It’s true that at this price point you will need to make a few compromises, but the best budget computer speakers can still offer a satisfying listening experience while saving you money, and that’s what we call a win-win.

To help you find the best speakers for your needs, we’ve reviewed many of the most commonly available budget models on the market. To test each speaker, we set it up in a typical environment—on a desk in a home office—and play a variety of audio tracks while pushing their sound capabilities to the limit. Check out our best picks below.

We also offer advice on buying speakers after our recommendations to help you make a more informed purchasing decision.

Updated 4/05/23 to include our latest budget speaker review: the Cyber Acoustics CA-2014USB. While it didn’t supplant any of our current top picks, it’s worth checking out if you need an inexpensive set and can’t afford to pay more than $15.

Creative Pebble – Best overall budget speakers

Pros

• Extremely affordable
• Excellent audio quality
• Space-saving design

Cons

• No Bluetooth connectivity for mobile devices

We wouldn’t have thought a set of $20 speakers would impress us much, let alone turn out to be our favorites. But Creative Pebble’s simple USB-powered 2.0 system defies all odds, producing richer, more immersive audio than you commonly find in speakers at twice the price—and twice the size. Though we wish these offered Bluetooth connectivity for mobile devices, the Pebble is still a top-notch choice.

Read our full

Creative Pebble review

Edifier R19U 2.0 USB Computer Speakers – Best overall runner-up

Pros

• Rich, balanced sound
• Stylish faux-wood design
• Requires a single USB connection for power and audio output

Cons

• Light on bass and volume output

We love the Edifier R19U. This 2.0 system sports rich mids, crisp highs, and deep, controlled bass. The faux-wood enclosures also give them a slightly vintage vibe that stands out from the matte-plastic pack. And on the practical side of things, its single USB connection for power and audio output helps minimize cable clutter. Its one downside is relatively low volume output. Still, these speakers are a great value at just $30 on Amazon.

Read our full

Edifier R19U 2.0 USB Computer Speakers review

Sound BlasterX Kratos S3 – Best budget 2.1 system

Pros

• Wooden construction enables natural, warm sound
• Small footprint
• Deep, rich bass

Cons

• No extra audio inputs for mobile devices

Though the Sound BlasterX Kratos S3 is marketed for gaming, we like how its wooden construction enables warm, natural sound and beefy bass for all of our media. At just $80 it’s an inexpensive entry point into 2.1 speaker systems, without taking much space at all.

Read our full

Sound BlasterX Kratos S3 review

Monoprice DT-3BT – Best premium Bluetooth option

Pros

• Clean audio
• TRS, RCA, and Bluetooth connectivity
• Capable of very loud volume
• Easy access to aux input and headset output jacks

Cons

• Audio will sound a little hollow to some ears
• Audio distortion at higher volumes

For years, Monoprice has sold affordable, quality tech gear without fanfare or frills. It continues this tradition with its 50-watt DT-3BT desktop speakers, which sport clear audio and support the most common kinds of connections. There’s of course Bluetooth 5.0 for clean, wire-free setups, but TRS and RCA jacks are available, too. Combined with the understated appearance and tidy $100 price tag, they’re an excellent option for speakers with good sound and simple setup straight out of the box.

Logitech Z207 2.0 Stereo Computer Speakers – Best multi-source option

Pros

• Impressive audio quality
• Allows you to switch between three connected devices
• Easy setup and operation

Cons

• Larger than many other desktop speakers
• No audio controls other than volume

A great option if you want to be able to switch among different sources. These speakers support easy switching among three simultaneous connections. At 9.5 x 3.5 x 4.9 inches (HWD), they’re on the larger size, and thus aren’t the most discreet speakers, but they deliver good performance.

Read our full

Logitech Z207 2.0 Stereo Computer Speakers review

Cyber Acoustics CA-2890 Speaker Bar – Best space-saving option

Pros

• Clip mount keeps it off your desk
• Clear, distortion-free audio
• Can get very loud

Cons

• No bass
• Weak stereo audio

This basic speaker bar may be outclassed by other extremely affordable rivals in some ways, but it has feature that keeps it in the running—you can clip it to a monitor. That gets this speaker off your desk, a plus for anyone with limited real estate or a love for minimalism. Add in clear audio reproduction, and lack of distortion at high volume, and those seeking a good compact option can forgive it for its lack of bass and proper stereo output.

Read our full

Cyber Acoustics CA-2890 Speaker Bar review

AmazonBasics USB-Powered Computer Speakers with Dynamic Sound – Best dirt-cheap option

Pros

• Well-rounded sound
• Plug-and-play setup
• Low price

Cons

• Can’t turn off accent lighting

These AmazonBasics USB-powered computer speakers get you well-rounded audio for a rock-bottom price. If your budget is tight, you can’t go wrong with this option.

Read our full

AmazonBasics USB-Powered Computer Speakers with Dynamic Sound review

2.

0 speakers vs. 2.1 speakers

Sure, a 5.1 (five speakers, one subwoofer) multi-channel speaker system sounds pretty sexy. But even if you were to unearth one for $50 or $60, the quality would almost certainly be just as cheap. That money can buy a much better quality two-speaker system. These basic 2.0 stereo setups, which are comprised of just a left and right speaker with a single driver (the actual loudspeaker) in each, abound in this price range. Occasionally you can also find a decent 2.1 system—a pair of speakers to handle the higher frequencies and separate subwoofer for the bass—for not much more. These take up extra space but often produce more balanced sound. More on that below.

Sound quality: Ask your ears, not the spec sheet

Try not to be seduced by manufacturers’ specs on sound quality. Even if you can parse frequency response numbers, they are often exaggerated. Let your ears be your guide instead. Listen for a good balance between the high (treble), mid, and low (bass) frequencies. Often, speakers will exaggerate one—usually the treble or the bass—at the expense of the others. Good speakers will produce full, detailed audio that sounds as the creator intended it.

Be aware, though, that finding strong bass response in this price range can be challenging. Without a subwoofer, 2.0 systems have trouble reproducing low frequencies. The manufacturers often use technological tweaks to amplify the bass notes, but these can sound boomy, and distort the overall mix. If a deep, controlled bottom end is a priority, a 2.1 system might be a better investment.

AC power vs. USB: The tradeoffs

Both these options are prevalent in the sub-$100 price range. USB-powered speakers reduce cord clutter, as they don’t need a separate power cable. However, they can’t supply as much juice as the AC variety, so they tend to produce lower volume and less bass.

Best Computer Speakers: Desktops, Laptops, Wireless, Accessories & More

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From game sound to hearing a teacher speak clearly, having the right speakers for your computer is a critical investment. It is not always the easiest decision to make, though. There are a lot of options on the market, and many of them can be fantastic for good quality sound. Before you make a purchase of pc speakers, though, it helps to know what a few of your options are. Today, there is so much flexibility not just in sound quality but how you use your speakers that you can create an impressive experience without having to spend a lot of money. The key is to know what to buy to get the best results.

Lenovo can help you with that. We offer the pc speakers you need, including the best quality products. We also keep costs as low as possible. When you compare all of the computer speakers we offer to each other using the tools on the website, you are sure to see just how flexible and versatile our options are. At the same time, our price match feature ensures you are not going to overpay for any of the products we sell to you. When you are ready to find the best computer speakers for your needs, check out our lineup. Here are some key features to consider when it comes to finding those speakers.

·           Connectivity: One of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to buying the speakers for your use is the connectivity they offer. There are many that are simply wired. That means they link to your computer using hardware, often plugging right into an available USB port. This option is the least expensive model. There are benefits to a wired system, especially when it comes to needing a very accurate sound that is delivered to you quickly.

Most people are looking for wireless speakers instead. Wireless speakers are those that connect through WiFi or Bluetooth. One of the most popular options is Bluetooth speakers because they work very well and reliably. As long as the device you are connecting to has Bluetooth connectivity, this is a fast and easy way to get your system set up. You can find some outstanding options in Bluetooth speakers, including those that have a large range of connectivity. Keep in mind that the quality of sound depends on what you buy. Expect to get what you pay for when it comes to truly high quality.

·         Outdoor use: The next thing to consider when it comes to buying speakers for your pc is where you plan to use them. Outdoor speakers are a common option. These allow you to link to them through your computer, especially if they are outdoor Bluetooth speakers. It does not take much time at all to have them set up, and once there, you can entertain the entire neighborhood if you would like to.

If you plan to purchase outdoor speakers, be sure you are buying speakers specifically designed for outdoor use. Even the best outdoor Bluetooth speakers are not going to be able to operate reliably when weather conditions change unless they are designed specifically for outdoor use. That means they have been protected from moisture and can be used reliably without shorting out on you.

·         Taking them with you: Another option for some people is having speakers they can take with them anywhere. Portable Bluetooth speakers are some of the best ways to listen to your music or other content no matter where you are in your home. Portable Bluetooth speakers are just that. They connect to your computer system using Bluetooth. They are typically battery-operated. You can use them anywhere.

When it comes to portable speakers, be sure to look for the very best products. The best portable speakers have a long-range to them to ensure you can connect clearly and maintain that connection easily over long distances. Not all of the options on the market can do this. The best portable speakers are also those that are built reliably. Because they are more likely to be dropped or otherwise damaged, portable speakers need to be durable enough for any type of task you put them through, whether it is using them in various rooms of the home or even at work events.

·         Desktop: For many people, the simplest of things is to purchase speakers for the desktop. If you have a desktop computer that does not have a speaker system built into it, which may be done through the monitor, or the quality of the speaker is just not good enough for what you need it for, it may be time to check out the options in other models.

Desktop speakers are very inexpensive. They can be a good way to pick up the sound quality coming from your computer as well as increase the volume options. If you are looking for basic desktop speakers, know that you have a lot of options to choose from. The most important thing here is to buy the connectivity you need (such as Bluetooth) and to ensure they are designed to be small so they do not take up a lot of space on your desk. Some can be mounted on a wall, while others will sit next to your monitor.

·         Unique products to fit your needs: It is not uncommon to have very specific needs when it comes to speakers. The good news is that Lenovo is ready to help you find just what you need. If you are looking for tower speakers, for example, you are sure to find plenty of options out there. These speakers are much larger, which makes them more conducive to larger spaces. You will also find them to be more reliable overall for when you need a lot of sound and volume no matter where you are operating. Tower speakers can connect to most computers using Bluetooth but be sure to check out the recommendations for use by turning to the manufacturer before making a purchase.

You may also want wireless speakers for TV use. Though all TVs have built-in speakers to allow you to listen to the programs you desire, sometimes that sound quality is just not good enough. You may be looking to upgrade the quality of the sound as well as the volume. In most cases, this is easy enough to do with wireless speakers for TV, but it is only possible if your TV offers Bluetooth or other wireless connectivity on it. Be sure to check to ensure your TV is compatible before you make a purchase on these speakers.

Perhaps you are in the market for computer speakers with subwoofer components. It is possible to find this type of system. It is going to cost a bit more than the average speakers you may buy, but for some people, this is a must when it comes to overall connectivity and sound quality. The best computer speakers with a subwoofer can help you transform any area into a loud space, but they can also be a great option for outdoor use (if you are buying one specifically designed to be used outdoors). Keep in mind that these can be hard to find in some situations. For that reason, you may want to keep watching our inventory to make sure you get access to everything you need.

Important Features

There is no doubt that the best computer speakers for you connect in a way that fits your needs. You may not be too sure what to choose. Consider a few of the wireless speakers we offer to find out just how well they can fit your needs.

Check out the USB Speakers. These are not wireless speakers, but rather they are designed to plug into a USB port on your laptop. They are fantastic, though. They weigh just 8 ounces which makes them great for carrying with you when you are traveling. They have a clip-on design that mounts to the screen to ensure good sound quality. This is a simple and highly effective model.

For those looking for a subwoofer model, check out the Computer Speakers with Subwoofer. There is no doubt that the clarity and fullness of the sound you get from this powerful setup are going to be impressive. It features dual 3W stereo drivers that help to ensure the best level of sound quality with a resonating base that is like no other. It also has a base level equalizer and volume knob so that you can tune it to just what you want and need. If you want powerful performance, these are the best computer speakers for it.

IF you are looking for the best portable option in wireless Bluetooth speakers, check out the VisionTek Sound Cube. This is a fun, small portable system that you can take with you anywhere. It offers Bluetooth and is waterproof-rated. You can take it with you just about anywhere and get an outstanding experience while you do.

Find What You Need with Us Now

Whether you are looking for the best wireless Bluetooth speakers on the market or you need something that is portable and easy to use, we can help you. Check out the lineup of wireless speakers we have to offer. Each one is designed to be as affordable as possible but also highly reliable and built to last. The best computer speakers for you are those that can help you to enjoy the sound quality of your computer, TV, or other systems. Most importantly, they are reliable in terms of providing great sound and volume that you can control with ease. Take a few minutes to check out all of our products and use the comparison tools to help you choose.

Notebook speakers.

Contents

1. Basic concepts
2. Types
3. 1. 0
4. 2.0
5. 2.1
6. Housing material
7. Plastic New
8. Wooden
9. Chipboard
10. Power
11. Manufacturers

Portable it is rare for computers to showcase really high quality “built-in” audio. To comfortably listen to music or watch movies, you will need to purchase speakers. What is better to buy speakers for a laptop, small or powerful speakers?

Basic concepts

Before you go shopping, it is recommended to “get in the course” and familiarize yourself with the basic concepts. In the first speech, you need to understand that multimedia speakers are a speaker system designed to work with a desktop or laptop computer. It can consist of one or more speakers, and sometimes a subwoofer (a speaker designed to play bass).

Types

All loudspeaker systems are divided into types, indicated by two numbers: the first indicates the number of speakers, the second indicates the presence of a subwoofer. There are 9 varieties0037 :

1.0

An extremely rare mono system with only one speaker.

2.0

The kit includes a pair of stereo speakers.

2.1

An improved version of the previous type of system. A subwoofer joins the “company”, bringing bass “notes” and thereby enriching the sound.

There are other acoustic formats – 4.0 , 4.1 , 5.1 , 6.1 , 7.1 . Ideally, each new “step” should bring the user closer to a more and more ideal sound, but on portable computers (and on many stationary ones) it is unlikely that you will be able to feel any noticeable growth.

For laptops, speakers of the 2.0 type are usually taken: they are inexpensive, while guaranteeing acceptable sound quality, which is enough to pick up operating system signals or listen to music by an unpretentious music lover.

If the speaker system is purchased for watching movies, then it is better to give preference to 2. 1 models. They will not only make the film more “alive”, but also add surround sound to your favorite songs.

There is a relationship between speaker size and sound quality: bigger is better. But you should not chase only the size, because acoustics should be freely placed on the table, and in some cases transported without problems.

You must be guided solely by your own situation. You can connect ordinary stationary speakers to a laptop, but the same acoustics have been developed specifically for a portable PC. The small dimensions and weight of the devices allow you to always take them with you, and high-quality speakers provide good sound.

An additional advantage of portable acoustics is the presence of a metal mesh that protects the “insides” and reduces the likelihood of damage during transportation.

As a rule, laptop speakers are powered by the mains, although there are also options with a USB connection or a built-in battery. In the latter case, the charge is enough for about 12 hours.

Cabinet material

Cabinet features affect not only aesthetics but also sound quality. The following models are found on the market:

Plastic

Budget option. Speakers come in many shapes and sizes, but they are mostly small in size. They are distinguished by the inability to play bass and characteristic rattling at volumes above average.

Wooden

The choice of true musical gourmets. Speakers perfectly transmit any frequency. Their main disadvantage is the high cost combined with large dimensions.

Chipboard

In fact, this is the golden mean between plastic and wooden models – both in terms of price and quality. Such speakers transmit “problem” frequencies of plastic quite well and have small dimensions.

Purchase speakers according to your taste and needs. For example, wooden models are more often chosen for home use, while plastic and chipboard are a good option for regular moving.

Be careful when buying wooden cabinet speakers. Their high cost “beckons” sellers, who often cash in on inexperienced users, instead of the right product, offering acoustics in a chipboard design. To avoid fraud, you need to contact trusted stores with a good reputation.

Which power to choose

There is an opinion that power determines the sound volume, but in fact this parameter affects the mechanical reliability of the system. The higher the value, the better.

In the technical description, the manufacturer usually indicates the total power of all the speakers included in the kit. There are two “subspecies” of this characteristic:

1. RMS. The rated power with which the speakers almost always work.
2. PMPO. Behind this designation lies the maximum power, which is switched on for a short time.

An impressive PMPO value is indicated in advertising to attract buyers, although it is not very informative and cannot serve as a strong argument for buying any speaker system.

The real capabilities of the speakers are described exclusively by RMS. The recommended minimum figure for each element of the system is 4-6 W: this power is enough to “display” OS signals, listen to music, and even make presentations in a small room. For comfortable work with audio and video files, you will need approximately 10-15 watts per speaker. It is advisable to choose a system with some “reserve” power.
If only the PMPO value is given in the parameters, it is necessary to divide the number by 10-12: this way you can get closer to a more or less adequate indicator.

Manufacturers

You should immediately abandon the idea of ​​purchasing products of Chinese “creativity” and little-known brands. It, as a rule, is distinguished by frankly budget materials and poor build quality. Naturally, the sound cannot boast of depth and volume. Such columns are suitable only for an extremely undemanding user.

You can choose high-quality acoustics for a laptop with any budget:

• Bose, Yamaha, Bowers & Wilkins “reign” in the high price segment, whose products are characterized by excellent performance;
• Among mid-priced brands, Microlab, Edifier, BBK, Logitech, F&D, Jabra, Creative, Philips won good recommendations;
• the budget niche is occupied by the brands Sven, Defender, Genius, A4Tech. These are not bad speakers, but they should be chosen by carefully analyzing the technical characteristics.

A big brand name is a big pro for purchasing acoustics, but it shouldn’t be the only selection criterion. It is necessary to study the reviews on the Internet for the columns you like: any manufacturer periodically releases an unsuccessful model on the market – it is important not to become its owner.
A good speaker system can add “multimedia” to a laptop, making it a comfortable device for listening to music, watching movies, creating your own works. You just need to choose the right columns.

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0005 Genius SP-HF 180

• Genius SP-HF 180
• Edifier M1250
• Logitech S150
• Trust Arys 2. 0
• 2E SoundXTube Turquoise
• Totals

All modern laptops have built-in speakers, but their audio performance is often not enough for demanding music lovers. Despite the fact that laptops are increasingly equipped with acoustics from well-known manufacturers, limited installation space in the case does not allow you to get more power from them.

Whether you love watching movies, appreciate special sound effects in games, or simply want to enjoy the pure sound of your favorite songs, you definitely need a good speaker system.

Among the parameters that help identify good laptop speakers, the frequency response is the most important. The standard indicator is from 20 to 20,000 Hz. Speakers outside this range usually offer better sound quality and louder bass.

Most notebook models have an audio jack on the front panel. Although this is convenient when listening to music with headphones, connecting speakers to such a laptop leads to tangled cables on the table. In this case, acoustics for a laptop connected via a USB port, on the side of the computer, will be much more convenient. Also remember that the most important feature of a laptop is its portability – until recently, we could only enjoy good sound from speakers at home, but recently there have been many models of wireless speakers that sync with laptops via Bluetooth.

Genius SP-HF 180

The Genius SP-HF 180 is a stylish and powerful speaker for your computer, tablet or phone that delivers superior sound quality. It has 2 speakers with a total power of 6 W, which reproduce sound in the range of 150-20000 Hz. The connection interface is a 3.5 mm audio jack, which ensures its compatibility with most devices. The Genius SP-HF 180 is great for listening to music, watching movies and playing games. It has an elegant design and a solid body construction.

Genius SP-HF 180

415 UAH at prices 333 … 595 UAH, in 21 store

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Edifier M1250

This is a multimedia speaker designed to connect to different types of computer devices. The cabinet has two built-in speakers that provide clear and detailed sound in the range from 150 Hz to 20 kHz. There is a 3.5 mm jack for connecting to a computer or phone. To control the volume on the front panel there is a mechanical knob. The compact design makes it easy to place acoustics on the table next to the computer. This is an excellent choice for those who are looking for high-quality acoustics in a small package.

Edifier M1250

651 UAH at prices 599 … 748 UAH, in 19 stores
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Logitech S150

Logitech S150 has a total output of 1.2W (maximum 2W) for two built-in speakers. Multimedia acoustics in an ultra-thin case will be a good addition to a computer or laptop. USB interface for connecting the speaker system to any device without using a driver. Easily change the volume level and mute the sound on the control panel of the right speaker. There is also a power indicator and digital sound.

Logitech S150

896 UAH at prices 729…
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