Have you ever played a song and just didn’t feel that bass-thumping beat like you would if you were using headphones? Or played a game but couldn’t hear the footsteps behind you and you got killed? This can all be fixed with the right set of PC speakers.
Now, it may come as a surprise that they don’t need to be expensive to find a quality set. This roundup review can help you make the right decision.
Contents
The Best Cheap Computer Speaker Reviewed
We have found many amazing models for a very affordable price. This includes the best cheap computer speakers with subwoofer (2.1), wireless, and standard models. Pick the one that suits you better.
1. Creative Pebble Plus
- Dual far-field drivers
- High Gain Mode
- USB powered
- External subwoofer
The Pebble Plus has a powerful down-firing subwoofer that delivers crystal clear clarity and loud bass. The dual far-field drivers are set at a 45-degree angle to give optimal and elevated soundstage.
If you want an even stronger bass and full room audio you can switch to the High Gain Mode to increase the power output, but a 5V 2A USB is needed to activate this mode. It has a total volume control on the front of the speakers for easy access.
The speakers are USB powered and connected to your computer or devices by a universal 3.5mm AUX-in cable. This frees up any wall sockets.
We like the Creative Pebbles Plus 2.1 for its quality sound. The design is easy on the eyes and provides you with a better soundstage.
The High Gain Mode adds to the quality and fills your room effortlessly. The only drawbacks are the loss of sound quality at high volumes and the High Gain Mode needs an adapter.
Pros:
- Quality of sound highlights both high and low midpoints
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Punchy bass
Cons:
- Lose sound quality at high volumes
2. Logitech PC Speaker System Z323 with Subwoofer
- Two auxiliary inputs
- Bass adjuster
- The ported, down-firing subwoofer
- Headphone jack
The Logitech Speaker System has a 360-degree sound, so you can enjoy clear sound throughout the room. It has a ported down-firing subwoofer designed to bring you deep, rich bass and better sound quality to your music and movies.
It comes with two auxiliary inputs to connect to your computer or other devices. It even has a headphone jack for private listening. The volume control and power button are located on the front of the speaker for easy access and a bass adjuster in the back.
We like the Logitech Speaker System Z323 for its ability to deliver clear sound throughout the whole room. The bass control and rich sound are an added plus. Unlike many speakers, it doesn’t make distortions at any volume level. The only real flaw is the cable is too short if you have a left-side setup.
Pros:
- No humming or static when playing
- Able to control the bass
- Excellent sound for the price
Cons:
- The cable is too short
3. Amazon Basics AC-2.1A
- Angled drivers
- Bass control
- Can be connected to computers and other devices
- Compact design
The AmazonBasics speakers have slightly angled drivers to give optimal listening with sound clarity and a punch with the 3-inch down-firing subwoofer. The controls include a bass knob to give you richer bass. The controls are placed on the back of the main speaker.
Its compact design makes it a great space saver no matter where you use it. It’s not only designed to be used with your computer and with the 3.5mm auxiliary jack, but you can also connect it to most of your devices. It even has a headphone output.
We like the AmazonBasics AC-2.1A Computer Speakers for a few reasons. It has bass control, can be used with other devices, and the design. It’s made with angled drivers to give better sound quality and clarity. However, it should be noted that the sound isn’t very loud, and the bass is muffled even with the controls.
Pros:
- Doesn’t take up much space
- Decent sound quality
- Can control the bass level
Cons:
- Not very loud
- Bass is muffled
4. TaoTronics
- Slim design
- Compatible with other devices
- User-friendly
- Cinema-style audio
The TaoTronics Computer Speakers are designed with space and user-friendliness in mind. Its slim design doesn’t take away from the sound quality. It delivers cinema-style audio and an impressive soundstage.
It’s compatible with other devices aside from your computer and is a microphone and headphones enabled. The ease of use comes with a USB port to use the speaker, the pink cable is for the microphone, and the blue cable is for the headphones.
We like TaoTronics because of its sleek yet simple design. It’s small yet delivers a clear and pretty loud sound (covers a small room). The only issue with the sound is the bass is pretty poor.
The compatibility with other devices and the headphone jack is a plus. The ease of just plugging in a USB to start working makes it user-friendly compared to other brands.
Pros:
- Clear sound
- Ease of operation
- Fits almost anywhere
Cons:
- Poor bass
5. AmazonBasics
- Compact in size
- Sleek, modern design
- USB-powered
- Volume control with computer or speakers
The AmazonBasics USB-Powered speakers have a unique look to them compared to other speakers we reviewed. They’re compact yet powerful in sound. They deliver crystal clear audio and springy bass from the bottom radiator despite their size.
The volume can be controlled by both the computer and the speakers. They’re easy to use by just plugging them into your computer’s USB port.
We like the AmazonBasics USB-Powered speakers for their simplicity. The sound quality is clear and crisp but lacks bass, highs, and lows. The design is sleek and modern in addition to being compactable.
The drawback to the design is the cable between the speakers is too short making it hard to put them on both sides of your computer. If you’re just looking for a basic set of speakers, then these might be the best budget pc speakers for you.
Pros:
- Great sound clarity
- Sleek design
- Extremely easy setup
Cons:
- LED lights can’t be turned off
- Highs and lows nonexistent
6. Logitech Z207 2.0 Multi-Device
- Compatibility among devices
- Has a powered driver in each speaker and a passive radiator
- Simple controls
The Logitech Z207 speakers deliver room-filling sound. Each speaker has a powered driver that produces full-range audio. It has a passive radiator for the bass extension that lets you control the bass with a tone control dial.
It’s compatible with other devices aside from your computer and has a headphone jack and the controls are on the front of the right speaker. In addition to the compatibility, you can use it with two devices at once.
We like the Logitech Z207 Speakers for the ease of controls and sound quality. The way it’s constructed is designed to deliver loud, clear sound with perfect bass each time.
It’s compatible across devices and you can even use two at the same time. The only problems it has are the size and it’s AC powered. Being AC-powered isn’t necessarily a con, but it can be for some.
Pros:
- Great sound
- The long cable between speakers
- No hiss or distortion at high sound levels
Cons:
- AC powered can be a con for some
7. Anker Soundcore
- Compatible with devices that use Bluetooth or USB
- Dual drivers and a bass port
- 24-hour battery life
- Solid, lightweight build
The Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker has two high-sensitivity drivers and a bass port to deliver excellent clarity, deep bass, and zero distortion. It plays highs and deep lows seamlessly.
It’s powered by Bluetooth 4.0 with a 66ft connection and USB. The battery life lasts up to 24 hours of continuous play. The build is lightweight and solid yet drop-proof.
We like Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker for its wireless aspect and of course, the quality. It connects over Bluetooth and has a wide range, but you can switch to a USB if you prefer.
It’s drop-proof, which is great for taking it on the go. Plus, it’s small too. For its size, the sound quality is pretty good with the only flaw being the bass. Even though you can control it, it still lacks bass.
Pros:
- Great sound clarity
- Durable
- Bluetooth connectivity is strong
Cons:
- Little to no bass with the control
8. TaoTronics TT-SK025
- Compatible with most devices
- Can use Bluetooth 5.0
- Easy setup
- Dual bass speakers
The TaoTronics TT-SK025 wireless is sleek and a space saver. It comes with dual bass speakers for a crisp sound. It’s widely compatible. You can use it over Bluetooth 5.0, and connect it with AUX or RCA. Setup is easy when using the plug-in method or Bluetooth.
We like the TaoTronics TT-SK025 wireless speaker for its ease and compatibility. It can be used with almost any device. Setup is a breeze using cables or Bluetooth.
The sleek design not only looks stylish but saves space. The overall sound quality is great at normal levels but falters at high ones. The passive mode on the speakers is too sensitive.
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Great sound quality
- Easy to set up and pair
Cons:
- Sound is muffled at high levels
- Passive mode is too sensitive
9. VIPEX Bluetooth PC Soundbar
- Powerful 5W superior sound drivers
- Cable & Wireless, Bluetooth 5.0 technology
- Slim and Fashionable Design
- The 3.5 mm aux cord works with all devices
The VIPEX Computer Speaker delivers a great sound thanks to its dual powerful 5W superior sound drivers. Easy to use and fast to pick other devices with Bluetooth 5.0 technology.
You can also use it through a 3.5 mm aux cable connection. Broad compatibility with any laptop, desktop computer, mobile through Bluetooth, or AUX connectivity. Cute design and practical for its small size and lightweight.
We like the VIPEX Bluetooth Speaker for how well it sounds although the little price. Slim, practical, and the Bluetooth picks up quickly. Very easy to set up and light enough to move it around as you please.
Of course, it does not compare with professional speakers but you are only spending a fraction of the money and still have a decent quality sound response.
Pros:
- Simple operation and easy to set up
- Broad compatibility
- Decent sound quality for this price
Cons:
- The Bluetooth connection works flawlessly, sometimes it may produce choppy sound.
How to Choose a Cheap Computer Speaker
There are many factors to consider when buying computer speakers. Mainly because you can’t exactly hear what they sound like until you purchase them, so it’s important to try to get the most information you can before spending your hard-earned money.
One thing you can do is read reviews from sites you trust. Be sure that you’re reading from verified buyers over just any review. Another thing you want to consider is the price. Just because a speaker or speaker set is expensive or cheap, doesn’t necessarily make it good or bad.
Inputs are something to consider. If you buy a speaker with a single audio connection, it will limit your listening. Ideally, you’ll want at least a second audio-input jack for connecting another source.
Appearance can be a major factor. This can range from the controls or lack thereof or the size of the speakers. You may want a modern set of controls placed on the front versus the back of the speaker.
2.0 vs 2.1 Surround Sound or Not
A 2.0 system means there are two channels and no subwoofer. A 2.1 system means there is a subwoofer with the two channels. The biggest differences between them are the size and bass. A 2.0 system will take up less space while a 2.1 will generally take up more.
The benefit of a 2.1 system is they produce lower frequencies to give a more powerful bass than a 2.0 system can deliver.
USB Powered Speakers
USB will limit the power your speakers will have. If you want high-powered speakers, then USB is not the best option. If you are just looking at the sound quality, then you can have a clear sound with a USB. They just won’t be as loud.
Compatibility
As with anything in the tech world, some equipment will be compatible with certain brands or types. When looking at computer speakers, you’ll find that they will work with just about any computer.
Some are specific to Mac, certain ones may only have Bluetooth, others might work with a range of devices, and some are wired.
FAQs
Here are some other questions related to the topic, we’ll answer them briefly below.
Do Cheap Computer Speakers Hum?
Depends. There are cheap brands that will hum or hiss at certain sound levels or will produce distortions regardless of the sound level.
How Can I Make My Computer Sound Better?
There are a few ways to make your computer sound better. One way is to go into your computer’s hardware settings and play around with the speaker’s properties.
Another way would be if the speaker comes with its own set of controls for the bass or treble. They won’t sound like a pair of good studio monitors or floor standing speakers but you get the best sound available for these affordable options.
How Do I Connect Computer Speakers to a PC?
This will depend on the type of speakers you have. If you have one with an external subwoofer, they may require you to wire it into the speakers and to the computer.
Some may require you just to connect it with a USB or cable. Bluetooth ones will need to be compatible and paired with the device you want to connect to.
Final Verdict
Our top pick goes to Logitech Z207 2.0 Multi Device Stereo Speaker. While it’s more of a traditional AC-powered speaker set, it doesn’t make any hissing or distorted sounds that many do for the price point.
It’s compatible with many devices, so you can use it for multiple purposes. It produces great sound quality and even has a bass extension for added quality.
