The 7 Best Gaming Speakers for an Elevated Experience

ProsExcellent sound quality, especially via USB Full Bluetooth, USB, and 3.5mm connectivity options Elegant, durable design ConsVolume knob is on the back, not front, of the speakerA minimalistic spin on the classic bookshelf speaker design, the Audioengine A2 Gen 3 is an excellent speaker for almost anyone, including serious couch and desk gamers.The Audioengine A2 Gen 3 speakers sound excellent, with clear tones throughout the lows, mids, and highs. Connecting via USB enables the speaker’s built-in digital audio converter, elevating the sound fidelity even further above the competition. The Audioengine A2 Gen 3 lacks a subwoofer, so the bass is slightly lacking, but that’s true of most subwoofer-less speaker systems.Key SpecsWeight3.6 pounds eachDrivers0.75-inch tweeters, 2.75-inch woofersConnectivity3.5millimeters, microUSB, Bluetooth ProsCompact, minimal design Stand angle improved soundscape For most PC gamers, desk real estate is a hot commodity. Traditional bookshelf or subwoofer speakers may not fit on a desk already crowded with tricked-out monitors, cables, headphones, mice, a keyboard, and more. Razer, being gaming-focused, likely created the Razer Nommo Chroma with these folks in mind.The Razer Nommo Chroma are small, left-right speakers that pack a serious punch while staying small, sleek, and high-quality. The tall speaker stands create a great listening angle, and the rear-facing bass ports deliver clear, bassy tones despite the lack of a subwoofer. With easily accessible volume and bass knobs, plus programmable RGB lighting, the Nommo Chroma speakers create an immersive, adjustable gaming experience that can fit on any crowded desk.Key SpecsWeight4.4 pounds eachDrivers3-inchConnectivity3.5 millimeters, USB-AAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsGreat sound quality Easy to use connectivity options ConsWires between speakers are short Wireless controller is awkwardWhile cheaper options exist, especially in the budget category, the Logitech Z407 is one of the best-sounding audio systems for under $100. With excellent sound, a clean design, a dedicated subwoofer, and full 3.5mm, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity, the Logitech Z407 is a workhorse. For gamers who want simple, full-range audio, the Z407S delivers clear highs, deep lows, and intuitive connectivity at a fair price.Key SpecsWeight0.86 pound tweeters, 5.4 pound subwooferDrivers2.3-inch tweeters, 5-inch subwooferConnectivity3.5 millimeters, microUSB, BluetoothProsVery affordable Upward angled speakers You wouldn’t think speakers this small, or this affordable, would impress, but Creative Pebble’s desktop speakers are the real deal. These round, honeydew-sized left and right speakers are a solid improvement over most laptop and monitor speakers, despite their small size. The drivers point upward at a 45-degree angle, so the sound plays at your ears, not toward your chest. The V2 offers 3.5mm and USB-C connectivity, but if you want Bluetooth, go for the V3.Key SpecsWeight0.7 pound tweetersDrivers2-inch tweetersConnectivity 3.5 millimeters, USB-CAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsImpressive Lightsync RGB lighting Booming bass ConsLightsync support only on certain games Very loud without equalizationIn addition to sounding just as good as some of our other top picks, the Logitech G560 features showstopping RGB technology. Called Lightsync, the software and hardware behind these lights is masterful. Controlled through software or synced directly via audio, Lightsync can do it all, from creating screen-matched color immersion to flashes and pops that sync with game audio. RGB enthusiasts will love these.Key SpecsWeight3.9 pound tweeters, 12.1 pound subwooferDrivers 2-inch tweeters, 6.5-inch subwooferConnectivity3.5 millimeters, USB-A, BluetoothProsEasy fit for desks and TV standsStrong, bassy soundConsNo 3.5 millimeter connectivityDespite their ubiquity, your standard left-right speaker system isn’t right for everyone, nor every space. A soundbar can deliver clear, quality audio from a single speaker and is perfect for space- and wire-conscious gamers. For a great soundbar, we recommend the Razer Leviathan V2, a powerful soundbar with a bassy subwoofer. With THX spatial audio, the Leviathan delivers digital surround sound and, paired with its powerful subwoofer, creates detailed immersion in any game.Key SpecsWeight3.08 pound soundbar, 6.61 pound subwooferDrivers0.75-inch tweeters, 2-inch full-rangers, 5.5-inch subwooferConnectivityUSB-C, BluetoothAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsPC-friendly connectivityIncredible sound qualityRGB lightingConsNeed a SteelSeries Sonar account for full settings controlVery expensiveSurround sound systems are not typically made with PC gamers in mind. The SteelSeries Arena 9 is an exception. It connects via USB and Bluetooth, a rarity for 5.1 surround sound systems. The speakers themselves are free from most of the usual interconnecting cables. The satellite speakers also feature customizable RGB lighting to match existing gamer gear. The system sounds fantastic in all kinds of games. Overall, the Arena 9 is the easiest surround sound system to use with a PC.Key SpecsWeight2.31 pound tweeters, 12.46 pound subwoofer, 2 pound central channelDrivers6.5-inch subwooferConnectivity3.5 millimeters, USB-C, BluetoothHarry Rabinowitz is a writer, editor, and columnist covering the latest and greatest products in the gaming industry. He also works to tell educational and entertaining stories about tech, entertainment, home goods, and more. When he’s not learning or writing something new, he’s probably heading to the library for a new graphic novel to read.