Gaming headsets provide truly immersive sound during computer battles. However, prolonged use of the headphones can lead to a feeling of pressure on the ears and headache. And then comes the finest hour of computer acoustics, which are devoid of such shortcomings.
The best computer speakers, like any other computer peripherals, have so many differences in prices and features that it is difficult to figure out which ones are best for you. We will help to deal with this, using both expert recommendations from PC Gamer, PC Mag, and other specialized sites, as well as reviews from Russian Yandex.Market users.
A short guide to choosing computer acoustics
Stereo, 2.1, or surround sound: what's the difference?
- Stereo speakers consist only of the left and right speakers.
- The term “2.1” refers to a pair of speakers complemented by a subwoofer.
- A speaker system that claims to surround sound includes from four to seven speakers plus a subwoofer.
The role of the subwoofer is to provide deep and low frequencies, usually from 20 Hz. Some pairs of stereo speakers provide excellent sound even without a subwoofer, primarily because their woofers (designed to handle the loudest sounds from 30 Hz to 1 kHz) are quite cope with low frequencies.
The vast majority of low-cost desktop speakers are stereo pairs. If you're a pro player or movie fan, then consider a 5.1-channel surround sound system. But consider the additional costs and inconveniences of placing all these speakers in the room.
Which is better: wired or wireless?
Wireless speakers for PC are convenient lack of wires on the table or under it. However, a common misfortune of wireless models is sound delay. At the same time, most Bluetooth speakers provide direct connection to the 3.5 mm audio input of the system using a cable.
Wired models are most preferred in terms of sound quality.
Additional features and ergonomics
High-quality sound and reliable advanced features are not necessarily mutually exclusive. What about the mute button? Or a remote control?
Also pay attention to the location of the controls and the power button. Some manufacturers place them on the “back” of one of the speakers, making access difficult. If possible, choose computer acoustics in which the controls and the power button are on the front or side of the speaker.
The best inexpensive wireless computer speakers up to 5000 rubles
3. Creative T15 Wireless
The average price is 4,400 rubles.
Specifications:
- stereo computer speakers
- single lane speakers
- Bluetooth
This is not the first decade that the Singapore company has pleased lovers of quality sound with inexpensive and good computer acoustics. And T15 Wireless is one of the most popular modern models.
It provides high-quality sound and convenient control of the tone control for high frequencies, perfectly reproduces music even from the phone and pleases with good bass even without a subwoofer. Of course, fans of complete immersion during games and films will need a subwoofer, but for home listening to music from the bottom, the T15 Wireless is more than enough.
pros: Uses BasXPort technology for better bass sound, and if you play a little with the equalizer and add a good sound card, these speakers will sound even better.
Minuses: the headphone input is located on the back, the kit does not have a 3.5 mm audio jack wire, a very easily soiled front panel.
2. SVEN SPS-721
The average price is 4 503 rubles.
Specifications:
- PC stereo speakers
- total power 50 W
- two-way speakers
- speaker body material: MDF
- frequency range 45 - 25000 Hz
- Bluetooth
- remote control
- SD card support
- headphone jack
These solid-looking computer speakers not only connect via Bluetooth, but also have a slot for SD memory cards, a headphone jack and a USB Type A interface for connecting a flash drive.
In addition, a nice bonus for those who are too lazy to get out of their seats once again: all the treble and bass adjustments can be made from the remote control.
The speakers are not too large, and are perfect for a medium-sized room. They perfectly reproduce bass, mid and high frequencies, and have a wide spread in frequencies - 45-25000 Hz.
pros: clear sound, simple construction and convenient settings.
Minuses: glossy finish is very easily soiled, limited sound settings when playing tracks from a memory card or flash drive.
1. OKLICK OK-441
The average price is 2 630 rubles.
Specifications:
- computer acoustics 2.1
- RMS 50 W
- single lane speakers
- Subwoofer Enclosure Material: MDF
- frequency range 35 - 20,000 Hz
- Bluetooth
- remote control
- SD card support
This model primarily attracts attention with its magnificent design. This immediately sets it apart from its competitors, as does its low price.
On the front panel of the OKLICK OK-441 is a volume control with blue backlight, as well as treble and bass control. But all these manipulations can be performed with the remote control.
It is amazing how the engineers at OKLICK managed to fit into their budget creation and radio, and the ability to play audio tracks from a memory card and flash drive. At the same time, everything is configured quickly and intuitively, and the sound will delight you with its purity and powerful low frequencies (thanks to this for the subwoofer)
pros: very convenient remote control, large power reserve, there is a small display with information on FM frequency and sound level.
Minuses: The toggle switch is located on the back of the subwoofer, which is not very convenient.
The best computer speakers 2.0
3. Audioengine A5 +
The average price is 31,990 rubles.
Specifications:
- phase inverter type
- two-way bookshelf speaker
- built-in amplifier
- power 50 W
- frequency range 50-22000 Hz
- case material MDF
- dimensions (WxHxD) 180x270x230 mm
A5 + Wireless AudioEngine combines Bluetooth wireless capabilities with high wired audio performance.
The left speaker of this model is a little deeper than the right one, because it contains controls and communications, as well as a heat sink. An internal 24-bit DAC with a sampling rate guarantees high quality playback.
The pairing process is simple to disgrace. Turn on the system and it will immediately appear in the Bluetooth menu. Connecting a cable to the AUX or RCA input does not “kill” the Bluetooth connection, presumably because Audioengine engineers wanted users to be able to have multiple sources connected at the same time. Sometimes this creates a problem, as the speakers try to play music from several sources simultaneously.
Users recommend not judging the Audioengine A5 + immediately, but giving a couple of days to “warm up”. And listen from a distance of several meters, then the sound capabilities of this system are fully revealed.
Pros: excellent sound characteristics with deep bass, wired connection options, can be used with a subwoofer.
Minuses: high price, limited functionality of the remote control (only four buttons: Volume Up, Volume Down, Mute, and Sleep Mode).
2. Microlab Solo-2 mk3
The average price is 16,890 rubles.
Specifications:
- stereo computer speakers
- total power 60 W
- two-way speakers
- speaker body material: MDF
- frequency range 62 - 20,000 Hz
One of the most popular representatives of computer stereo acoustics in the Russian market has won the sympathy of listeners with elastic bass, which even at high volume becomes only more distinct and stronger. And if you set the volume to 100%, your walls will begin to tremble, and at the same time the neighbors behind them.
The tweeter with a silk dome is responsible for clean and bright high frequencies.
Thanks to the stylish appearance and removable protective nets, the Microlab Solo-2 mk3 looks great in any interior. And the large size and impressive volume allow you to use them in any corner of a large room without loss of sound quality.
pros: high-quality assembly, two inputs (stereo RCA).
Minuses: inconvenient location of the power button and volume controls (rear), no wireless capabilities.
1. Edifier R2800
The average price is 20,990 rubles.
Specifications:
- stereo computer speakers
- total power 140 W
- three-way speakers
- speaker body material: MDF
- frequency range 42 - 20,000 Hz
- remote control
These stereo speakers will give you rich, balanced and powerful sound with an adjustable equalizer in a beautiful design and an excellent price / power ratio. On the sides, wood veneer finishes look expensive and solid.
On the right speaker is an IR sensor for the remote control, which has 5 buttons: Mute, Volume Up and Volume Down and 2 buttons for selecting the sound source. And on the back there is a power switch and a connector for a power cable.
The Edifier R2800 does not have any type of wireless connection, so you won’t be able to transfer music via Bluetooth from your phone or other device.
On tracks with rich sub-bass content and standard settings, the speakers provide powerful deep bass.
pros: Powerful sound characteristics with rich low end and bright, crisp high frequencies, adjustable low and high frequencies.
Minuses: no wireless capabilities.
The best computer speakers 2.1
3. Harman / Kardon SoundSticks III
The average price is 11 800 rubles.
Specifications:
- portable speakers 2.1
- power 2 × 10 W
- subwoofer power 20 W
- mains power
- line input
When creating a gaming PC or upgrading your “battle station” for games, speakers are usually somewhere below in the priority list. But take a look at the Harman / Kardon SoundSticks III design and say you don't want to see this device next to your computer as soon as possible.
Unlike most Bluetooth speakers, SoundSticks goes into pairing mode immediately after turning it on. Thanks to this, acoustics easily switch between sound sources at any time. However, this is both a plus and a minus of the device, because if you are in the office or hostel, then other people can connect to the speakers at any time.
Due to their beautiful appearance and high sound quality, SoundSticks are the preferred choice for playing music in computer games.
pros: unique design, support for Bluetooth,
Minuses: touch control is provided for the volume level, but mechanical for setting the bass on the subwoofer.
2. SVEN SPS-820
The average price is 3 625 rubles.
Specifications:
- computer acoustics 2.1
- total power 38 W
- single lane speakers
- speaker body material: MDF
- Subwoofer Enclosure Material: MDF
- frequency range 20 - 20,000 Hz
This computer acoustics may not have the best design on the market, but who cares when you consider its price? SVEN SPS-820 has a fairly loud sound, and if you unscrew it to the full, you will enjoy your favorite game or watch a movie on the computer with people from the neighboring apartment.
The reviews praise high frequencies, not trimmed, like many budget models, and powerful bass, which, in the words of one of the users will make an “aerodynamic hairstyle” if you bring your face to the subwoofer.
pros: excellent sound at a low price, good build quality, wooden case.
Minuses: the power button is on the back, the wires are short, there is no wireless connection.
1. Creative Sound BlasterX Katana
The average price is 3 625 rubles.
Specifications:
- computer acoustics 2.1
- two-way speakers
- Bluetooth
- remote control
- headphone jack
This is one of the best computer speaker systems of 2020. Mainly because it has a number of useful features, such as a wireless connection, a USB flash drive connector and a remote control.
You will enjoy the fact that the model, made in the soundbar form factor, is compact and smooth, and can fit right under the monitor. Its stylish appearance will become an interior decoration.
Creative Sound BlasterX Katana is equipped with a proprietary DSP audio processor that is designed to adjust the soundstage so that the user feels in the center of the stereo effect area.
The system comes with software for fine-tuning the modes (night, game, movie, music, neutral), with ready-made modes for those who are too lazy to configure.
pros: built-in sound card, a large number of ports, there is a wall mount.
Minuses: price.
Best computer acoustics 5.1
3. Dialog AP-555
The average price is 3 625 rubles.
Specifications:
- computer acoustics 5.1
- total power 100 W
- USB connection
- SD card support
If you are looking for the best when it comes to computer sound systems, but are limited in resources, consider buying the Dialog AP-555.
This system with a body made of MDF is distinguished by both external beauty and a worthy “stuffing”, it has support for memory cards and will please lovers of volume with a maximum power of 100 watts. It comes with a convenient remote control, and even batteries for it (although not in each set, we recommend that you check for completeness when ordering).
Despite its low price, acoustics pleases with good bass and clean sound in general. Just remember that in order to enjoy surround sound, a 5.1 or 7.1 sound card must be installed in the computer.
pros: When you turn on the FM tuner, it can catch about 20 radio stations, long wires.
Minuses: there is no wireless connection, at the maximum volume the subwoofer starts to miss, but do you often listen to music so that the glass shakes?
2. Trust GXT 658 Tytan 5.1
The average price is 9,483 rubles.
Specifications:
- computer acoustics 5.1
- total power 90 W
- remote control
This model is one of the most reliable in build quality. And its most important advantage is that you do not have to overpay for extra bells and whistles or brand name. As a result, you get good sound quality at an affordable price.
The model is also good in terms of sound quality and volume. Its total power is more than enough for most users. All documentation is simple and straightforward, and a remote control is included for easy and quick control.
Pleasantly surprised by the balance of the entire system. The bass sounds chic, the upper and middle frequencies are not behind them, and even at maximum volume the sound is clear and rich.
pros: long wires, no noise and no hum even at maximum volume.
Minuses: only mains powered, no s / pdif optical input.
1. Logitech Z906
The average price is 28,710 rubles.
Specifications:
- computer acoustics 5.1
- total power 500 W
- Dolby Digital, DTS Embedded Decoders
- remote control
With this speaker system, immersion in the world of surround sound will be as easy and fun as your favorite game. The depth and detail of the sound at a height, for example, with its help you can hear by ear in a shooter where the enemy is shooting from.
One of the advantages of the Logitech Z906 is a large number of inputs (from stereo and multi-channel linear to coaxial and digital optical) for different sound sources. And from the volume of the device already at 70-90% glass in windows and even iron doors begin to rattle. And these will be the only obstacles to enjoying the music, because the system from the eminent manufacturer does not allow distortions and rattles of sound.
Best of all, the potential of the Logitech Z906 is revealed in a large room, for a small room their power is excessive, unless you want the neighbors to hate you.
pros: there is a remote control, the settings are not reset after turning off the power.
Minuses: slightly lacking high frequencies (the equalizer will help), there are no built-in decoders of modern HD audio formats, non-standard mount for placement on the wall.
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