Good desktop speakers make music, movies, and games sound far better than laptop or monitor speakers, and they don't cost much. These are the best computer speakers you can buy new on Amazon, from compact 2.0 pairs to 2.1 systems with a subwoofer.

The short answer

The best computer speakers are the Audioengine A2+ Gen 3 (about $300): compact, clear, and full sounding, with USB-C, Bluetooth, and analog inputs.

For small desks, get the Kanto YU2 (about $180). The Edifier MR4 (about $155) is the accurate studio-monitor pick, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX (about $180) adds a subwoofer, and the Logitech Z625 (about $220) is best for gaming.

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In this guide
  1. Quick comparison
  2. Best overall: Audioengine A2+ Gen 3
  3. Best for small desks: Kanto YU2
  4. Best studio monitors: Edifier MR4
  5. Best 2.1: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX
  6. Best for gaming: Logitech Z625
  7. Want bigger sound?
  8. What to look for
  9. Frequently asked questions

Quick comparison

SpeakersTypeInputsBest forPrice
Audioengine A2+ Gen 32.0USB-C, Bluetooth, analogBest overall, music~$300
Kanto YU22.0USB, 3.5mmSmall desks~$180
Edifier MR42.0 studio monitorsTRS, RCA, 3.5mmAccurate sound, editing~$155
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX2.13.5mmBass on a budget~$180
Logitech Z6252.1Optical, RCA, 3.5mmGaming, consoles~$220

Good computer speakers are one of the cheapest big upgrades you can make to a desk. Music, movies, and games all sound fuller, clearer, and more spacious than through laptop or monitor speakers. RTINGS doesn't test computer speakers, so our picks are based on the consensus of independent reviewers and manufacturer specs, limited to speakers sold new on Amazon.

Best computer speakers~$300
Audioengine A2+ Gen 3
New version of reviewers' most frequent top pick · powered 2.0 speakers

The latest version of the A2+, reviewers' favorite desktop speakers for years. They're small enough for any desk, with clear, detailed, surprisingly full sound. A USB-C input with a built-in DAC gives you a clean digital connection to your computer, Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive handles your phone, and an analog input covers everything else. There's a subwoofer output if you want more bass later.

Worth knowing: its small woofers don't dig very deep, it costs more than most desktop speakers, and the Gen 3 is new enough that there are few in-depth reviews yet.

Check price on Amazon Prices change often — verify current pricing on Amazon.
Best for small desks~$180
Kanto YU2
Compact powered 2.0 speakers with a USB DAC

Tiny, well built, and great sounding for their size. Like the Audioengine, the YU2 has a built-in USB DAC for a clean connection to your computer, plus a 3.5mm input and a subwoofer output. It comes in several colors to match your setup.

Worth knowing: there's no Bluetooth, and bass is limited without a subwoofer.

Check price on Amazon Prices change often — verify current pricing on Amazon.
Best budget studio monitors~$155
Edifier MR4
Powered 2.0 studio monitors · 4" woofers

Studio monitors aim for accurate, uncolored sound, which makes them great for music production, video editing, and anyone who wants to hear recordings as they were mixed. The MR4's 4-inch woofers give it more body than smaller desktop speakers. It has a front headphone jack and aux input, plus switchable Monitor and Music sound modes.

Worth knowing: there's no USB or Bluetooth, so you'll connect with a 3.5mm, RCA, or TRS cable, and the speakers are bigger than our other 2.0 picks.

Check price on Amazon Prices change often — verify current pricing on Amazon.
Best 2.1 speakers for the money~$180
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX
THX-certified 2.1 system · 6.5" subwoofer

A long-running reviewer favorite that delivers real bass for the price. The 6.5-inch subwoofer adds the low end that small speakers can't, and Klipsch's horn-loaded satellites keep vocals clear. A desktop control pod puts volume, bass level, and a headphone jack within reach.

Worth knowing: it has only a 3.5mm input, with no USB, optical, or Bluetooth.

Check price on Amazon Prices change often — verify current pricing on Amazon.
Best for gaming and consoles~$220
Logitech Z625
THX-certified 2.1 system · optical input

The pick if your desk doubles as a gaming station. Its optical input connects directly to a TV, console, or PC, and you can plug in up to three devices at once using the optical, RCA, and 3.5mm inputs. The subwoofer gives explosions and soundtracks real punch, and the controls and headphone jack are on the right speaker. We own one.

Worth knowing: it has no USB or Bluetooth, and the subwoofer needs floor space under the desk.

Check price on Amazon Prices change often — verify current pricing on Amazon.

Want bigger sound?

What to look for

Frequently asked questions

What are the best computer speakers?
The Audioengine A2+ Gen 3 are the best computer speakers for most people. They're compact and sound clear and full, with a USB-C input and built-in DAC, Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive, an analog input, and a subwoofer output, for about $300.
What are the best computer speakers for gaming?
The Logitech Z625 is the best choice for gaming. It's a THX-certified 2.1 system with a subwoofer for punchy effects, and its optical input connects directly to a console, TV, or PC. It accepts up to three sources at once.
Are studio monitors good computer speakers?
Yes, especially for music production, video editing, or anyone who prefers accurate sound. Studio monitors like the Edifier MR4 aim for a neutral, uncolored sound. Some people find them less exciting than consumer speakers with boosted bass.
Do computer speakers need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily. A good 2.0 pair sounds great for most music and work. A 2.1 system with a subwoofer, like the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX, adds the deep bass that makes games and movies more exciting.
Are USB speakers better than 3.5mm speakers?
Often, yes. Speakers with a USB input, like the Audioengine A2+ Gen 3 and Kanto YU2, have their own DAC, which avoids the noise and hiss that computer headphone jacks can pick up.