The best gaming speakers will phenomenally enhance your gaming experience. Unlike even the best speakers in the market, these speakers are designed to give players an immersive experience with excellent sound.
Gaming speakers feature surround sound to provide an accurate sound experience while playing games and wireless connectivity options to make your desk space look neat and uncluttered. You also have vivid color options to choose from that will enhance your gaming desk aesthetic and easy-access volume controls to make sound adjustments simple.
Wondering how good the audio experience is on the best PC gaming speakers? In this article, we look at what gaming speakers are, how they differ from other speakers, their lifespan, why they’re right for you, and much more. Keep reading this buying guide to learn everything you need to choose the best gaming speakers for your PC or gaming console.
Top Gaming Speakers
#1 Razer Nommo Chroma Speakers
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: They are ideal for gamers and come with RGB lighting to create the perfect game ambiance. They support both USB and audio jack connectivity and produce a room-filling sound.
- RGB lighting for creating the perfect ambience
- Support for USB connectivity
- Produces room-filling sound
- No support for Bluetooth connectivity
The Nommo Chroma is a set of gaming speakers aimed exclusively at gamers. The speakers are from a well-known company called Razer that manufactures different kinds of gaming peripherals. The Nommo Chroma features 3-inch drivers that produce a tight and accurate sound and rear-facing bass ports for improved bass output. The speakers are made out of smooth, all-black plastic and stand at about 9-inches tall when placed on a desktop. Both speakers have a ring of color around the bottom that can be controlled through a downloadable desktop app, but some critics felt that they would have been better if they supported Bluetooth connectivity.
The main speaker’s base features knobs that owners can use to adjust both volume and bass. The lights under the speakers move around its base in response to the increase or decrease in volume or bass, creating a pleasant ambiance that would look quite good, especially at night. The speakers can be connected to a computer through a 3.5mm cable or a USB port. The sound quality is also pretty decent, as the speakers get loud enough for private listening. Highs sound pretty good even in high volume, and overall they’re pretty easy to use.
#2 Redragon GS550 Orpheus PC Gaming Speakers
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is ideal for users who wouldn’t mind bass, and its volume button can also be used to switch it on. It also has USB connectivity and a long cable that allows for convenient placement.
- Red backlight
- Long cable between speakers for easy placement
- 3.5mm jack for the headset and mic
- No bass control knob
The Redragon GS550 PC gaming speakers are a pair of 2.0 channel stereo desktop speakers that can be set either standing individually next to each side of the monitor or placed horizontally next to each other. They both have a red-themed LED backlight and produce 2.0 channel stereo sound for immersive listening. The main speaker has a large volume knob for easy volume adjustment and also happens to be it’s on/off switch. There’s also a 3.5mm audio jack that can be used for headphones, as well as a microphone input. However, there’s no bass control knob.
The speakers are USB-powered for easy connectivity, and its bass quality is great for users who might appreciate a thumping sound. Its cable is about 31 inches, and since its power consumption is pretty low, users shouldn’t be worried about their power bills shooting up.
#3 Insmart YM-130 Computer Speakers
Award: BEST FOR COMPACT SIZE
WHY WE LIKE IT: They are very compact and have RGB lighting to create the perfect ambiance. They are switched on through touch, and the main speaker has a headphone port on the right that can be used for private listening.
- Compact in size
- RGB lighting for creating the right ambiance
- Headphone port for private listening
- No control over sound settings
These Insmart 2.0 stereo channel computer speakers are designed to appeal to gamers. They can easily be turned on or off by touching the top section of the right speaker, and right below it, there’s a headphone port that can be used for private listening. The two speakers combined produce a room-filling sound, and since they both have RGB lighting, they can create an exciting ambiance in a room. The speakers can be connected to a computer through a USB cable, and they both have an output power of 10 Watts. Still, some may not like that they will not be able to control the color settings.
Setting up these speakers is pretty easy to do, and when users turn on their Spatial Sound setting, the sound quality improves substantially and gets really good. The speakers are also pretty compact and shouldn’t take up too much space on anyone’s desktop.
#4 Sudotack Gaming Computer Speakers
Award: BEST FOR 360° SURROUND SOUND
WHY WE LIKE IT: The speakers generate a 360° sound and have RGB lighting that can be customized according to the user’s requirements. The speakers are also quite portable and are compatible with a wide range of PCs.
- Produce 360° sound
- Features a 3.5mm headphone jack
- RGB lighting can be switched on or off
- No microphone jack
The Sudotack gaming computer speakers are a set of well-designed speakers that offer five colorful RGB backlit modes to choose from. The speakers provide 360° surround sound, and their volume is controlled through one knob. For connectivity, the speakers come with a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB port, making them ideal for use with a wide variety of PCs. They also have a combined output of 10 watts, and since the speakers are also not that big, they shouldn’t take up too much space on anyone’s desktop. Still, some might not like that the speakers do not have a microphone jack.
The speaker’s RGB lighting can be controlled by tapping the top panel on its top speaker. Owners will also be able to switch it on or off by double-tapping the top of the main speaker, and their portable design also makes them pretty easy to carry around.
#5 IMDWIMD RGB Desktop Speakers
Award: BEST FOR POWERFUL SOUND OUTPUT
WHY WE LIKE IT: The set has a powerful sound output of 16W and produces 360° surround sound for immersive listening. They are powered by a USB cable and feature adjustable RGB lighting for the perfect ambiance.
- Features adjustable RGB lighting
- Has an anti-magnetic shielding design
- Produces surround sound
- No microphone jack
This set of speakers from IMDWIMD features dual-channel drivers and produces 4D surround sound, which is great for immersive listening. The speakers boast a 16 Watt sound output and produce 360° surround sound for users to enjoy and listen to. The speakers also have stylish RGB lighting, where users will be able to choose from up to six different color modes. They are equipped with an anti-magnetic chip to shield them from any form of electromagnetic interference, and it is also powered by a USB cable. Still, the lack of a microphone jack might not impress some.
The speakers are relatively compact, so they shouldn’t take up too much space when placed on a desktop. There’s also a headphone jack for private listening, and both the USB and 3.5mm cables are 55 inches long for easy placement.
#6 Logitech G560 PC Gaming Speakers
Award: BEST FOR GAMERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This set comes with a subwoofer and supports DTS:X surround sound technology for surround sound listening. Its RGB lighting sequence is also one of the most intuitive as it accurately responds to in-game action.
- Game-responsive RGB lighting
- Comes with a subwoofer
- Support for DTS:X surround sound technology
- Subwoofer cannot be disabled
The Logitech G560 PC speaker system is an ideal pick for users who would like to have a unique speaker setup. The speaker’s Lightsync RGB front and rear lighting are one of the highlights of this speaker set, as they tend to light up in synchronized response to whatever events are going on during gameplay. Owners will also be able to customize their four-speaker lighting zones, and since the set also includes a down-firing subwoofer, the speaker set is the perfect solution for bass lovers. Unfortunately, users will not be able to disable the subwoofer.
The speakers also boast DTS:X surround sound technology, which means users will be able to perceive their gaming environment from any angle thanks to multi-directional sound projection. There’s also a wide range of options for connectivity since the speaker supports both USB, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm connections.
Beginner’s Guide to Gaming Speakers
What are Gaming Speakers?
Gaming speakers are speakers that are optimized for use with video games. They deliver crisp sound and place sound elements accurately so that players understand which direction distinct sounds are coming from. Gaming speaker systems are generally small and fit snugly on the computer desk and offer high quality of sound without drawing too much power from the computer.
Gaming Speakers vs Other Speakers
A major difference between gaming speakers and other speakers is that the former is usually active. Active speakers have built-in amplifiers, which makes them portable and reduces external wiring, but they need a power outlet to function. Unlike passive speakers, active ones feature wireless connectivity — perfect if you want a neat, minimalistic aesthetic for your gaming desk.
| Feature | Gaming Speakers | Other Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Active (with built-in amplifiers) | Often passive (require external amplifiers) |
| Portability | Portable due to built-in amplifiers, but need a power outlet | Less portable due to reliance on external amplifiers |
| Wiring | Reduced external wiring | May require more external wiring |
| Wireless Connectivity | Commonly feature wireless connectivity for a neat setup | May or may not have wireless connectivity |
| Size | Compact design to fit crowded gaming desks | Size varies widely, not specifically designed for compact spaces |
| Bass | Some models may lack a subwoofer, affecting bass quality. | Bass quality depends on the model, with many having powerful subwoofers |
| Aesthetic Features | Often include RGB lighting to enhance gaming setup aesthetics | Less common to have aesthetic features like RGB lighting |
| Sound Quality | Designed for immersive gaming experience with accurate sound placement | Sound quality and features tailored to a variety of listening experiences |
| Use Case | Ideal for gaming due to compact design, immersive sound, and gaming-centric features | Suited for a wide range of uses, from casual listening to professional audio work |
Unlike the best DJ speakers, gaming speakers are more compact. Most gaming desks are crowded with a gaming monitor, keyboards, mice, and other peripherals, so it’s natural that gaming speakers have a compact design that won’t eat up too much space on the desk. But the small size means some models won’t have subwoofers, which means the speakers will lack bass.
Luckily, that’s not the case with all gaming speakers. Despite the lack of a powerful subwoofer, models like Razer Nommo Chroma gaming speakers deliver clear bass.
Another feature that sets gaming speakers apart from others is the RGB lighting feature — something commonly seen with gaming peripherals. You can upgrade the aesthetic of your gaming space with the lighting feature and improve visibility, but not every pair of gaming speakers will have this. The Logitech G560 Lightsync offers an ideal setup for RGB enthusiasts looking for greater controls with different light modes.
How Gaming Speakers Work
A gaming speaker works the same as other speakers — by converting electric currents into mechanical energy, which is then turned into sound waves. The electric currents pass through an iron coil (or voice coil) and form a magnetic field around it, transforming the coil into an electromagnet.
When the electrical signals travel back and forth through the speaker’s cables, a permanent magnet in the speaker attracts and repels the electromagnet. This movement of the electromagnet causes the speaker to vibrate and send sound outwards. As the quality level of a speaker increases, the more faithfully it reproduces sound across a wide range of frequencies.
Why should you buy Gaming Speakers?
If you’ve been playing games using just the built-in speakers on your laptop or desktop computer, you’re missing out on sound quality. Gaming speakers ensure you get not only excellent sound quality but also a deeper level of immersion while playing your video games. Known for their compact designs and distinct aesthetics, these speakers offer powerful audio with accurate sound placement. Let’s look at why they’re suitable for you and in what cases you may need to skip them.
Are Gaming Speakers Worth Buying?
- You Don’t Like Wearing Headphones: If you find headphones uncomfortable to wear for long periods, an excellent speaker system will help replace those headphones. Speakers will also be helpful if you have glasses, piercings, or a large head that makes using gaming headsets difficult.
- You Take Turns to Play: When playing multiplayer games locally or taking turns to play a single-player game, everybody can listen to the audio if it’s playing on a speaker.
- Your Gaming Desk Setup is Also for Watching Films: A speaker system will enhance the movie experience and make it more immersive for those who watch films at their gaming desk.
Why Gaming Speakers May Not Be for You
- Your Gaming Setup is in a Shared Space: If your gaming setup is in a shared space, it’ll likely disturb other people if you blare loud sounds through your satellite speaker.
- You Want Zero External Noises: Speakers don’t block out all external sounds; you’ll need a pair of noise-canceling headphones for that. If you’re gaming in a noisy place, you’ll want to opt for the latter.
How Long Will Gaming Speakers Last?
Speakers are the most durable of all audio products. Depending on the durability of the material and the environmental conditions they’re used in, high-quality desktop speakers can last for a few decades — between 20 to 50 years.
A crucial factor that determines the longevity of your speaker is whether it’s passive or active. Modern active speakers for gaming have in-built amps and advanced technology that enable wireless connectivity and other internet features. Passive speakers lack these and don’t rely on software updates to function properly. And if you maintain it well, a passive high-quality sound speaker can last you a lifetime.
The internal parts of even the most powerful speakers will degrade over time, but you can switch those out to extend their lifespan significantly. To improve your speaker’s longevity, you’ll want to maintain it regularly and protect it from dust, heat, power surges, and rough handling, among other things. Plus, if you’re using a wireless speaker, you’ll want to know how to charge a Bluetooth speaker correctly to improve the longevity of the unit.
How to Choose Gaming Speakers
For both PC and console gamers, gaming speakers and laptop speakers are fantastic options to create an immersive sound stage. Now that you’ve decided to get a pair of speakers for yourself, let’s look at some factors to keep in mind while assessing different speakers, like size, power rating, budget, and more.
Best Gaming Speakers Key Factors
1. How Compact Is It?
Gaming desks need space to fit all the necessary peripherals, so it won’t make sense to buy speakers that occupy too much desk real estate. Compare the speaker’s dimensions with what you have available on your desk. Also, keep in mind that not all your options will be dual speakers; some of them will have subwoofers that will take up more space.
2. Is It Passive or Active?
Passive speakers are unpowered and don’t produce sound independently. They need an external amplifier that needs to be bought separately. And setting them up isn’t convenient because you’ll have to match the amplifier’s wattage to the speaker. Your sound setup will also occupy more space if you’re using an external amplifier, and there’ll be more wires which can lead to a cluttered look. For an uncluttered look, you might like a simple yet powerful soundbar instead. You can also connect a Bluetooth speaker to a PC for a portable speaker option.
Active speakers have internal amplifiers and need a power outlet to function. Although they’re heavier and more expensive than passive speakers, it’s super easy to set them up, and they’ll have volume controls and even a remote control for ease of use.
3. What’s the Power Rating?
Speakers have ratings based on RMS power and wattage peak. RMS (root mean square) refers to the average maximum continuous power the speaker can sustain, and wattage peak is the peak power the speaker can handle in short bursts.
The higher the RMS and wattage, the louder you can play the speakers without damage. Speaker volume doesn’t necessarily mean there’ll be great sound quality; it just means the speaker won’t distort sounds at high volumes. If you want to block out external noise or if you play games at a distance from your speakers, it’d help to purchase speakers with higher wattage (40 to 60 watts should be sufficient).
4. What is the Speaker Configuration?
Most gaming speakers will come in a 2.0 or 2.1 format. That means they’ll have either just two speakers or two speakers and a subwoofer covering the left/right channels — enough to deliver decent sound without taking up excessive space on a gamer desk. These speakers will be placed in front of the user.
With a 5.1 surround sound setup, as you’ll see on the best home stereo system, you’ll have the front left and right, surround left and right, a subwoofer (.1), and a dedicated center speaker. This will look similar to a home theater speaker setup or living room speaker setup, but it could become rather cluttered with all the wires moving around your desk. The 5.1 setups will also be louder, so you’ll have to ensure you have the space to play loud sounds.
A 5.1 setup will be significantly more expensive (15-20 times pricier than some of the cheapest 2.0 gaming speaker systems), but it could be a smart investment if you use the speakers for film viewing, too. Although sound positioning is crucial while playing FPS games, even a 2.0 speaker system can accurately position game sounds using optimized spatial audio techniques.
5. Does It Have a Subwoofer?
A subwoofer enhances the bass and delivers it powerfully to create deeper immersion and ensure the low-end notes are heard. Bass is crucial for video games, and it especially enhances the experience of playing action games. Gaming speakers with subwoofers cost more, but you can find speakers that offer great bass response without a subwoofer. Also, you’ll need to make more space on your desk if you’re purchasing a subwoofer.
6. What Connectivity Options Does It Have?
Gaming speakers come with various connectivity options — USB port, Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5 mm, HDMI, and more. For best connectivity, most gamers prefer wired connections, like HDMI, but if you want a wire-free, minimalistic aesthetic on your desktop, look for Bluetooth connectivity on the speaker. Keep in mind that wired speakers are significantly cheaper than wireless ones. Although, you can learn to make speakers Bluetooth to avoid any higher costs.
7. What’s Your Budget?
Gaming speakers are available across an astonishingly wide price range. The cheapest option would cost you a mere $18, while the top-end options would be in the $400 range. You’ll commonly find speakers in the mid-range between $40 to $150.
The lower-priced ones will generally lack bass, not have lighting features, and not offer many connectivity options. As you move up the price ladder, there’ll be better audio quality, connectivity, bass, surround sound setup, and advanced lighting systems that’ll supercharge your desk’s aesthetic. The most expensive speakers will come in a 5.1 surround sound setup.
