There is a wide range of computer speakers on the market that include everything from simple two-satellite options to 5.1 surround sound systems. Navigating such a flood of options can be difficult, but prior research makes the process easier. Different manufacturers utilize a variety of materials and technologies when designing speakers, and also control the warranties on their models. When it comes to audio quality, the number and configuration of speakers are important, but so is the maximum wattage. Consider all of these options along with your overall computer build, which often determines how you need to connect the speakers to your system and the best controls for ease of use.
Details to Consider Before Buying PC Speakers
Wattage and Decibels
In any type of speaker, the wattage indicates how loud the speaker can get and still offer high-quality sound without damaging the speakers themselves. This wattage value can be a bit misleading, however, because what’s really important is the decibel levels that can be achieved at a given wattage. High-quality speakers, for example, can already reach excellent volumes at just one watt, so high wattage levels are not necessary to get loud, clear sound from such speakers. Unless you plan on using your computer to really fill a large area with sound, this is less important than it might immediately seem as most PC speakers offer enough wattage and decibels for an office or home setup.
Connectivity
Wired or wireless are your two options when it comes to PC speaker connectivity. Consider how your computer is set up in terms of whether a six-foot or ten-foot cord could work for your system or if you need wireless speakers. With that in mind, each connectivity option has its own features to consider.
Wired Connectivity
If you're considering speakers with wired connectivity, then there are a few specific things to look at. You should look at the length of the cord/cable connecting the speakers to your computer; you want speakers with at least a six-foot cable, but ten feet or longer is usually ideal.
You should also look at how the wire connects to a computer, which will typically be either through a USB port or a 3.5mm audio connection. Many motherboards have 3.5mm audio connections, but not all, so consider what connection you have available and choose speakers which can work with it.
Wireless Connectivity
Most wireless speakers connect to a computer through a Bluetooth signal. This means you need to have a computer with Bluetooth connectivity enabled or purchase and install an expansion card with a Bluetooth signal. Some speakers have a wireless dongle that you connect to your computer and then the speakers receive a signal through it, but these are somewhat rare.
The biggest perk of wireless Bluetooth PC speakers is that they’re often compatible with other Bluetooth devices, but audio quality is sometimes less than what you get with a wired option.
Number of Speakers and Configuration
Speaker configuration is indicated via a number written as X.Y. X indicates the number of satellite speakers, which provide the treble and mid-range sound, while Y tells you if there is a subwoofer for dedicated bass.
2.0 sound is the most basic setup usually available and just gives you a pair of satellite speakers for the left and right channels, without a subwoofer. 2.1 means you get two satellites and a subwoofer. The most elaborate set up you are likely to find for PC speakers is 5.1, which gives you five satellites that you can arrange in a surround setup, with left, right, rear-left, rear-right, and a dedicated subwoofer.
While 5.1 sound is terrific, not every computer setup or office is right for it, so consider how you have your computer arranged and how many speakers really make sense.
Audio Controls
While almost every set of PC speakers has some type of basic volume control, there are also a lot of options that you can find on other systems. At the very least, you should look at how the volume controls are set up on the speakers since some of them are easier to use than others.
For a 2.1 or 5.1 system, you want to look for separate bass controls and balance, so that you can easily control the audio volume and quality. Some PC speaker systems even have remote controls or apps which let you use your phone as a remote, so you can easily adjust and control the computer's volume and sound from across the room.
Manufacturer
Although there are a decent number of PC speaker manufacturers out there, only a handful of them are well known for building quality systems that sound great and work well. Companies like Logitech and Corsair are known for making a number of computer peripherals and producing excellent PC speakers which sound great. There are also manufacturers like Klipsch and Harman Kardon, known for making great speakers and they’ve branched into manufacturing high-quality PC models. Creative Labs, maker of the Sound Blaster series of sound cards, and Cyber Acoustics also produce excellent PC speakers worth looking into.
Reliability and Warranty
Good design, six speakers, and mobile phone controls are all meaningless if your speakers stop working after a month of use. You want to choose a system that’s built to last and continue working for years to come so look for companies that have good reputations like the ones mentioned above.
The warranties provided by companies are important since defects are possible even in the best of products. A one-year warranty is the bare minimum that you should accept, though at least a two-year warranty is definitely preferable. Some high-end models are covered for five years of performance.