Computer Speakers: Reviews

Updated October 2011

Great computer speakers are a must if you want to get the maximum enjoyment from your digital music collection or the full impact of immersive computer games. ConsumerSearch scours the available feedback from expert reviewers and users like you to find which computer speakers sound sweet, and which can't carry a tune. Stereo speakers, surround sound systems and laptop speakers for listening pleasure on the go are profiled.

Bowers & Wilkins MM-1

Best computer speakers for music

$500

Estimated Price

U.K.-based Bowers & Wilkins has been producing quality products for audiophiles since the mid-1960s, and the MM-1 is no exception. These two elegant speakers produce clear, detailed, balanced sound that's a step above typical computer speakers -- and notably above most other top performers. This is partly because these speakers include their own digital processing that outperforms what's provided by most computer sound cards. The premium price doesn't prevent reviewers from warmly recommending them. For considerably less money, the Harman Kardon SoundSticks III (*Est. $170) also does a great job with music.

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Harman Kardon SoundSticks III

Best value 2.1 computer speakers

$170

Estimated Price

There's no denying that the Harman Kardon SoundSticks III's futuristic design attracts attention, but reviewers say the appeal of these speakers isn't just cosmetic. This 2.1 speaker set (two satellite speakers plus a subwoofer) fills a room with clear sound across the ranges -- even when testers crank up the volume on a bass-heavy track. Reviewers and users complain that the minimalist design omits some features: There's no remote, no headphone jack, no volume indicator and no way to turn off the jellyfish-like pale glow that emanates from the clear speakers. Still, if you can't afford the pricey Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 (*Est. $500), experts recommend the SoundSticks III for great sound at a great price.

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Logitech Z906

Best surround-sound computer speakers

$350

Estimated Price

For home theater-like surround sound, reviews recommend the Logitech Z906. This 5.1 system (five speakers plus a subwoofer) is THX-certified and performs especially well with high-adrenaline games and movies, thanks to its gut-thumping bass and powerful volume. Reviews are mixed when it comes to music, though, with some testers complaining that high ranges (such as piano or vocals) can sound brittle or harsh. The Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 (*Est. $500) and Harman Kardon SoundSticks III (*Est. $170) have fewer speakers and can't deliver realistic surround effects, but draw more kudos for their overall sound quality in tests.

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Logitech Z523

Best computer speakers under $100

$75

Estimated Price

The Logitech Z523 speaker system packs a lot into a budget-priced package, reviews say. The star of this show is the Z523's impressive subwoofer, which pounds out powerful, distortion-free bass at all but the very loudest volume levels, or you can dial back the bass to suit your taste. You also get a slew of connection ports -- including a 3.5 mm jack, headphone jack and RCA auxiliary input -- so you can hook up, say, a PC and an MP3 player at the same time. The Z523's two piano-black satellite speakers feature drivers on both the front and back for room-filling sound. Testers say the satellites can sometimes sound a little too bright in the high ranges, or even harsh at maximum volume, but overall they sound quite satisfying for less than $100. If you want better sound quality, reviews recommend the Harman Kardon SoundSticks III (*Est. $170).

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Logitech Z305

Best portable laptop speaker

$50

Estimated Price

The bar-shaped Logitech Z305 clips neatly to your laptop's lid and delivers much warmer, clearer sound than a laptop's built-in speakers, according to reviews. There's no bass distortion, even at full volume -- although that's not very loud, critics say. You won't get the first-class, room-filling sound of a full-size set of PC speakers, but experts and owners say the slim, lightweight Z305 is the best choice for portable audio.

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