Best PC Speakers

Harman Kardon, Logitech make the best 2.1-channel computer speakers

Audiophiles aside, for most users the best computer speaker choice is one that provides strong performance across the board for things like game playing, watching video and listening to streaming or recorded audio. For movies and gaming in particular, that means speakers that can produce deep bass -- deeper than typically needed for music -- to deliver all of the gut-thumping impact of special effects in action movies and games.

Because physics limits low-frequency performance in the small speakers typically used with computers, adding a subwoofer is a good idea. Not surprisingly then, when reviewers address which speakers are best for most computer set ups, 2.1-channel systems (two satellite speakers and a subwoofer) tend to rank highly.

Among 2.1-channel computer speakers, we found the best reviewer feedback for the Harman Kardon SoundSticks III (Est. $150) . The minimalist, transparent SoundSticks emit a pale glow from within (Tim Gideon at CNET says they look like "exotic jellyfish"), and critics consider them a true work of art; indeed, the design is part of the New York Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection.

As nice as these speakers are to look at, their sound is equally impressive -- clear, sharp and balanced across the ranges, with no distortion even on bass-heavy tracks at full volume. The subwoofer can really crank out deep bass tones, too, though it's also capable of some subtlety when you need less thump. As a result, critics praise the SoundSticks III as a great choice for everything from casual music listening to gaming -- some even daring to compare the SoundSticks III to the far more pricey Bowers and Wilkins MM-1.

The Harman Kardon SoundSticks III does have an Achilles' heel, however, and that's convenience. Some critics bemoan the lack of simple pleasures on these computer speakers, like a headphone jack, a remote control for quick volume access and a means to turn off the speakers' haunting glow short of powering the entire unit down. If you want wireless computer speakers, Harman Kardon offers these speakers with Bluetooth support as the SoundSticks Wireless . Performance is identical, and the Bluetooth feature largely works fine; however, we saw some comments that suggest that the SoundSticks Wireless computer speakers are a poor value compared to the wired SoundSticks III.

The Logitech Z623 (Est. $130) is the SoundSticks' closest runner-up. This THX-Certified Multimedia computer speaker system certainly shines with movies and games, experts say, but it might not be the best choice for serious music listening. Michael Brown at MaximumPC is among the harshest critics. He finds vocals and instruments "unpleasantly harsh" and says the Z623 speaker system "leaves us wondering what value THX certification really holds for the consumer at this price point."

Others are more impressed. The two satellite speakers are almost -- but not quite -- as crisp, clear and brilliant in the high ranges as the Harman Kardon SoundSticks III, says Tim Gideon at PCMag.com, where the Z623 speakers win the 2010 Best of the Year award. Critics agree that thanks to the subwoofer, the Logitech Z623 packs all the power you need. "It's definitely enough to wake your next door neighbor if you get the urge," says Devin Coldewey at TechCrunch.com.