Best 2.1 computer speakers Creative GigaWorks T3 *Est. $250
Best computer speakers for music Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 *Est. $500
Best surround-sound computer speakers Logitech Z-5500 *Est. $395
Best value 2.1 computer speakers Harman Kardon SoundSticks II *Est. $130
Budget surround-sound PC speakers Logitech X-540 *Est. $90

See All Computer Speakers

Logitech Z-5500

*Est. $395

Reviewed

August 2010

Best surround-sound computer speakers

Loud and powerful
Impressive bass
Great for games and movies
No distortion at high volumes

Bass can be overpowering
Expensive

Where to Buy

See All Stores

Reviewers praise the power and sound quality of the Logitech Z-5500 surround-sound speakers. This 505-watt system is THX-certified, and it has five satellites and a subwoofer for true surround sound, making it the premium choice for games and movies. You may need to adjust bass with equalizer settings, though, for a balanced musical experience. Reviewers report no distortion, even when cranked up to insane volume levels. This system is pricey, however, especially considering how long it has been available. If you're on a tighter budget, Logitech's less powerful X-540 (*Est. $90) 5.1 speakers give an enjoyable performance, especially for smaller listening areas.

The Logitech Z-5500 speaker system doesn't lack for attention and is covered in depth by CNET, PCMag.com, DigitalTrends.com and Australia's GoodGearGuide.com.au, though most of these reviews are fairly old. Plenty of owners have posted reviews on Amazon.com and Newegg.com.

Where To Buy

Store Rating	Notes	Total Price
1189 store reviews	In Stock. New	$323.00	See It
1486 store reviews	In Stock. FREE FEDEX 2-3 DAY DELIVERY	$391.77	See It
5721 store reviews	In Stock.	$485.63	See It
		See All Stores

Our Sources

1. CNET

In this older report, Nathaniel Wilkins gives a glowing review to the Logitech Z-5500 speakers, despite their high price tag. He says he wishes the subwoofer was a bit "tighter" and that mid ranges were stronger, but he describes the performance of this speaker system as "near-perfect."

Review: Logitech Z-5500, Nathaniel Wilkins, Nov. 22, 2004

2. PCMag.com Details/Subscribe

Don Labriola calls the Logitech Z-5500 the "ultimate 5.1-channel speaker system" and awards it 4 stars out of 5, with some criticism about its default bass settings. He enthusiastically recommends it for games and movies but advises music lovers to beware.

Review: Logitech Z-5500 Digital, Don Labriola, Jan. 21, 2005

3. DigitalTrends.com

The Logitech Z-5500 surround-sound speaker system gets an Editors' Choice award from Brandon King, who says, "[t]he sound signature is accurate, clear, crisp and expansive." He has some minor complaints about the unit's design, and he says he would have liked a smaller subwoofer.

Review: Logitech Z-5500 Review, Brandon King, Dec. 3, 2007

4. GoodGearGuide.com.au

This Australian gadget review site says the Logitech Z-5500 computer speaker system is great for games and movies. Andrew Kliem found bass heavy, though, and agrees with others who say that these speakers might not be the best choice for certain types of music.

Review: Logitech Z-5500, Andrew Kliem, March 17, 2006

5. NewEgg.com

More than 1,350 owner reviews combine to give the Logitech Z-5500 PC speakers a perfect five-egg rating. Some say mid ranges get short shrift, but bass response is excellent for games and movies. Reviewers gripe, though, about paying a premium price for speakers that first came out in 2004.

Review: Logitech Z-5500 505 Watts 5.1 Digital Speaker System, Contributors to Newegg.com

6. Amazon.com

You'll find reviews from more than600 owners here for the Logitech Z-5500. Most are extremely pleased with bass response and how loud these speakers can get. Music lovers warn that these aren't the most detailed, but they're unbeatable for games, movies and casual music listening.

Review: Logitech Z-5500, Contributors to Amazon.com