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The best computer speakers
By Daniel Varghese and John Higgins This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Read the full guide to computer speakers. If you listen to music, watch movies, or play games through your desktop or laptop computer, you could use a good set of computer speakers. Our favorite pair is the Mackie CR4BT set, which sounds great and is simple to set up and use. Plus, these speakers won't take up too much space on your desk and they pair easily with your mobile devices via Bluetooth. We recommend the Mackie CR4BT computer speakers because they deliver a full, balanced sound, whether you're listening to bass-heavy rap music, ambient soundscapes, or conference calls. Intuitive design choices—like placing the volume wheel on the front and allowing either the left or right speaker to connect to the power source—make this system easy to set up and use throughout your day. Though the speakers are a bit larger than others we tested, they're still small enough that they won't take over your desktop. We aren't crazy about the neon green accents on the speaker's face, though; we would prefer different color options. If you're willing to compromise a bit on sound quality and connection options to save money, consider the Mackie CR3 set. It has most of the same convenient features and design elements as the Mackie CR4BT but in a smaller form with a smaller woofer—which means the speakers can't play quite as loud or as deep as the CR4BT. The CR3 also lacks Bluetooth, so it doesn't connect as easily to your mobile devices. Still, these are by far the best-sounding computer speakers we've tested in this price range and a significant upgrade for anyone who has been using their computer's built-in speakers. For the music lover who demands better audio quality—and is willing to pay more to get it—the Audioengine HD3 set is the closest thing we've found to a perfect set of computer speakers. It has substantially better sound quality and a smaller, more elegant design than the Mackie CR4BT. Plus the HD3 has a more comprehensive connection panel, with both analog and USB inputs and a subwoofer output for people who want to add a subwoofer. Bluetooth with aptX HD is also built in. However, the HD3 costs twice as much as the CR4BT. If you watch a lot of movies or play cinematic video games at your desk, you might prefer a computer speaker system that includes a subwoofer to reproduce deep bass notes. Of all of the 2.1-channel systems we tested, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX set had the best sound quality, about as full and balanced as the Mackie CR4BT but with more potential bass response. Dialogue and acoustic instruments sounded clear and crisp, and the subwoofer effectively filled in the low end. The speakers have a very small on-desk footprint and sport a subdued but stylish design, but the connection options are limited.
Edifier e10 Exclaim PC speakers punctuate the air with 36W of sound
Computer speaker design rarely sits in the middle: it tends to be dry on creativity or go over the top. Edifier is sometimes known for testing the limits itself, but its new e10 Exclaim speakers might strike just the right balance in taste. The 2.0-channel system trades on its exclamation point imagery without falling too far into gimmick territory. It might even sound good at the same time -- the dot in each satellite's punctuation helps pump out a reasonable 36W of sound across two amplifiers and allows for separate woofer and tweeter sections with their own passive radiators. The speakers are available today for $100, and only leave us wondering if a higher-end model would demand an interrobang.
Audyssey's Wireless Speakers can plug into your computer, stream tunes over Bluetooth (ears-on)
Remember Audyssey's Lower East Side stereo speakers (now simply dubbed Media Speakers)? Well, the company has decided to give the stereo system a sibling, gracing it with wireless connectivity. The new Wireless Speakers are cut from the same mold, but feature redesigned drivers and Bluetooth functionality -- not to mention a snazzy matte white with glossy black finish. $250 snags you pair of speakers, each loaded with two .75-inch tweeters, a duo of three-inch woofers and a dual four-inch passive bass radiators, and all of which are aided by Audyssey's BassXT, EQ and Dynamic EQ DSPs for pushing sound out. We've had a some time to briefly test out the speakers, and putting it simply, they sure do sound as good as they look on a desk. Click on past the break for our initial impressions of these wired multimedia speakers packing a Bluetooth trick up their respective sleeves.
Bowers & Wilkins somehow makes PC speakers interesting with MM-1
Outside of factory keyboards, there's hardly anything more boring than a set of PC speakers. They're typically unsightly, add to the rat's nest of wires behind your rig and force you into a life of dependency. And then there's Bowers & Wilkins, a company that excels at pumping out products with lust-worthy designs. Somehow or another, the outfit responsible for the dirigible-inspired iPod sound system has produced a set of standard computer speakers that are actually rather inspiring, as the Zeppelin MM-1 touts no extra subwoofer, a simple USB connection and an inbuilt headphone socket. There's nary a mention of price (trust us, it'll be up there), but we should hear more when they ship in January. Update: We're hearing that these could cost $499 for the pair. Yikes.
iHome launches the iH69 and iH70 computer speaker iPod docks
Just when you thought iPod docks couldn't get any cooler -- bam! -- along comes iHome with the "world's first" computer speakers for an iPod. Yes, we also started to pound out an uncontrollable rhythm on the snooze button the first time we heard about these, but don't forget that the iH69 and iH70 allow you to dock, charge and jam out to your iPod without adding any extra fuss to your decked out computer audio superstation. The dock / speakers are available for pre-order at $99.99 and $129.99, respectively, and will be on store shelves "soon" -- which we assume will be sometime this month.
Logitech intros G51 surround sound system for PC gamers
Logitech is breaking away from all those iPod-friendly speaker stations a moment and getting down to business with the G51 Surround Sound Speaker System. Designed for PC gamers and film-watchers alike, this 5.1 rig features "360-degree surround sound with dual Matrix modes," which creates a "surround-sound experience from any common two-channel stereo source." Furthermore, users can look forward to built-in headphone / microphone jacks, a convenient mute button, customizable satellites, gaming and music Matrix modes, 155-watts of total power, a ported, down-firing subwoofer, and independent volume controls for good measure. Notably, Logitech's latest setup won't exactly break the bank, as interested consumers can bring these home for just $199.99 this October.[Via TheNewsMarket]
Logitech announces X-240 computer speakers with iPod cradle
Looks like Logitech has another set of computer speakers in the works. No surprise there, right? But the X-240 speaker system is more than just speakers. This time they've added a "control center" that includes audio controls and a headphone jack as well as a charge/sync/play cradle for your iPod, PDA, mobile phone or other DAP. The X-240 also includes specialized adapters for both the iPod and the Zune to provide a custom fit as well as to help manage cable clutter.Of course you can still use the speakers without connecting an iPod or anything else to them, but why would you want to? Look for them to ship this spring for under $50.
Art Lebedev Studios' unveils artsy Sonicum 2.1 speaker set
While Ben Heckendorn and Soner Ozenc have definitely mastered their own forms of art, Art Lebedev provides soothing, aesthetic, and eye-tingling creations second to none. While his Optimus keyboard (and mini three as well) were flattering enough, the Mus2 pointer-shaped mouse was pure genius. Design freaks take heart, as Art Lebedev Studios' has an uber-sleek Sonicum speaker system up for pre-order, and besides eliciting all sorts of geekish lust, the 2.1 computer-minded setup boasts dual 5-watt NXT speakers, a 15-watt subwoofer, and a few design cues that set it apart from the rest. The satellites bear a striking resemblance to a speaker cone silhouette, the subwoofer's bass knob is cleverly marked with a textual smiley, and each simplistic piece is branded with Art's own barcode logo. For just €106.17 ($126.60), you can claim your Sonicum rig now, but unfortunately you'll be waiting until next April to hear (and see) Lebedev's latest masterpiece in person.
