Computers are not just there for work: they play music and videos, and playing games is also no problem with many models. None of this is fun with blaring notebook speakers or thin sound from the monitor boxes. PC speakers provide a significant sound upgrade – and that at moderate prices. The boxes are available as stereo pairs and soundbars, and in some cases an additional bass box is included in the scope of delivery: a subwoofer. COMPUTER BILD has tested popular PC sound systems and reveals which one offers the best sound quality for the money.
Connect the loudspeaker to the PC
All test candidates connect to the computer just as easily as a headset. They dock via a jack connection (3.5 millimeters), USB or wirelessly via Bluetooth. Each variant has advantages and disadvantages.
Jack connection: Almost all PC loudspeakers can be connected to the stereo output of the PC with a jack cable – this is the simplest variant.
USB port: The Logitech G560 and the Razer Nommo Chroma also connect to the computer via USB. Additional drivers are not necessary for this. In the audio settings, however, owners have to switch from the internal sound card to the speakers. Advantage: The sound is often better via USB than via the jack.
Bluetooth: The Logitech MX Sound and the JBL One Series 104-BT also offer a wireless connection via Bluetooth. One less cable runs across the desk. However, the sound lagged behind the picture in the Logitech MX Sound test – minimal, but audible and visible.
Optical digital input: The right digital output is rarely found on desktop PCs and certainly not on notebooks. Many televisions can be connected to the Edifier R1280DB, Wavemaster Cube Mini Neo and the Trust GXT 668 Tytan soundbar.
PC boxes put to the test: the little extras
Many test candidates such as the Logitech Z200 and Speedlink Gravity Carbon are equipped with a Headphone jack. This saves buyers from having to crawl with the cable under the desk to the PC case if the sound should come directly to their ears for a change. In the other direction can have an additional Stereo input for example, dock your cell phone to play music. It is less useful, but all the more noticeable LED lighting some speakers. The light shows of the Razer Nommo Chroma and the Logitech G560 were particularly impressive: the LEDs light up in multiple colors, the play of light can be synchronized with the action on the monitor using the manufacturer’s software, for example. With the Razer Nommo, the LEDs in the feet even serve a practical purpose: the green one on the right indicates the volume, the blue one on the left the bass level. You can set both with the handy rotary knobs on the speakers. Operation of the Hama uRage Soundz 2.1 Essential system, where the Volume control sitting on the subwoofer. Some speakers such as the Logitech Z337 and Speedlink Gravity Carbon 2.1 have a mouse-like control element that can be used to change the volume, which is located on the desk, for example next to the keyboard. In this way, users can readjust without stretching.
JBL One Series 104-BT: Studio sound for the PC
The JBL One Series 104-BT are aimed at musicians and podcasters with their clear sound and good equipment.
If the price doesn’t put you off, you can turn to the JBL One Series 104-BT. The speakers, which cost almost 200 euros, delivered a balanced and precise sound in the test; none of the PC speakers tested was better. The stereo pair reproduces voices largely unadulterated, only the basses do not go deep. The equipment is varied with Bluetooth, an additional stereo input and a headphone jack. For musicians and podcasters, the One Series 104-BT offers a jack input (6.35 millimeters) for mixing consoles. If you want to save a few euros, you can opt for the JBL One Series 104 without Bluetooth. The competitively priced JBL Quantum Duo gaming boxes come with stylish LED light, but sound less balanced.
Bass in the lows depressurized
Slight noise
Razer Nommo Chroma: Not just for gamers
The Razer Nommo Chroma scores with stylish lighting and balanced sound.
The Nommo Chroma from Razer still offers balanced and precise sound at a lower price. The boxes connect to the PC via USB cable and are easy to operate thanks to the easily accessible bass and volume controls on the foot. There are stylish LEDs on the underside of the feet. They not only show the current volume, but also provide atmospheric lighting on the computer.
Precise sound
Nice LEDs
Logitech Z337: Inexpensive, powerful sound
The Logitech Z337 came out on top because of their good sound and ease of use.
The Logitech Z337 cost a little less than the Razer Nommo Chroma, but sound a little better. The 2.1 system delivered a cool but clear sound in the test. The PC boxes score particularly well with their good equipment: There is a headphone socket on the practical control element and a stereo input (cinch) on the back of the subwoofer. The Z337 play music from the smartphone via Bluetooth – great.
Somewhat intrusive in the middle
Brief instructions without text
Edifier R1280DB: Two in one
Remote control: A small remote control is included with the Edifier R1280DB.
Like the JBL, the Edifier R1280DB appear as a double. However, the stereo pair has a few extras, such as an optical digital input and a remote control. It is a bit on the small side, but all the important functions can be selected on it. In the sound test, the Edifier returned home with a good grade: The pair of boxes has a pleasant and full sound. Only the highs are a little too quiet and the PC speakers reproduce voices in a nasally falsified manner. The comparable pair of boxes Wavemaster Cube Mini Neo had fewer problems in this regard and even delivered better sound at a lower price. The biggest shortcoming of the Edifier boxes is the lack of a headphone jack.
Pleasant sound
Very high overall volume (105 dB)
Treble quietly
No headphone jack
Logitech Z200: cheap and good?
If you are only looking for speakers for occasional listening, the Logitech Z200 is well advised.
Can Cheap PC Speakers Sound Good? The Logitech Z200 also asked this question in the test. They didn’t deliver any bombastic explosions and the mids are a bit washed out, but the stereo pair is still suitable for movies and music. The middle control should be turned up three quarters for optimal sound. The equipment is quite acceptable with a stereo input and a headphone jack. The precise rotary controls ensure easy handling.
Clear heights
Easy to use
Washed out in the middle
Basses quiet
PC sound systems: The most popular manufacturer
Survey: idealo has summarized the most popular manufacturers of PC speakers.
The comparison portal idealo has identified the most popular PC speaker manufacturers and summarized them in a graphic. At the top is Logitech with a sovereign 38 percent. Logitech products are also represented in large numbers in the comparison test. Edifier ends up surprisingly in second place, followed by Bose. The JBL test winner can be found under “Other”. It can be observed that the price of PC speakers is falling on average.
PC speakers: test winner and conclusion
With the best sound and good equipment they got hold of each other JBL One Series 104-BT the place at the top, followed by the Logitech Z337. The 2.1 system also sounded good in the test and is only slightly worse equipped. the Razer Nommo Chroma follow in third place, offer a balanced sound and simple operation. The price-performance win goes to Logitech again with the Z200 – for just 30 euros. There are no fat basses and no brilliant highs to marvel at, but a coherent sound that is enough for background sprinkling, YouTube sound and podcasts.
