PC speakers in the test: Boxes for computers and laptops in comparison

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Not just the Internet, Office and Photoshop: Computers are also multimedia machines, they play music and videos, for example. But the devices are also suitable for playing games. But that’s no fun with blaring notebook speakers or thin sound from the monitor speakers. PC loudspeakers deliver a significant sound upgrade – and that at moderate prices. The boxes are available as stereo pairs and soundbars, and some come with an additional bass box: a subwoofer. COMPUTER BILD tested PC speakers and reveals which one offers the best sound quality for the money.

Test winner: JBL One Series 104-BT

  • Bass in the depths pressureless
  • Light noise

If the price doesn’t deter you, grab the JBL One Series 104-BT. The boxes, which cost almost 200 euros, delivered a balanced and precise sound in the test; none of the tested PC loudspeakers was better. The stereo pair reproduces voices largely unadulterated, only the bass doesn’t go very 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 mixers. If you want to save a few euros, take the variant JBL One Series 104 without Bluetooth. The JBL Quantum Duo gaming boxes, which are comparable in price, come up with a chic LED light, but sound less balanced.
  • Clear highs
  • Easy to use
  • Washed out in the middle
  • Bass soft

Can cheap PC speakers sound good? The Logitech Z200 also asked themselves this question in the test. They didn’t deliver bombastic explosions and the mids are a bit washed out, but the stereo pair is suitable for movies and music. The Mid control should be turned three quarters up for optimal sound. The equipment is quite passable with a stereo input and a headphone jack. The precise knobs ensure easy handling. Price at the time of testing: 29.99 euros

This is how COMPUTER BILD tests PC speakers

The testers use a sound level meter to determine the maximum volume.

The sound is the most important test point – it accounts for 40 percent of the overall rating. The testers listen carefully to each model. Tonal colour, cleanliness and balance are important for a good result. The testers also noted that the speakers made an annoying noise of their own in addition to the desired sounds. They also use the PeakTech 5055 Sound Level Meter to measure the maximum volume. For the test, they sit 1 meter away while the box is turned up to play a 400 Hertz tone. The sound pressure generated there can then be determined with the measuring device.

PC loudspeakers in the test: this is how COMPUTER BILD tests operation

The testers check how easy it is to operate the boxes.

In the “Operation” test category, the editors lend a hand and take a close look at the commissioning and the control options. The equipment also contributes to the test grade. The examiners examine which connections are present and which functions the PC loudspeakers offer.

Connect speakers to the PC

All test candidates connect to the computer in a similarly simple manner to a headset. They dock via a jack (3.5 millimeters), USB or wirelessly via Bluetooth. Each variant has advantages and disadvantages.
  • Jack connection: Almost all PC speakers can be connected to the stereo output of the PC with a jack cable – this is the simplest variant.
  • USB connection: 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 must switch from the internal sound card to the boxes. Advantage: the sound is often better via USB than via a jack.
  • Bluetooth: the Logitech MX Sound as well as the JBL One Series 104-BT also offer a wireless connection via Bluetooth. One less cable runs across the desk. However, the sound lagged in the test Logitech MX Sound behind the picture – minimal, but audible and visible.
  • Optical digital input: The right digital output is rarely found on desktop PCs and certainly not on notebooks. However, many televisions can also be connected to it Edifier R1280DB, Wavemaster Cube Mini Neo and the sound bar Trust GXT 668 Tytan associate.

Clean sound, rich explosions

Once the speakers are connected to the PC, the listening pleasure can begin. Those are the most fun JBL One Series BT, which deliver a good mix of clean highs and rich bass. The speakers are ideal for listening to music and podcasts. However, if you want more bass, use the Logitech G560. The 2.1 system has a separate woofer that reproduces explosions even more powerfully. It brings less joy uRage SoundZbar 2.1 Unleashed from Hama. In the test, the set consisting of a sound bar and a subwoofer attracted negative attention with an audible noise.

PC loudspeaker in the test: equipment

Extras such as USB playback have a positive effect on the overall rating.

To equip many test candidates such as Logitech Z200 and Speedlink Gravity Carbon belongs to headphone jack. This saves buyers having to crawl under the desk to the PC case with the cable if the sound is to come directly to the ears for a change. In the other direction can have an additional stereo input for example docking the mobile phone to play music. Less useful, but all the more conspicuous is the 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, and the play of light can be synchronized with the action on the monitor using the manufacturer’s software, for example. On the Razer Nommo, the LEDs in the feet even serve a practical purpose: the green one on the right shows the volume, the blue one on the left shows the bass level. You set both with handy rotary controls on the speakers. The operation is slightly cumbersome Hama System uRage Soundz 2.1 Essential, 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 that sits on the desktop, near the keyboard, for example, to change the volume. This is how users adjust without stretching.

Rich sound for music, movies and gaming

In the test: The best PC speakers in the check!

PC speakers: test winner and conclusion

With the best sound and a good equipment got hold of the JBL One Series 104-BT the place at the top, closely followed by the Edifier R1280DB. The pair of boxes also delivered a good sound and many extras. the Razer Nommo Chroma follow in third place, offer a balanced sound and simple operation. The price-performance win goes back to Logitech with the Z200 – for just 30 euros. There is no fat bass and no brilliant highs to marvel at, but a harmonious sound that is sufficient for background music, YouTube sound and podcasts.

PC speakers: the most important questions

What are the best PC speakers?

The best PC speakers in the test are these JBL One Series 104-BT. They deliver the best sound in comparison and are also well equipped.

Where do I plug the speakers into the PC?

Every PC has at least one jack socket (3.5 millimeters). On most computers, this has a green border and is marked with a small headphone symbol. Laptops have a combo socket to which a three-pin jack plug can be plugged. However, PC speakers can also be connected there.

Do PCs have speakers?

Desktop PCs usually don’t have built-in speakers. With laptops, however, the situation is different and almost every model has built-in drivers.

How do I activate the speakers on the PC?

  • Windows 10: There is a in the taskbar at the bottom right speaker icon. Tap on it and then check if the exit speaker is selected. If this is not the case, click on the small arrow pointing up and select the appropriate option. If the PC speakers are connected via USB, the computer displays them in the selection menu. The devices are activated with a tap on the box name.
  • Mac OS: Tap the apple icon in the top left corner of the screen and select system settings out. Now click on that speaker icon named Tone. Select the Output tab. In the overview you will find various speaker options. If the PC speakers are connected to the Apple computer via a jack, click on External headphones. With a USB connection, on the other hand, tap the corresponding speaker name.

How do I activate the speakers on the screen?

  • Windows 10: There is a in the taskbar at the bottom right speaker icon. Tap on it and then check if the Monitor output is selected as the output device. If this is not the case, click on the small arrow pointing up and click on the screen name.
  • Mac OS: Tap the apple icon in the top left corner of the screen and select system settings out. Now click on that speaker icon named Tone. Select the Output tab. In the overview you will find various speaker options. Click on the monitor name.



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