Here are the best gaming speakers for PC and consoles

Image: Razer, SteelSeries, Creative, Audioengine via Polygon

Our collection of sound systems ideal for every setup

With technologies like spatial audio, active noise cancellation, and even haptic feedback, gaming headsets can offer a number of features that even the most expensive gaming speakers can’t. However, if your goal is room-filling sound and bone-shaking bass, there’s no effective substitute for a high-quality speaker system.

While buying a modestly sized set of speakers means spending a lot more than you would on a gaming headset, that extra investment will be immediately noticeable in terms of volume, as well as overall sound quality. If you’re looking for an audio solution that can elicit more than a few noise complaints and comes with RGB lighting, you might want to consider spending a few extra bucks on a set of gaming speakers.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite models that will fit perfectly into any gaming setup or budget, whether you’re looking for a massive 7.1 surround system like the Steelseries Arena 9 or a compact 2.0 system like the Edifier G2000.

Best overall speakers

Razer Nommo V2

Image: Razer

If you’re looking for the best possible sound and money is no object, you should check out the Razer Nommo V2. The standard model of the Nommo V2 Pro combines excellent sound quality and RGB lighting in a versatile and powerful audio system that’s ideal for desktops and consoles.

The Nommo V2 comes with a pair of 3-inch speakers equipped with full-range drivers and built-in RGB lighting on the back. The speakers are linked together and end in a cube-shaped subwoofer with a 5.5-inch driver. Lighting and sound profiles can be customized using the Razer Synapse desktop app or by pairing a mobile device via Bluetooth and using the Razer Audio app.

The V2 is also designed to be used with the Razer Control Pod, which comes with the more expensive Nommo V2 Pro model. By default, this puck-shaped wireless control pod lets you control the volume of your speakers and change your audio output between different connected devices. However, the control pod can also be paired with specific functions on your desktop computer, giving it added versatility for desktop gaming.

Currently, you can find the Razer Nommo V2 for $299.99 at Best Buy or Razer. The controller box is available as a standalone purchase on Amazon for $49.99.

The best 9.1 speakers

Steelseries Arena 9

Image: SteelSeries

The Steelseries Arena 9 is one of the few gaming speaker systems to feature wireless rear speakers. In total, the Arena 9 includes a center speaker, a left and right speaker, and two rear speakers in addition to the subwoofer.

The left and right channel speakers, as well as the two surround speakers, each feature 3-inch woofers and 0.75-inch tweeters, while the center channel speaker features two 2.75-inch woofers and a single 0.75-inch tweeter. The trio of main speakers connect to the subwoofer, but the two rear channel speakers pair to the entire system via Bluetooth, giving the Arena 9 plenty of flexibility in terms of placement.

Volume and other Steelseries-specific features, such as Bluetooth pairing and audio profile customization, can be controlled via the included control pod, which is connected to the subwoofer.

While the Arena 9 has more than double the speakers of some of our other flagship models from Logitech or Razer, it may struggle a bit in terms of overall volume. However, it remains one of the only gaming speaker systems capable of delivering true surround sound. The Arena 9 is currently available for $437.99 on Amazon.

The best 2.1 speakers

Logitech G560

Image: Logitech

The Logitech G560 is a more modest 2.1 speaker system, combining a pair of smaller speakers and a powerful subwoofer to deliver solid sound quality without taking up a lot of desk space. The two 6-inch speakers feature built-in RGB lighting on the back that can be controlled via Logitech G software and can even mirror the action on screen using Lightsync RGB.

If you’re looking for a reliable pair of speakers that offer an acceptable compromise between performance and price, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Logitech G560s. Currently, Amazon and Best Buy have the G560s on sale for $179.99.

Best Budget Speakers

Edifier G2000

Image: Edifier

A good pair of gaming speakers doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The Edifier G2000 is a reasonably priced pair of 2.75-inch speakers that may not pack the same punch as the other contenders on our list, but offers similar features.

Both speakers feature rear-mounted RGB lighting and connect to your favorite device via USB-A, 3.5mm, or Bluetooth. The G2000 doesn’t have a dedicated software suite for adjusting its sound or RGB lighting, but it does have a dozen different lighting effects and three built-in audio profiles you can switch between.

The G2000 only has a 32W output power, which means it won’t deliver the same audio fidelity that you’ll get with more expensive options. However, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a pair of speakers with similar features at a more affordable price. You can currently find the Edifier G2000 on Amazon for $71.99.

Best soundbar

Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2

Image: Creative Labs

If you have a gaming setup with the space, you may want to consider a soundbar to round out your audio experience. The Sound Blaster Katana V2 is a 24-inch soundbar that comes with a modestly sized subwoofer, making it equally suitable for desktop and console applications.

The Katana V2 is equipped with a pair of 2.5-inch midrange drivers, 0.75-inch tweeters, and a 6.5-inch subwoofer driver. The soundbar also features a diffuse RGB lighting line that can be customized via the Creative Labs app. The app can also customize the functions of the soundbar’s remote control and customize audio profiles.

While the Katana V2 can be optimized to deliver a simulated 5.1 surround experience, a 24-inch wide profile won’t compete with a true surround system. However, the Katana V2 does offer the widest variety of connectivity options on our list, including HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, and Bluetooth.

The Katana V2 is currently available for $299.99 in the Creative Labs store or $329.99 on Amazon.

The best minimalist speakers

Audioengine A2+

Image: Audioengine

Sometimes it’s best to keep things simple. The Audioengine A2+ is a pair of high-fidelity speakers that don’t include RGB lighting, but they do come in a handful of gorgeous, matte and glossy finishes to match your preferred aesthetic.

Both speakers feature a single 2.75-inch woofer and a 0.75-inch tweeter and can be connected to your desktop using a micro-USB connection or paired to various devices via Bluetooth. The volume can be adjusted on your preferred device or using the volume knob on the back of the right channel speaker.

Unfortunately, the Audioengine A2+ doesn’t come with its own software suite, so you’ll have to rely on a third-party solution if you want to fine-tune your audio profiles.

The Audioengine A2+ is also the only system on our list that can be expanded with additional speakers and subwoofers from Audioengine or other manufacturers, as long as they use a two-channel RCA connection.

If you’re looking to add the Audioengine A2+ to your gaming setup, all respective colorways are available on Amazon, Target, and B&H Photo for $269.