Best Stereo Pair
- Logitech Z207
Best With Subwoofer
- Cyber Acoustics CA-3610
Smallest
- Creative Pebble V2
Sound is an important part of using any computer. It is used for small things like notifications, to being the core of the experience for music and video content. While you can use headphones for audio, they can be uncomfortable when used for long periods of time. Speakers are the alternative, and they allow you to unplug and still listen to your audio, even if you move away from them. The increase in the size of the speaker drivers also allows for better quality audio, especially in the bass ranges.
While you can spend literally millions of dollars on buying the most expensive sound system, you can get reasonable audio for a lot less than that. Mid-market is where you’ll generally find high-quality speakers for a decent price, but if you’re willing to take a slight hit to quality, connectivity, or speaker range, you can get some pretty decent speakers on a surprisingly low budget.
To help you find some cheap deals on speakers, we’ve drawn up a list of the best budget computers speakers in 2022.
Key Features
- Angled drivers
- Minimalistic aesthetic
- Different versions available
Specifications
- Connectivity: Aux, USB-C
- Drivers: 2x 2-inch full range
- Channels: 2.0
The Creative Pebble V2 is a very small form factor pair of speakers. They follow a minimalistic design aesthetic inspired by pebbles from a Zen garden. The use of a single driver per speaker allows them to stay very small, reaching just 12 centimeters in height which is super useful to fit under a monitor or on a crowded desk. The 45° angling of the driver also helps to direct the sound they make straight at you if you’re sitting at the desk.
Despite having USB-C connectivity, this model only uses it for power and needs to be connected with a 3.5mm jack cable for audio transmission, meaning that you have two sets of cables to deal with rather than one. Other variants are available that accept USB, Bluetooth audio, or even have a subwoofer, however, these do cost a little more. For users without an available USB-C socket, especially if it’s only being used for power rather than audio, an adaptor is provided so you can plug it into a standard USB-A port.
- Includes a USB-A to USB-C adaptor
- Particularly cheap
- Very small
- USB-C used for power but can’t be used for audio
- Has two sets of cables
Key Features
- Subtle black colour scheme
- Tall and slim speakers
- Can be connected to three devices at once
Specifications
- Connectivity: Aux and Bluetooth
- Drivers: 2x 2.5-inch (driven) and 2x 2.5-inch (passive)
- Channels: 2.0
The Logitech Z207 offers stereo audio from a stylish and subtle, tall and slim form factor. Power is provided via a wall plug, while audio can be transmitted via a 3.5mm jack or via Bluetooth. It is possible to pair two devices via Bluetooth to easily switch between audio sources. The slight angling of the speakers directs the sound they produce to your ears.
The inclusion of a headphone jack on the main speaker means you can easily plug a set of headphones in and not have to worry about switching audio devices. At first glance, or even with a closer look, you might assume that each speaker features a pair of drivers, however, only one of these is actively powered, with the other acting as a passive radiator.
- Angled slightly to direct the sound towards your ears
- A headphone jack on the speaker
- Despite the appearance of two drivers per satellite, one is a passive radiator
- Two sets of cables
- No way to adjust bass levels
Key Features
- USB powered and USB audio
- Faux wood design
- Headphone port
Specifications
- Connectivity: USB, Aux
- Drivers: 2x 2.75-inch drivers
- Channels: 2.0
The Edifier R19U is a pair of angled speakers that feature a stylish black faux wood design. Power is supplied via a USB cable which can also be used to transmit sound. This design means you can use these speakers with just a single cable running from them to the computer, rather than a separate audio and power cable. unfortunately, it also limits the available power, as USB 2.0 can only provide 5W of power. This does result in a relatively low maximum volume. Not an issue if you’re right at the computer, but it’s not o great if you’re wanting to play music and hear it as you wander around the house.
The cable between the two speakers is detachable at the satellite end, meaning it’s possible to extend the cable length if you need to. Audio can also be played via Aux-in, and a headphone port is provided for convenience. The speaker themselves while suffering from a lack of volume, also struggle with bass, though this is to be somewhat expected from a system without a subwoofer.
- Detachable connecting cable
- Angled up
- Not particularly bass-y
- Not particularly loud
- USB 2 can’t provide much power
Key Features
- It comes with a subwoofer
- Desktop control pod
- 30W RMS, 62W peak
Specifications
- Connectivity: Aux
- Drivers: 4x 2-inch drivers, 1x 5.25-inch driver
- Channels: 2.1
The Cyber Acoustics CA-3610 is a 2.1 speaker sound system, making it one of the few budget systems featuring a subwoofer. The subwoofer features a five and a quarter inch driver, while the two satellites each feature a pair of two-inch drivers. The set is connected to a desktop control hub which allows you to control the volume and bass volume separately. Audio is transmitted via a 3.5mm jack to the Aux port.
While the control hub is a useful feature it is hard-wired to sub and speakers, making it somewhat difficult to run the cables, especially if you have grommets for cable management. The cables between the speakers are also relatively short. The inclusion of a headphone port on the control hub is convenient. The glossy finish of the satellites, may look good but is also likely to draw fingerprints, dirt, and scratches pretty easily.
- Downward firing sub
- Separate bass volume slider
- Headphone jack
- The control hub is hard-wired into the sub
- Wires are short
- Glossy finish
That was our roundup of the best budget computer speakers in 2022. Have you recently bought some budget computer speakers? What sold you on it and what has your experience been with it so far? Let us know down below.
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