What are the best speakers for Mac? Here are our top picks! Updated February 2017: We’ve added a Bluetooth-enabled set of speakers to our list — the Grace Digital GDI-BTSP201 — so if you’re looking to go wireless, check those out. A great set of speakers can turn your Mac from squeaking mouse to roaring lion. Enjoy premium sound quality or create music with ease. Shop headphones and microphones for Mac from Apple. Buy online with fast, free shipping. Today we’re looking for the best computer for music production and recording. So you have the music production gear; keyboards, speakers, microphones, and most importantly, the ideas storming around in your brain.But what about the actual computer to act as the backbone of your entire digital music production setup?
Few things in life are as enjoyable as good music. But as you've probably noticed, that music only sounds as good as the system it's playing through. Many PCs and Macs don't come with very good speakers. And that's to say nothing of the tiny built-in drivers found in most laptops. Even if you're on a tight budget, low-cost speakers can noticeably improve your listening experience. Here are things to consider when picking the best speaker system for your computer.
Stereo, 2.1, or Surround Sound: What's the Difference?
Stereo speakers consist of only a left and a right speaker, '2.1' refers to a pair of speakers augmented by a subwoofer, and surround sound involves between five and seven speakers plus a subwoofer. The role of the subwoofer is to cover deep bass frequencies, generally below 100Hz. A solid sub at a reasonable volume can add rumble to film explosions and depth to kick drums, bass guitars, analog synths, orchestras, and more. Some stereo speaker pairs, however, sound great even without a subwoofer, primarily because their woofers (the drivers dedicated to low-mid and low frequencies below 1KHz) are perfectly capable of handling the bass response.
See How We Test Speakers
The vast majority of desktop speakers are stereo pairs. Some have accompanying subwoofers, but you won't likely have more than two or three satellites to deal with. Some serious gamers and cinephiles might want to look for a 5.1-channel (or higher) surround sound system, but the extra cost and inconvenience of placing all those speakers around the room isn't worth it to most users.
There are also one-piece solutions (or one-piece with a subwoofer) that offer plenty of power but don't provide the stereo imaging you get from multiple satellites. Even portable Bluetooth speakers can serve as one-piece systems for your PC if they have a 3.5mm audio input or support a USB connection (or if your computer has Bluetooth).
What About Bookshelf Speakers?
The term bookshelf speaker generally describe any speaker that can comfortably fit on a bookshelf and is intended for use in a stereo pair or other multiple speaker setups. However, especially among audiophiles, it has a much more important implication: Bookshelf speakers are small, unpowered stereo speakers. That unpowered part is a very big detail that will please anyone who knows how to set up a high-end home sound system and will frustrate everyone else.
All speakers require power to run. Without electricity flowing into the drivers, a speaker is just a box with some weird paper and metal bits in it. The vast majority of computer speakers, along with all Bluetooth-enabled speakers and wireless speakers, are powered, or 'active.' That means an amplifier is built into the speaker itself to take the signal it receives and feed enough power into the drivers to reproduce it. This is very handy, because it means you don't need to get a separate amp to drive your speakers; you just plug them into your computer and they work.
Bookshelf speakers are typically unpowered, or 'passive.' They're intended for use with a separate amp. That means whatever music you want to hear through them needs to be put through the amp, which then connects to the speakers. They're more expensive and take up more space when everything is configured, but the benefit is much more powerful and clear sound.
There are a few exceptions, in the form of active studio monitors. Here the distinction between bookshelf speaker and computer speaker blurs. Basically, some powered speakers are designed for high-end audiophile use, like home studio mastering. They don't need an amp, but generally sound better and are more expensive than speakers designed for use with a computer. Of course, you can use them with a computer just as easily, since it's still just a matter of plugging the speakers into your sound card.
We primarily test active speakers with their own built-in amps. That covers the vast majority of computer speakers, wireless speakers, and consumer-oriented home theater speakers and soundbars.
Do Extra Features Matter?
You might not think much about extra features when it comes to PC speakers, but there are some things to consider: Do the speakers include bass and treble controls so you can tailor the sound to your tastes? How about a Mute button? Or a remote control?
High-quality sound and robust extra features are not necessarily mutually exclusive; it depends on the set. If your PC has a limited number of USB ports, you'll probably want to go with the more common 3.5mm audio output connector, though USB-powered speakers sometimes come with extra features, or even software that enables special functions. And, if your PC has Bluetooth, you can stream music wirelessly to any speaker that accepts it (which is the vast majority of portable speakers, and a large number of desktop speakers).
Listening at Home or at the Office?
How you plan to use your speakers will also help determine your best option. You probably don't need a mammoth subwoofer if you're listening at work—small speakers with decent clarity might be the wisest choice, particularly if you're just using them to watch YouTube videos or listen to internet radio streams. For home, maybe you want larger or more stylish speakers, and the ability to blast them without distortion (especially if your PC is your main music source). For more, see our guide on how to set up your speakers.
How About Speakers for Music Recording?
Are you a musician and want to record and mix your own music at home? Look for a pair of active studio monitor speakers that represent your work as accurately as possible, and don't color the sound in a way that way hide flaws in a recording that could show up on other listeners' systems. Audioengine does this nicely. And be sure to pair them with a good microphone.
Check out our speakers product guide for the latest reviews. And our list of the best wireless speakers offers even more recommendations depending on how you want to listen.
Best Computer Speakers Featured in This Roundup:
Audioengine A5+ Wireless Review
MSRP: $499.00
Pros: Excellent audio performance with solid bass depth and clarity throughout the frequency range. High-quality Bluetooth streaming with 24-bit upsampling. Wired connectivity options. Can be used with a subwoofer.
Cons: No source knob. Limited remote control.
Bottom Line: Audioengine's A5+ Wireless speakers deliver a stellar sonic experience aimed at audiophiles with 24-bit upsampling to ensure high-quality Bluetooth audio.
Read Review
Audioengine HD3 Review
MSRP: $399.00
Pros: Accurate audio performance with rich lows and pristine highs. Attractive design. Can be used with a subwoofer for increased bass depth (not included). 24-bit DAC.
Cons: Not for booming bass fanatics. Always-active input design is not ideal.
Bottom Line: The handsome, versatile Audioengine HD3 stereo speakers deliver excellent Bluetooth and high fidelity wired audio in a traditional bookshelf design.
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Edifier R1280T Review
MSRP: $99.99
Pros: Powerful audio performance with rich lows and bright, clear highs. Adjustable bass and treble. Can connect to PCs and mobile devices, as well as any gear with an RCA output.
Cons: Can be pushed to distortion at absolute top volumes. No wireless capabilities.
Bottom Line: Edifier's R1280T speakers deliver rich, balanced audio with adjustable EQ in a handsome design for an affordable price.
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Creative Pebble Review
MSRP: $24.99
Pros: Very solid audio for the low price. Attractive design.
Cons: Hardwired cables create a messy desktop. USB is for power only, not audio. Only one input.
Bottom Line: Creative's USB-powered Pebble speakers look cool and deliver surprisingly solid audio for just $25.
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Fluance Ai60 Review
MSRP: $299.99
Pros: True stereo separation. Includes aux input and optical connections. Output for optional subwoofer.
Cons: Not for those seeking serious sub-bass (unless you plan to install a subwoofer).
Bottom Line: The Fluance Ai60 speakers integrate Bluetooth in a traditional bookshelf design that delivers a rich, bright sound signature.
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JBL Series 3 LSR305 Review
MSRP: $199.99
Pros: Accurate, clean audio performance with powerful output. Adjustable high frequency, low frequency levels. Affordable.
Cons: No RCA input.
Bottom Line: The JBL Series 3 LSR305 speakers deliver powerful, accurate audio performance with rich lows and a focus on the high-mid range.
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Klipsch R-41PM Review
MSRP: $399.00
Pros: Excellent audio performance with rich bass and clear, articulated highs. No stereo receiver required. Excellent connectivity, including built-in Bluetooth. Handsome design.
Cons: Doesn't automatically pair with recently connected devices. Not for those seeking sub-bass rumble.
Bottom Line: The Klipsch R-41PM speakers are designed to work with a subwoofer, but even without, they offer powerful audio from both wired and wireless sound sources.
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M-Audio BX5 Carbon Review
MSRP: $149.99
Pros: Accurate audio performance with a focus on the midrange. Clear, robust bass presence. Acoustic space switch adjusts sound signature for placement closer to walls.
Cons: High-mids are slightly dampened. Volume knobs are hard to adjust precisely.
Bottom Line: The M-Audio BX5 Carbon studio monitor speakers deliver accurate, dependable audio in an affordable price range.
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Razer Leviathan Review
MSRP: $199.99
Pros: Powerful sound for the size and price. Solid music performance. Wired subwoofer adds plenty of low-end kick. Bluetooth connectivity.
Cons: No remote. Lacks high-end clarity to really make movies stand out as well as games.
Bottom Line: The Razer Leviathan puts out large sound for such a small speaker system, but its lack of a remote makes it better suited for your desk than your home theater.
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Razer Nommo Pro Review
MSRP: $499.99
Pros: Powerful, bass-heavy sound. Crisp, clean music performance.
Cons: Relatively expensive for desktop speakers. THX and Dolby sound modes tend to focus a bit too much on sub-bass.
Bottom Line: Razer's Nommo Pro desktop speaker system features attractive satellites with programmable, colored lighting, and a powerful subwoofer to give PC gamers booming sound.
Read Review
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Rundown
Most Popular: Logitech Z623 at Amazon, “featuring a sleek design with a powerful subwoofer that is sure to boost any music, movie or gaming endeavor.”
Best Overall:Audioengine A5+ Active 2-Way Speakers at Amazon, “offering the right mix of sound reproduction with an accurate, balanced frequency response.”
Best Budget:Cyber Acoustics at Amazon, “an excellent and wallet-friendly audio experience for gaming, movies and music.”
Best Premium:Audioengine HD3 at Amazon, “taking your computer speakers to new heights in sound quality.”
Best Soundbar:ELEGIANT USB Powered Sound Bar Speakers at Amazon, “with an elegant, low profile that works well beneath desktop monitors.”
Runner-Up, Best Overall:Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Bluetooth Speaker System at Best Buy, “giving you that high quality of sound for a totally affordable price.”
Runner-Up, Best Budget: Logitech S150 USB Speakers at Amazon, “a basic set of speakers that will upgrade your listening experience without breaking the bank.”
Best Bluetooth: Creative T3250W Wireless 2.1 Bluetooth Speaker System at Amazon, “includes a pair of speakers, a subwoofer, as well as an audio control pod for Bluetooth.”
Best Design:Harman Kardon Soundsticks III at Amazon, “you could place them as a centerpiece in a modern home and they’d fit right in.”
Runner-Up, Best Design:GOgroove BassPULSE LED Computer Speakers at Walmart, “with built-in LED tech lets you customize the colors of the lights.”
Our Top Picks
Most Popular: Logitech Z623
3.7
The Z623 speakers from Logitech are some of the most popular desktop speakers around. They feature a sleek design with a powerful subwoofer that is sure to boost any music, movie or gaming endeavor you could imagine. And it's pretty cheap. For an extra $30, Logitech throws in a Bluetooth adapter. Interestingly, the Z623 is THX certified, which may be more of a branding component than anything else, but it still evokes that big cinema sound we all love.
The 2.1, 200-watt speaker system features on-speaker controls, as well as RCA and 3.5 mm inputs that allow you to connect up to three audio devices at a time. And the subwoofer features a seven-inch driver made to deliver a deep bass sound. Keep in mind, these speakers are mid-range. They’re not meant for recording studios or amphitheaters. But for pretty much any desktop computer application, they’ll deliver a high quality bang for your buck.
Best Overall: Audioengine A5+ Active 2-Way Speakers
4.7
When it comes to desktop computer speakers, your options are almost as varied as computers themselves. The trick is zeroing in on a pair of speakers that can satisfy the largest variety of circumstances. The Audioengine A5+ 2-Way speakers are those speakers. These dynamic bookshelf cans offer the right mix of sound reproduction with an accurate, balanced frequency response. They deliver a deep, rich bass that doesn’t overwhelm, as well as a smooth treble range that doesn’t pierce the eardrums. There’s an integrated digital-to-analog converter that allows you to bypass analog output for a purer signal. Like most desktop speakers, they’re easy to set up, featuring built-in amplifiers (50 watt per channel) that skip the need for a stereo receiver. Just connect them to your player’s headphone jack or USB device. Simple. There’s also a remote control for convenience, RCA inputs and a USB power port for charging mobile devices directly.
If you're thinking of upgrading to an even more immersive surround sound system, find out if a 5.1 system is right for you.
Best Budget: Cyber Acoustics
3.2
The name Cyber Acoustics might not be familiar to you, but their 30-watt desktop speakers are among the best inexpensive options you can find. The 2.1 three-piece system includes the 5.25-inch subwoofer, and the 2 x 2-inch satellite speaker drivers create an excellent and wallet-friendly audio experience for gaming, movies and music. A separate control panel turns the speakers on and off, adjusts master and bass volume and contains the 3.5mm headphone jack and aux-in jack. Housed in an acoustically balanced wood cabinet, the subwoofer offers clear audio and good bass response. The magnetically-shielded satellite speakers offer clear and open sound to round out the full audio experience. The included five-foot cable offers more than enough cord to connect to a PC, and there is an 11-foot speaker cable to connect both satellite speakers.
For more options on the lower end of the price spectrum, check out our picks for the best computer speakers under $50.
Best Premium: Audioengine HD3
4.3
When you want to take your computer speakers to new heights in sound quality, your best bet is a pair of Audioengine HD3 speakers. These modestly sized speakers pack a lot of power and don’t even require an external power amp to blast great sounding tunes.
When it comes to design, the Audioengine HD3 speakers have a cool retro look and come in black, cherry and walnut. These speakers also have a ton of versatility. On the back of the speakers, there are multiple inputs to accommodate both digital and analog sources, including a USB audio input and a digital-to-analog converter. They also have Bluetooth connectivity, so you can stream music from your smartphone or tablet on top of playing it through your computer.
Customers have been extremely happy with these speakers. They note that the sound quality for Audioengine HD3 is second to none for computer speakers and that the speakers give off great mids, highs and bass, so every song sounds amazing.
Also check out our picks for the best DJ speakers to buy this year. The best antivirus for mac 2016.
Best Soundbar: ELEGIANT USB Powered Sound Bar Speakers
2.5
Rather than opting for traditional clunky computer speakers, consider a soundbar for a different aesthetic. This ELEGIANT soundbar has an elegant, low profile (2.4 x 15.7 x 2.2 inches) that works well beneath desktop monitors and conveniently connects via USB for plug-and-play usability. Alternatively, it can also be used with laptops, TVs, tablets and smartphones for crisp, 360-degree stereo sound.
The volume/power knob is positioned on the left end of the soundbar and a small blue LED light signals that the soundbar is on, while the USB and headphone connections are located on the back. The sound quality is also pristine, especially if you’re used to listening through your computer’s built-in speakers.
Runner-Up, Best Overall: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Bluetooth Speaker System
Klipsch, as a brand, offers plenty of reputation for any consumer home speaker system, so bringing that expertise to your desk is a smart move. This 2.1 system gives you that high quality of sound for a totally affordable price and they throw in some extra features, too. It offers a total of 100 watts of output, with 65 watts relegated to the subwoofer and 18 watts each per satellite speaker. That subwoofer contains a 6.5-inch cone for full, deep, extended bass.
The system produces sound ranging from 35 Hz all the way to 22 kHz, so the range doesn’t cover the full bottom end of the hearing spectrum. But that’s to be expected for a small, unassuming system. So the power and response are pretty impressive when you consider size. Round that sound out with the versatility of plugging the system in via 3.5mm so you can connect to most computers’ aux systems and the added convenience of Bluetooth connectivity, and you have a truly modern system with a breadth of capabilities for your home or office. There are volume and power controls right on the unit and a headphone jack to silence the system for private listening.
See more reviews of our favorite Klipsch speakers available for purchase.
Runner-Up, Best Budget: Logitech S150 USB Speakers
If you’re looking for a basic set of speakers that will upgrade your listening experience without breaking the bank, the Logitech S150 USB digital speakers are a great choice. They don’t have a lot of extra bells and whistles, but they do provide quality acoustic stereo sound — especially for speakers of this size and price.
When it comes to features, the Logitech S150 USB Speakers keep it simple: volume control (including a mute button), easy-to-use USB connectivity, and an LED power indicator so you can make sure everything is in working order. They don't even require a separate power cord — just plug into a single USB port and you're ready to listen. Ideal for a dorm room or office, these speakers will bring out the best in your favorite songs, videos, movies or games.
Best Bluetooth: Creative T3250W Wireless 2.1 Bluetooth Speaker System
If you want your computer speakers to do more than just pump sound from your desktop or laptop, that’s completely understandable. We listen to music from our phones a lot, so it makes sense to seek out computer speakers that also work with Bluetooth, so you can play songs, audiobooks or anything else from all your devices.
The Creative T3250W 2.1 speaker system offers all of this and more at a relatively low price. This system comes with a pair of speakers, a subwoofer, as well as an audio control pod that enables Bluetooth connections and controls overall volume.
Customers have noted this system offers good audio quality relative to the price and that the Bluetooth connection works well for smartphones and computers alike. One important note several users mention is that the bass can sometimes be booming and there’s no way to turn bass down on the speaker. The fix for this is using software equalizers to control bass and treble, which many streaming services (Spotify, for example) and computer control panels offer.
Best Design: Harman Kardon Soundsticks III
Take one look at these speakers from Harman Kardon and the next time you hear the words “futuristic design,” you’ll think of them. Guaranteed. These things look like something out of Minority Report — more like chemistry equipment than computer speakers. You could place them as a centerpiece in a modern home and they’d fit right in.
So, yes, the design on these speakers is truly unique and impressive — but what about the sound? By all measure, it's top-notch. The SoundSticks include four, one-inch full-range transducers per channel powered by a 10-watt amplifier. There’s also one, six-inch low-frequency transducer with a 20 watt amp for room-filling bass response. Through the 3.5 mm stereo connection, you can connect the speakers to virtually any device. However, some users have complained about the speakers’ out-of-the-box frequency balance. Depending on your preferences, you may want to compensate through a digital equalizer, but it’s really up to you.
Runner-Up, Best Design: GOgroove BassPULSE LED Computer Speakers
The GOgroove certainly makes for an eye-catching accent piece for your desk. The sleek glass alone of the two left-right speakers gives you a modern look, but the built-in LED tech lets you customize the colors between bright blue, deep red, and sparkling green. While the sub-woofer unit doesn’t have the full see-through glass look, it does provide a lighted accent section on the front that will match whichever colored mode you’ve activated on the main speakers.
Let’s talk about sound features now: the speaker set offers 20 watts of RMS, which is pretty low for loudspeakers but will probably be sufficient for most desktop office setups. You can push the speakers up to 40 watts, but extended use at the volume might blow or fatigue the system, so it’s best to plan on sticking around the 20-watt zone.
The satellite speakers are directional, though, so they’ll maximize that wattage, and the side-firing subsystem gives you a nice, full, clear bass channel to add oomph to the system. It’s your standard computer set, so no compatibility concerns are necessary because it’ll connect via 3.5mm aux cable to any computer that has that input, from PCs to Macs.
Want to read more reviews? Check out our selection of the best speakers for under $100.
Tested by
How We Tested
We bought five top-rated computer speaker sets and our reviewers tested them for more than 200 hours. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these speakers, from design to sound quality. We've outlined the key points here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in Computer Speakers
Sound quality - Obviously, sound quality varies from set to set. You can spend the value of a popcorn and soda for a decent set of desktop speakers or break the bank on a system that’ll fill your room with excellent sound. Either rely on reviews to assess a speaker's sound quality or head to your local electronics retailer to test it out for yourself. Additionally, if you’re looking for heavy bass, make sure you pick up a system that includes a subwoofer.
Design - You’ll have your chosen set of speakers sitting on your desk, so you might as well pick a pair that’s visually appealing. Beyond aesthetics, consider how the size of the speakers will fit into your existing setup. For example, if you select an option with a subwoofer, will you have room for it under your desk?
Wireless - If you're using your new speakers with a laptop, consider choosing a set with built-in Bluetooth capabilities so you can be completely wireless at your desk.
Test Results: Logitech Z623 (Most Popular)
3.7
What We Like
Ideal for movies and games
Booming bass
Great overall value
What We Don't Like
No Bluetooth capability
Heavy and hard to move around
Our tester loved that these speakers had a booming bass response: “The volume and bass are both really impressive, which makes [these speakers] really fun to listen to,' he said. In terms of negatives, he pointed out these speakers’ lack of Bluetooth capability, which he said made the large size of the subwoofer especially inconvenient. “The subwoofer is cumbersomely large,” he noted, “but if it had a wireless connection, it wouldn’t be so hard to tuck it on a shelf or down on the floor.” Overall, though, he felt that they were a solid investment: 'These speakers are absolutely worth the price of admission, especially if you’re into watching big Hollywood blockbusters and playing the latest AAA video games,' he said.
Test Results: Audioengine A5+ Active 2-Way Speakers (Best Overall)
4.7
What We Like
Sturdy build quality
Excellent sound
Booming bass
Beautiful aesthetic
What We Don't Like
Pricey
Need a DAC to experience fully
Heavy
Our tester loved these speakers for their “fantastic” sound quality and solid build: “It's legitimately hard to find speakers that are more rigid,” he said. “The Audioengine A5+ speakers feel like they'll last years.” The downsides? He noted their high price tag, as well as their heavy weight: “Moving them around isn't the best experience,” he said. Overall, though, he felt that if you could swing the cost, they’re worth buying: “It's hard to imagine better speakers for your computer without paying 2-3 times as much,” he said. “The fact that you can use them for your record player, too, is a huge bonus.”
Test Results: Cyber Acoustics (Best Budget)
3.2
What We Like
Extremely affordable
Lightweight
Decent sound for the price
What We Don't Like
Lots of details lost in the mix
Distortion at higher volumes
Cheap build quality
These speakers were a hit with our tester because of their affordable price. He also liked their “robust” bass response and their volume level: “These aren't the best sounding speakers in the world,” he acknowledged, “but they will fill the room.” On the other hand, as expected with a budget model, there were some concessions: “These speakers are cheap—and they feel cheap,” he said. “The cables don't seem super secure coming out of the satellites, and the satellites themselves feel like they'll break if you look at them wrong.”
Test Results: Audioengine HD3 (Best Premium)
4.3
What We Like
Aesthetics
Good sound quality
Built-in DAC
Built-in headphone amplifier Bluetooth
Best Computer Speakers For Macbook Air
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Bass and high end a bit lacking
Mac os merge pdf. Our tester thought that these speakers’ sound quality was impressive, especially for their small size. Their built-in DAC was also a highlight, as was their design: “Frankly, these speakers just look amazing,” he said. On the other hand, he thought their bass response was weak—and, because of their high price tag, the thought of buying a separate subwoofer was “a hard pill to swallow.” Overall, though, he felt they were worth buying, “especially if you’re looking for a decently high-end pair of desktop speakers with plenty of features.”
Test Results: ELEGIANT USB Powered Sound Bar Speakers (Best Soundbar)
4.3
What We Don't Like
Lightweight
Awful sound quality
No unique features
Easy to topple over
Best Desktop Computer Speakers
Although this soundbar is lightweight and very inexpensive, our tester felt that its shortcomings outweighed its positives: “The cheap design, subpar audio, and low quality make this a device that most people should skip,” he said. “The only reason we’d recommend it is if your computer monitor doesn’t have built-in speakers, or if you have a TV or laptop with blown-out speakers. Everyone else should just save their money.”