Key Points
- The biggest reason to avoid new desktop speakers is space, something they require unless you plan to sit them under your desk.
- Most desktop speakers are designed to look cool while taking up as little space as possible, resulting in comparable audio quality from one brand to the next.
- One of the biggest advantages of new desktop speakers is their price, but if you’re looking for top-tier audio, you’ll have to shell out big bucks for a multi-component set or amplified speakers from a big brand.
- The alternatives to new desktop speakers include PC soundbars like the Razer Leviathan V2 X, PC headphones like the Sennheiser HD 650, and wall-mountable speakers like the Pyle Pro-Active speakers.
Unless you don’t play games or listen to music, audio is an important part of any PC, but there are several reasons to avoid new desktop speakers. While they come in various sizes and styles, performance is often underwhelming compared to the top alternatives. We’ll touch on those, but first, we will tell you three reasons to avoid new desktop speakers today.
Reasons to Avoid New Desktop Speakers
A good pair of desktop speakers can take games to an all-new level or fill your home with audio from iTunes or Spotify. They can also be a problem by design, which brings us to the first drawback of desktop speakers.
Space Constraints
The biggest reason to avoid new desktop speakers is space, something they require unless you plan to sit them under your desk. That’s not ideal, so before purchasing new desktop speakers, consider how much space you have to spare.
Computer desks typically range from 48-72 inches in width. Depth depends on the type of desk, but a full-sized keyboard is around 18 inches. Now consider your mouse pad, desk lamps, printers, and any flair you have currently on your computer desk. Do you have the space to spare for a set of speakers?
Unless you have a large desktop or need computer speakers for working with audio on the PC, you’ll want to consider our alternatives. While the best desktop speakers can produce amazing sound, most pale in the audio department compared to other styles of speakers.
©Vom Baty/Shutterstock.com
Audio Quality
Why are you looking for desktop speakers? You may be disappointed if it’s simply to improve the weak sounds emitting from your existing PC speakers. Several prolific speaker companies produce speakers in this class, but for the most part, it is brands like Logitech, Creative, Redragon, and dozens of lesser-known manufacturers.
In our experience, most desktop speakers are designed to look cool while taking up as little space as possible. Audio quality is comparable from one brand to the next until you jump into companies known for producing speakers — not PC components.
That list is incredibly short, so you’re looking towards brands like Bose and Klipsch if you want PC speakers with the best sound. Unfortunately, that’s where the next reason to avoid desktop speakers comes into play.
Pricing
One of the biggest advantages of new desktop speakers is their price. You can pick up a respectable set for under $15. You can also find models with lighting or other features in the $20-$30 range. That makes them attractive for many users looking for something simple to boost their audio.
That changes when you’re working with audio as a hobby or professionally. The same goes for gamers in need of more depth. Many begin searching for better desktop speakers and then hit a roadblock with audio quality. There are options, however, if you’re willing to shell out big bucks for a multi-component set or amplified speakers from a big brand.
Adding a sub can make a difference, but it also takes up more space — just like large, powerful desktop speakers. Desktop speakers with top-tier audio are the most expensive, with prices well over $100. While budget may not be an issue with some consumers, it will become one once you understand the alternatives that are available.
Alternatives to New Desktop Speakers
The great thing about modern speakers is their ability to connect to almost any device. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are just as handy as a 3.5mm jack on a PC. You can also find high-end speakers that connect through USB ports. Connectivity like this is just one more reason to avoid new desktop speakers. Here are a few of our top alternatives.
Best PC Soundbar: Razer Leviathan V2 X
The best reason to avoid desktop speakers if you’re a gamer is the Razer Leviathan V2 X. This sleek system sounds better than most desktop models and comes with features gamers and general PC users can both appreciate.
Dual passive radiators and full-range drivers pound out the sound from the Razer Leviathan. The sound is impressive, given it’s only 15.8 inches long and around 3 inches high. It’s small enough to slide under most monitors and it keeps clutter minimal. This soundbar is powered by a USB-C cable or Bluetooth 5.0 if you have other gadgets like smartphones, TVs, or consoles. As a Razer product, you can expect quite a light show through the Chroma RGB system.
If you have the space under your monitor, it’s hard to go wrong with the Razer Leviathan V2 X. The slim design leaves a small footprint behind, and we love the fact works through a USB-C port or Bluetooth. This attractive system won’t break the bank, and there’s a package with a sub if you’re interested in a bit more bump.
- 14 zone Razer Chroma RGB lighting
- Passive radiators and full range drivers
- USB-C or Bluetooth 5.0
- Compact design
Best PC Headphones: Sennheiser HD 650
When you’re short on space but want to listen to music and movies from your PC, the Sennheiser HD 650 is a fantastic choice. While not the best option for gamers, these headphones allow users to hear every note with crystal clarity.
These open-back headphones are engineered with precision in mind and are very comfortable during extended listening sessions. They cover the full range from the highs to the lows and they have a 42mm transducer with tuned aluminum voice coils. Sennheiser’s impedance-matched cable allows plenty of range at 9.8 feet long and it is detachable with a 6.3mm jack.
The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones are considerably more expensive than most desktop speakers, but they blow them all away when it comes to audio quality. You can also use these headphones with a range of other devices, thanks to the 3.5mm adapter.
- Over-ear headphones
- Impedance-matched cable
- Open back design
- 3 meter detachable cord
A Unique Alternative: Pyle Pro-Active Wall-Mountable Speakers
When you run out of space on your computer desk, there’s always the wall. If you have room to spare on the wall next to your PC, consider the Pyle Pro-Active speakers, which have plenty of power and an attractive price tag.
This dual speaker set can handle life in any game room. They aren’t waterproof, but they’re sturdy with a design that will look great anywhere. The Pro-Active speakers are loud at 600 watts maximum power, and the 5.5-inch sub pounds out the bass. One speaker is passive, but the other is active with a full range of controls on the rear. That includes a 3.5mm jack along with RCA inputs and a variety of outputs.
Wall-mounted PC speakers tend to get overlooked because of price and connectivity options. Pyle’s speakers address both concerns, making them an excellent alternative to desktop speakers. You can use these speakers with a stereo system, PC, or mobile through Bluetooth, and they certainly won’t take up any room on a desk.
- Passive and active speaker set
- Connects through 3.5mm, RCA or Bluetooth
- Rear control panel
- 600-watt max
The Wrap-Up
If you have the space required for a “good” pair of desktop speakers, there are plenty of options to choose from. For everyone else, you’ll want to think about the alternatives, whether they sit over your ears, under your monitor, or hang from the wall.
- $99.99Buy on Amazon
- 14 zone Razer Chroma RGB lighting
- Passive radiators and full range drivers
- USB-C or Bluetooth 5.0
- Compact design
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/03/2023 12:15 am GMT - $327.90Buy on Amazon
- Over-ear headphones
- Impedance-matched cable
- Open back design
- 3 meter detachable cord
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/03/2023 02:46 am GMT - $124.49Buy on Amazon
- Passive and active speaker set
- Connects through 3.5mm, RCA or Bluetooth
- Rear control panel
- 600-watt max
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/03/2023 02:46 am GMT
Summary Table
| Reasons to Avoid New Desktop Speakers | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Space Constraints | Desktop speakers require space, which may not be available on a cluttered computer desk. |
| Audio Quality | Most desktop speakers are designed to look cool while taking up as little space as possible, often compromising on audio quality. |
| Pricing | While desktop speakers can be affordable, those with top-tier audio quality can be expensive, with prices well over $100. |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Followtheflow/Shutterstock.com.
