Best PC Gaming Speakers 2011-2012

Ranked #351 in Computers & Electronics, #4,853 overall

A Review and Comparison of the Top Rated PC Speakers in 2011

After a long day at work or school, don't you just want to wind down by listening to music, gaming, or watching a video on your PC? What if your speakers are too soft? Well, in case you are someone that loves being a part of the action and hearing every lyric to your favorite song, we have come up with the best sounding PC speakers for 2011.

*Tip: From 2.1 and 5.1 surround sound speakers, to clear sounding affordable Bose speakers this post has quite a bit of information. Use the Contents at a glance section below to navigate quickly to what you're most interested in.

Best 5.1 Surround Sound PC Speakers

Highly Rated

Whether you're watching a movie or gaming surround sound enhances your experience and a 5.1 system setup allows you to hear audio from all directions. While gaming this may allow you to here someone sneaking up from you and during a movie action sequence you'll be much more immersed in the overall sound. Here's a list of 2011's most popular 5.1 models.

Logitech Surround Sound Speakers Z506(980-000430)
These Logitech speakers are easy to use and connect with multiple inputs for your PC, gaming console, iPod, or DVD player. It allows you to hear rich 3D stereo in 5.1 surround sound, even from 2-channel stereo sources. At 75 watts it's also loud enough to fill your entire room. Dolby Home Theater is enabled and this model works great for PC speakers as well as a small TV in a bedroom.  Amazon Price: $69.86 Buy Now

Logitech X-530 5.1 Speaker System

Amazon Price: $157.00 Buy Now
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Best 2.1 Surround PC Speaker Systems

Most Popular Models

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JBL Duet II Review

A Deeper Base and Clearer Sound

The JBL Duet II speakers are not only sleek looking, but they will impress you with their great sound quality and deep bass. With a nice frequency response, and overall high sensitivity, these speakers will help you bask in every sort of noise that may come from your PC.

Pros: At 10.5 inches tall and 4 inches thin in diameter, these speakers are small, but very powerful. Frequency level is at 80Hz to 20,000 Hz with a sensitivity at 60dB which proves to give great sound overall sound quality. Surround sound quality is very high performing, which will make it easier for you to enjoy your favorite web show or DVD. The Duet II unit connects to computers with an 1/8 inch mini jack, and its connectivity is fairly simple. The duet II also comes with long cords so you don't have to worry about hooking it up from longer distances.

Cons: The speaker does not support powerful subwoofers like other speakers might.
Overall, the Duet II is an affordable speaker set that will add style and sound quality to your PC. So, if you are looking for a slender speaker with great sound quality and high sensitivity, this is your best bet.

Altec Lansing Expressionist BASS Computer Speakers Review

A Leading Audio Specialist

Altec has been a leading audio specialist for a long period of time. The Lansing Expressionist speaker system proves why Altec is so good with its exceptional design. At 10 inches tall and with a 5 inch circular base, the Expressionist is a sure winner when it comes to speaker design.

Pros: The most stunning feature of the Altec Lansing Expressionist speakers is the subwoofer built into the bottom of the speaker. Many speaker systems do not have a hefty bass system. However, the Altec Lansing Expressionist will blow holes in the walls of your room it is that powerful. Sound controls are located very nicely on this speaker system, and the audio levels are well balanced. The frequency response is rated at 40 Hz to 16 KHz , which is pretty good for speakers of this size. The sensitivity of these speakers is rated at 85 dB which is good and impedance at 112 ohms, which is very impressive. The speakers also work with a large array of music and media to produce outstanding sound quality. With a 1.5 inch full range driver, the speakers can handle an array of frequencies. The Expressionist Bass Units have no problems connecting with all computers, and these speakers are super easy to use.

Cons: Some of the higher frequencies seem to get washed out by the Altec's super powerful bass.
Overall, if you are looking for computer speakers with a very powerful bass and overall great sound quality, the Lansing speakers are perfect. The Lansing Expressionist speakers are also your best bet for good looking speakers at a good looking price.

Bose Companion 2 Speakers Review

Affordable Quality

Bose has decided to make some high quality speakers very affordable. The Bose Companion 2 Speakers use TrueSpace stereo digital processing in order to give these speakers a very well balanced, rich, surround sound experience.


Pros: The Companion 2 Speakers are designed like round cabinet speakers that are easy to plug right in to your computer. Although there are only two speakers, it appears as if sound comes from multiple places with these high end speakers. The design of the speakers is simple and they will connect to any computer and computer system very easily. No matter if you are playing a game, listening to any type of music, or watching a video, these speakers will perform amazingly. The sound is so rich that it hits all aspects of the frequency response and reaches from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz which is very high pitched. The Companion speakers come with a large 2.5 inch full range driver to make sure that all frequencies of sound are covered.


Cons: Being 2.0 computer speakers, the sound quality from far away is not the best. Also, sometimes the sound appears to be muffled when used too much.
Overall, the Bose 2. 0 Companion Speakers are amazing speakers for the price. They will make watching movies, playing games, or listening to music a very pleasing experience.

The M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Desktop Speaker System Review

More Features for Your Money


As a 2.0 computer speaker system, the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Desktop speaker system is an overall excellent speaker system. The Studiophile Av speakers have an impressive number of features that put them above the competition. From a great frequency response and sensitivity, to a total overall great output power, all the features of the Studiophile are equally impressive.


Pros: The frequency response in the Studiophile speakers is between 85 Hz and 20,000 HZ which gives it a huge range of sound. The sensitivity at 90 dB is outstanding while the 20 ohms of balanced impedance proves to make it one of the best speaker systems. This system is a little pricier, but definitely worth all of the features. The total watts that these speakers put out are 40, which is one of the highest ever seen on computer speakers. Therefore, with its high watts, 4 inch monster subwoofers, and 112 month warranty, these speakers are a perfect choice for anything you do on your computer.


Cons: The M-Audio Studiophile speaker system is a little pricier than most computer speakers.
Overall, the Sudiophile Av speaker system will blow you away with all of its features. It is definitely the future technology of computer speakers and proves it with its 40 watts and 4 inch subs.

When choosing the best computer speakers, it is very important to make sure that the speakers have crystal clear sound and will last. The best computer speaker system for the price is probably the Bose Companion 2.0 speakers. However, the overall best speaker system with a plethora of features is the M-Audio Studiophile Av40.

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  • raitoavi May 3, 2012 @ 8:44 am | delete
    Those are some incredible picks, very hard to choose from these collection of speakers. The only thing that's certain is that this is a great lens :)

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