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Have you come across situations when you wished your speakers weren’t so focused on producing good music and strong bass and instead cared about what a gamer needs? The best gaming speakers are supposed to do a little more than just strong audio performance. You’d want these computer speakers to focus on things like clarity and precise sound. You’d also want the best surround sound in order to truly pick up on what is happening in your FPS game and where.
Whether you get a high-end speaker system or a hot soundbar you’d want it to help you enjoy the gaming music as much as you’d want help in your shooter video games from the sounds. It is for this reason why professional gamers would prefer using a high-end gaming headset – precise sound and clarity matter more than strong bass.
Picking The Best Gaming Speakers on Performance Metrics
So what exactly are the performance metrics of a good gaming speaker? 90% of the cases, they are the same as what the best speakers, in general, would have. That is quality of surround sound, frequency response, number of satellite, existence or non-existence of subwoofer and power. Moreover, you’ll need to check whether your gaming PC has the capacity to support the number of channels your new speakers have.
That said, the other 10% of things that matter relate to the video game experience. It is true that there aren’t many over the top gaming-specific features. And we believe the difference comes in speakers that are better tuned to reflect the sound realistically, precisely, and clearly. Obviously, this is done with the help of the surround sound, and things like high volumes and super bass are being sidelined just a little.
Additionally, aesthetics have found a place in the gamer heart of late. And everything gaming specific comes with a little more oomph in the visual context. So if you have a well sorted RGB setup turning your gaming rig into a video gaming haven, you’d want gaming speakers that go with the scene. We have made sure to add at least something for the RGB enthusiasts too!
Best High-End Gaming Speakers
Klipsch R-15PM
With an exemplary range of input choices and a similarly noteworthy quality among speakers that come with built-in amplifiers, the Klipsch speakers are clearly one of the best high-end models you can eye. While they don’t come with, you can pair the speakers with Klipsch R-10SW, which is one of the best subwoofers available these days.
Usually, powered speakers are lacking in features that a gaming enthusiast cannot work without. And top of the line is the choice of input option and less clutter. As they have an in-built amp you won’t need an external DAC, and surprisingly for audio enthusiast gamers, it has the most versatile input choices that range from Bluetooth, USB, 3.5mm AUX, and digital optical to analog RCA / phono solutions.
While one of the most prominent features in the R-15PM powered monitors is their range of connectivity options, that is just where the list starts. Despite a larger form factor representative of days gone by, Klipsch gives you a super easy setup as well as Bluetooth enabled configurations.
We are yet to find a pair of computer speakers with better acoustical sound than these bad boys. And basically, the near perfect sound clarity that of Klipsch is only countered by the comparatively larger size that might not fit on some desks. But then again, you can always mount them and not compromise on picking up on those enemy footsteps accurately and before other players.
The Klipsch R-15PM do not have the aesthetic dynamism of our go-to gaming speakers. But they are clearly the most accurate in the list – by far. And for that reason, they are one of the most popular PC speakers among audiophiles despite being quite expensive.
Best 2.1 Channel Speaker System
Genius SW-G2.1 2000
Not all of our top picks are as aesthetically gaming as the Genius SW-G2.1 2000. But don’t think of the 2.1 channel speakers to be just the flashy overture that meets the eye. These beauties are as much a powerhouse as they are aesthetically pleasing.
Moving on from products that are primarily just affordable, these Genius speakers are tuned to perfection for a distinctive quality of audio. When you are not looking to pick on the subtle movements in the environment, you can feel the subwoofer reverberating some of the strongest bass.
The model we tested was the G2.1 2000 which demands a 45 Watts RMS to give you a mix of strong subwoofer bass and satellite reach. There also are the Genius G2.1 3000 speakers which go bigger with 70 Watt RMS. But we still prefer the tried, tested and cheaper G2.1 2000 for their clarity and on point audio for a gaming experience. As it is the case with the Klipsch speakers above, we made sure that the product had ample input options. So you get dual PC, TV, DVD input jacks, MIC/AUX jacks, headphone port, and RCA stereo IN.
In tests based on a variety of sound qualities and environments, minimal sound distortion was experienced. This is a hallmark for the Genius speakers since they have maintained the company’s affordable pricing policy as well. Although the series is named GX Gaming, their speakers are basically a midway solution between gaming and music, that tend to edge towards gaming community more. However, for less than $150, this is one of the few quality products that will fill the space aesthetically, qualitatively as well as in terms of performance.
Best 5.1 Channel Speaker System
Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System
One of the affordable 5.1 channel speakers, these little beauties offer more accuracy in surround sound that a number of superior models. Coupled with a 5-inch subwoofer, the Logitech speakers also manage to offer a balance between power intake and sound strength.
We loved G560, the wired and wireless Logitech speakers for their Lightsync RGB and built-in DTS-X Light, and even consider them a quality choice among 2.1 channel speakers. But the system we are talking about now is a 5.1 channel surround sound solution. Thanks to as many as five satellite speakers you get a more immersive surround sound with true depth and fidelity. Just make use of the wall mounting feature so that surround sound can reach its potential.
With a 165W subwoofer and 67W for each satellite, these Logitech computer speakers are some of the loudest choices you will get here. Which means there will have to be a “neighborhood” cap on how loud can you go. But this also means you won’t miss a beat in your fast-paced multiplayer games. We were able to differentiate footsteps, rumble under the tires and even rustling of leaves due to Logitech’s crystal clear audio quality.
Its 500W RMS produces wall shaking audio quality, which can be minutely controlled via the LED lit control unit or its remote. Talking of, the control panel is also quite accommodating insofar as control unit sources are concerned. Using the same control unit, you can individually tweak each satellite and even choose to fill the room with just some of them.
We do agree not everyone will be willing to spend over $400 to better their video game audio and music. But if you do wish to own a Logitech speaker system with state of the art 5.1 surround sound, look no further. That is unless you want something even more bad-ass like the Samsung speaker system below.
Best 7.1 Channel Speaker System
Samsung HT-H7730 Home Theater
Not settling for anything less than a full sized 7.1 channel surround system? The truth is, choices get way more expensive than your standard video gaming speakers when you aren’t settling for virtual surround sound or DTS:X for what its worth. For precisely this reason, we have test picked the Samsung 7.1 channel home theater.
Once you are through with the rather sluggish setup process of the home theater, you are met with some of the very sophisticated audio boost supports like DTS Neo:Fusion II, DLNA media streaming, true 3D Blu-ray home cinema and even upscaled 4K audio. Apart from the non-gaming specific aspects here, the Samsung HT-H7730 has unparalleled depth and clarity of sound.
Its seven satellites spread across the room to give you a more immersive surround sound. Not many of the choices you get for gaming speakers will have Dolby Pro Logic II or Dolby TrueHD. Most won’t have an HDMI and almost none will have two. But then again, your typical gaming speakers are supposed to be compact and economical. And they don’t ask for wattage as high as 1330 watts!
So basically, this is a choice of preferences, since 90 percent of the time I’d just have one of the best gaming headsets on and not worry about the rest of the world as long as the ear cups are on.
Thanks to a 230W subwoofer the overall experience gets you the most realistic sounds with pinpoint accuracy. And as the set includes a center speaker, two dedicated surround sound ones, two front speakers and the subwoofer, we find it a complete package if you wish to keep it high end.
Best Soundbar for Gaming
Creative Sound BlasterX Katana
When it comes to a soundbar, it is often hard to compromise, but when you are buying a soundbar it does not always have to be one. The Creative Sound BlasterX Katana proves that with its crystal clear and powerful sound.
Creative Sound was a forgotten name when computers started coming with high-quality audio codecs and drivers. But the company made a comeback with a superior quality line of products with BlasterX, one of them is the BlasterX Katana, which is a really great soundbar that encases all of the Creative Sound technology.
Creative Sound BlasterX Katana has a 5 driver design, with each driver housed individually in the soundbar. Each soundbar is dedicated to its own sound, from bass to low pitch noises, trebles to a high pitch noise, the drivers handle them all providing for an immersive sound experience whether you are playing games or watching movies and even if you are listening to music, this soundbar is an all-rounder.
The Creative Sound BlasterX Katana is not only limited to the PC though, but you can also hook this soundbar to your consoles as well. So whether you are a console gamer and have a PS4 or Xbox One, you can just connect it to them with ease without worry of support.
But here is the fun part, when we said it is not limited to your PC we meant it, you can even pair it with your phone via Bluetooth to play to your tracklist.
But what would be a gaming soundbar without RGB right? I mean RGB is everywhere in gamer peripherals these days, so why shouldn’t your speakers or soundbar, in this case, have it too? That is why Creative Sound BlasterX Katana has RGB that will settle the mood for your game.
Best Designed Gaming Speakers
Harman Kardon Soundsticks III
The video gaming industry now has an extrapolated sense of aesthetics. And although we aren’t too bent upon looks against performance, here’s one Harman Kardon speaker that packs the best of both worlds.
If a speaker is primarily showing off the looks, a grilling test of the audio should be the first thing it undertakes. We did exactly that with the Harmon Kardon speakers and even at very high volumes, they were able to keep all distortions at bay. Thus offering one of the clearest sounds among its competition.
Nonetheless, while the sound quality loss is minimal, you’d better stick within its normal Bluetooth range of 10 to 30 feet in order to fully exploit the audio potential on wireless Bluetooth connections. These speakers will also fit right in with the increasing trend of RGB LED lit gaming setups. And as the Soundsticks are translucent, they also make for a great blend in whatever aesthetic brilliance your computer desk already carries.
The subwoofer included with the two-channel system is exceptionally strong and very much in control of the thundering bass it is required to channel some times. For a gaming enthusiast who is relying on the quality of audio (and music, of course!) for the overall value of their gaming rig, Harmon Kardon Soundsticks III will not disappoint. In fact, you will find them as accurate and clear as they are beautiful!
So where is the problem then? The problem is that the audio quality, considered individually isn’t as high as it could be for a $200 product. That extra money is being asked for the aesthetic superiority of the computer speakers. Therefore, you’ll eventually have to decide whether you want a mix of both or just a Klipsch speaker that focuses purely on audiophile quality of sound.
Best Compact Speakers
Razer Nommo Chroma 2.0
Don’t have space on your desk or the walls for a multi-piece speaker system? Razer Nommo has got you covered! These little babies don’t take more than six inches on your desk but manage to fill the room with surprisingly clear and on-point quality of audio.
These are the only PC speakers that other than the Klipsch speakers above that don’t come with a subwoofer in the box. However, there are the Razer Nommo Pro speakers that have a high end subwoofer, those beauties cost a hefty $500 as well. Instead, we have settled for the Nomma Chroma 2.0 as for $500 there are other much better models you can buy.
At less than one-third of that price, the little ones are surprisingly more powerful, and distinctively clear for video gamers who rely on the positional accuracy of audio for their gameplay alongside the visuals. This was made possible by Razer due to the inclusion of high-quality woven glass fiber based drivers.
Don’t expect a very extensive control over the type of audio though. Apart from the automatic gain control and the knob allowing bass control, it is what Razer has already packed in the bag. Nonetheless, if and when connected with the best audio routers you can get your hands, on these are not only the most accurate gaming focused speakers but also the best speakers for compact spaces, and Chroma lighting!
The Bottomline
We still believe that our list of the best gaming speakers isn’t exhaustive. There are so many other types of sound system solutions you can deploy alongside your PC. Whether you want virtual or true surround sound, an aesthetically pleasing speaker system or a no-nonsense powered monitor like the Klipsch R-15M, there cannot be one perfect choice. In fact, this is as simplified as it gets.
Personally, we’d not want to spend so generously on audio because spending so much isn’t a pre-requisite of satisfactory gaming audio. However, a mid-ranged PC speakers system, with maybe a 2.1 channel surround system should do the trick. And if the product you choose is a trusted name like Logitech speakers, you shouldn’t even need to spend on a bigger system – unless you want one yourself.