The simple fact of the matter is that the speakers that come with most computers simply aren’t good. If you seriously intend to use your computer for watching movies or playing games, chances are you’re going to want to make an upgrade quick. Fortunately, a decent pair of computer speakers doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. You can easily get a good PC speaker for less than $50.
That said, separating the wheat from the chaff is a lot easier if you have someone to guide you. That’s what we’re here to help with. We’ve identified the best computer speakers under $50 and provided you with a helpful guide for narrowing down your opportunities.
- The 10 Best Computer Speakers Under 50 Dollars
- Logitech Multimedia Speakers Z200
- TaoTronics Bluetooth 4.2 Computer Speaker
- Logitech S120 2.0 Stereo Speakers
- Creative Pebble USB Desktop Speakers
- Cyber Acoustics 2.1 Speaker Sound System
- AmazonBasics Computer Speakers for Desktop
- Sanyun SW102 Computer Speakers
- Moloroll Computer Speakers
- Beatife Computer Speakers
- ELEGIANT Computer Speaker
- Best Computer Speakers Under $50 Buying Guide
- Exercise Caution With Manufacturer Specs
- And Definitely Don’t Sweat Wattage Too Much
- Consider Whether You Need a Subwoofer
- Think About Your Immediate Needs
- And Then Think Towards the Future
- Size Really Does Matter
- Connections Matter Too
The 10 Best Computer Speakers Under 50 Dollars
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Logitech Multimedia Speakers Z200
You’d have a hard time finding a pair of computer speakers that look cooler than the Z200 from Logitech. Their black, silver, and white design evokes a sort of sleek retro aesthetic that will never go out of style and should fit with practically any laptop or desktop design. And the controls are smartly designed and helpfully positioned directly on the side. The charger brick is very small too, making this an appropriate choice for taking with you on the road.
But the Z200 isn’t just a good looking pair of speakers. The build design is undeniably solid, and a hardware equalizer is built into the control panel to allow you to bring in deeper and richer bass if you so desire. But even without that adjustment, these are quality sounding speakers. 2.5″ drivers create a balanced profile with a pretty substantial but not overwhelming sense of bass.
| Wattage | 5 RMS, 10 peak |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Connection | 3.5 mm (2) |
| Dimensions | 4.8 x 3.5 x 9.4 in, 2.2 lbs |
Pros
- Can be plugged into two separate devices at once
- Great all around sound quality with dedicated bass controls
- Incredibly stylish design available in black and white schemes
- Controls are useful but very easy to navigate
Cons
TaoTronics Bluetooth 4.2 Computer Speaker
TaoTronics has carved out a confident niche for themselves making budget level sound bars that perform far better than they have any right to. This particular model is just over two feet in length. And while it’s a compact enough model to pack up in your laptop bag with you, it also offers a richness of performance that allows it to function admirably as a dedicated speaker for your desktop gaming rig.
Best of all, its smart wireless design reduces the need to mess with tangled cords and cables, but it also supports an RCA connection if you can’t or don’t want to make use of wireless connectivity. If we’re speaking about sound quality, it’s definitely got more punch than you’d expect from a $50 sound bar. The bass has some undeniable kick to it, but the real takeaway here is how reliably crisp the highs and lows sound.
| Wattage | 5 RMS |
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless and wired |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Connection | RCA |
| Dimensions | 16.14 x 2.17 x 2.64 in, 1.44 lbs |
Pros
- Slim design makes it an appropriate sound bar for any space
- Supports Bluetooth 5.0 and wired connections
- Connects easily to practically any modern device
- Balanced and harmonious sound quality across the register
Cons
Logitech S120 2.0 Stereo Speakers
We can comfortably call every set of speakers in our guide inexpensive, but none match the rock bottom pricing of Logitech’s S120 2.0 set. With a price tag of just ten bucks, they’re hard to beat in terms of price alone. They also stand short and sport a very slim design that makes them a suitable choice for even smaller computer desks. If you’re looking for something unobtrusive that will improve on your built in speakers without blowing you away, these could be the best computer speakers for you.
Of course, the sound quality isn’t going to come close to matching more expensive alternatives, but Logitech’s solid design sensibilities are at work here. Their plug and play design means all you have to do is connect them to your machine with the 3.5mm cable and go to town. The controls are similarly intuitive and easy to make use of.
| Wattage | 2.3 RMS |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Connection | 3.5mm |
| Dimensions | 11.46 x 20 x 7.24 in, 2 lbs |
Pros
- The cheapest speakers in this price range
- Compact design stands just 7.24 inches tall
- Easily accessible controls built into right speaker
- Sports a decent bandwidth range of 50Hz – 20KHz
Cons
Creative Pebble USB Desktop Speakers
These speakers by Creative Pebble come in at half the maximum price range for our list, but they offer a style and sound quality that could very well match computer speakers twice their price. Designed for use with both traditional PCs and laptops, these computer speakers make use of drivers elevated 45 degrees off of the horizon to project sound more accurately into your ear, creating something a little closer to surround sound while staying comfortably within budget.
On top of that, they’re an incredibly hassle free speaker system. Connecting them to your existing computer is as simple as plugging the cord directly into your USB outlet. The volume control knob is conveniently placed on the right speaker so you can adjust your settings easily. These speakers make use of both far field drivers and passive radiators. So while they may be small, they still have a hefty bit of power.
| Wattage | 4.4 RMS |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Connection | USB |
| Dimensions | 9.57 x 4.96 x 4.96 in, 1.42 lbs |
Pros
- Elevated drivers ensure a more immersive listening experience
- Front facing controls are easy to access and adjust
- Combines passive radiators with far field drivers
- Incredibly compact design that can fit almost anywhere
Cons
Cyber Acoustics 2.1 Speaker Sound System
The CA-3602FFP by Cyber Acoustics is a whole lot more serious than what you’ll find in most budget speaker sets. This set combines two speakers with a dedicated subwoofer. It’s not a pair of speakers you’ll be taking with you as you travel, but it’s a great centerpiece for a desktop setup (particularly one devoted to gaming) and could even serve as the framework for a future surround sound setup. It also sports a sleek and stylish matte black design that will look good just about anywhere.
That subwoofer is a game changer for computer speakers. The 5.25″ driver doesn’t just create a richer and more complete bass experience, but it also frees up the 2″ drivers used by the speakers themselves to focus more accurately on the mids and the highs. Together, these three components form a solid basis for a home theater experience with aplomb.
| Wattage | 30 RMS, 62 peak |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Connection | 3.5 mm |
| Dimensions | 12 x 11.5 x 9.5 in, 8.51 lbs |
Pros
- Comes with a dedicated, intuitive control pod
- Offers two speakers and a sub for well under $50
- Enough volume and power to fill a large room easily
- Backed by a one year hassle free manufacturer warranty
Cons
AmazonBasics Computer Speakers for Desktop
The AmazonBasics product line isn’t pretending to be anything but what it says on the surface. They provide the most basic fundamentals you’d expect from a product at a very reasonable price. And while their speakers may not be chart toppers in terms of performance, they achieve the fundamentals here with a surprising amount of confidence. You certainly wouldn’t know it by looking at it though. The functional design isn’t unpleasant by any stretch of the imagination, but it looks distinctly like any number of models that were so prevalent in the 1990s.
These speakers sport a decent frequency range of 103 Hz to 20 KHz, and while it’s not the best in the business, it does cover most of the spectrum that humans can hear. More promising is the price tag which offers a functional pair of speakers for your computer for under $15 at retail.
| Wattage | 4.6 RMS |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Connection | USB |
| Dimensions | 2.8 x 3.5 x 5.3 in, 1.46 lbs |
Pros
- Some of the cheapest computer speakers around
- Can be controlled through a simple volume knob
- Ready to go as soon as you plug them in
- Backed by a limited one year warranty from Amazon
Cons
Sanyun SW102 Computer Speakers
The Sanyun SW102 represents some of the coolest computer speakers you’ll find anywhere today. Their tapered cylindrical design and glowing blue bottom is a bold choice that puts them apart from the competition. They’re also some of the smallest speakers on our list, but that surprisingly doesn’t mean they’re lacking in power. Each computer speaker in this set projects more deep bass than it has any right having, and its acoustics are pretty solid too.
You can hold some smart design choices responsible for that. These computer speakers have a bass diaphragm built in to magnify the lows, but it’s balanced by a closed cavity build that helps prevent unnecessary reverb. Similarly ingenious is the ovular design of these inexpensive computer speakers that allows them to project naturalistic acoustics in a full 360 degrees. And despite the surprising quality of the sound they deliver, they’ll take up barely any space on your desk.
| Wattage | 5 RMS |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Connection | 3.5 mm |
| Dimensions | 3.94 x 2.76 x 2.95 in, 1.15 lbs |
Pros
- Uniquely creative design offers a rich field of auditory depth
- Some of the smallest computer speakers available
- Low frequency aid design maximizes the bass performance
- Supported by a one year warranty and 30 day money back guarantee
Cons
Moloroll Computer Speakers
If you want some computer speakers that are small, balanced, and exceedingly classy all in one package, you don’t need to look any further than this model from Moloroll. The stark black and white design is elegant without being obtrusive, and their rounded off cubic shape keeps their size compact while still managing to deliver a pretty decent amount of power. The stereo sound on display here is versatile and capable of working with everything from games to movies.
Despite that modest stature, Moloroll has stuffed some pretty solid components into these PC speakers. Both the two inch driver units and the amplifier IC are hefty enough to deliver some weight behind their sound, and the metal mesh face is designed to weather damage even over extended periods of time. Even if you use this as your travel PC speakers, you can count on them to last for a while.
| Wattage | 3 RMS |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Connection | USB |
| Dimensions | 3.15 x 3.15 x 3.15 in, 1.15 lbs |
Pros
- Great build quality sure to last
- Passive woofer creates greatly balanced bass
- Independent volume controller attached to the cord
- High-quality components used in both the drivers and amp
Cons
Beatife Computer Speakers
Beatife is a far cry from a well known brand name in the world of computer speakers, but this model undoubtedly leaves a sharp impression. The wooden design and smooth curves perfectly blend a classic 80s look with something more hyper-modern, and the end result is something that more closely resembles modern bookshelf speakers than committed computer speakers. These balanced speakers probably won’t be a good fit for your laptop bag, but they’ll look handsome in your office or game room.
The design is plug and play. While you probably don’t want to lug them all around the house, that makes it easy to slip them back and forth if your computer is in the same room as your PS4, XBox One, or dedicated stereo system. And the resonant sound, with its deeper bass frequencies, ensures that you’ll probably want to use these computer speakers with all your devices.
| Wattage | 5 RMS |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Connection | USB, 3.5 mm |
| Dimensions | 3.54 x 3.94 x 5.71 in, 2.16 lbs |
Pros
- Very handsome wood finished design
- Can play music directly through a USB drive
- Delivers crisp and full bodied sound through the whole room
- Supported by a full 12 month warranty
Cons
ELEGIANT Computer Speaker
Rounding out our list is another sound bar. This model from Elegiant is certainly more flamboyant in design than the sound bar we featured before. That’s despite the fact that it weighs in at about two thirds of the size. It’s a very portable take sound bar that can work just as capably for travel as it can in your home.
Dual subwoofers add some significant bass edge to the music or movies you’re listening to, and this computer speaker offers support for both microphones and headphones. Operations are as simple as could be, and the sound quality is surprisingly decent given the slim profile of this speaker. A cool addition are the three gradient lights that can play in time to the music playing.
| Wattage | 5 RMS |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Connection | 3.5 mm |
| Dimensions | 16.5 x 2.4 x 2.4 in, 1.4 lbs |
Pros
- Three gradient lights can be manually controlled
- A compact soundbar with some solid power
- Two subwoofers bring power to the lower register
- Incredibly easy to understand interface
Cons
Best Computer Speakers Under $50 Buying Guide
It might seem on the surface like there couldn’t be much variance between different computer speakers under the $50 price tag, but there’s a lot more variety than you might think. The options out there range from cheap throwaway materials to speaker systems that could serve as a solid basis for a home theater design. We aren’t going to get into the nitty-gritty of specs and terminology here (you can check out our guide to the best bookshelf speakers if that’s what you’re looking for), but we will prime you on some of the basic information you should look for if you’re buying your first budget set of computer speakers.
Exercise Caution With Manufacturer Specs
It may go without saying, but the main job of a speaker manufacturer is to sell you on their features. And long lists of specs and features are as much about marketing as they are about truth in advertising. We could have loaded down our specs with a whole range of listings like frequency response range, driver size, and interior materials. After all, these are some of the most common categories used to sell speakers.
The problem is that many of these features don’t have standardized regulations. There isn’t a singular accepted methodology for measuring frequency response range, and even if there was, it wouldn’t tell you a whole lot about how the sound within that range sounds. Similarly, the quality of a driver has a whole lot more to do with the size alone and more to do even than with the combination of size and materials.
Ultimately, the variance between all of these speakers isn’t going to be all that different. Our guide can provide you with the fundamentals of what makes each one a quality budget option, but if you’re looking to learn more about which speakers PC you should get, we suggest you dig a little deeper into reviews rather than relying on hyped up specs straight from the manufacturer before you add them to your Amazon cart.
And Definitely Don’t Sweat Wattage Too Much
Wattage refers to how much power a speaker can put out, and it’s measured in terms of both root means square (RMS) and peak wattage. The former refers to how much wattage a speaker will put out per channel (or speaker) when playing normally over extended periods of time. Peak refers to the maximum wattage a speaker can put out over shorter periods of time. Unlike any other listed specs, you can generally more or less trust the manufacturer’s ratings in this regard.
But the real question is whether or not it will really matter. In general parlance, wattage determines how much noise the speakers connected to your computer can put out. A higher wattage generally means a higher maximum volume. That’s a factor that might matter if you’re dealing with more expensive speaker systems and looking to flood your entertainment room with a legitimate cinema level experience.
But if you’re hooking up some speakers under $50 to your computer, chances are that wattage won’t matter all that much. With a two speaker system (even if there’s a subwoofer included), the quality of the sound will matter a lot more than the max wattage it can achieve.
Consider Whether You Need a Subwoofer
Finding a subwoofer in a pair of computer speakers under $50 isn’t easy. Finding one that deserves a spot on a list of the best computer speakers under $50 is even harder. The Cyber Acoustics are the only PC speakers that manage to include a subwoofer on our best of list. The simple fact of the matter is that producing decent speakers within such a small price point requires keeping things down to two components for the most part.
So do you need a sub? That really depends on what you’re trying to do. If you’re looking for a dedicated entertainment center and you don’t ever intend to spend more than $50 on it, a speaker system with a subwoofer will be a great choice. It can offer a level of depth to your sound performance that you won’t find otherwise. But if you see these speakers as a way to start building out something more complex, you may want to leave it behind.
Also bear in mind that a subwoofer is going to increase the footprint of your stereo system greatly. It’s not well suited if you want something to take with you when you travel, and you might have to adjust your game room to accommodate it.
Think About Your Immediate Needs
Speakers offer a great way to expand the sensory experience that you feel through your PC. Whether you’re playing a heated match of Call of Duty or invested in the latest summer blockbuster, great sound quality lends a level of immersion that you won’t find with raw video alone. But you need to think in practicalities when considering what exactly you need.
How much space do you have in your home? Are you looking for something you can take with you as you travel or simply something to set up for your home office?Are these computer speakers intended to be your dedicated sound system for the immediate future, or are they just placeholders until you can swap them out for something more expensive?
It can be easy to invest in the most powerful speaker system because you’re just going to be spending $50, but you should really take the time to consider what your situation is and what you need. While a pair of $15 PC speakers might not be as good as its more expensive counterpart, it might be the best option for your specific needs.
And Then Think Towards the Future
The great thing about investing in computer speakers is that they don’t have to stand alone. While the raw quality of any set of speakers is incredibly important and should play a role in your decision making process, organizing more speakers together to create a rich surround sound system can overcome the deficiencies of any one component. There’s nothing quite like theater sound, even if you’re dealing with affordable speakers.
With that in mind, consider what you plan on doing for the future. If these are speakers that you intend to use solely with your gaming laptop, then small and portable is probably going to be the best way to go. But if they’re going to go into your entertainment room or even your den or office, considering models that you could see using in a larger soundscape can be a practical choice.
Don’t be afraid to invest in some slightly more expensive PC speakers just because you don’t need them today, because they could potentially save you some decent money when you decide to upgrade your system a year or two down the road.
Size Really Does Matter
Are bigger speakers more powerful speakers? Generally, yes. Larger speakers facilitate the space for larger drivers as well as the ability to pump in a number of other technological components that can help you get higher fidelity sound and more juice out of them. Smaller computer speakers have a tendency to sound tinnier and more thin than their larger contemporaries. This is especially true when dealing with bass. Larger drives are a necessity for good bass control and raw performance, and that’s why subwoofers are so well regarded in larger computer speakers systems.
But that doesn’t mean that size is everything. The quality of components can be as important as the size of a computer speakers or their drivers. The Sanyun SW102, for instance, are some of the best computer speakers under $50 on our list despite also being some of the smallest. Consider the dimensions of the speakers, but also pay close attention to the computer speaker reviews.
Connections Matter Too
One of the big questions you need to be asking yourself is whether or not wireless is a necessity for you. Wireless Bluetooth speakers are still something of a rarity in the market of computer speakers under $50, to the extent that we only found one that meets the standards of our list. Undoubtedly, the value of Bluetooth earns it a premium when shopping for computer speakers, but the convenience isn’t going to work for everyone. It’s an especially great choice for laptops, but you have to keep in mind that it only works within about 33 feet of its source, and the wireless connection can create some latency with sound.
While Bluetooth can reduce the mess of cords around your entertainment center, people who are looking to use their computer speakers exclusively at home might want to consider investing in wired speakers. If you’re looking to get the best bang for your buck, you might want to prioritize sound quality over convenience, and Bluetooth is always going to add a premium to your shopping cart. But you have a few options to choose from when looking at wired computer speakers.
3.5mm cords are one of the most prevalent options in the world. These small cords with a simple point can connect to practically any modern device in existence – from phones to TVs to speakers. If a device offers sound, it will probably include a 3.5mm jack (also known as an aux cord).
RCA cables are a little older. Constituting of a single cord that splits into both a red and a white connection, these cords are more prevalent in older devices like DVD players and record players. In fundamental purposes, the difference in quality between a RCA and 3.5mm jack are negligible. The quality of the cord is a good deal more important than the actual type of connection.
Finally, there’s USB. Whereas RCA and aux are considered “analog” devices, USB is digital. The job of a USB cable is to essentially take digital sound and convert it into analog frequencies that your ears can hear. In most computers, USB won’t make a big difference compared to analog cables, but its digital nature means it doesn’t rely on your sound card to transmit sound. That means that if your computer has a poor sound card (or no sound card at all), a USB cable could be your best (or only) option for computer speakers.
Final Thoughts
Are speakers for computers that come in under $50 going to be the best options around? Almost certainly not. They don’t offer the range of smart features or the capabilities to assume a role in a home theater that a more expensive computer speaker will. But there are some truly great computer speakers available in 2022. Happy shopping, and we hope you find some speakers that will suit your needs on our list.
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