Top 5 computer speakers for 2021 | Crutchfield
Top 5 computer speakers for 2021 | Crutchfield
Our top 5 computer speakers replace the disappointing built-in sound of your laptop or monitor with sound that is rich, punchy, and full of detail. Whether you want better sound for gaming, music, movies or all of the above, there’s a set of computer speakers for you.
1. Bose Companion 2 Series III: https://www.crutchfield.com/i-rYTVc2LJ/p_018CMP2III/Bose-Companion-2-Series-III-multimedia-speaker-system.html
We’d recommend these to anyone looking for a simple, no-fuss upgrade, and it comes to you from Bose, who has made their mark with un-fussy electronics. You simply connect them to your headphone jack and turn the volume knob up or down. The sound is greatly improved, more rich and detailed than any laptop speaker, and you get the convenience of a volume knob and a headphone jack within reach.
2. Kanto YU2: https://www.crutchfield.com/i-rYTVc2LJ/p_310YU2MW/Kanto-YU2-Matte-White.html
The pretty little Kanto YU2 lets you take your sound up a notch by adding a USB DAC, so you can connect to your computer digitally and let the speakers take over the sound processing duties. The YU2 put out a lot of sound for something their size, and they take up very little room on your desk. They’re well built, stylish, and offer detailed, crystal-clear sound for your near-field desktop listening station.
3. Audioengine HD3: https://www.crutchfield.com/i-rYTVc2LJ/p_772HD3WN/Audioengine-HD3-Walnut.html
The Audioengine HD3 make for a superlative computer speaker system. They’re small, attractive, and let you make a digital connection to your computer. They’re built well and play bigger and deeper than their size suggests. Like all Audioengine speakers, they provide beautiful stereo separation and pinpoint imaging. On the front of one speaker is a handy volume knob, along with a built-in headphone amp that can power most headphones. The HD3 really are an all-in-one desktop audio solution.
4. Klipsch R-41PM: https://www.crutchfield.com/i-rYTVc2LJ/p_714R41PM/Klipsch-Reference-R-41PM.html
The Klipsch R-41PM powered monitors make for great computer speakers if you have the room. They feature a USB input for connecting to your Mac or PC. However, they’re ready for more than that if you’re looking for a two-channel system. They make excellent TV speakers, and offer an optical input for a nice digital connection. There’s even a built-in phono preamp for hooking up your turntable. The R-41PM is more powerful and can fill a decent-sized room with sound if you want them to. They’re also great for PC gamers because they play deep and hit hard.
5. KEF LS50 Wireless II: https://www.crutchfield.com/i-rYTVc2LJ/p_991LS50W2R/KEF-LS50-Wireless-II-Crimson-Red.html
Ok, we’re playing around with the format of this video a little here, because the KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers are definitely not “computer speakers” per se. We just love how they sound so much, and they will work with your computer either using Bluetooth or over your home wi-fi network. They’re great for larger rooms because not only do they have a ton of power, but due to KEF’s Uni-Q design, the “sweet spot” is almost anywhere you’re standing.
The LS50II let you connect a bunch of ways. Over your home wi-fi network you can stream hi-res files from a service like TIDAL or Qobuz, or access locally stored digital files using the KEF app or Apple AirPlay 2. There’s an HDMI input with Enhanced Audio Return Channel, so these make excellent TV speakers. If you’re in an open layout and need big sound, the KEF LS50 Wireless II are a good choice.
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0:00 Intro
0:30 What are your needs?
0:53 Bose Companion 2 Series III
1:50 Kanto YU2
3:14 Audioengine HD3
4:58 Klipsch R-41PM
6:41 KEF LS50 Wireless II
9:38 Recap and outro
great selection of Crutchfield sold speakers, but the Vanatoos are far superior.
damn, these are some rich kid speakers
Best buy: SANYUN SW208! 😉
Shocked, shocked I say. Subbed, thumbs up, and I will actually order the speakers from you guys within a week. You’re a Canadian company and have the most competitive price on the high end gear shown. Way to go, impressed, glad to learn about you guys, thanks.
Is it only me or does the presenter sound a bit like James Spader?
"It Bose so it sounds great" That was the moment you lost us.
edifier speakers are the best!
Klipsch R-41 PM or Kanto YU4?
lol $2800 good one
HD3 sounds better with vertical stands, supports, and distance > 1.2 m
I still love the old Bose companion 5, but I always want the audio engine speakers
KEf LSX
I have the Bose Companion speakers. There’s often a buzzing noise that occurs at random, and I think the back of my audio jack on the device is damaged. Unplugging and replugging the audio jack into it solves the issue but the problem resurfaces constantly.
Bose Companion 5.
Great collection. I’d upgrade someday, but my 12-year-old Creative SBS 370 2.1-channel speakers simply refuse to retire. 😊
Kanto Tuk amazing
Kef lsx might be better no?
Great video!
Yeah, I’ll take the ELAC Navis ARB-51 3-Way Powered Bookshelf Speaker over all these choices. Gorgeous finishes, impeccable 3 way sound & the beauty of better amp driving them, instead of a stale, dull class D offering. Not to mention all the features n’ convenience of a true wireless speaker – ready to take any streamed content or a lossless signal – user’s preference.
Bose Companion 5 or 50 should be in the comparison. And it will obviously be the winner…
Edifier S350DB 2.1.
I am not sure why manufacturers, as of today are still using that century old USB type A/B connector for the digital interface.
I bought a pair of Alesis Elevate 5 MK2 studio/desk monitors about 8 months ago. I was surprised with the sound they produce. I would recommend them to anyone. Superior to any budget friendly Edifiers outhere, they are among the best speakers for studio/desktop music producing or listening that i’ve heard, with a killer 140$ price.
i am getting a logitech z625 which has 2 satellite speakers and a sub woofer. how do you think these are for a desktop use or even home theater setup. I right now have a polk audio signa s2 for my tv but is this any better for a tv home theater use?
Best for gaming out of these?
Would be nice to say the prices
Regarding the headphone jacks on the fronts of these speakers; can they be used for a headset (head phone + microphone)?
Do you have a top 5 that does not have speakers that cost more than a week’s worth of groceries or more? 😀
I think still in 2021 Klipsch Promedia 2.1 is the Best desktop speaker and so cheap
Great video! Are there any changes to this list for 2022?
The KEFs do have a Analog 3.5mm Auxiliary – aka normal computer speaker cable
What’s a CD player?
I got to get me a Bluetooth speaker for my laptop. It seem to be useful. The Klipsch speakers look like the perfect seize for me, bigger is better. The kef ls50 look great too.
Just ordered the Audio Engines today. Planning to connect them to my Mac Mini with aux and my gaming PC with Bluetooth.
Kef doesn’t connect to your computer in a usual way. Looks at the back spidf, coax, aux, HDMI. Hmm looks like it’s all the usual ways but USB.
My Logitech 5.1’s are the best computer speakers.
Hey J.R., why do you recommend the Klipsch R-41PM over the much less expensive R-51pm which, I think, has better specs.
Had Vanatoo T1’s and those blew everything other than LS50’s away. They now make an encore series and it’s even better. At only $550 they win imo. Unless you can pay $2600 for the wireless II (I would)
useful tnx
Bose Companion looks like the best bet for me. Great video!
Kef ls50 wireless 2799.00 plus tax. 3k for computer speakers. I think not. Try the JBL studio monitors for less than 300. Great sounding and used in recording studios.
I want those audio engines hd3. but i have no money. so not happening 🙁
What desktop case are you using? Looks great
Hello there, may i know if the HD3 headphone output can power 250ohms? Thank you in advance
At the moment, the Logitech Z906 are the best PC speakers
Ik multimedia iloud micros would smoke the first 3, and not sure about Klipschs.
I’m suddenly in the market for new speakers because one of my Harman Kardon Soundsticks III satellites fell off my desk and came apart. Looking for something that sounds great and can take a fall. Budget is $500-$850 with subwoofer. Does choice 4 make sense for me? Note: I have two desk computers so I use an Apollo Twin X to mix their audio together. Its outputs are all 1/4 inch.
Very well produced and informative video. My experience over the last few decades, one of the best companies for customer service!
Ls50 is too much, the LSX are in that league
These maybe good speakers, but can’t beat a good surround system. My Logitech Z906 5.1 is awesome for gaming, listening to music and everything in between. Surrounded by the roar of a 69 Camaro in VR is unbelievable.