From sound quality to connectivity, the right features in PC speakers can make all the difference in how you enjoy your music, movies and games. Here we highlight five important features to look for that will help you make an informed choice.
Table of Contents
1. Superior sound quality
It’s important to focus on sound quality to identify the best computer speakers for your needs. A high-quality sound should emphasize a wide range of frequencies. The frequency response refers to the range of sounds produced by your speakers measured in hertz (Hz). Ideally what you want is a wide frequency response of between 20Hz to 20kHz in good-quality speakers.
You should also check the accuracy of the sound reproduction. What you’re looking for is a distinct lack of distortion. You want to hear a clean, clear sound free from unwanted artifacts that can muddle your listening experience. By choosing speakers with minimal distortion, you’ll benefit from more authentic audio playback, allowing instruments and vocals to shine through as intended by the artist.
2. Versatile connectivity
Assessing connectivity options is vital to ensure your speakers are compatible with your existing devices. Speakers can connect through various methods such as USB, Bluetooth, or traditional audio jacks. If you frequently switch between devices or use multiple platforms, look for speakers that offer versatile connectivity to streamline your experience.
If you want to be moving your speakers around a lot, consider a wireless setup that also makes using them with your smartphone effortless.
You’ll ideally want to consider the ports available, whether the speaker has AUX, USB, or optical ports, as these will determine how well your speakers integrate with your devices. Compatibility with HDMI ARC can be a game changer for those with TVs because it allows you to control your TV and speakers through a single remote.
3. Adequate power
You need to select speakers with the right wattage for your space for an optimal sound experience. To do that, consider the dimensions of your room and how much sound it can accommodate without losing clarity or depth. Smaller environments can get away with speakers with 20 to 50 watts of power. While larger rooms may need 100 watts or more to adequately fill the space and prevent sound from being muted.
Understanding your room’s acoustics is equally important. Rooms with hard surfaces can amplify sound making lower wattage speakers perform better, while rooms with soft surfaces may benefit from a higher wattage to create a balanced sound. You should aim to get speakers to fill the room with sound without being cranked to maximum power which can distort the sound quality. By doing so, you can enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable listening experience that suits your specific environment.
Pexels: Marinko Krsmanovic
4. A good design and build
The design and build of your speakers can influence both the aesthetics of your speaker but also how they perform. Ideally you want speakers that blend seamlessly with your décor and enhance your environment’s overall look. To that end look for finishes and styles that resonate with your taste.
Durability is also important, particularly regarding the materials used in their construction. High-quality materials not only prolong the life of the speakers, they also improve the sound performance. For example, wooden enclosures are tough, but they also resonate better than plastic, producing warmer and richer sound profiles. Then again, aluminum or reinforced plastic is super strong and can protect against wear and tear and extend the life of the speaker.
5. Value for money
Finding the right balance between price and value is key when selecting PC speakers. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, speakers will vary in price considerably due to differences in their sound quality, build, and other features. That’s not to say that the most expensive are always the best. You should consult product reviews like the ones in our article about the best budget computer speakers and make an informed decision before buying any speaker.
Before you begin shopping it’s important to determine your budget. Computer speakers range from budget-friendly models under $50 to high-end options exceeding $500. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend enables you to focus on models that offer the best features within your range, ensuring that you don’t overspend or settle for less-than-ideal performance.
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