5 Best Computer Speakers Under $50
Buying a speaker system for a gaming setup is often quite an overlooked process in this industry. Most gamers do not really give a lot of attention to high-end audio solutions, and most of the ones that do usually end up with headphones anyway. However, if you are a gamer or even a general computer user, but an audiophile at heart then you should definitely consider some dedicated computer speakers to amp up your audio game.
Most audiophile solutions, however, are quite expensive and an average gamer might have second thoughts about those price tags. For those value-oriented audio lovers, there are certainly excellent speaker systems on the market that can deliver high-end performance on a tight budget. Factors to consider when buying a budget-oriented speaker system include sound quality, user reviews, specifications such as wattage, support of features such as surround, and optional features such as Bluetooth connectivity or portability, etc.
Our Selection of the Best Computer Speakers Under $50
Below are our picks for the best computer speakers under $50 for your gaming setup.
1. Acoustic Audio By Goldwood 2.1 Speaker System
Incredible Performance
Pros
- Powerful Punchy Bass
- Deep Rich Sound
- Versatile EQ and Volume Range
- Built-in Bluetooth
Cons
- Requires Proper Positioning
Power Handling: 350 Watts | Frequency Response: 40Hz - 20KHz | Weight: 7 lbs
Check PriceA common trend in budget-oriented speakers is that while they do possess a loud sound and have good bass, they almost certainly lack the clarity which puts them at a disadvantage. This set of speakers known as Acoustic Audio by Goldwood certainly does not have that issue. In fact, it gets rids of any silly gimmicks entirely and is laser-focused only on great, crisp audio that is pleasing to most ears.
Goldwood’s Acoustic Audio 2.1 system consists of two compact speakers and a 6-inch subwoofer. It is already quite difficult to implement a good subwoofer at this price, let alone the feat of making it sound balanced and detailed. However, those are exactly the areas that the Goldwood offering has nailed perfectly.
In terms of design, the entire system has a retro look to it. The yellow/gold cones on both the speaker set and the subwoofer complement each other nicely. The design is reminiscent of some of the old Klipsch speakers, which were popular in their day. Connection options include a built-in SD card and USB port along with a Bluetooth receiver to pair with your phone. An additional feature is that you can pair these speakers with Amazon Alexa as well, and control them with your voice. There’s also an included remote to control the music and make various adjustments.
Moving on to sound, it’s impressive how much crisp detail this speaker system is able to provide. The speakers sound great on their own, but the subwoofer is the piece of the puzzle that brings the system to life. Sound can get really loud if you desire and there is no distortion even at super-high volumes. Moreover, these speakers retain their detail even with tracks that have deep bass. Speaking of which, the low-end response here is incredible. It almost gets a bit too much at one point, but that can be fixed easily with the turn of a knob or manual EQ tuning. Keep in mind that these speakers require proper positioning, as power cords and ethernet cables can cause interference.
All in all, the Acoustic Audio system by Goldwood is a really well-rounded and versatile speaker system in this price range that provides excellent sound performance and packs some decent features. It is an easy recommendation at this price point.
2. Creative Pebble V2
Unique Design
Pros
- Crisp Audio Detail
- USB-C Support
- Sleek and Minimal Design
- Well-Balanced Treble and Mid-Range
Cons
- Not Ideal For Larger Rooms
Power Handling: 8 Watts | Frequency Response: 100Hz - 17KHz | Weight: 1.42 lbs
Generally, a lot of bookshelf speakers are big, bulky, and possess retro designs. Most of these speakers sound great, but they are expensive and some even require an amplifier for proper audiophile-grade performance. It is clear that not everyone can afford that solution, and fitting those speaker systems into compact areas is also a chore. That is where the Creative Pebble V2 speaker system excels.
These speakers were built with a minimalistic aesthetic in mind, and that shows well in their design language. They have a semi-spherical, almost-ovoid design, hence the Pebble name. The drivers are elevated at an angle of 45 degrees which helps improve the perceived sound quality if you are sitting close to them. They are also offered in white color which some may prefer over the black version.
Coming to the features of this speaker system, they are powered via a USB-C port on your PC or laptop, which is good for future-proofing. A USB-A adapter is also included with the speakers in case you don’t have a Type-C port. As for the sound quality, they sound remarkably good considering their size. There is no distortion at the loudest volume level, and they retain their detail quite well throughout the range. They are consistent throughout different genres, so you can always expect the same great quality from them no matter what track you are listening to. The mid-range and treble are balanced quite well, and the bass is decent as an added bonus.
Of course, the product isn’t perfect but you can’t expect deep booming bass at this size and at this price point. For minimal setups and smaller desks, this system makes perfect sense due to its perfect blend of features and size. The Creative Pebble V2 system should be avoided for larger rooms, but for most people and for most desk-setups, these are an excellent choice.
3. Logitech Z313 Speaker System
The Crowd Favourite
Pros
- Deep Enjoyable Bass
- Great Value For a 2.1 System
- Convenient Control Module
Cons
- Requires Proper Positioning
- Occassional Subwoofer Rattles
Power Handling: 50 Watts | Frequency Response: 48Hz - 20KHz | Weight: 1.2 lbs
Logitech’s Z lineup of speaker systems has always been extremely popular among value-oriented audiophiles. Due to their excellent value, these systems are quite common in mid-range setups. A big reason for that is that it is quite hard to pass up a high-quality 2.1 system at this price. The Logitech Z313 is the reasonable choice in this budget that would please most people.
The Z313 speaker system consists of 2 speakers and a 6-inch subwoofer which is quite a healthy arrangement in this budget. They also include a convenient control module that allows you to tune the audio to your liking. The mounting mechanism of the control module was overlooked which is a slight downside of this system.
While at first glance (or in renders) the speakers might look like they have a matte finish, but in reality, it’s actually a bit glossy. The glossy finish is a subjective choice and many opinions can be found on it either way. The sub-woofer directly draws power from the wall, and the speakers plug into it. It can be a bit complicated to set up for first-timers, so it is a good idea to consult the manual during that process.
First impressions of sound quality are quite positive, concluding with the note that these are loud and powerful. If the purpose of your speaker purchase is to fill a large room with music, then these ones might be the ideal choice for you. Even at loud volumes, there is little-to-no distortion, and the bass is extremely powerful which is pleasing to many ears. There is the occasional flaw of the subwoofer rattling, which is quite a minor offense overall.
The Logitech Z313 System isn’t directly aimed at audiophiles as it is a somewhat budget-oriented system for mainstream users. For the people who love loud, bass-heavy music, these can perform exceptionally well. It may require some tuning and tinkering, but overall these are pretty solid in almost every category, especially for the price.
4. Cyber Acoustics Bluetooth Speakers
One For The Gamers
Pros
- Independent Bass/Volume/Treble Controls
- Unique Design Language
- Attractive RGB Implementation
Cons
- Inaccurate Subwoofer
- Weak Low-End
Power Handling: 16 Watts | Frequency Response: 50Hz - 20KHz | Weight: 9 lbs
The Cyber Acoustics Bluetooth speakers are aimed towards a niche audience, but also deliver some great features on the side. For gamers who want a decent sounding system with extravagant lighting to match their custom builds, the Cyber Acoustics Bluetooth Speakers fit the bill perfectly.
The design is the main striking feature of these speakers that sets them apart from the pack. The rectangular shape makes them small and compact, which means they can fit on most desks without any issue. The 4.25-inch subwoofer is also relatively tiny in size so it can be tucked under the table or on the floor according to preference. The RGB implementation here is quite attractive which should complement most modern builds. Bluetooth pairing is also a convenient feature, so you can easily pair your phone with these.
As far as the sound quality is concerned, they are decent but not exactly jaw-dropping. The RMS power is about 16 Watts and the peak power goes up to 32 Watts so they can get plenty loud if need be. All of the details sound crisp and clear but the bass is lacking quite a bit. The subwoofer doesn’t help much either since it can be quite inaccurate. However, since they were focusing more on design, this functionality oversight can be given a slight pass.
It is clear that this system certainly isn’t for audiophiles or enthusiasts but for people who want a good-looking pair of speakers that can get the job done. If you want a speaker system to complement your custom RGB gaming PC at your desk, then this one should definitely be on your list.
5. GOgroove Mini Sound Bar
Value Pick
Pros
- Compact Uni-body Design
- Quite Affordable
Cons
- Low-End Is Disappointing
- Not The Most Accurate Sound
- Weak Bass
Power Handling: 12 Watts | Frequency Response: 95Hz - 20KHz | Weight: 1.5 lbs
While a lot of audiophiles might disagree with this idea, but there are certainly users out there who would prefer a soundbar over a pair of regular bookshelf speakers. That’s understandable as a lot of people don’t have ample space to place full-size bookshelf speakers on both sides of the table. However, finding a decent-sounding soundbar under the cap of $50 is a challenge in itself.
The GOgroove Mini Sound Bar is one such option that might make sense for value-oriented buyers. This soundbar is compact, sounds good, and won’t leave a dent in your wallet which is certainly more than one can ask for. As for the sound quality, the GOgroove Mini sounds decent for most people and should get the job done considering the price. The bass, however, is severely lacking which could be a deal-breaker for some potential buyers. On the flip side, it does get plenty loud and does not distort noticeably at those loud volumes.
Another positive aspect of this soundbar is the design as it actually looks really attractive for the price. The large volume knob is amazing, and the subtle blue under-glow gives it a clean, minimalistic aesthetic that is quite popular nowadays. Other than that, the body of the soundbar does not have any noticeable design cues, which is perfectly reasonable.
The GOgroove Mini Sound Bar is not meant to rival the position of any standard bookshelf speaker option, rather it provides a decent alternative in a different form factor. It is certainly not perfect by any means, but it does a satisfactory job while staying true to its value-oriented roots.
Budget Computer Speakers - FAQs
When buying computer speakers there are a few things that one should keep in mind. The most important bit is the sound quality of course, but you cannot check that without actually using the speaker. User reviews can help a lot in this area, as well as the specs of the speaker in question. Other factors such as surround sound, sound control connectivity, distortion, and portability should also be judged prior to making a purchase decision.
Computer speakers are one of those accessories that can be overlooked quite easily, but it is also possible to spend more than you need on the speakers. It all depends on whether or not you consider yourself an audiophile and whether you are comfortable with spending top dollar in order to get decent sound quality. They can range anywhere from $10 to $1000 but the value spot is probably around the $50-100 mark.
There are several steps that one can take to improve the quality of the sound output from their computer. Buying some good speakers is obviously the first step, but the user can also check out one of the external DACs to improve the sound quality. Improving the connection by getting high-quality audio system cables is another option that one can choose, or you can get some high-quality headphones to bypass this whole process.
A good speaker can range anywhere from 50 Watts to 200 watts or even above in some cases. It depends mostly on the efficiency of your speakers and the selection of music that would be chosen by you. 50 Watts should be adequate if you only listen to light music and don’t want the room to shake, while 200 watts would be on the high-end of that spectrum.
