While built-in speakers might get the job done, if you really want your audio to sing, investing in a decent pair of speakers can get you a lot more enjoyment. Thankfully, you don't have to break the bank to get speakers capable of outputting quality audio. The best budget speakers can elevate your listening experience and, to help you get started on your search, we've rounded up a couple of our favorite ones below.
Best Speakers for less than $100: Creative Pebble Pro
Creative's Pebble speakers have started to garner a bit of a cult following, and for good reason. Despite their compact size, the Creative Labs Pebble Pro 2.0 sound much better than most built-in speaker systems on monitors and laptops. However, don't expect a huge room-filling sound profile from these. The latest version, the Pebble Pro 2.0, is an upgrade from the V3 version, with better sound, Bluetooth 5.3 support, and optional RGB lighting if that's your thing. We like that the Pro version has a bit more bass, thanks to Creative's re-engineered 2.25" drivers. The speakers are powered via USB-C and you can connect sources via Bluetooth or a standard 3.5mm jack. You can control the volume via a control knob on the right-channel speaker, which also hosts a button for pairing, as well as one to control the RGB lighting that you can turn off if you choose. They're available for around $55, while the V3 version usually retails for around $35 if you'd like to spend even less. Regardless, if you're looking for an inexpensive and unobtrusive set of speakers, we think Creative's Pebble lineup won't disappoint and, even more specifically, this Pebble Pro 2.0 version is definitely the one to grab.
Best Speakers for less than $150: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Speaker System
For something more powerful than our first choice, you might want a speaker system that includes a subwoofer to draw out the bass. We love the ProMedia 2.1 Speaker System from Klipsh, and think they're some of the best speakers available below the $150 price point. They have great, clear, and crisp sound along with a noticeable deep bass, thanks to the 6.5" side-firing subwoofer. The two satellite speakers sound great, too, and are powered by 3" drivers and 0.75" tweeters. The speakers and subwoofer have a simple design and a small footprint—which is also great if you have limited desk space—and plug right in to your setup via standard 3.5mm. You can find control knobs and buttons on one of the speakers, as well, but be warned that this speaker system doesn't support Bluetooth. If you want computer speakers that sound better than our cheapest selection and you're OK sacrificing the versatility of Bluetooth, these are a fantastic step up that lets you get a full range of sound while still staying relatively affordable.
Best Speakers for less than $200: Edifier R1380DB 2-Way Active Wireless Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier is no stranger to speakers, and the company makes some of the best ones available, regardless of price. The ones that we want to highlight specifically are the R1380DB 2-Way Active Wireless Bookshelf Speakers, which are the newer version of the brand's universally well-received R1280DB speakers. You'll almost always see the latter mentioned at least once if you dive into any audio-related forum or Reddit thread, which speaks to their legacy. These are good, no-nonsense speakers that shouldn't disappoint, period. We love them because they sound incredible and punch way above their price point. The audio is well rounded, room filling, and clear. Each speaker contains a 4" midrange/woofer and a 1" silk diaphragm tweeter and is supported by a Class-D amplifier and 2-way active crossover control.
You can easily slot these into any situation where you need a decent pair of speakers, thanks to features like Bluetooth 5.1 support, an optical input, and a standard 3.5mm jack, with the ability to switch between them with the included remote. They also have a design that's fairly nice to look at, with wood incorporated into the side panels. They come in a black or brown cabinets, depending on your preference. They are a little on the heavier side, with each speaker weighing about 5.5 kg each, and aren't exactly small, so keep that in mind if you're using these for a desk setup. We can confidently recommend the R1380DB as a worthwhile investment if you're looking for a budget pair of speakers that'll satisfy that inner audiophile of yours.
Whether you're using a laptop or a desktop PC, the best way to upgrade your listening experience is with a good pair of speakers; the good news is there are plenty of affordable options available. If none of our favorites check all your boxes, we invite you to drop a comment or ask a question below, so we can help find the best speakers for you. We would also love to hear your some of your recommendations, too!
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