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The 8 Best Portable Speakers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Never miss a beat with these high-quality portable speakers.

Our Testing Process

Tips for Buying
Why Trust T + L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Kevin Liang

Whether you’re looking to host parties pool-side or just want a reliable way to listen to music while getting ready for a night out, a portable speaker can be a great accessory for your next trip. Many portable speakers are dustproof and waterproof so you can truly take them with you wherever you go. Plus, the enhanced sound quality and customization provides a better way to listen to your favorite music.

To determine the best and most reliable portable speaker, we reviewed nearly a dozen options from top brands like Ultimate Ears, Sony, and Bose. We tested each portable speaker to evaluate how easy it is to use, how far the Bluetooth range can reach, how long the battery lasts, and then assessed its overall value. The compact and vibrant Ultimate Ears Wonderboom is our favorite option after weeks of tests. Whether you’re an audiophile or looking for a simple way to share your music on-the-go check out our lists of the best portable speakers for every occasion.

Best Overall

Ultimate ears wonderboom 3.

Useful Features 5 /5
Sound Quality 4.5 /5
Design 5 /5
Setup Process 5 /5
Overall Value 5 /5

It connects to your phone almost instantly for easy setup.

It isn’t the easiest to pair with other Wonderboom speakers.

When you want to guarantee you can hear your favorite music wherever you go, be sure to pack the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 portable mini speaker. It comes in four colors (with two additional web-exclusive shades ), so you can mix and match, pairing the devices for an even more powerful sound. We tested this speaker in a variety of different environments, including at the beach and camping and never had any issues losing a connection.

This speaker connects to your phone almost instantly without issue or complications. It’s also easy to charge and comes with the necessary USB cord, so you don’t have to worry about sharing cords. And, while it doesn’t come with a carrying case, this was one of the most durable portable speakers we tried as it’s both waterproof and dustproof. We also love that it doesn’t require any additional apps, making setup and use an absolute breeze.

Best Clip-on

The lightweight design and convenient clip is perfect for hiking or walking long distances.

The battery doesn’t last quite as long as other portable speakers.

The JBL Clip 4 is the perfect option for lightweight packers and hikers alike. When you turn it on, it connects to the nearest phone almost automatically just like wireless headphones and is easy to switch devices if you want to give your friend a turn picking the music. While it does not have a carrying case, it does feature a cute and convenient clip so you can attach it to backpacks, bags, and even belt loops for constant listening. For how small this portable speaker is, we love the sound quality, which is great even in crowds and on windy beaches.

The Details: 10 hours of battery | Waterproof | Dustproof | 3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches | 0.53 pounds

Best for Parties

Treblab hd77 ultra premium bluetooth speaker.

It’s one of the loudest portable speakers we’ve tested.

It’s heavier than other similarly sized portable speakers.

When you know you’re going to spend your vacation hosting parties or entertaining friends poolside, the Treblab HD77 Bluetooth Speaker is an absolute must. This speaker can overpower any noise, even in a crowded room or busy outdoor space. When you turn it on, we found it automatically pops up in your device’s Bluetooth settings, so you just click connect and get the party started quickly. There are even color-coded LED lights to indicate the speaker’s status (i.e., on, searching for connection, low in battery, etc.), and they all pop up in different colors so you can easily know what it needs.

The connection never changed throughout our use, even when we walked into the water with the attached phone and the speaker stayed connected on the beach. There was no static or interruptions in the music, plus we could still hear the tunes in the water over the sound of the waves. We also love that it can last a couple of days without charging, depending on how much you use it.

Best Budget

Dosmix retro bluetooth speaker.

The sound quality is better and louder than most phones of similar size.

We wouldn’t recommend this for outdoor or party use.

This teeny tiny speaker takes “portable” to a whole new level — it fits right in the palm of your hand like a phone, but has a stronger speaker for better quality music. We are absolutely in love with the retro vibe down to the working, light-up knob to adjust volume. For looks alone, we recommend this for anyone who wants something more than just a phone speaker, but that also looks cute sitting out. While we don’t think it’s a great option for on-the-go use (the battery and connectivity range are not as strong as other portable speakers), it’s a great small speaker for when you’re lounging or getting ready for a fun day out.

The Details: 6 hours of battery | 32.8-foot range | 2.8 x 4.3 x 2 inches | 0.43 pounds

Best Splurge

Ultimate ears epicboom.

The sound quality is unmatched.

The one-touch playlist feature doesn’t work with Spotify.

The minute you turn on this speaker for the first time, a voice welcomes you and tells you to download the app that then walks you through the simple setup instructions. You’re then able to easily switch between phones (and even connect it to an Apple TV for the ultimate listening experience). The connectivity range is also so strong that you can easily walk away from the speaker up to 180 feet without losing the signal. This is also the best sounding speaker we tested by far, and there are custom settings like bass boost and cinema mode so you can adjust for the perfect sound quality to match whatever you’re listening to. While this is certainly a pricier option, audiophiles and party-throwers alike are sure to love this high-powered speaker.

Most Durable

During testing, this speaker fell out of a bag and tumbled down the stairs and there’s not a single mark, dent, or scratch on it.

We would love to see the exact charge percentage left on the speaker.

Leave it to Sony to create a high-powered portable speaker that can withstand a fall down the stairs and still provide excellent sound for any occasion. While it didn’t automatically connect to devices, once we turned it off and on, and turned the phone’s Bluetooth capabilities off and on, we were able to pair the devices. Once connected the first time, it was instantaneous to connect for future use. The first time we used it, we charged it for about 15 minutes and it then worked for two hours straight. It’s also seamless to switch from phones to this speaker when playing music and also simple to swap to other devices without hassle. The Sony XB 100 comes with a little carrying sack, but we especially love that the speaker itself has a strap that can be used to attach it to the outside of any bag.

The Details: 16 hours of battery | Waterproof | Dustproof | 3.43 x 3.43 x 4.41 inches | 0.61 pounds

Most Versatile

Bose soundlink flex bluetooth speaker.

We dropped it into a pool and the speaker still works and is undamaged.

It’s a bit big for a portable speaker, but it can still easily fit in carry-on and tote bags.

Whether you’re lounging poolside or at the beach , this portable speaker is the perfect addition to your day of relaxation. It’s not a small speaker, but it’s still a good size for fitting into backpacks and totes to take with you on a variety of trips. Considering it’s not an Apple product, we were surprised by how quickly the speaker paired to iPhones and easily switched between devices. The speaker takes just a few hours to charge with the included USB-C cord. The battery also lasts up to 17 hours on one charge and it still plays music when it’s charging, so you never miss a moment of music. And while you don’t need the Bose app to use the speaker, it has so many sound customizations, you may want to utilize the app to get the best listening experience for your environment.

The Details: 12 hours of battery | Waterproof | Dustproof | 2.06 x 7.93 x 3.56 inches | 1.3 pounds

Made for Amazon Battery Base for Amazon Echo Dot

It’s a smart speaker that’s perfect for making your Amazon Echo a portable device.

With just a five-hour battery life, this isn’t the best for outdoor or on-the-go use.

Yes, Alexa is normally only used inside, but this base turns your Echo Dot into a portable speaker. The device pairs instantly after you connect to your Amazon account and it doesn’t need to be operated using a phone (as long as your music services are linked to your Amazon profile). The speaker itself is connected to Wi-fi so your device doesn’t even need to be near a phone at all once hooked up to the internet. While the sound quality is good, our favorite part of this portable speaker is the ability to use Alexa. In fact, we find that the addition of this base makes your existing Echo device even more useful.

The Details: 5 hours of battery

Our team tested nearly a dozen portable speakers, evaluating each one on ease of use, range, sound quality, battery life, portability, and more. Testers were first asked to pair their speakers with a device to determine the ease of setup and then work with required apps or device settings to test the speaker’s range, customization, and sound quality. Each portable speaker was then brought out and tested in a variety of conditions from hiking trails to poolside and more. Throughout the testing period, we took careful note of the speakers’ durability and waterproofing if applicable.

Tips for Buying a Portable Speaker

Decide how much sound you need.

Not all portable speakers are designed to overpower a room full of party people or even the sound of crashing waves. When selecting a portable speaker, think about where you intend to use it so you can prioritize a speaker that gets loud enough to suit your environment. If you are just looking for a speaker to enhance your music to a higher quality than your phone’s speaker, you may not need something as powerful as a speaker designed for outdoor use.

Consider size and portability

When selecting a portable speaker, obviously, the size and weight of the device should be your top priorities. If you’re looking for a device that simply doesn’t need to be plugged in, but just moved around your home, the portability may not matter quite as much as if you plan to bring your speaker hiking. Know what you have in mind (and what weight you’re willing to carry) when you look into purchasing a portable speaker. Also, keep in mind that most portable speakers connect via Bluetooth; if you want to be able to connect to your home’s internet, or use voice assistants, you’ll likely need a speaker that also has Wi-fi capabilities.

Prioritize durability

Since you’ll be taking this speaker with you on hikes, to the pool, or just over to your friend’s house, you want to make sure your portable speaker is durable. Consider opting for a speaker that is not only waterproof, but dustproof as well to ensure it can withstand your travels. You may also want to prioritize a portable speaker that comes with a carrying case, dustbag, or strap to make transportation a breeze.

Some portable speakers require a specific app that allows you to adjust the settings and check on the status of your device while other speakers just need to connect using your phone’s Bluetooth. Be sure to read all manufacturer’s instructions to determine exactly what you need in order to use your specific portable speaker.

Portable speakers are allowed inside your carry-on or personal item. However, you are generally not allowed to play music or movies outside of headphones, so if you plan to bring your portable speaker on board, be sure it stays off and tucked away in a safe place.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Taylor Fox is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure where she researches, reviews, and writes about a wide range of products. To select the best portable speakers, she called on her own experience as a traveler and worked with editors and T+L testers on a series of lab and real-world insights.

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Best computer speakers in 2024

Here are our picks for the best computer speakers, based on hours of testing and research.

If you, like so many of us, spend most of your waking hours at your desk, then you deserve to own some of the best computer speakers your budget will allow. These portable audio receivers combat the tinny sound often found in some of the best laptops, combining full, balanced sonics with handy features like Bluetooth and headphone outputs. The right one for you will depend on your budget, design taste, and, ideally, how much space you have on your desk.

The market plays host to numerous models of different styles, which work great for any setup or computing device (e.g. desktop, laptop, smartphone) you have in mind. Key players worth mentioning that have cemented their legacy as top computer speaker manufacturers include Edifier, Creative, and Audioengine just to name a few. You’ll even find gems here from consumer electronics staples like Bose , Harman Kardon, and gaming accessory giant, Razer .

Check out our top picks for the best computer speakers, based on hours of testing and research. Need something for private listening? Then make sure to also look at our roundup of the best noise-cancelling headphones , which includes everything from over-ear luxury cans to truly wireless buds.

What are the best computer speakers?

Why you can trust Laptop Mag Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

The Q Acoustics 3020i currently sits at No. 1 on our best computer speakers list. Improvements in design and audio quality (e.g., extended bass response) showcase the overall detailing and effort that was put into these speakers. They’ are tiny but powerful stand-mounted monitors made to satisfy audiophiles who want strong sound in a refined package.

In second place on our best computer speakers list is the Audioengine HD3. These Bluetooth bookshelf speakers match the precise sound found on most wired computer speakers. Bass is tight and the midrange is emphasized for vocals to shine. Connectivity is spot-on too, so you won’t ever have to worry about dropout when streaming music. It’s also one of the better-looking models out there with a retro-inspired design that’s donned in a wooden veneer and mesh magnetic grille.

For bargain hunters, there is the Creative Pebble V3, which packs loud sound into a compact design that is perfect for small desks and most media formats (music, video games, movies). If money is no object, then the KEF LSX is an amazing sound system that doubles as computer speakers and delivers top-notch audio performance and tons of features. The Edifier R1280DB is another relatively affordable option with numerous connection options that balances smooth-sounding mids and highs superbly.

The best computer speakers you can buy today

1. q acoustics 3020i.

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Our top pick for the best computer speakers is the Q Acoustics 3020i for its impeccable sound reproduction and gorgeous design. The frequency spectrum is well represented, with bass leading the sonic brigade; kick snares and drums sound thunderous. You’ll enjoy amazing separation as well, pinpointing instruments, while also picking up on the subtle nuances in orchestral recordings. Build quality is another hallmark of the 3020i, from the curved unibody frame to the multiple sexy finishes (Graphite Grey, English Walnut, Carbon Black or Arctic White) the speakers come in.

These aren’t speakers you’ll want to keep tucked in deep cabinets, as they look more exquisite sitting next to an Apple Mac Pro or Microsoft Surface Studio. You can even place them on stands, should you want to get more creative with speaker placement and enjoy stereo sound at ear level.

2. Audioengine HD3

Audioengine’s reputation for building premium speakers with accurate sound is flawless. The HD3 is proof of this, producing stellar audio that makes music and movies sound pristine. Wired speakers are known for offering the better audio experience, but these Bluetooth-only speakers exceed expectations. Mids are articulate and highs are compelling, giving vocals plenty of clarity and detail. Wireless range is stable as well with little to no dropout occurring. What’s more surprising is how well sound carries over to the headphone jack, as listening with over-ear cans maintains the HD3’s rich performance. Having a built-in DAC and amp also increases the HD3’s value.

Our only complaint is that Audioengine took it easy on the low end. You’ll still get to some nice oomph out of the drivers when listening to bass-dominating tracks, but don’t expect to blow a hole through your college dorm roof.

3. Creative Pebble V3

Our favorite tiny computer speakers have been upgraded with louder sound, more input options, and a new mode that doubles the audio intensity. The latter works great for music, movies, video games, and podcasts. Those with distinctive hearing may also notice how well the Pebble V3’s clear dialog audio processing performs when compared to what comes out of your MacBook’s built-in speakers; dialogue-heavy scenes in movies and games sound amazing. We do advise not to blast the speakers at max volume, as it can produce some crackling and minor distortion when jamming out to tunes.

Wireless playback is superb with Bluetooth 5.0 providing steady connectivity across all devices (e.g. laptops, desktops, smartphones). Then you have the super-compact design, which is perfect for small work environments or to pack with you on the road. For $40, it’s a no-brainer that you can also pass onto someone else once you’re ready to look at bigger, more powerful options.

4. Klipsch The Fives

The Fives speaker system looks like something you would find in your great-grandfather’s study, but the only thing retro about these speakers is the design. Despite no subwoofer, these monitors blast powerful, balanced sound to create an immersive listening experience when enjoying music, movies, sports, and video games. The details in craftsmanship are remarkable as exhibited by the aluminum dials sitting atop the right channel to allow for seamless switching between the numerous connections. There is even an output to connect to turntables; we recommend checking out our best USB turntables roundup to find some worthy pairings.

All that firepower does come at the cost of size. As you can see by the dimensions, The Fives isn’t exactly a pair of computer speakers that rest steadily on any tiny desk, so you’ll definitely want to clear out some space before these arrive on your doorstep.

An award winner in multiple categories, the KEF LSX is included on our best computer speakers list for numerous reasons. For one, just look at how gorgeous and well-constructed it is, highlighted by the color-matched fabric on each side and the high-gloss finish. Unique details like the Uni-Q driver array, which consists of a 19mm aluminum dome tweeter sitting in the center of a 10cm bass cone, are complementary to the LSX’s appearance as well. Sound is rich with an impactful low end that favors bass-heavy genres, though you can customize this in the EQ settings via Control app. Being able to stream music wirelessly through Bluetooth and AirPlay 2, while also supporting Spotify Connect and Tidal, adds to its value.

It does seem impractical that you need two apps – the aforementioned Control and Stream – to personalize sound and play music from streaming platforms. In addition, Stream tends to experience serious lag when playing Tidal tracks.

6. Edifier R1280DB

Edifier knows all about making some of the best computer speakers, and the R1280DB is a fine addition to the brand’s long line of heritage receivers. Their penchant for build quality is certainly on display, with the speakers featuring a wood grain finish, vinyl wrap, and magnetic shields for protection from surrounding items. They’ll feel right at home on any bookshelf, while also blending nicely on any entertainment center. More enticing than the design is the sound quality, which is ideal for multiple media formats (e.g. music, movies, and games), thanks to its superb mids and highs. Bluetooth connection is another bonus, letting you pair the speakers with multiple computing devices.

You’ll just want to be mindful of listening at high volumes since that can create distortion. The low end won’t blow you away either, so bass lovers looking to shake their game room with explosions may want to look at other models on this list.

7. Audioengine A2+

The small-but-mighty A2+ is considered one of the best computer speakers for those who appreciate detailed audio and can afford to pay for it, if they can find it. That’s right, at nearly seven years old, the A2+ remains a hot commodity among PC owners who want top of the line sound. You'll hear crisp treble and balanced midrange and bass — no subwoofer needed, though there's a subwoofer output if you want to add one. Best of all, the A2+ fills the room with sound, and they can get really loud. You can connect in a variety of ways, including RCA stereo, 3.5 mm minijack and USB (you can also get a version with Bluetooth for $50 more).

The solidly built units come in satin black, glossy white or glossy red to match your aesthetics. You’re going to want to find the right volume level and stick with it because Audioengine made the inconvenient decision to place the volume control on the back, which becomes annoying to access every time.

8. Klipsch R-41PM

Another popular, well-received pair of Klipsch computer speakers, the R-41PM presents fantastic sound and connectivity in a sleek package. Powerful bass, clean mids, and resonant highs demonstrate the unit’s great frequency range. An included sub-out line makes it seamless to add a subwoofer, should you want to boost low frequencies, which isn’t necessary for small settings, but is available nonetheless. The numerous inputs let you connect these babies to everything from your desktop to television, even to a turntable. There’s also the option to go wireless and pair the speakers with your mobile device. Craftsmanship is excellent too, made up of exposed fasteners, low profile magnetic grilles, and a scratch-resistant, textured wood grain vinyl finish for a polished appearance.

Sadly, Bluetooth isn’t executed well and doesn’t allow you to automatically re-pair the R-41PM with recently connected devices. Don’t blast these speakers too loudly either, because it can lead to harsh sound.

9. Fluance Ai61

Bigger in size, bigger in sound, the Ai61 is basically a more advanced version of the popular Ai41. You really can’t go wrong with either model, but the Ai61 garners more attention because of its increase in driver size, wattage, and low-end frequency. It also comes with a USB Type-C input, which is ideal for computer use. These speakers produce loud, powerful bass and impressive stereo separation to hear instruments and vocals distinctly through the left and right channels. The plethora of inputs – Bluetooth, analog, and digital – are nicely appointed for audiophiles who want to get more out of the speakers by pairing to high-end sound systems. And even with the extra specs, the Ai61 remains lightweight.

The price difference between the Ai41 and Ai61 is only $50, which seems like a bargain when factoring in the bonuses. However, $300 isn’t what most would consider relatively affordable.

10. Razer Nommo Pro

Razer is a brand that has become synonymous with PC gaming, as best exhibited by their award-winning gaming laptops . It didn’t take long for them to release a line of gaming computer speakers, and if you want top-tier performance, then the Nommo Pro might be the gaming set-up for you. These speakers boast a loud, wide soundstage that delivers an immersive listening experience perfect for gaming; you’ll be more aware of sneak attacks during Call of Duty: Warzone multiplayer matches and hear players voices clearly over heavy gunfire. The Razer Synapse app makes it easy to personalize the speakers, be it the EQ or RGB lightning pattern. Also, the dial control makes volume adjustment and switching between audio sources a breeze.

The subwoofer does help the speakers produce pleasant rumble, though it can also make bass too punchy when blasting sound at high volume. Also, the high price tag doesn’t make the Nommo Pro financially accessible to all PC gamers.

11. House of Marley Get Together Duo

Our favorite sustainable audio brand has made their way into the computer speaker market, offering up an attractive set of sound blasters composed of solid bamboo and HoM’s trademark REWIND Fabric made from recycled materials. You can expect crisp, detailed audio to come out of this dual-speaker system, along with 20 hours of playtime from the right speaker, which can be used wirelessly around the house or on the go. The Get Together Duo even has RCA outputs and an aux input for wired playback; we recommend pairing it with some of the market’s best noise-cancelling headphones or USB turntables .

Bass heads who want deep, boomy sound might want to look elsewhere, as this speaker system places heavy emphasis on midrange. It would have also been great if HoM added lossless Bluetooth codecs and AAC support, but neither of these omissions is a dealbreaker.

12. Airpulse A80

Airpulse designed these desktop speakers with versatility in mind. Multiple inputs allow you to pair them with any other compatible audio source. Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX connectivity means hi-res streaming with minimal latency. Powerful drivers and a subwoofer output for bass expansion guarantee loud, boom-filled sound. Listeners have the option to tweak sound via the volume, bass, and treble dials. A sleek, clean design with unique touches like a horn-loaded ribbon tweeter completes the A80’s look.

A beautiful design doesn’t always translate to appealing sound. The A80’s frequencies fail to complement one another. For instance, the highs don’t merge well with mids, and bass can be overly aggressive at times. The bundled remote control doesn’t function well either.

How to choose the best computer speakers for you

You’ll want to prioritize audio performance, connection type, extra features, and pricing when seeking out the best computer speakers.

Ask yourself what suits your setup best: wired or wireless. The former is known for guaranteeing better sound, yet requires dealing with more cables and ports, which can be overbearing for small setups. If you’re not looking to be tethered to your machine, then know that there are plenty of wireless models available that come with stereo or surround sound technology. Speaking of sound, also look for computer speakers that deliver clean vocals, deep bass, and rich treble, and with volume levels that aren’t too loud or distort sound.

Something else to keep in mind is codecs. SBC (Sub Band Codec) is the most common and is a great option for streaming music on popular services like Spotify. You can look into newer and more advanced codecs like AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), Qualcomm aptX, and Sony LDAC as well; each one processes information quickly and delivers superior audio output.

In terms of features, the most common tend to be bass and treble controls, allowing you to personalize sound to your liking. Multiple inputs are important too, especially if you’re looking to connect the speakers to other devices like smartphones or tablets. Make sure the speakers have an auxiliary input jack, USB slots, and extra ports for more versatility.

Top-tier performance usually comes at a premium, but not all of the best computer speakers carry a steep MSRP. Yes, the more expensive models will likely have more powerful sound and components underneath the hood, along with a more upscale appearance. That’s not to say you won’t get some great performance out of a less expensive pair. Look at reviews – both expert and consumer – then figure out what models offer everything you want for the most reasonable price.

How we test the best computer speakers

Similar to how we test all audio products, our reviewers evaluate several factors, including audio, battery life, design, and value. We also compare each model to similar ones in terms of features, pricing, and setup.

Computer speakers are tested over the course of a week for 2 hours at a time. During this process, we analyze Bluetooth performance, ease of use, and, most importantly, sound quality. Reviewers listen to numerous predetermined tracks across a variety of music genres: classical, EDM, hip-hop, jazz, rock, and R&B. Movies, podcasts, and video games are taken into serious consideration too. Overall, we evaluate clarity, fullness, and volume.

With more streaming services offering high-resolution audio, we advise reading this audio codec FAQ to learn more about FLAC files, MP3s and, everything in between. The streaming service you choose could enhance sound quality.

After testing is completed, we rate each model based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Any product that is exemplary is awarded a Laptop Magazine Editor’s Choice badge.

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Sherri L. Smith has been cranking out product reviews for Laptopmag.com since 2011. In that time, she's reviewed more than her share of laptops, tablets, smartphones and everything in between. The resident gamer and audio junkie, Sherri was previously a managing editor for Black Web 2.0 and contributed to BET.Com and Popgadget.

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The 6 Very Best Computer Speakers

Best portable

Best for audio recording and editing.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve done Kukuwa dance workouts, streamed a lot of Spotify, and sometimes accidentally conducted Zoom interviews in stereo sound. I had Usher’s voice pinging between my left and right speakers as I listened to “Yeah!” a few too many times ahead of the Super Bowl. I’ve switched between external speakers and my laptop’s built-ins multiple times to make sure I truly heard a difference and wasn’t just drawn in by marketing ploys for a $200 system. And I’ve walked away convinced that external computer speakers really do make a difference. I’ll admit that I was loath to cede desk space to another boxy appliance, add to the thicket of cords on my desk, or mess with Bluetooth pairing every time I changed devices (truly a unique and modern torture). But every time I thought maybe the speakers I was trying weren’t so great after all, it turned out … I’d forgotten to turn on Bluetooth.

My experience left me all the more amazed to discover in reporting this story how many people — even podcasters and music writers! — think nothing of dropping hundreds on a pair of headphones, but for computer speakers rely on their computer’s built-in speakers or an old set of speakers they’ve had for a decade.

That’s probably a mistake: If you’re planning to use your computer for watching movies, gaming, or just playing music in the background during the workday, a set of dedicated speakers can elevate the experience, bringing out more nuance and detail, particularly on the low end.

The best option for you will depend on how you intend to use the speakers, how much space you have, and, subjectively, what you think sounds best. “The most important thing about speaker buying is to actually have them set up so you can compare one song on multiple speakers to hear what you’re actually paying for,” says Mikey Weiss, owner of Mikey’s Hook Up , which has been selling electronics and cables in Williamsburg for more than 20 years, with a satellite location in L.A. Your best bet is to listen to the same songs, games, or movie clips on several different sets and pick the one you prefer. For testing, I played Liquid Liquid, one of my favorite bands for getting through the workday; Re-TROS, my old pals from Beijing; and the booming opening sequence of Killers of the Flower Moon . I also spoke to several audio-obsessed experts to get their recommendations.

With very cheap speakers, you probably won’t see an improvement over your computer’s built-in speakers or a portable Bluetooth speaker (such as Strategist favorite Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 ). Weiss says his stores stopped selling speakers below the $150 range — once customers heard the jump in quality with a more expensive speaker it was “a no-brainer.” (We did include one model that costs less than $150 on this list; it’s an instance where you really do get good value from a direct-to-consumer brand.) Once you get to the very high end, say more than $500, “it’s just personal taste,” says Weiss.

What we’re looking for

Number of speakers.

More speakers obviously means more stuff on your desk, but a single speaker may not do everything you want it to do. Two speakers will offer the stereo experience for listening to music, and an added subwoofer can fill out the low end of the range, particularly if you’re working with smaller speakers or playing games, movies, or any kind of music with a lot of bass.

Bigger speakers take up limited desk space and may overwhelm the aesthetics of a room, and in a compact home-office setup, they may be louder than you need. Experts I spoke to suggested not getting too hung up on the specs provided by a manufacturer, which can be confusing or misleading. That said, smaller speakers — anything with a speaker cone smaller than about 3.5 or 4 inches — will struggle to produce sounds in the low range (a separate subwoofer can come in handy here, depending on your listening habits). If you’re listening to music like jazz with less low end, or you’re primarily using the speakers for Zoom calls or watching YouTube videos, a smaller speaker may work just fine.

If you’re having to turn the volume all the way up to fill a large room, you might need speakers that are larger in terms of watts (about 50 watts should be good for a small room or home office up to 100 square feet), driver diameter (in most cases, you’ll want about three inches), and sensitivity (how loud a speaker gets, in decibels). Your setup will make a difference, too. Placing speakers near a wall or inside cabinets can cause “boomy and ill-defined bass,” says William Woods , an industrial design professor at Savannah College of Art and Design who has “an obsession with sound.”

Connections

All of our picks can connect to your computer wirelessly, and some connect to your computer via a headphone (3.5mm) or USB jack, a nice extra if you, like me, spend a lot of time fighting to pair devices. Some also include RCA stereo jacks for connecting to other electronics.

Audioengine A2+ Wireless Bluetooth Computer Speakers

Number: 2, with option to add a subwoofer | Size: 6” x 4” x 5.25” each, 60 W (30 W per speaker) | Connections: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm, RCA

Over several days of testing the A2+, the sound was rich and clear as I listened to music or secretly did dance workouts during the workday. The difference between these and my laptop’s built-in speakers was striking: Each instrument came in distinctly, and the bass and drums were more robust — even without an added subwoofer. Do I need this sound quality if I’m just streaming Spotify at a low volume all day? Maybe not. But I found myself putting on music more often: The speakers easily filled my office with music at a low volume and could be turned up loud enough to fill most of my apartment. The Bluetooth pairing was a slight hassle every time I connected to a new device, but I mostly found the speakers easy to use. My main quibble is that the speakers added to the clump of cords and cables on my desk, thanks to the power cord and the speaker wire connecting the two sides.

Woods calls Audioengine’s A2+ (or if you’ve got the space, the larger A5+ version ) “great compact speakers that pack a huge punch.” If you connect via Bluetooth, you can bypass your computer’s internal sound card and connect directly to the speakers’ DAC (digital-analog converter), which the manufacturer says results in more dynamic sound and less noise.

The speakers’ fiberboard cabinets come in matte shades of red, white, black, and blue (the version I tested, which looked more like purple to me).

Monoprice DT-3BT 50-Watt Multimedia Desktop Powered Speakers with Bluetooth

Number: 2 | Size: 5.5” x 8.0” x 5.9” each, 50 W (25 W per speaker) | C onnections: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm, RCA

For an affordable, no-frills option, the direct-to-consumer brand Monoprice has this set, which just comes in black, unlike the multiple color options offered by the other brands on this list. The company’s speakers “will outperform most of the big-box brands at that price point,” Woods says. There’s a headphone jack and volume control on the front of the left speaker, as well as an RCA connection in the back of the speaker.

Number: 3 | Size: satellites: 5.83” x 6.54” x 4.65”; subwoofer: 15.91” x 10.04” x 8.15”, 240 W total | Connections: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm, USB

External speakers can really make a big difference in your gaming experience, and the positional surround sound of the Logitech G560 can make for a more immersive experience. Since gaming is a world I know nothing about, the first person I thought to ask for a recommendation is Saira Mueller , a freelance tech reporter who covers the gaming industry. She calls this set of two round “satellite” speakers and a subwoofer the best option for gaming. The smaller speakers have built-in lights that change color and respond to sound and action within games — although Mueller notes those lights stay on even in standby mode. At almost 16 inches tall and weighing about 12 pounds, the subwoofer is huge, she notes.

Best for multitasking

Number: 1 | Size: 3.34” x 6.30” x 5.18” | Connections: Bluetooth, USB, power output not listed

Essentially a speaker and docking station in one, the Logi Dock is meant to clean up “wire clutter” for work-from-home setups. The speaker has ports for connecting monitors and peripherals and a built-in microphone — and it works as a power bank to charge a laptop.

Over several days of testing, the dock sat cutely on my desk, and the volume and microphone controls right on top were very convenient for Zoom meetings. My main complaint is that for something that’s supposed to cut down on clutter, the box on the charging cable is egregiously large! The sound is totally fine for listening at close range during the workday; I noticed a huge difference in the low end and bass over my laptop’s built-ins. I could even turn the volume up loud enough to grab a snack in the other room while a colleague was delivering a monologue in a Zoom meeting.

Bose SoundLink Revolve II Bluetooth Speaker

Number: 1 (can be paired with a second for stereo sound) | Size: 3.24 x 5.97 x 3.24”, power output not listed | Connections: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm

An even more compact option, the Bose SoundLink Revolve II is designed to distribute sound throughout a room whether it’s situated in the center of a room or near a wall, and it can be paired with a second speaker to provide stereo sound. Juan Leguizamón , a New York–based film editor, uses the wired connection on this sleek model as his computer speaker when he’s editing at home. He likes the small footprint it leaves on his desk and gives it high marks for its sound and construction. According to the manufacturer, it lasts 13 hours on a full charge, so it “doubles as a great Bluetooth speaker when on the move,” says Leguizamón.

PreSonus Eris 3.5BT Bluetooth Studio Monitors

Number: 2, with option to add a subwoofer | Size: 8.27” x 5.53” x 6.46” each, 50 W (25 W per speaker) | Connections: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm, RCA

Technically studio monitors, the PreSonus Eris 3.5BT are intended to have clear, accurate sound. Unlike the other speakers on this list, these will produce a flat response, which means they won’t boost the high and low end of the range and may have a thinner sound than you might be used to, but they’ll let you hear what’s actually going on with your audio, which is important for recording and editing. Weiss says that these “pro-sumer” speakers “hit that middle ground perfectly” of being serviceable for someone recording or editing at home or who just wants an affordable, good-sounding speaker. There’s a volume control and on/off switch on the front of the speakers. On the back, there are knobs to adjust the high and low frequencies to your liking. The Melbourne-based musician Worst Vibes is another fan of PreSonus speakers and says he just wanted “speakers I could afford that could go loud.”

Our experts

• Juan Leguizamón , a New York–based film editor • Saira Mueller , a freelance tech reporter who covers the gaming industry • Mikey Weiss, owner of Mikey’s Hook Up • William Woods , an industrial design professor at Savannah College of Art and Design • Worst Vibes , a Melbourne-based musician

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The best computer speakers 2024: top speakers for your PC

Pump up the jams with the best computer speakers

Best overall
Best budget
Best surround sound
Best subwoofer
Best for budget gamers
Best PC soundbar
Best for casual studio work
Best budget for creatives
Best Bluetooth
Best compact
How to choose
How we test
Today's top deals

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best budget PC speakers 4. Best for surround sound 5. Best with mind-blowing sub 6. Best for gamers on a budget 7. Best PC soundbar 8. Best for casual studio work 9. Best budget for creatives 10. Best Bluetooth PC speakers 11. Best for small spaces 12. How to choose 13. How we test

The best computer speakers must walk the line between great audio quality, good value, and of course how much desk space they take up. If you work or play games at a home desktop, we strongly recommend investing in a set of speakers for your PC - trust us, your neck will thank you.

While the best PC gaming headsets and the best headphones are great for your ear holes and can be invaluable for serious competitive gamers, it's better for your auditory health not to wear a chunky headset all day long. But the built-in speakers on your laptop or monitor are rarely adequate for anyone who really cares about audio, even on high-end products like the M3 MacBook Pro .

With that in mind, we're here to help. We've compiled a list of the very best speakers and sound systems for your PC, from affordable twin-speaker setups to beefy subwoofers and soundbars. We've tested dozens of computer speakers over the years and our team here at TechRadar includes multiple audio experts, so we can bring you the best recommendations for your needs and budget.

The quick list

There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to the best computer speakers for your setup so we narrowed down your options. We've tested hundreds of PC speakers over the years and handpicked the best of the best 2023 has to offer. Take a look at our top picks below, and be sure to hit "Read more below" for a more informed decision.

Best computer speakers overall

A great-sounding set of speakers in an affordable package, these may be a little older, but it remains the best option for most people.

Read more below

Best budget PC speakers

For a 2.1 PC speaker set that's under $50/£50, this produces great audio and does a great job of minimizing distortion at loud volumes.

Best for true surround sound

With two front satellites, a center channel speaker, two rear satellites, and a subwoofer, this will take your audio to a deeper level.

Best with mind-blowing sub

Even better than its predecessor, this delivers crisp, detailed highs, full and present mids, and a whole lot of punchy bass and deep rumble.

Best for gamers on a budget

Experience great quality audio and an immersive soundstage, as well as access to Steelseries’ audio suite, minus the steep price with this stereo option.

Best soundbar for PC

Want a 5.1 speaker system that's also space-saving? This feature-rich PC soundbar is just the ticket for a truly immersive experience.

Load the next 4 products...

Best for everyday and light studio work

Powerful and room-filling, these switch from HiFi-sounding to a flatter, more neutral frequency response that's ideal for doing studio work.

Best budget for creative work

For how much it costs, these studio monitors blows us away with its fantastic audio that's neutral enough for a podcast or mixing a song.

Best Bluetooth PC speakers for music

You’ll have a hard time finding a set of powered bookshelf speakers that sound as good as these, especially for music listening via Bluetooth.

Best for small spaces

For a pair of tiny bookshelf speakers that's also affordable, this set delivers surprisingly full, rich audio and several connectivity options.

The best computer speakers 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The best computer speakers overall

1. logitech z407.

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Logitech Z407 offers great value in an affordable and appealing package. These minimalist, capsule-shaped speakers deliver great sound quality and a decent amount of volume while offering wireless connectivity, two physical input options, and a versatile design.

For your convenience, it comes with a control puck that connects wirelessly so you can change the volume, dial the bass power up/down, play/pause/stop the current content, and move forward or go back from up to 20 meters away. We found this dial a bit confusing to use at first, but it’s a nifty addition that adds convenience to its use.

That subwoofer is surprisingly powerful for its size as well, producing a good amount of rumble for those intense game and movie moments. If you think that computer speakers are becoming obsolete, these will certainly change your mind.

Read the full Logitech Z407 review

^ Back to the top

The best budget PC speakers

2. creative pebble plus.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on a good set of computer speakers. For budget-conscious consumers, Creative’s Pebble Plus is more than good enough for the job, whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a film fanatic. This 2.1 speaker system may not be audiophile quality, but it produces great sound for how much it costs. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find better stereo sound at this price range.

Consisting of two far-field drivers angled at a 45-degrees and a down-firing subwoofer, the Pebble Plus delivers good highs, mids, and lows. Not only that, but we found during our tests that it also does a great job of minimizing distortion at loud volumes, which isn’t something you’ll often find on budget speakers.

There are some compromises here, as is expected on inexpensive peripherals, but none of those are too big to put you off. Hands down, these are the best computer speakers for those on a tight budget.

Read the full Creative Pebble Plus review

The best computer speakers for surround sound

3. steelseries arena 9.

Nothing can replace the experience of real surround sound. Turning on virtual surround sound for a pair of headphones or a set of speakers only approximates that fully immersive experience. And, there aren’t many computer speaker setups that will give you a true 360-degree audio experience.

Well, Steelseries has fixed that with their flagship speaker system, the Arena 9. Comprised of six separate speakers: two front satellites, a center channel speaker, two rear satellites, and a subwoofer, this 5.1 system will transport you, as it did us, into your favorite games and movies instantly.

We find that games especially come alive with the Arena 9s. Audio elements physically circle us when we move our character’s point of view. And, thanks to that subwoofer, we feel the rumble whenever there’s an explosion. Even when listening in stereo, the audio sounds detailed, clear, and engaging.

So, if you’re considering investing in surround sound, it’s hard to do better than the Arena 9 - just make sure you have the desk space for it.

Read our full SteelSeries Arena 9 review

The best premium with mind-blowing sub

4. razer nommo v2 pro.

The long-awaited successor to Razer ’s best computer speaker system is here, and it’s even better than its predecessor, which we honestly didn’t think was possible. The Razer Nommo V2 Pro is a much improved system inside and out, with a sleeker design that takes up less space, even though it’s not necessarily what you’d call compact, a now-wireless control puck, and better audio overall.

Its audio performance is where this 2.1 system really shines, giving us crisp and detailed highs as well as full and present mids during testing, and a whole lot of punchy bass and deep rumble that practically shook our reviewer’s apartment building. And while its soundstage proved to be reasonably wide and its sound imaging very good, switching to THX Spatial Audio made our gaming experience all the more immersive while keeping things natural-sounding.

You can’t take home this kind of speaker system without a price, however, and in the Razer Nommo V2 Pro’s case, it’s a pretty steep one. But, if you’re a more discerning listener, you’re getting your money’s worth here – that’s especially compared to true audiophile systems that are much more expensive.

Read our full Razer Nommo V2 Pro review

The best PC speakers for gamers on a budget

5. steelseries arena 3.

The Steelseries Arena 3 are the company’s entry-level speakers. As such, they’re the most stripped down of the company’s product line. And, while you won’t get the rear satellites of the Arena 9 or the subwoofer of the Arena 7, you’re still getting quality sound, an immersive soundstage, and entry into Steelseries’ new audio suite.

Listening to these speakers, we found them to have a solid mid-range and a wide soundstage. Of course, the bass doesn’t go too deep as these are on the smaller side and the high end is slightly veiled.

However, we found that we could play around with the sound quite a bit thanks to the Steelseries’ Sonar Audio Suite. Specifically, there’s a parametric EQ on hand that lets you fine-tune your audio far beyond what most gaming and computer-centric speakers allow. And, if you have a multiple-device setup, know that the Arena 3 comes with two analog inputs and a multi-function button that lets you switch between the two easily.

Read our full SteelSeries Arena 3 review

The best PC soundbar

6. razer leviathan v2 pro.

The Razer Leviathan V2 Pro is proof that you can get away with a space-saving setup and still have a truly immersive experience. This soundbar-sub combo is a fantastic audio solution if you want a 5.1 speaker system for your desk but don't necessarily have the space to accommodate that kind of setup.

Razer's brilliant plan here isn't just to put five drivers in a single - and relatively compact - soundbar, add a downward-firing sub, and let it all loose. This offering also comes with thoughtful features such as head-tracking AI, different audio modes, and customizable RGB lighting, all of which contribute to your audio immersion. And, it's more affordable than you might think.

Sure, it isn't perfect. During testing, we found that the high end lacking and the mids sometimes sounded a little muddy. However, it makes up for those with a powerful bass that can literally make a small room shake, great sound imaging, and a surprisingly wide soundstage. It's definitely one of our favorite computer speakers in 2024.

Read the full Razer Leviathan V2 Pro review

Great for everyday use and studio work

7. vigilant audio switchone.

There are a few things that make the Vigilant Audio SwitchOne special. To start, they’re powerful and room-filling speakers that sound excellent despite the fact that there are just two small-ish bookshelf speakers and no subwoofer. And, yes, they come with impressive even without a sub.

They also come with “The Switch” that switches the SwitchOne from a more HiFi-sounding stereo speaker setup to one with a flatter, more neutral frequency response perfect for doing studio work. We were even able to use these monitors to mix when tested. Of course, we did find the switch in frequency responses to be on the subtle side.

Since they were meant for use with a computer, we did miss having USB connectivity but it has all the other types of connectivity you could need including Bluetooth. All in all, the Vigilant Audio SwitchOne is a fantastic option if you don’t need USB and can afford its slightly higher price tag.

Read our full Vigilant Audio SwitchOne review

The best budget speakers for content creation

8. edifier mr4.

When we first heard the Edifier MR4 studio speakers, we were blown away, especially considering its price tag. At any rate, these are mostly fantastic-sounding speakers that are close enough to neutral that you can use them for content creation, whether that’s fixing audio for a podcast or mixing a song.

Considering the low price, there has to be a catch. And, there are a few. Most importantly, the MR4’s low end was underwhelming whenever we used them at normal listening volumes, only filling in when turned up. Even then, you won’t be getting that sub-bass rumble when watching a movie or playing a game (and there’s no sub out either).

Its multiple analog inputs are great for use with a computer, audio interfaces, and external devices like a phone but there’s no Bluetooth or USB on hand. However, a quick listen to the MR4 studio monitors, not to mention a look at the price tag, will quickly make those concerns a non-factor.

Read the full Edifier MR4 review

The best Bluetooth computer speakers for music

9. fluance ai41.

The Fluance Ai41 comes with one major flaw, specifically that it doesn’t come with USB connectivity. But if you can get around that – after all, you do have Bluetooth, RCA, and optical input options – you’ll have a hard time finding a set of powered bookshelf speakers that sound as good as these.

We were surprised when testing how good they sound. The bass is particularly deep on these ported speakers. Almost to the point where we don’t miss having a subwoofer. And, the high-mids are only slightly boosted for a bright yet still rich audio quality.

While we did find it to take up a little more desk space than we would like, we still heartily recommend them. Of course, if you have an unusually cramped desk or are on a budget, you might have to look elsewhere. But those one-inch silk dome tweeters and five-inch woofers do sound glorious when you turn them up.

Read our full Fluance Ai41 review

The best computer speakers for small spaces

10. edifier g2000.

The Edifier G2000 may be among the tiniest computer speakers you'll ever see, but don't let that small footprint fool you. These popular offerings from Edifier are more potent than they look in terms of audio and punch above their weight in connectivity as well.

They may not look it, but we found the G2000 to deliver full, rich audio with fairly balanced mids and clear high-end. And, while they're not that great in sound imaging, they should deliver a wide soundstage as long as they're placed far enough apart. We also appreciate that you can not just connect to them via USB and 3.5mm, but Bluetooth as well.

Some might argue that these should be cheaper than they cost, but we do think you're getting a great value here. You're getting the perfect compact computer speakers for your small setup without compromising on sound quality, which is pretty great. Throw in the RGB lighting and the unique look, and it's the full package.

Read our full Edifier G2000 review

How to choose the best computer speakers for you

Choosing the best computer speakers is more complex than choosing the best laptop or desktop. While you can always go with something more expensive and hope that’s an indication of quality, there aren't clear-cut metrics or numbers to go on as there are with a computer.

There are still some objective considerations, however. Some speakers only connect through an analog 3.5mm connection, while others include USB, optical or Bluetooth connectivity. If you’re a stickler for audio fidelity, a digital connection like USB or optical is necessary for an uncompressed signal. If you care more about a minimalist setup, you should prioritize speakers with Bluetooth. Thankfully, Bluetooth has come a long way and plenty of Bluetooth speakers offer incredible sound. However, if your primary concern is budget, you’ll most likely end up with a set of speakers equipped with an analog connection.

You’ll also want to consider how important that low-end is for you. If you want something that can shake the walls whenever there’s an explosion in the game you’re playing or movie you’re watching, you’ll want a system with a subwoofer.

Consider the speakers' size as well, particularly if you have a small space, and other included features such as an included remote or control pod/puck to easily control the speakers.

The most important consideration, the sound quality, is also the most subjective. Do you prefer bass-heavy audio or want something a bit brighter? Everyone gravitates towards a different sound. You’ll have to consider if you want something with a lot of bass, a brighter sound or a more neutral frequency response.

Frequently asked questions on computer speakers

What are the features of a good computer speaker.

There are not necessarily any particular features that separate the best computer speakers from subpar ones. It's more a matter of execution. However, you’ll end up with better results if you get something with some kind of digital connectivity, whether that’s USB, Optical or even Bluetooth. Analog speakers can still sound great, but they tend to sound a little more compressed in comparison.

With that said, some computer speakers come with some quality of life features that make controlling them easier. A remote or control pod are a welcome addition so you can adjust the volume and possibly other parameters without having to minimize whatever you’re watching or playing.

Which brand speaker is best for PC?

There’s no king of the mountain when it comes to the best computer speakers. Plenty of brands offer quality options that will satisfy most people’s needs when it comes to listening to movies, music, or games. The best one for you will somewhat depend on what you spend most of your computer time doing.

However, you can count on most peripheral companies like Logitech, Creative and Razer to produce quality products. And, of course, audio-focused companies like Audio Engine and Harmon Kardon produce great speakers as well.

Where you can get into trouble with brands is when you’re trying to save money and go with something unknown such as a random manufacturer off of Amazon. While there may not be a best, it’s best to stick with brands that are recognizable and have a track record of making good quality speakers.

How do I set up my computer speakers?

Most computer speaker systems come with either 2 or 3 pieces. You’ll end up with a left speaker, a right speaker, and, in some instances, a subwoofer. Setting them up is typically fairly easy. But, you don’t want to just place each speaker on either side of your monitor or laptop. You’ll also want to angle them so that they’re pointing at where your head typically is when you’re sitting at your computer. You’ll notice that some computer speakers are even angled to help with this. You can also move the speakers further out to widen the sound stage if you want to feel a little more immersed. Just make sure to keep them around a few feet away.

Subwoofers are meant to go on the floor. Not only are a good number of them downward-firing, meaning the sound is supposed to bounce off the floor before it gets to you, but they tend to move more air than regular speakers. So, if you’re keeping your subwoofer on your desk, you might end up dealing with a lot of unnecessary vibrations. Just keep the subwoofer somewhat close to your desk, whether it’s directly underneath or off to the side.

Lastly, there are a few soundbars marketed towards computer use. If you’ve bought one of those, just make sure that it’s centered with you so that you get the most of its most likely limited sound stage.

How we tested these computer speakers

When we test a pair of computer speakers, we spend hours listening to various media. We use it for audio to watch blockbuster movies and the latest shows on Netflix, listen to multiple genres of music, and play an assortment of computer games.

During our listening sessions, we focus on how well the low-end, midrange and high-end frequencies are represented and how it all affects the speakers' frequency response. Some speakers might have too much high-end, making for an overly bright and unpleasant listening experience. Sometimes, there’s too much low-end, resulting in muddy-sounding audio.

We spend a lot of time living with the speakers, getting a sense of how they sound, if they're appropriate for certain applications and, subjectively, making a judgment call on the audio quality.

Beyond the sound quality, we take into account the different connectivity options and how that impacts what we hear. We compare the sound quality between the different connections and whether the end result has the same audio quality or not.

We consider the build quality as well. We inspect speakers that we test to see what they’re made of and whether the parts look to be made of tougher or cheaper material.

Any extra features are thoroughly tested. If a speaker system comes with a subwoofer, we see how much control we have over it, how loud it can get in comparison to the speakers and how well it mixes with the speakers. Remotes and control pods, also sometimes referred to as pucks, are tested to make sure they work as advertised. And, if there’s any RGB lighting, we take a look at that as well.

Lastly, we take all of that and weigh it against the asking price to see if it’s offering a good amount of value or whether it’s worth its accompanying price tag.

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Michelle Rae Uy is the former Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor at TechRadar. She's a Los Angeles-based tech, travel and lifestyle writer covering a wide range of topics, from computing to the latest in green commutes to the best hiking trails. She's an ambivert who enjoys communing with nature and traveling for months at a time just as much as watching movies and playing sim games at home. That also means that she has a lot more avenues to explore in terms of understanding how tech can improve the different aspects of our lives.

Christian Guyton Editor, Computing

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Best Bluetooth speakers 2024: tried and tested for every budget

The best Bluetooth speakers for your at-home and on-the-go needs

Best overall
Best portable
Best budget
Best mid-price
Best premium
Best multi-room

Also consider

How to choose
How we test

Recent updates

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best portable 4. Best budget 5. Best mid-price 6. Best premium 7. Best multi-room 8. Best smart 9. Best home 10. Also consider 11. How to choose 12. How we test 13. FAQ 14. Recent updates

Bluetooth speakers are one of the easiest, most versatile and budget-friendly ways to get music playing. These wire-free wonders come in so many shapes and sizes that their various use cases are near-endless, from sticking them in the corner of your office to popping one in a backpack and taking it with you to the park.

Ok, the sound is rarely audiophile-grade quality, but brands such as JBL have realised that people do care about sound quality alongside other user-friendly features, meaning the level of audio has improved over the last few years.

We’ve heard everything from large room-filling Bluetooth speakers to dinky travel options, and many have impressed by offering great value for money, lengthy battery life, waterproofing and even engaging, competent audio quality. Naturally, there are plenty of speakers that haven't made the grade, which is why our team of experienced reviewers have created this guide recommending only the best Bluetooth speakers that are worth considering for your budget.

Every single model has been tested by our team of expert reviewers both in the real world and in our dedicated test rooms to ensure they’re worth your time. You can find out more about our testing process or else keep scrolling to see our pick of the best Bluetooth speakers currently available.

IP ratings explained: how waterproof are your speakers?

I'm a staff writer who has listened to and reviewed dozens of products during my time at What Hi-Fi? . Hi-fi loudspeakers and fancy amps are all well and good, but I love a great Bluetooth speaker that can offer a fast, fuss-free and often fantastically affordable solution to your everyday needs. I've had hands-on experience with every model on the list below, putting them through their paces to ensure you know exactly which speaker to go for. Good sound quality, durability, waterproofness, features and connectivity; we've assessed them all to put you fully in the picture before buying.

The quick list

Best bluetooth speaker overall.

The Charge 5 is currently as good a sound as you can get in a portable Bluetooth speaker for under £200/$200.

Read more below

Best portable Bluetooth speaker

With its diminutive dimensions, 12-hour battery life and punchy bass, the Flip 6 is the ideal travel companion.

Best budget Bluetooth speaker

A tiny budget speaker that makes a big impact – if you’re watching the pennies there’s no better option right now than Tribit's Stormbox Micro 2.

Best mid-price Bluetooth speaker

B&O’s eye-catching compact speaker justifies its price with a refined performance and typically classy build.

Best premium Bluetooth speaker

A luxurious, lovely-sounding speaker that’s just as comfortable in your home as it is on the road.

Best multi-room Bluetooth speaker

If you’re looking to build a multi-room system that also has Bluetooth capability, the brilliant Sonos Era 100 is the speaker for you.

Load the next 2 products... ↓

Best smart Bluetooth speaker

A versatile little speaker that combines Bluetooth connectivity with a handy voice assistant that does much more than just read the weather forecast.

Best home Bluetooth speaker

Audio Pro’s feature-packed and good-sounding C3 is the perfect size for following you around the house.

1. JBL Charge 5

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The JBL Charge 5 has become one of the most enduringly impressive Bluetooth speakers we've ever tested, wowing us not only with the quality of its sound but with the longevity it continues to display. After multiple What Hi-Fi? Award wins, JBL's bottle-shaped speaker is still the best in its class.

The IP67-rated Charge 5 is fully dustproof and waterproof and can be submerged in water up to a meter for around 30 minutes before doing itself any damage. Thanks to its 10W tweeter and racetrack-shaped driver, it's imperious and forthright sounding, trouncing the competition at this £200 / $200 / AU$300 price point. The arrival of the slightly more expensive Charge 5 Wi-Fi (£230 / $230 / AU$330) has made things a little more complex, but the invigorating, cohesive listen of the standard Charge 5 model remains very tough to beat.

That new Charge 5 Wi-Fi model does offer a slightly more refined sound alongside more flexible wi-fi-enabled capabilities such as AirPlay 2 and Alexa Multiroom, but the more affordable Charge 5 remains a superb portable speaker that offers enjoyable sound in a neat, durable package. With a Charge 6 surely on the horizon soon , expect prices to fall if and when the sixth-gen model is finally unveiled to the world.

Read our full JBL Charge 5 review

Which JBL speaker to choose has been made trickier by the emergence of the Charge 5 Wi-Fi , a wi-fi enabled speaker model that earned five stars during testing. The big bonus of the Wi-Fi model is that you can use features such as AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, giving you the freedom to continue using your phone or source player without affecting your music. The Charge 5 Wi-Fi does also sound a little better, but bear in mind that we tested it at £230 / $230 / AU$330, a significant advance on the standard Charge 5's current £130ish ($160 / AU$250).

2. JBL Flip 6

Anyone who finds the considerable heftiness of the Charge 5 above to be a little too much for them should consider stepping down to the five-star JBL Flip 6. When we say "stepping down", incidentally, we mean that with regard mainly to price and size, as while it may be a slimmer model, the Flip 6 remains a consummate pro at delivering everything you'd expect from a JBL portable companion.

The Flip's durability is up there with the more costly Charge 5 (it's IP67 water- and dust-proof), while the sound offers space, zeal and musicality in spades. Ok, it won't hit the breadth of sound that its bigger brother can, never mind those higher volumes, but that's what you sacrifice if you want a smaller form factor.

If you desire more from the midrange and less from the treble, you can tweak it thanks to a new EQ feature in the app, which adds significant value. For a nominal price hike over the launch price of the soon-to-be-redundant Flip 5, there’s certainly more detail here, too.

If you need more oomph and drive, the larger JBL Charge 5 is the speaker for you, but for a more compact and admirably musical performer, the Flip 6 is the way to go. All in all, another winner courtesy of JBL.

Read our full JBL Flip 6 review

3. Tribit Stormbox Micro 2

If all you need from your ideal Bluetooth speaker is portability alongside affordability, you'd struggle to improve on the small, satchel-friendly Tribit Stormbox Micro 2. A great and inexpensive alternative to the Flip 6 above, the Micro 2 fits flat in your hand in contrast to the cylindrical form of the Flip.

Sporting a utilitarian but not unattractive woven finish design, the Micro 2 pumps out genuinely enjoyable audio and a rather impressive battery life of around 12 hours during testing. Better yet, its IP67 rating allowed one of our team to test it in the shower without causing any lasting damage. Again, the Stormbox Micro 2's compact size and robust construction make it well-suited for venturing far beyond the confines of a bathroom or kitchen.

The audio is certainly a big plus point, too, going bigger, punchier and louder than you’d expect from such a diminutive unit, doing justice to most tracks in terms of tempo, rhythm and dynamics. The Stormbox's Midrange is particularly pleasing, and we'd even go so far as to say that it's as good as anything else we’ve seen at this price.

Fine, the Stormbox Micro 2 can suffer from distortion at louder volumes, but it's still one of your best-value options if you’re really on a tight budget.

Read our full Tribit Audio Stormbox Micro 2 review

4. Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)

This is definitely the Bluetooth speaker for those among us who don't like to follow the herd. You can have your JBLs and your Tribits, as the Bang & Olufsen A1 (2nd Gen) is for anyone who prioritises luxury, style and a bit of personality from their electronics. This is the speaker for those people who could choose an Audi, VW or BMW, but go for an Alfa Romeo instead.

Admittedly, saying that the A1 sports similar dimensions to a medium-sized hamburger doesn't sound that luxurious, but rest assured: it's a beautiful, very well-made burger only bested in the looks department by the rather stunning Dali Katch G2 below.

The Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) supports Qualcomm’s latest aptX Adaptive Bluetooth 5.1 codec and features Alexa built-in, as long as you're connected to the wi-fi when you want to speak to her. That's a smart feature that most of the rivals on this list don't have, by the way.

Sonically, we consider this to be one of Bang & Olufsen's best models, presenting a pleasingly comfortable yet authoritative performance that you could easily listen to all day. Throw in its classy, well-made design, easy-to-use operation and the bonus of Alexa, and suddenly things start to make a whole lot of sense.

Incidentally, look out for discounts around sales periods, as we've seen certain colourways plummet considerably during Black Friday, Prime Day and the festive period.

Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) review

5. Dali Katch G2

Now this is how you make a premium Bluetooth speaker. A step up from the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 in terms of price, sound and style, the Dali Katch G2 proves that you don't need to sacrifice a premium look and feel for portability or sonic prowess: the G2's compact dimensions, retractable travel handle and 30-hour battery mean it could easily become your go-to travel speaker. If you've got the money, of course - a current RRP of roughly £349 / AU$749 isn't exactly budget.

The rather lovely Katch oozes a sort of continental class, finished to the highest quality and with a luxurious aesthetic that really can rival some of the best dedicated domestic speakers in the style stakes. Our white and caramel unit slots in perfectly to the aesthetic of a clean conservatory or cosy living room, and when it came time to take some hands-on pics, the G2 proved itself to be the ideal model thanks to its timeless beauty from every angle.

And the sound! The G2 is still picking up Awards in 2023 thanks to its unbeatable sonic chops at this level, delighting us with phenomenal clarity, impressive bass weight and a real adeptness at understanding the music played through it. That's now three What Hi-Fi? Awards for the Katch 2 (in 2021, 2022 and 2023), and it'll take some beating to stop it picking up any more.

If you've got the money and want to push beyond even what most JBL speakers on this list are offering, this is our go-to recommendation. For musicality at this size, the Dali Katch G2 is the king of the hill.

Read our full Dali Katch G2 review

6. Sonos Era 100

It isn't just traditional, portable Bluetooth speakers on this list. The Era 100 is, alongside the Award-winning Era 300, one of the best speakers that Sonos has made in quite some time, and thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities, it's eligible for a spot on this rundown

The Era 100 is a certified five-star performer, combining updated specs and features with an overhauled design to deliver one of the most sonically satisfying speakers Sonos has ever made at this level. Reconceived from the ground up, the Era 100 sports brand-new drivers in the shape of two angled tweeters with customer waveguides alongside a woofer that's 25 per cent larger than the Sonos One, with each unit powered by its own Class D amplifier.

This, alongside a faster processor, translates into a much better sound than Sonos managed with the Sonos One, and while the One was mono only, the Era 100 can pump out a satisfying stereo experience. The bass profile feels deep, full and substantial, while the clarity and detail across the spectrum make for a cohesive, balanced listen. Even the timing is excellent!

The Era 100 is more of a stationary, use-at-home unit, but that Bluetooth connectivity does afford you more flexibility in terms of how you use it. With such ambitious levels of performance, we think it's one of the finest wireless Bluetooth speakers you'll find at this price.

Read our full Sonos Era 100 review

7. Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation)

No, the Echo Dot isn't a traditional Bluetooth speaker according to our usual criteria. It's not portable as it requires a plugged-in connection to the wall, plus it relies on wi-fi for Alexa to work at all. You can (and will), however, utilise Bluetooth to connect your iPhone to the Echo Dot, especially if you want to play music stored locally, qualifying it as a Bluetooth speaker on more than a mere technicality.

Either way, the Echo Dot (5th Generation) truly earns its place on this list thanks to its all-round excellence and hugely attractive price tag. It may be cheap, but nothing about the Dot feels tacky or cut-price, and whereas once Alexa was a one-note performer capable of answering basic questions about the weather and knowing the capital of France, now she's as bursting with skills and knowledge as Keanu Reeves after he's been uploaded with various handy computer programs. The Dot's AI assistant is more helpful than ever, stuffed with so many tricks that you'll often find yourself falling into the trap of speaking to Alexa as though "she" were a real person.

Audio has come a long way, too. Amazon's so-called “best-sounding Echo Dot yet” lives up to its billing thanks to a single 44mm front-firing speaker (4mm larger than the previous gen’s 40mm), offering audio that feels, for the size, weighty, listenable and surprisingly versatile.

For non-Apple devotees seeking a smart companion on a budget, the Echo Dot is a fine alternative to the HomePod Mini.

Read our full Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) review

8. Audio Pro Addon C3

The Audio Pro Addon C3 is essentially the wi-fi-enabled, multi-room version of Audio Pro's Addon T3. It has the same minimalist looks that the Scandinavian company is known for, complete with textured surfaces and an embossed leather carry handle, but the wireless tech adds a whole new dimension to your listening.

The Addon C3 supports all the main streaming services, though, including Tidal , Spotify , Qobuz and Apple Music , with playback controlled via the Audio Pro Control app for iOS and Android. It’s not quite the seamless experience offered by Sonos’ equivalent, but it's not seriously flawed, either.

Set-up is a painless process whether you choose a Bluetooth or wi-fi connection. When setting up a multi-room system, the app searches for other Audio Pro speakers in the vicinity on the same network, and you can then drag-and-drop from here to group or separate speakers, either in stereo pairs or multi-room zones, or else make manual adjustments to bass and treble.

Sonically, it's a belter of a speaker and a fine addition to any home set-up. The sound offered is mature, refined and textured, with an open, detailed delivery backed by a really impressive sense of rhythmic drive. At this price, the only thing we could really find to gripe about was a slightly clunky control app, but that's hardly the most fatal of fatal flaws.

What you get from the Addon C3 is real versatility, with a speaker that's almost as happy being carried around outside as the JBLs while also offering some great multi-room skills into the bargain.

Read our full Audio Pro Addon C3 review

JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi : A wonderful spin on one of our favourite JBL speakers of all time, the Charge 5 Wi-Fi, naturally, adds wi-fi streaming and a little bit of extra musicality to the Charge 5's Award-winning recipe. It's more expensive than the basic model (sitting at around £200 / $200 at the time of writing), so you'll be forking out a little more for the convenience of AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Chromecast. That said, it's a great speaker in its own right and a lovely addition to the JBL family. As far as spin-offs go, this one's a hit in our book.
JBL Xtreme 3: One of the biggest speakers in the JBL range that could still be confidently classified as "portable", the Xtreme 3 is a powerful, robust marvel that tasks the basic form and recipe of the Charge 5 and makes it, well, bigger. It's not just a brainless brute, though - instead, the Xtreme 3's sound is laden with snap and detail, not to mention an impressive sense of dynamics and musicality. A five-star alternative that we'd urge you to check out.
Sonos Move 2: One of the big benefits of any Sonos speaker is its ability to integrate into the peerless Sonos ecosystem. Don't let its burly design fool you; the Move 2 is portable by virtue of its Bluetooth connectivity, even if it's more the sort of speaker you'd take down the bottom of the garden rather than anywhere much further afield.
Audio Pro C10 MkII : Just because it didn't fit into this particular list, don't ignore the C10 Mk II. Despite qualifying as what we'd normally call a "wireless speaker", the C10 is a fine alternative to the models on this list courtesy of its Bluetooth capabilities. A former What Hi-Fi? Award-winner, it's versatile, portable, great-sounding and often enjoys major discounts. What's not to like?
Sonos Roam: We like the Roam, and we're confident that the legions of Sonos lovers will like it even more. Despite not being outstanding for timing and dynamics, it's a speaker with a meaty, full-bodied presentation that boasts a lovely build quality, slimline design and plenty of features, including wi-fi capabilities and AirPlay 2. Plus, you can immerse it into the exceptional Sonos multiroom ecosystem, so if you have other Sonos speakers, the Roam makes a good deal of sense.

How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker for you

When choosing a Bluetooth speaker , the first thing you should ask yourself after setting a budget is what you want from it. Does the speaker need to be portable and versatile enough to use both indoors and outdoors ? Or are you happy with a mains-powered speaker that can fill a big room with brilliant audio?

Sound , of course, should play a huge part in your decision, because there's absolutely no guarantee that two models of a similar price will end up sounding the same in terms of quality, audio presentation and general timbre. Some Bluetooth speakers will be peppy and exciting, while others will prioritise pulsating bass to get the party started.

Size and power , too, should be a consideration. The Tribit Micro 2 is a handy little speaker to take into the shower or clip onto your rucksack during a hike, but you'll find it practically useless if you plan to rave away your nights to the sound of the best house, dance and electronic floor-fillers every weekend. A bigger option, like the JBL Charge 5, or models that allow daisy-chaining, will be more appropriate for ravers or users who prioritise loudness.

If you're choosing portability , you'll want to think about battery life and other aspects such as how waterproof, dustproof and rugged the design is. How durable a Bluetooth speaker is can quickly become a determining factor, especially if you want to, say, take one to the park or the beach and on holidays.

Generally, the more you spend the more features you get, such as multi-room functionality, higher-quality Bluetooth codec support (for aptX or aptX HD , for example), and the ability to answer calls hands-free. Some portable Bluetooth speakers even allow you to charge a smartphone or tablet using their own built-in battery. Naturally, you should only consider treating a buying decision as a box-ticking exercise based on the features you think you'd benefit from.

Once you've narrowed down your search, it's time to draw up a shortlist of contenders and, if you have the time, search around a few retailers and outlets for the best price. Or, alternatively, you can use our best Bluetooth speaker deals hub to find discounts right away.

How we test Bluetooth speakers

At What Hi-Fi? we review hundreds of products every year at our state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading. We have complete control over the testing process, and we also review products as a team as opposed to individually, ensuring no opinion goes unheard and that our final verdicts are consistent. Our expert, trusted team has over 100 combined years of reviewing experience.

Besides the sound quality of a Bluetooth speaker, which we test with every genre of music from classical to pop, we also scrutinise other aspects of its design. These include its battery life, the robustness of its Bluetooth connection, how easy it is to use and set up, and finally, how well built and rugged it is – especially if it will be used outdoors. Our review philosophy doesn't change whether we're evaluating a portable budget Bluetooth speaker or a more premium model with extra streaming features.

All new Bluetooth speakers are judged on a performance-per-pound basis and, as part of our tried-and-tested process, put up against the current class leader(s) at its respective price point to see how they compare and to help us settle on a star rating.

There's no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict, with What Hi-Fi? proud of having delivered honest, unbiased reviews for nearly five decades.

What's the difference between wireless and Bluetooth speakers?

Bluetooth speakers are wireless in that they don't require a wire to connect to an audio source; they use the Bluetooth streaming protocol. However, Bluetooth speakers don't necessarily also support wi-fi, which is a necessary feature of what we term 'wireless speakers'. A wireless speaker can connect to an audio source via the internet (i.e. your home wi-fi) – by way of Apple AirPlay or Google Chromecast, for example – whether or not it also has Bluetooth.

While this will depend on the kit you are using and your wi-fi limitations at home, transmitting audio over wi-fi rather than Bluetooth comes with certain benefits: wi-fi doesn't have as limited a signal range as Bluetooth, generally facilitates better sound quality and is capable of transmitting higher-quality audio. The standard Bluetooth codecs (SBC and AAC) are not widely capable of transmitting CD-quality (or higher) files, and even the higher-quality codecs like aptX are lossy (i.e. data gets lost during the transmission).

However, Bluetooth-only speakers are generally more portable, as they don't require an internet connection or being plugged into the mains, and often more affordable than wi-fi-enabled wireless speakers.

How many watts is good for a home Bluetooth speaker?

There isn't a simple answer here, as a higher wattage number doesn't necessarily equal good sound quality, but it does determine how loud your speaker can go. Basically, you'll want a speaker that's going to be able to fill your intended space with a good amount of sound. So, if you're looking for a small, portable Bluetooth speaker to use casually on the table in a small space, a relatively low-powered speaker output (10W or thereabouts) will get that job done for you without any problems.

However, if you've got a big, spacious room or the outdoors that you want to fill with sound at decent volumes, a bigger speaker with a higher watt output (25W to 50W) will likely serve you best.

How does a Bluetooth speaker work?

Bluetooth is a short-range, low-powered, low-bandwidth streaming protocol used to connect compatible devices together wirelessly. Bluetooth uses radio waves just like wi-fi does but at a different scale.

A Bluetooth speaker relies on this short-range Bluetooth connection to connect to a Bluetooth-supporting audio source and accept audio data from it. Both the speaker and source device need to have compatible Bluetooth codecs to send this information between them – SBC and AAC are the standard codecs. A wireless speaker operates similarly but instead relies on a wi-fi network connection to accept audio data transmitted from an audio source.

Pairing a Bluetooth speaker and Bluetooth device is easy: you simply put the speaker in 'pairing mode' (usually by pressing a button), go into a device's Bluetooth settings and 'scan' for available speakers and then select your speaker.

Is JBL a good brand? Better than Bose?

At What Hi-Fi? , we have reviewed many products from both JBL and Bose and find that many of JBL's current speakers provide excellent audio quality and great value, earning them many five-star reviews. Bose speakers tend to satisfy on the features and design front, and while we used to see budget and great-sounding speakers from Bose a few years ago, recent models have seen costs rise. These pricier models don't always offer the same performance-per-pound value as their rivals.

In the audio world, it is tough to compare how good one brand is to another on the whole, especially when it comes to big brands that have many products in their arsenal. While we do recommend a fair few JBL speakers on the above list, don't assume that everything JBL makes is better than everything Bose makes.

March 2024: Added an also consider section to offer more alternative buying options for readers.
February 2024: Added FAQ section to help with buying decisions and frequently asked questions.
November 2023: What Hi-Fi? Award winners labelled after the 2023 Awards Best Buys and Product of the Year announcements.

Planning on a pool party? These are the best outdoor speakers

For an alternative to Bluetooth, here are the best wireless speakers

Adventurers will also need the best running headphones and wireless earbuds

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Harry McKerrell is a staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. He studied law and history at university before working as a freelance journalist covering TV and gaming for numerous platforms both online and in print. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or forcing himself to go long-distance running.

atkins14 What is actually the best sounding speaker though? You don't actually seem to compare them to each other? Such as the Dali Katch to say the UE Megablast, Audio Pro C3 etc. Ignoring hardwired speakers and price. Also how do they hold up to say the Sonos Move, Bose home, Vifa Oslo, Beolit 17 etc? I had the Dali Katch but had to return as bluetooth connectivity was too temperamental. Reply
StevieDee No mention of the Soundcore Flare or Flare+ which are well regarded? Reply
Jmr1969x This article should say best bang for your buck. Best bluetooth speaker title makes me think best sounding and bose and UE don't come to mind for sound quality. Maybe do an best sounding or audiophile like sound. I would look for speakers like B&O, Harmon Kardon, Klipsch ? Mini Rig ? Not JBL and Sony. I come to What HiFi for audiophile info. Reply

StevieDee said: No mention of the Soundcore Flare or Flare+ which are well regarded?

Jmr1969x said: This article should say best bang for your buck. Best bluetooth speaker title makes me think best sounding and bose and UE don't come to mind for sound quality. Maybe do an best sounding or audiophile like sound. I would look for speakers like B&O, Harmon Kardon, Klipsch ? Mini Rig ? Not JBL and Sony. I come to What HiFi for audiophile info.

DailyDose Inappropriate content deleted by moderation. Reply
MrBuffy Minirig 3 is the GOAT, don't bother with anything else. Reply
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Best PC Speakers 2024: From Budget to Audiophile Bliss

Stop listening to music through your monitor.

Best Under $100
Best Budget
Best Premium
Best 2.0 Gaming
Best 5.1 Surround

Best Soundbar

Buying Tips
How We Test

The list in brief 1. Best Under $100 2. Best Budget 3. Best Premium 2.0 4. Best 2.0 Gaming 5. Best 2.1 Gaming 6. Best 5.1 Surround 7. Best Soundbar 8. Buying Tips 9. How We Test

There lots of audio options for getting sufficient sound out of your PC. If you’re a laptop user with basic productivity needs (and occasional YouTube excursions), your built-in speakers might be fine. And if you don’t want to disturb those around you, the best gaming headsets and earbuds can deliver everything from the basics to audiophile-grade excellence. But even with some of the best wireless gaming headsets , it’s tough to beat the freedom, flexibility and audio fidelity of a good set of PC speakers.

But what makes a set of speakers the best PC speakers for you depends on your needs, how much you want to spend and — in some cases — how much available space you have on and around your desk. We’ve tested several current PC speakers, from budget-priced 2.0 options to glorious gaming setups with subwoofers and surround sound, and everything in between.

We’ve gathered the best speakers we’ve tested below, with options starting at under $100. If you aren’t quite sure what kind of speaker setup is best for you, be sure to check the section on what to consider, below our best PC speaker picks.

Best PC Speakers Under $100 Slim, glossy speakers that get loud (without compromising audio quality), have multiple connectivity options, and come with a wireless remote.

Read more below

Best Budget Speakers Compact, pebble-shaped speakers that can be powered by a standard USB port and sound very good for their budget-friendly price point of $60.

Best Premium 2.0 Speakers Solid, well-built speakers with a classic, premium look and excellent audio quality.

Best Gaming 2.0 Speakers Compact, affordable speakers tuned for gaming, with multiple connectivity options and RGB for extra flare.

Best Gaming 2.1 Speakers A powerful 2.1 system with impressive directional audio and virtual surround sound — arguably the best option for a single-player gaming PC setup.

Best 5.1 Surround Speakers An impressively loud, gamer-oriented 5.1 surround system with wireless rear satellites and attractive lighting.

Show More ⬇️

Best Soundbar A powerful but compact gamer-oriented soundbar designed for just about any gaming setup.

Best PC Speakers You Buy Today

Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

The Best PC Speakers Under $100

1. creative t100, specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you don't mind boxy black plastic designs and don't want a subwoofer or 5.1 surround sound, Creative's T100 speakers are arguably the best value in PC audio, often selling for around $80. The pair of speakers stands just over 8 inches tall, and they deliver sound quality and volume output that rivals or bests some speakers that cost more than twice as much. Plus, the T100s come with a remote and ample connectivity options, features that most pricier options lack. In our testing, the T100 speakers registered an impressive 82.5 dBA at 50% volume, and at 90.4 dBA cranked all the way up, they were among the loudest pair of 2.0 desktop speakers we tested. The Bose Companion 2 got somewhat louder at 91.6dBA, but those speakers have fewer features and cost nearly twice as much, at $149.

For those who want to do more than just play audio from their PC via a standard 3.5mm audio cable, the T100 speakers include Bluetooth 5.0, a USB port for directly plugging a drive to play MP3 and FLAC files, and even an optical connection. Controls on the top of one of the speakers lets you change inputs, adjust volume, and power the speakers on or off, while a wireless remote lets you do all that, plus switch between EQ presets, adjust bass and treble, and more. Aside from their uninspired glossy black-plastic shells, the only real downside of Creative's T100 speakers is that they can't connect over USB. Also, there's no option for adding a subwoofer. But if you're shopping in this price range you probably aren't seriously considering a 2.1 system with extra low-end thump. Sure, you can buy speakers that look and sound better than Creative's T100, but you might have to spend more than twice as much for substantially better options.

Best Budget Speakers

2. creative pebble pro.

The Creative Pebble Pro is the most premium product in the Pebble lineup — but at $60, it still retails for $20 less than the T100’s average sale price. There’s a lot to love about the Pebble lineup in general, starting with its compact and stylish round “pebble” shape, with drivers that are angled upward 45 degrees so the sound hits your ears when they’re placed on a desktop.

The Pebble Pro improves upon the original Pebbles with a higher power output and larger, re-engineered 2.25-inch drivers. It doesn’t have a subwoofer, but its low end gets a boost with Creative’s “BassFlex” technology; it also features the brand’s “Clear Audio” processing technology, which enhances vocals over ambient sound effects in movies, shows, and games. Finally, the Pebble Pro features RGB lighting around the base of each speaker — it’s semi-customizable; you can pick from three basic effects and multiple colors.

Like the original Pebble, the Pebble Pro can be powered by a standard USB port on a laptop — so this is a great set of speakers for those who want a less complicated setup. Unlike the original Pebble, the Pebble Pro has a USB-C PD port that, when plugged into a 30W USB-PD power brick, kicks the Pebble Pro’s power output up to 30W RMS (60W peak). These speakers sound pretty good at their regular power level, but they sound even better (and louder) with the power boost. Plus, as of this writing, if you buy the Pebble Pro on Creative’s website , you’ll get a 30W PD adapter free of charge.

The Pebble Pro boasts impressive audio for its size and price point — though it does lack the lows you’ll get with a subwoofer (or even some larger 2.0 systems). It also gets pretty loud: it registered 69.4dbA at 50% volume in our testing, and 88.2dBA at 100% volume (and distortion was minimal until around 78% volume). The Pebble Pro also offers 3.5mm analog, USB-C, and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and also has 3.5mm headset and microphone jacks.

The main downside to the Pebble Pro might be, coincidentally, its price — Creative’s Pebble V3 has the same drivers (though the Pebble Pro’s are “re-engineered”), Clear Dialog audio processing, and connectivity options as the Pebble Pro, and retails for just $40 (though we recently saw it on sale for $35). Plus, the Pebble V3 comes in the more standard color options of black or white, though it doesn’t have the Pebble Pro’s optional power boost or RGB lighting.

Read: Creative Pebble Pro Review

Best Premium 2.0 Speakers

3. audioengine a2+.

At $269, Audiengine’s A2+ speakers are expensive – especially for a 2.0 setup. But they’re also an investment in excellent audio, and one that I’ve personally experienced. I bought the A2 (non-Bluetooth) version of these speakers in 2012, and they still look and sound as good as new. The A2+ model we tested for this page takes the premium build and good looks of the A2 and adds Bluetooth 5.0, with aptX for improved latency (important when watching movies and, perhaps, when gaming competitively). The A2+ speakers come in an extremely solid-feeling glossy speaker shell, in white, black or red. Ports include pretty much everything you could ask for. You get micro USB for connecting using the speakers’ internal dac or 3.5mm for analog connections. There is a volume knob, a button for Bluetooth pairing and four RCA jacks, two in and two out. The former can be used for adding a subwoofer down the line should you want more bass. But in 10 years using the older A2 model at my treadmill desk, I’ve never felt a real need to add extra thump. If these speakers are your primary sound boxes, though, you may feel differently. In our testing, the Audioengine A2+ didn’t get as loud as some speakers that cost quite a bit less. And that’s not surprising given they are only rated to output 60W of peak power in total. But they still managed to deliver 85.6 dBA at max volume in our testing, and 78.2 dBA at 50% volume. That’s a lot of sound unless you’re trying to fill a very large room with booming audio, in which case you should consider something larger (Audioengine has you covered there with its A5+ speakers).

There are two main downsides to Audioengine’s A2+: The exposed speakers aren’t ideal for homes with small children and/or curious pets, who could ruin your audio day with an errant smack or poke. Also, as the design of these speakers is a traditional straight rectangular cabinet, the speakers fire in a straight line, meaning your ears will miss the sweet spot of audio delivery if they’re sitting several inches below your ears on the desk in front of you. This can be fixed by picking up a pair of $20-$30 angled speaker stands or foam wedges, but for this price I would like to see these included in the box as most desktop setups basically necessitate their use to truly appreciate the sound these speakers are capable of.

Best 2.0 Gaming Speakers

4. edifier g2000.

Any set of speakers can deliver the blasts, booms or pickaxe bloops of your favorite PC game. But if you’re after a compact and relatively affordable set of speakers that will make your games sound good (while delivering some gamer style in the process), Edifier’s G2000 speakers are a great choice. The pair of speakers won’t take up much space on your desk, and they deliver a surprising amount of sound – with an emphasis on the low end. Don’t expect room-shaking rumble here, but with a subwoofer port at the back of one of the speakers, these small speakers can grow with your gaming needs. Edifier’s G2000 speakers also offer up a plethora of connectivity options. Around the back there’s USB connectivity, 3.5mm analog, and Bluetooth 5.2 is an option if you want to go wireless. For those who crave a little light show to go along with their games, the speakers also offer up some RGB, with light emanating from slits on either side and a panel at the back (to reflect off of your wall). Just note that the lights are controlled via buttons on the side of one of the speakers, with 12 available settings. So don’t expect the kind of flexibility you might get from software controls. Note that these aren’t the best option for listening to music, as each speaker consists of one 2.75-inch driver that has to do double-duty, handling the highs and lows. But if you don’t mind their bias toward the bass end of the spectrum, they’re OK for most audio tasks other than gaming. Just know that the G2000s are tuned and designed for those who prioritize gaming. If that sounds like you and you don’t want to spend more than around $110, these speakers are a great option. And if you don’t like basic black (and gray), there are pink, red, and white color options available for $5-$10 more.

Best 2.1 Gaming Speakers

5. razer nommo v2.

The Razer Nommo V2 is a wired 2.1 gaming speaker setup with powerful, booming bass and impressive directional sound — perfect for a single-player PC gaming setup. The Nommo V2 is the more affordable version of Razer's Nommo V2 Pro . While the Nommo V2 Pro comes with a wireless subwoofer and Razer's wireless, customizable, multi-function control pod, the Nommo V2 has a wired subwoofer and on-speaker volume controls — and costs $150 less, with an MSRP of $300. This is definitely worth it: while a wireless subwoofer can make your setup look a little less cluttered, it's not like there are rear speakers in this setup — so the two satellites are likely to be near enough to the subwoofer that the cables won't be too much of an inconvenience. Also, we didn't love Razer's wireless control pod, which relies heavily on Razer Synapse 3 (and is also available as a separate purchase, for $50).

The Nommo V2 has the same dual satellites as the Nommo V2 Pro, plus a large, cube-shaped wired subwoofer. The satellites have a smooth semi-matte finish that's somewhat prone to fingerprints, and feature Razer's logo subtly embossed on their outer sides. The speakers sit on non-adjustable desktop stands at a 20 degree angle — the perfect angle, apparently, to deliver sound directly to your ears when they're placed on a desk. (The stands are not removable — these speakers are designed to be put on your desk and that's it.) They're a little deep for desktop speakers (about 7 inches / 178mm), but are otherwise pretty sleek and attractive. The back of each satellite has a translucent white orb through which the speakers' rear-projection RGB shines.

The Nommo V2 has two 3.2-inch full-range drivers in its satellites, plus a 5.5-inch bass driver in its down-firing subwoofer. It features a frequency response range of 40 - 20,000 Hz and has a max SPL of 98dB. Like Nommo V2 Pro, the Nommo V2's audio is powerful if a little bass-heavy and does extremely well with directional audio and virtual surround sound, which makes it perfect for single-player gaming PC setups (though it has Bluetooth 5.3 in addition to USB-C wired connectivity). While it's not the best multi-tasker — we wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for something that can double as a home entertainment system — you'd be hard-pressed to find a better setup for surround-sound PC gaming.

Best 5.1 Surround Speakers

6. steelseries arena 9.

SteelSeries says its Arena 9 is the first 5.1 surround system for gaming, which we suppose is technically true, because while there are other 5.1 surround systems for PCs, they’re not billed as being gamer-oriented. The Arena 9 comes with five satellites — a center channel that sits under your monitor, two left/right front channels, and two left/right rear channels — as well as a 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer. The rear satellites are wireless (they connect to each other and are powered separately, but connect to the system wirelessly), which makes for an easier setup than trying to run speaker cables under carpeting.

The Arena 9 comes with a handy control pod, which features an informative OLED display and touch-sensitive buttons. You can control most of the Arena 9’s features, including audio settings such as EQ and 5.1 upmix, lighting settings such as color mode and brightness, and system settings such as Bluetooth and rear speaker pairing, with this control pod, which is weighted so it will stay on your desk. For further customization, the Arena 9 also works with SteelSeries’ GG software, which includes the company’s Sonar audio app with parametric EQ.

There’s nothing quite like true surround sound in movies and games that support it, and the Arena 9 does an excellent job of delivering immersive, directional audio that will make certain games come alive. (For audio sources that don’t support surround, the Arena 9 offers 5.1 upmixing, which converts stereo sound into multi-channel audio.) But even stereo sources sound great on the Arena 9, with clear, solid mids and nicely-rendered lows (thanks to the hefty subwoofer).

The biggest downside to the Arena 9 is definitely its high price point of $550 — especially when you can find budget-priced home theater surround systems for under $400. But the Arena 9 really is designed for PC gamers with its USB connectivity — other similarly-priced home theater surround systems aren’t designed to work directly with PCs. The Arena 9 also has some nice features that are specifically designed for PC gamers, such as 4-zone immersive lighting and a desktop control pod (versus, say, a remote).

7. Creative Sound Blaster Katana SE

Soundbars are usually thought of as TV/home theater accessories, but they’re a good option if you’re limited on lateral desk space — and there are a few that are designed specifically with PC users in mind. The Sound Blaster Katana SE is Creative’s most recent addition to its gaming-oriented Katana lineup, and it’s particularly suited to a setup with limited space, as it’s the first Katana soundbar without a subwoofer.

The Katana SE is slim enough at just 3.1 inches (78mm) high to fit neatly under your desktop monitor — though it also comes with custom wall-mounting hardware for those who want to mount it under a monitor or TV. It features four drivers — two 4.3-inch (109mm) midrange drivers, and two 2.1-inch (54mm) tweeters — each of which is individually powered by dual DSP-controlled stereo amps. The result is clear, great-sounding audio and a soundbar that gets impressively loud: while the Katana SE managed a maximum of 74.5dBA at 50% volume in our testing, it hit a significantly higher maximum of 92.7dBA at 100% volume.

The Katana SE is packed with features and connectivity for all types of gamers — it features the typical 3.5mm analog and USB-C inputs, as well as optical-in, HDMI ARC, and Bluetooth 5.0. It also has a Dolby Audio decoder (available over HDMI ARC/optical-in), as well as Creative’s Super X-Fi headphone technology for virtual surround sound. Its multiple input ports means you can use it with your PC as well as consoles, TVs, and other devices — making it much more versatile than Razer’s Leviathan V2 and V2 Pro soundbars, which only offer connectivity via USB and Bluetooth.

While the Katana SE sounds very good, even at the low end, it doesn’t quite offer the deep, weighty bass reproduction of a dedicated subwoofer. Creative’s Sound Blaster Katana V2 soundbar retails for just $30 more (though it’s currently on sale for the same $300 price tag as the Katana SE), and comes with a slim, 6.5-inch subwoofer, for those who have some under-desk space.

What to Consider While Shopping for PC Speakers

✳ Stereo, subwoofer, or surround: A basic 2.0 speaker setup has just two speakers (a left channel and a right channel), and won’t take up too much space on (or under) your desk, provided you don’t opt for bulky, powered bookshelf speakers. If you want something with a more powerful bass response, you should look for a 2.1 system, which comes with a separate subwoofer. (You can also purchase a subwoofer separately, so long as it’s compatible with your setup). If you’re looking to replicate the immersiveness of home theater audio, you’re probably looking for a 5.1 (or higher) surround sound setup. Just know that these speaker sets tend to be expensive, and you may have to do some creative speaker placement and wire routing to keep your PC from looking like some kind of low-budget Spider-Man movie set.

✳ How you’ll connect to your PC: There are a few different ways to connect speakers to your PC. Some speakers, usually higher-end models, connect via USB. This makes them easy to plug into most PCs and laptops, and they use their own built-in DAC/sound card, so you won’t have to worry about the quality of your system’s onboard audio. Not all speakers have this option, however — many are analog-only, which means you’ll need to connect them directly to your motherboard’s analog hookup or your laptop’s headset jack. This shouldn’t be too much of an issue for 2.0 systems, but if you’re looking at 2.1 or 5.1 surround, you’ll want to make sure your PC’s built-in audio can support it (or purchase a separate internal or external sound card).

✳ Bluetooth: Bluetooth speakers are a category all on their own, and they’re not very well-suited to acting as desktop PC speakers (nor are they very economical if you don’t need the portability). Bluetooth isn’t a necessity in PC speakers, but the added versatility can be a bonus — especially if you frequently switch between systems and/or devices.

✳ Where you’ll put them: Many PC speakers are, perhaps not surprisingly, designed to be placed on your desktop — and some are even angled upward for optimal audio delivery to your ears. But if you’re thinking of putting your speakers elsewhere — on the floor, a shelf, or even mounted to the wall — make sure the speakers’ stands allow for varying placement (or are removable). And note that you may have to buy stands for ideal placement or angling, as many PC speakers don’t come with them. Some models attempt to help angle the sound up toward your ears by building the angle into the design of the housing, but this can lead to complications if, for some reason, you need or want to place the speakers above your desk surface.

✳ Size: As is obvious to anyone who’s ever had more than a passing interest in high-end audio, speakers come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. And outside of hi-fi focused options that require a separate amplifier for power, there are also several powered bookshelf speakers that function much like PC speakers, in the sense that you can just plug them into an outlet and then into your PC (or connect wirelessly over Bluetooth). But as these bookshelf speakers often stand close to a foot tall and are several inches wide and deep, they don’t make ideal desktop speakers for most people. They also tend to pump out more sound than is comfortable for most people when sitting right in front of you. They can, however, be a good option for impressive PC audio if placed behind out – on, say, a bookshelf. More traditional desktop speakers can also vary pretty dramatically in size, from tall and thin towers to compact, to compact rounded designs, to boxier and somewhat bulkier options that mimic the shape of larger, traditional bookshelf speakers. Be sure to consider how much space you have on your desk before buying. But know that (often though not always) speakers with larger drivers and more solid cabinets can pump out more and better sound, and are less likely to vibrate or otherwise move around on your desk. In other words, don’t expect to be blown away by tiny, inexpensive speakers (in most cases).

How We Test Speakers

A lot of opinions about sound signature, features, and design come into play when deciding what PC speakers are the best for you. Of course, there are measurable characteristics that can tell you quite a bit about how a set of speakers sound. But without thousands of dollars of equipment and an anechoic chamber, it’s tough to reliably make those kinds of measurements. Plus, regardless of what those results might be, how speakers will sound to you depends greatly on the size and shape of your room, the types of materials on and around your walls, and your own ears and brain. So without unlimited space and funds for true high-end audiophile-level testing, or the ability to take everyone’s physiology and computing surroundings into account, we’ve attempted to mix some measurable data with lots of experience and our own opinions when testing speakers. We use a Pyle PSPL25 sound meter at a fixed 1-meter distance to test a speaker’s maximum sound output at 50% and 100% volume, using a standard test track . This tells us both how loud a set of speakers can get, and how good or bad things sound when cranked all the way up. Cheaper speakers (and some more expensive options with sub-par power supplies) don’t tend to sound great at max volume. We also use the speakers across a range of common PC tasks: playing games, watching video, and listening to music to get both an anecdotal sense of how the speakers sound in everyday use, as well as how intuitive any hardware or software controls are to navigate. As with all of the products we benchmark, test, and review, how we test speakers is a fluid process, aimed at delivering useful results and suggestions for our readers. Please feel free to offer up suggestions in the comments below. When we make substantive changes to how we test speakers, we’ll update this portion of the page.

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After a rough start with the Mattel Aquarius as a child, Matt built his first PC in the late 1990s and ventured into mild PC modding in the early 2000s. He’s spent the last 15 years covering emerging technology for Smithsonian, Popular Science, and Consumer Reports, while testing components and PCs for Computer Shopper, PCMag and Digital Trends.

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kiniku Love my Logitech G560 speakers. Reply

If you want something with a more powerful bass response, you should look for a 2.1 system, which comes with a separate subwoofer.

Baywoof Interesting you did not include the Bose Companion 2 Series III (2.0 PC speakers). At $149 it's a great choice combining quality of sound and value. Reply
SkyBill40 Sarah, FYI: Your link to the Steel Series 5.1 setup at Best Buy is going to the 2.1 set and not what you've reviewed. Reply
rbuffetta Logitech z623 Reply
lumineZ Sorry but when you are to review speakers and you give a " + RGB " on one of them... Your review went out the window for me... No credibility at all... But for my ears in the premium segment with no amp or extra electronics needed: KEF LS50 Wireless II Dynaudio Focus 10 Need an amp: Piega Coax 411 Kerr Acoustic K300S MK3 Magico A1 Want to keep it simple and you like the sound of a horn loaded tweeter and it is a 2.1 system ready to go. Then maybe Klipsch Heritage pro media 2.1 is the one for you. But Klipsch is kinda like Martin&Logan. You either love or hate the sound. Reply

lumineZ said: Sorry but when you are to review speakers and you give a " + RGB " on one of them... Your review went out the window for me... No credibility at all... But for my ears in the premium segment with no amp or extra electronics needed: KEF LS50 Wireless II Dynaudio Focus 10 Need an amp: Piega Coax 411 Kerr Acoustic K300S MK3 Magico A1 Want to keep it simple and you like the sound of a horn loaded tweeter and it is a 2.1 system ready to go. Then maybe Klipsch Heritage pro media 2.1 is the one for you. But Klipsch is kinda like Martin&Logan. You either love or hate the sound.

Ogotai ive never had " pc speakers " connected to my comp, its always been 5.1 with a separate receiver. currently its a Yamaha RX-V583 with Polk audio front, center and rears, with an Energy 8" sub. never found pc speakers that appealing, and partly cause i also like having a radio, and a cd player :-) Reply
Virtual_Singularity Sry, not trying to be a buzzkill, don't hate a messenger with an opinion that reflects the sad truth on this given topic. Now then: The TL/DR/DWtR version: every product mentioned in this article is a total waste of $. Don't abuse yourself and deprive yourself of just how sweet music/audio can sound. As for the reply recommending speakers for over 1k$, please know you can get a receiver, amp, & decent pair of floor standing speakers that can, theoretically, make your house shake without distortion & enable you to host a party or other event with sound loud and good enough to have no problem dancing to or otherwise appreciating. If you prefer the sad offerings shown above to reasonable alternatives, well, then I can only remind you that quality audio is just as important as your GPU, monitor or other components. Don't fall victim to marketers targeting gamers/typical computer users. Elegance, quality materials like real metal (handcrafted aluminum for some cases), design excellence & utility used to define the enthusiast Desktop Chassis/Computer Case market, when true quality competition was fostered a lil over a mere decade back. Before it all went down the toilet by replacing elegant metal with acrylic and plastic, then glass, along with LEDs; 1st on fans, then cases, then literally every component, (even RAM!), catering to vanity & the hyped up ads disguised as articles on popular tech sites that succeeded in creating the unthinkable... What happened to the consumer audio industry followed a somewhat similar path. Btw, the very concept of "2.1" doesn't belong in the world of sound. Music isn't produced in mono. If you're going to use a subwoofer, use 2 even 2 cheap ones is better than a "2.1" setup. In the span of 15-20 years or so, we went from being able to get reasonably priced stereo systems with speakers that were great, taken for granted, to w/e you wish to call this nightmare, where SINGLE speaker, portable, non-stereophonic bluetooth horrors many think acceptable & cool are, in fact, such a gaffe, a rip off, a bad joke easily avoided even via a decent boom box (yes! theyre still around!). Many vintage & even some newer portable boomboxes will at least offer you fm/am & more, stereo, nice, full sound in comparison to the typical overpriced, cheaply made mono bluetooth ear assaulter. Not knocking wireless or bluetooth, btw. Very good bookshelf speakers, if pricey, that suit some situations do exist. But they can't hope to compare to quality floor standing speakers. There's lots of DIY kits out there for those willing to assemble & spend more than the "offerings" shown above. Srsly, the site is just doing it's job, but plz know the consumer has far better options open to them for a bit more $, and its worth it rather than settling for marketing gimmickry that deprives one of the sheer joy of good audio. What happened to reasonably priced sound systems with two tall, deep speakers with a number of monitors (single speakers) on each, from huge woofers to various midranges to tweeters, that most people today will never experience? For audiophiles/music lovers using decent headphones with a nice dac/amp, etc., any who value music knows they're a must have. They afford us what is perhaps the best way to listen to music the way an artist intended it to be heard. However... you should be able to also blast music or throw a party with sound loud & clear enough for all attending to feel in their bones, at a reasonable price. Edit: mainly since emoji wouldnt work. ;) Reply

Virtual_Singularity said: Music isn't produced in mono.

Virtual_Singularity said: If you're going to use a subwoofer, then use

View All 17 Comments

Quick Comparison of the Best Travel Speakers

How to choose the best travel speaker.

The best travel speakers all share a number of impressive elements. Here’s how we went about picking which ones made it onto our list:

If you’re buying a speaker to take travelling then it needs to be pretty hardwearing.

It’s not going to be safely tucked away on a dresser in the corner of a room. So it has to be able to withstand the rigours of your trip, regardless of where your adventures take you.

The last thing you want is for it to fall apart during a trip and be left carrying a useless lump of plastic.

At the very least it should be water resistant, and ideally fully waterproof. Not only is this perfect for stress-free fun around the pool or on the beach, it’s also ideal for humid conditions.

It also needs to be generally travel-proof, i.e hard enough to be chucked in your bag and survive a few knocks.

Battery Life

Picture the scene. You’re chilling on the beach with your buds in the midday sun, enjoying some tunes and generally having a good time.

Then your travel speaker dies. Just cuts out. Mood killed.

Most good travel speakers have a battery life of a minimum of 6 hours with continuous playback. But the very best can last up to around 20.

If you anticipate using your travel speaker for long periods at a time, battery life will be an important consideration. One thing to note is that all of the listed battery playback duration here is the maximum for each device.

There are lots of factors that affect how much play you’ll get out of a single play. For example, blasting it at volume will drain it extremely quickly.

Portability

When you’re packing for a trip, the weight and bulk of your baggage is all important. No one wants to be lugging around unnecessary weight.

So when it comes to choosing the best travel speaker for you, one factor will be how much it weighs.

There’s no ideal weight as such, instead you need to find the best compromise for you between weight and performance. This is because generally speaking, a larger speaker will have better specs.

That said, if weight or size are huge considerations for you, there are small travel speakers out there whose sound belies their size.

This is a very personal thing, and may even depend on how much baggage allowance you have. But think about what you’re willing to lug around in your daypack when you hit the beach when choosing your travel speaker.

Connectivity

The best travel speakers are obviously wireless, and therefore come with bluetooth connectivity. However, there may be times when some people may want or need to plug their device in.

While most travel bluetooth speakers receive solely via bluetooth, some do have an auxiliary port.

If you have no idea what I’m on about or why you might need that, then in truth you probably don’t. So don’t sweat it.

But it gives you another option for getting your sounds from whatever device they’re on to the speaker. So if that’s something you’ll potentially need, pick a speaker which provides that choice.

Sound Quality

For many people, sound quality will be the most important factor in choosing what the best travel speaker for them is. No one wants a tinny, barely audible embarrassment of a speaker which makes every song sound the same.

Rest assured, every travel speaker on this list has got very good sound quality. Now that’s not to say that there may be some aspects missing, because the perfect travel speaker literally hasn’t been invented yet.

But we’ve gone for speakers that have a full, round sound overall. And we’ve pointed out their high points and low points as best we can.

Whatever you choose from this list will allow you to happily get down to your jams.

The Best Travel Speakers

So without further ado, let’s rundown the best travel speakers on the market right now.

Weight : 608 g (1.34 lbs)
Battery Life : 15 hours
Wireless Range : 45 m (150 ft)
Connectivity : Bluetooth

The UE Boom 3 is a beast of a speaker and tops our list of the best travel speakers on the market.

UE have been consistently producing top of the line speakers for years now and it’s our preferred brand.

The 3 is the latest incarnation of their best selling Boom range. It’s got absolutely everything that you need in a portable travel speaker, starting with its mind-blowing overall sound.

The cylindrical shape means it pumps out 360° sound creating an immersive experience. What it produces is well balanced with a nice, warm tone and deep base.

You can customise your settings using the adjustable EQ on the app, or alternatively pick from the available presets.

This portable travel speaker sounds great whether your inside your hotel room or out chilling on the beach. And trust us when we say it gets LOUD!

The UE Boom 3 is built to last, with lots of features that make it super durable.

It’s completely waterproof for a start. And not only that, but it actually floats meaning you’ll never lose it at the bottom of the pool or ocean.

It’s also made from durable material that’s resistant to knocks and scrapes, helped by the rubber end caps. It can survive a pretty hefty drop, and is certainly fine with being roughed up in your daypack.

One of the only complaints about the UE Boom 3 is that it doesn’t feature an auxiliary port. However, as a travel bluetooth speaker I’d argue that’s really not an issue.

The whole idea is to use it wirelessly. So it’s unlikely you’d need a line in anyway and is in no way a deal breaker.

Another potential downside is that, while it’s definitely small and portable, there are smaller, lighter travel speakers.

If you’re on the lookout for a mini travel speaker, bear in mind that this is slightly larger than a standard water bottle. To give you an idea, it fits anywhere a water bottle does i.e backpack side-pocket or bicycle drinks holder.

Bose Soundlink Micro

Weight : 290 g (0.63 lbs)
Battery Life : 6 hours
Wireless Range : 9 m (30 ft)

The Bose name is one that’s synonymous with fantastic quality in the audio equipment market. As a company it’s known for concentrating on great sound, and the Bose Soundlink Micro is no different.

Despite being pocket-sized, it’s crisp and balanced and has a decidedly decent bass. In fact, considering just how small this travel speaker is, you’ll be amazed at the sound it pumps out.

It’s also perfect for all and any travel adventures and was designed to be both portable and durable.

The Soundlink Micro’s exterior is made entirely from silicone rubber. It’s soft yet rugged, and built to withstand dents, cracks and scratches.

It’s also completely waterproof making it perfect for outdoor use, particularly around the pool or on the beach.

A clever and unique travel feature is the tear-proof silicone strap on its back. This allows you to strap it to virtually anything it will fit around.

The handlebars of a bike, a bag strap, your wrist, your belt loop, nothing’s off limits. The strap makes it even easier to transport.

Perhaps surprisingly for a mini travel speaker, it has speakerphone capabilities. Perfect if you’re doing something active like hiking or cycling so you don’t need to physically pick your smartphone up.

The main drawback of the Bose Soundlink Micro is that its battery life is not amazing. If you’re after something that will keep the tunes banging all day, this isn’t it. But unfortunately it’s a necessary trade off for such a small device.

Bose Soundlink Revolve

Weight : 680 g (1.5 lbs)
Battery Life : 12 hours
Connectivity : Bluetooth and 3.5 mm auxiliary input

Next up is another from the wireless Bose range, the Soundlink Revolve. This one’s for Bose fans after a travel speaker with longer battery life and bigger sound than the Soundlink Micro.

It takes all of the great stuff that you get from the Micro and dials it up a notch.

The aesthetic design is completely different. It’s a gorgeous-looking piece of kit made from durable aluminium and with a seamless body for true 360° sound.

The slightly conical shape provides you with deep, immersive sound from all angles. It also makes it easy to grab from the top of the speaker.

The Revolve can go astonishingly loud for its relatively small size and has a beautiful overall tone. However, at the very top volumes you may experience some distortion, depending on what you’re playing.

Like the Micro it has speakerphone capabilities. Additionally there’s a special button to access Siri or Google Assistant.

Another cool feature is its universal threaded mount. This allows you to connect it to a tripod and create an elevated speaker to really get the party started.

While it’s not fully water-submersible, the Revolve is water-resistant so still protected against splashes and spills. This means it’s still great to take to the pool or beach and there’s no problem if it gets rained on.

It’s not as rugged as some of the other travel speakers on this list, but it sounds and looks delicious.

Weight : 540 g (1.19 lbs)
Wireless Range : 30 m (100 ft)

JBL has developed a reputation for building awesome bluetooth speakers that far outperform their price point. The JBL Flip 5 continues that tradition, packing a huge punch for the price.

Its slick, cylindrical design is relatively similar to the UE Boom 3 with rubber end caps and a similarly tough material cover.

And like the UE Boom3, it’s extremely durable. Fully waterproof, and resistant to knocks and bangs, it’s perfect for standing up to the day-to-day challenges of travelling.

The JBL Flip 5 also sounds fantastic, particularly if you’re into bass-heavy music. The bass is bone-rattlingly booming, without compromising the overall sound.

It uses USB-C quick charge capability meaning it takes less time to fill the battery. You can charge up and get back on the road even faster.

This is a great all-round travel speaker at a very fair price.

Anker Soundcore Flare

Weight : 530 g (1.17 lbs)

If you’re looking for a low-cost travel speaker that still combines many of the features of the top-range models in this category, consider the Anker Soundcore Flare.

It looks a bit like the Bose Soundcore Revolve with its conical shape. But rather than being made from aluminium, it’s got the durable fabric covering of the UE Boom 3.

Like the best travel speakers, the Soundcore Flare is also completely waterproof and extremely durable.

Anker have also added an LED lightshow feature. While for some this might seem a bit unnecessary from a speaker, there’s no denying it’s great in a party setting.

The lights have various different modes to suit your mood, but can also be turned off completely. This saves battery and will obviously be more appropriate for certain settings.

The Souncore Flare makes a surprisingly impressive noise for the price point, providing well balanced 360° overall.

While it doesn’t quite compare to the more expensive models in this department, you can’t complain for the price. And unless you’re a stickler, you probably won’t be disappointed.

That is unless you plan on really banging out the beats. Because while this small travel speaker is good at lower volumes, it’s a different matter when you crank it up.

It can start to sound a bit harsh when you dial it up. And even with Anker’s advertised Bass Up tech, it lacks real resonance and bite in the lower ranges.

For your average user, this is going to be a perfectly decent travel bluetooth speaker.

OontZ Angle 3

Weight : 283 g (0.62 lbs)
Battery Life : 14 hours

For a pretty premium travel speaker on a pauper’s budget, take a look at the OontZ Angle 3. While it’s not mind-blowing, it ticks a lot of the boxes without breaking the bank.

I’ll say right off the bat, for this price, you can’t expect it to perform like the very best travel speakers on this list.

Despite that, if you’re searching for a cheap and cheerful small travel speaker, this won’t be far off.

So first the good stuff. It’s a small travel speaker. I mean, really small and far more portable than most on this list.

It weighs hardly anything and could fit in your back pocket making it super-easy to carry around anywhere.

It’s hard-wearing, water resistant and dustproof, perfect for taking on trips. The materials are solid and it’s protected by rubber end caps.

It’s also got hands free capability, a rarity in a bluetooth speaker of this size and price.

So the bad? Well while it’s reasonably loud for its size, it doesn’t project amazingly in outside spaces. If you’re down at the beach, for example, you’re gonna need to crank it up.

On the plus side, unlike most cheaper speakers, there’s no distortion at top volumes.

On the face of it this should solve the issue. But bear in mind playing at high volume reduces the battery faster.

Having said that, the battery life is excellent, so the negatives are counteracted overall by the positives!

The OontZ Angle 3 probably isn’t suitable if you’re partying and blasting the tunes. But if you’re looking for a low-priced speaker that’s suitable to take on your travels, you could do far worse.

Tribit StormBox

Weight : 498.9 g (1.1 lbs)
Battery Life : 20 hours
Wireless Range : 20.1 m (66 ft)

I don’t think it would be unfair to say that the Tribit StormBox looks like it’s been directly modeled on the JBL Flip 5.

Its shape and design is strikingly similar, down to the little wave in the rubber end plates. But let’s not pretend that’s a bad thing, because the Flip 5 is a sweet piece of kit.

Unlike the Flip 5, this travel speaker isn’t equipped with a big booming bass. In fact, that lack of deep resonance is probably the most disappointing thing about the StormBox. Especially when they specifically emphasise its XBass Technology.

Despite this, the overall sound is actually really crisp and balanced. So unless you’re a bass freak, you shouldn’t be too worried.

The StormBox is also waterproof and highly durable, perfect for taking on your travels.

One of this travel speaker’s best features is the extremely long battery life. Lasting up to 20 hours, it will make the party last all day and all night.

Given its relatively low price point, it’s a remarkably well put together piece of kit.

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Best computer speakers 2024: Top desktop models tested and rated

The best computer speakers to upgrade your desktop audio performance

Best overall
Best for bass
Best small speakers
Best for gaming (2.1)
Best light-up speakers
Specs compared
How to choose
How we test

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best for bass 4. Best small speakers 5. Best for gaming 6. Best light-up speakers 7. How to choose 8. How we test

Adding one of the best computer speakers to your desktop is a great way to build a dynamic and entertaining workspace for yourself and the whole family to enjoy.

In much the same way as the best soundbars upgrade the sound quality from a TV's built-in speakers, desktop speakers bring a big boost to any movie and gaming experience with a more powerful and immersive audio experience. All the desktop designs listed here have been tested as they would be used at home and all will outperform the tiny speakers built into a laptop or computer monitor screen. They can also help improve video conversations in desktop workspaces with clearer dialog in video meetings, or simply provide great-sounding audio for listening to your favorite tunes in the background.

In this list, I've assembled the best computer speakers based on their performance in our testing and their suitability for different activities. Read on to see which models make the grade and bring a boost to your desktop setup.

The quick list

Best computer speakers for most people

This simple pair of powered speakers are all most desktop setups need. There's no Bluetooth connectivity or USB port, but you do get a nicely balanced Bose sound, a level control and a headphone jack. These are a fuss-free desktop solution that will boost most computer audio setups.

Read more below

Best 2.1 desktop speakers

Nothing boosts a desktop audio experience like the addition of a subwoofer. Whether you're gaming, watching movies or simply listening to music, the Klipsch delivers a wide and rich soundscape to make the most of the desktop audio experience.

Best for small spaces

These budget Creative speakers proves you don't have to spend big to get great sound in small spaces. The orb design is attractive, and we appreciate the Bluetooth connectivity along with a 3.5mm jack and USB-C port that Creative managed to squeeze in at the price.

Hi, I'm Lee and I cover all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers, soundbars, and computer audio. I am passionate about sound quality and getting the best sound for all kinds of setups. I've been testing and writing about audio for more years than I care to remember, and I love providing sound advice to help shoppers make informed buying decisions to achieve great sound.

The best computer speakers you can buy right now

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Best computer speakers

1. bose companion 2 series iii.

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Although these have been around for over a decade, the Bose Companion 2 Series III continue to be the best desktop speakers for most people. Although connectivity options aren't as wide as what's on offer on newest desktop speakers — there's no Bluetooth or USB connectivity here — the solid build and functionality continues to be a popular with buyers at the $149 asking price.

The 7.5 x 5.9 x 3.1-inch satellites don't take up much space on your desk, but they create a big, full sound. The slightly premium price is worthwhile as it produces more bass than speakers twice the size, and with robust vocals and pleasing treble, it delivers very good sound overall.

The simple and elegant design features a single volume knob on the right speaker, along with a headphone jack so you don't have to disconnect the speakers to listen privately. These speakers don't give you any way to adjust the bass or treble, but with the well-balanced sound, you likely won't miss that feature.

Read our full Bose Companion 2 Series III review

Best 2.1 computer speakers

2. klipsch promedia 2.1 thx.

If you’re in the market for computer speakers that come bundled with a subwoofer, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX is quite a bargain. Audio quality is impressive with a wide soundscape that allows you to hear subtle nuances in songs. Vocals, instruments, and sound effects are detailed, which benefits listeners when indulging in movies and video games. Each satellite sits attractively on the side your desktop and laptop as well.

Not having Bluetooth can be a deal-breaker for some. Also, figuring out where to place the large subwoofer may present challenges for those with very little space to work with. However, if you have the extra room to store it, the ProMedia 2.1 will reward you with robust bass.

Read our full Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX review

Best small computer speakers

3. creative pebble v3.

Building out your desktop setup can get expensive, especially for those who are working from home regularly. The Creative Pebble V3 proves you don’t have to spend crazy money to snag a pair of serviceable and super-affordable computer speakers. Despite its compact size, the Pebble V3 produces loud and crisp sound, putting what comes out of your laptop speakers to shame. The orb-inspired design is attractive and takes up very little space, plus we appreciate all the hardware (e.g., 2.25-inch driver, passive bass radiator) and inputs (e.g., 3.5 mm port, USB-C) Creative managed to squeeze in.

There isn’t much bass coming out of the driver, which means lows can lack depth on contemporary songs. A headphone output would have also been appreciated to enjoy music privately, but the price point makes the Pebble V3 incredible value.

Read our full Creative Pebble V3 review

Best computer speakers for gaming (2.1)

4. logitech g560 gaming speakers.

The Logitech G560 are the best computer speakers for serious gamers. The G560 produces robust sound, whether you're playing a game or listening to music, and the subwoofer really adds to the experience. If you like to play loud, this system is a great fit for you. It also features a sophisticated lighting system comprising four distinct zones with bright, colorful LEDs, which are fun but can be distracting. The included software is integral; you use it to configure the lights, activate surround sound and even create profiles for specific games.

One helpful feature of the G560 is its Bluetooth compatibility, which lets you funnel in your own music from a smartphone. This means that you can play pretty much anything on these speakers, and you can hand off control from person to person easily. If you need something powerful for an impromptu dance party, the G560 will work in a pinch, and even provide its own light show to go along with the proceedings.

Read our full Logitech G560 review

Best computer speakers for gaming (2.0)

5. razer nommo chroma.

If you're looking to step up from those tinny speakers on your gaming laptop or monitor and you don't feel like wearing one the best gaming headsets all day, the Razer Nommo Chroma speakers are an excellent gaming audio solution that makes just about any media sound great at a reasonable price.

These gaming-minded stereo speakers may have been around for a while, but they deliver rich, and directionally accurate sound for hearing the competition coming. During our testing, they were largely as impressive for entertainment as they were for games, and are a solid set of speakers for all kinds of computer tasks.

As the name suggests, the Razer Nommo Chroma sports a thin LED strip around the base that can glow millions of colors. Using Razer's Synapse 3 software, you can customize the Nommo with an array of lighting options to bring an extra atmospheric element to gaming as well as routine computer tasks.

Read our full Razer Nommo Chroma review

Best computer speakers: specs compared

How to choose the best computer speakers for you.

There are three things to consider when choosing the best PC speakers for your setup: sound quality, extra features and price.

Cheaper, less elaborate systems can sometimes offer decent sound quality, but the sound output is often not particularly well nuanced, and the maximum volume is sometimes not loud enough to fill your listening space or impactful enough for your activity. More elaborate systems tend to offer richer treble, deeper bass and more substantial vocals. A great-sounding pair of speakers should be nicely balanced across the frequency range.

Extra features tend to come standard in more expensive speakers, but even cheaper models can have them. The most common extra feature is discrete bass/treble controls, but you can also have remote controls, wireless functionality and RGB lighting. None of these things is strictly necessary, but some can make your life a lot easier, especially if you're looking to turn your computer into an audio powerhouse.

Although improving the working from home experience may be your main criteria, gamers may also enjoy the extra depth a set of dedicated computer speakers can bring to their favorite titles. Online gaming is one of the most popular forms of entertainment, and you may want a set of dedicated desktop speakers to heighten the environment of a favorite open world title for a more realistic and engaging experience.

How we test the best computer speakers

To an extent, testing to find the best computer speakers isn’t that different to testing one of the best Bluetooth speakers or even a soundbar . We’re looking for high audio quality across a range of uses, from making sure voices are clear in video calls to the speakers’ music, movie and gaming performance. We’ll play a variety of different media, including multiple musical genres, to identify any sonic strengths and weaknesses.

We also examine how easy it is to set up a pair (or multi-speaker set) of computer speakers, but generally you shouldn’t need any special knowledge to get them up and running.

Generally, we try to spend a few days using each speaker set on a desktop/home office setup, to fully replicate the conditions in which you’d use them yourself.

Once our testing is complete, we rate the best computer speakers based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Products that hit nearly every mark are awarded an Editor's Choice badge.

Contributions from: Michael Gowan, Marshall Honorof, and Michael Andronico

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As a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring.

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10 Tiny Wireless Travel Speakers You Can Take Anywhere

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Summer means outdoor BBQs, sunsets on the beach, bonfires, hikes, and everything outdoors—liven things up with some music courtesy of these wireless travel speakers. Whether you’re looking for a super compact version or a durable, waterproof speaker, you’ll find a perfect match for your vacation on this list.

The Best Wireless Travel Speakers

Marsboy portable bluetooth speaker.

This small and powerful pocket-sized wireless travel speaker is great for travel. The best-selling, tiny speaker has a 50-foot Bluetooth range and a battery that lasts up to 12 hours—perfect for long days at the beach.

Price and Where to Buy: $20 on Amazon (originally $35)

Kunodi F4 Outdoor Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Bring this guy to the pool deck or outdoor shower on your summer vacation. Amazon reviewers love the high-quality sound and waterproof feature. This is one of the best wireless travel speakers out there, and also has a hands-free function and displays the battery life on your phone (when connected to Bluetooth).

Price and Where to Buy: $17 on Amazon (originally $24)

Anker SoundCore Mini

Anker makes some of the best tiny speakers on the market, and the AnkerSoundCore Mini is no different. The SoundCore Mini travel speaker delivers 15 hours of playtime and a connection range up to 66 feet. The speaker also has a microSD card reader, Bluetooth connectivity, and an AUX port, so you can choose how to connect to your devices. Amazon reviewers love the sound quality and long battery life.

Price and Where to Buy: $30 on Amazon

PINGKO Sport Speakers

At just four ounces, this is one of the smallest travel speakers out there. The top-rated speaker on Amazon has a six-hour battery life and has a handy LED-light battery level indicator. I love the attachment options for this one, which allows you to hang the speaker almost anywhere.

Price and Where to Buy: $24 on Amazon (originally $49)

AOMAIS Ball Bluetooth Speakers

This wireless travel speaker has the highest waterproof rating on the list (IPX7), making it your perfect pool companion—it even comes with a pool float. Buy two and you can pair them together for a surround-sound experience.

Price and Where to Buy: $36 on Amazon (originally $130)

Anker SoundCore Nano

This is one of the lightest travel speakers on the list, weighing in at just 2.9 ounces. The small speaker packs a big punch, with Amazon reviewers raving about the sound quality and volume. Due to its smaller size, the battery life is four hours and the connectivity range is 33 feet.

Price and Where to Buy: $21 on Amazon (originally $50)

Aud Mini by iLuv

About the size of an iPhone 6, this tiny travel speaker has a loud bass and high-quality sound, especially for its size. I own a similar iLuv speaker and have been impressed by its quality and connectivity strength for the price.

Price and Where to Buy: $11 on Amazon (originally $40)

dodocool Mini Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Another super-lightweight travel speaker is the dodocool Mini; at 3.2 ounces you get four hours of battery and a 33-foot connectivity range. This tiny speaker has a few other functions too: It’s also a selfie remote and has a built-in microphone for hands free calling.

Price and Where to Buy: $13 on Amazon

LESHP Portable Bluetooth Mini Speaker

This super-small speaker has a five-star rating on Amazon and reviewers love the sound quality for the speaker size. The battery lasts up to five hours and has a built-in mic for hands-free calling.

Price and Where to Buy: $16 on Amazon (originally $30)

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM

While this is one of the larger wireless travel speakers on the list, it’s the smallest speaker out there that offers 360-degree sound. So, if you’re serious about your sound quality but are still looking for travel speakers, this may be your perfect match.

Take it from Senior Editor Caroline Morse: “The Wonderboom speaker delivers crisp, clear, and loud music that will liven up a party of any size. You can play your music for up to 10 hours on a single charge, so there’s no need to worry about electricity … The sound quality is worth the price tag, which is an average price for a drop-proof, water-proof speaker.” Read her full review here .

Price and Where to Buy: $80 on Amazon (originally $100)

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Best Portable Mini Bluetooth Speakers for 2024: Top Compact Waterproof Wireless Speakers

Here are our picks of the best small Bluetooth speakers for great audio on the go, many of which cost less than $100.

Our Experts

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CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

What is the best mini Bluetooth speaker overall?

There are a slew of options depending on the kind of sound you like, so it's difficult to declare one model as the best overall mini Bluetooth speaker. A few speakers like the Bose SoundLink Flex and Tribit StormBox Micro 2 do stand out a bit from the rest of the pack, which is why we've given them our prestigious CNET Editors' Choice Award.

We have a separate list of the best overall Bluetooth speakers of 2024 , which offers beefier portable wireless speakers and also includes wireless Bluetooth boom boxes with built-in handles. This is a list of compact Bluetooth speakers that are affordable and highly portable, with many models costing less than $100. It's important to note that mini and micro Bluetooth speakers have some sound limitations. The smallest Bluetooth speakers are technically mono speakers, which means that the bass output from such a tiny speaker will be limited. Despite this, many of these speakers deliver surprisingly decent sound considering their size.

Best mini Bluetooth wireless speakers of 2024

Compact and powerful, bose soundlink flex.

When it launched, Bose made some bold claims about its new SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker, particularly its bass performance. It mostly lives up to the hype and is arguably the best-sounding wireless speaker for its relatively compact size. Available in three colors -- black, white smoke and stone blue (pictured) -- the speaker is IP67 dust- and waterproof, and rated for 12 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels.

It's also equipped with Bose's PositionIQ technology to automatically detect the speaker's orientation and deliver optimized sound based on whether it's upright, hanging or flat on its back. The Flex also floats and Bose says it can survive drops and bumps, with a soft silicone back and powder-coated steel grille that "won't peel or flake and is resistant to corrosion and UV light."

While Bose's SoundLink Micro also delivers impressive sound for its tiny size, this speaker is bigger, weighing just over a pound (0.45 kg) and measuring 7.9 inches wide, 2.1 inches deep and 3.6 inches high (20 by 5.3 by 9.1cm), so the Flex sounds significantly better than the Micro. For some reason, it uses the older Bluetooth 4.2 instead of 5.0, but I didn't have any problems with connectivity.

Bose says it can fill a living room with sound. From my tests, I'd say it would have to be a relatively small living room -- it can only output so much sound as a single speaker. If you pair two of them together in stereo mode, the sound gets to a whole other level and indeed fills a larger room with sound.

Good sound for its ultracompact size and modest price
Waterproof and dustproof (IP67)
Integrated strap
USB-C charging in/out with 12 hours of battery life
Not as durable as Bose SoundLink Micro
Distorts slightly at higher volumes with certain tracks

Best value micro Bluetooth speaker

Tribit stormbox micro 2.

Back in 2020, Tribit released the StormBox Micro, a budget version of Bose's excellent SoundLink Micro speaker that delivered surprisingly good sound for its size and modest price. Now we get the StormBox Micro 2, which offers improved sound and battery life, along with a charge-out feature that turns the speaker into a power bank for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. An integrated strap allows you to clip it to your backpack or your bike's handlebars.

Like the original, it's an excellent value and easy to recommend if you're looking for a super compact portable wireless speaker.

Good value mini Bluetooth speaker

Soundcore by anker mini 3.

The very compact Soundcore by Anker Mini 3 Bluetooth speaker may not deliver huge sound but it delivers more sound than you'd think (with just enough bass) from a speaker of its size. Available in multiple color options and weighing around 8 ounces or 223 grams, it has an integrated strap and is fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating.

The 6-watt Mini 3 sounds fairly similar to the new , which retails for $60 or around $20 more, and features good battery life -- up to 15 hours at moderate volume levels. You can wirelessly link multiple Mini 3s together to create a wider sound field, but most people will use this speaker for casual listening on the go. It also makes for a good bathroom or shower speaker and does have speakerphone capabilities with a built-in microphone.

Best mini canister speaker

Sony srs-xb100.

For 2023, Sony's smallest Bluetooth speaker has once again been modestly upgraded, with a new Bluetooth chipset and slightly improved sound and speakerphone performance. This portable Bluetooth speaker is both dust- and waterproof with an IP67 certification and, like its predecessor (the SRS-XB13), it's rated for 16 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels and it charges via USB-C. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 with support for the AAC and SBC audio codecs, the speaker plays bigger than you'd think for its small size, with some punch to its bass. It's pretty impressive for a mini mono speaker.

Although the 9.6-ounce (272-gram) speaker appears to have the same design as the XB13, Sony says its new sound diffusion processor "realizes richer spread sound," which basically means this has a bit wider soundstage, which I can confirm. It can output only so much sound -- yes, it has its limitations -- but if you add a second XB100, you can get stereo sound. Alas, there's no companion app, but that isn't a huge deal.

The XB100 is available in multiple color options and includes a strap so you can attach it to various objects. It also has speakerphone capabilities with an integrated microphone (as I said, the speakerphone's performance has been improved, and callers said they could hear me clearly indoors).

One of the best-sounding speaker for its size
Good design
Listen to it horizontally or vertically
IP67 waterproof and dustproof
A liittle overpriced

Better-sounding Flip

With each new version of the Flip, JBL makes small improvements, and while the latest model -- the Flip 6 -- doesn't look much different from the Flip 5 on the outside, it does feature improved sound. It has two-way drivers with a woofer and tweeter and dual passive radiators that help the Flip 6 deliver much deeper bass than you think it could.

It's fully waterproof and dustproof with an IPX67 rating. Like the Flip 5, it's rated for up to 12 hours of audio playback at moderate volume levels and charges via USB-C. Available in multiple color options, it's one of the best-sounding speakers for its compact size.

For its size, the affordable Tribit MaxSound Plus delivers strong sound that's a nice jump in quality over the smaller XSound Go. It's fully waterproof, seems durable and has an attractive design with a more tastefully sized logo. Battery life is good at up 20 hours.
It takes a long time to fully charge.

Best sound under $60

Tribit maxsound plus.

The Tribit MaxSound Plus is about 30% bigger than its sibling XSound Go and costs about $25 more, but it performs substantially better and is one of the best-sounding speakers in its size and price class. It has a long-lasting rechargeable battery and superior audio quality for a Bluetooth speaker. Be sure to activate the instant coupon on the product page for $10 off.

Pocket-friendly

The JBL Bluetooth speaker that received the biggest improvements over the previous model is among the company's smallest. The JBL Go 3 has a completely new look -- it's now covered in durable fabric instead of having the naked plastic design of its Go predecessors -- and that new design, coupled with surprisingly decent sound for its small size, makes the Go 3 one of the top micro Bluetooth speakers out there.

Available in multiple color options, it has an IP67 water-resistance rating, meaning it can be dunked in water and is dustproof. Battery life is rated at up to five hours.

Small JBL Go 3 speaker resting on a table near a stack of books.

Most durable

Ultimate ears wonderboom 3.

We liked Ultimate Ears' and the third-generation model, the Wonderboom 3, offers some small improvements, including slightly better battery life (up to 14 hours instead of 13, at moderate volume levels) and a new Bluetooth chip that allows for extended wireless range of over 130 feet (40 meters). The design has not changed, although the speaker now comes in different color options.

Like its predecessor, the Wonderboom 3 carries a list price of $100 but sometimes sells for a little less. Its IP67 rating means that it's not only waterproof but also dust-proof (and able to float).

This model retains the special Outdoor Boost mode that boosts treble and you can link two together (or pair a Wonderboom 3 to a Wonderboom 2) to create a stereo sound pairing by simply pressing a button on each speaker. As far as I can tell, the Wonderboom 3 sounds very similar to the Wonderboom 2 and features very good sound for its small size. That said, while there's some punch to the bass (being short yet squat helps it produce more low-end), it can only deliver so much kick.

Alas, Ultimate Ears, which is owned by Logitech, has not upgraded the charging port to USB-C. The speaker still charges with a Micro-USB cable, which is a bit of a bummer.

Portable Sonos Wi-Fi/Bluetooth speaker

The Roam is currently Sonos' smallest and most affordable speaker (if you don't count those $99 Sonos-compatible Symfonisk Ikea Wi-Fi bookshelf speakers). This model, like Sonos' earlier Move portable speaker ($400), is equipped with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and can tap into an existing Sonos multiroom audio system and link with other Series 2-compatible Sonos speakers. The Sonos Roam makes for a good starter Sonos speaker for those new to the Sonos world. Read our Sonos Roam review .

Great overall sound for the price.
More volume, bigger bass and better clarity.
Fully waterproof.
Up 12 hours of battery life.
USB-C charging.
Not as compact as the top mini Bluetooth speakers.
Some colors inexplicably cost more.

Best sound for around $100

Anker soundcore motion plus.

While Anker's came out in 2019 it remains one of the best-sounding speakers for around $100. It's larger than many mini Bluetooth speakers, but it's still compact. It manages to sound quite a bit fuller than much of the competition in its price range, with bigger bass, more volume and better clarity. It's also fully waterproof (IPX7-rated) and has support for the aptX streaming codec for devices like Samsung's Galaxy phones that support it.

It's currently priced at $107 at Amazon, but you can save money by activating the instant coupon on the product page.

Best Marshall micro speaker

Marshall willen.

Marshall's little mono Willen speaker is similar to Bose's SoundLink Micro and other micro speakers like the Tribit StormBox Micro 2. Also like those speakers, it has an integrated strap on its base so you can clip it onto a backpack or even to your bike's handlebars. Its 2-inch full-range driver and two passive radiators put out more sound than you'd think it would for its tiny size, and it offers decent clarity as well as just enough bass to avoid sounding tinny (you can choose from three preset sound modes).

Battery life is good at around 15 hours of playback time at moderate volume levels, and the speaker is IPX67 dust-proof and waterproof. The main strike against it is its $120 price -- ideally, it would cost around $80, although right now you can pick it up on sale for $100. It's nicely designed, feels rugged and fits in a jacket pocket, weighing just 0.68-pound (308 grams).

The Willen can stand up vertically or lay down horizontally and has a built-in microphone for speakerphone calls. It comes in a couple of color options and can be linked wirelessly with other Willen speakers to augment the sound.

Best value mini Bluetooth party speaker

Tribit xsound mega.

Over the last few years, Tribit has made several Bluetooth speakers that deliver a lot of boom for the buck. Add its new XSound Mega to the list.

Tribit is billing the XSound Mega as more of an outdoor speaker -- a lanyard is included for toting it around as a sort of mini boombox -- but it works just fine indoors. It has an LED light show that you can turn on or off and there are three EQ settings for sound: XBass, Music and Audiobook. Additionally, it can be used as a power bank to charge your mobile devices.

In my tests, the speaker compared pretty favorably to more expensive speakers like the JBL Charge 5. There's plenty of bass and the speaker plays loud for its size, with decent clarity. It's a mono speaker with a single driver and two bass radiators -- that's how you get all that bass. So while you can expect big sound, the soundstage doesn't feel all that wide, particularly at lower volumes. It actually sounds better at higher volumes.

Best for clipping onto a backpack

For its first three generations, JBL's Clip micro Bluetooth speaker had a circular design. For the fourth-gen Clip 4, JBL has moved to a more oval shape, bulked up the speaker slightly and added USB-C charging. This portable Bluetooth speaker does seem more durable, with a sturdier integrated carabiner clip. Also, it sounds a little better, with more volume, clearer sound and more bass. With an IP67 water resistance rating, it can survive being dunked in shallow water and is dust-proof. The Clip 4 is right up there with the best overall micro Bluetooth speakers.

Best compact Bluetooth speaker with 360-degree light show

Jbl pulse 5.

JBL Pulse speaker is now in its fifth generation and both the sound quality and 360-degree light show have been improved. JBL has "expanded the transparent outer body" so the customizable light show (there's a companion app for iOS and Android that allows you to alter the colorful lighting effects) looks more impressive. The speaker is also IP67 dustproof and waterproof, and it offers up to 12 hours of battery at moderate volume levels.

The speaker now has a separate tweeter and a passive bass radiator that delivers fairly punchy bass. I'd say the speaker delivers very good but not great sound for its size and price (it distorts a little at higher volumes). For sound, it's sort of in between JBL's Flip 6 and Charge 5, so you'll arguably get slightly better sound from the Charge 5. You're primarily buying this speaker for the light show -- that's what makes it unique and special and it does look mesmerizing.

Note that you can pair this with another JBL PartyBoost compatible speaker for stereo sound or link multiple JBL PartyBoost speakers for augmented sound. Also, you can find this speaker on Amazon as thrown in for the same price as the speaker by itself.

Impressive sounding ultracompact speaker (and speakerphone)

Bang & olufsen beosound a1 2nd gen.

Bang & Olufsen has upgraded its dome-shaped aluminum-clad A1 speaker with improved battery life, better speakerphone performance (it now has a three-microphone array) and slightly improved sound. It's not only the smallest wireless speaker from the Danish company but also the most affordable as it often drops to around $200.

While the speaker drivers remain the same, the Qualcomm chipset that powers the speaker has been upgraded (the speaker uses Bluetooth 5.1), bumping the sound quality up a tad, particularly at higher volumes, with better digital signal processing. It remains one of the best-sounding mini Bluetooth speaker models, with richer more tonally balanced sound than other Bluetooth speakers its size -- and it should sound good, considering its elevated price point.

It's also worth noting that the A1 has multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can connect this to your PC and smartphone at the same time and easily switch back and forth between the two if a call comes in on your phone. Additionally, the speaker is Alexa-enabled, meaning you can activate Amazon's voice assistant by just saying "Alexa."

Battery life is rated at up to 18 hours at 50% volume (the earlier A1 didn't live up to its battery life claims, but this number is more accurate) and if you can afford it, you can link two A1 speakers to create a stereo pair. The speaker is waterproof with an IP67 rating that allows it to be submerged briefly in shallow water.

Excellent value

Tribit xsound go.

At around $30, the Tribit XSound Go is one of the top speakers with Bluetooth connectivity for the money. Besides sounding decent, it's also fully waterproof. It also has excellent battery life -- up to 24 hours at 50% volume levels.

Micro favorite

Bose soundlink micro.

Although a little pricey and due to be upgraded, the Bose SoundLink Micro sounds remarkably decent for its tiny size, delivering more bass than other pocketable speakers. It's a fully waterproof Bluetooth speaker and is available in three color options, although the blue version appears to be hard to find.

While this model is truly pocket-size -- and that's certainly an appealing feature -- the bigger but still compact SoundLink Flex sounds significantly better and is also the better value, although it costs more.

Cheaper alternative to Flip 6

Tribit stormbox.

Tribit's StormBox speaker looks like a cross between a UE and a JBL speaker. We suspect that's not an accident. Fully waterproof, it costs about $50 less than the JBL Flip 5, produces a bigger sound and has up to 20 hours of battery life. Tribit's XSound speakers are probably a better value, but the Stormbox is more stylish. It also has a rechargeable li-ion battery able to power up to 20 hours of continuous playtime.

How we test Bluetooth speakers

In assessing what the best Bluetooth speakers are, we consider the design of the speaker, and particularly how durable it seems, along with sound quality and overall value. The list includes everything from compact mini models and pocket-size micro versions to heftier models with powerful audio. For more, check out our lists of the best smart speakers and the best Wi-Fi speakers and music systems .

Bluetooth wireless speaker FAQs

How do i choose a bluetooth speaker.

When choosing a Bluetooth speaker, what it really comes down to is size and price. If you're looking for a very portable speaker, you'll want to get something very compact, but remember that smaller speakers usually produce less sound and bass than larger ones. While there are plenty of mini Bluetooth speakers that deliver a bigger sound than you might expect, they do have their sonic limitations. For a lot of people, it's a question of finding a speaker that's not too big or too small -- one that travels well but also is capable of producing good sound for its size. But finding the best portable Bluetooth speaker also comes down to your budget.

Price can be a limiting factor. You may not want to spend $150 or more for a small speaker. Luckily, there are plenty of good options for $100, and some decent mini Bluetooth speakers can cost less than $50. Also, certain "value" brands that sell primarily on Amazon are strongly worth considering because they do offer a lot for the money.

If you're looking for the best sound quality, as I said, bigger is usually better, and some larger portable Bluetooth speakers -- sometimes referred to as Bluetooth boom boxes -- can put out a lot of sound and have an integrated handle for toting them around.

What is the loudest Bluetooth speaker?

The loudest Bluetooth speakers are the biggest ones. Sometimes they're referred to as boom boxes or "party" speakers. Some of those speakers are portable and have built-in rechargeable batteries while the biggest party speakers literally have wheels on them for transport and need to be plugged in with an AC adapter because they require so much power.

We have a list of the best wireless boom box speakers if you're looking for a bigger Bluetooth speaker. It's also worth noting that Bluetooth speakers from the same company can be daisy-chained together to augment their sound or paired together as a left-right stereo pair. Often, the best way to get a bigger sound is to pair two Bluetooth speakers together in a stereo pair.

Are mini Bluetooth speakers waterproof?

Mini Bluetooth speakers are increasingly being made waterproof, which means they can be fully submerged in water. A few models even float. For full waterproofing, look for an IPX rating of IPX7 or higher. Sometimes speakers will also have a dust-resistance rating. For example, an IP68 speaker is fully dust-proof and fully waterproof. The first number is the dust-resistance rating while the second refers to water resistance. So a speaker with an IP68 rating has the same water-resistance rating as an IPX8-rated speaker.

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Table of Contents
Best Laptop
Best Upper Mid-Range
Best Mid-Range
Best Budget
Best Compact
Best Gaming

Notable Mentions

Recent updates, all reviews, the 6 best travel laptops - spring 2024 reviews.

When shopping for a travel laptop, a couple of requirements immediately come to mind: size, weight, and battery life. Finding a thin and light laptop isn't so much a problem when it comes to general productivity and media consumption devices, but finding a relatively portable mobile workstation or gaming laptop can still be challenging. You must also ensure that portability doesn't come at the cost of a flimsier, cheaper-feeling build. Screen brightness is another thing to consider, as you want a display that can overcome glare in bright settings, and you'll want a good keyboard and touchpad, as they're your primary input methods. A good port selection is a must if you don't want to carry around a hub or dock, and webcam quality is important if you're often on video calls. Biometrics isn't necessary but nice to have, especially if you don't like typing out your password or PIN in a public area.

We've bought and tested over 105 laptops. Below are our recommendations for the best laptops for travel you can buy. You can also see our recommendations for the best laptops , the best business laptops , and the best laptops for college .

Best Laptop For Travel

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) Design Photo

The best travel laptop we've tested is the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023). This 14-inch workstation has nearly everything you could ask for in a premium model: a sturdy all-metal chassis, a compact design, tons of processing power, and a long battery life. It sports a bright 120Hz Mini LED display, a spacious keyboard, and a gigantic, easy-to-use haptic touchpad. The display is suitable for color work, as it has full DCI P3 coverage and superb factory calibration. Its 1080p webcam is excellent, so your colleagues can see and hear you clearly on video calls.

New in this generation of MacBook Pro is the addition of a base M3 model, similar to the discontinued 13-inch model with Touch Bar. This can be a great option if you don't need all the processing power but still want the 'Pro' features, like the display and up-firing speakers. The main downside is that the RAM and storage aren't user-replaceable, and upgrading them increases the total cost considerably.

The Dell XPS 15 (2023) is our recommendation for Windows users. It's a larger 15.6-inch device but weighs the same as the MacBook Pro 14. It provides a great user experience and can easily handle demanding tasks like programming and video editing. Unlike the MacBook Pro, the RAM and storage drive are user-replaceable, so you can upgrade or add more space later. Unfortunately, there are a couple of tradeoffs, like its display's basic 60Hz refresh rate and its terrible 720p webcam. Port selection is also a slight downgrade compared to the MacBook Pro, as there's no HDMI port. Lastly, Dell has released new XPS models in 14- and 16-inch sizes, so if you're a fan of the 15-inch size, this is a good time to get one because it's often on sale on Dell's website .

See our review

Best Upper Mid-Range Laptop For Travel

Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022) Design Photo

If your workload includes lighter tasks like text processing, web browsing, spreadsheets, and video playback, get the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022) instead. It's also a high-end model that provides a premium user experience; however, it doesn't have as much processing power, so you aren't overpaying for performance you don't need. Don't worry; its M2 SoC is fast and can stand toe to toe with current-generation Intel and AMD CPUs. While its IPS panel isn't as impressive as the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) 's 120Hz Mini LED display, it's still pretty and bright enough for outdoor use. The main drawback is the port selection, which comprises two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports with support for a single external display.

As you may have heard, Apple has released a new MacBook Air with its M3 chip. There are only a few changes, including a slightly faster SoC, Wi-Fi 6E, and support for two external displays, though the latter has a caveat, as you can only get two external displays with the laptop's lid closed. We'll have a full review of the new model soon. If you don't need these upgrades, Apple still sells the M2 model as a more budget-friendly option with a starting price of $999 USD. The Apple MacBook Air 15 (2023) is also a good option if you want more screen space and don't mind paying more. It's still very portable for a 15-inch model, but it might not fit into smaller messenger or sling bags.

A Windows alternative would be the LG gram 14 (2023) . At 2.1 lbs, this 14-inch ultraportable is even lighter than the MacBook Air 13. It provides a good user experience overall, and while its battery life is shorter, it's still enough to get through a typical workday. It also has a wider port selection that includes two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4s, allowing you to connect up to two 4k displays at 60Hz with a single cable. Naturally, there are compromises, like a worse dimmer, lower-resolution FHD+ display, and a less premium-feeling magnesium alloy build.

Best Mid-Range Laptop For Travel

Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2022) Design Photo

Our best mid-range pick is the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2022), a 14-inch 2-in-1 convertible Chromebook. It's a very compact device that's easy to carry around, and its battery lasts over 13 hours of light use. The display gets bright enough for use in most indoor settings, and since it's a 2-in-1 convertible, you can set it up in tent mode for media consumption or flip the screen all the way around and use it as a tablet. If you want to take handwritten notes, it supports pen input and comes with a stylus that you can dock into its charging slot at the front of the device. Ports include one USB-A, two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, and an HDMI port.

Spec-wise, this laptop has various Intel 12th Gen CPUs, from a Core i3 to a P-series Core i7. However, only the Core i5 model with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage is widely available, and even that model is getting hard to find. There's a newer 2023 model, which we haven't tested but expect to be very similar. The upgrades include a faster Intel 13th Gen CPU and a 1440p webcam. You can get the 2023 model on Amazon or at Best Buy . Lastly, if you're new to Chrome OS, know that the type of applications you can install is limited, so you need to ensure you can do everything through a Chrome browser or Android apps.

Best Budget Laptop For Travel

For those on a tighter budget, get the Acer Swift 3 14 (2020), a 14-inch Windows ultraportable. Acer's Swift models are typically more expensive, but since this is a 2020 version, you can get it much cheaper. It has a nice FHD display, a decent keyboard, and a wide port selection, including two USB-As, one USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, a full-size HDMI, and a headphone jack. It's available with an Intel 11th Gen Core i5 or i7 CPU and up to 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage.

The Intel 11th Gen CPUs are two generations behind Intel's latest offerings but can still easily handle general productivity tasks like web browsing, text processing, spreadsheets, and video playback. Plus, the battery life is amazing at over 13 hours of light use. Its 720p webcam is its main weakness; the image is underexposed, and the microphone sounds staticky.

Best Compact Laptop For Travel

Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2021) Design Photo

If you need something compact to browse the web or answer emails on the go, get the Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2021), a 10.5-inch tablet PC with a built-in kickstand and a detachable keyboard. It's super compact, and its battery lasts a little over seven hours of light use. Its FHD+ display looks very sharp, gets bright enough to combat glare, and supports pen input. You get an excellent 1080p webcam, a second back-facing camera, and a facial recognition IR camera for quick logins. Like all Microsoft 2-in-1 tablets, you must buy the keyboard and stylus separately. The keyboard is worth getting, as it's much more comfortable to type on than an on-screen keyboard, and it protects the screen from scratches.

The Surface Go 3 is available with an Intel Pentium Gold or Core i3 CPU. They perform well enough for this tablet PC's intended use, which is to say simple tasks like web browsing, emails, and video playback, but don't expect to do anything remotely intensive. If your budget allows, it's worth upgrading the memory to 8GB, as you'll get a much smoother experience with fewer slowdowns when multitasking. Port selection is limited; you only get a USB-C, a headphone jack, and a proprietary Surface Connect charging port.

Best Gaming Laptop For Travel

We recommend the Razer Blade 14 (2022) for gaming on the go. This 14-inch model is surprisingly thin and light for a gaming laptop, and aside from its green logo on the lid, it has a fairly understated design, so it doesn't stick out in a professional environment if you use it for work. It's available in three preset configurations: a 1080p 144Hz display with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, a 1440p 165Hz display with an RTX 3070 Ti, or a 1440p 165Hz display with an RTX 3080 Ti. All three configurations deliver a smooth gaming experience in demanding AAA titles.

We don't have many complaints about the keyboard; the keys have a good amount of travel and tactility, but they could be more stable. And, of course, it has per-key RGB backlighting. As for upgradeability, the storage drive is replaceable, but not the memory, as all three configurations come with 16GB of soldered RAM.

A newer model of the Blade 14 is available. Its design remains largely unchanged, as the upgrades are internal. The CPU is now an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, and GPU options include an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 and 4070. These new GPUs bring a new feature called Frame Generation, which boosts performance by inserting AI-generated frames. Few games currently support this feature, but as we've seen with DLSS, the adoption rate will likely grow quickly. There's also a new display option: a 240Hz QHD+ panel with a matte finish and VRR support. See here for more details about the new Razer Blade 14.

ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023): The ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023) is a great 2-in-1 Windows convertible and a good alternative to the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022). It feels as well built as the MacBook Air and has a gorgeous, albeit slightly dimmer, OLED display. It also has a wider port selection, including two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4s with support for multiple external displays. It's heavier, though, and its battery life is shorter at around eight hours of light use. See our review
Framework Laptop 13 (2023): The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is a good alternative to the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022) if you want a laptop that's easy to repair or upgrade. You can replace any component in the laptop, even the CPU and motherboard. All the parts are available via Framework, and the company provides manuals to guide you through the replacement process. It also has a modular port system that lets you swap out the ports on the fly. However, its keyboard, touchpad, speakers, and webcam aren't as good. Also, depending on where you live, it might be harder to get one because you can only get it via Framework's website. See our review
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2023): The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2023) is a great ultraportable alternative to the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022). It has a wider port selection and Thunderbolt 4 support, and its SSD is user-replaceable. However, it's slightly bulkier, and its battery doesn't last as long. It's also more expensive. See our review
Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (2023): The Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (2023) is a good alternative to the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2022) if you prefer Windows. It provides a great user experience, and its battery lasts around 12 hours of light use. It's a pretty thin laptop, but ultimately, it's still a 16-inch device, so it might not fit into some bags. It also weighs considerably more at 4.4 lbs. See our review
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021): The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021) is a good alternative to the Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2021) if you only need a device for media consumption. It has a much nicer OLED display, and its battery lasts longer. It's a 13-inch device, though, so it isn't as portable as the Surface Go 3. See our review

Mar 15, 2024: Removed the Lenovo Slim Pro 7 14 (2023) from the Notable Mentions because it's discontinued. Added the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) as a Notable Mention. Minor text changes to provide information about new models of the Dell XPS 15, Apple MacBook Air 13, and Razer Blade 14.

Jan 23, 2024: Replaced the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M2, 2023) with the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) because Apple no longer sells the M2 model.

Nov 16, 2023: Minor text changes to provide information about the new M3 MacBook Pro and to add the Dell XPS 15 (2023) as a Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. Added the Lenovo Slim Pro 7 14 (2023) and Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (2023) as Notable Mentions.

Sep 18, 2023: Replaced the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) with the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) because the M1 model is no longer available. Small text changes to include the Lenovo Slim Pro 7 14 (2023) as an alternative to the MacBook Pro 14. Replaced the Lenovo Chromebook C340 15 (2020) with the Acer Swift 3 14 (2020) because the Acer is a better value.

Jul 18, 2023: Verified that the picks are valid and available. Added the ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023) as a Notable Mention.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best travel laptops you can get. We factor in the price (a cheaper laptop wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no laptops that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

If you prefer to make your own decision, here’s the list of all of our laptop reviews. Keep in mind that most laptops are available in various configurations, and the table only shows the results of the model we tested, so it’s best to see the full review for information about other variants.

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Robb Report Audio Awards 2024: The 40 Best Headphones, Earbuds, Speakers, Turntables, and More

Robb report editors and writers test hundreds of the finest audio products in the world every year. we've mined those reviews to name the best audiophile gear of 2024..

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Pronouncing anything the “Best of”—whether it’s an automobile, a wine, or a stereo system—is as much about personal taste as it is about price and specifications. In the spirit of our inaugural 2023 Audio Awards, the Robb Report editors have compiled this group of recommended components based on the high value, quality, and performance each delivers compared to the very best and most costly available. While lunatic-fringe audiophiles (and that includes some from these ranks) regularly audition so-called state-of-the-art gear, we take particular pleasure in recommending those components whose performance far outdistances their price tags. While you won’t see any $800,000 loudspeakers or $500,000 turntables here, we guarantee that all the components listed will acquit themselves admirably when performing the task for which each was designed, even against the “big guns.” While some brands are household names, we have also been quick to share special products whose footprint has never been seen in a big box store. Especially worth seeking out, think of these as a “secret handshake” between audiophile friends.

Best Floor-Standing Loudspeakers: Sonus faber Stradivari G2

The Stradivari Second Generation evolved from the original Stradivari, launched in the early 2000s, and features a wide front baffle, which is partially responsible for this speaker’s organic, natural, and full-bodied sound. A pair of 10-inch woofers go down to 25 Hz, while the six-inch, Neodymium magnet midrange driver handles the lion’s share of the sound for which the Italian manufacturer is famous. From 160 Hz to 2,200 Hz, this driver is the speaker’s heart and soul, aided in its role by a one-inch soft-dome tweeter. Though relatively sensitive at 92 dB, a high-current amplifier with at least 100 watts will go a long way toward making the Stradivari G2s sing. As with every Sonus faber loudspeaker, the wooden cabinetry is exquisite beyond belief. — Robert Ross

Best Loudspeakers for Design Obsessives: Songer Audio S1

A tour de force of technology, craftsmanship, and unbelievably lifelike sound, this 47-inch-tall tower is a dream come true for lovers of low-power tube amps. Amazingly, it uses only one driver, mounted at ear-level in a 120-pound bass-reflex enclosure constructed in a choice of hardwoods and embellished with polished brass details. There is a magic to the sound because of this speaker’s handmade, full-range transducer and the way that it reproduces music with the speed, transparency, and impact of a real performance. A time-aligned point-source, the response across the frequency spectrum is coherent in a way that no multi-driver system can be. Non-fatiguing and transparent, the sound can be compared to Quad 57 electrostatics, but with much greater weight and presence. For the music lover who wears “made to measure.” — RR

Best Stand-Mount Loudspeakers: Aretai Contra 100S

Winner of the prestigious Red Dot Design Award for product design in 2022, the smallest member of the Contra family combines sonic, aesthetic, and engineering principles that embody what designer Janis Irbe calls “the Northern Sound concept—the crisp and vital freshness of a winter morning surrounded by the generous and robust vastness of Nature.” However you characterize the sound of the Latvian-made loudspeaker, it comes with prodigious bass down to 30 Hz, thanks to a rear-firing six-inch woofer that complements its front-firing twin. The novel waveguide for the neodymium tweeter extends response to beyond 25 kHz but importantly replicates a deep, wide soundstage. These are serious speakers, with optional bi-wiring/bi-amping capability, and vacuum-tube lovers will appreciate the valve-friendly impedance and sensitivity of the Contra 100S. — RR

Best Bookshelf Loudspeakers: Graham Audio LS3/5A

When space is as precious as perfectionist sound, there are few if any loudspeakers more satisfying than the shoe-box-sized LS3/5A. The British Broadcasting Corporation’s original mini-monitor is a true audio icon and has remained in production since the first one was made in 1975 under license from the BBC. Since then, more than a dozen manufacturers have built the little giant slayer, and today, one top choice is Graham Audio’s Chartwell LS3/5A. Set up for nearfield listening on a desktop or bookshelf, the two-way design uses a five-inch Bextrene-cone midrange/woofer and a .75-inch mylar-dome tweeter. They don’t play at ear-bleeding levels and don’t go much below 70 Hz, but for tonal accuracy and their ability to sound like real voices and music, this classic product should be a part of every audiophile’s life experience. — RR

Best Bang-for-the-Buck Loudspeakers: JBL L100 Classic

The JBL L100 came on the scene in 1970. Those of us old enough may remember the Memorex print ad showing a guy in a Le Corbusier chair with his hair blown back by a single L100, implying that Memorex tape created a simulacrum of a real performance. While the Quadrex foam-grilled icon blasting the longhair is probably junk today, it’s possible to buy a vastly improved (but identical-looking) version of JBL’s enduring icon more than half a century later. The L100 Classic’s all-new 12-inch woofer, 5.25-inch midrange, and 1-inch titanium-dome tweeter improve on every aspect of the original’s sound, yet express the same youthful exuberance that pumped Stones, Hendrix, and Cream into smoke-filled dorms way back when. Buy a pair and go back in time. — RR

Best Wi-Fi Loudspeakers: KEF LS60 Wireless

Still the choice for those seeking exceptional sound and clean design, the KEF LS60, a floor-standing loudspeaker with about the narrowest form factor imaginable, has everything including the streamer built into it. Digital and analog sources can be plugged into the back panel of the master speaker, allowing this full-featured system to serve up superior sound, thanks largely to the Uni-Q front driver that delivers an incredibly coherent “point-source,” yet evenly one dispersed throughout the room. Impressive bass response comes from four 5.25-inch woofers in each enclosure, and 1,400 watts of Class D amplification shared between both speakers. Architectural colors for cabinets and drivers make these the perfect choice for midcentury design-types. — RR

Best Portable Wi-Fi Loudspeaker: Bang & Olufsen Beosound Level

Life is too short to bring bad design into one’s home. Thankfully, there is an antidote, and it sounds fantastic. Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound Level offers an immense portable soundscape and versatility to match. Only slightly larger than a legal pad and about two inches in depth, this Bluetooth-enabled Wi-Fi speaker streams music with rich, room-filling sound. Battery operated, the Level stands up, lays flat, or hangs on a wall. It can be carried from room to room, and, because it’s dust and splash-resistant, can even take its talents outdoors. Whether it’s the primary system for a smaller space or a musical sidekick for leisure listening, this is a sonic and aesthetic overachiever in the world of wireless speakers. We named it “Best Portable” last year and still, nothing does it better than the Beosound Level. — RR

Best Portable Digital Audio Player: Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000T

Astell&Kern’s digital audio players (DAP) are pocket-sized devices capable of storing and playing high-resolution music or media files. The A&ultima series of flagship players reproduce the ultimate high-res sound for use with headphones or in-ear earphones, like the company’s $4,999 Novus. The just-released SP3000T is based on the acclaimed SP3000 but adds the warmth and delicacy of tube amplification with A&K’s Triple Amp System, which allows users to customize their sound profile using tube amplification, a digital op-amp, or a hybrid combination of both tube and op-amps. The integration of dual Raytheon mil-spec vintage vacuum tubes creates an authentic analog sound, while the screen can display digital VU meters for added nostalgia to the musical journey. All three modes are available when using the 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm outputs.

Best Wireless Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony name may lack the glamour of some of the other brands on this list, but the Japanese electronics giant have repeatedly put out some of the best overall headphones you can buy over the last few decade. Of those, our pick is the current flagship over-ear model, the WH-1000XM5. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and much sleeker than the majority of their peers. They also offer active noise cancellation that it is a very clear step up from their predecessor, the also-excellent WH-1000XM4. Their best feature, though, is their audio quality. From the moment you turn them on, these cans sound superb, whether you’re a fan of classical, pop, or house. Even if their sound profile is a little bass-heavy for you, Sony’s easy-to-use app has an equalizer that’ll allow you to tweak settings to your heart’s content. The WH1000XM5 also offer excellent call quality and a useful voice-activated awareness mode—which pauses music and turns on the exterior microphones when someone is speaking to you—making them well suited to both work and play. — Bryan Hood

Best Wired Headphones: Focal Clear MG

It’s easy to be skeptical of some of the claims that audiophiles make. With budget and mid-priced headphones sounding as good as they do these days, is premium audio really worth the significant jump in cost? Just take a listen to your favorite album on Focal’s Clear MG and you’ll understand why sound snobs are so adamant about the difference between their gear and everything else. The French brand’s over-ears sound so pristine that you’ll understand what all the fuss is about within a song or two. Sure, they cost significantly more than some of the other cans on this list, but you won’t care one bit once you start noticing new details in a record you’ve already devoured dozens of times before. There aren’t many headphones that will give you the sense that you’re listening to an artist perform live every time you press play—but the Clear MG will. — BH

Best Headphones for Audiophiles: Meze Empyrean II

Because a $12,000 electrostatic headphone rig may not be every music lover’s cup of audiophile tea, we can be thankful for the new Meze Empyrean II. While hardly inexpensive, these Romanian-designed-and-built headphones are as satisfying to listen to as they are comfortable for long listening sessions. The aluminum housings are precision CNC-milled aluminum, with black metal grilles whose pattern of arched perforations recalls a fine Art Deco motif. The drivers, which use a planar diaphragm sandwiched between two perforated, fiberglass-infused pieces of lightweight ABS, are two reasons the sound of the Empyrean II is so natural, detailed, and impactful. The frequency response is, almost literally, off the charts, extending from a subterranean eight Hz and spiraling to a (literally) unheard of 110,000 Hz. Altogether, the Empyreans hit the headphone sweet spot and beg the question, “How much better can headphones get?” — RR

Best Designed Headphones: Apple AirPods Max

It’s no secret that the vast majority of headphones look pretty much the same. But not the AirPods Max. The over-ear version of Apple’s ubiquitous wireless earbuds has been one of the best-looking options on the market since its introduction earlier this decade. The stylish cans have the clean, streamlined look we’ve come to expect from the brand since the mid-aughts, with the added bonus of coming in a wide array of colors. The headphones’ smooth anodized aluminum cups don’t just look (and feel) good, they also that rotate independently of one another to keep pressure balances on your head, which is crucial since they are on the heavy side. Design and color options aren’t the only thing that separate the AirPod Max from the company’s earbuds—they also deliver excellent, well-balance audio performance regardless of what you’re listening to. Noise cancelling is fantastic, and their ease of use, especially if you already use other Apple products, just cannot be beat. — BH

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Sometimes you just need to block out your surroundings. Whether you’re trying to focus on a particular task or just need some peace and quiet, it’s always a good idea to have a dependable pair of noise-cancelling headphones nearby. No company has proven itself more reliable on this front than Bose and its newest flagship over-ears, the QuietComfort Ultra, take things to a new level. These things can block out—or at least greatly quiet down—basically all environmental noise allow you’re likely to come across on a daily basis. You may still hear that jackhammer down the block, but it won’t be anywhere near as annoying. They also offer Bose’s typically solid audio performance and significantly better transparency than their predecessors, the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. Add in a pleasing makeover and one of the best pairs of headphones just got better. — BH

Best Gaming Headphones: Razer BlackShark V2 Pro

Buying headphones for gaming is little different than buying them for basically any other activity. They need to sound good, of course—the last thing you want is to miss someone sneaking up behind you during a tense death match—but they also need to be lightweight and comfortable enough to accommodate marathon gaming sessions. That’s what we like so much about Razer’s BlackShark V2 Pro headphones: You’ll basically forget you’re wearing them. They also have a quality plug-in mic, so you can communicate with all the members of your team—or talk a little trash—without any noticeable lag. Just as important as all this, though, might be how normal they look. Gamer-focused gear has a tendency stand out a little too much, but not the BlackShark V2 Pros. In fact, with the exception of their serpentine logo and mic, they look just like any other pair of premium headphones. You might not even mind being spotted in them during your morning commute. — BH

Best Headphones for Travel: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95

You’ll want a pair of headphones that can do it all if you’re constantly on the go. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 falls firmly into this camp. The Danish audio experts’ top-of-the-line cans offer some of the best sound you’ll find at their price level. Custom titanium drivers produce audio that is rich, lively, and, most important of all, detailed. An array of exterior microphones and an active noise-cancellation chip make constant adjustments so you can actually hear what you’re listening to, even in noisier environments like a train car or airplane cabin. Both volume and noise cancellation levels can be adjusted via dials conveniently worked into each cup. They also have lambskin earpads, leather headband, and an aluminum frame available in a rainbow colors (chestnut brown might be our favorite) so you’re guaranteed to travel in style. — BH

Best Earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

It’s amazing what a few key tweaks can do. The new Ultra QuietComfort Earbuds aren’t all that different than their immediate predecessors, the QuietComfort Earbuds II, but they offer better call quality and a new immersive audio mode. The two upgrades may not sound like much in isolation, but are actually game changers that fix two of the ‘buds most apparent flaws. Unsurprisingly, this year’s model continues to deliver the solid audio performance you expect from a Bose product. Purists tend not to love audio processing, but Immersive Sound adds life and depth to pop and electronic music. The earbuds’ biggest virtues, though, remain their fit and noise cancellation ability. A variety of comfortable tips and wings provides a seal that can be hard to get from other in-ear headphones. Noise cancellation, meanwhile, remains superlative whether you just need some quiet or want to better focus on the detail of your favorite sonata while riding the subway. — BH

Best Sounding Earbuds: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

It can be easy to forget these days, but most people buy headphones (whether in- or over-ear) to listen to music. And when it comes to earbuds, there aren’t any that sound than the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 right now. The German outfit’s latest feel like an evolutionary leap forward, finally delivering the warm and precise sound the brand is known for in a pair of earbuds. It doesn’t matter what kind of music you love, be it alt-country, bebop, neo-classical, grime, or house: Each recording sounds the way its producer intended it to, which is no mean feat. There’s more to these earbuds than superlative audio quality, though. They also feature feature a redesigned antennae that improve connection reliability—which was a significant issue of their predecessors—and call quality been given a boost. And when you’re more concerned with blocking sound out than listening to anything, their noise cancellation is solid. They’re also lightweight and comfortable, which is good news if you feel like listening to a particularly epic double album. — BH

Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony’s latest flagship earbuds, the WF-1000XM5, offer the company’s best noise-cancelling performance. Even on a noisy subway you’ll be able to listen to your favorite song or podcast without trouble. But you won’t just hear them clearly: You’ll also be able to make out all the detail you would listening in a quiet room, whether it be the quaver in someone’s voice or the texture of a guitar solo. These in-ear headphones utilize a redesigned array of six microphones and two processors to take in and then block out the most distracting parts of the world around you. We were most impressed by how well they blocked out wind, something anyone who’s tried to take a call while walking can tell you that most earbuds struggle with. Part of the reason they’re so adept at blocking out unwanted noise is that they’re smaller than their predecessors, the WF-1000XM4, and come with foam ear tips, which makes it easier than ever before to get nice snug fit. Add in Sony’s typically excellent audio quality and you have yourself one of the better all-around pair of earbuds you can buy.— BH

Best Earbuds for Working Out: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Here’s the rare pair of earbuds (or headphones, if you want to broaden things) that feel like something completely new. Bose’s new Ultra Open Earbuds are like nothing we’ve tried before. Rather than fitting them into your ear canal like you do so many other earbuds, you simply clip these onto your earlobes. The ear-clinging design is unorthodox, but it works shockingly well. The small speaker on each bud projects music into your ear that you can still hear perfectly well while being aware of your surroundings (though it does mean you may have to turn the volume up in loud areas). This makes them particularly well-suited for working out in public, especially if you want to be aware of that car coming up behind you on your run. Don’t worry about the Ultra Open earbuds slipping off, either. The clip mechanism is as secure as it is comfortable, and you can wear these for hours without experiencing any discomfort. — BH

Best-Designed Earbuds: Beats Studio Buds +

Sometimes simplicity is the truest elegance. The latest version of Beat’s Studio Buds are easily the most streamlined earbuds currently on market. Unlike their corporate cousins, the Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro, these don’t have stems, and it’s actually hard to tell you’re even wearing in-ear headphones when you have them in. Even the case looks slick, especially if you opt for the transparent pair (which, if you ask us, you definitely should). State-of-the-art design isn’t all about looking good, though. These earbuds are extremely lightweight, so they’re comfortable to wear, even for long periods of time. Even the touch controls are intuitive, as is using them with any Apple device. Sound quality isn’t spectacular, but it’s better than solid whether you’re listening to music or making calls, which will do for most of us. — BH

Best Earbuds for Travel: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

At first listen, it can be easy to wonder why Apple’s AirPods Pro are as ubiquitous as they are. The second iteration of the ultra-popular earbuds sounds good but by no means stellar. The same goes for their noise-cancelling technology and fit. What is singular about them, though, is an ease of use that no other headphone—except their bigger sibling the Airpods Max—can claim, especially if you’re already part of the Apple ecosystem (as many of us are). Simply pop the Airpods in and you’re connected to your iPhone. They don’t have multi-point, but even switching between devices is a breeze (just open up the Bluetooth menu and click). Traveling is stressful enough, so why not pack a pair of earbuds that you’ll be able to connect to any of the devices you’re bringing with you with as little fuss as possible? — BH

Best Earbuds for Sleep: Soundcore Sleep A10

The Soundcore Sleep A10 may look like earplugs, but they’re actually fully functional earbuds. They’re slimmer and lighter than any other in-ear headphones we’ve tried out, making them comfortable even for side-sleepers (something that anyone who’s fallen asleep wearing a pair of AirPods Pro can tell you is not always the case). The Sleep A10 feature wings so that they stay put, as well as Twin Seal ear tips that passively block noises that could wake you up—even if you sleep next to someone with a tendency to snore. They don’t have active noise canceling, but the Soundcore app comes packed with ambient soundscapes to help drown out nighttime disturbances. Our favorite feature, though, is that—unlike many of their peers—you can use these sleep earbuds to listen to your own music or podcasts via Bluetooth if that’s what you need to drift off. You can also use the app to track your sleep patterns. — BH

Best Soundbar: Sennheiser Ambeo Max

Sennheiser’s powerful virtualization technology allows the Ambeo Max soundbar to deliver room-filling audio without the need for extra surround speakers or a subwoofer. Sennheiser uses the included microphone to scan your room and calibrate output from its 13 side-, front-, and upward-firing speakers to create the best Dolby Atmos or DTS:X experience offered from a single unit. You get four HDMI (one eARC), optical, and RCA inputs, plus Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity that supports AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect. All that sound comes in a very tall package, so you’ll want to use the Ambeo Max with a wall-hanging television to avoid blocking the bottom of your screen. — James Barber

Best Soundbar for Home Theater: Samsung HW-Q900C

The Samsung HW-Q900C soundbar for home theater systems.

Samsung’s HW-Q900C soundbar and wireless subwoofer combo offers 7.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos True HD and DTS:X sound via its dedicated center channel and front-, side-, and up-firing speakers. Samsung supports Alexa and its own Bixby protocol for voice control, while users can play music using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Airplay 2. Audiophiles can play back hi-res WAV and FLAC music files. If you also own a Samsung television that supports the company’s Q-Symphony feature, the HW-Q900C can use the TV’s speakers as part of its audio array. The SpaceFit Sound Pro functionality analyzes your living room and optimizes output to fit your space, while adaptive sound features can emphasize dialog. — JB

Best Surround Sound System: Sony HT-A9 With SW5 Subwoofer

The Sony HT-A9 surround sound system with an SW5 subwoofer.

Sony offers a remarkably immersive home theater experience with this wireless four-speaker and subwoofer system. Its 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology uses a series of sound pulses to read your living room and create up to 12 phantom speakers. When paired with a Sony Bravia, the television speakers can act as an additional center channel. The system supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby True HD, DTS:X, and DTS Master Audio, and also does an impressive job with immersive 360 Reality Audio music tracks from services like Tidal, Amazon Music, and Deezer. Each speaker weighs just over 1.5 pounds, making the HT-A9 system one of the most easy-to-use systems available for an Atmos home theater. — JB

Best Smart Soundbar: Bose Smart Ultra

The Bose Smart Ultra soundbar supports Amazon Alexa, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi in an all-in-one unit that offers Dolby Atmos playback with a single connection to your television. The soundbar has nine built-in speakers and can be upgraded later with a Bose subwoofer and surround speakers. Bose has designed a noise-rejecting mic system that allows Alexa to pick up voice commands even if you’re blasting a movie at full volume. Its Voice4Video technology expands Alexa’s capabilities, allowing the user to control a television or cable/satellite box with just their voice. The Smart Ultra supports Spotify Connect, while the Bose app adds support for the Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, TuneIn, and Sirius XM streaming services. — JB

Best All-in-One Audio System: Andover-One Turntable Music System

The Andover-One all-in-one turntable music system.

Andover delivers outstanding audio quality in a small-footprint system that minimizes vibration, allowing a turntable to sit atop a powerful 270-degree stereo speaker array. The company uses Pro-Ject components for its turntable and a carbon-fiber tonearm along with an Ortofon 2M Silver cartridge. Two-way Bluetooth supports AAC, aptX, and aptXHD, allowing users to stream music from a phone to the speaker or stream vinyl to wireless headphones. The Andover-One, powered by a 150-watt Class D amplifier, comes with multiple analog and digital inputs to connect CD players or music streamers as well as an output for an optional subwoofer. In addition, users can add a custom stand that stores up to 100 record albums. — JB

Best All-In-One Wireless System: Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation

If living with an imposing audio system is not your style, and the music is all that matters, then take a deep breath and embrace the Mu-so 2nd Generation. Naim’s slim all-in-one system spreads a sound field whose full-range presence belies the elegant form factor that could be a miniature architectural model of a Bauhaus residence. It’s hard to believe that so much powerful sound can come from such a simple-looking—and simple-to-use—component. As the perfect complement to a hard-earned martini at 5:01 p.m., the Mu-so could become a happy habit, a sonic relaxer that brings tranquility to the end of a hectic day. — RR

Best Turntable With Arm & Cartridge: Luxman PD-191A / LMC-5 Cartridge

While a dedicated vinyl lover can easily allocate 10 times as much to a turntable, the new Luxman rig proves that excellent value and near-state-of-the-art performance can prevail without diving headlong into the vinyl abyss. The Japanese manufacturer’s most ambitious turntable spins three record speeds (33, 45, and 78 rpm) on a heavy aluminum platter. The thick aluminum plinth achieves maximum rigidity, while the motor and power supply are mounted on a rigid bottom plate to isolate the tonearm and cartridge from transmitted vibration. A sophisticated tonearm developed jointly with SAEC, one of Japan’s most respected tonearm manufacturers, uses knife-edge bearings and features an effective arm length of 10 inches to further reduces cartridge tracking error. Add the optional acrylic dustcover and Luxman’s LMC-5 moving-coil cartridge for a turnkey turntable solution. — RR

Best Retro-Modern Turntable With Arm & Cartridge: Thorens TD 124 DD 140th Anniversary / Ortofon SPU 124 140th Anniversary Cartridge

Park any new supercar next to its 50-year-old ancestor and chances are, the old-timer will command more attention than its contemporary counterpart. In the audio world, products such as the Thorens TD 124 DD are simply timeless, while delivering performance that will embarrass most brand-new turntables. The 140th Anniversary Edition adds a copper platter and other refinements, mechanical and aesthetic, to last year’s choice. It looks strikingly similar to the company’s original TD 124 made from 1957 to 1967, yet the DD differs in using a direct-drive motor rather than idler-drive design. Its tonearm appears identical, too, though is much improved, as is the available Ortofon SPU moving-coil cartridge that brings so much life—with force and impact—to LP playback. — RR

Best Bang-for-the-Buck Turntable: Technics SL-1200GR2

Anybody old enough to remember when the Rolling Stones’s Exile on Main Street was new in 1972 may remember that the original Technics SL-1200 came out a few months later. Both album and turntable were all the rage, and the Technics was the first quality direct-drive turntable that a penurious college student could afford. It went on to become a favorite of DJs, and now, the SL-1200GR2 brings a familiar look to a vastly improved design, recently updated as the GR2. Its rock-solid speed accuracy, robust chassis, and sophisticated S-shaped magnesium tonearm make the 21st century SL a no-brainer for LP lovers on a budget. — RR

Best Home Theater Receiver: McIntosh MHT300 Home Theater Receiver

Last year’s pick of the McIntosh MX123 processor and MC257 multi-channel amp are still great choices for movie and surround-sound systems with the space and budget to let the dinosaurs roam. Less capacious entertainment venues will appreciate an all-in-one component like the MHT300 Receiver. Featuring 7.2 channels (expandable to 7.2.4), it delivers 150 wpc into four ohms and 120 wpc into eight ohms with all seven channels driven. That means every loudspeaker gets enough juice to make explosions, machine-gun fire, and screaming psycho-killers come to life in the comfort of a condominium. Dirac Live Room Correction and near-infinite connectivity allow users to fine-tune the sound from multiple sources. And when it’s time for something less stimulating, users will enjoy the built-in FM tuner for enjoying free, over-the-air radio broadcasts. — RR

Best Solid-State Integrated Amplifier: Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems Momentum MxV Integrated Amplifier

Recognized as among the finest audio electronics on the planet, a full-house D’Agostino system driving equivalent loudspeakers can easily crash through the $2 million barrier. And yet, the Momentum MxV Integrated Amplifier harnesses the essence of D’Agostino’s Relentless and Momentum Series in a single-chassis component that delivers 250 wpc with a full-function line stage, one whose sound is every bit as detailed, seductive, and musical as the Momentum separates. When it’s equipped with the optional phono stage and digital streaming modules, one need only add top-tier speakers and a turntable to build a minimalist, state-of-the-art digital and analog system that, while not inexpensive, could be regarded a bargain for those seeking the very best. — RR

Best Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier: Western Electric 91E

As we said last year, extolling the sonic virtues of the 300B vacuum tube to someone unfamiliar with this amplification device is like explaining how a truffle is unlike any common mushroom. Just as that precious fungus is a gustatory revelation, an amplifier using the 300B offers a rich, multi-layered audio experience with sound as seductive as it is addictive. Western Electric invented the 300B in 1938, and the company, resurrected in 1996, soon began to remanufacture the legendary tube. The Western Electric 91E integrated amplifier is a SET (single-ended triode) design that delivers double the power of traditional 300B amps and makes any but the most power-hungry loudspeakers sing to the heavens. The component’s exquisitely machined chassis reminds us that audio gear can be jewelry, too. Until someone does it better, this is the integrated tube alter of choice. — RR

Best Bang-for-the-Buck Integrated Amplifier: Moon River 404 Reference Integrated Amplifier

Moon River Audio was introduced to Robb Report readers in the October 2022 issue, and now the 404 Reference cements this Swedish manufacturer’s claim to building the best integrated amplifier for the price. Distinguishing the Reference from the 404 Standard are its vastly improved power supply—doubled in capacitance—and the unit’s ability to drive virtually any loudspeaker with its relatively modest 50 wpc, proof once again that specifications don’t tell the whole story. Features like a tape monitor loop, stereo/mono switch, and a versatile MM/MC phono module offer added “army-knife” functionality. Like good Scandinavian furniture, the Moon River’s classic, understated design will endear it to those who like to look at, as well as listen to, a fine component. — RR

Best Solid State One-Brand Separates: Mola Mola Makua Preamplifier / Lupe Phono Stage / Perca Stereo Amplifier / Tambaqui DAC

Made in the Netherlands and named after one of the ocean’s most unusual fish, Mola Mola has been building class-defining solid-state gear since 2011. The handiwork of famous designer Bruno Putzeys, Mola Mola’s take-no-prisoners approach to sound has earned the company accolades in the audio press. Similarly, the build quality of these dramatically shaped, half-sized-chassis components rivals the very best at any price. The amplifiers, with no sonic signature of their own, use Putzeys’s Class D NCORE technology, while particularly notable are the Tambaqui DAC and Lupe Phono Stage, antipodal sources that aim at—and hit—the same perfectionist mark. — RR

Best Vacuum Tube One-Brand Separates: Linear Tube Audio Microzotl Preamplifier / Ultralinear+ Amplifier / Aero DAC

Linear Tube Audio Microzotl Preamplifier, Ultralinear+ Amplifier, and Aero DAC

Audio gear using vacuum-tubes continues to attract acolytes in much the same way that an LP spun on a turntable can seem more alive, fleshed out, simply real . LTA tube-based gear is clean and clear, plus it sounds as if a veil has been removed, preserving only the nature of music itself. That’s because physicist David Berning, who invented ZOTL (Zero hysteresis Output Transformer-Less) tube architecture in 1996, eliminated audio output transformers because of the restrictions they impose on amplifier performance. This topology allows LTA amplifiers to have a flat frequency response from eight hz to 50 Khz, nearly impossible with an output transformer. Relatively efficient loudspeakers of will sing like never before in a system whose design aesthetic is as beautifully minimal as its performance is overwhelmingly impressive. — RR

Best Digital Music Server/Streamer/DAC: Aurender A20

In the computer Stone Age, it was often said that “Nobody ever got fired for buying IBM.” And today, a sure audiophile decision is choosing Aurender as one’s digital streaming component. Throw in a world-class DAC and you have the A20, Aurender’s all-in-one digital source that has made many a music lover jettison their CDs and LPs. Whether one calls it the lazy person’s way of reaching musical nirvana, or just a “smarter source,” the Aurender’s tank-like build and impeccable sound quality put it into digital’s top-tier, enhanced by a user interface that is intuitive and reliable. Music collectors with large CD libraries will want the A30 ($19,999), which rips your CD collection and has 10 TB of internal hard-drive storage. — RR

Best Audiophile Cables: RSX Technologies Benchmark Series

For thoughtful music listeners with open minds and sufficiently resolving systems, good cables do indeed make an audible sonic improvement. One needn’t spend the price of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class to get there, either. Sanity prevails with RSX Technologies’ Benchmark Series cables, which provide a stem-to-stern solution for every component in the system. Designed by cable-industry veteran Roger Skoff of XLO Cables fame, the Benchmark series includes ER-11 Line Level, ER-31 Phono, and ER-41 Digital Interconnects in various lengths and terminations. The ER-61 Speaker Cables use flexible, 11+AWG Litz-variant geometry solid copper conductors terminated with gold-plated banana plugs. Many audiophiles contend that a component’s power cord—especially for the amplifier—is the most important cable connection of all, and the ER-20 Power Cord, at just $200, delivers audible improvement well beyond its modest price. — RR

Best Audio Racks: Solidsteel HY Series

Finding just the right support for audio components is a challenge. The best can be as costly as the gear itself, while inexpensive racks don’t usually provide the sturdy structure, stability, and vibration isolation needed, especially when stacking three or four shelves high. Solidsteel is an Italian brand whose racks have stood the test of time, not just with their practical performance but with aesthetics befitting the best gear placed atop their thick shelves. Machined steel legs and damped shelves in black, wood or even marble complement any environment, and allow users the freedom to adjust height based on clever extensions to individual legs. The HY (Hyperspike) Series hits a sweet spot.

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Best Laptops for Travel in 2024

G oing on a trip with the right travel partner can transform your experience, and when it comes to tech, nothing beats the perfect travel laptop. There are many laptops for every type of traveler, from digital nomads to busy professionals. Finding a laptop with good performance, portability, and long battery life is important for a better travel experience. So, if you're getting ready to travel, you'll want to check out our expertly curated selection of the best laptops for travel.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 Gaming Laptop

Msi raider ge78 hx 17.3 gaming laptop, alienware x14 r1 gaming laptop, asus tuf f17 gaming laptop, razer blade 18 gaming laptop (rtx 4090), hp victus 15, choosing the ideal travel laptop.

When selecting a laptop for travel, consider these essential factors:

Portability and Weight : Lighter laptops make travel more comfortable without sacrificing screen size or quality.
Battery Life : Long-lasting battery life keeps you going with productivity and entertainment throughout long flights or layovers.
Durability : A strong build can handle the challenges of travel, including airport security and bumpy rides.

Choosing the best laptop for travel sets the stage for work and enjoyment on the move. But pairing it with the right accessories can further improve your experience. Discover the best wireless mice for laptops , designed for easy connectivity and portability, ensuring your setup is as mobile as you are.

The Best Gaming Laptops for 2024

Game rant's best laptops for travel.

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 Gaming Laptop comes packed with features including a Mini-LED 2K display, the best Intel laptop CPU money can buy, and plenty of storage and RAM in a neat 16-inch package that still allows you to get the performance you need versus competing 17-inch laptops.

Operating System Windows 11 Pro

CPU Intel Core i9-13980HX

GPU RTX 4090 Laptop GPU

Storage 2TB (1+1TB in RAID 0 config)

Battery 4 cell 90WHr Battery

Display (Size, Resolution) 2K (2560 x 1600), Mini-LED, 240Hz

Camera 720P Camera

Speakers 4 Speakers

Memory 32GB DDR5

Ports USB-C, USB-A, Thunderbolt, Ethernet, Headphone Jack, HDMI 2.1

Network Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 2.5G Ethernet

Dimensions 13.94" x 10.39" x 0.89"

Weight 5.73 lbs

Brand ASUS ROG

Power 330W AC Adapter

Intel Core i9 for high-end performance
Stunning 2K Mini-LED 240Hz display
Dual 1TB SSDs in RAID 0 for speedy storage
Heavier laptop for carrying around
Premium price point

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 tops our list as the best overall laptop for travel. It has the latest Intel Core i9 processor and RTX 4090 Laptop GPU in a travel-friendly 16-inch size. Its 2K Mini-LED display at 240Hz makes everything look amazing on your trips. Also, with 32GB DDR5 RAM and two 1TB SSDs, you get plenty of storage and speed to handle any task.

Its size and weight might challenge some carry-ons, but paying for such high-end specs is often worth it for those needing exceptional performance on the go. Given these considerations, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 secures its position as the best overall laptop for travelers, especially for gamers and creators who demand no compromise on performance and quality during their travels.

The MSI Raider GE78 HX 17.3-inch Gaming Laptop is one of the best all-around RTX 4090 PCs players can currently grab with the top-of-the-line Intel Core i9 processor, the RTX 4090. It also has an excellent display coupled with plenty of RAM and SSD space.

Operating System Windows 11 Home

GPU RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W

Storage 2TB NVME SSD

Battery 4-Cell 99 Whr Battery

Display (Size, Resolution) 2K (2560x1600) 17.3'', 240Hz

Camera 1080P 30FPS

Speakers 2x 2W Speakers, 4x 2W Woofers

Colors Core black

Ports USB Type-C, USB Type A, SD Card, HDMI, Ethernet

Network Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5G Ethernet

Dimensions 380 x 298 x 23 mm

Weight 6.8 lbs

Form 17.3''

Power 330W AC Power Adapter

Stunning 2K 240Hz display
Massive 2TB NVMe SSD storage
Flexible 32GB DDR5 RAM
Heavy 6.8 lbs build
Expensive price tag

The MSI Raider GE78 HX is our top choice for a gaming laptop suitable for travel. It's a high-performing machine specifically crafted for gamers who are frequently on the move. This model is powered by the latest Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and an RTX 4090 GPU, delivering uncompromised gaming performance in terms of both speed and graphics quality.

The Raider GE78 HX impresses with its excellent specifications and surprising portability, featuring a durable build and a long-lasting battery. Whether gaming in a hotel room or editing videos on a flight, this laptop is the best gaming laptop for travel, offering a perfect blend of high performance and easy portability.

The Alienware X14 R1 is a super lightweight and ultra-thin gaming laptop with a clean white case. Powered by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, 16 GB of RAM, and a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H, gamers can expect decent specs despite the impressively compact packaging. Weighing just over four pounds with a thickness of only 0.6 inches, this laptop is one of the thinnest and lightest gaming-specific laptops on the market.

Operating System Windows 11

CPU Intel Core i7-12700H

GPU Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060

Storage 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD

Display (Size, Resolution) 14-inch, 1920 x 1080

Dimensions 12.7 x 10.3 x 0.6 inches

Weight 4.1 pounds

Brand Alienware

Connectivity Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2

Ultra-slim 0.6-inch profile
Powerful Intel i7 and RTX 3060 combo
Exceptional portability at 4.1 pounds
Limited upgradability due to compact size
High performance can lead to heat build-up

The Alienware x14 R1 stands out as the best lightweight laptop for travel on our list, offering powerful gaming capabilities in a sleek, thin design perfect for on-the-go gaming. Equipped with an Intel Core i7-12900HK processor and an NVIDIA RTX 3060 graphics card, it effortlessly manages the most demanding games, making it an excellent choice for traveling gamers. The 14-inch FHD display delivers vibrant visuals, while the 16GB RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD ensure fast performance and ample storage.

Even with its powerful hardware, the x14 R1 maintains a remarkably light and slim profile, which is uncommon among gaming laptops. While some may find the keyboard space a bit limited, the superior build quality and gaming experience it provides are second to none. For those who prioritize gaming performance as well as travel convenience, the Alienware x14 R1 is an unparalleled choice, standing out as the best lightweight laptop for travel without any compromise on performance or portability.

Read the full review here.

The ASUS TUF F17 is a laptop powered by an Intel Core i5-11400H processor with six cores and a boost speed of up to 4.5 GHz. It features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card with 4 GB of GDDR6 RAM. The display on the laptop is a 17.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS panel with a refresh rate of 144 Hz.

As part of the TUF Series, this laptop is designed for durability and meets the MIL-STD-810H military standard. It uses a dual-fan system for cooling.

CPU Intel Core i5-11400H Processor

GPU NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 Graphics

RAM 8 GB DDR4 3200MHz

Storage 512 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD

Memory Memory Speed 4.5 GHz

Fast Intel Core i5-11400H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050
Impressive 17.3-inch FHD 144Hz IPS display for vibrant visuals
512 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD and 8 GB DDR4 RAM
Larger size may not be ideal for portable needs
8 GB RAM might need upgrading for intensive multitasking

Meet the ASUS TUF F17, our top pick for the best mid-range laptop for travel. It's an outstanding choice for those who seamlessly blend travel with work. Equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor and a GeForce RTX 3050, it guarantees that users won't have to compromise on work or enjoyment, even while traveling. The 17.3-inch screen vividly brings every detail to life, enhancing the travel experience with more colorful and enjoyable visuals.

While it offers exceptional performance, the ASUS TUF F17 is big and heavy, which might not be ideal for those who want portability. But its durability and specs make it an excellent choice. For a travel laptop that strikes a balance between performance, durability, and visual excellence, the ASUS TUF F17 stands out as the best mid-range option.

The Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop is a laptop that pushes the boundaries of what people can genuinely call a gaming laptop (but in a good way). Razer has no qualms about it, calling it the ultimate desktop replacement with a feature-packed offering that also comes with some of the most premium pricing on the market.

Desktop-grade performance in a portable design
240Hz 2K display for stunning visuals
32GB DDR5 RAM for superior multitasking
High price point
Shorter battery life under heavy use

The Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop is the best high-end option for those seeking to merge top-tier performance with portability. Equipped with an Intel Core i9-13950HX 24-core processor and an NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU, it delivers desktop-like performance, making it an excellent choice for both gamers and professionals. Its 240Hz 2K screen offers stunning visuals, elevating gaming and content creation to an immersive experience.

The Razer Blade 18's premium price reflects its exceptional build quality and advanced components, often matching a desktop's performance and setting a high standard among Windows laptops. Its powerful features and solid build may exceed the needs of regular users, and its larger size could be a factor for those who prefer more compact travel options. However, for those who prioritize exceptional performance on the go, the Razer Blade 18 is unrivaled, making it the best high-end travel laptop, catering to those who refuse to compromise on power and quality while traveling.

With a decent Intel Core i5 12th generation processor and a GTX 1650 GPU powering it, the Victus 15 isn't the fastest laptop, but it does offer decent pricing, a 144Hz display, and a healthy slew of ports.

CPU Intel Core i5-12450H

GPU GTX 1650

Storage 512 GB NVMe SSD

Battery 52.5 WHr

Display (Size, Resolution) 15.6", 1080p, 144 Hz

Camera 720p

Colors Mica Silver

Memory 8 GB DDR4 3200 MHz

Ports 1 USB Type-C, 2 USB Type-A, Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, SD Card Reader

Weight 5.06 lbs

Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 performance
Amazing 15.6" 1080p 144Hz display
Plenty of storage with 512GB NVMe SSD
8GB RAM may need upgrading for heavy multitasking
Larger design compared to ultraportables

For budget-conscious travelers seeking a combination of affordability, performance, and portability, the HP Victus 15 emerges as the best choice. It is equipped with a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H CPU and NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU, making it adept at handling both work related tasks and entertainment needs while traveling. The laptop's fast display enhances the smoothness of visuals, perfect for photo editing or enjoying games during layovers.

While the HP Victus 15 features a sturdy design and a comprehensive selection of ports for added versatility, travelers should consider its noise level and battery life. Even with these factors in mind, the overall value of the HP Victus 15 is exceptional, making it an outstanding choice for travelers seeking the best budget laptop at an affordable price.

Best Laptops for School in 2024

Final thoughts on choosing your travel companion.

Picking the best travel laptop is all about finding the right balance between its specs and what fits your travel style and needs. When considering purchasing a laptop for travel, don’t forget about three, very important concerns. These are portability and weight, battery life, and durability.

Portability and Weight

The ideal travel laptop should be your go-to gadget without being too heavy. Look for models that balance lightweight design and screen size perfectly, so you don't sacrifice usability for portability.

Battery Life

Long flights and travel layovers require a laptop that can keep up. Choose laptops with extended battery life to make sure you are still working or enjoying entertainment, no matter how far off from home your travels may take you.

Travel can be unpredictable, so your laptop should be designed to handle some rough and tumble. Durable materials and a solid design can protect your laptop from bumpy rides, airport security, etc.

Q: How important is a laptop's durability for travel?

Extremely important. Travel laptops should have a solid body to handle the challenges of moving from place to place, offering peace of mind on your trips.

Q: Can travel laptops handle demanding tasks like video editing?

Many travel-friendly laptops have high-performance specs that can handle demanding tasks like video editing and gaming and offer a great balance of power and portability.

Q: How do I secure my laptop while traveling?

Look for laptops with advanced security features like fingerprint readers or facial recognition to keep your data safe while traveling.

Deals and sales

The Best Deals From REI’s Annual Member-Only Sale 2024

Clockwise, from left to right: A backpack, a helmet, and a bike light.

REI is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and fitness fanatics alike—and if you regularly buy gear for camping, hiking, running, or travel, an REI membership may be right for you. REI Co-op members qualify for additional perks such as free shipping, an annual reward totaling 10% cash back on full-price purchases, a one-year return policy, and access to exclusives like REI’s annual Member Moment Sale—which is happening right now.

Through March 25, REI members can use the exclusive code MEMBER24 to save an extra 20% on a single full-price or REI Outlet item.

But be warned—not every discount is worth it, as even a 20% discount doesn’t approach the best prices we’ve seen on some gear. Below, we’ve highlighted only the best member deals on the gear our experts have tested and swear by.

Here’s the deal

Osprey mira 22 hydration pack, niterider swift 300 bike light, yeti panga 50l waterproof duffel, giro aries spherical bike helmet, salomon quest 4 gore-tex hiking boots (men’s sizes), patagonia women’s torrentshell 3l pants, vasque breeze waterproof hiking boot (men’s sizes), snow peak ti-single 600 cup with hotlips, cotopaxi allpa 35l carry-on travel backpack.

Osprey Mira 22

Our upgrade hydration-pack pick for longer trails and shorter day hikes.

Perfect for long days on the trail, this was the most comfortable hydration pack we tested. In addition to a 2.5-liter water reservoir, its updated design features an improved water bladder, better bite valves, and a better strap-adjustment system.

Buying Options

With single-use promo code MEMBER24, REI membership required

Other things to know: Works best for people under 5-foot-8. Backpack comes with a lifetime guarantee; reservoir covered for only one year. On sale for REI members with single-use coupon code MEMBER24 .

Read our review of the best hydration packs for day hikers .

NiteRider Swift 300

Our budget commuter bike headlight pick.

This small, sturdy commuter bike light can kick out 300 lumens for up to two hours and flash for 12. Cyclists will also appreciate the swiveling strap and decent side visibility, as well as its ability to adjust to fit most sizes and shapes of handlebars.

Other things to know: Not suited to longer or darker routes. Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, one-year warranty on its rechargeable battery cells. Already affordable but rarely sees discounts. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24 .

Read our review of the best commuter bike lights .

A person wearing the Yeti Panga 50L Waterproof Duffel.

Our tougher, waterproof duffle bag pick

Boasting solid metal hardware and a myriad of lash points, this nearly indestructible bag can withstand even the wettest adventures. Whether you’re carrying it as a duffle or a backpack, it’s comfortable—despite being the heaviest option we tested.

Other things to know: It weighs more than 5 pounds empty. Pricey; typically double the cost of our top pick. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24 .

Read our review of the best duffle bags .

Giro Aries Spherical

Our upgrade pick for the best commuter bike helmet.

Ultra-serious road cyclists can’t go wrong with the lightest, best-ventilated helmet we’ve tested. It features a triangle of reflective safety tape on the back, and it’s the top-rated helmet in Virginia Tech’s safety test.

Other things to know: Our most expensive pick by far, but may be worth considering if you’re a committed roadie or extremely concerned about concussions. Considering the price, we wish Giro offered a more-generous crash-replacement policy. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24 .

Read our review of the best bike helmet for commuters .

The Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots on a light brown background.

The best hiking boot

Not only do these breathable, waterproof hiking boots offer trustworthy traction, but their design also includes a gusseted tongue and the widest toe box of any hiking boot we tested. With top-notch cushioning, they fit most foot shapes right out of the box and are supportive without feeling compressive.

Other things to know: Fairly bulky and the heaviest of all our picks. The laces are sheathed with a material that makes them harder to tie. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24 . We’ve seen better prices in the past for fewer colors and less size availability.

Read our review of the best hiking boots .

A person wearing the Patagonia Women’s Torrentshell 3L Pants while hiking.

Our runner-up pick for the best rain pants

Made of three-layer ripstop nylon, these rain pants are just as dry and comfortable in wetter conditions as our top pick, but they’re more breathable than many of the other options we tested. Articulated knees offer added mobility, while the long ankle zippers make it easier to pull them on and off.

Other things to know: If you’re shorter or taller than the inseams accommodate (they come in short and regular lengths), you may be tripping over these pants or finding that they don’t cover you adequately. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24 . A rare deal, but still more expensive than our top pick.

Read our review of the best rain pants .

An olive green pair of Vasque Breeze Waterproof hiking boots.

Our more flexible hiking boot pick

Great for longer hikes, these boots offer all the comfort of a trail-running shoe with the ankle support of a traditional hiking boot. At just over 2 pounds per pair, they’re lightweight and flexible yet still substantial enough to support you while carrying a heavy pack.

With single-use promo code MEMBER24, REI membership required (select colors)

Other things to know: Runs narrow—we recommend ordering at least a half-size up from your street-shoe size. Takes longer to break (about 10 miles) in than our top pick. On sale in nutria color for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24 .

A person's hand holding the Snow Peak Ti-Single 600 Cup With Hotlips.

Snow Peak Ti-Single 450 Cup

A larger version of a staff-favorite ultralight titanium mug.

Campfire cooking is a breeze with this durable, smooth titanium mug, and the food-grade silicone HotLips help mitigate potential scorching while sipping. The cup’s roomy flip-out handle is easy to grip while in use, and you can attach it to a carabiner for external storage if you’re packing light.

May be out of stock

Other things to know: Cup may be too hot to drink from on its own at first pour. Can also be used as a single-serving pot for boiling water. HotLips only fit on Snow Peaks mugs. Single-use coupon code MEMBER24 is only available for REI members.

Read our review of our favorite campfire cooking tips tricks and gear .

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

Our small carry-on travel backpack pick for most situations.

Highly adjustable straps, a rainfly, and handles on all four sides make this easy-to-pack clamshell backpack versatile enough for a week or a weekend. It’s protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back it up, with a 1680-denier ballistic nylon construction.

With single-use discount and free Dick's ScoreCard account

Other things to know: Minimal amount of administrative organization. We’d love to see a permanent all-nylon alternative to the TPU-lined front panel, which can flake over time. REI members can use single-use code MEMBER24 . Also available from Moosejaw when you sign in with free Dick's ScoreCard account to get 20% off a single full-price item. On sale in select colors (more available from Moosejaw).

Read our review of the best carry-on travel backpacks .

Editor’s note: The photo at the top of this article may reflect previous deals that are no longer valid and have been removed. Check out our Deals page for more great discounts on Wirecutter’s expert-approved picks.

This article was edited by Janie Campbell and Nathan Burrow.

Meet your guide

Kaitlin Mahar

Kaitlin Mahar is a staff writer for Wirecutter’s Deals team. Her byline has appeared in Delish, Esquire, and Town & Country. When she’s not hunting for deals and fiercely defending the Oxford comma, she’s a proud cat parent, an avid yogi, and a co-producer and co-host of the podcast Crime Culture . Please tell your pets and grandparents she says hi.

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The Best Underseat Luggage To Make Your Next Flight Hassle-Free

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From long-haul flights to hour-long trips, having your travel essentials (think: snacks, books and headphones) right at your feet is a major convenience. Beyond that, your onboard personal item can even hold a few days’ worth of clothes, potentially eliminating your need for a carry-on. The best underseat luggage easily slides into tight spaces, while still fitting all of the demands of modern air travel. For instance, our top pick, the Thule Subterra Boarding Bag , is designed with helpful features like a laptop compartment and a trolley sleeve for attaching to your rolling luggage.

The best underseat luggage is compact and thoughtfully designed, sliding into tight spaces without ... [+] sacrificing storage space.

When it comes to underseat luggage, functionality and durability are the two most important qualities to prioritize. Look for bags with rip-resistant fabrics (or crack-resistant shells), strategically placed pockets and, with certain styles, comfy shoulder straps. During our research, we consulted with Forbes Vetted’s senior travel editor and globetrotter Astrid Taran to select the best underseat luggage available right now, from travel backpacks to duffel bags and beyond.

Best Underseat Luggage Overall: Thule Subterra 23L Boarding Bag
Best Underseat Luggage With Wheels: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat Bag
Best Underseat Duffel Bag: Troubadour Embark Compact Duffel
Best Underseat Tote Bag: Cuyana System 13-Inch Tote
Best Underseat Backpack: Troubadour Compact Apex Backpack
Best Underseat Hardshell Luggage: Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage
Most Spacious Underseat Luggage: Briggs and Riley Underseat Duffle
Best Underseat Luggage For Business Travel : Dagne Dover Berlin Travel Brief

Best Underseat Luggage Overall

The winner on all fronts, thule subterra 23l boarding bag.

Dimensions (LxWxH): 12.2 x 7.9 x 17.3 inches | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Ember

There’s a lot to like about the Thule Subterra 23L boarding bag. It has a clean, functional design and comes in two dark color options (great for hiding stains). The best part? It’s wrapped in a durable, 800D nylon that will undoubtedly stand up to underseat air travel. The Subterra’s roomy interior has enough space for necessary tech essentials plus extraneous gear to get through a layover or a longer direct flight. It also has designated storage for a 15-inch laptop, as well as a trolley sleeve for attaching to rolling luggage. Beyond that, Thule bags are simply built tough—you can count on them to last for years.

The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.

Best Underseat Luggage With Wheels

Easily movable with true durability, travelpro maxlite 5 underseat bag.

Dimensions (LxWxH): 17.5 x 8.5 x 14.5 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Available colors: 9 total, including Midnight Blue and Orchid Pink Purple

You’ve probably seen pilot and flight attendant luggage donned with the Travelpro brand—and that’s because the company makes solid, sturdy bags air travel professionals can rely on. They also happen to be a brand of choice for professional frequent flyers. Inside, the bag has one main storage area and a lining made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Travelers can rely on a well-built set of wheels and a cemented handle that can maneuver around tight spaces on-plane with ease. Outside, a stain- and water-resistant fabric makes this a definite winner.

Best Underseat Duffel Bag

For a more athletic-focused traveler.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Troubadour Embark Compact Duffel

Dimensions (LxWxH): 18 x 7.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Navy

For the traveler who needs just as much style as function in their underseat luggage, this bag from Troubador is a great choice. The dedicated shoe pocket (with air circulation) is a nice touch, especially for overnights where a second pair is required. In the main pocket, there’s tidy essential storage, with varied pocket sizes for all of your necessary gear. Plus, it’s a handsome bag draped in a recycled polyester fabric and vegan leather trim that adds a touch of class to a workhorse piece.

Best Underseat Tote Bag

Customizable and chic, cuyana system 13-inch tote.

Dimensions (HxWxD): 10 x 13.25 x 5 inches | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Colors: 6 total, including Caramel and Stone

If you’re already bringing a carry-on or checked bag on your trip, you may prefer to carry a simple tote bag onto your flight in lieu of more traditional luggage. This 13-inch leather bag from Cuyana earned the top spot on our list of the best travel totes ; it has a designated laptop sleeve and an internal pouch for smaller items like your wallet, passport and phone. It comes in versatile neutral hues that complement any outfit, so you can head straight from the airport to your dinner reservation with ease. There’s also the option to add gold foil monogramming for a personalized touch.

Best Underseat Backpack

Tidy, subtle and classic, troubadour compact apex backpack.

Dimensions (HxWxD): 16 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Colors: 3 total, including Navy and Obsidian Green

Troubadour makes the list a second time for this well-suited backpack that’s ideal for the business traveler. The front zipper opening offers easy access to smaller items when you’re crammed into a middle seat along with additional integration inside the bag for those who need more tech space. Outside, a sleeve strap means you can stow this on top of your rolling bag while sprinting through the airport between layovers. The recycled polyester exterior will hold its own for any unplanned spills.

Best Underseat Hardshell Luggage

A fine mix of fashion and function, calpak hue mini carry-on luggage.

Dimensions (HxWxD): 16 x 14 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 6.4 pounds | Colors: 6 total, including Hazel and Mauve

True to its name, the Hue Mini is one of the smaller pieces in Calpak’s range, but there’s still plenty of versatility to go around. With 31 liters of total space, there’s enough for an overnight stay and some change. The luxury of a symmetrical shape is that it very easily tucks into the underseat area of an airplane or that last bit of available overhead space. Plus, it’s fun and bright, ensuring it will stand out if you ever need to check it.

Most Spacious Underseat Luggage

For those who need to cram in as much as possible.

Briggs and Riley

Briggs and Riley Underseat Duffle

Dimensions (HxWxD): 10.5 x 16.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 2.8 pounds

There are a number of bold features built into this bag that make it an excellent candidate for underseat travel. Primarily, the number and functionality of its pockets means you can fit quite a lot into a soft frame that leaves a little space underneath your seat. The separate water bottle storage is also a nice touch, especially when you want to remove the risk of your beverage leaking on your precious tech items. Lastly, it has ample interior access, should you need to remove something to get through security at the last possible moment.

Best Underseat Luggage For Business Travel

A sleek look for important meetings.

Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover Berlin Travel Brief

Dimensions (LxWxH): 16 x 4.5 x 12.5 inches | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Colors: 3 total, including Ash and Onyx

Dagne Dover’s Berlin Travel Brief is ideal for those who need to tote around a lot of tech—it offers space for two 16-inch laptops and two phones. In addition, padded slip pockets provide extra space for smaller work essentials such as a notebook or writing utensils, while a neoprene pouch accommodates your water bottle. A luggage sleeve allows you to slip the bag onto your rolling suitcase as you make your way to your final destination. The padded crossbody strap is removable, giving you the option to hold the bag like a traditional briefcase.

Sleep Between The Best Sateen Sheets For A Luxuriously Soft And Cozy Feel

The dyson hair dryer is back on sale for its all-time low price, why trust forbes vetted.

In addition to writing, researching and publishing dozens of luggage stories across the board, the Forbes Vetted team has spent many hours on the road and in the sky with carry-on luggage , weekender bags and travel backpacks of every kind.
Product selections are overseen by senior travel editor Astrid Taran , a seasoned globetrotter who has visited 35 countries throughout the course of her career.
This article is regularly updated to ensure all product selections still meet the criteria for their respective categories. In its most recent March 2024 update, travel writer Claire Epting reevaluated our picks and introduced the Thule Subterra Boarding Bag , the Cuyana System Tote and the Dagne Dover Berlin Travel Brief to the list.

What To Consider When Selecting Underseat Luggage

There are a few key factors you should keep in mind when picking an underseat bag. Below, we’ve broken down each one to better inform your purchasing decision.

The biggest factor when considering underseat luggage is size. If the bag doesn’t fit underneath the seat, then you’ll be asked to place it above you in the overhead bin. It’s also important to make sure you don’t push the outer limits of the dimension maximums, since you also need a place to rest your feet. In our experience, it’s better to give up 2 to 3 inches of space so you don’t end up more crammed in the seat than you already are.

It’s almost a sure bet that your underseat bag will get stained, kicked around and generally pushed into the framing of the seat in front of you, so it’s crucial that it can stand up to all of that wear. Hardshell bags fare a bit better, but soft-sided bags and backpacks can move more to give your feet a bit more space. In either case, you want to find a strong nylon, polyester or leather bag that can bend, flex and fold to the demands of commercial air travel.

Additional Features

When comparing different pieces of underseat luggage, consider which features are most important to you. For those who frequently go on trips for work, a bag with a built-in laptop compartment will prove useful. Meanwhile, those who hate carrying bags on their shoulders will benefit from one with rolling wheels. If you’re traveling with additional luggage, look for a bag with a trolley sleeve—this design feature allows you to slip your bag over the handle of your wheeled suitcase.

What Is The Best Size For Underseat Luggage?

Every domestic airline has a different standard for underseat carry-on sizing. To give a good example of the range you should expect to find on your flights, American Airlines has a dimension maximum of 18 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high, while United Airlines has underseat dimensions of 17 inches long, 10 inches wide and 9 inches high.

These dimensions (and associated weight limits) are subject to regular change, so it’s critical to check with your airline before you head to the airport. Of course, international airlines will have a whole other set of dimensions and regulations to consider for underseat bags. Roomy first-class seats may have a few extra inches to spare, and the main cabin middle seat might have more room than its neighbors.

Is An Underseat Bag The Same As A Carry-On Bag?

While both carry-ons and underseat bags accompany you aboard the airplane, they fall into two separate categories of luggage. Underseat luggage is typically classified as your “personal item,” which is expected to fit underneath the seat in front of you. Carry-on luggage is larger in size and stored in the overhead bin for the duration of your flight. All U.S. airlines allow for one personal item per passenger free of charge, but some require an extra fee for carry-on bags.

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The 5 Best Computer Speakers of 2024
But its bass is less deep than that of the larger pro monitors we like. $219 from Amazon. May be out of stock. $193 from Guitar Center. The Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT is our favorite pair of computer ...
The best computer speakers 2024: top speakers for your PC
The best PC speakers for gamers on a budget. (Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy) 5. SteelSeries Arena 3. The best PC speakers for gamers on a budget. Specifications. Weight: 1.04kg per ...
Best Bluetooth speakers 2024: tried and tested for every budget
Best mid-price Bluetooth speaker. Bang & Olufsen's Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) is an impressive Bluetooth speaker with an expansive sound and powerful, weighty bass. (Image credit: Bang and Olufsen) 4. Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) One of the weightiest and most refined little speakers we've ever heard.
Best PC Speakers 2024: From Budget to Audiophile Bliss
The Pebble Pro boasts impressive audio for its size and price point — though it does lack the lows you'll get with a subwoofer (or even some larger 2.0 systems). It also gets pretty loud: it ...
Best Travel Speakers 2024: Rated & Reviewed
Weight: 608 g (1.34 lbs) Battery Life: 15 hours. Wireless Range: 45 m (150 ft) Connectivity: Bluetooth. The UE Boom 3 is a beast of a speaker and tops our list of the best travel speakers on the market. UE have been consistently producing top of the line speakers for years now and it's our preferred brand.
Best computer speakers 2024: Top desktop models tested and rated
2. Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX. Nothing boosts a desktop audio experience like the addition of a subwoofer. Whether you're gaming, watching movies or simply listening to music, the Klipsch delivers a ...
10 Tiny Wireless Travel Speakers You Can Take Anywhere
The Best Wireless Travel Speakers. Marsboy Portable Bluetooth Speaker . This small and powerful pocket-sized wireless travel speaker is great for travel. The best-selling, tiny speaker has a 50 ...
The Best Travel Speakers For All Kinds of Trip
From tiny models that fit in your pocket to great-sounding ones that can bob alongside you in the pool, these are my top travel speaker picks right now. Sale. Best Overall: UE Wonderboom 3. Weight: 15 ounces. Battery Life: Up to 14 hours. Input: Bluetooth. Durability: IP67 dust and water resistance. $99.99 $64.99.
The Best Computer Speakers for 2024
The Best Computer Speaker Deals This Week*. SteelSeries Arena 3 Full-Range 2.0 Desktop Gaming Speakers — $129.99. Creative Pebble 2.0 USB-Powered Speakers — $17.94 (List Price $24.99 ...
Best Portable Mini Bluetooth Speakers for 2024: Top Compact ...
Tribit XSound Go. At around $30, the Tribit XSound Go is one of the top speakers with Bluetooth connectivity for the money. Besides sounding decent, it's also fully waterproof. It also has ...
Best Travel Speaker Bluetooth
This rugged wireless speaker is IPX5 water-resistant with a 100-hour rechargeable battery. This portable speaker system streams music and audio from any Bluetooth-enabled device and pumps out booming sound through its powerful 200-watt premium 5-speaker system. The five speaker system includes one 8" woofer, two 1" tweeters and two 3 ...
The 6 Best Travel Laptops
The best travel laptop we've tested is the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023). This 14-inch workstation has nearly everything you could ask for in a premium model: a sturdy all-metal chassis, a compact design, tons of processing power, and a long battery life. ... like the display and up-firing speakers. The main downside is that the RAM and ...
Bluetooth Computer Speakers
The Bluetooth connectivity lets you play music wirelessly from paired devices, while the optical and coaxial inputs offer flexible connection to TVs, PCs and gaming consoles. These Edifier powered speakers have a 55Hz - 20kHz frequency response for efficient sound delivery, and the on-board controls and included remote ensure seamless operation.
The 40 Best Audio Products of 2024, From Headphones to Loudspeakers
Best Floor-Standing Loudspeakers: Sonus faber Stradivari G2. Photo : Sonus faber. The Stradivari Second Generation evolved from the original Stradivari, launched in the early 2000s, and features a ...
altec speaker
Altec Lansing - RockBox XL Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Steel Gray. Model: IMW999-STL-BB. SKU: 6348375. (188) $199.99.
The 80+ Best Deals From Amazon's Big Spring Sale (And Across the
Amazon's Big Spring Sale, REI's member sale, and other retail events are offering deals on outdoor, home, and travel gear. Here's what's actually worth buying.
Best Laptops for Travel in 2024
ASUS TUF F17 Gaming Laptop. Best Mid-Range Laptop for Travel. $899 $1080Save $181. The ASUS TUF F17 is a laptop powered by an Intel Core i5-11400H processor with six cores and a boost speed of up ...
HP Pavilion 27-inch All-in-One Computer Review
The HP Pavilion 27-inch All-in-One Computer has a Intel Core i7-8700T capable of running at 2.4 GHz. That level of power from an Intel chip means it is rated to run 820 of the most popular 1000 PC games at a recommended level. The level of RAM in a gaming desktop is also important.
MacBook Pro M3 vs. MacBook Air M3: which laptop is best?
That said, you'll truly feel the main way they physically differ: by weight. The M3-chip equipped 13-inch MacBook Air is at least 0.7 pounds lighter than the 14-inch Pro counterpart, and the 15 ...
TOP 10 BEST Speaker Repair in Santa Clara, CA
See more reviews for this business. Top 10 Best Speaker Repair in Santa Clara, CA - March 2024 - Yelp - It's Binh Repaired, CleverTech, KT Electronics, SuperTech Geek, The Cheap Squad, GEEK911, Parts4Pros, ePhone Services, uBreakiFix by Asurion, ClickAway.
The Best Deals From REI's Annual Member-Only Sale 2024
The cup's roomy flip-out handle is easy to grip while in use, and you can attach it to a carabiner for external storage if you're packing light. $43 $34 from REI (600 ml with Hotlips) With ...
Best Underseat Luggage 2024
Best Underseat Luggage Overall: Thule Subterra 23L Boarding Bag. Best Underseat Luggage With Wheels: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat Bag. Best Underseat Duffel Bag: Troubadour Embark Compact Duffel ...
IEEE CIC 2017
Several RCN Fellowships for Big Data and Smart Cities (upto $2000 each towards registration and travel expenses) for early career investigators. All qualified papers/authors will be considered for support, within the RCN budget. Confirmed Deadline. Second round submission deadline is July 31, 2017. Submission site: EasyChair IEEE CIC 2017 .

The 8 Best Portable Speakers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

In This Article

Our Testing Process

Best Overall

Best Clip-on

Best for Parties

Best Budget

Best Splurge

Most Durable

Most Versatile

Made for Amazon Battery Base for Amazon Echo Dot

Tips for Buying a Portable Speaker

Consider size and portability

Prioritize durability

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Best computer speakers in 2024

What are the best computer speakers?

The best computer speakers you can buy today

Specifications

2. Audioengine HD3

3. Creative Pebble V3

4. Klipsch The Fives

6. Edifier R1280DB

7. Audioengine A2+

8. Klipsch R-41PM

9. Fluance Ai61

10. Razer Nommo Pro

11. House of Marley Get Together Duo

12. Airpulse A80

How to choose the best computer speakers for you

How we test the best computer speakers

Stay in the know with Laptop Mag

Most Popular

Best in Class

The 6 Very Best Computer Speakers

In this article

Best portable

What we’re looking for

Connections

Best for multitasking

Our experts

Deal of the Day

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The best computer speakers 2024: top speakers for your PC

The quick list

The best computer speakers 2024

The best computer speakers overall

Specifications

The best budget PC speakers

The best computer speakers for surround sound

The best premium with mind-blowing sub

The best PC speakers for gamers on a budget

The best PC soundbar

Great for everyday use and studio work

The best budget speakers for content creation

The best Bluetooth computer speakers for music

The best computer speakers for small spaces

How to choose the best computer speakers for you

Frequently asked questions on computer speakers

Which brand speaker is best for PC?

How do I set up my computer speakers?

How we tested these computer speakers

Today's best computer speaker deals

Most Popular

Best Bluetooth speakers 2024: tried and tested for every budget

Also consider

Recent updates

The quick list

Best portable Bluetooth speaker

Best budget Bluetooth speaker

Best mid-price Bluetooth speaker

Best premium Bluetooth speaker

Best multi-room Bluetooth speaker

Best smart Bluetooth speaker

Best home Bluetooth speaker

1. JBL Charge 5

Specifications

2. JBL Flip 6

3. Tribit Stormbox Micro 2

4. Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)