Computer speakers are often ignored by many PC users. As a result, they are rarely on the top of PC buyers’ wish lists. In most cases, buyers tend to spend much more time thinking about faster CPUs, stronger graphics cards, memory or larger monitors. However, when you take into consideration the sheer amount of time you will spend using your PC speakers, it makes perfect sense to pay more attention to them and their features.
To find excellent computer speakers, you can always rely on best computer speaker reviews or impressions of other users. However, you should still know a thing or two before making an informed decision.
The cost
Just like with any other thing you intend to buy, start from the cost. You can easily find a standard set of 2.0 speakers for around $25 or less. However, if you are interested in purchasing a high-quality, wireless set of computer speakers, be prepared to spend up to $500. Unless you are an audiophile or a die-hard music aficionado, a wiser choice would be to go with cheaper speakers and invest more into a more powerful PC. A set of $50, 2.1 speakers will be more than enough for daily use and a nice experience.
Surround Systems – 2.0, 2.1, 3.1…?
In addition to the costs, another critical aspect of buying computer speakers is determining the setup you would like to purchase. You can choose a 2.0, 2.1, 5.1 system and so on. The classification of setups is related to the number of speakers and additional woofers. Therefore, if you buy a 2.0 system, you will get two speakers and no woofers. If you buy a 2.1 system, you will get two speakers and one woofer. The performance difference between these setups can also vary wildly. A 2.0 setup will offer basic performance, at a low price. A 5.1 setup will deliver exceptional sound quality, albeit at a great price.
Wireless or wired?
These days, wireless mice, keyboards, and headphones are all considered the staples of any high-end PC setup. The same goes for speakers, as well. You can easily find many PC users, who will complain about being overwhelmed with all kinds of wires. You can also easily find yourself completely overwhelmed with power cables, USB cables, ethernet cables, peripheral cables and many others, jumping out of every corner of your setup. If you want to unclutter your computer desk and make a clean layout, make sure to invest in a set of wireless computer speakers. If you don’t mind the wiring, you can go with the standard, wired ones.
However, keep in mind that the majority of wireless speaker systems are still unable to match the sound quality and performance of standard, wired ones, even though the difference is usually pretty small. Also, wireless setups are noticeably more expensive that the wired ones.
The size
Last, but not least, take into consideration the size of speaker setups. It is also one of the factors that many people tend to overlook. If you have a rather small computer desk, which is barely large enough to accommodate your monitor, keyboard, mouse and/or PC case, make sure to avoid sets larger than 2.1. If you have a large desk or some additional free space around it, go for a 5.1 setup or larger.