With technology like spatial audio, active noise cancellation, and even haptic feedback, gaming headsets can provide a number of features that the most expensive gaming speakers can’t replicate. However, if your goal is room-filling sound and bone-rattling bass, there’s no effective substitute for a high-quality speaker system. While purchasing a modestly-sized set of speakers means spending significantly more than what you’d pay for a gaming headset, that extra investment will be immediately noticeable in terms of not just volume but overall sound quality.
If you’re looking for an audio solution that can illicit more than a few noise complaints and is equipped with RGB lighting, you might want to consider dropping some extra bucks on a set of gaming speakers. Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite models that will fit neatly into any gaming setup or budget, whether you’re looking for a massive 7.1 surround system like the Steelseries Arena 9 , or a compact 2.
0 system like the Edifier G2000 . If you’re looking for the best possible sound — and money is no object — you’ll want to check out the Razer Nommo V2. The standard model of the Nommo V2 Pro combines excellent sound quality and RGB lighting into a versatile and powerful sound system that’s great for both desktops and consoles.
The Nommo V2 comes packaged with a pair of 3-inch speakers equipped with full-range drivers and RGB lighting built into the back. The speakers tether to each other and terminate in a cube-shaped subwoofer with a 5.5-inch driver.
The lighting and sound profiles can be customized using the Razer Synapse desktop application or by pairing a mobile device via Bluetooth and using the Razer Audio app. The V2 is also designed to be used with the Razer control pod, which comes included with the more expensive Nommo V2 Pro model. By default, this wireless puck-shaped control pod allows you to control the volume of your speakers and change your audio output between different connected devices.
However, the control pod can also be mapped to specific functions on your desktop, lending it some extra versatility for desktop gaming. Right now, you can find the Razer Nommo V2 for $299.99 from Best Buy or Razer .
The control pod is available as a standalone purchase from Amazon for $49.99. The Steelseries Arena 9 is one of the few gaming speaker systems that features wireless back channel speakers.
In total, the Arena 9 includes a center channel speaker, a left and right channel speaker, and two rear channel speakers in addition to the subwoofer. The left and right channel speakers, along with the two surround speakers, are each equipped with 3-inch woofers and 0.75-inch tweeters, while the center speaker features two 2.
75-inch woofers and a single 0.75-inch tweeter. The trio of main speakers all connect to the subwoofer, but the two rear-channel speakers pair with the entire system via Bluetooth, which gives the Arena 9 a great deal of flexibility in terms of placement.
Volume and other Steelseries-specific features, such as Bluetooth pairing and audio profile customization, can be controlled via the included control pod, which is tethered to the subwoofer. While the Arena 9 has more than double the number of speakers than some of our other featured models from Logitech or Razer, it can struggle somewhat in terms of overall volume. However, it is still one of the only gaming speaker systems that can provide true surround sound.
The Arena 9 is currently available for $437.99 on Amazon . A more modest 2.
1 speaker system, the Logitech G560 combines a pair of smaller speakers and packages them with a powerful subwoofer to deliver solid sound quality without taking up a ton of desk space. Both of the 6-inch speakers feature RGB lighting built into the back which can be controlled via the Logitech G software and can even reflect action on the screen using Lightsync RGB. If you’re looking for a pair of reliable speakers that offer an acceptable compromise between performance and price, you’ll have a tough time finding a better option than the Logitech G560.
Currently, Amazon and Best Buy carry the G560 for $179.99. A solid pair of gaming speakers doesn’t have to cost a grip.
The Edifier G2000 is a sensibly-priced pair of 2.75-inch speakers that may not have the same punch as other contenders on our list, but offer similar features. Both speakers feature back-mounted RGB lighting, and connect with your preferred device via a USB-A, 3.
5mm, or Bluetooth connection. The G2000 doesn’t have a dedicated software suite to adjust its audio or RGB lighting, but it still has a dozen different lighting effects, and three built-in audio profiles you can swap between. The G2000 has just 32W of collective output, meaning it isn’t going to deliver the same audio fidelity you’ll get from more expensive options.
However, you’ll have a tough time finding a pair of speakers with similar features at a more affordable price. You can currently find the Edifier G2000 at Amazon for $71.99.
If you have a gaming setup with the necessary space, you may want to consider a soundbar to round out your audio experience. The Sound Blaster Katana V2 is a 24-inch soundbar that comes packaged with a modestly sized subwoofer, making it equally suited for desktop and console applications. The Katana V2 is equipped with a pair of 2.
5-inch mid-range drivers, 0.75-inch tweeters, and a 6.5-inch subwoofer driver.
The soundbar also features a line of diffused RGB lighting that can be customized via the Creative Labs app. The app can also customize the functions on the soundbar’s remote and tailor customizable audio profiles. While the Katana V2 can be upmixed to provide a simulated 5.
1 surround experience, a 24-inch wide profile isn’t going to compete with a true surround system. However, the Katana V2 features the widest variety of connectivity options on our list, including HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, and Bluetooth. The Katana V2 is currently available for $299.
99 at the Creative Labs store or $329.99 on Amazon . Sometimes, it’s best to keep things simple.
The Audioengine A2+ is a pair of hi-fidelity speakers that don’t include RGB lighting, but they are available in a handful of beautiful, matte, and glossy finishes to match your preferred aesthetic. Both speakers are equipped with a single 2.75-inch woofer and a 0.
75-inch tweeter and can be tethered to your desktop using a micro-USB connection, or paired with a variety of devices via Bluetooth. The volume can be adjusted on your preferred device or by using the volume knob situated on the back of the right-channel speaker. Unfortunately, the Audioengine A2+ doesn’t have its own software suite, so you’ll have to rely on a third-party solution if you want to fine-tune your audio profiles.
The Audioengine A2+ is also the only system on our list that can be expanded with additional speakers and subwoofers from Audioengine or other manufacturers, provided they use a two-channel RCA connection. If you’d like to add the Audioengine A2+ to your gaming setup, all of the respective colorways are available from Amazon , Target , and B&H Photo for $269..
