Best Computer Speakers Under $50 Review

It’s no secret that the majority of computers and laptops come with some fairly poor quality speakers. Anyone who takes their device seriously, whether it’s for gaming, music or watching film and TV, can benefit from the best computer speakers under $50. Thankfully, these days you don’t have to break the bank to really see the difference. Some of the best budget computer speakers even feature stand alone subwoofers, allowing you to really enjoy your entertainment. In fact, there really have been some significant leaps forward in recent years when it comes to good speakers for computer. You can pick the right system to guarantee your speakers under $50 suit your purposes.

Top Rated Computer Speakers Under $50 Reviews

Cyber Acoustics 2.1 Computer Speaker with Subwoofer CA-3602 FFP

Pros

• Is a cost effective yet powerful
• Top quality audio at a surprisingly affordable price
• Control pod has a headphone out
• The two way 2” high efficiency drivers offer a crisp sound

Cons

• The design of the satellite speakers does not inspire confidence
• Mids feel drowned out by the highs and the lows
• Dust Magnet

What we think

This fantastic sound system offers top quality audio at a surprisingly affordable price. With an attractive design that slots comfortably into any room, it’s the ideal setup for movies, games and more. And with a handy central control pod, you’re never far away from the music.

The CA-3602 FFP is a cost effective yet powerful way of upgrading your audio system. The two flat satellite speakers are compact enough to find a home on a desk or by the TV, but blast out an impressive amount of sound. The two way 2” high efficiency drivers offer a crisp sound that doesn’t distort as much as you might expect at high volumes. The speakers themselves are wireless, making it easy to place them anywhere in the room for maximum effectiveness.

The subwoofer is an impressive unit that cranks out solid bass thanks to a 5.25” Power Pro bass driver. It’s housed in a black wooden cabinet that slots easily into any living room, or beneath any desk. The power is genuinely impressive, and adjustable settings allow you to optimise it for your preferred experience.

One feature that particularly impressed us was the control pod. This device allows you to control various aspects of your soundsystem without even getting up from your seat. Featuring master volume, bass volume, aux input and a headphone output, it covers all necessary bases. It’s a good idea, and particularly useful for PC users. Everyone knows the frustration of fiddling around with inputs and outputs, looking for the right wire and reaching round the back of the computer. With the control pod, everything is in one easy to reach spot, saving you time and effort.

The one drawback is a lack of independent control over high and mid ranges, but that isn’t the end of the world. Any adjustments can easily be made using a PC or TV equaliser.

Review

Jude says “These speakers are phenomenal. The subwoofer is KILLER”.

Meanwhile Yawn Family says “These speakers are absolutely worth the cost and far more – they are a bargain for what they produce”. It’s clear that the CA-3602 FFP is extremely good value for money, delivering an impressive level of bass for a acceptable price. We’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new sound system.

GOgroove BassPULSE 2.1 Computer Speaker System

Pros

• Features an attractive design
• A pretty good level of sound
• Work with a USB connection
• An additional 3.5 mm jack that allows you to connect any other device

Cons

• Brand new came without instructions
• No separate controls to adjust bass or treble individually.

What we think

This stylish setup is a true treat on the eyes. With one of the most distinctive, exciting designs we’ve seen in a while, the GOgroove BassPULSE Computer Speaker System is definitely a one of a kind. But there’s a lot more to enjoy here than just a slick design. Let’s take a look at what else you can expect.

Let’s have a look at the power you can expect. Each of the satellite speakers blasts out an impressive 5 watts, plus there’s an extra 10 watts from the subwoofer. That’s a remarkable amount of power, definitely enough for you to get the most out of your entertainment. The sound is crisp, with little distortion at high volumes, and no problems at the low end of things. We’re happy to report that the GOgroove BassPULSE Computer Speaker System leaves little to be desired as far as the quality of sound goes. The hardware is powered by neodymium magnets, making for an even more impressive system.

Naturally, the thing that first strikes you the most about the GOgroove BassPULSE Computer Speaker System is the amazing design. There’s a beautiful set of blue LED lights incorporated into the speakers, providing an amazing futuristic feel to the system. The lights, together with the black plastic design, make for a look that is at once futuristic and capable of fitting into just about any background. And it gets even better. When you push the bass beyond 80%, the LED lights will pulse in time to your music. It’s a hell of a slick system, and we’d be happy to have it in our office or home.

The one thing we were unhappy about was the fact that the GOgroove BassPULSE Computer Speaker System didn’t come with a decent wireless system. It’s starting to come as standard for most systems these days, and it makes it so easy to move your audio system to where you want it. However, it’s not the end of the world. Setup is easy enough, and given how good the whole thing looks, using wires isn’t a huge problem.

Review

The GOgroove BassPULSE Computer Speaker System certainly has more than its fair share of followers online. Amazon Customer says “Don’t wait! Buy them! You won’t regret it!”. Meanwhile, Ty says “Great value with a third party software”. With no shortage of fans out there, it’s clear this is a speaker system to check out.

Satechi Dual Sonic Speaker 2.0 Channel Computer Speakers

Pros

• The speakers are black, and nicely put together
• A quick, cheap and convenient way to boost your computer sound.
• Easy setup

Cons

• The speakers may only put out 1.5 watts each
• Doesn’t include a separate subwoofer

What we think

These fantastic computer speakers offer a quick, cheap and convenient way to boost your computer sound. The Satechi Dual Sonic Speaker 2.0 Channel Computer Speakers give a decent boost to your audio, and fit in easily to any surroundings. And with an unbeatable pricetag, these speakers are guaranteed to find a lot of fans out there.

First, let’s take a look at the design. The speakers are black, and nicely put together, with a good feel to them. They’re compact, but still put out an impressive level of sound. The slick, black plastic housing can fit in just about anywhere. Acoustic Air Spring technology helps put out a good level of high quality sound. The speakers may only put out 1.5 watts each, but it’s more than enough to give your computer a good sound boost.

One thing that we were somewhat disappointed by was the fact that the Satechi Dual Sonic Speaker 2.0 Channel Computer Speakers doesn’t include a separate subwoofer. As a result, the sound volume was always guaranteed to be somewhat limited. However, the speakers still put out an impressively high level of bass quality. At the end of the day, this is a sound solution for people looking for a boost to their computer or laptop. We didn’t pick it up looking for a game changing audio system, rather for an affordable accessory to our computer. And for that, this is an unbeatable choice.

The Satechi Dual Sonic Speaker 2.0 Channel Computer Speakers are available in either black or silver plastic. It’s nice to have the option, and it means that you can ensure your system completely suits your surroundings. Blue LEDs add a little something extra, providing a truly stylish sound solution.

Review

Zachary says “Nice highs and relatively deep lows considering their size”. Similarly, Enkidu reckons “The Satechi Duals are superior in sound and design to the others”. And there’s no shortage of other enthusiasts out there. It’s clear that these speakers deliver a sound quality that far exceeds their modest size. If you’re looking for a cheap, compact speaker set, these are the ones for you. Providing top quality at a great price, these are one to check out.

Creative Inspire T12 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System with Bass Flex Technology

Pros

• The are housed in an attractive glossy black plastic housing
• They’re pretty small and can fit easily next to a laptop or desktop computer
• The sound quality is high, and the speakers have no problem dealing

Cons

• The lack of a subwoofer

What we think

If you’re looking for top speaker system that won’t break the bank, but will promise top quality sound, the Creative Inspire T12 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System with Bass Flex Technology provides a fantastic solution. It’s got enough power to keep anyone happy, but also compact enough to fit in without requiring any rearrangements. Read on to find out exactly what you can expect from this top audio system.

First off, we’ll take a look at the design. The Creative Inspire T12 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System with Bass Flex Technology are housed in an attractive, glossy black plastic housing. Combined with an ergonomic design that fits into any surroundings, these speakers are definitely good looking. They’re pretty small and can fit easily next to a laptop or desktop computer. These are definitely aimed at people looking to boost their computer sound, or maybe just find a cheap and compact way of playing music. If you’re looking for a 360 degree audio solution, this may not be the one for you. But otherwise, this is a fantastic option.

As far as the levels go the Creative Inspire T12 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System Creative Inspire T12 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System with Bass Flex Technology do the job pretty well. The sound quality is high, and the speakers have no problem dealing with high highs and deep bass. Thanks to superior drivers, you’re guaranteed a pretty good quality of sound for the price. The one thing we were somewhat unhappy about was the lack of a subwoofer. However, the speakers do have built in Bass Flex technology that helps them deal with bass. And at the end of the day, these are clearly more of an option for boosting computer sound, than for supplying ultra high quality sound.

Review

Herbert says “I couldn’t believe the sound I got from these” and describes them as “Awesome speakers!”. Similarly, Trevor reckons “The bass is more than enough for music”, and on top of that, “The mids and highs are great” and also “Not too tangy or muffled”. And there are a whole heap of other satisfied buyers out there. These speakers are guaranteed to deliver really good sound, no matter what you want to use them for. At a great price, we’d highly recommend this to any readers looking for a decent sound system.

Genius Hi-Fi Wood Speaker for Computers (SP-HF500A)

Pros

• The combination of slick black plastic and wooden panelling is unmistakably stylish
• Delivers some really high quality sound
• One really handy feature the boasts is an extra line in jack.

Cons

• large size

What we think

These fantastic speakers offer an audio solution with a difference. The Genius Hi-Fi Wood Speaker for Computers (SP-HF500A) are one of the most stylish things we’ve seen in a while, thanks to its amazing wooden panels. Read on to find out exactly what you can expect from these. We’ll look at all the technical details to give you a rundown of what’s on offer.

First off, the housing for the Genius Hi-Fi Wood Speaker is a real treat. The combination of slick black plastic and wooden panelling is unmistakably stylish, and fits nicely into any room. The speakers are slightly on the large size, making them a little less than ideal for placing next to a PC if you don’t have a huge amount of space. However, given how fantastic they look, it’s a price worth paying.

As for what’s inside the casing, the Genius Hi-Fi Wood Speaker delivers some really high quality sound. There’s a total of 14 watts to enjoy, with some real high end sound. An inlaid tweeter deals with all the high ranges, offering top sound quality without compromising. There’s little in the way of distortion, and you can hit some really high levels without losing that fantastic sound. The bass is powerful for the size of these speakers, providing everything you could wish for. Whether you want a system for video games, TV or music, these have everything covered.

One really handy feature the Genius Hi-Fi Wood Speaker boasts is an extra line in jack. This means that you can enjoy sound from an alternative device like a laptop or ipod without unplugging your PC. It saves time, letting you and your friends share music without having to fumble around with cables. It’s time saving, and a handy feature to have.

Review

Mark Riddle quite rightly describes the unit as “Very nice looking”, and sees fit to give it four stars out of five. Similarly Amazon Customer gave them five stars with the comment that they “Sound great”. All in all, it’s clear that these are a fantastic choice for any audiophile. The classic look is guaranteed to brighten up any room you choose to place them in. And with decent sound quality on offer, we’re happy to recommend these great speakers

How to Choose a Good Computer Speakers Under $50

2.0 vs. 2.1

First off, it’s worth making sure you know exactly what kind of soundsystem you want. In the world of cheap speakers for computer. Within the price bracket that we’re examining, there are really only two different kinds of systems: 2.0 and 2.1. The difference is that the 2.1 comes with a separate subwoofer (hence the .1) while the 2.0 is only a pair of speakers. So you should give some thought to exactly what you want to use your speakers for.

If you’re looking for a high fidelity system for getting the most out of music, film and television, you may want to consider going for the 2.1. The added bass that a separate subwoofer unit can offer is really able to make a difference to your listening experience. Plus, when you use a soundsystem with a separate subwoofer, you generally get much greater control over your bass levels. That means that you can customise your sound to suit your needs.

However, if you just want to enjoy improved sound for your laptop or PC, you’re better off getting a 2.0 system. That way, you get to save a fair amount of extra money, without jeopardising your sound quality. Plus, these days, many 2.0 systems have done a seriously good job of boosting the bass in their integrated speakers. At the end of the day, a good 2.0 system could suit your needs better than an average 2.1. The choice is really up to you. Another thing to consider is that the 2.1 system will not be easily portable, given that there’s a larger subwoofer cabinet to consider. With your average 2.0, on the other hand, it’s easy to fit the speakers into a rucksack if you have to move somewhere.

Cost of Speaker Systems

This review only covers computer speakers under $50, so naturally we’re not looking at the much higher end models, that can end up costing thousands of dollars. Thankfully, at the budget end of things there are more options than there have ever been before. You should probably put some thought into just how much money you’re prepared to spend on your new speakers, but if $50 is your maximum, you should consider investing that much. Some of these speaker systems are genuinely impressive, but on the other hand, it all depends what you’re looking for.

If you aren’t overly concerned about enjoying a variety of extra features, you can really get a lot of bang for your buck without crossing the $35 mark. There are many exceptional 50 dollar speakers on the market that don’t go in for a whole heap of extra features. You’ll likely be looking at two speakers, with tone and volume control and not much else. But really, that could well be all that you need. Similarly you could pick up a bar style speaker system for around $30, that will offer quality sound for your computer at a completely reasonable cost.

On the other hand, if you’ve got the money to spend and are looking for a budget speakers for PC that will not need to travel, you can invest in a 2.1 system. This means that you’ll get a subwoofer, and quite possibly a few other features as well. If you’re an audiophile or watch a lot of films, and if you have the money to spare, this might be worth considering. The improved sound quality is impressive, given the fact that you don’t actually have to spend that much more to see an improvement. Ultimately, if you have the money to burn, you may as well look at one of the higher end speakers. But if you’re just looking for a mid range solution, you can get a lot out of your money pretty easily.

Spec and Sound Quality

We’re happy to say that the vast majority of cool looking computer speakers we looked at provided pretty solid sound quality, especially given the price. But if you’re a serious audiophile, you may want to consider investing in a 2.1 system. Not only will you get to benefit from a higher quality of bass, thanks to the subwoofer unit. You’ll also probably be able to enjoy high sound quality in general, and get a good return on your investment. But if you really want to make sure that you make the right decision, it’s worth ensuring that you do your research.

Something worth considering is that some good budget computer speakers may last longer than others. You should have a look at a wide range of online reviews to ensure that you aren’t buying a product which will deliver for the first couple of months, then quickly go downhill. Thankfully, all the speakers we looked at had nearly unanimously positive reviews, with many customers reporting that the speakers were delivering on their promise long after they were purchased. And on top of that, occasionally drops in sound quality have more to do with driver issues, or poor equalising, than with actual problems with your hardware. If you invest in one of the better speakers in the under 50 price range, such as one of the ones we reviewed, you’ve got a good chance of enjoying good quality.

And don’t feel obliged to pick up a 2.1 system if you’re on the lookout for higher sound quality. It’s surprising just how good some 2.0 systems are these days. Many incorporate a bass boost to provide a sound which, though it may not be quite up to subwoofer levels, is still satisfying and powerful. There’s no doubt that there are plenty of good 2.0 speakers out there which can probably beat many 2.1 systems. Think about what is right for you, and do your research.

Bluetooth Connectivity for Your Audio System

Sadly, there aren’t a huge number of good budget computer speakers that offer Bluetooth technology. This is a shame, as the extra connectivity provided by Bluetooth can make an enormous difference to your sound experience. As it stands, most speakers depend on some kind of wired connection to your device or TV to function. For most, it’s a USB lead that plugs into your computer. You then need to either download software, or you can start using your speakers as is, without any downloads. Many speakers also include a 3.5mm jack input. This is the kind of jack that comes as standard on all MP3 players, phones and portable device. You can use a line out cable to connect a device via this input.

Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect a wireless device such as a smartphone to your speakers, without requiring a USB connection or line out cable. It’s incredibly convenient, letting you and your friend connect up and start playing music without having to physically move things around. The whole system becomes one big wireless Android or IOS speaker device, letting you connect quickly without any difficulties. The feature is gradually becoming more and more common, but as it stands, most of the best computer speakers under $50 do not feature Bluetooth.

That’s not the end of the world though. There are already upgrades becoming available that allow you to connect via Bluetooth. All you need to do is buy the extra package, and connect it up to your system. That way, you can buy the speakers, find out how you feel about it, then decide if you need the upgrade or not. The upgrades aren’t wildly expensive and they could make a pretty big difference in your listening experience. On the other hand, if you’re happy with an in situ system, and don’t plan on having a variety of inputs, it may not be worth shelling out the extra cash.

Multiple Connections for a Versatile Setup

If you’re planning on using your soundsystem for a variety of things, it’s worth double checking that you’ve got a wide variety of connections available. If you’re the kind of person who often has friends round, you may find yourself constantly switching between inputs as each person offers their own personal music from their phone or mobile device. You’ll want to ensure that when you invest in the best budget computer speakers, you pick up a system that has a selection of ways to connect. And not only will you want multiple inputs, you may also want multiple outputs. There are a few reasons why you may need to use multiple headphones. Maybe you and your friends need to keep the volume down. Anyway, it’s worth thinking about.

These days, a large number of soundsystems out there are primarily connected to devices via USB. That generally means you can simply plug it straight in and enjoy top quality sound without having to download any extra software. However, there’s always a chance you may need to download new drivers, especially if you’re using an old computer or laptop. Thankfully, a large number of devices also come with a 3.5mm input jack. This is mainly provided to allow you to plug in other devices, while remaining connected to your PC or laptop via USB. However, the jack input also means that, if you have a lineout cable, you can simply plug in your device and start enjoying the sound. It’s handy, and thankfully it mostly comes as standard, even on speakers under $50.

As we’ve already mentioned, there are some devices that feature Bluetooth connections as well. This means that you can connect wireless devices without even needing a cable. If you feel this is the right choice for you, you’ll get to enjoy convenient, swift connectivity, without even needing to move things around.

Volume and Bass Control Key Options

With the best budget computer speakers, you’ll be able to enjoy complete control over your sound levels. To be honest, the odds are that you’ll be able to enjoy greater control over your levels if you make use of a subwoofer, as with a 2.1 system. That way, you’ll have an entire separate unit that contains the bass, with its own controls. However, if you’re relying on a 2.0 system, you can still make the most out of your speaker controls. With an equaliser on your PC, laptop or mobile device, you can enjoy complete control over the levels of your system.

These days, some of the higher end systems also come with a controller that allows you to adjust volume and tone with complete ease. All the controls are housed in a small, convenient box, as well as the additional inputs and outputs. It’s a fantastic system that lets you control just about every aspect of your system without even having to get up from where you are sitting. Plus, you can manage all inputs and outputs easily.

2.0 systems generally offer less in the way of a customisable sound, at least as far as it goes with controls on the actual speakers. You’ll generally be able to control some of the high end, but the bass may be somewhat limited. Obviously, pretty much all speaker systems come with a volume control. Some are inline, some are on the speaker unit itself. 2.0 systems don’t generally include a controller box, so you won’t be able to enjoy complete convenience. But on the other hand, you’ll be able to save some cash, which could make a big difference.

Portability

Basically, the big divide in computer speakers under $50 is that 2.1 speakers will always be far less portable than 2.0 one. It’s obvious, as the larger speaker systems involve a subwoofer box. This box is generally made out of some kind of decent quality wood, such as MDF, resulting in a relatively substantial weight. Plus, the speaker and driver itself generally has a fair amount of weight to is. As a result, hefting two speakers, plus a subwoofer, plus a controller box, will not be the easiest thing in the world. If you’re simply moving these devices from room to room, there won’t be any problem. Plastic housed speakers are universally pretty light. However, if you’re planning on purchasing a setup that could be easily moved from site to site, it may be worth discounting a 2.1 system.

Even among 2.0 options, some speakers are considerable easier to move around than others. The vast majority would easily fit into a backpack without any difficulties, making them completely portable. Some others, such as bar speakers, are a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the single unit design makes it very easy to move the item around. On the other hand, its long and thin design is not ideal for backpacks. Likewise there are some cheap speakers for computer out there that are 2.0, but are also housed in a casing that is part wood. That’s guaranteed to add a fair bit of weight to it, certainly enough for your to notice it.

If you want ultimate portability in your system, it’s worth looking to invest in one of the most portable 2.0 solutions. There are plenty out there that offer surprisingly low weight for surprisingly high power. Take a look at our comprehensive list of reviews, and maybe do some further research of your own to make sure.

USB Power

Through our research, we’ve found that a surprisingly high number of 50 dollar speakers these days make use of USB connections. This has a lot of advantages, and we’re glad that technology has moved forward to this point. A good setup with USB means that you can connect quickly and with minimum difficulty to your laptop or device. The really big difference is the fact that your speakers can be powered directly from your computer. There was a time when any kind of setup would require either a set of batteries, or a mains connection. The first option was bound to becoming expensive over time, especially if you are prone to playing your music as loud as possible. The other option generally leads to an irritating mess of wires, plus you need a free socket to plug in the system. Happily, with USB power, both these problems are a thing of the past. You can power your unit directly from your laptop or computer with minimum fuss

And the other great thing is that the vast majority of budget speakers for PC also include a 3.5mm input jack. This means that, even if you need to keep your speakers connected to your PC for the sake of powering them, you can still enjoy input from another external source. This could be a portable device such as a smartphone, or even just another laptop. Whatever you’re using, the right combination when used with USB power gives you a flexible setup.

The one minor problem with USB power is that the setup will always be tethered to your PC or laptop. As a result, you won’t be able to move these speakers around as much as you might like to. On the other hand, a laptop can provide a portable power source for these speakers, making your life a lot easier.

Testing

If you really want to make sure you get the most out of the best value computer speakers, you’re going to need to make sure you have a good idea what to expect from your choice. It could be worth checking online, as there’s a huge wealth of information out there for anyone looking to make a new purchase. Naturally, this article is pretty much the best place to start. But there’s no end of other places to look if you want to get an in depth look at the entire testing process. Many consumer websites and magazines can really put these devices through their paces, pushing them as far as they can to find out just how far they’ll go. In our experience, all of these fantastic sound systems were able to go pretty far with minimal loss of quality. The highs were able to maintain at pretty extreme volumes, without a great deal of distortion. Similarly, the bass units were able to deliver exactly what we expected, and often exceeded our expectations

Appearance

Naturally, nobody wants to pick up good speakers for computer that aren’t good looking. There’s a huge range of designs available out there, offering something for just about every taste. Most of the designs these days are fairly futuristic, though we have come across a few impressively classic designs. Sadly, you’ve not got much choice beyond glossy plastic. And the vast number of options tend towards black. However, these choices simply reflect general trends when it comes to computer design. On top of that, these dark units fit well into just about any surrounding. They can go just as easily in a living room as on a desk, or in a bedroom corner. There is one especially impressive unit that makes use of real wood, which isn’t something you see very often in this industry. And, especially considering that we’re only looking at the budget options, it’s frankly incredible that you can pick up something that looks that good for that kind of price.

One thing that’s pretty much guaranteed is that your subwoofer will be housed in a plain black box. Frankly, this is the way it has always been done. It’s a good choice though, especially since most of these devices are compact enough to fit comfortably under a desk or into a corner. And these days, you can even get some speakers that make use of LEDs and impressive lights to make your system look that much cooler. It’s a sound investment for the consumer looking to really stand out from the crowd.