The best laptop speakers of 2023

You might be surprised to hear that this isn't the best-sounding speaker you'll find on this list. The reason it's in our top spot is this: the CREATIVE Stage Air 2 is probably the most affordable way to get the best of all worlds when it comes to laptop audio. This speaker has a satisfying blend of features that make it more than just a very flexible little 20w soundbar. For starters, this has an integrated good-sized subwoofer - so you won't need to lug around a separate sub for more than half-decent bass. Secondly, the frequency range is wider than most small all-in-one speakers, so you'll enjoy well-rounded audio - the driver is even custom-tuned as well.

The addition of USB-C and Bluetooth means you have some excellent connection options too. And yes, if your laptop had Bluetooth you'll be all set for wireless listening. But what use is that if you still need to plug the Stage Air 2 into the wall? Well, you don't. The higher power rating of the USB-C connection will provide more than the usual USB can, which means this doesn't need a power brick or wall plug. But, the trick up its sleeve is that it has a rechargeable battery for 6-hours of playback. Plus you can connect any other Bluetooth device to it. Superior audio has become just as portable and flexible as the laptop itself.

Budget is as budget does, and for sub-£20 laptop speakers, these fit that description perfectly. The Amazon Basics Computer Speakers are just the sort of thing to get if your ageing laptop has the sound quality of a potato. But what do you get for this price that's actually worth having?

Well, you get a pair of reasonably solid speakers with an unobtrusive design that simply plugs in and works. They're powered by USB, but the audio doesn't take that route. You'll need to connect your laptop audio via the 3.5mm aux jack. But this is a small price to pay for the added flexibility of being able to power them on your laptop but plug in a different device. Control is simple, and thankfully Amazon has avoided using those terrible cheap rubberised buttons you'll find on budget speakers - opting instead for a classic rotary on/off and volume control. If you want a speaker to throw into your bag for better sound on a budget - this is it.

If you've been around computers for any length of time, you'll know that Creative Labs have a high reputation for audio products. With the aptly-named Pebble Pro 2.0 speakers, Creative's audio boffins have excelled themselves. Despite their compact size and deceptively simple looks, they're weighty and sound better than many larger speakers. But what does the Pro 2.0 version deliver that previous models didn't? Well, aside from re-engineered drivers there's a host of audio enhancements like BassFlex for better low-end performance, and Clear Dialogue. RGB lighting effects finish off the look nicely.

There's still a 45-degree angle to the custom-tuned far-field drivers - which aim the audio perfectly for working on a laptop. Controls are simple and accessible, wiring is minimised too. At just 4.8 inches wide, they're slightly larger than previous Pebble speakers, but they'll still fit into the smallest of workspaces - and that increase in size is down to larger 2.25" drivers. Powered by USB, there's easy access to mic and headphone inputs as well. With these small but heavyweight speakers, Creative has given your laptop a serious boost.

Logitech is another brand that's no stranger to high-quality sound tech. The appropriately-named Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming Speakers deliver an immersive audio experience with an emphasis on big sound and lighting effects to go with it. Aside from the reasonably-sized subwoofer - which also contains the amplifier - Logitech's LIGHTSYNC RGB technology actually matches and syncs the lighting effects with your gameplay.

You can even use the software to set four areas of the screen as reference points for the lighting colours and effects. The LIGHTSYNC technology will also sync up with certain models of Logitech RGB mice and keyboards for an integrated look.
But, on to the all-important sound quality. As you may not expect for a system that is compact enough to move with your laptop if you had to, the G560 is still large enough to bang out 240 watts of peak power. The subwoofer delivers deep and satisfying bass, and the built-in DTS Ultra surround sound creates a realistic gaming environment. They've even thrown Bluetooth connectivity into the mix, so with this speaker system you really do have it all.

Looking at some of the best JBL speakers available now, it's easy to see why the company has caught the interest of many looking for small but high-tech audio products. The JBL 1 Series 104 Compact Desktop Speakers are a fantastic example of compact speakers designed for music fans. At first glance, despite the understated design, these are marketed as studio reference monitor speakers for audio creators. However, users report that while they might not be truly up to professional monitor standards, they have actually made a very well-rounded and accurate pair of active speakers for quality music listening.

At nearly 10 inches high, these 104 speakers have an innovative coaxial driver design and a Class D amplifier that maximises the detail and accuracy of sound. Three external inputs and front-facing source and volume controls make these speakers a pleasure to use - plus they’re compact enough to take them anywhere with ease. Again, built-in Bluetooth makes them a flexible choice for great-sounding music. They're not USB, though, so you'll be using Bluetooth, 3.5mm or RCA inputs - but that's a good thing here, as mains power is necessary to drive the considerably beefy amplifier inside.

In contrast to the JBL 104, these Eris E3.5 speakers are classed as studio monitors - and they live up to that claim. The clarity and separation they deliver are ideal for audio creatives. Importantly, especially for busy studio work, the commonly used controls are also easily reached on the front panel. They're also an excellent, practical size for sitting next to a laptop without looking like they're swamping your desktop.

The rear panel has acoustic tuning via high and low-frequency control knobs, a relatively rare feature - certainly at this price point. The addition of a headphone jack and an auxiliary input makes these speakers flexible to use for both daily production work and for casual listening. The design is suitably industrial yet refined, so they'll give your setup that professional edge.

High-end is high-end, regardless of the gaming credentials at work here. Razer continues to cement itself as a leader in premium gear for gamers, but this Nommo Pro is a worthy addition to any laptop. And it had better be - this doesn't come cheap. But it is a brilliant choice for anyone with a laptop with a Herculean spec to match. If your laptop is your main source of entertainment, the Nommo Pro is packing the sort of features you'd find in full 5.1 surround PC speakers. That said if the Nommo Pro is stretching to budget to breaking point and beyond, and you don't care about portability, we have other PC speaker recommendations that will see you right.

But, back to the Razer. Look at the spec: THX Certified and Dolby Virtual Surround Sound, plus a dedicated downward-firing subwoofer. The drivers are coated with Kevlar fibre, so you can expect tight and well-controlled sound. There's even a range of inputs for both analogue and digital devices. Two little additions that really set this off on your desk are the illuminated control pod and Razer Chroma LED lighting. It will, naturally, require mains power - but if you do need to pack this up to take away with your laptop it's just about neat enough. This is laptop audio tech at it's best.