We have reviewed quite a few gaming speakers over the last few months, so our best gaming speakers guide needed a little clearout as we're approaching the holidays. Once I was done, I was shocked to see Creative hog up half of the spots we've designated for different price points and use cases. It turns out that, despite competition from Blueant, Razer, OXS, and Majority, Creative is on a bit of a hot streak of late.
Starting from the top, the Creative Pebble Pro is now our choice for the best budget PC speakers. For $70, this is a super capable set of speakers that have solid sound reproduction and come in a tiny little shell.
Finally, we have also added the Creative Sound Blaster GS3 as the best budget soundbar. Coming in at $65, it's pretty neat to think you can get a fully fledged soundbar to shove under your TV for less than the cost of a full-priced game. There are ways that price shows, though.
This soundbar doesn't offer super high-quality sound and features. It's, instead, a strong all-rounder that could make for a solid upgrade from your monitor or laptop's built-in speakers. Like the Pebble Pro, the SBC Bluetooth codec is a little bit basic, but it also works with a 3.5 mm jack or USB Type-C and offers a decently deep and varied sound
Despite Creative's recent hot streak, it has not managed to knock Mackie off the best overall speaker throne because its CR3.5BT and CR8SBT combo is absolutely killer, with an excellent sound and neat design.
You can check out our full picks for the best PC speakers below.
The quick list
1. Best overall: Mackie CR3.5BT + CR8SBT
2. Best budget: Creative Pebble Pro
3. Best midrange: Logitech Z407
4. Best gaming soundbar: Creative Stage Pro
5. Best budget gaming soundbar: Creative Sound Blaster GS3
6. Best bookshelf speakers: Kanto Ora
The best gaming speakers
The best overall
When Mackie's ultra-flexible CR3.5BT reference monitors are paired with the CR8SBT subwoofer, the effect is nothing short of profound. A titanic 2.1 setup for sure, but the speakers themselves are well worth a look on their own if bass isn't your top priority.
The best budget
They might be affordable, but you're getting a huge amount of sound for your money. Though the bass isn't earth-shattering, these speakers still offer both excellent clarity and a small footprint. You can squeeze these clear performers in almost anywhere.
The best mid-range
While they might not have the "look at me" RGB lighting of its bigger brother, the Z407 still offers great audio quality with the addition of a handy wireless control knob, all for a very reasonable price.
The best gaming soundbar
A well-designed soundbar solution, designed to prioritise PC gaming audio. That being said, with plenty of connection options, RGB lighting and a substantial sub, it's got plenty of flexibility for all sorts of uses.
The best budget soundbar
Though button placement is a bit odd and the Bluetooth is basic, it's incredible to think you can get such a solid-sounding soundbar for so little cash nowadays.
The best bookshelf speakers
These aren't cheap, but the sound quality here is exceptional, and they're remarkably powerful, too. If you're looking to splash out on high-quality audio, these little units really kick.
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