Most consumers believe the price tag reflects the quality of the product. However, our experts are here to prove that even at a very low price, some products can match the quality of their more expensive counterparts.
Our team has compiled a list of the best computer speakers under 50 to show you can save money and experience improved audio.
Reviews of the Best Computer Speakers Under 50
1. Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 USB Powered Desktop Speakers
The Creative Pebble Plus Speaker system often ends up on the top list due to their compact size and affordable price. Our experts decided to go for the one with a subwoofer because even with this additional component, these speakers are still less than a fraction of the price of others and take up minimal space.
The downward-firing subwoofer will provide great 360-degree sound with rumbling vibrations similar to Logitech Z323 and Logitech Z200. To add to that, the 45-degree angled satellite speakers and their drivers are angled towards you to bring a high quality mid and low range frequency response.
The volume controls are easily accessible as the volume control is conveniently located on the front of one of the speakers.
What We Like
- Small size
- Comes in different colors
- Offers a subwoofer combo
- 45-degree angled drivers
- Easy to install
- Volume control knob
- Takes up minimal desk space
- Powerful sound
- High gain mode
- Many connection options
What We Don't Like
- Only USB-powered, not USB speakers
- Not suited to be main speakers in a home theater setup
2. Arvicka Computer Speakers
These tiny speakers are super compact and come in two colors. They add a lot of pizazz to your setup thanks to the LED light embedded in both speakers. Due to their small size, they are very convenient to take with you on-the-go.
The connection and setup is easy with the Arvicka Computer Speakers as they work with any device that supports 3.5mm AUX audio output or a headphone jack. These speakers are a plug-and-play design with one single cable.
Don’t let the small size fool you, this set of speakers can get loud enough to fill a small room and not to mention, they are great looking.
What We Like
- Small footprint
- LED lighting
- Hassle-free setup
- Connects with 3.5mm aux
- Very affordable PC speakers
- Clear sound
- 3-year warranty
- High end look
What We Don't Like
- Not louder than speakers of a larger size
- No subwoofer
3. Amazon Basics USB-Powered PC Computer Speakers
Our experts like the ingenuity behind these Amazon Basics USB-Powered PC Computer Speakers. Not only do they elevate your audio experience, but they also have a unique shape that makes it easy to blend in with most interiors. You can take your pick from either black or silver to match your computer.
The setup is easy, all you need to do is plug it in. There is also an in-line volume control to make the sound from these two USB-Powered speakers easy to adjust. These USB-Powered and AC-Powered speakers come with blue LED lighting and have a padded bottom to protect the space on your desk.
What We Like
- Easy setup
- Good sound with bottom radiator
- Sleek design with 2 color choices
- Padded bass
- LED lighting
- 2.4 watts RMS
What We Don't Like
- Cannot turn off the LED lights
- The logo is overpowering
4. Taotronics Gaming Computer Speaker
Our experts always try to provide a wide range of products for our speaker systems reviews. If you are more of a sound bar fan and considering getting a reliable PC soundbar, then this next option is for you. The Taotronics gaming sound bar has powerful stereo sound that can bring your content to life.
Compared to your regular speaker system, this sound bar is much more appealing thanks to the RGB lighting that improves on your gaming experience together with elevated sound quality.
One of the excellent features of the Taotronics Gaming Computer Sound Bar is the connectivity. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 and 3.5mm aux, which allows it to connect to your MP3 player, computer, and other media devices as satellite speakers.
What We Like
- Packs a lot of power
- Works with 3.5 mm
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Great sound or gaming
- LED lighting
- Versatile and compact
- Top control panel
What We Don't Like
- No subwoofer
- Can’t turn off display
5. Cyber Acoustics CA-3602FFP 2.1 Speaker Sound System
This next computer sound speaker option on our list is one that deserves praise. Not only does it provide room-filling 360 degree sound, but the Cyber Acoustics CA 3602 is very easy to use with a control pod.
The control panel allows you to have command over basic properties and it is also where the headphone jack and aux inputs are located which makes it easy to control.
One other major bonus about the Cyber Acoustics speaker system set is the beautiful glossy design. Not only does the speaker set look elegant, it also brings you much better sound and great bass response compared to regular speaker system.
What We Like
- Sleek and elegant design
- Volume is easy to control with the control pod
- Brings a lot of power
- Doesn’t take up a lot of desk space
- Can simulate surround sound
- Good bass response
What We Don't Like
- May provide poor warranty support
- Would provide better bass with a subwoofer
6.ELEGIANT PC Computer Speakers
The ELEGIANT PC Speakers also have a very small design that will take up minimal space on your desk. The sound quality is still amazing despite the tiny footprint, and the power it exudes is exceptional. It also looks great beside your computer and can illuminate a darkened room with the colorful LED lighting.
This PC speaker system has a hassle-free volume control on the main speaker and hooks up easily to your computer to improve your gaming and movie experience.
Not only does the volume knob control the sound, it also serves as a control hub for all the basic attributes such as turning the computer sound speaker on and off. The speakers are very lightweight and are easily transportable.
What We Like
- Colorful LED lights
- Excellent sound quality
- Impressive bass volume
- Mini size
- Lightweight
- Brings a lot of power
- Cool design
- Strong bass
- Easy control
What We Don't Like
- Needs to improve low frequencies
- The LED lights aren’t consistent
7. Logitech 3.5mm Z130 Jack Compact Laptop Speakers
The Logitech 3.5mm Z130 Jack Compact Laptop Speakers don’t bring an innovative design or cool LED aesthetics, but what’s hidden beneath an unassuming surface is a whole lot of great sound quality. The computer powered speakers bring 10 watts of peak power and a strong bass output despite the absence of a subwoofer.
The sleek black exterior is clearly labeled with the controls and audio inputs in contrasting white. These speakers are easy to install and play design, just plug in the necessary cables or your headphones to enjoy private listening of your favorite high sound quality content.
(Want a compatible device for your work from home setup? Here are the top-rated headphones great for zoom meetings)
What We Like
- Rich stereo sound
- 10 watts of peak power output
- Strong bass volume
- Simple setup
- 3.5mm jack
- Highly compatible with many speaker system
- 5 watts RMS power
What We Don't Like
- The design is not as sleek and compact as some other models
- Bass settings can’t change
Computer Speakers Under 50 Buyer’s Guide
Most people wouldn’t expect a lot out of the best budget computer speakers under 50, but this price point won’t always dictate the quality of the product. There are certain properties to look for to make sure you’re getting speakers to suit your needs, and that’s what our experts are going to address next.
Design and Size
Since we’re looking at best budget speaker system, they should all have compact size. The goal of a smaller footprint is to take up less of your precious desk space you may need for other things. Be sure to take an extra glance at the measurements so you don’t end up with audio speakers that overwhelm your desk.
You also want the speakers to be easy to control. Ones that come with a control panels are best, but many speaker systems have a control or panel built onto the surface of the mains speaker. The connection ports including the USB port and 3.5mm jack should be conveniently located.
Many PC speakers and soundbars feature LED lighting[1] that can light up the room. Some consumers like this extra detail but some find it annoying if it can’t be turned off. Decide if this extra night light feature is something you want. There are some speaker system that have changeable colors to suit your mood.
Lastly, consider the base of the speakers. Your desktop should be durable and shouldn’t be prone to damage unlike hardwood floors, but it still pays to have feet or a rubber base on your music speakers just in case.
Can the speakers be fully wireless? To become a wireless PC speaker, you will need a model that is battery powered. In this case, pay attention to the battery life and charging options. USB cable charging is the most convenient because most media devices feature USB port. To be wireless, you will need the speakers to support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but more on that later.
Sound Quality
How does the sound quality fare compared to your regular computer sound system? You need the product to reflect all sounds in the frequency spectrum with accuracy at any volume. One of the most common complaints of computer sound system is the lack of bass. However, our team says this problem is easily solved if you go for speaker sets with an additional subwoofer.
The placement of the drivers are also crucial in the sound relays. For example, low-firing subs will produce richer and more rumbling bass tones while midrange drivers at a 45 degree angle aimed at you can bring immersive frequency response sound without the need for too much power.
Speakers like the Creative Inspire T12, Logitech Z313, and Logitech Z323 have an extra feature up its sleeve to improve the overall sound experience to the next level. Our team is referring to the high gain mode that is easily activated by pressing a button. The high gain mode will instantly increase the power output to 8W RMS, which is a lot higher than some other home music systems we have on the list.
Volume
As we mentioned, the volume should be easy to control either with an easily accessible knob or button on the main speaker or a control pod. Our experts are particularly fond of the high gain mode, which can increase the power and therefore the sound with the press of a button. You also want to be sure the audio quality remains clear and crisp at any music level like Logitech Z323, and that brings us to the next section.
Power
The power rating has a lot to do with the volume and music quality. The power rating is divided into the RMS and peak power. The peak power is the higher rating, sometimes double the RMS and is the figure at which the speaker can produce sound in short bursts. Our team does not recommend playing your content at peak power for long periods as it can blow out the speakers.
Enclosure
How is the construction of the speakers? The enclosure should be sturdy and well-built, even at a low price range such as the ones on our list. Our experts say to still demand quality even at a lower price range. Aluminum is one of the most popular materials used to construct speakers, this is because it is pretty tough and is pretty good for heat dispersion.
If the enclosure has LED lighting, it’s helpful to illuminate a dark room but it won’t have much to do with the performance. Our team suggests speakers that have an LED light switch just in case you want to turn them off.
Connectivity
What types of connections do your speakers offer? Our team will always suggest choosing ones that have both wired and wireless options. However, this is where the low price may come into effect and only offer simple wired 3.5mm or headphone jack options. There are some that offer USB cable connection and some can be powered with AC adapter as well as a bonus.
If you do manage to find a Bluetooth supported computer speaker under 50, our team says to not think twice if this type of convenience is a priority to you. We will preface this by saying that most computer speakers with Bluetooth come in a sound bar design. The Taotronics soundbar option on our list is an example of this.
Setup and Portability
You never want a product to be difficult to set up. No matter how versatile and high performing the product is, a difficult setup will put a damper on your overall experience. Our team says to look for products that advertise a plug and play design. All this type of speaker will require from you is plugging the right cable into the right speaker port.
Unfortunately, if you have a wired setup, it will greatly diminish the portability of your speakers. If you want a highly mobile design, our team says Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is the only way to go. Aside from the connection, a small and lightweight size will also improve the transportability.
For Bluetooth setup, check our page on how to add Bluetooth to stereo receiver.
FAQ
What are the best cheap computer speakers?
The best computer speakers are the Creative Pebble Plus speakers. Not only are they compact, they also offer a subwoofer and speaker combo for enhanced music and bass. The affordable price, strategically placed drivers and high gain mode all work towards bringing you the best listening experience.
Our Top Pick For a Computer Speaker Under 50: Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 Desktop Speakers
To close out our reviews, our team has landed on the Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 as the best computer speaker under 50. There is much to be said about the performance of these amazingly compact and affordable speakers including elevated drivers and downward firing subwoofer.
The Plus 2.1 also features a high gain mode to increase the power output instantaneously with a flip of a switch. Don’t let the compact size fool you on the amount of power and convenience the Pebble can bring as well as its easy access volume controls.
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