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Willie Greer - June 22, 2021
Every gamer knows that most regular TV or computer speakers have a muffled, low-quality sound that isn’t fit for gaming. Luckily, soundbars are an easy fix to this problem—but which one should you get?
If you’re looking for soundbars that will really take your games to the next level, you’ll find them on this list of the best soundbars for gaming today.
- 5.1 channel soundbar
- Bluetooth v4.0 aptX
- Dedicated subwoofer
- 360° surround sound
- Dual 7W drivers
- Bluetooth connection
- 6W sound drive unit
- 2-in-1 detachable design
- Plug-and-play
Reviews of the 5 Best Gaming Soundbars
TaoTronics Gaming Computer Speaker Soundbar
This computer speaker soundbar is TaoTronics’ contribution to the gaming world. The small device is capable of expanding your gaming audio without any distortion. Our team enjoyed the beautiful RGB lights that display many colors all at once instead of the usual intermittent flashes.
The tiny compact speaker has a small profile that is capable of generating simulation 360-degree surround audio to make improve your gaming experience. As for connectivity options, you can choose between cabled and wireless connections via 3.5mm or Bluetooth.
Moreover, the TaoTronics Gaming Computer Speaker is versatile and has a headphone jack for late-night gaming and even a record feature.
What We Like
- Vibrant RGB lights
- Wireless and wired connections
- Loud audio
- Expansive sound
- Headphone jack
- Record feature
- Small size
What We Don’t Like
- Buttons don’t light up in the dark
- RGBs are not static
Razer Leviathan
The Razer Leviathan is perhaps one of the best computer soundbars on the market that is also great for gaming. It’s one entire sound system built into a compact profile designed with cutting-edge technology for high-end sound quality.
Measuring 19.7 inches wide, the Razer sound bar can be placed in front of the PC or desktop monitor. Unlike Bose Companion 2 speakers with just an AUX cord for connection, this speaker design has a great range of connectivity options you can use, including Bluetooth and 3.5mm input.
This speaker can also be wall-mounted if you want to be more creative rather than putting it on your computer desk. This features Dolby 5.1 and aptX technology that offers an impressive dynamic audio range with connection via Bluetooth.
You can also use this to play content such as movies and music from other devices. By using NFC, this computer sound bar can also connect with your computer so you can immediately play and venture into your virtual battles.
What We Like
- Great sound drivers for excellent performance
- Subwoofer provides a nice, thumping bass
- Dolby Digital virtual surround sound system
- aptX technology and Bluetooth connectivity
- Reasonable price for the sound quality and volume
- Simple system setup
- Offers connectivity options such as 3.5mm input, optical, Bluetooth, and NFC
What We Don’t Like
- More suited for a PC, so using it with a TV might not give the best performance.
- No HDMI input
NJSJ V-181 Computer Speakers
At such an affordable price, you may doubt the V-181 soundbar’s capabilities, but our team has tested it thoroughly and was impressed with the performance. The soundbar has a very unique detachable design that can convert the soundbar into two separate speakers.
The powerful speakers offer stereo and bass enhancement for gaming. As with most gaming soundbars, the NJSJ V-181 also offers LED backlighting that flashes different colors.
The speaker soundbar is highly compatible with other devices by offering Bluetooth, 3.5 mm, and USB connection. Of course, there are also microphone and headphone jacks for your gaming convenience.
What We Like
- Versatile compatibility
- Detachable design
- LED backlights
- Many forms of connection
- Microphone and headphone jacks
- One-button control
- Enhances bass
- Affordable price
What We Don’t Like
- Short cord
- No subwoofer
Sound BlasterX Katana
Using a 5 driver design, the Sound BlasterX Katana sound bar is another expertly tuned sound bar on the list.
The first thing we noticed about this soundbar is its sleek design that’s coupled with Aurora reactive lighting. With many gamers digging the RGB look, the lighting system is a great touch that really puts the gaming factor in mind. You also have 16.8 million colors to choose from, so you’ll never be bored with how your sound bar will look, whether the soundbar is connected to your PC or desktop, laptop, or your gaming console.
But of course, our audio team wouldn’t be impressed with the lighting system alone. Fortunately, the Sound BlasterX Katana supports Dolby Digital technology. Although it’s not the true surround sound that Dolby Atmos provides, the sound quality is still immersive and the volume can fill a big room.
Equipped with Bluetooth as well, you can save yourself and your house from a messy setup. Plus, you’ll be able to stream music and play mobile games with a wireless connection to the soundbar.
The only downside of this otherwise great rig is the price. This one might be a bit more than your budget, but its audio performance, sound quality, and design deserve a spot on your desk and our best soundbar list as well.
What We Like
- 5 drivers for great volume and full-range sound
- Aurora reactive lighting with 16.8 million colors
- The compact design of the sound bar makes it portable and easy to set up on your desk
- Comes with Dolby Digital technology for virtual surround sound
- Bluetooth connectivity allows easy wireless streaming
- Seamless control
What We Don’t Like
- Remote control could be bigger
- Price is a bit expensive
TaoTronics Three Equalizer Mode
Last in our list is the TaoTronics Three Equalizer Mode soundbar. TaoTronics is another popular brand in the soundbars industry, and this choice is their best gaming soundbar for computers or consoles.
Measuring at just 31.5 x 2.36 x 2.36 inches, this is a pretty compact soundbar that you won’t have trouble placing anywhere. You can place it in front of your monitor or mount it on the wall if you’re a bit limited on space. Setting up this Taotronics device should not be a problem either since Bluetooth connectivity is available if you want to play movies or music.
After testing this TaoTronics sound bar, we found that it does deliver the sound quality that’s meant for gaming. The model is designed to be immersive and easy to control, which is what a gaming soundbar is all about.
And if you want to take a break when you play games, the three equalizer modes would come in handy to further improve the content you’re playing. Like other brands such as Bose, you can also check more settings via the remote control so you can fine-tune this TaoTronics bar to your needs.
What We Like
- It’s easy to pair the device and stream music from mobile devices via wireless Bluetooth technology
- Three equalizer modes for optimum sound quality settings for movies, music, and games
- TaoTronics provides audio that simulates the surround sound experience in your space
- Compact dimensions at 31.5 x 2.36 x 2.36 inches
- Remote control is included with the product
What We Don’t Like
- Might look bulky in a PC setup
- Static present when connecting to TV
Soundbar for Gaming - Buying Guide
There are a lot of quality soundbars in the market. But before you go looking for the best computer soundbar in a store or in Amazon, decide what exactly it is you want to get out of it. Is it going to be a gaming soundbar? Or just a multi-purpose computer soundbar/desktop soundbar?
For most people, the features of your choice should be like how it is with any other soundbar, but it should have better tuning to enhance gaming effects for computers. Also consider the features you want to use in a speaker, as there are some low-end products that don’t work as well.
Have a loved one who’s hard of hearing? Check out our recommended soundbars for the hearing impaired.
Subwoofer for Gaming
A subwoofer is largely responsible for the thunderous low notes you often encounter when you play games. The best soundbars have a dedicated subwoofer, while others work with a built-in one for an easier setup.
We do recommend getting a dedicated subwoofer so the impressive low tones will be more pronounced. Although a dedicated subwoofer is larger in size and an extra piece, the soundbar elevates the sound quality for consoles like the PS4 and computers.
Connectivity to Computer
The popular soundbars today would offer one or two wireless connections for setup convenience. You should be able to use options like Bluetooth and Wi-fi connectivity. With these, you can connect and stream content straight from your mobile device. However, high-end and more expensive products may allow you to connect via Wi-Fi.
Wireless connections such as Bluetooth help keep your space clutter-free, which is beneficial for a gaming setup with a small desk space. However, a standard computer speaker may connect with USB too. You can check our list above to determine the options you can use with your current desk setup.
Have a Samsung device? Check out how to setup your Samsung soundbar here.
Dolby Atmos and Channels
The channels on a bar refer to where the sound is projected. The more channels or drivers, the better the sound quality. Five channels are the industry standard for surround sound as it adds two back speakers to the front left, right, and center channels. Plenty of top-rated PC soundbars available in the market feature five channels as well. Depending on the model, some systems don’t add back speakers too.
As for Dolby Atmos, it refers to the drivers being able to propel the sound up, down, left, right, and in every direction to create surround sound. You can find a budget Atmos soundbar (Vizio, for instance) so it can be more immersive, but having these drivers would be more expensive than a non-Atmos bar. So, you need a high budget to match.
Sound Modes and Smart Soundbars
The way a compact sound bar operates is something many users consider. Check your options as some products can connect with voice assistants you can use like Amazon Alexa.
Alexa and Google Assistant open your soundbar to flexible use. Vizio, Samsung, Bose, TaoTronics, and many other brands have a model or two that can work with these assistants for easy control.
Having sound modes is also essential, as it’s an automatic setting that locks in the optimum sound preferences depending on the type of content on the monitor.
FAQ
Are Soundbars Good for Gaming?
The short answer is yes. If you’re one of the people who care about sound quality while gaming, then you must set up a gaming soundbar on your desk. Truth be told, regular speakers won’t cut it if you want to get the best sound each time.
With a soundbar, you would have an advantage over your competitors because you can almost hear the opposing army approaching before you see them on the monitor. Whether you play on a computer or a game console, a gaming sound bar has the power to work with both.
Ever considered Polk soundbars for gaming? See here.
When choosing a gaming soundbar, you shouldn’t use or settle for any old computer soundbar. Make sure you get one that does make a difference in volume and audio quality, and it should also have game mode as well.
You can also consider if you’ll use the soundbar for any other purpose. Soundbars from iLive are recommended for their versatility.
What is the Best Surround Sound System for Gaming?
The Q Acoustics 3000 series is a heavy-duty surround sound system. But if you’re looking to buy something with a heavy footing in the audio tech industry, try the Yamaha NS-SP1800BL 5.1 Speaker System. It’s one superb system with great drivers for a reasonable price, and stands with other excellent speaker brands like Samsung, Bose, and Vizio.
The Yamaha doesn’t look like much, but it will surely earn your trust when it comes to expansive sound. The satellite speakers also feature treble speakers and dedicated subwoofers.
On the other hand, the Q Acoustics is another serious upgrade that could even potentially improve your gaming skills. Because you’ll be able to make out the enemy in the bushes on the monitor, you’ll have a clear advantage provided by the surround sound aspect.
The speakers of these two models are large in size, so you need to make sure you have the proper space on your home setup to accommodate the entire sound system. You will also need to invest in a high-quality amp, which also drives the appeal of the Yamaha or any speaker when you play games or movies.
Our Top Pick for the Best Soundbar for Gaming: TaoTronics Gaming Computer Speaker Soundbar
Our audio experts have chosen the TaoTronics Gaming Computer Speaker Soundbar for the number one spot. The reasons are quite clear with the powerful stereo sound, RGB lighting, and easy connection among other features. The miniature size of the TaoTronics gaming soundbar makes it easily portable as well.
