In America, the average laptop speaker is now below $20. That’s an increase from 1984 when the average was close to $50. In the past three years alone, the price of laptops has decreased by nearly 50%.
Audiophiles may be discouraged by this. But they have options – ones that don’t require high-priced speakers and amps – and their choices involve going back in time a little bit.
The Best Laptop Speakers
A laptop is an appliance. For most people, it’s something they use to get things done. As such, characteristics like “tone quality” and “clarity” don’t matter that much. What matters is what they hear on their laptops.
Because of this, the best laptop speakers are the ones that provide the best listening experience for their users.
Table of Contents
How to Choose External Laptop Speakers (Under $20 to Over $200)
Speakers are the unsung heroes of any laptop. The issue is, there are so many different types. From bookshelf to portable, or even Bluetooth speakers.
Portable vs. Portable :
We’ve created two categories: portable and portable. There’s a lot of confusion between the two because many speakers are marketed as both. The main difference is the size (portable vs. portable).
Larger vs. Smaller Speakers :
If you’ve ever spent some time around audio equipment, you know there’s a big difference between small and large speakers. Small speakers tend to be tinny or boomy. Larger speakers tend to sound better because they have more power and better drivers to work with.
Woofer vs. Tweeter :
The woofer and tweeter are the two main elements of any speaker system. The woofer carries bass and low-frequency sounds, while the tweeter is responsible for highs and higher frequencies.
5 Best External Speakers for Laptop Use
Last update on 2024-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. AYL Mini Speaker System, Portable Plug in Speaker with 3.5mm Aux Audio Input, External Speaker for Laptop Computer, MP3 Player, iPhone, iPad, Cell Phone (Black)
- Plug and Play! Ultra portable and light weight design at just 3 ounces. The speaker is ultra small & portable and yet able to exert high quality...
- Engineered for exceptional clarity of sound. Built-in amplifier for a surprisingly Loud Volume - 3 Watt Output. Audio with High Fidelity
- High-capacity Rechargeable Built-in Lithium battery for up to 10 hours continuous playback time (medium volume, random music)
- Compatible with all audio players with a 3.5mm audio socket/stereo headset jack, including Apple iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad, MP3/4 Players, Laptops,...
- 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty Included with the AYL Speaker! Please contact us via email if you have any questions.
Last update on 2024-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The AYL Mini Speaker System is a sound system designed for use with laptops, MP3 players, iPhones, or iPads. The power of this tiny speaker system is impressive considering the size of the unit.
With this unidirectional plug-in speaker, you will be able to hear audio at surprising volume levels even in large open areas. It can also be used to create presentation-quality audio when presenting with larger systems in conference halls, classrooms, and auditoriums.
Pros:
- This mini speaker is very affordable and has high quality of sound.
- The compact size allows for easy storage.
- It can be plugged in to power via USB cable, which means you don’t need batteries.
Cons:
- Bass is too bassy.
- Low volume.
- You can’t plug in an external mic or headphones.
2. 2.0 Portable USB computer speaker – perfect for laptop music, movies, or gaming on the go, by Cyber Acoustics (CA-2988), Black
- CONVENIENT AND VERY PORTABLE: Designed to magnetically clamp together for easy toting in the included travel bag.
- USB POWERED WITH 3.5MM AUDIO: These USB powered laptop speakers use a 3.5mm audio input connection to deliver a great listening experience on the go.
- TWO INCH DRIVERS: Strong 2" speaker drivers deliver great sound in a compact form.
- COMPATIBILITY: Works with laptops, MacBooks, PC computers and other devices with USB and a 3.5mm audio/headphone jack.
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
Last update on 2024-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The CA-2988 2.0 Portable USB computer speaker is cheap & the perfect accessory for your laptop, MP3 player, or gaming system. With a powerful one-watt output, this device delivers rich stereo sound that is clear and crisp with a wide range of sound settings.
Its sturdy design allows it to be taken along anywhere you go, providing hours of entertainment wherever you are.
Pros :
- Perfect for use on the go.
- Clean, crisp sound in a compact package.
- Headphone jack for private listening.
Cons :
- The volume goes up to a certain point and it does not do anything more.
- Sound quality is not the best and the bass is lacking.
- This is not the cheapest speaker out there.
3. Altec Lansing Mini H2O – Wireless, Bluetooth, Waterproof Speaker, Floating, IP67, Portable Speaker, Strong Bass, Rich Stereo System, Microphone, 30 ft Range, Lightweight, 6-Hour Battery, (Black)
- COMPACT & LOUD: Our compact and portable bluetooth speakers are designed to deliver clear and loud audio with just the right highs and lows, making...
- WATERPROOF & FLOATS: This outdoor speaker is IP67 waterproof certified and floats to provide just the right fit for the beach, pool, boat, camping,...
- READY FOR TRAVEL: Thanks to the lightweight and sturdy build coupled with the compact design, you can easily carry this outdoor bluetooth speaker with...
- 6 HOURS OF PLAYTIME: These portable bluetooth speakers are USB rechargeable (cable included) and provide up to 6 hours of use on a full charge. The...
- SUITABLE FOR MOST DEVICES: Our waterproof bluetooth speakers are compatible with iPhone, iPod, tablets, Samsung Galaxy, and many other devices. They...
Last update on 2024-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Mini H2O is a portable, wireless Bluetooth speaker with a powerful sound and long battery life. This lightweight floating speaker has an IP rating of 67, which makes it waterproof and perfect for use at the pool, by the beach, or at your next barbecue.
The device can be paired to up to 8 devices simultaneously and comes with a built-in microphone. It also features a six-hour battery life and weighs less than two pounds (1 kg).
Pros :
- Big, rich stereo sound
- Small and lightweight for easy portability
- Wireless connectivity via bluetooth
- 30ft Bluetooth range through a Microphone
Cons :
- The only con that I find floating speaker’s often face is that they can take up a lot of space.
- If you’re looking for a smaller boombox, then this isn’t the speaker for you.
- The base of these speakers are very small and thin compared to the size of the unit.
4. Creative Inspire T12 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System with Bass Flex Technology
- Built in Bass Flex technology
- High Performance Drivers
Last update on 2024-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Creative Inspire T12 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System with Bass Flex Technology is a stunningly beautiful sound system, created by Creative Labs Inc. This speaker system has the ability to deliver powerful booming sound that will dance-floor any dance party or home or outdoor gathering.
It has an attractive metal finish that will not only stand the test of time but also brings out its bold design and sleek lines.
Pros :
- A wireless speaker solution for any room
- Active dual 5.25″ tweeters for sound clarity
- 5 100W maximum power drivers
Cons :
- The power cord must be placed on the right side of the speaker for protection.
- A review of Amazon.com has stated that it has “no controls at all”.
- The body is made of vinyl.
5. Avantree Torpedo Plus Portable aptX Low Latency Bluetooth External Speaker for Laptop, MacBook, Desktop PC Computer, DSP Three Sound Modes Wireless Mini TV Soundbar for Seniors, No Audio Delay
- [NO MORE DELAY] When used with an apt-X-LL enabled transmitter, Torpedo Plus delivers high-quality sound in perfect synchronization.
- [CHOOSE YOUR AUDIO MODE] Whether you are watching a movie or listening to an audio book, Torpedo Plus is built with Digital Signal Processing and...
- [SUPERB SOUND] Featuring two powerful 5-wat speakers over dual channels, Torpedo Plus delivers a full range of sound in even the smallest areas.
- [BEST OF BLUETOOTH] Featuring wireless Bluetooth technology, Torpedo Plus easily connects to your Bluetooth-enabled phone, laptop, iPad, Amazon Echo...
- [BE AMAZED BY AVANTREE] Sometimes you just want to watch your must-see tv show, play your newest video game or groove to your favorite music without...
Last update on 2024-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Avantree Torpedo Plus Portable aptX Low Latency Bluetooth External Speaker for Laptop, MacBook, Desktop PC Computer, DSP Three Sound Modes Wireless Mini TV Soundbar for Seniors is one of the best speakers that bring convenience, quality sound, and its affordable price to the users.
Pros :
- This is a great Bluetooth speaker.
- It has four sound modes, which means it can be used with just about any device.
- It also comes in different colors for added flair.
Cons :
- No Audio Delay.
- Really Powerful (even on low settings).
- Bluetooth is great for speakerphone, no string attachments needed.
Conclusion :
The speakers we’ve listed here are some of the best laptop speakers we could find. They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the prices vary accordingly. We hope this list gives you a good idea of what to look for in a laptop speaker and allows you to narrow down your search according to your price range.
FAQ:
Q: What are the best speakers for a laptop?
A: Best Overall: Logitech Laptop Speakers ; Best Budget: Creative Pebble Desktop Speakers; Best Portable: Roko Mini Bluetooth Speaker; Best Cheap: Amazonbasics Computer Speakers; Bose companion multimedia speakers; Best Lighting: Elegiant computer speakers; Best External: Elegiant computer speakers; Best USB: Laptop Stereo Speakers; Best Bluetooth: Ex-leader Sound Angel; 1. Best Overall: Logitech Laptop Speakers . Rating: 4.5 / 5
Q: How to install an external microphone on a laptop?
A: Install the utility tool from its official website. Or,you can download the Bit Driver Updater from the button given below. Run the setup file and follow the wizard to complete the installation. After the successful installation,open it and wait until it finishes the automatic scanning procedure.
Q: How to switch sound from laptop to external speakers?
A: Click on the Notifications icon,on the lower right side of the screen. Right click on the Bluetooth option,and click on Go to Settings. Once there find your Speakers from the list of bluetooth devices,and click connect.
Q: Can I use external speakers with my laptop?
A: Laptop computers are typically equipped with a pair of small, built-in stereo speakers that produce a modest sound. The headphone jack on the edge of most laptops can also be used to connect a pair of external speakers to pump up the volume and provide greater audio fidelity when listening to music, enjoying multimedia content or gaming.