In today’s world of streaming and gaming and all things YouTube, affordable laptops are an integral part of our lives. And if there’s one thing that is essential in getting that full entertainment experience, it is a nice set of speakers.
But in most cases, you’ll find that your built-in computer speaker system just doesn’t cut it. Luckily, we now have external computer speakers with incredible quality sound output. And you don’t have to spend big bucks either, these speakers are made to be as efficient, yet affordable as possible, and at less than $100, you too can own one.
Whenever you think about purchasing a speaker system, the first things that come to mind are the brand name, deep bass sounds, and sound quality.
With all these criteria set out for you, choosing the right speaker might be quite impossible. More so if you are on a tight price tag mark-up. Well, you can rest easy because we set out on the trail and assembled for you 5 of the best PC speakers under 100 you’ll find out there.
Related Topic: Best Computer Speakers Under 50
Best PC Speakers Under $100 Reviews in 2022
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
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Editor’s Pick
|
Logitech Z333 2.1 Speakers |
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|
Best Value
|
Creative Pebble 2.0 USB-Powered Desktop Speakers |
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|
3
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TaoTronics Computer Speakers |
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|
4
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AmazonBasics USB-Powered PC Computer Speakers |
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|
5
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Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 USB-Powered Desktop Speakers with Powerful Down-Firing Subwoofer |
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1. Logitech Z333 2.1 Speakers
When it comes to finding the best Computer speakers, nothing out there quite combines cost efficiency, performance, and aesthetics quite like our number one, the Logitech Z333 2.1 Speakers. As suggested by the name, the unit features 2.1 speakers, which means; it comes inclusive of two satellite speakers, which are combined with a large subwoofer to deliver up to 80 watts of crisp, bold sound.
The front-facing subwoofer adds an especially exceptional touch to it all, giving out that rich bass to provide the extra dimension to all your games, music, and videos. Most operations of the Logitech Z333 computer speakers can be done using the control pod.
The Logitech also boasts of a really versatile and easy setup. You get to connect as many as two devices using 3.5 mm and RCA inputs.
This means you won’t need to disconnect it when you want to switch between audio sources. Its controls are also quite simple, with an easily accessible volume, power, and a headphone jack that you control using a wired control pod. It also has a headphone jack for when you want to listen to your music more privately.
Why You Should Get This
- The 2.1 speakers come inclusive of a woofer for bolder sound and bass.
- It is easy to use and set up with multiple input ports
- Easy to access controls
- Has headphone jack for when you want privacy
2. Creative Pebble 2.0 USB-Powered Desktop Speakers
Now, if you don’t have enough desk space to accommodate any of those large, bulky systems, then the Creative Pebble 2.0 USB-Powered Desktop Speakers is what you need.
It’s one of the best computer systems under 100 to have. The speakers are exactly as they appear in the pictures; they are small, compact, and portable such that they can fit nicely on literally any desk.
Additionally, you have the option of packing them and taking them with you wherever. And coming at just under 20 bucks, you won’t find a better deal out there.
The creative pebble speakers are USB-powered. This means that you can plug them into any USB port and enjoy your music without needing a power adapter. Not to mention just how good the speakers look. They have these unique, semi-spherical shapes, which draw their inspiration from Japanese rock gardens.
They simply look modern and elegant. They also have in place a 45 degree elevated driver, which enhances the audio projection to allow for immersive audio enjoyment. Also in place are easily accessible volume controls, which are conveniently placed so you can make any instant adjustments.
Why You Should Get This
- Small, compact, and easily portable for when you are working with a small space
- USB powered so you can enjoy your music from anywhere: you don’t need a wall socket
- Beautiful zen-pebble speaker design; looks elegant on your desktop.
3. TaoTronics Computer Speakers
The TaoTronics Computer Speakers are arguably one of the most compatible speakers you can find out there. Since they are USB-powered, you can easily plug and play’ them into almost any device with a USB port and your standard 3.5 mm audio source jack. Its full and rich audio is assisted by a less complicated user interface and easy installation.
Also, unlike your traditional 2 speakers and 1 subwoofer speaker, the TaoTronics features a slimmer, simplistic, standalone design that would look good on your desk set up. You’ll appreciate this if you are working with a small space, or you prefer an overall cleaner appearance.
Despite its compact size and shape, the speaker still manages to give out pretty impressive, high-quality sound. It has in place a 35mm headphone and microphone input and a headphone output so you can use it for all your gaming sessions and late-night movies. The TaoTronics also comes in purple, for those of you out there who are crazy about colors.
We let this model make its way to the top of some of the best computer speakers under 100.
Why You Should Get This
- A simple and easy setup doesn’t occupy much space
- Has a headphone and microphone input port
- Looks sleek, easy to use and carry around, has a different color option.
4. AmazonBasics USB-Powered PC Computer Speakers
The first thing you’ll notice about the AmazonBasics USB-Powered PC Computer Speakers is its incredibly beautiful design.
These budget computer speakers have this unique, futuristic shape, complete with a brushed metal finish and blue LED scent lights that have them looking like little robots sitting on your desktop. They also feature a padded base to allow for stability and scratch-free placement.
Other than their fine aesthetics, users have also been surprised by its performance. Overall, the unit comes as a set of two high-performance little speakers, which are USB-powered, and inclusive of a bottom radiator to give out that springy bass sound.it also boasts of what might very well be the best value for your money out there.
So if you are looking for something quality without having to break the bank, you don’t need to look any further. The speakers have a frequency response range of 80HX-20kHz, with 24 watts of RMS power, which is great for any standard portable speaker.
It undoubtedly makes it’s to the list of the best computer systems under 100.
Why You Should Get This
- Have bottom radiator which adds extra spring to its bass
- Has a modern futuristic design that serves an additional decorative function
- The speakers are paddle based, so they are stable and scratch-free
- Small, easily portable
5. Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 USB-Powered Desktop Speakers with Powerful Down-Firing Subwoofer
Yet another unit from the tech giant Creative is the Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 USB-Powered Desktop Speakers. The thing about most speakers within this price tag is that they tend to sound tinny or miss a bit of depth on the low end.
Well, the creative pebble plus 2.1 powered speakers don’t experience these problems. With this one, you additionally get a powerful 4” down-firing subwoofer by Creative. This means more depth and power in your sound – a definite upgrade over its predecessor unit.
The speakers also come with the signature design of creative speakers, including its elegant zen-garden-pebble aesthetics and 45” elevated drivers that angle the speakers towards you so you get that sweet spot.
They are small, compact, and incredibly well-balanced such that they give out a remarkable level of clarity at their softest and at their loudest without any distortion. They also have a high gain mode, which lets you increase their power output to 8W RMS.
With this, you get a room-filling audio sound and a more robust bass performance without the risk of losing audio high quality. Its volume knob is placed on the speaker front so you can easily access them. Plus, it is USB-powered, too, meaning you won’t need to connect it to a wall socket to experience all this greatness.
Creative pebble ranked right into our best computer speakers under 100 list.
Why You Should Get This
- Impressive high-quality sound. The speakers maintain their clarity in high and low volume.
- Elegant design and its speakers are 45” elevated for optimized sound.
- Quality woofer for bass which fills the room perfectly
- Well balanced.
Choosing the Best PC Speakers Under 100- Wireless & Bluetooth Connect For Gaming & Other Entertainment – The Ultimate Buying Guide
How Do PC Speakers Work?
First of all, it is important that you get a basic understanding of the process that goes behind the functioning of any tech gadget. In our case, we ought to understand how a PC speaker actually produces sound.
This should help you figure out how to repair it in case it gets spoilt or how to act when the audio doesn’t come. The market for the best computer speakers is huge, and you might come across some of the best computer speakers that promise a lot with a high price tag.
For starters, like any other electronic device, Computer speakers need the power to operate. Most of them will get this from either a wall socket using a power cord or from your PC itself using a USB cable.
You’ll then likely need to connect them to a speaker port on your computer to transmit what you want to play through an auxiliary cable. Once you press play, the sound signals are fired off from your computer, and then conveyed to your speaker through the port.
Now, what goes on inside …
You see, speakers will usually have an amplifier within them to power their circuit. So when the power comes in from the wall plug, the amplifier uses this power to boost the sound signal, which is then played out through the speaker.
The process is quite simple. In some cases, however, you might find a speaker with additional Bluetooth capabilities, which you connect wirelessly to your computer. Also, there might come a time when the audio doesn’t come out of the speaker.
In this case, you can try Plugging in your headphones and check if the problem lies with the computer. If the music still plays, then your PC is probably not the problem. In this case, you might want to check your speaker or its wires.
Key Features Of the Best Computer Speakers Under $100
Size: Perhaps Bigger Is Not Always Better!
When it comes to size, you’ll need to ask yourself two basic questions. That is, where will you be placing the speakers? And what device will you be connecting the speakers to?. If you are planning on hooking it up to your affordable gaming monitor, then you should consider mid-sized speakers that can actually fit on your desktop together with your other equipment.
If it is too big, then the setup will come out looking clunky and cramped, whereas, if it is too small, then you’ll probably not get the most immersive experience.
On the other hand, if you are using it for your laptop, you’ll be better off with a small, compact set of speakers that can easily be stored away and packed for travel.
Sound Quality: For That Crisp, Clear Sound!
Test your best computer speakers for sound quality. Sound quality may very well be the most fundamental aspect of any sound system. You will want the crispest quality sound from a speaker that can handle various frequency ranges.
- Now on Frequencies:
Speakers basically have three major frequency ranges: low, mid, and high. The high range is the one you’ll hear from a tweeter. It is the upper range that humans can hear. It also has the highest level of pitch/treble.
Mid-range, on the other hand, is usually produced by the mid-range driver. It is a more wide-ranging frequency, whereby you get to hear the actual vocals of the song. Lastly, we have low-frequencies that are produced by a woofer. They are what bring out the bass sounds.
Now that you have an idea of the different frequencies, you can determine the drivers that you may desire in your speakers for your particular situation. If, for example, music with clearer vocals or higher pitch is what you want, then you should look for a speaker that specializes in the size of its tweeter and mid-range.
On the other hand, if the bass is what you need, then you should consider a speaker with a woofer in it. If you are even more serious about your bass, then you might want an additional separate subwoofer, which will produce a deeper, more immersive sound.
- All in one
If you don’t really care about frequencies, or are just looking for something simple, that is okay too! In this case, a three-way, or 2.1 speakers will do you justice. This type of speaker usually combines the three drivers into one speaker, so you basically get a combination of all the frequencies.
Power Source: USB vs Socket Power!
As we mentioned earlier, a PC speaker can be sourced from either one of two ways; a wall adapter and a USB connection. The one you choose should be determined by how long you intend to use it at a time and the size of the speaker you want.
The direct connection to the power supply is the most common in some of the best computer speakers. You’ll find this mostly in those 2.1 models that have woofers since they need more power to deliver sound. The downside to this is that you have to be near a socket to use the speaker.
If you are always on the go, you will want to look for a USB-powered speaker. These ones simply plug directly into any USB-enabled device like computers and then source their power from there. With this, you can get to enjoy your mobile gaming set up from almost anywhere.
Also, another less common alternative is rechargeable batteries enabled speakers. These ones would need you to recharge them every time the juice runs out. When dealing with such, it is important to note that the more you pump the speakers up, the quicker the juice runs out. It, therefore, might not be the most efficient option.
Other Special Features
These include minor extra features that may make the experience a little bit easier.
Bluetooth
In modern times, wireless connections are becoming more and more popular. Nobody likes the clutter of wires running around the table, obstructing movement, tangling, and getting entangled with each other. Well, here is where Bluetooth comes in.
With Bluetooth, you get to easily link the speakers with your PC and then enjoy the experience wire-free. Some speakers give you the option of swapping between the two. You can choose wired for when you are using your computer, or wireless to connect to your phone.
Convenient Controls
You will also want to look at the controls that your speakers come with and how easy it will be to use them. Most speakers will have the usual volume control and power knob at the front and sides. This would be the most convenient when it comes to making quick adjustments and shifting it on and off directly.
However, with other speakers, you get additional controls for bass and treble. With this, you can set up the optimal sound settings without the need for an EQ, getting clear and crisp sound.
Connection Ports
The final thing you should look at is the connection ports for aux-in and headphones and how intuitively you have them positioned. You’ll want them somewhere where it is easy to make a connection with your computer. With the best gaming headset, you get the option of enjoying a little privacy when playing your games in a quiet environment.
Conclusion
All in all, when choosing an affordable computer speaker, you’ll want to look for something that will give you the best value for your money. You’ll want a speaker that will last and fits your particular situation. We have taken this into consideration when making our top selection of the best computer system under 100 and tried to make it as versatile as possible.
With this, you can’t fail to find something quality that is perfect for you. All that is left now is to grab one amazing system, plug it in, and enjoy your immersive sound experience.
