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The 8 Best Laptop Speakers
Sophie Sirois
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January 27, 2019
Sometimes your native laptop speakers just don’t cut it. Audio and visual technology is constantly improving - and we think that honoring the integrity of sound is important to facilitating the best media experience.
Whether you’re listening to original analog recordings of Billie Holiday or streaming the latest Netflix hit, there’s no arguing the fact that sound matters.
Expanding your audio possibilities with a set of external laptop speakers can help elevate your experience and let you get the most out of every moment.
Let’s discuss who might benefit from a set of external speakers and dive into the 8 best laptop speakers you can find on the market today.
Do I need portable laptop speakers?
Music heads, audio editors, and professional Netflix bingers all agree - advancing your media experience starts with a great set of external speakers.
Many new laptops are outfitted with high-performing internal speakers. But sometimes you find that you don’t catch every detail you want to hear.
Or maybe you feel like your laptop speakers just aren’t loud enough. After all, everyone has that one song or album that just begs to be experienced at maximum volume - “What’s Up” by 4 Non-Blondes, anyone?
If you can relate to any of these problems, you may be suffering from a lack of quality audio performance which means you might be a perfect candidate for external speakers.
Whether you work better with music in the background, or you just want to elevate your home speaker system, investing in a set of external speakers can enhance any media experience.
Do you want a portable set of speakers or a set of static speakers to call your desk home? It’s really all up to your lifestyle and preference.
The good news is even the tiniest speaker systems now boast powerful volume and clear sound so you can enjoy your listening experience anywhere. Plus, most wired desk speakers are lightweight enough that they’re easy to carry around the office or house if you need to.
If you lead a more adventurous nomadic lifestyle and can’t stand the thought of traveling without your speakers, a portable set may be the best option for you.
Or maybe you just want to get the best audio experience for your desk and prefer a wired connection. If so, a wired or USB setup may be the route you want to take.
No matter what you’re looking for in a new audio setup, the benefits of investing in a set of external speakers are limitless.
Experience a higher sound radius, more control over audio balance and tone, and connectivity options that give you the freedom to take your preferred listening experience anywhere.
What to look for in a set of laptop speakers
When you’re looking to expand your audio setup, you’ll want to start by analyzing your listening habits.
To get a better idea of what kind of speakers may best suit your lifestyle, ask yourself the following questions:
- What device(s) will I pair with my speakers most?
- How big is the space I’ll mostly be listening in?
- Will I want my speakers to be portable, or stay at my desk?
- What kind of power setup do I prefer (i.e. rechargeable battery, wired power supply)?
- What kind of media will I be listening to (i.e. music, video, intermittent listening)?
Once you’ve established why you’re shopping for new speakers, you can streamline your wish list to get exactly the features you’re looking for. In our roundup of best laptop speakers, we’ve included five qualifying categories to help you choose the best option.
Wired vs wireless external laptop speakers
Connectivity matters when it comes to sound. Depending on why you’re updating your audio system and where you plan to use it, you’ll want to look at both USB and wireless speaker setups.
In general, USB and other wired speakers give you a bit more control over sound specifics like bass and tone, whereas wireless speakers tend to offer more basic control over volume and sometimes offer commands to skip or play songs.
Each variation has its benefits. To make it easy for you we’ve compiled a list of 8 of the best laptop speakers.
We’ve also included the following six categories based on important features to help you make your decision:
- Best for...
- Power source
- Audio controls
- Connection
- Connection radius
- Number of speakers
Use these features to help choose the best external laptop speakers for your listening pleasure and your lifestyle.
Wireless speakers
1. Beoplay P6 Bluetooth speaker
Indulge in clear, expansive sound with the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay P6 portable Bluetooth speaker. Connect this speaker setup to your Bluetooth compatible laptop and other devices.
The Beoplay P6’s sleek design uses a durable aluminum that’s splash and dust resistant so you can take your tunes anywhere without having to worry about endangering your speaker system.
Plus, this model includes a leather strap and rubber polymer base for stabilization so you can travel securely with the best sound around.
This speaker has been engineered with the music fanatic in mind. Enjoy premium sound with up to 16 hours of battery life. Simply use the USB cable to recharge the battery and get back to listening quicker than ever.
Connect at your desk or in the outdoors, and even use this lightweight model as your home’s primary audio system.
Best for: Daily listening, laptop speakers
Power source: USB-C to USB-A cable
Audio controls: Bass, volume, tone, power, Bluetooth pairing
Connection: Bluetooth
Connection radius: N/A
Number of speakers: One
2. Bose SoundLink Bluetooth speaker system
The Bose SoundLink speaker system delivers Bose’s signature bold sound in a medium-sized portable package.
This speaker allows you to listen and take phone calls from anywhere with convenient Bluetooth pairing. Use an auxiliary cord to wire your speaker directly to your laptop to expand your native sound to your speakers.
Weighing just 1.2 lbs, you can easily maximize the portability of your laptop without sacrificing premium sound by packing the Bose SoundLink with you, whether you’re traveling on the job or just to the next room to share a fun YouTube video with a friend.
Best for: Daily listening, laptop speakers
Power: USB-C to USB-A cable
Audio controls: Volume, power, Bluetooth pairing
Connection: Bluetooth, auxiliary
Connection radius: 30 ft
Number of speakers: One
3. Bose SoundLink Bluetooth micro speaker system
In an even smaller and more portable package, the Bose SoundLink micro speaker system is an ideal portable and budget-friendly speaker for any device.
If you’re looking to pair your speakers with your laptop from time to time, but value the freedom to connect wherever you are, these may be a great option for you.
They say great things come in small packages. And the proverb rings true with this micro speaker blasting your favorite tunes with discriminating sound from up to 30 ft away.
The SoundLink micro speaker system weighs just over 10 oz making this the best choice for traveling music lovers. Plus, the durable construction and water-resistant exterior allows you to pack your favorite soundtrack on any of your adventures.
If you’d like to connect your speaker to your laptop and take it on your bike, in your climbing gear, or in your beach bag, these speakers are the perfect mix of versatility and high-quality sound.
Best for: Portable listening
Power: USB-C to USB-A cable
Audio controls: Volume, power, Bluetooth pairing
Connection: Bluetooth, auxiliary
Connection radius: 30 ft
Number of speakers: One
4. HP 300 Bluetooth mini speaker
The HP 300 Bluetooth mini speaker packs a serious amount of volume in its super-small, super-portable construction. This model even comes outfitted with a carabiner clip so you can hook it on to your bag to take anywhere.
If you’re looking for a speaker to take along to amplify sound for your meeting presentation at the conference room, this compact model is one of our best budget-friendly options for listeners who are constantly on the move.
Best for: Portable listening
Power: USB-C to USB-A cable
Audio controls: Volume, power, Bluetooth pairing
Connection: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm audio input
Connection radius: 30 ft
Number of speakers: One
Wired speakers
5. Logitech Z200 2.0 wired speaker system
This dual set of speakers gives you total DJ control over your laptop sound system. Customize the Logitech z200 2.0 speaker system’s bass, tone, and volume for your preferred listening experience right at your fingertips.
This set boasts a sleek, lightweight design that makes them just as portable as your laptop. At just 2.2 lbs these wired laptop speakers boast room-filling sound with balanced acoustics and adjustable bass.
Set up these speakers in your home or work office, and enjoy the rich stereo sound. Play audio from multiple devices by connecting the 3.5 mm audio input and auxiliary. This feature works great for audio professionals, editors, and podcast producers.
Test how your sound works together with a speaker system that delivers amplified audio. Plug in your headphone jack for private listening when you need a moment of quiet.
Best for: Static listening at home or office
Power: Standard outlet
Audio controls: Bass, volume, tone, power
Connection: Headphone jack, auxiliary jack, 3.5mm audio input
Connection radius: direct connection
Number of speakers: 2
6. Bose Companion 2 series III multimedia speaker system
Enjoy professional quality audio with the Bose Companion 2 series III multimedia speaker system. Bose brings their signature robust audio solutions directly to your laptop with direct connection and impressive acoustics. Fill your living room or office with premium sound so you can fully experience your favorite artists or films the way they were meant to be enjoyed.
You can also connect your external speakers to your iPod or iPhone to make your experience even more enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a speaker system that boosts your home or office connection, but don’t need the portable features, these may be a great choice to achieve the excellent sound quality you’re looking for.
Best for: Static listening at home or office
Power: DC Adapter
Audio controls: Volume, power
Connection: Headphone jack
Connection radius: direct connection
Number of speakers: 2
USB speakers
Cluttered office space? Eliminate the excess and get rid of unnecessary power supply boxes and chargers. With USB speakers, you can bring music, videos, and audio samples to life all with the power of your laptop.
All you need is a set of high-performing speakers, a USB cable, and a PC, and you’re ready to maximize your listening.
7. HP S3100 black USB speaker
Our HP S3100 black USB speaker allows you to indulge in rich, amplified sound simply by connecting your laptop. These speakers are powered and connected to your USB connection to produce quality sound at a budget-friendly price.
Perfect for small spaces and compatible with your favorite HP® products, the HP S3100 are good small speakers for your laptop.
Best for: Static listening at home or office
Power: USB
Audio controls: Volume, power
Connection: Headphone jack
Connection radius: direct connection
Number of speakers: 2
8. HP USB business speakers v2
In a similar USB setup, the HP USB business speakers v2 also uses a USB cable to charge directly from your laptop or a desktop computer.
These tall, cylindrical speakers offer a bit more audio balance than the smaller HP S3100 model so if your space can accommodate a larger audio setup, these may be best suited for you.
Best for: Static listening at home or office
Power: USB
Audio controls: Volume, power
Connection: Headphone jack
Connection radius: direct connection
Number of speakers: 2
Moving toward a better media experience with external laptop speakers
Ramping up your audio setup can make a huge difference when it comes to indulging in the finest media experiences. Music and film production technologies are constantly advancing and audio detail is more refined than ever.
Listening to an expertly produced audio sample with a speaker system that doesn’t stack up could mean you miss the nuances of your favorite song or film.
Or maybe your native laptop speakers just max out at a volume level that’s just not enough when you’re blasting and singing along to your favorite guilty pleasure pop song.
If you work in production yourself, you know how important those details are to the listener experience. Don’t miss a moment or detail with a speaker system that maximizes volume and delivers the audio quality the artist intended.
About the Author: Sophie Sirois is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Sophie is a San Diego-based content creation specialist covering the latest in tech and digital news.
