PC Speakers

PC speakers have built-in amplifiers and connect to your computer or laptop with a standard cable, usually through a 3.5 mm jack input (AUX). Alongside conventional computer speakers, this range includes Hi-Fi bookshelf speakers and studio monitors with an input for connecting to a computer. A desktop pair with Bluetooth will cover music, films and games, while studio monitors are the choice for editing your own recordings. Brands include Edifier, Presonus, Mackie, Yamaha, KRK and Klipsch.

Studio monitors or Hi-Fi speakers for your computer?

Studio monitors such as Presonus Eris, Yamaha HS4 or KRK Kreate have a balanced sound without boosted bass or treble. You hear the recording without added colour, which helps when mixing music, a podcast or a video. Hi-Fi bookshelf speakers from brands such as Klipsch, Kanto or Edifier are tuned for enjoyable listening, and some have a remote control, an optical input or HDMI for connecting to a TV. Bluetooth monitors such as Mackie CR3.5BT or M-Audio BX4 BT are a compromise between the two, handling both audio work and music from your phone. For a complete living room system, visit Hi-Fi Systems.

How do you connect speakers to a computer?

The basic connection is a cable from your computer's headphone output to a 3.5 mm jack or RCA input on the speaker. A USB-C input carries audio digitally from the computer, although on some small speakers USB-C is only used for power. Optical inputs and HDMI are useful for a TV or games console. Bluetooth is convenient for music from your phone, but the delay can be noticeable when playing an instrument or gaming, so use a cable in those situations. Studio monitors with 6.3 mm TRS jack inputs are most commonly connected through an audio interface.

What size speakers suit your desk?

The number in a studio monitor's name usually indicates the woofer size in inches: Presonus Eris 3.5 has a 3.5-inch woofer and Edifier MR5 a five-inch one. For a desk where you sit within a metre of the speakers, 3 to 4.5 inches is usually enough. Larger woofers measuring 5 to 8 inches provide deeper bass and suit a larger room.

Most models are sold as a pair, but some studio monitors are sold individually, so you need two for stereo. For even deeper bass, choose a model with a subwoofer output. Headphones are a better choice when you want to listen quietly without disturbing those around you.