Summer time is the right time to refresh your gaming area, and an amazing set of audio system can take your expertise far past what a headset delivers. Whether or not you are diving into lengthy marketing campaign periods or enjoyable with open-world exploration, the suitable audio setup helps you to take pleasure in sport soundtracks, dialogue, and results in full element, no sweaty headphones required.
I examined fashions with spatial audio options like Dolby Atmos and DTS Digital:X Extremely, which create a 3D sound area that helps you find enemies or immerse your self in cinematic scenes. Many of those audio system work throughout platforms, together with PC, cell, and main consoles, so you may keep within the sport regardless of the way you’re enjoying this season.
Additionally: Every thing you want for the final word gaming setup
What are the very best gaming audio system proper now?
I selected the Logitech G560 as the very best gaming speaker for its DTS:X Extremely digital encompass sound help, 97dB peak, built-in RGB lighting, and help for a number of gaming platforms like PC, Xbox, and PS5, and even cell units. You’ll be able to hold studying under to seek out out extra concerning the Logitech G560 in addition to the remainder of our picks for the very best gaming audio system.
The very best gaming audio system of 2025
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The Logitech G560 is among the greatest gaming speaker methods you should purchase in your PC. It connects to your pc, console, or cell machine through USB or Bluetooth, offering a very wi-fi setup or a extra dependable hardwired connection. The twin audio system and devoted subwoofer provide as much as 240 watts of peak energy, producing as much as 97 decibels of quantity so you may really feel and listen to deep bass tones and clear mid and excessive notes.
The G560 additionally makes use of DTS:X Extremely digital encompass sound to recreate spatial and positional audio, making it simpler to pinpoint in-game sound cues. Moreover, the audio system work with Logitech’s Lightsync RGB lighting system, permitting you to customise 4 lighting zones on every speaker with over 16 million colours. You’ll be able to even set the RGB lighting to react to in-game audio, comparable to music, gunfire, or explosions, including extra visible aptitude to your Twitch streams or private gaming periods. Verified buyer evaluations from Amazon agree that the system is quick and straightforward to arrange and options intuitive controls for creating customized audio settings.
Logitech G560 specs: Audio: DTS:X Extremely Encompass Sound | Channels: 7.1 | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB | Compatibility: Home windows, Android, iOS
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The Pebble by Inventive Labs is a superb selection for those who’re in search of significantly budget-friendly audio system for gaming in your PC, laptop computer, or cell machine. For underneath $20, you will get a pair of 4.4-watt audio system with 2-inch drivers and passive bass radiators to assist improve your pc’s native audio. Their compact design makes them superb for laptop computer players, as they’ll simply match inside a tote, backpack, or laptop computer bag and do not require a lot desk area.
The Pebble can also be plug-and-play, so you will not have to attend for devoted drivers to obtain and set up. These audio system can be utilized with Home windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android units. Verified buyer evaluations from Amazon and Walmart reward the sound high quality of the Pebble 2.0, saying it is surprisingly sturdy for such a low worth.
Inventive Labs Pebble specs: Audio: N/A | Channels: N/A | Connectivity: USB, 3.5mm AUX | Compatibility: Home windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
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If you wish to spend money on a high-end, devoted gaming speaker system, the SteelSeries Enviornment 9 is a superb possibility. It makes use of a mixture of wired and wi-fi audio system and a devoted subwoofer to offer 5.1CH true encompass sound in your gaming area.
The rear audio system are wi-fi, supplying you with loads of freedom to create customized configurations, whereas the wired audio system present exact supply of excessive and mid-tones. The 6.5-inch subwoofer has a downward-firing diaphragm, directing these highly effective bass notes into the ground so you may really feel as a lot as hear them.
This was particularly evident once I fired up Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight to check the Enviornment 9’s completely different EQ settings. Synth bass traces and kick drums thrumming splendidly by the subwoofer and satellite tv for pc audio system.
Learn the assessment: Probably the most immersive speaker system I’ve ever examined is not from Bose or Sonos
A separate management pod helps you to simply alter quantity, create customized EQ settings, change connection choices, and extra. The OLED display creates crystal-clear textual content, so that you by no means have to make use of trial and error to know every operate.
You’ll be able to join the Enviornment 9 to your Home windows or Mac PC, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Collection X through USB or Bluetooth, whereas a 3.5mm AUX and Optical cables mean you can connect with cell units and televisions.
Verified evaluations from Amazon and Greatest Purchase love the flexibility of the Enviornment 9 for gaming, streaming films, reveals, and music with devoted EQ settings, in addition to the Sonar software program customization options.
SteelSeries Enviornment 9 specs: Audio: N/A | Channels: 5.1 | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, AUX, Optical | Compatibility: Home windows, iOS, Android, Mac, PS5, Xbox Collection X
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This Samsung soundbar is a good possibility for console players seeking to enhance their audio high quality or improve their TV’s output with Dolby Digital 5.1CH and DTS Digital:X help. It additionally makes use of Samsung’s adaptive sound know-how to routinely analyze and steadiness sound for higher voice readability in reveals, films, and music. The devoted music mode is ideal for audiophiles in search of a multifunctional soundbar for a shared gaming and leisure area.
You join your console to the soundbar through HDMI ARC or optical for those who want a hardwired setup, or you should utilize Bluetooth or NFC connectivity for a wi-fi, clutter-free space. You’ll be able to even arrange twin Bluetooth connections directly, letting you rapidly and simply change from work or streaming to gaming with the faucet of a button. And with two subwoofers and three tweeter audio system constructed into the soundbar, you will get wealthy, full sound with out overwhelming your area.
Samsung HW-S50B soundbar specs: Audio: DTS Digital:X, Dolby 5.1 | Channels: 3.0 | Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, RCA, Optical | Compatibility: PlayStation 4 / 5, Xbox One X/Collection X|S, Nintendo Swap
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The BlueAnt Soundblade is a good selection in case your desk is brief on area, however you are seeking to enhance your PC or laptop computer’s audio. With 2.1CH sound, you will get crisp dialogue and wealthy music whereas a number of connectivity choices, together with Bluetooth, provide you with loads of methods to arrange the speaker to fit your area and setup. The Soundblade options three EQ presets for faster setup and simpler switching between streaming and gaming.
Learn the assessment: The most effective desktop audio system I’ve examined is just not made by Logitech or Pioneer
ZDNET professional Jack Wallen was in a position to go hands-on with the BlueAnt Soundblade, and was impressed not solely by it is quick setup, but additionally the sound output it was succesful, given its compact dimension. He additionally used it along with his Nintendo Swap console for enhanced audio in each tabletop and handheld mode.
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What are the tariffs within the US?
The current US tariffs on imports from international locations like China, Vietnam, and India goal to spice up home manufacturing however are prone to drive up costs on shopper electronics. Merchandise like smartphones, laptops, and audio tools could turn out to be costlier as firms rethink world provide chains and weigh the price of shifting manufacturing.
Additionally: Tariff warfare has tech consumers questioning what’s subsequent. This is what we all know
Audio system and sound bars, a lot of that are manufactured in these nations, could expertise worth will increase of as much as 20%, making them much less reasonably priced for shoppers. Producers ponder relocating meeting operations to international locations with tariff exemptions, however such strikes contain logistical challenges and substantial prices. Firms like Samsung, which produces a good portion of their electronics in Mexico, anticipate being much less affected than opponents relying closely on Chinese language manufacturing.
General, shoppers ought to brace for increased costs and potential shifts in product availability inside the dwelling leisure market.
My decide for the very best gaming speaker is the Logitech G560. This sound system options 7.1CH audio and DTS:X Extremely Encompass Sound drivers for clear, immersive audio.
The desktop audio system additionally characteristic reactive RGB lighting that pulses along with your music or in-game sound results, a wonderful characteristic for content material creators and streamers who need to add extra visible aptitude to their movies and dwell streams.
The devoted subwoofer ensures you get deep, satisfying bass notes in epic sport soundtracks and in-game audio cues like explosions. Your complete system may also have Bluetooth connectivity for a very wi-fi setup.
| Gaming speaker | Worth | The place to Purchase | Audio | Channels | Connectivity | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech G560 | $250 | Amazon, Walmart, Dell | DTS:X Extremely Encompass Sound | 7.1 | Bluetooth, USB | Home windows, Android, iOS |
| Inventive Labs Pebble | $24 | Amazon, Walmart, B&H Photograph | N/A | N/A | USB, 3.5mm AUX | Home windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android |
| SteelSeries Enviornment 9 | $680 | Amazon, Greatest Purchase, Walmart | N/A | 5.1 | Bluetooth, USB, AUX, Optical | Home windows, iOS, Android, Mac, PS5, Xbox Collection X |
| Samsung HW-S50B | $198 | Amazon, Walmart | Dolby Digital 5.1/DTS Digital:X | 5.1 | Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical | TV |
| BlueAnt Soundblade | $150 | Amazon | N/A | 2.1 | AUX, Bluetooth, USB-C, USB | Home windows, Mac, PS5 |
*Greatest worth on the time of writing. Please observe that precise costs could range relying on the retailer.
Area is probably the most important issue when buying a devoted gaming speaker or sound system in your sport room. There are compact choices which are nice for multi-monitor setups or desks which are on the smaller aspect. Nonetheless, for those who’re a console gamer, you will need to do a number of measuring to verify your bookshelf audio system, sound bars, or subwoofers will 1) slot in your area and a couple of) not rattle your neighbors and roommates awake once you need to squeeze in a number of rounds of Apex earlier than mattress.
You may additionally need to take into account audio system with built-in Dolby or DTS audio processing, which might present object-spatial audio with no headset. This lets you pinpoint audio cues like enemy footsteps and gunfire to press your benefit or fall again and regroup.
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Select this gaming speaker… |
Should you want… |
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Logitech G560 |
A well-rounded speaker system for PC gaming that additionally options RGB lighting. The Logitech G560 is a strong and versatile speaker system that provides glorious audio high quality for PC gaming. It options DTS:X Extremely Encompass Sound, a devoted subwoofer for deep bass notes, and reactive RGB lighting that provides a visible aptitude to your gaming setup. |
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Inventive Labs Pebble 2.0 |
A budget-friendly pair of PC gaming audio system. The Inventive Labs Pebble 2.0 is an reasonably priced possibility for these in search of a easy and compact set of audio system for his or her PC gaming setup. They’re light-weight, simple to arrange, and do not require an exterior energy supply, making them superb for all the time on-the-go. |
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SteelSeries Enviornment 9 |
A high-end PC gaming sound system with premium options, the SteelSeries Enviornment 9 is a premium gaming speaker system with wi-fi and wired audio system and a devoted subwoofer to offer true 5.1CH encompass sound. It additionally has a separate management pod that enables for simple settings changes. |
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Samsung HW-S50B |
A high quality soundbar for console gaming. The Samsung HW-S50B helps Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Digital:X audio in addition to twin Bluetooth connections and adaptive sound. |
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BlueAnt Soundblade |
A compact desktop speaker that may be positioned underneath a monitor or laptop computer. The Soundblade’s design makes it superb for each console and PC players who’re quick on area. |
Whereas looking for a set of gaming audio system, there are some things to remember earlier than making a purchase order:
- Worth: Setting and sticking to a price range not solely helps stop overspending but additionally helps you deal with getting the very best worth in your cash. Preserving to a price range helps you to slender your selections for simpler comparisons between options like Dolby vs. DTS audio, RGB lighting, and connectivity choices.
- Connectivity: Nothing is worse than opening a set of fancy gaming audio system solely to find that they will not connect with your gaming PC for no matter purpose. Many new fashions use Bluetooth for wi-fi connectivity, which is nice for smaller areas the place wires could be a journey hazard. Others use USB or 3.5mm AUX hardwire connections. Double-check your audio system and PC to verify they will be suitable.
- Compatibility: Not all gaming audio system are created equal. Whereas the bulk are made to be used solely with PCs and laptops, some provide compatibility with Android and iOS cell units, sport consoles just like the PS5 or Nintendo Swap, and even various PC working methods like Linux and MacOS. Double-check your audio system to make sure they’re suitable with no matter you utilize to play video games.
Whereas testing and researching every set of gaming audio system featured on this record, I and different ZDNET consultants saved these standards in thoughts:
- Audio high quality: Simply because a set of gaming audio system is dear does not routinely imply they will present a high-end audio expertise. Many mid-range and budget-friendly fashions provide glorious audio high quality through Dolby or DTS help, built-in subwoofers, and high-quality interference reduction-like insulation.
- Simultaneous connectivity: Avid gamers not often stick with a single platform anymore, making it important for high quality gaming audio system to connect with a number of units concurrently or rapidly and simply join and disconnect when switching between consoles, cell units, and PCs/laptops.
- EQ profiles: Many new gaming audio system are supported by proprietary desktop apps that mean you can create customized equalization profiles for every little thing from streaming reveals and flicks to dwell streaming, recording podcasts, and even game-specific audio profiles to get probably the most out of your new audio system.
All digital audio processing drivers offers you nice sound for each PC and console gaming. Nonetheless, not all audio drivers and know-how are created equal. Dolby is the undisputed king of dwelling audio, and gaming audio system that use Dolby Atmos can create digital encompass sound for a extra immersive expertise with no headset.
One other widespread audio driver is DTS, which is analogous to Dolby’s fundamental choices. It boosts bass notes for bone-rattling boss music and explosions and isolates mid and excessive tones for crystal-clear dialogue and cleaner music tracks.
The oldsters over at Xbox definitely suppose so. However for those who do not need to take their phrase for it, here is a breakdown of what Dolby Atmos is and what it could do in your gaming audio:
At its core, Dolby Atmos is an audio processing algorithm designed to duplicate true encompass sound in single or dual-speaker setups. Should you spend money on a devoted sound system in your PC or console gaming setup, a Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar or audio system can replicate the spatial audio you expertise with high-end gaming headsets. Which means even with no headset, you may nonetheless clearly decide up in-game audio cues like footsteps, enemy hearth, or environmental sounds.
Gaming with a soundbar additionally means you should have extra freedom to maneuver about your area, primarily for those who use wi-fi controllers, mice, and keyboards. Plus, you’ll not have to fret about charging a headset throughout gaming periods.
The draw back of a devoted Dolby Atmos-enabled sound system is the area it takes up. Even the smallest soundbars and bookshelf audio system take up extra space than a typical headset, so it would be best to plan and take measurements to make sure every little thing will match. You additionally have to be thoughtful of your roommates and neighbors, so select a soundbar or speaker system that won’t disturb everybody within the early morning hours whereas nonetheless offering you with a extra immersive gaming expertise.
It relies on the kind of professional players. ESports execs will virtually solely use headsets to speak with teammates throughout tournaments, and headsets additionally enable them to deal with essential in-game audio cues as a substitute of a loud stadium. Content material creators like Twitch streamers and YouTubers use a mixture of headsets and devoted sound methods. Headsets are good for capturing audio and voice chat in multiplayer video games since recording and playback {hardware} and software program are constructed right into a single, handy unit.
Nonetheless, devoted sound methods are higher for pre-recorded lengthy performs, the place a creator could need to respect the sport’s sound design, dialogue, and music with extra sturdy audio know-how. This setup additionally requires a devoted microphone and noise-isolation/cancellation software program to separate the creator’s voice observe from the ambient and sport audio for simpler enhancing and cleaner commentary sound.
When selecting a gaming speaker, necessary options to contemplate embody audio high quality, compatibility along with your machine, connectivity choices, and the scale and form of the speaker to make sure it matches in your gaming area.
Whereas it isn’t important, having a subwoofer can vastly improve your gaming expertise by offering deep, highly effective bass notes that assist to immerse you within the sport.
Dolby Atmos is an audio processing know-how that creates a three-dimensional sound expertise, making pinpointing sound cues in video games simpler. Whereas it is pointless to have in your gaming speaker, it could vastly improve your gaming expertise in case your video games help it.
Extra gaming audio system to contemplate
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If you need nice audio with none additional options, the SteelSeries Enviornment 3 skips flashy RGB lighting schemes for an understated, all-black aesthetic at dwelling in each gaming areas and residential places of work in case your gaming rig and work PC are the identical pc.
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Should you’re a Mac consumer seeking to get into gaming, the Razer Nommo V2 X is a good possibility for enhanced audio, that includes native MacOS help and THX spatial audio.
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The Amazon Fundamentals stereo PC audio system are a wonderful possibility for laptop computer and desktop PC players seeking to enhance sport quantity with out spending a fortune. They join through 3.5mm AUX, making them good for laptops, desktops, and cell units.
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