A laptop is meant to be a mobile device that you can use anywhere you go. Whether you want to work on your project from a different location or rock to your favorite music playlist, you should be able to do it with ease. And the best external speakers for laptop will help you achieve this. Modern USB portable laptop speakers are much more compact in size compared to standard PC speakers and can easily be carried anywhere you go. They are also quite affordable and they deliver amazing sound quality.
Things to Keep in Mind When Shopping for the Best Portable Laptop Speakers
Getting a good portable speaker is never easy. Even with the huge variety of top brands out there, assessing each option and finally settling for what works for you requires a lot of due diligence. But don’t worry, if you can remember the following simple things, it should be easy to find a high-quality speaker for your needs.
The best 2.1 speakers should be able to offer you a wide range in volume without affecting the sound quality. For instance, you don’t want speakers that distort the sound when the volume is turned up to the maximum. Some brands tend to make a crackling noise on high volume which is not good at all. Always go for speakers that maintain quality sound regardless of the volume.
Tweeter And Subwoofer Quality
The tweeter in any speaker will be responsible for capturing the high pitched sounds. The woofer, on the other hand, is designed to capture low notes. Clearly, these are two essential aspects of any speaker. In that case, it’s recommended to go for brands that give more control over the tweeter and the woofer. This will help you personalize the sound to your own specifications.
Volume Control
A good speaker should be able to give you a wide range of decibels. It’s just something so obvious that you cannot afford to ignore. You want to be able to listen to anything at any volume you want.
This is actually one area where the best external speakers for laptop are superior to headphones. Although headphones are still good options, they have very poor volume control. This makes them crackle when the volume is turned up high.
Speaker Size
Portable laptop speakers are meant to move with you. The last thing you want is big and bulky speakers. Although large speakers may be ideal for large conference halls that need loud sound, they are not that good for personal use. Choose speakers that can easily be slipped in your laptop bag.
Surround vs. Stereo
You have probably come across the debate on whether to go for stereo or surround speakers. But what do these concepts even mean? A stereo speaker has a left and right speaker as well as a subwoofer that augments the two. A surround speaker, however, has more than that. Some modern brands may contain between five and seven speakers all augmented by a subwoofer.
The subwoofer plays a very crucial role. It covers the deep bass frequencies that are normally going to be below 100 Hz. The subwoofer is probably the foundation of the best portable computer speakers out there but it’s not uncommon to find a few stereo speakers sounding better even without the subwoofer.
A majority of PC or laptop speakers are stereo too. Many of them will come with accompanying subwoofers but there are also a few that come as single speakers.
You will not be able to find a stereo speaker that features more than two speakers and a subwoofer. They are designed that way. But there are some one piece solutions where you get one single speaker that comes built-in with the subwoofer. Portable Bluetooth and USB speakers tend to feature this kind of design.
What About Extra Features?
External speakers for laptops will, of course, have a few basic features that everybody will be looking out for. But some brands are going all out to give you extra value for money by offering additional features.
So, is this something you should be caring about? Probably yes. Simple things like a remote control may seem irrelevant when you are buying an external speaker but they can add a new level of convenience in usage.
Besides, some of the best external speakers for laptop may also offer versatility when it comes to connection. You will notice that some brands can be connected to the laptop either via the USB port or through the 3.5 mm jack.
Some also offer the option for Bluetooth connection. This kind of versatility is very important and you should consider it before you buy external laptop speakers. Also, don’t forget to pay attention to volume control or personalization features.
Best External Speakers for Laptop
As you have already noticed, there’s no shortage of brands when it comes to external laptop speakers. The options are literally endless. However, as a buyer, you may want to take your time and choose something that will meet your needs.
The best PC speakers under 100 are not the same and will have different features. Understanding these features and how they affect the quality of the speakers is very important. Well, we have done some extensive research on some of these brands in the market and came up with a list of the top ten external laptop speakers to go for.
1 – Long Run Technologies Mini Stereo Speakers
If you are looking for the freedom of going wireless then you have a great option in this Twin Portable TWS Bluetooth Mini Stereo Speaker from Lon Run Technologies. It comes with way better sound compared to your internal laptop or PC speakers.
The design is also very compact and small. But don’t judge it based on that. These two balls of speakers can in fact produce sound loud enough to fill up a whole room. It’s a deeper and richer sound that you wouldn’t probably expect from such a small speaker.
What makes the Twin Portable TWS Bluetooth Mini Stereo Speakers from Long Run Technologies even better is the price. With the amazing features that it offers, the device costs nearly half compared to traditional external speakers in the market right now. You will also be able to enjoy one of the best audio outputs when playing on your iPhone too.
The speakers give you some amazing flexibility when it comes to pairing. In fact, it is possible to pair two different devices on each of the speakers without any problem. This gives you enough room to pair up your laptop and your smartphone at the same time. Long Run Technologies have also done well on the design. The speakers are round in shape and will be able to blend into any room with ease.
They are also very compact so if you want to carry them around with you it shouldn’t be a problem at all. As a matter of fact, you can actually stash them into your pocket and no one will even notice. If you are looking for speakers that allow you to enjoy your favorite music on the go, you won’t get a better option in the market than these ones.
Pros:
Great stereo sound
A long-lasting battery that can last for up to 6 hours
Innovative sleek design that blends into any room
Compact and lightweight for easy portability
Great price for its features
Cons:
It’s possible to pair two devices on each speaker but the sound quality won’t be as good
2 – Alpatronix AX440 30W Wireless Stereo HD Speaker
One of the key selling points for the Alpatronix AX440 is the easy portability. The speakers feature an innovative compact design making them the ultimate solution for enjoying high-quality sound on the go.
These little speakers will give you more volume than you need and have that sleek, modern, and sophisticated look. The Alpatronix AX440 will set you back slightly over $50 which is not really bad considering what you are getting in return including its Bluetooth connection feature.
Despite this, it’s important to actually point out that the Alpatronix AX440 is not really an alternative to your home-based sound system. It’s not like you can use the speakers for your sound system at home. They are simply designed to be a go-to option when you are outdoors.
The sound quality is not also meant for large rooms or gatherings but you can still rock a small pool party with it. The Alpatronix AX440 comes with two passive subwoofers on either side. This gives you ample bass for any room.
The Bluetooth connectivity is not bad either. It will pair up with any selected devices within 30 feet. The speakers also give you the option of using a 3.5 mm AUX cable for the connection.
We actually noticed that the sound quality offered through the AUX jack was much better compared to Bluetooth. The compact speakers look quite nice with their sleek black body and silver grills. At 3 lbs. in weight, it’s clearly something you can show off and carry around anywhere you go.
The Alpatronix AX440 also comes with a USB port to plug a flash disk or any other USB storage device to play your favorite songs anytime you want to. It’s definitely one of the best computer speakers under 50.
Pros:
Sleek and aesthetically pleasing compact design
Compatible with any Bluetooth device
Very long battery life
High-quality clear sound
Manufacturers also offer a 30-day money back guarantee
Cons:
The bass can be faint at times
High volumes also tend to distort the sound
The Saxhorn Mini Soundbar Speaker is designed for the budget buyer. The speakers go for less than $50 but don’t focus too much on the price. They have so much to offer. First, the volume is quite good. These little babies can get very loud even more than some of the more expensive brands in the market right now.
You can also pair them up with a variety of devices. The sound is not just loud but it’s also richer and deeper. Although it won’t work well for an open large room, for a small space like the bedroom it’s definitely something amazing.
The sound is so well balanced even at high volume that you would think you are using a high end and expensive brand. Whether you are watching a movie, listening to music, or even gaming, the Saxhorn Mini Soundbar Speaker allows you to enjoy a clear sound without any distortion of any kind.
These dual 5-watt speakers also offer a 3.5 mm AUX jack that can be used to plug the speakers to any audio or video player. The bar is also not that big. It actually measures 21 inches in length so it’s pretty small for easy portability.
Sadly, the Saxhorn Mini Soundbar Speaker doesn’t have a built-in rechargeable battery. The device has to be plugged into a power source through a USB cable for it to work. Generally, that power source would be the laptop.
The manufacturers have done well to create long USB and AUX jack cables so that the speaker doesn’t have to be too close to the laptop. But it’s still something limiting in terms of usability.
Pros:
Offers high-quality sound without distortion even with high volume
Compatible with an array of devices out there
You also get a sound adjusting knob to customize the volume controls
Highly convenient
Cons:
The bass is not that good
The device wouldn’t work for a big room
4 – Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers
The Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers are some of the most affordable right now but there are a few concerns to worry about. The sound quality is not at par with some of the other brands in the list. But even with that, it’s not like it’s way too low in terms of quality. Even though the Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers do not match up to the sound quality of other brands, they still offer a rich sound.
The two speakers are compact and lightweight too. They have the ability to adapt to tonal balance while processing sound which is a big plus for overall sound quality. The Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers are, however, low-frequency options. They produce a small amount of bass without enough supporting mids and trebles.
Although at first you will enjoy listening to this sound, at some point it will become too much for your ears. We also noted that the speaker comes with a lot of wires for connection. This can make your laptop messy. First, you will need to find a place for the power cord and the AUX cable that goes directly into the laptop.
There are also two other wires that connect the left and right speakers to the subwoofer. These are just too many wires for one single laptop. The AUX cable is also very short. This means that you will need to keep the speakers very close to the laptop which limits the versatility.
The unit is a little old fashioned to be honest but if you are simply looking for a sound system that offers reasonable sound at probably the cheapest price, then the Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers will be ideal for you. Besides, you can find innovative ways to deal with the cable mess. For instance, how about lugging them behind the set so that no one can see them? That should definitely work.
Pros:
Great price for the budget buyer
Comes with easy volume control
Great value for money
Wide range of sound imaging
Compatible with DOS and Windows
Cons:
The AUX cable is very short
The sound relies too much on low frequency which can be tiresome to the ear
The GOgroove BassPULSE 2.1 computer speakers are designed to bring out that party feeling. The amazing sound quality is complemented with its flashy colored lights. The device also has enhanced bass and comes with two speakers as well as a subwoofer that anchors the entire unit.
What makes the GOgroove BassPULSE 2.1 even more appealing is the fact that, even with all the features they offer, they are still cheaper than $50. Although the final sound output will entirely depend on the sound card installed in your laptop, overall the unit should deliver an excellent experience for all users.
The manufacturers have also done very well in designing the speakers. They come with a sleek glass stand that will be a great accent piece for your desk. There are also some LED lights on each speaker that pulse to the beat. This adds a little bit of flair to the sound as you enjoy your favorite songs.
Although the subwoofer doesn’t feature the same glass accent as the left and right speakers, it still offers the same light show for an eye-catching experience.
The cables connecting the whole unit are also not that messy. There is just one single cable connecting both the right and left speakers. The cable goes directly to an output jack at the back of the subwoofer. You will also need to connect the 3.5 mm jack from the subwoofer to the laptop and of course the power cable.
But if you want to stay clear of all these wires, the GOgroove BassPULSE 2.1 Computer Speakers give you the option of connecting via Bluetooth. It’s this kind of versatility that makes the speakers a favorite for many users and the best computer speakers under 100.
Pros:
The glowing lights are quite impressive
Very unique high-quality design
The bass is also very good
Comes with the option to connect via Bluetooth
Cons:
The flickering lights can be problematic to some people
The biggest challenge with many laptop speakers is always the fact that they produce crappy sound when the volume is really turned up. Well, you can solve this with these ZENBRE Bluetooth Speakers. This device can actually be pretty loud and won’t distort the sound even when you decide to crank it up. And that’s not even the best part.
These speakers cost less than $30 which makes them some of the cheapest in our list. Although it’s still possible to find a wide range of Bluetooth speakers under this price range that still offer good sound quality, none of them do a better job of delivering delightful low frequencies like the ZENBRE Bluetooth Speakers.
There is a decent bass although it’s not really one of the best out there. The design of these speakers is also very sleek and stylish. The ZENBRE is actually quite unique in its look because it resembles an old fashioned boom box or an old radio. The unit comes with a subwoofer as the anchor as well as two 5 watt speakers on the right and the left.
The speakers are covered with an ABS cover at the top for extra durability. Even if they fall over a few times, you can be sure they won’t get damaged all thanks to this. The ZENBRE Bluetooth Speakers give you two connectivity options.
First, you can connect the device using Bluetooth which is the most preferred option for most people. But if you are a little old fashioned, the speakers also offer a 3.5 mm jack that goes directly into your laptop or mobile device. This is one of the best portable laptop speakers.
Pros:
Offers great sound and a very good bass
Long battery life
Strong and durable construction
Sleek and modern design
Cons:
The sound, especially when connecting via Bluetooth, is not always top notch
The AUX cable is short so you need to have the speakers close to your laptop
7 – Satechi Dual Sonic Speaker 2.0 Channel Computer Speakers
The Satechi Dual Sonic Speaker features some of the most advanced sound technologies out there all designed to bring life to your laptop’s audio. The unit is also sleek in its design and would fill up your small spaces with great sound all day long.
The unit costs less than $30 which makes it a perfect choice for people looking for the best value for the money. The Satechi Dual Sonic Speaker use Acoustic Air Spring technology that delivers clarity in sound and features enhanced bass and some of the most dynamic trebles you will ever hear.
Although the bass is really not nearly as good as the sound delivered by hi-fi sound systems, for a unit that cost less than $30, it does really go over and beyond.
The great thing about the Satechi Dual Sonic Speakers is the fact that they maintain the same high-quality sound even when the volume is really turned up. The sleek design is also complemented with amazing blue LED accents at the bottom for a stylish look.
The speakers are powered by a USB capable that connects directly to the laptop. You also get a 3.5 mm jack pin for extra connectivity. What we love most about the Satechi Dual Sonic Speaker is the ease of use. It’s literally a plug and play kind of device.
Pros:
Offers a sleek and stylish design
Can work with a wide range of devices
You also get a 1-year guarantee from the manufacturer
Cons:
The 3.5 mm cable is too short
You don’t get a wireless connection
The ARVICKA Computer Speaker is actually designed for guys who are totally broke but still want to buy a high-quality external speaker for their laptop or mobile device. This unit is one of the cheapest in our list at less than $20 but you will still be able to enjoy some of the best sounds out there.
Although the speakers are small and compact in design, they will be loud enough to fill up all your rooms. You may also want to tweak the sound settings on your laptop, especially on the equalizer in order to get the best results.
The ARVICKA Computer Speaker features an illuminated base that looks cool. Its slender and compact design is also a big plus in case you want to move it around more often.
The unit has two small speakers on each side and one subwoofer. They are connected via cables. One single cable connects the two small speakers and goes directly to the subwoofer. The power is drawn via a USB cable connected to your laptop.
You will also need to connect the unit to your laptop with a 3.5 mm jack. The speakers work with a wide range of devices including the smartphone, any MP3 player, PCs, iPods and others. Coming at a great price, they are probably the most versatile speakers out there that give you excellent value for money.
Pros:
Comes with a nice elegant design
Offers some amazing trebles
Can be used for a variety of devices
Very affordable and great value for money
Cons:
May feel cheap despite its features
The bass could be better
You can upgrade your laptop’s sound system at a very cheap price with this Earise AL-101 3.5 mm Mini Computer Speakers. This unit is very cheap so it’s clearly one of the cheapest speakers out there.
The speakers can pair up with your laptop as well as other mobile devices and your TV. They are however designed for casual use. In other words, only buy the Earise AL-101 3.5 mm Mini Computer Speakers if you need to use them for the most basic sound needs.
Nonetheless, the sound quality is quite good for the price. You will, however, need to listen hard to hear the bass on this unit. It’s literally nonexistent. But if you need the unit for basic uses, this shouldn’t be an issue. You will also notice that the sound also distorts at high volume. This is not a problem that affects only the Earise AL-101 3.5 mm Mini Computer Speakers.
Some of the best external speakers for laptop today tend to have the same issue. We also loved the design of this unit. Its sleek and compact built makes it a good fit for any decor.
The speakers are powered by a USB cable and will easily connect to your laptop using the 3.5 mm jack provided. The connection cables are very neat. Unlike the other units, you only use one wire to connect all the speakers.
Pros:
Clear trebles and mids from the unit
Very compact design
Flexible volume control features
Very affordable
Cons:
The volume control knob is located in a very odd place
The sound will distort at high volumes
The Avantree AptX Low Latency Portable Sound Bar comes with one of the best sounds out there. It also offers a high-quality build and design which will add some value to your décor.
You get two 5 watt speakers that produce full range sound. The speakers also offer three distinct sound modes to choose from that will enhance your experience.
There is no audio lag too. The speakers can connect to Bluetooth enabled devices with the wireless 4.2 technology. The unit also offers an AUX audio cable for non-Bluetooth devices.
Pros:
Very compact and portable design
Comes with a long life rechargeable battery
Solid sound quality
The most important things in any speaker are the sound quality, the cost, and additional features. In this regard, the Long Run Technologies Twin Portable TWS Bluetooth Mini Stereo Speaker leads the way.
It’s highly affordable and offers amazing sound quality. The speakers are also light and compact for easy portability. They are some of the best external speakers for laptop right now.
However, if you are a budget buyer looking for the most value for money, you can consider the Earise AL-101 3.5 mm Mini Computer Speakers. Coming with a very cheap price tag, these speakers offer the perfect mix between function and value.
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more…
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more...
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