The best gaming speakers of 2023: Expert picks

My pick for the best gaming speaker is the Logitech G560. This sound system features 7.1CH audio and DTS:X Ultra Surround Sound drivers for clean, immersive audio. The desktop speakers also feature reactive RGB lighting to pulse with your music or in-game sound effects, an excellent feature for content creators and streamers who may want to add a bit more visual flair to their videos and live streams. The dedicated subwoofer ensures that you’ll get deep, satisfying bass notes in epic game soundtracks as well as in-game audio cues like explosions. The entire system is also capable of Bluetooth connectivity for a completely wireless setup.

Space is the biggest factor to consider when purchasing a dedicated gaming speaker or sound system for your game room. There are compact options that are great for multi-monitor setups or desks that are on the smaller side. However, if you’re a console gamer, you’ll have to do a lot of measuring to make sure your bookshelf speakers, sound bars, or subwoofers will 1) fit in your space and 2) not rattle your neighbors and roommates awake when you want to squeeze in a few rounds of Apex before bed.

You’ll also want to consider speakers that have integrated Dolby or DTS audio processing, which can provide object-spatial audio without a headset. This allows you to pinpoint audio cues like enemy footsteps and gunfire to press your advantage or fall back and regroup.

I chose gaming speakers that were designed for use with PCs and laptops as well as soundbars to use with consoles like the PlayStation 5. I also did my best to include a variety of price points, including both budget-friendly and luxury items, to suit a wide range of consumer budgets. I have also taken the time to read through both positive and negative customer reviews across multiple retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart to compare and contrast common complaints as well as to see if premium-priced products are worth their hefty price tags.

All digital audio processing drivers are going to give you great sound for both PC and console gaming. However, not all audio drivers and technology is created equal. Dolby is the undisputed king of home audio, and gaming speakers which use Dolby Atmos can create virtual surround sound for a more immersive experience without a headset. Another popular audio driver is DTS, which is similar to Dolby’s more basic offerings, boosting bass notes for bone-rattling boss music and explosions and isolating mid and high-tones for crystal-clear dialogue and cleaner music tracks.

The folks over at Xbox certainly think so. But if you don’t want to take their word for it, here’s a breakdown of what Dolby Atmos is and what it can do for your gaming audio:

At its core, Dolby Atmos is an audio processing algorithm designed to replicate true surround sound in single or dual-speaker setups. If you decide to invest in a dedicated sound system for your PC or console gaming setup, a Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar or speakers can replicate the spatial audio you experience with high-end gaming headsets. This means that even without a headset, you will still be able to clearly pick up in-game audio cues like footsteps, enemy fire, or environmental sounds.

Gaming with a soundbar also means you will have more freedom to move about your space, especially if you use wireless controllers, mice, and keyboards. Plus, you will not have to worry about keeping a headset charged during your gaming sessions.

The downside of a dedicated, Dolby Atmos-enabled sound system is the space it takes up. Even the smallest soundbars and bookshelf speakers take up more space than a typical headset, so you will want to plan ahead and take measurements to make sure everything will fit. You also need to be considerate of your roommates and neighbors, so make sure to choose a soundbar or speaker system that is not going to disturb everyone in the early morning hours while still providing you with a more immersive gaming experience.

It really depends on the type of pro gamer. ESports pros will almost exclusively use headsets to communicate with teammates during tournaments, and headsets also allow them to focus on crucial in-game audio cues instead of a noisy stadium. Content creators like Twitch streamers and YouTubers use a mix of headsets and dedicated sound systems. Headsets are perfect for capturing audio and voice chat in multiplayer games since recording and playback hardware and software are built into a single, convenient unit.

However, dedicated sound systems are better for pre-recorded long-plays where a creator may want to appreciate the game’s sound design, dialogue, and music with more robust audio technology. But this setup also requires the use of a dedicated microphone and noise-isolation/cancellation software to separate the creator’s voice track from the ambient and game audio for easier editing and cleaner commentary sound.

When choosing a gaming speaker, important features to consider include audio quality, compatibility with your device, connectivity options, and the size and shape of the speaker to ensure it fits in your gaming space.

While it’s not essential, having a subwoofer can greatly enhance your gaming experience by providing deep, powerful bass notes that help to immerse you in the game.

Dolby Atmos is an audio processing technology that creates a three-dimensional sound experience, making it easier to pinpoint sound cues in games. While it’s not necessary to have in your gaming speaker, it can greatly enhance your gaming experience if your games support it.

If you’re looking to create a dedicated sound system for your PC or console gaming room, there are tons of options to choose from. If you primarily use your PC or laptop to game, you’ll want to check out bookshelf speakers and compact soundbars. And if you’re mostly a console gamer, a home theater soundbar is your best option. Here’s a short list of great alternatives I recommend: