Source: Logitech
Best
5.1 speakers for PC gaming
Windows Central
2022
The best 5.1 speakers for PC gaming can take your experience to the next level with tons of volume, deep bass, and that surround sound immersion that injects you straight into the action. Opting for the best 5.1 speakers means you can game comfortably without a headset, and it also means anyone else who’s watching you play can get in on the full aural adventure. Our top pick, the Logitech Z906, will not disappoint thanks to 1,000W peak power and THX certification, but there are some alternatives with different features and pricing. These are the best 5.1 speakers for PC gaming currently available.
Best overall: Logitech Z906
Source: Logitech
The Logitech Z906 has been our top pick for a while now, and for good reason. You can connect up to six devices to the system, including two optical, which is ideal for anyone with home theater ambitions beyond PC gaming. A dedicated console gives you complete control over your sound; an included remote control lets you sit back and tweak settings from the couch.
At a whopping 500 watts of power (and up to 1,000 watts peak power), these speakers are fantastic for PC gaming, no matter the genre. Sleek design, reliable performance, and THX certification together make these a great addition to any room.
You can annoy the neighbors during the day, and at night you can plug in headphones and get into the game while the family sleeps. Each satellite speaker is wall-mountable, and the wires are long enough for home theater setups. These are the best 5.1 speakers for PC gaming right now, as long as you have the budget to cover the relatively steep price.
Pros:
- 500 watts of power (1,000 peak)
- Wall-mountable satellites
- Plenty of connection options
- Dedicated controller and remote
- THX-certified
Cons:
- Cheaper options are available
Best 5.1 soundbar: Razer Leviathan
Source: Razer
The Razer Leviathan isn’t a true surround sound system, but this impressive soundbar still makes the cut as one of the best 5.1 speakers for PC gaming. It consists of a separate 5.25-inch down-firing subwoofer, as well as the stylized soundbar with dual 2.5-inch drivers and 0.74-inch tweeters.
Altogether it can emulate the sound you get from an actual 5.1 setup. It’s not going to be as immersive as our top pick, but there are far fewer wires to contend with. This is a great option for smaller spaces that you want to fill with booming sound.
You can connect the Leviathan with Bluetooth or a 3.5mm audio jack. Its stylish profile means it can fit in just about anywhere; it’s a lot shorter than conventional soundbars, so you’ll still have room for your mouse hand. This soundbar is also branded with Razer’s logo, so it will match any other gaming gear you have. If you’re not keen on a bunch of speakers and wires but still want to emulate surround sound, this is likely the best 5.1 speaker for PC gaming you’ll find.
Pros:
- Less setup hassle
- Booming sound
- Includes soundbar and sub
- Compact design for your desktop
- Connects with Bluetooth or 3.5mm audio
Cons:
- Not true 5.1 surround sound
Best value: Logitech Z606
The best 5.1 speakers for PC gaming don’t have to cost a lot. Logitech’s Z606 system might offer the best value around, coming in at just more than a hundred bucks. Connect with Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5mm jack, or RCA cable and enjoy up to 160 watts of peak power. The subwoofer has a 5.25-inch driver for booming bass, and each of the five satellites offers about 11 watts.
There are built-in controls on the sub if you want to get up close and personal, plus there’s a remote control for easier tweaking if it’s set up below your desk. There’s tons of cable length for easy setup, and you can even wall-mount the satellites to take up less space. These aren’t going to offer as much raw sound as our top pick, but at about a quarter of the price they’re the best 5.1 speakers for anyone on a budget.
If you manage to find them for sale, Logitech’s Z506 5.1 speakers are also a good value option. They’ve been replaced here by the Z606 due to generally poor availability.
Pros:
- Price is right
- True 5.1 surround sound
- 160 watts peak power
- Wall-mountable satellites
- Remote control included
Cons:
- Quality of sound not as good as other options
Bottom line
Logitech’s Z906 5.1 surround speaker system is our pick when it comes to the best 5.1 speakers for PC gaming. The system offers a potent combination of big sound and fairly affordable price, at least when comparing it to true audiophile setups. It pumps out 500 watts of continuous power — peaking up to 1,000 watts — and has a dedicated controller and remote for easy tweaking.
You can set up the satellites with wall mounts for a clean look, or they can comfortably sit on shelves around your gaming room. If you’d like to double them up as extra volume for your home theatre setup, you shouldn’t have any issues. No matter the genre of game you enjoy, these speakers should be at the top of your list when shopping for a new surround sound setup.
If you’d rather go with a quality gaming headset — or double up and have a headset and speaker options — be sure to check out our roundup of the best PC gaming headsets available now. And if you’d like to forego 5.1 surround and still get some excellent PC audio without a headset, have a look at our collection of the best computer speakers for more options.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Cale Hunt is a staff writer at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on PC, laptop, and accessory coverage, as well as the emerging world of VR. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.
Rich Edmonds is a word conjurer at Windows Central, covering everything related to Windows, gaming, and hardware. He’s been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a device chassis. You can follow him over on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.
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