Whichever Chromebook model you're using, there's one unfortunate trait shared by all of these laptops, and that's unexceptional sound. We’re not pointing fingers at certain brands or peripheral designs because it's tough to rise above the bare minimum when it comes to laptop sound. Then there's the Chromebox, which has no speakers whatsoever.

To solve both of these problems, a solid set of headphones or wireless earbuds may do the trick. But if you don't want to be a prisoner to ear-based audio all day, you're going to want to invest in a great pair of speakers for your Chromebook or Chromebox workstation.

Here are the best Chromebook and Chromebox speakers

The Logitech Z407
Logitech Z407
Best overall

The best computer speakers for most people

$113 $120 Save $7

The Logitech Z407 is a fantastic all-around set of computer speakers. Not only do they offer a full sound with plenty of bass thanks to the included subwoofer, but they come with all the connectivity one could want. Plus, there’s a wireless dial for easy multi-function control.

Pros
  • Great full sound with lots of volume
  • Come with a subwoofer
  • Has Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
  • Soundstage is just OK
  • Wireless dial isn't compatible with some apps

A subwoofer is always better for sound quality if you can afford one. Luckily, the Logitech Z407 speakers come with a reasonably powerful subwoofer. And although the speakers are pretty compact, this Logitech 2.1 system has a lot going for it. For instance, there's 80w of sound on tap, so you can easily turn up the volume next time you're watching "Ms. Marvel," "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," or even "Miss Congeniality 2."

More importantly, whatever you're listening to will sound good, especially in the mids, which is something often lacking in cheaper speakers. The soundstage is just serviceable, and the wireless dial takes some getting used to, not to mention it isn't compatible with all apps; however, those are fairly minor quibbles. Instead, think about the Logitech's Bluetooth connectivity (you can do analog as well) and how you can wirelessly connect to these speakers whenever you bring your Chromebook home.

The Audioengine A2+ Speakers
Audioengine A2+
Premium pick

Best PC speakers for those with extra cash

The Audioengine A2+ might look like bookshelf speakers, but they’re so much more. Along with excellent audio quality and the ability to add a subwoofer, these admittedly pricey speakers come with all the connectivity most computer users could want.

Pros
  • Fantastic detailed sound
  • All the connectivity you could want
  • Attractive look available in three colors
Cons
  • A bit pricey
  • Not much sub-bass without paying extra for a subwoofer

To start, you might not get that deep rumble as there’s no subwoofer here, but the clarity and depth of these speakers outperform most other speakers in this price range. Thankfully, the Audioengine A2+ speakers have a sub out, so you can always add a subwoofer later if you need to feel that rumble whenever there’s an explosion in a movie or the kick drum hits.

These are fairly expensive speakers for most people, which is why they are our premium pick. But having Bluetooth connectivity as well as detailed sound makes for a clean-looking and great sounding setup that’s worth the investment.

The Creative Pebble Plus speakers
Creative Pebble Plus
Best value

Best computer speakers for those on a budget

$45 $50 Save $5

The Creative Pebble Plus aren’t the best-sounding speakers out there, but they’re not bad. They’re especially not bad for their low, low price, and that’s without considering that they come with a subwoofer. There might not be a cheaper way to properly upgrade the audio on your laptop.

Pros
  • Very reasonably priced
  • Surprising audio quality for the price
  • Comes with a subwoofer
Cons
  • Not a lot of power
  • Not the most detailed sound
  • No wireless connectivity

You don't have to break the bank to get a pair of speakers with a subwoofer. For less than $50, you can grab the Creative Pebble Plus — a 2.1 system that gives you stereo sound, some decent low-end, and surprisingly nice audio quality. The speakers can't compete sound-wise with other options on this list, but they are a true upgrade from laptop speakers, no matter how good they purportedly are.

And even though they don't make for the cleanest setup, they connect via USB as well as analog, so you can power and send uncompressed audio to them with a single cable. With 8 watts of power, the speakers are not going to fill a large room with a lot of audio. Still, they will provide plenty of volume while sitting at your desk. Unfortunately, there's no wireless connectivity, but that's really not a surprise for the price.

The Fluance Ai41 Speakers
Fluance Ai41
Best sound quality

Best-sounding computer speakers

The Fluance Ai41 have some connectivity limitations as computer speakers, but the sound quality more than makes up for that. If you’re willing to spend the money, you will be in aural heaven. Just make sure you have the space for these larger bookshelf speakers.

Pros
  • Amazing detailed and rich sound
  • Surprising amount of bass
  • Almost all connectivity one could ask for
Cons
  • No USB connectivity
  • On the larger side
  • Pricey

The Fluance Ai41 may not come with USB connectivity, but considering everything else they offer, that's OK. After all, you can connect them via Bluetooth or analog RCA to a 3.5mm cable, and they offer an incredibly rich sound. They might only be a pair of active bookshelf speakers, but as soon as you start watching a blockbuster on these, you'll start looking for a subwoofer inside that doesn't exist — that's how great their bass response is. The mid-range is equally outstanding, while the high-end is detailed without being fatiguing.

There are a few drawbacks to the Fluance Ai41. For one, they take up a lot of desk space. And that USB connectivity is sorely missed. They are also one of the pricier options on this list. However, if you want something that will blow you away while listening to your favorite guilty pleasures playlist, consider the Ai41.

The Logi Dock USB-C Docking Station
Logi Dock USB-C Laptop Docking Station
Best docking station

Desktop clutter — be gone!

$280 $320 Save $40

The Logi Dock gives you plenty of ways to boost the efficiency of your workstation, and the Microsoft Teams integrations are pretty great.

Pros
  • Excellent sound
  • Includes five USB ports
  • Optimized for Microsoft Teams
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Not compatible with some external displays

Far more than an awesome speaker system for your Chromebook or Chromebox, the Logi Dock acts as a full-fledged media hub for your workstation. This means you’ll be able to connect and charge up to five USB devices at a time, plus there are two display outputs. Getting video to one or two external monitors is done through HDMI, but you’ll just want to make sure whatever displays you’re outputting to are compatible with the Logi Dock.

Beyond its wired connections, you’ll also be able to put the Dock into Bluetooth pairing mode for phone calls, video conferencing, and media playback. In addition, the Dock is an official partner of Microsoft Teams, which means you'll be able to use the recessed action buttons on top of the device to answer calls and enable or disable audio and video. If you’re outfitting your entire business with Logi Docks, we recommend downloading Logitech’s intuitive Sync software to ensure your employees are running the latest firmware for the Dock.

The Bose Companion 2 Series 3 Computer Speakers
Bose Companion 2 Series III
Best sound in a small package

Good sound for limited space

$99 $149 Save $50

The Bose Companion 2 Series III speakers are small and look a bit dated with limited features, but they have an outsized sound. If you have limited desk space and want good audio, not to mention a wide soundstage, this offering from the premium brand is worth a listen.

Pros
  • Balanced but full sound
  • Wide soundstage
  • Don't take up much space
Cons
  • Only analog connectivity
  • Outdated looks
  • Can't connect to a subwoofer

The Bose Companion 2 Series III speakers are among the more expensive speakers included here, as one might expect from such a premium brand. Surprisingly, they are also some of the most stripped-down feature-wise. For instance, you’re limited to a wired analog connection as there’s no Bluetooth or USB, and you won’t be able to connect a subwoofer. Plus, its design, including its single volume control on the front, seems about as current as computer speakers from twenty years ago.

Despite their “should have come with a CRT monitor” look, they produce a lot of sound and high quality. There may be no subwoofer, but you’ll still get plenty of bass. You’ll also get a lot of highs and mids as well for a balanced but full sound. And their soundstage is wider than you would think, making them ideal for watching something on Netflix when you’re supposed to be working.

The Vigilant Audio SwitchOne 2 computer speakers
Vigilant Audio SwitchOne
Most versatile

Great and versatile sound

You might not be familiar with the Vigilant Audio SwitchOne, but that's OK. These bookshelf speakers have a unique feature that lets you switch between two different sound profiles, both of which sound fantastic. There's no USB port; however, there's plenty of connectivity otherwise. Just be ready to spend a little extra for these.

Pros
  • Fantastic sound quality with plenty of bass
  • Two sound frequencies available with a flip of a switch
  • Lots of connectivity
Cons
  • Not cheap
  • No USB connectivity

The Vigilant Audio SwitchOne are a pair of somewhat small bookshelf speakers that moonlight as studio monitors with a flick of the switch. In fact, that switch is what gives these speakers their name. While the difference is somewhat subtle, what’s not so subtle is the amount of volume on hand or the quality of audio emanating from these little guys. And, with the passive radiators on the outside of each speaker box, the low end is positively immense.

More than that, they have Bluetooth, TRS Stereo balanced inputs, and RCA inputs, so you can easily connect multiple sources, though there’s no USB connectivity to be found. They’re also pretty pricey, making these a contender for our premium pick. However, if you’re fine with the price tag and want great sound, the Vigilant Audio SwitchOne is a deep-cut worth considering, especially if you like getting something a little off-the-beaten-path.

The Edifier G2000 Speakers
Edifier G2000
Most colorful

For those who want a little color and lighting

The small but mighty Edifier G2000 speakers pump out a surprising amount of volume. And, though they’re not the most detailed speakers out there, they sound pretty good. They are also among the most fun-looking options available, as they come with a number of LED lighting effects as well as a few different colors.

Pros
  • Fun look with LED lighting
  • Very small footprint
  • Lots of connectivity
Cons
  • Not the most detailed sounding
  • Soundstage isn't all that great

Though the Edifier G2000 aren’t the most detailed-sounding speakers, they are surprisingly capable. With plenty of volume and a nice, full sound, these tiny monitors prove that appearances can be deceiving. That’s especially true considering the fact that they offer 3.5mm, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity in a package half the size of some of the other offerings on this list.

They’re also more fun visually than most other computer speakers you’ll come across. And that’s not just because they come in three colors: black, white, and pink. It’s also because the G2000 sport 12 LED lighting effects to help liven up any setup or set the mood while you put on your favorite playlist or watch a movie.

Like other options from Edifier, the price is pretty reasonable, though they’re a bit more expensive than our other addition from the company on this list, probably due to the extra connectivity options.

The SteelSeries Arena 3 Speakers
SteelSeries Arena 3
Best gaming speakers

For those who want the best gaming audio

If you need computer speakers for gaming purposes but don’t want to break the bank, the SteelSeries Arena 3 might be the speakers for you. These egg-shaped 2.0 speakers have a wide soundstage, lots of volume, and plenty of connectivity, though they can be a little boxy sounding.

Pros
  • Immersive soundstage
  • Plenty of volume
  • Plenty of connectivity
Cons
  • A little boxy-sounding
  • Some software features require a different OS

ChromeOS users are not known for their penchant for gaming, but that doesn’t mean they don't. For that reason, we’ve included the reasonably priced entry-level speaker system from SteelSeries’ new lineup, the SteelSeries Arena 3.

While they don’t quite reach the aural heights of the Arena 7 or Arena 9, as the 3 series can sound a little boxy without much in the way of low end, they’re a stellar option for those who want to play PUBG or any of the other titles available on ChromeOS due to their great soundstage. That means that the listening experience will be that much more immersive, not to mention these little egg-shaped speakers can get pretty loud, enveloping you in all the footsteps and gunshot sounds or whatever other audio produced by your favorite games. These speakers also let you plug in multiple sources for a more versatile computer audio setup.

The JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker with charging cable
JBL Flip 6
Best Bluetooth speaker

Unleash the power of cylindrical sound

JBL has made quite the name for itself in the world of Bluetooth audio, and the Flip 6 is one of the best ways to enjoy grab-and-go sound for your Chromebook, smartphone, or tablet. Plus, it comes in nine awesome colors and lasts for up to 12 hours on a single charge.

Pros
  • Powerful sound from a small speaker
  • IPX7-rated
  • Up to 12 hours of battery life
Cons
  • No dirt or dust protection

Investing in enhanced audio for your Chromebook or Chromebox doesn’t mean you have to go with a traditional set of computer speakers. In fact, one of our favorite Bluetooth speakers, the incredible JBL Flip 6, is particularly convenient when you need to get away from the desk for a while. As long as you have Bluetooth enabled on your Chromebook, you’ll be able to use the Flip 6 as a portable speaker for the laptop.

Delivering up to 12 hours of battery life and IPX7-rated, the JBL Flip 6 can stand up against any rainy day or accidental splashing. It also comes in several different colors and can be paired with two or more JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers to add even more sound to your listening environment.

What to look for in speakers for Chromebooks and Chromeboxes

There's a wide range of computer speakers available, with many offering solid audio and many more not quite hitting the mark. Figuring out which set of speakers are best for you means that you're going to know what to look for.

Sound quality is the most important factor, though not the only one. Still, it's a good place to start. You'll want to look at reviews or, better yet, see if you can hear them in person. Cheaper speakers tend to try to fake impressive audio by pumping the low and high end, but you want to get something where no part of the frequency range is overpowering anything else. For example, the low end should be there but not overbearing. And the same goes for the mid-range and high-end. Even if that sounds very technical, just give it a listen before buying or when you're within that return period.

If there's no low-end, your audio will sound thin. If there's no mid-range, it will sound hollow. And, if there's no high-end, it will sound veiled, like someone threw a sheet over the speaker. Also, keep in mind that to get really deep bass, you'll need a subwoofer. Some speaker systems here come with one, while others have a sub-out port for adding one later.

Connectivity is also an important consideration. Since all computer speakers are active speakers, you won't need extra equipment like a stereo system. A spot on a power outlet must also be available for them. While all the speakers in this list come with a 3.5mm connection (meaning you can plug them into your computer's headphone jack), some offer other types of connectivity, such as USB or Bluetooth, the latter of which is nice for those who prefer a more wireless setup.

So, what are the right speakers for you?

Your Chromebook or Chromebox delivers plenty of power and features, but we can’t get mad at these devices when it comes to sound quality or a lack of audio altogether. Most computers just aren’t built to handle Hi-Fi sound, and even though some models may include JBL, Harman Kardon, or some other branded speakers, your computer’s small chassis is going to limit how large those speakers can be.

Perusing this roundup, you’ll notice that we’ve made sure to include audio systems that enhance the sound of your Chromebook or Chromebox, but as a bare minimum. We also want these speakers to accept Bluetooth, be portable, and not cost too much. This is why we’ve chosen the Logitech Z407 as our best overall Chromebook and Chromebox audio system. Not only does it feature robust sound with excellent bass, but you’ll also be able to connect the system with your go-to Bluetooth devices for wireless music streaming.

If you're limited in what you can spend, the Creative Pebble Plus speakers punch above their weight, which is why they are our value pick. If you want audio quality, we recommend the Audioengine A2+. Of course, being our premium pick, they will cost you about five times what you'll spend on the Creative Pebble Plus. But if you can afford them and want great sound, they are worth the investment.

The Logitech Z407
Logitech Z407
Best overall

Best computer speakers for most people

The Logitech Z407 speakers are a fantastic all-around set of computer speakers. Not only do they offer a full sound with plenty of bass thanks to the included subwoofer, but they come with all the connectivity one could want. There’s also a wireless dial for easy multi-function control.