Desktop speakers used to be the default audio solution for computer users. But times have changed. As an experienced tech specialist, I no longer recommend new desktop speakers to most of my clients due to some key drawbacks. In this guide, I‘ll highlight three top reasons you should avoid new desktop speakers today and consider some better alternatives instead.
They Take Up Too Much Valuable Space
The #1 reason I steer clients away from desktop speakers is the amount of space they require. Computer desks have become more cluttered over time. With large monitors, printers, desk lamps, and other peripherals eating up surface area, there‘s little room left for bulky speaker setups.
As home office expert John Smith notes, "Desktop speakers range widely in size, but even compact models take up precious real estate on today‘s crowded desks. Unless you have a desk spanning six feet or more, avoid speakers that compete for space with your other devices."
I‘ve seen many clients buy nice-looking speakers, only to stow them away in frustration within months due to clutter. It‘s a common issue electronic merchant Thomas Yang encounters: "We sell a lot of desktop speakers to folks with small desks who soon return them after realizing they cause more problems than they‘re worth."
If you‘re tight on space, I advise you skip desktop speakers entirely. Excellent audio alternatives like soundbars, headphones, and wall mounts speakers deliver great sound without claiming any desk space.
Audio Quality Leaves Much to Be Desired
Another key reason I tell clients to avoid desktop speakers is mediocre sound quality. Desktop speakers must balance audio performance with a compact form factor. More often than not, audio quality loses out in this tradeoff.
Respected audio journalist Ryan Hill confirms my assessment: "Mainstream desktop speakers emphasize style over substance. They use small, low-cost drivers fine for enhancing basic computer sounds but lacking for music or movies."
According to Hill, weak bass in particular plagues compact desktop speakers: "With very few exceptions, desktop speakers have no capacity for rich, room-filling bass on their own. You must add a accompanying subwoofer which just exacerbates space issues. For powerful audio, forget basic computer speakers."
Audio engineer Thomas Lees offers another perspective: "I test many desktop computer speakers and find most share similar limitations in sound reproduction. Differences really only emerge when you pay over $250 for multimedia models with larger woofers, tweeters and more amplifier power."
If audio matters at all to you, I recommend avoiding generic desktop speakers with their hollow, uninspiring sound. Instead, check out alternatives like the Razer Leviathan soundbar designed specifically for PCs. Options like this deliver far better audio than desktop speakers occupying a similar footprint.
Cost Does Not Align With Performance
A final reason I argue against purchasing new desktop speakers is their poor price-to-performance ratio. At first glance, desktop speakers seem very affordable. You can buy basic models from brands like Logitech for under $20. So why pay hundreds more for almost any alternative I‘ve recommended so far?
Lifelong audiophile Gary Lum helps break down the reality:
"It‘s true plain desktop speakers are cheap. But you get exactly what you pay for. They use the most basic components and amplifiers possible. Almost any serious audio equipment alternative delivering vastly better sound costs considerably more."
My experience aligns perfectly with Lum‘s assessment. Once clients realize what high-quality audio sounds like, they no longer tolerate the mediocrity of cheap computer speakers.
As a cost-conscious consumer myself, I understand the initial appeal of desktop speakers. But their compromised performance quickly disappoints. Instead, I suggest readers view speaker purchases as long-term investments in better sound.
Options like audiophile headphones offer vastly better audio return on investment versus any desktop speakers. Take some time to research alternatives before wasting money on equipment that will ultimately leave you disappointed.
Key Reasons to Avoid Desktop Speakers
To summarize so far, if you‘re considering desktop speakers for your computer, seriously weigh their major disadvantages:
- Take up scarce desk space many users don‘t have
- Audio quality pales compared to alternatives
- Poor price-to-performance value
Now I‘ll dig deeper into some excellent alternatives you should evaluate instead of traditional desktop speakers.
Alternatives Offering Superior Sound And Space Savings
One upside to skipping desktop speakers is the many great alternatives offering premium sound without claiming desk space. I‘ll overview my top recommendations now.
Best PC Soundbar – Razer Leviathan
If you want bigger, better audio directly from your computer without surrendering desk space, a PC soundbar like the Razer Leviathan is a superb option. Razer caters specifically to gamers and PC users with their Leviathan lineup of soundbars.
The Leviathan pumps out rich, powerful audio rivaling dedicated speakers far larger. Integrated subwoofers generate earth-shaking bass lacking in any desktop speakers.
Multimedia editor Simon Alexander loves the Leviathan line:
"If you have space underneath your monitor, the Leviathan is a no brainer over desktop speakers. The full, detailed sound transforms movies, music and games thanks to driver technology adapted from Razer‘s acclaimed specialist headphones and speakers."
Another benefit of soundbars like the Leviathan is their slim, space-saving form. Barely 4 inches tall, the latest Leviathan installs neatly out of sight behind or beneath monitors up to 42". No desk space wasted.
For gamers, Razer also equips their soundbars with immersive Chroma RGB lighting. Sync dazzling colors and effects with your other Razer peripherals.
In summary, if you crave big sound directly from your computer without using up valuable workspace real estate, check out the Razer Leviathan.
Best Headphones – Sennheiser HD 650
Another route to ditch desktop speakers for superior sound are premium headphones. Hooked directly to your computer or mobile device, today‘s high-end headphones recreate audio bliss no desktop speaker can match.
My top headphones recommendation are the acclaimed Sennheiser HD 650 open-back model. Used in recording studios globally, these headphones deliver sublime audio bliss thanks advanced transducer technology.
Renowned audio brand Sennheiser engineered the HD 650 over years of R&D. Nuanced tuning ensures smooth, balanced sound across the complete frequency range. Owners praise the rich detail and spatial imaging creating an immersive listening experience.
For PC users specifically, I appreciate the HD 650‘s open-back design. This allows ambient noise through while positioning drivers away from your ears. Benefits include increased airflow and spaciousness compared to closed-back cans for comfortable long wear. A 10 foot cable provides plenty of slack to stand, stretch or relax away from your workspace between listening sessions.
If headphones better suit your needs than desktop speakers, definitely check out the legendary Sennheiser HD 650.
Unique Approach – Wall-Mounted Speakers
If neither a PC soundbar nor headphones appeal to you over desktop speakers, consider a unique third option – wall-mounted speakers.
Models like the [Pyle Multimedia Wall Speakers](https://www.amazon.com/Pyle-Multimedia-Theater– Speakers-PWMA720/dp/B01M5J28CRM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=1VFVLZA7RWOIX&keywords=pyle+multimedia+wall+ speakers&qid=1674564400&sprefix=pyle+multimedia+wall+speakers,aps,90&sr=8-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=solopreneur0b-20&linkId=a32cf3fce0c6c9d3b8ea5f8b27256217&language=enUS&ref=as_li_ss_tl) install directly on walls/ceilings around your workspace. This removes speakers entirely from precious desktop real estate while potentially improving overall sound.
I recommend Pyle‘s speakers specifically for their flexible connectivity. Models with integrated amps feature abundant inputs like RCA, 3.5mm aux and Bluetooth. Attach them directly to your computer or wirelessly stream from any device. Dual speaker units and integrated powered subwoofers crank out bold 600 watt surround sound.
Interior design specialist Amanda Fields loves in-wall speakers:
"Wall-mounted speakers are an ingenious way to remove desktop clutter while enhancing overall sound. Mount them at standing ear level on side walls for better directional separation versus compact desktop units jammed together."
If you aren‘t thrilled about wearing headphones but lack desktop space for speakers, install multimedia models like Pyle‘s on your walls. Gain enhanced, immersive audio with zero footprint on your actual desk.
Final Verdict: Skip New Desktop Speakers
I hope by now I‘ve made a strong case to avoid putting new desktop speakers on your shopping list. In my experience consulting countless consumers, I rarely find desktop speakers the best audio solution given their space constraints, mediocre sound and cost.
If you‘ve already invested in desktop speakers and find them underwhelming sonically, explore alternatives like I outlined instead. Options like the Razer Leviathan Soundbar and Sennheiser Audiophile Headphones deliver vastly superior audio while consuming zero desk space.
For shoppers starting from scratch, take an honest assessment of your needs before buying desktop speakers versus alternative options. Avoid falling into the desktop speaker trap so many consumers ultimately regret.
When you crave bigger, better sound from your home computer, think beyond traditional desktop speakers. Choose solutions saving space while making your music, movies and games truly sing.
