WIRED Updates 2026 Computer Speaker Guide: Audioengine A2+ Takes Top Spot
From compact stereo setups to surround sound systems, WIRED’s latest review highlights key picks for gamers, professionals, and music enthusiasts.
WIRED has released its 2026 guide to the best computer speakers, narrowing down recommendations to eight models after testing more than 25 pairs. The updated guide, published in May, covers a broad spectrum of audio setups including stereo speakers, soundbars, and surround sound systems, designed to suit various budgets and desktop configurations. The publication aimed to address the often-overlooked aspect of PC audio, offering alternatives to headphones and built-in monitor speakers for improved clarity in video calls, music, and gaming.
The Audioengine A2+ has been identified as the top pick for most users. WIRED reviewers praised the speakers for their elegant design, compact form, and balanced performance. Despite lacking a dedicated subwoofer, the A2+ delivers excellent clarity in higher registers and sufficient depth in the mids. The 2025 update to the model added Bluetooth 5.3, 24-bit audio, and USB-C connectivity with a built-in digital-to-analog converter, cementing its status as a versatile option for general desktop use.
Other notable recommendations include the Kanto UKI, iLoud Micro Monitors, Edifier M60, and Creative Stage Pro. The Kanto UKI was highlighted for its rich, warm sound and compact size, while the iLoud Micro Monitors were noted for their balanced audio and plug-and-play simplicity. The Edifier M60 offers a cheaper alternative with solid sound quality, and the Creative Stage Pro provides a 2.1-channel soundbar solution with a subwoofer, ideal for users with limited desk space.
The guide also details specific models from brands such as SteelSeries, Razer, Logitech, and OXS. The SteelSeries Arena 9 was recommended for gamers seeking immersive surround sound, while the OXS Thunder Pro soundbar was praised for its compact design and impressive bass response without a separate subwoofer. Logitech’s G560 Lightsync and Razer’s Nommo V2 Pro were also evaluated for their RGB lighting integration and spatial audio capabilities, though reviewers noted various trade-offs in sound definition and software bloat.
WIRED’s testing methodology involved evaluating each speaker for at least a week, utilising them for video calls, music, movies, and games. The publication emphasised the importance of speaker placement, recommending an upward angle of approximately 15 degrees towards the listener to optimise sound quality. Connectivity options were also scrutinised, with USB connections generally preferred for their digital signal output, although Bluetooth and 3.5mm aux inputs remain common features across the recommended models.
