A 2.1 speaker system — two desktop satellites plus a dedicated subwoofer — is the format that delivers real low-end on a PC desk without taking up the room or budget of a full home-theater rig. The satellites handle mids and highs at ear level, while the separate sub sits on the floor or under the desk and carries the deep bass for explosions, gunfire and music, freeing the smaller drivers from work they are not built for. The result is a cleaner, fuller sound than any equivalently priced 2.0 stereo pair can produce, which is why 2.1 remains the default upgrade for PC gamers who want their library to feel as visceral as it sounds in their headphones.
Our picks span the proven classics of the 2.1 category and a couple of honest-context alternatives for anyone shopping in this niche. We have included the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX and Logitech Z313 as benchmark true 2.1 systems with dedicated subs, the Logitech G560 as the gaming-focused 2.1 with lightsync RGB, and the Cyber Acoustics CA-3090 as a budget 2.1 with sub. We have also been transparent about two off-format entries you will see when you search this category: the ULTIMEA soundbar listed here is a 5.1-channel system with subwoofer (more channels than 2.1, included for buyers happy to step up), and the Samsung HW-B400F is a 2.0 soundbar with a built-in subwoofer rather than a separate one. Prices range from around $38 to around $250. Below is an at-a-glance comparison, then a closer look at each, and a buyer’s guide focused on what 2.1 really delivers.
Best 2.1 PC Speakers With Subwoofer at a Glance
| Speaker System | Best For | Standout Spec | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ULTIMEA 5.1CH Soundbar with Subwoofer | Stepping up beyond 2.1 to 5.1 | 5.1 system with sub (not 2.1) | around $100 |
| Logitech G560 2.1 Gaming Speakers | Gaming 2.1 with lightsync RGB | 2.1, DTS:X surround, RGB | around $250 |
| Logitech Z313 2.1 Multimedia Speakers | Affordable true 2.1 with sub | True 2.1, 50W peak, headphone jack | around $60 |
| Samsung HW-B400F 2.0 Soundbar | 2.0 with built-in sub (not separate) | 2.0 soundbar, built-in sub | around $98 |
| Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX | Reference 2.1 PC speakers | THX certified 2.1, 6.5″ sub | around $170 |
| Cyber Acoustics CA-3090 2.1 | Budget true 2.1 with sub | True 2.1, 18W, easy setup | around $38 |
1. ULTIMEA 5.1CH Surround Sound Bar with Subwoofer, Dolby Atmos, VoiceMX, BassMX, 300W Soundbar
ULTIMEA 5.1CH Surround Sound Bar with Subwoofer, Dolby Atmos, VoiceMX, BassMX, APP, 300W Soundbar for Smart TV, Home Theater Surround Sound System for TV, Bluetooth 5.4, Poseidon M60 (2026 Model)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
A quick honesty note up top: the ULTIMEA is the format-outlier on this list. It is a 5.1-channel surround soundbar with subwoofer rather than a 2.1 system, but it is included for buyers shopping this niche who are happy to step beyond 2.1 to more channels. The 5.1 layout adds dedicated surround and center channels to the front-left, front-right and sub you get from 2.1, supports Dolby Atmos processing, and uses ULTIMEA’s BassMX and VoiceMX modes to emphasise bass and dialogue. At around $100 it is an aggressive price for the channel count.
If the brief is ‘more than a stereo pair on my desk, with a sub for bass,’ the ULTIMEA delivers that and then some. The extra surround channels add spatial cues for games and films that 2.1 cannot reproduce, the wireless sub carries deep bass, and the 300W system-power figure suggests plenty of headroom for medium and large rooms. For a PC desk that doubles as a living-room style setup, or a player happy to take a step up from 2.1, it is a flexible all-rounder — just be clear that it is 5.1, not 2.1.
Pros: More channels than 2.1, includes wireless sub, Dolby Atmos, BassMX and VoiceMX modes.
Cons: Not a 2.1 system — it is 5.1 with sub; soundbar format may not suit every desk.
2. Logitech G560 PC Gaming Speaker System with 7.1 DTS:X Ultra Surround Sound, Game Based LIGHTSYNC RGB
Prime Logitech G560 PC Gaming Speaker System with 7.1 DTS:X Ultra Surround Sound, Game Based LIGHTSYNC RGB, Two Speakers and Subwoofer, Bluetooth, USB, Immersive Gaming Experience - Black
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
The Logitech G560 is the gaming-flagship pick of this list and the standout 2.1 system built specifically for PC players. It is a true 2.1 configuration with two desktop satellites and a dedicated subwoofer, but it adds Logitech’s LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting that reacts to the game on screen and DTS:X Ultra surround processing over the 2.1 hardware. At around $250 it is the premium option here, and the engineering is the reason why.
This is the system for the gamer who wants the bass and clarity of a real 2.1 with the immersion of game-reactive lighting and virtualised surround. The dedicated sub gives explosions and music genuine weight, the satellites stay clean at higher volumes, and Bluetooth lets you stream from a phone between sessions. With Logitech G HUB you can tune EQ, lighting and zones to your taste. For a high-end PC 2.1 system that feels purpose-built for gaming rather than a generic speaker pair, the G560 is the clear pick.
Pros: True 2.1 with dedicated sub, DTS:X Ultra surround, game-reactive LIGHTSYNC RGB, Bluetooth.
Cons: Highest price on this list; satellites take desk space.
3. Logitech Z313 2.1 Multimedia Speaker System with Subwoofer, 50 Watts Peak Power
Prime Logitech Z313 2.1 Multimedia Speaker System with Subwoofer, Full Range Audio, 50 Watts Peak Power, Strong Bass, 3.5mm Audio Inputs, PC/PS4/Xbox/TV/Smartphone/Tablet/Music Player - Black
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
The Logitech Z313 is the affordable true-2.1 pick, and probably the most recommended budget 2.1 on the planet for good reason. It is a genuine 2.1 configuration — two compact satellites and a dedicated subwoofer — rated at 50W peak power, with a wired control pod that hosts the volume dial, power and a headphone jack at your desk. At around $60 it is the easy upgrade from any laptop or built-in speakers.
This is the system to choose when you want real low-end on a PC desk without spending a lot. The dedicated sub adds the depth that 2.0 desktop speakers simply cannot produce, the satellites are small enough to flank a monitor on tight desks, and the control pod with its headphone jack makes everyday use convenient. It is not a reference rig, but as an honest, well-engineered, affordable 2.1 PC system from a brand that has refined this category for years, the Z313 is the default recommendation and a long-standing favorite.
Pros: Genuine 2.1 with dedicated sub, 50W peak, headphone jack on control pod, excellent value.
Cons: Modest power for large rooms; no Bluetooth.
4. Samsung B-Series Soundbar HW-B400F 2.0 ch Soundbar with Built-in Subwoofer (2025 Model)
Samsung B-Series Soundbar HW B400F 2.0 ch Soundbar with Built in Subwoofer (2025 Model) One Remote Control, Surround Sound Expansion, Voice Enhance Mode
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
Honesty note: the Samsung HW-B400F is the other format-outlier here. It is labeled ‘2.0 ch Soundbar with Built-in Subwoofer,’ meaning the two front channels and the bass driver live inside the same soundbar enclosure rather than splitting into a separate sub unit. It is not a 2.1 system in the strict sense — a true 2.1 uses a discrete subwoofer cabinet — but Samsung specifies built-in bass, and it is a common choice when buyers search this category. At around $98 it is an affordable, tidy alternative to a satellites-plus-sub stack.
This is the soundbar to consider when desk or room layout makes a separate sub impractical, or when you want a single, neat enclosure that still aims for fuller bass than a basic stereo pair. The integrated sub will not deliver the same chest-thumping low end as a dedicated cabinet like the Z313’s or the Klipsch’s, but it is a step up from typical 2.0 desktop speakers and tucks under a monitor cleanly. Choose it for tidiness rather than reference 2.1 punch.
Pros: Single-enclosure soundbar with built-in bass, tidy under-monitor footprint, 2025 model.
Cons: Not a true 2.1 system (sub is built into the bar, not separate).
5. Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker System (Black)
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker System (Black)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX is the reference 2.1 PC system, full stop. It is the long-running benchmark in this category: a true 2.1 configuration with two satellite speakers using Klipsch’s Tractrix horn-loaded tweeters and a dedicated 6.5-inch subwoofer, with the whole system THX certified for consistent, accurate audio at the desk. At around $170 it is the pick for the player who wants the most respected 2.1 PC speakers ever made.
This is the system for serious music listeners, gamers and creators who want a 2.1 that genuinely rewards the upgrade. The horn-loaded tweeters give the ProMedia 2.1 its trademark detail and dynamic snap, the substantial sub delivers tight, articulate low-end rather than just bloom, and the THX certification underwrites the engineering. It is comfortably louder and more refined than the budget 2.1 options here. For the best 2.1 PC speakers with subwoofer money buys at this price point, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 is the long-standing standout.
Pros: Reference-grade true 2.1 with 6.5″ dedicated sub, THX certified, Tractrix horn-loaded tweeters.
Cons: Larger footprint; sub needs floor or under-desk space.
6. Cyber Acoustics CA-3090 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer with 18W of Power
Prime Cyber Acoustics CA-3090 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer with 18W of Power – Easy Setup and Convenient Controls, Great for Music, Movies, and Gaming
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
Rounding out the list is the Cyber Acoustics CA-3090, the budget true-2.1 pick. It is an honest 2.1 configuration — two compact desktop satellites and a dedicated subwoofer — rated at 18W of total power, with easy plug-and-play setup and convenient inline controls. At around $38 it is the cheapest system on this list and the obvious starting point for anyone on the tightest budget who still wants a real sub.
This is the system to choose when you just want to add some low-end weight to a basic PC or office setup without spending much. The dedicated sub adds depth that built-in monitor speakers and stick-style desktop pairs cannot match, the small satellites slot into tight desks, and the simple controls keep day-to-day use painless. It is not designed to rival a Klipsch ProMedia, but for an affordable, no-fuss true 2.1 starter system, the CA-3090 delivers what the format promises.
Pros: Cheapest true 2.1 here, dedicated sub, easy setup, compact satellites.
Cons: Modest 18W power; less headroom for large rooms or loud playback.
How to Choose 2.1 PC Speakers With a Subwoofer
The first thing to verify is that the system is actually 2.1. A genuine 2.1 configuration has two satellite speakers and a separate, dedicated subwoofer cabinet — that physical split is what lets the sub move air for deep bass while the satellites stay clean for mids and highs. The Logitech Z313, G560, Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 and Cyber Acoustics CA-3090 on this list are all true 2.1. The ULTIMEA on this list is 5.1 with a sub, and the Samsung HW-B400F is a 2.0 soundbar with a built-in subwoofer — both delivered honestly, so you know exactly what you are buying.
Subwoofer driver size and quality matter more than headline wattage. A larger, well-tuned sub like the 6.5-inch unit in the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 delivers deeper, more articulate low-end than a smaller cabinet at the same rated power, because driver area is what physically moves the air you feel. Look for stated driver sizes and front-firing or downward-firing designs rather than peak-power figures alone, and remember the sub typically needs to sit on the floor or under the desk with a little clearance to perform.
Total power and headroom should match your room and listening style. The small Cyber Acoustics 18W system is perfect at a desk for one person; the Z313’s 50W peak works for most rooms; the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 and Logitech G560 deliver more headroom for larger spaces or louder play. Resist over-buying — a smaller system at the right level often sounds cleaner than a bigger one straining — but make sure the system you choose plays loud enough without distortion at your usual listening volume.
Finally, weigh inputs, controls and use case. A wired 3.5mm jack covers every PC, USB and Bluetooth add convenience for laptops and phones, and a headphone passthrough on the satellites or a control pod is a real quality-of-life win. For PC gaming specifically, the G560’s game-reactive lighting and DTS:X surround add genuine immersion; for music and films the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1’s reference engineering pays off. Pick the format you actually want — true 2.1, 5.1 with sub, or a soundbar with built-in sub — set a budget, and choose the speaker on this list that fits your desk and your ears.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘2.1’ actually mean in a speaker system?
The first number is the count of full-range satellite speakers, the second is the number of subwoofers. A 2.1 system has two satellites plus one dedicated subwoofer — the layout used by the Logitech Z313, G560, Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 and Cyber Acoustics CA-3090 on this list. A 5.1 system, like the ULTIMEA here, has five satellites plus a sub. A 2.0 system has two speakers and no separate sub, even if (like the Samsung HW-B400F here) bass is built into the cabinet.
Do I need a dedicated subwoofer or is a built-in bass driver enough?
A dedicated sub almost always sounds bigger and deeper for music, gaming and films, because a separate cabinet has the volume and driver area to move real air. A built-in bass driver like the one in the Samsung HW-B400F is a step up from typical desktop speakers and is much tidier, but it cannot match a true 2.1’s chest-thumping low end. Choose a separate sub for impact, choose built-in for tidiness.
Where should I place the subwoofer for the best sound?
On the floor near the desk — under the desk or alongside it — with a little clearance from walls and corners. Subwoofer bass is non-directional, so it does not matter much whether the sub is on the left or right, but corners exaggerate low frequencies and can make bass sound boomy. The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 and Logitech G560 reward a little placement experimentation more than the budget systems do.
Are 2.1 PC speakers loud enough for a small living room?
Most are, depending on the model. The 18W Cyber Acoustics CA-3090 is sized for a desk, the Logitech Z313’s 50W peak handles a typical bedroom or home office comfortably, and the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 and Logitech G560 have headroom for larger rooms thanks to their bigger subs and amplifiers. For a small living room, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 or G560 are the safer picks; for a desk, the Z313 or CA-3090 are plenty.
Related Guides
- Best PC Soundbars
- Best Bluetooth PC Speakers
- Best USB Powered PC Speakers
- Best RGB Gaming Speakers
- Best Gaming Headsets
- Best Gaming Monitors
- Best Gaming Desks
- Best Budget Gaming Setup
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability are accurate as of publication and may change.
