I'm about to get a new monitor as a birthday gift from my girlfriend, but it doesn't come with built-in speakers. I'm looking for budget-friendly sound options that are decent quality since I'm not really an audiophile. Should I consider a soundbar, and do those even exist for monitors? Or would a pair of traditional speakers be a better choice? I'm located in Japan, and ideally, I'm hoping to spend around $30-40, possibly stretching to $50 for something really good. Any suggestions would be super appreciated! Thanks!
8 Answers
Don’t shy away from older models; they can still sound great. Sometimes, the older tech doesn't disappoint and you can find them at lower prices.
Honestly, a pair of speakers would provide much better sound. You don’t have to go all out, brands like Edifier have good options. Even entry-level ones would deliver better stereo sound than a soundbar. Just get something decent — it makes a difference!
Honestly, don’t overthink it — just grab the Creative Pebbles. They’re a great deal for what you get!
Congrats on the new monitor! Honestly, for gaming, a pair of studio or bookshelf speakers will give you better audio directionality compared to a soundbar. You might struggle to find something long-lasting in your price range unless you look at used ones, but it’s definitely worth checking out powered bookshelf speakers in your area. I've bought lots of used audio gear and found some gems!
Creative Pebble speakers are a solid low-budget option! They're surprisingly good for the price point, and I own the Creative Pebbles Pro myself; they exceeded my expectations!
Right? They sound way better than you'd think for something so affordable.
If you can find a Razer soundbar, that one’s also reasonably priced and works well.
I picked up a soundbar made for TVs with a subwoofer, and it sounds awesome! It could be a good option if you find the right deal.
I've got a GoGroove Sonaverse UBR soundbar, and it's been great for casual audio like YouTube. It was pretty affordable when I bought it a few years ago. Just remember, it needs to be USB powered, so make sure you have a way to power it.
I can confirm, they're fantastic for the price!