Best 5.1 Speakers for PC Gaming in 2021 – Slim pickings means a home theatre soundbar or receiver may be better
Page 2 has alternative options including soundbars
Following my recent review of the Creative Sound Blaster X4 external soundcard, which has 5.1 output, I thought I would look into the best surround sound speaker options for PC gaming.
In recent years, the trend has shifted away from 5.1 surround for PC gaming. Creative is the only company offering 5.1 speakers on its external soundcards, and PCIe soundcards have fallen out of fashion in general, but Creative and Asus have several options.
Most people have shifted to 2.1/2.0 speakers or headsets, and many devices now offer virtual surround, which in my opinion, is a poor imitation of the real thing.
This has meant that the number of 5.1 speaker options has dwindled over the years, with only around 5 options that I found with most of the options looking mediocre for anyone looking for decent quality surround audio.
Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System
- Cinematic Experience at Home : These wired multimedia speakers come with 1000 Watts of power, and 165 watt powered subwoofer, delivering thunderous surround audio that will shake your house and beyond just like being at the cinema
- Certified Premium Sound : These straight-out-the-box speakers have met strict performance standards to achieve the THX certification, delivering the ultimate immersive sound experience
- Supreme Audio Experience : Not only is the speaker sound THX certified, but additional digital decoding allows for detailed surround sound for any Dolby digital or DTS encoded soundtracks
- Versatile Connectivity : The speakers come with multiple inputs, allowing you to connect up to six components simultaneously which gives you complete control over your TV, Blu-ray/DVD player, DVR, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, mobile phone, stereo and more in one place
- Integrated Control : Customise your hifi listening experience with our simple cabled control console, using the wireless remote to command and adjust the surround sound, volume levels and device input
It looks like the Logitech Z906 was launched around 10 years ago, and it is about the best active 5.1 speaker system you can get, confirming how unpopular this style of system has become.
The system is favourably reviewed by users and professional reviews alike. It is quite a powerful system with 500w of total power, and your input options are digital optical, Digital coaxial, Six Channel Direct, RC & 3.5mm inputs.
The subwoofer is capable of 165W, while the satellites can do 65W.
Edifier E255 5.1 Home Theatre Speaker System
- WIRELESS 5.1 SURROUND SOUND for your home entertainment system
- HIGH EFFICIENCY switch power source and a total power output of 220W
- Dolby/ DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II (Dolby/DTS certified)
- STYLISH and ELEGANT design will look great in any home
- TOUCH SENSITIVE control panel and REMOTE control operated
This is aimed more towards a home theatre system, but it will work well for PC gaming speakers. The main issue you may have are the inputs, this only accepts optical or aux, which will limit the compatible audio formats. It can do Dolby/DTS & Dolby Pro Logic II, and the Creative Sound Blaster X4 has an optical out that will do Dolby Digital Live, which should work well with this.
It has wireless rear speakers reducing the cable mess, you get quite a powerful subwoofer at 220W with the other 5 speakers offering 16W (treble) + 20W (mid-range).
At £599, it is perhaps a little expensive.
Trust Gaming GXT 698 Torro
- [DOLBY SURROUND SOUND] Powerful 5.1 speaker set with 180W peak power. Dolby Digital (Optical s/PDIF) sound input for the best surround sound experience.
- [HOME THEATRE EXPERIENCE] Enjoy 5.1 home theatre surround sound with your games, music and movies. A truly immersive audio experience in a 360° soundscape.
- [LIGHT UP] Experience sound visually with the home theatre system’s integrated RGB light show. Select the perfect colour setting from several pre-defined light modes (from solid bass-synced colours to breathing RGB).
- [EASY CONNECTION] Choose the input of your liking. Included are all cables for both digital (optical) and analogue (3.5mm) input and six-channel direct (using your PC-soundcard) audio inputs, to connect the home sounds system with your TV, PS4 or Xbox One game console, PC/laptop.
- [WIRELESS CONTROL] Control the volume, adjust the bass and select input without having to reach over to the speaker set, thanks to the wireless remote control.
The extravagantly named Trust Gaming GXT 698 Torro is affordable and well-reviewed on Amazon. Trust Gaming have several 5.1 systems, with this being their most advanced system. You get 180W of peak power, quite a bit less than the Logitech or Edifier. This is also the only Trust Gaming system that has an optical input. Personally, at this price, I’d just get a decent pair of headphones or 2.0 speakers.
Logitech Z607
- Cinematic Experience at Home : These wired multimedia speakers come with 1000 Watts of power, and 165 watt powered subwoofer, delivering thunderous surround audio that will shake your house and beyond just like being at the cinema
- Certified Premium Sound : These straight-out-the-box speakers have met strict performance standards to achieve the THX certification, delivering the ultimate immersive sound experience
- Supreme Audio Experience : Not only is the speaker sound THX certified, but additional digital decoding allows for detailed surround sound for any Dolby digital or DTS encoded soundtracks
- Versatile Connectivity : The speakers come with multiple inputs, allowing you to connect up to six components simultaneously which gives you complete control over your TV, Blu-ray/DVD player, DVR, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, mobile phone, stereo and more in one place
- Integrated Control : Customise your hifi listening experience with our simple cabled control console, using the wireless remote to command and adjust the surround sound, volume levels and device input
Another budget option that is well-reviewed on Amazon. This has the same power rating as the Trust Gaming system, and considering the price, may be a better buy overall. Similar to the Trust system, I’d personally suggest investing more money into something a bit more competent.
Edifier S760D [Possibly discontinued]
The Edifier S760D looks like a good option, but it no longer appears to be available to buy.
Features include:
- 5.1 channel home theatre system with Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS Digital Surround decoders
- 3 optical, 1 coaxial input, analogue 5.1 channel, and dual stereo inputs
- 10”(260 mm) subwoofer driver with twin bass reflex radiators
- 2-way satellite speakers with 3½”(92 mm) mid-range drivers and 1”(25 mm) silk dome tweeters
- Class D amplifier and DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology
- Built-in 600W high efficiency switching power supply with low standby power consumption
Edifier C6XD [Possibly discontinued]
- Powerful 5.1 audio system with external amplifier, wireless remote control, built-in radio, digital optical input (SD card), USB connection and bay for audio playback
- Power (RMS): Subwoofer 38 W, 8 W x 4 satellites, center – 1 x 10 W bass with Bass Reflex subwoofer for powerful bass
- External amplifier for maximum comfort in the operation of the system
- Type: Digital/Optical (Toslink), RCA (cinch), AUX input (3.5 mm jack), Bay for additional SD memory cards, USB, AUX input and headphone output in the front of the amplifier
Another Edifier surround system is likely discontinued. Overclockers allow you to add it to basket, but it is classed as out of stock. Amazon hasn’t had it in stock since the end of 2019, so you are probably best off spending a little extra on the Logitech Z90.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
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