The 4 Best TV Speakers for Gaming
Its obvious that a good set of speakers will enhance your gaming experience, but finding the right one for you can be a bit difficult. Most of the information out there is tailored towards PC gaming on a standard computer monitor, so what if you need to choose speakers that'll work on a TV setup? Well, that's where we come in. After researching the matter, we've circled back to four particular products that we think work best, and we've ranked them here to simplify your search. In making our choices, we focused on the speakers' sound quality, ease of use, lag, and cost value.
Edifier S350DB 2.1
Hard to Go Wrong
Old-time industry leaders, move over, because it’s Edifier’s time in the sun. Over the past few years, the company’s most popular units have been inching their way into “Best Speakers” lists left and right. Whether we’re talking about budget-tier bookshelf speakers or high-end behemoths, Edifier knows how to make punchy, booming speakers. The best part is that their prices beat out their competitors almost every time.
So, on to this particular model. The S350DB 2.1. includes two full-sized bookshelf speakers and an 8″ subwoofer capable of shaking the room. Thanks to their titanium dome tweeters, they sparkle in the highs. The mids are crisp and clear, which is essential to in-game dialogue. You can also expect some modest, albeit respectable, rumble in the lows. It can get pretty darn loud, too. Whether you’re in a small bedroom or a sizable living room, this setup should be up to the task. And as for its connectivity options, it’s fairly versatile. It’ll accept input via Bluetooth, RCA, optical, coaxial or AUX.
Pros:
- Exceedingly handsome design
- 2-year warranty in Canada and the USA
- Wireless remote control
- Utilizes Bluetooth 4.1 aptX codec
Cons:
- Wired sub must be situated near main speakers
- Grill-less design makes them vulnerable
Edifier R1280T
Edifier Strikes Again
Let’s say it right off the bat: No, these speakers aren’t going to blow you away. But if you’re keen on keeping costs under $100, you’d be wise to look to Edifier’s pair of near-field, powered bookshelf speakers. At 42 watts peak RMS, they’re a bit dinky, but if you’re only using them for gaming, that should be satisfactory, at the very least. They’re powerful enough to provide crisp articulation throughout the frequency spectrum. However, without a subwoofer, the low end leaves something wanting, especially when it comes to explosions or ambient rumble in the environment.
Their near-field designation means that they’ll sound best when you’re situated near the woofers. Speakers like this are engineered to reproduce audio as it was initially intended from just a small distance. While this type of unit is most popular amongst studio engineers, producers, and musicians, it’s also ideal for everyday gamers who just happen to be situated in a small room, so if that’s you, you’re in luck.
Finally, we can’t help but comment on the appearance of the R1280T. It’s slick. Yeah, its MDF-wood build isn’t of the highest caliber, nor is the wood effect vinyl finish the most classy, but, truthfully, it looks really good, without a trace of pretension or tackiness. So, for less than $100, you’re looking at a pair of stylish, powered bookshelf speakers great for those gaming in crammed quarters.
Pros:
- Protective front panels can be removed
- Large tone and volume dials
- Under warranty for first two years
Cons:
- Low end distorts at mid-to-high volume
- Remote control doesn’t power unit on
- Inadequate for large rooms
Sound BlasterX Katana
Sophisticated Simplicity
Touting a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, the Sound BlasterX Katana is designed for gamers through and through. It consists of a subwoofer and soundbar duo that put out a combined 75 watts peak RMS. The soundbar itself contains four drivers: two up-firing midbass woofers and two high-excursion tweeters. In conjunction with the 5.25″ subwoofer, the whole audible spectrum is covered evenly. What stands out, though, is the Katana’s volume. This one certainly won’t fall short in the realm of max output, which is good, because you won’t have to strain its capabilities, nor worry about distortion unless you really crank it.
While it’s true that the Katana was initially designed for PC gamers, it will work just as well for a TV setup as it will for your computer monitor. The only catch is that there’s no HDMI input, but if you can connect via optical, it won’t be a problem.
One of its most inconsequential but highly popular features is its programmable RGB lighting. The Katana touts 49 LED lights dotting the perimeter of the soundbar’s base. With the proprietary Aurora Reactive lighting system and the accompanying software, you can choose from a near-infinite amount of colors to create a customized lighting ambience.
Pros:
- Great for those who are pressed for space
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Chic brushed-aluminum finish
- Integrates with Dolby Digital 5.1 Decoder
Cons:
- Lack of HDMI input is an issue for some
- Subwoofer is quite powerful
Polk Audio Monitor Series 5.1
If you want to elevate your gaming experience to the highest possible degree, we recommend the Polk Audio Monitor Series 5.1 bundle. This remarkable audio system contains the following:
- 1 Denon AVR-S750H 7.2 channel receiver
- 1 CS1 Series II center channel speaker
- The ultra-popular powered PSW10 subwoofer
- 1 pair of Monitor 70 Series II towers
- 1 pair of Monitor 40 Series II bookshelf speakers.
That is to say, this is a gargantuan system with enough muscle to do, well, just about anything. It’ll not just elevate your gaming experience, but it’ll turn your living room into a home theater haven. Movies, music, and games will never be the same once you’ve experienced this setup. Sure it’s costly, but if you’re willing to dish out the money, you’ll be greatly rewarded. Its dynamic range is tremendous: from one moment to the next, it can leap from tight, controlled whispers to explosive, booming roars, all with minimal distortion. If you’re playing a lot of world-based games with rich environments and detailed ambiences, this will help tease them out to their fullest potential, especially considering that this setup can provide you with surround sound.
Pros:
- Precise and ultra-responsive
- Highly detailed mids
- Setup is less complicated than you’d imagine
Cons:
- Subwoofer may distort at high volume
- Take a few weeks to fully break in
- Very expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the difference between TV speakers and PC speakers?
Well, to some degree, a speaker is a speaker is a speaker. Many “PC speakers” are compatible with TVs, and vice versa. However, often, a speaker system designed for the TV is engineered with a full home theater setup in mind. This can consist of a minimal 2.1 setup (2 standard units and a subwoofer), a more dynamic 5.1 system, or a 7.1 surround system. The larger systems aim to create a three-dimensional sound stage to make you feel like you’re really there. With PC speakers, you’re typically not aiming for that same level of theatricality, because games aren’t as theatrical in their sound design as movies or music.
How much will a good speaker setup enhance my gaming experience?
It depends on the type of gaming you’ll be doing. Contrary to the advice we gave in our write-up on the best subwoofers for gaming, a full-range speaker system will improve your gaming experience to some degree regardless of the game. They’ll help you gain a competitive edge in shoot-’em-ups, and they’ll give world-based games a three-dimensional realism that’ll only heighten your degree of immersion.
What kind of setup should I go for?
Again, it depends on your gaming style. If you’re hoping to feel like you’re really there, on the inside of the world you’re exploring, then you should go for a more robust system, preferably one with surround sound. ThePolk Audio Monitor Series 5.1 is a great option for this. If your needs are more minimal, and you simply want an upgrade over your TVs built-in speakers, then that’s a different story. In that case, even something like the inexpensive Edifier R1280T would work well.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.