The built-in speaker(s) on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or iPod don't do your audio justice, especially if you want to enjoy full, rich sound or share your music with people more than a few feet away. So along with good headphones (see our headphones buying guide), a new set of speakers is one of the most rewarding audio upgrades you can give your gear.
But if you've recently visited any store—local or online—that sells consumer electronics, you've likely been confronted by rows and rows (or screens and screens) of computer speakers, speaker docks, and the like, in many different sizes and at many different prices. So how do you choose? To help you find the right set—for yourself or your favorite gift recipient—here's the latest edition of our annual speakers buying guide, which includes both general shopping advice and specific recommendations.
What to look for when shopping
As you're browsing the aisles or webpages of your favorite stores, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Specs and sound quality: Put simply, you should ignore manufacturers' specifications, especially frequency-response numbers. Because no standardized testing methodology exists for speakers, many vendors exaggerate specs—often laughably so—making them essentially worthless. With very few exceptions, you can't rely on these numbers to tell you anything about a system's audio quality. Instead, use your own ears: Try to audition speakers locally before you buy. While a store isn't an ideal environment for testing, it's better than nothing, and it can let you separate the good from the obviously bad. (If you can't test at a local store, read reviews from sources you trust, and buy from a retailer with a good return policy, in case you end up not liking the speakers.)
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