7 Best Bose Computer Speakers [Review] 2025

By Robert Jones · 2020-12-25

I’ve been testing Bose computer speakers for years. Here’s my honest take on whether they're worth your hard-earned cash for your desktop audio setup.

![7 Best Bose Computer Speakers [Review] 2025](https://speakersmag.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Best-Bose-Computer-Speakers.jpg) *7 Best Bose Computer Speakers [Review] 2025 — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* '''Bose. You either love 'em or you don't, eh? For over two decades, I've had countless people ask me about their computer speakers. "Are they actually any good, Robert?" they'd say. "Should I bother spending the extra?" Well, I've put a few of their more popular models through their paces on my own desk, and even my missus's laptop, to give you the honest truth. It's not all glamour, this job, sometimes it's just making sure you can hear those pesky TikToks clearly. Sometimes, you just want something that works without much fuss. And that, my friends, is often where Bose comes in. Or at least, where they *aim* to come in. Let's see if they hit the mark. For a long time, Bose has been a brand that sits a bit separately from the rest of the hi-fi world. They don't really chase the same kind of extreme accuracy or transparency that some of the more "serious" brands do. Their goal, or so it seems, has always been about making sound *enjoyable* and *accessible*. And for something like computer speakers, where desk space is often tight and budgets can be tighter, that's not a bad philosophy to have. But does it translate into good value? That's the real question, isn't it? I've had a few of their models knocking around the workshop, on my own computer, and even on my daughter's gaming rig for a fair while now. I've seen them used for everything from video editing to late-night Netflix binges. So, I think I've got a pretty good handle on what they offer, and more importantly, who they're actually for. Right, let's get stuck in. Sometimes it's about convenience over outright fidelity, and there's nothing wrong with that. But convenience shouldn't come at the cost of a decent listening experience, not if you're paying a premium. So, I've dug deep to give you the lowdown. **Quick Verdict:** The Bose Companion 20s are the pick of the bunch for most, offering a great blend of sound and features without breaking the bank. It's funny, Bose. They're a bit like Marmite, aren't they? You either love 'em or… well, you don't. For years now, I've had people writing in, asking me about Bose computer speakers. "Are they any good, Robert?" they say. "Should I bother?" I’ve been testing audio gear since I was a lad, and Bose has always been… *there*. They’ve built quite an empire on making sound that’s a bit different, often in smaller packages. And for computer speakers, that can be a real plus. Nobody wants enormous boxes cluttering up their desk, do they? So, I decided it was high time I properly sat down with a few of their more popular models. I'm talking real-world use here, not just fancy lab tests. I hooked them up to my old workstation, my gaming rig, even my missus's laptop for a bit to see how they faired with her endless Zoom calls and questionable daytime telly. You’d be surprised what you learn then. Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s be clear. Bose isn’t always about outright audiophile-grade precision. They’ve often got a signature sound – a bit of warmth, a bit of an emphasis on the bass, a generally pleasing, easy-listening character. For many, that’s exactly what they want when they’re pottering about on their computer, listening to a bit of music, or watching a YouTube video. It’s not about clinical accuracy for everyone, is it? Sometimes you just want a bit of oomph without everything sounding like it's been recorded in a tin can. That's a fair ask, especially from a brand like Bose that often commands a bit more cash. I've seen plenty of smaller, cheaper desktop speakers that just sound weedy. No body to the sound, just all treble and no trousers. Bose often tries to avoid that, sometimes to a fault, but we'll get to that. They aim for a certain *fullness* in their sound, even from dinky drivers. That's their trick, really. How much of that is clever engineering and how much is just clever marketing, well, that's what we're here to find out, isn't it? I've had a good rummage through their current and recently-discontinued line-up that people often still ask about. The key ones that seem to pop up time and again when people talk about "Bose computer speakers" are the Companion 2 Series III, the Companion 20, and the Companion 50. There have been others, of course, but these three are the stalwarts, the ones you'll most likely encounter, whether new or second-hand. So, let's break them down, one by one, and see if any of them are worth your hard-earned quid. ## Bose Companion 2 Series III: The Everyday Workhorse This is probably where most folks start when they think about Bose computer speakers. I’ve known these to be knocking around for yonks. I even had a pair doing duty in my spare bedroom for a while, hooked up to an old iMac. They’re no-frills, mind. And that's not necessarily a bad thing when you're looking for something that just works. ### First Impressions & Setup Dead simple. Two speakers, a couple of cables, plug it in, and off you go. No faffing about with software or complicated settings. Takes about two minutes, honest. They’re small enough to tuck away easily on most desks. The build quality feels solid enough for the price, mostly plastic, but it doesn't feel flimsy. You get a headphone jack on the front of one speaker, which is handy, and an aux input if you want to plug in your phone or something else. Basic, functional. Can't really ask for more at this level of simplicity. ### Sound Quality So, how do they sound? Well, for their size and price point (usually around £100-£120 new), they're *decent*. Not amazing, not groundbreaking, but certainly a step up from those awful speakers built into most monitors or laptops. They have that characteristic Bose warmth, a bit of bass emphasis that makes music sound a bit fuller than you'd expect. It's not tight, punchy bass, mind you. More of a gentle, rounded thump. Vocals are clear enough, and the treble isn't too harsh. They're quite forgiving of poorer quality recordings, which is a bonus if you're streaming a lot of YouTube or Spotify at lower bitrates. Where they fall short is detail and soundstage. Don't expect to hear every nuance in your music. They compress the sound a bit, meaning everything sits in a narrower band. It's a bit like listening to music with a blanket over the speakers sometimes, just not quite as bad. They won't fill a large room, but for near-field listening at a desk, they do the job. If you just want something to make your computer audio sound "better" without getting too hung up on hi-fi terms, these are a safe bet. ### Who it's for - Anyone replacing terrible monitor or laptop speakers - Students or office workers on a budget - Folks who just want simple, plug-and-play audio for background music and videos ### Who should skip it - Anyone who wants detailed, accurate sound - Gamers who need precise sound positioning - Music producers or anyone doing critical listening ### Robert's Take They’re okay. Really. Nothing to write home about, but they’re not offensive either. They’re the kind of speakers you buy, plug in, and then forget about because they just… work. If you find them for seventy quid or less second-hand, they're a steal for basic audio. Full price? You *might* find something a touch more refined, but convenience often wins, and these are convenient. **Pros** * Easy setup * Compact size * Decent bass for their size * Headphone jack and aux input on front **Cons** * Lacks detail and dynamics * Soundstage is narrow * Can sound a bit "boxy" at times ## Bose Companion 20: The Sweet Spot I've had a pair of these in the workshop for six months now, hooked up to my secondary editing suite. I use that rig for most of my video edits, so clear dialogue and a good representation of music are important. These were a pleasant surprise, I must say. Typically, these hover around the £200-£250 mark, so a step up in price from the Companion 2s. ### First Impressions & Setup A bit more substantial than the Companion 2s. They feel better built, with a nice silver finish. The real star here is the wired control pod. It's a neat little puck that sits on your desk, giving you a volume dial, mute button, and both a headphone jack and an auxiliary input. Very handy, much better than fumbling around the back of a speaker. Setup is still straightforward, but with a bit more intention. The power supply is external and quite chunky, so factor that into your cable management. ### Sound Quality Now, these are where Bose starts to show what they *can* do with smaller drivers. The sound here is much more open and detailed than the Companion 2s. There's a clearer separation between instruments, and vocals really sing. The bass is still prominent, but it feels tighter and more controlled. It doesn't just bloat; it has a bit more impact. You can hear a bit more texture in bass lines, which is a welcome change. They manage to create a surprisingly wide soundstage for desktop speakers. You can almost feel the sound extending beyond the physical speakers, which makes gaming and watching films much more immersive. They handle a wider range of music genres better, too. Rock music has more punch, classical music has more space, and electronic music retains its drive. They can get pretty loud without distorting too badly, which is always a good sign. For casual listening and even some more focused work, these are genuinely good. They hit that sweet spot of convenience, pleasing sound, and reasonable footprint. ### Who it's for - Anyone who spends a lot of time at their computer - Gamers and movie watchers looking for more immersion - People who appreciate a fuller, more refined sound than entry-level options - Those with a bit more budget to spare ### Who should skip it - True audiophiles seeking absolute neutrality - Space-constrained desks where even these might be too big - Those who need Bluetooth connectivity built-in (you'd need an adapter) ### Robert's Take These are the ones I’d recommend for most folks looking for a proper upgrade without going mad. The control pod alone makes them a joy to use. The sound is balanced for desktop use, with enough warmth to be enjoyable and enough detail not to feel like you're missing out. Worth the investment if you use your computer for a lot of media consumption. I've been quite impressed with how they've held up over time, and honestly, they still put a smile on my face when I crank up some tunes. **Pros** * Excellent control pod * Balanced, refined sound * Good bass response * Wide soundstage for desktop speakers * Attractive design **Cons** * External power brick is bulky * No built-in Bluetooth * A bit pricier ## Bose Companion 50: The Home Cinema in Miniature This is Bose’s attempt at bringing a 2.1 system to your desktop, without making it look like a dog's dinner. It’s got a dedicated subwoofer, which Bose calls the Acoustimass module, and two smaller satellite speakers. These were designed to deliver a bit more oomph for films and gaming. They usually retail for around £350-£400, making them the priciest of the bunch. I actually tested an earlier version of these back in the day, the Companion 5. The 50 is essentially the same beast, just a bit refreshed. ### First Impressions & Setup Now, this is a bit more involved. You get the two small satellite speakers, which are on stands and look quite smart, and then the big, bulky Acoustimass module. That module is designed to sit on the floor, probably under your desk, and that’s where all the connections are. You plug your computer into that, and the satellites connect to it too. It’s not a complicated setup, but it’s certainly more cables and more components to manage. You also get the same excellent control pod as the Companion 20s, which is a big plus. ### Sound Quality Right, the sound. With that dedicated Acoustimass module, you’d expect proper, room-shaking bass. And you *do* get bass. Lots of it. Sometimes, maybe a bit too much. Bose has always gone for that slightly exaggerated bass, and here it’s dialled up a notch. For films and games, it can be quite exciting. Explosions have impact, and soundtracks feel epic. But for music, it can sometimes feel a bit disconnected from the rest of the sound. It’s not always the tightest bass, more of a rumble. The satellite speakers themselves are pretty decent, handling the mid-range and treble well. They offer good clarity for dialogue and instruments. But the challenge with any 2.1 system like this is blending the satellites with the subwoofer seamlessly. The Companion 50 does a pretty good job, but you can sometimes hear that separation, especially if you haven't positioned the Acoustimass module just right. The soundstage is wide, much like the Companion 20, and they can play *loud*. If you’ve got a bigger room or you really want that cinematic impact at your desk, these certainly deliver on the scale. ### Who it's for - Serious gamers who want impactful sound - Movie buffs watching a lot of content at their desk - Users who want substantial bass without cluttering their desk with large speakers - People with a generous budget and who need a wired 2.1 setup ### Who should skip it - Anyone who prioritises neutral, accurate sound for music - Desks with very limited space (the Acoustimass module needs a home) - Those on a tighter budget - Folks wanting simplicity and fewer cables ### Robert's Take They’re a bit of a mixed bag for me. For games and films, they're a laugh. That bass adds a real thrill. But for everyday music listening, I found myself wishing for a bit more balance. It can be a bit *much* sometimes, and it overshadows the otherwise decent performance of the satellite speakers. If you watch a lot of action films and play a lot of explosion-filled games, and you've got the cash and the space, then go for it. Otherwise, the Companion 20 offers a more balanced experience for most. **Pros** * Powerful, deep bass * Immersive sound for films and games * Excellent control pod * Good clarity from satellites * Plays very loud **Cons** * Bass can be overwhelming for music * Bulky Acoustimass module needs space * Most expensive option * Can sound a bit disjointed ### Quick Comparison Table Let's line 'em up, shall we? This should give you a clearer picture of how they stack up. | Feature | Bose Companion 2 Series III | Bose Companion 20 | Bose Companion 50 | |:------------------|:-------------------------------|:---------------------------|:-------------------------------------| | **Type** | 2.0 Stereo | 2.0 Stereo | 2.1 Stereo (with Acoustimass) | | **Price (approx)**| £100-£120 | £200-£250 | £350-£400 | | **Controls** | Volume knob, headphone jack | Wired control pod (volume, mute, aux, HP) | Wired control pod (volume, mute, aux, HP) | | **Sound Profile** | Warm, bass-forward, basic | Balanced, refined, full | Powerful bass, dynamic, immersive | | **Bass** | Present, but a bit soft | Tight, controlled, impactful | Deep, rumbling, can be overpowering | | **Soundstage** | Narrow | Wide, immersive | Very wide, cinematic | | **Connectivity** | 3.5mm Aux | 3.5mm Aux | 3.5mm Aux (all via Acoustimass) | | **Footprint** | Small, compact | Moderate | Large (due to Acoustimass module) | | **Best For** | Basic upgrade, general use | Everyday use, music, gaming, films | Films, gaming, powerful bass | ## A Word on Bose's "Signature Sound" Now, I've mentioned this a few times, haven't I? Bose has a definite *flavour* to their sound. It's not neutral, not analytical. It's designed to be pleasing to the ear, often with that boosted bass and a slightly smoothed-over top end. For some, that's exactly what they want. It makes music sound full, adds impact to movies, and hides the deficiencies of compressed audio files. It’s less fatiguing over long listening sessions, which is a big plus for computer speakers. You’re often sitting right in front of them for hours on end, aren’t you? That’s important. However, if you’re someone who values absolute accuracy, who wants to hear every last detail exactly as the recording engineer intended, then Bose might not be your first choice. They interpret the sound, rather than simply reproducing it. Think of it like a photograph – some people want a totally unedited, natural shot. Bose often gives you a shot with a nice filter applied, making everything look a bit more vibrant, a bit more exciting. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, just be aware of what you're getting into. For my money, the Companion 20s strike the best balance here. They still have that pleasing Bose character, but with enough refinement that it doesn't feel like a compromise. The Companion 50s push that bass character a bit too far for my personal taste when it comes to music, though I can see the appeal for films. ## What About Bluetooth? You might have noticed a distinct lack of Bluetooth on these models. That's because, traditionally, these were designed as wired desktop speakers. Many of us still prefer a good old 3.5mm cable for reliability and sound quality, especially when sitting right next to the source. However, if Bluetooth is a must-have for you, it's not the end of the world. You can easily add a Bluetooth adapter. Plenty of decent ones plug right into the auxiliary input. Just make sure it's a good quality one, otherwise, you