4 Best JBL Computer Speakers 2022
By Robert Jones · 2021-01-04
I've spent over 20 years with speakers, and let me tell you, upgrading your computer's sound makes a world of difference. Come on, let's look at some JBL options for your desk.
Right then, let's talk about computer speakers. Specifically, JBL ones. Now, I've seen a fair few desks with some truly abysmal sound setups over my twenty-odd years in this game. You wouldn't believe the stuff people tolerate. But when you spend hours at a desk, whether you're working, gaming, or just messing about, good sound makes a proper difference. It really does. JBL. A big name, isn't it? They've been around the block, seen a lot of changes in audio. From cinema sound systems to those little portable Bluetooth cans everyone seems to have these days. They've made some cracking stuff over the years, and some duds, too. Like any big company, really. But for computer speakers, they often hit a sweet spot between price and performance. Not always a home run, mind, but usually a solid double. I’ve had a rummage through their current lineup, focused on what people actually use with their PCs and Macs. We’re not talking about studio monitors here, though some blur the lines a bit. This is about making your Spotify playlist sound decent, your Zoom calls clear, and those explosions in your favourite game feel like they’re actually happening in your spare room. So, let's have a proper gander, shall we? **Quick Verdict:** The JBL 104-BT Compact Powered Monitors offer the best balance of quality, features, and value for most desktop users.  *4 Best JBL Computer Speakers 2022 — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## The Contenders: JBL Computer Speakers for Your Desk I’ve picked out a few models that regularly pop up when folks ask me about JBL and desktop audio. Some are more geared towards general listening, others lean into content creation, but all are perfectly capable of boosting your computer's sound far beyond those tinny built-in laptop speakers. Or even most cheap plastic desktop sets, for that matter. ### 1. JBL 104-BT Compact Powered Desktop Reference Monitors Now, these 104-BTs. I’ve had a pair knocking around the workshop for a few months, and they’re surprisingly good for the money. They’re marketed as "desktop reference monitors," which sounds a bit fancy, but it just means they try to give you a fairly flat, accurate sound. For mixing music, that’s key. For just listening, it means you get a pretty honest reproduction of what’s meant to be there, without too much added boom or sizzle. They’re tiny. Really, properly compact. You can stick 'em on almost any desk without them dominating the space. That’s a big plus for a lot of people whose desks are already cluttered with monitors, keyboards, and half-eaten biscuits. Build quality is decent enough for the price point – plastic, but it feels solid. Not like it's going to fall apart if you look at it funny. The sound? For their size, they punch above their weight. There's a nice clarity to the midrange and treble, which means vocals and instruments come through well. Bass is present, certainly more than you'd expect from such small cabinets, but don't expect earth-shattering rumble. They’re not going to shake your foundations. But for casual listening, YouTube, and even a bit of light gaming, they're more than capable. The Bluetooth is a handy addition, letting you stream from your phone without faffing with cables. **Who it's for:** * Anyone needing decent sound in a small desk footprint. * Home producers or content creators on a tight budget needing reasonably accurate monitoring. * Students or remote workers looking for an upgrade over laptop speakers. * Those who appreciate balanced sound without excessive bass. **Who should skip it:** * Bass-heads who want seismic explosions in their games. * People with very large rooms expecting room-filling sound from tiny speakers. * Anyone needing studio-grade accuracy (you'll need to spend a lot more). **Pros:** * Compact size, easy to place. * Balanced, clear sound for the price. * Bluetooth connectivity adds versatility. * Front-panel headphone jack and volume control are very convenient. * Good build for a plastic cabinet. **Cons:** * Limited bass extension, not for bass fanatics. * Not the most powerful speakers; struggle in larger rooms. * Plastic construction, while solid, isn't premium. ### 2. JBL Quantum Duo Gaming Speakers Now, these are a bit different. JBL’s Quantum range is their gaming stuff, and the Quantum Duo speakers are squarely aimed at that market. You can tell just by looking at them; they've got that gamer aesthetic with the angular design and, of course, RGB lighting. Yeah, I know, RGB isn't for everyone, but a lot of younger folk like it. You can turn it off, thankfully, if you're not into the disco desk look. Sound-wise, these are designed to immerse you in games. And they do a fair job. They've got a decent amount of punch, especially in the low end. Explosions and gunshots have a good impact, which is what most gamers are after. The soundstage is pretty wide too, helping with positional audio – hearing where those footsteps are coming from. That's important in a competitive online shooter, innit? They use a 2.0 channel setup, so no separate subwoofer, but the bass reflex ports help them dig a bit deeper than you might expect. Connectivity is good, with USB for your PC, 3.5mm aux, and Bluetooth. It makes them pretty flexible. I found them to be a bit more coloured than the 104-BTs, with a more V-shaped sound signature (boosted bass and treble) which is common for gaming gear. It makes things exciting but not necessarily accurate. **Who it's for:** * Gamers who want an immersive audio experience without headphones. * People who appreciate dynamic, punchy sound for movies and action content. * Anyone who likes customisable RGB lighting on their setup. * Those needing versatile connectivity options for multiple devices. **Who should skip it:** * Audiophiles seeking a neutral, uncoloured sound. * People with limited desk space (they're a bit bulkier than the 104-BTs). * Anyone who dislikes the "gamer" aesthetic. **Pros:** * Punchy, immersive sound for gaming and movies. * Good positional audio cues. * Versatile connectivity (USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth). * Customisable RGB lighting (if you like that sort of thing). **Cons:** * Sound signature is coloured, not neutral. * Can be a bit too bassy for some music genres. * "Gamer" aesthetic might not appeal to everyone. * Larger footprint than some compact options. ### 3. JBL LSR305 / 305P MkII (5-inch) Powered Studio Monitors Right, now we're stepping up a notch. The LSR305s, or their updated version, the 305P MkIIs, are proper studio monitors. Not strictly "computer speakers" in the traditional sense, but if you're serious about sound, or you do any kind of music production, podcasting, or video editing, these are a fantastic option for a desktop setup. You'll see these in loads of home studios, and for good reason. They're bigger. A fair bit bigger than the 104-BTs or the Quantum Duos. You need a bit of desk space for these, and ideally, some stands to get them at ear height. They also need a separate audio interface or a mixer to connect to your computer, as they use balanced XLR or TRS inputs. You can get cables to go from your computer's headphone jack, but you're not really getting the best out of them that way. That's an extra cost and complexity, mind. But the sound? Oh, it's a different league. Clear, detailed, accurate. You hear everything. The stereo imaging is fantastic, letting you place instruments precisely in the soundstage. Bass is tight and extends surprisingly deep for a 5-inch woofer. They're designed to reveal flaws in a mix, which means your music sounds absolutely brilliant on them. If you've got a good recording, these will let it shine. If it's a bit rubbish, they'll show you that too. Not always a fun listen if you're used to more forgiving speakers, but it's the truth. **Who it's for:** * Aspiring music producers, audio engineers, or content creators needing accurate monitoring. * Serious music lovers who prioritise detail and neutrality. * Anyone with a dedicated desk space and the budget for an audio interface. * Those who want truly exceptional sound quality for their computer. **Who should skip it:** * Casual listeners who just want something to plug straight in. * Anyone with very limited desk space (they are chunky). * People on a tight budget (they're more expensive and often need extra gear). * Those who prefer a more "fun," coloured sound. **Pros:** * Superb sound accuracy and detail. * Excellent stereo imaging and soundstage. * Good bass extension for their size. * Professional connectivity for serious setups. * Built like tanks, very robust. **Cons:** * Require an audio interface or professional-grade soundcard. * Bulky, need significant desk space. * More expensive than consumer options. * Not designed for casual plug-and-play use. ### 4. JBL Pebbles USB Desktop Speakers Ah, the Pebbles. These are an old favourite for a lot of people who just want something simple, small, and better than built-in laptop speakers. They've been around for ages, which tells you something. They're USB powered and connect via a single USB cable, which handles both power and audio. Proper simple. No faffing with power bricks or extra audio cables. Just plug and play. Lovely. They're tiny. Seriously, they look like, well, pebbles. Or perhaps more like little spaceships. Design is subjective, but they certainly stand out. Build is plastic, but again, fairly solid for what they are. The volume control is a neat little dial on the side of one speaker, quite tactile. Sound-wise, they're decent for the price. Don