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We’ve reviewed the nine best speakers for MacBook Pro in 2024, focusing on a variety of options to enhance your audio experience. From compact USB-powered models to premium selections under $500, our guide covers speakers for every budget and need. We consider factors like portability, sound quality, and connectivity, ensuring you find the perfect match for your MacBook Pro, whether you seek affordable choices or top-tier audio performance.
Those speakers inside your MacBook Pro are quite small, even smaller than your TV speakers. They are surprisingly good considering the size and especially the thinness of the MacBook Pro but you will eventually find yourself in a situation when you need more robust and louder sound. That’s why it’s good to have a pair of external laptop speakers, even if you don’t use them all the time. Just in case the need for louder sound arises. And, at some point, it will. Trust us.
Our article on 9 best speakers for MacBook Pro in 2024 is here to help you with your search. We will answer all the important questions, give you some tips on what to pay attention to when looking for speakers for MacBook Pro, and offer you some suggestions. You basically have everything in one place. Just set your budget limit and look for the speaker that meets your requirements.
Table of Contents
- Best Speakers for MacBook Pro – Comparison Table
- 9 Best Speakers for MacBook Pro in 2024
- 1. The Most Compact USB-Powered Speakers – AmazonBasics PC Speakers
- 2. Creative Labs GigaWorks T20 Series II
- 3. Bose Companion 20
- 4. Best MacBook Pro Speakers Under $500 – Audioengine A5+
- 5. Best Speaker for MacBook Pro Under $300 – Fluance Ai40
- 6. Best Speakers for MacBook Pro Under $150 – Yamaha NX-50
- 7. The Most Versatile Laptop Speakers Under $100 – KEiiD KD-BCS01
- 8. Best Speakers for MacBook Pro Under $20 – Logitech Z130
- 9. Best USB-Powered Laptop Speakers Under $50 – ELEGIANT SR300
- FAQs
Best Speakers for MacBook Pro – Comparison Table
| Speakers for MacBook Pro | Rating | Price | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| AmazonBasics PC Speakers | 4.4 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Creative Labs GigaWorks T20 | 4.4 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Bose Companion 20 | 4.4 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Audioengine A5+ | 4.4 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Fluance Ai40 | 4.4 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Yamaha NX-50 | 4.3 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| KEiiD KD-BCS01 | 4.4 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Logitech Z130 | 4.2 | Check Logitech Check Walmart | Read Review |
| ELEGIANT SR300 | 4.2 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
As always, we did extensive research, tested both very pricey and very cheap speakers, checked their performance and features, and selected our favorites. We tried to include all kinds of speakers – cheap and expensive, Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth, USB-powered and those that require a power outlet. The result of that effort is this list of 9 best speakers for MacBook Pro in 2024. The following speakers are our top picks.
9 Best Speakers for MacBook Pro in 2024
1. The Most Compact USB-Powered Speakers – AmazonBasics PC Speakers
Looking for something really cheap? AmazonBasics is an excellent choice. These are USB-powered laptop speakers. A pair is priced under $20. You can also get four sets for less than $60. It’s a simple speaker set with only basic features.
Things we like
AmazonBasics speakers look and feel much more premium than the price implies. The speakers are shaped like truncated cones. Top and bottom are made of hard plastic, while the rest of the speaker is wrapped in a black metal grille. The base is padded, which improves stability and prevents scratching. The speakers are connected together with an undetachable cable. The right speaker has two additional undetachable cables – USB power cable and an audio cable with a 3.5mm jack.
When it comes to ease of use, AmazonBasics speakers are the perfect example of a plug-and-play device. You literally just have to plug it in. There is just a simple inline volume controller and that’s it.
Each speaker has one full-range driver (1.2W RMS each). At the bottom, there’s a radiator that’s supposed to improve the bass response. As you would assume, you can’t get anything extraordinary from such a small speaker system. The sound is tiny with almost no bass, but the mids are clear and the highs are fairly accurate.
Things we don’t like
Considering the price tag, we can’t complain much. However, we have to mention the lack of Bluetooth. Adding Bluetooth connectivity wouldn’t raise the price significantly but it would make the speakers much better.
2. Creative Labs GigaWorks T20 Series II
Creative Labs GigaWorks is significantly better (and pricier) than the previous AmazonBasics speaker set. This stereo system consists of two tiny but quite powerful 2-way speakers and it’s priced under $80.
Things we like
The speaker set looks simple but still stylish. It’s not exactly premium but it also doesn’t look or feel cheap.
The right speaker is the main (active) one and has all the connections. On the back, there’s a 3.5mm input, left speaker input, and a DC power input. On the front side of each speaker, you have two drivers (one woofer and one soft-dome tweeter). The right speaker houses two additional 3.5mm ports (audio input and headphone output) as well as volume, bass, and treble dials. The whole control scheme is fairly simple, convenient, and intuitive.
Creative Labs GigaWorks T20 Series II sounds pretty good. Much better than you would expect when you see it. One of the reasons is the so-called BassXPort technology. Each speaker has one up-firing bass reflex port, which makes the bass punchier and more present. The midrange reproduction is very nice, too. There’s a very good balance between bass and midrange. The treble is a little bit intense, but not painful or too bright. All in all, GigaWorks T20 Series II delivers the performance that’s on par with the price.
Things we don’t like
GigaWorks T20 Series II doesn’t support Bluetooth connectivity. However, if you are willing to pay 10 bucks more, you can get an upgraded version (GigaWorks T30). This version features Bluetooth connectivity with NFC support.
3. Bose Companion 20
Bose is, just like Sony, Sennheiser, and a few others, an omnipresent brand in the audio industry, especially when it comes to headphones and speakers. Bose Companion 20 is a great-looking and great-sounding speaker set. However, we still think it’s quite overpriced.
Things we like
Like any other Bose product, Bose Companion 20 speakers look simple yet attractive. They have a small footprint and can fit any table. The speakers are powered and come with a power adapter. The packaging also includes a wired control pod that allows you to control the volume, connect your headphones, or connect an additional analog audio source.
The enclosures are made of plastic and have large metal grilles covering the front panels. The overall build quality is very good.
The right speaker acts as the main (active) one. On the back of the right speaker, there’s the power input, a proprietary control pod connector, 3.5mm audio input, and audio output for connecting the left speaker.
The speakers deliver crystal-clear midrange and accurate and detailed highs. The bass is not completely absent but we have still expected a bit more at this price point.
Things we don’t like
Even though it sounds more refined than other speakers of similar size, we still think that Bose Companion 20 is overpriced. You can definitely get a larger and better-sounding speaker set at this price point.
The lack of Bluetooth is maybe not a downside when a speaker system costs 20 bucks, but it definitely is a downside when the speaker is priced around $250.
4. Best MacBook Pro Speakers Under $500 – Audioengine A5+
Audioengine A5+ is one of our favorite speakers for MacBook Pro, especially when it comes to sound reproduction and connectivity. The biggest problem we have with this speaker set is its portability. Audioengine A5+ are more of a bookshelf or desktop speakers and aren’t meant to be portable. So, if you are looking for something compact and portable, you should look elsewhere.
Things we like
The system comes with all the necessary cables for connecting the speakers together. It also comes with a tiny and simple remote.
The design is simple and boxy, but still very elegant and attractive. The speakers are available in three colors – black, bamboo, and black.
The left speaker is the main one (active) and houses all the controls and connections. On the front, you have the power indicator, IR receiver, and volume dial. On the back, you have a bunch of connections including one 3.5mm input, USB port (for charging phones but not for music playback), RCA inputs, RCA outputs, and speaker connectors (speaker outputs for the passive speaker). There are also the voltage selector and power switch. The right speaker houses only two RCA inputs for connecting to the active speaker.
Audioengine A5+ is quite versatile. You can connect two analog audio sources (AUX and RCA inputs). You can also connect an external subwoofer thanks to the RCA outputs. But this is not the end. A5+ speakers also support Bluetooth connectivity. They feature Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD support, which guarantees high-quality audio reproduction, even when streaming music wirelessly.
Each speaker houses one 5in woofer and one .75in tweeter. The RMS power output is rated at 50W per channel (75W peak). The speakers deliver an impressive sonic performance. The sound reproduction is accurate, dynamic, and quite enjoyable. It would be too optimistic from a relatively small speaker set to deliver the sub-bass frequencies but, other than that, Audioengine A5+ is an impressive speaker set.
Things we don’t like
Portability is probably the biggest issue. Compared to some other bookshelf/desktop speakers, A5+ is a relatively small speaker set, but it’s still much larger and heavier than the average laptop speaker set.
The lack of physical digital inputs can also be considered a downside, especially at this price point. A5+ speakers don’t have any optical or coaxial inputs.
5. Best Speaker for MacBook Pro Under $300 – Fluance Ai40
If you don’t have enough money for Audioengine A5+, Fluance Ai40 is a viable substitute. This speaker set is not exactly cheap but it’s cheaper than the A5+. It’s maybe not as versatile as the A5+, but it’s still pretty good – you have one analog input (RCA) and wireless connectivity (Bluetooth). A5+ and Fluance Ai40 have one flaw in common and that’s portability. Ai40 speaker set is also too large to be considered portable.
Things we like
Fluance Ai40 comes with all the necessary audio cables and with a nice remote. The speakers feature a simple studio monitor design. They are a bit smaller than the average bookshelf speakers but larger than the average laptop speakers.
The manufacturer used wood for the cabinets and the drivers are made of high-quality materials. The overall build quality is quite premium.
The main/active speaker has only one control button (power/volume dial). For all the other controls, you have to use the included remote. The remote is easy to use and responsive. It allows you to select the input, control the playback and volume, and adjust bass and treble levels.
The active/main speaker has only one pair of RCA inputs and a Bluetooth pairing button on the back. Unlike Audioengine A5+, Fluance Ai40 doesn’t have any additional analog inputs, it doesn’t have USB ports, and doesn’t have any sub-out ports.
The speaker set also features Bluetooth connectivity and it supports aptX audio codec.
Each speaker houses one 5in woofer and one 1in tweeter. The RMS power output of the system is 70W (150W peak). The system delivers an impressive sonic performance. The bass is tight, accurate, and punchy. The midrange, especially the vocals, are clear and detailed. The treble is almost sparkling. There are some limitations when it comes to bass, but that’s completely understandable. After all, Ai40 is a relatively small speaker set and can’t produce those sub-bass notes. One thing we really like about Ai40 is that you can change the sound signature by adjusting the bass and treble levels (you have to use the remote for that).
Things we don’t like
Ai40 is a compact and small speaker set but not small enough to be considered portable. It also comes with a pretty chunky power adapter.
Ai40 is a bit more limited than A5+ when it comes to connectivity – it has only one analog input and it doesn’t have any physical digital inputs.
6. Best Speakers for MacBook Pro Under $150 – Yamaha NX-50
Yamaha is another fairly recognizable brand in the audio world, especially when it comes to AV receivers and home theater systems. NX-50 is significantly smaller and less powerful than the previous two speaker sets, but it’s equally premium-looking and it sounds pretty great for its size. NX-50 is our top pick when it comes to speakers for MacBook Pro under $150.
Things we like
Yamaha NX-50 looks very attractive. It has a sturdy black cabinet and a strong, inflexible grille protecting the driver. The overall build quality, as well as design, are quite premium.
The right speaker is the active one and has all the controls and inputs. On the front, you have the volume dial, one headphone output, and a power indicator. On the back, you have a DC power input, left speaker output, and two 3.5mm audio inputs.
The speaker set is super-easy to install and use. You shouldn’t be having any problems with the installation.
The speaker supports auto-standby so, even if you forget to turn it off, it will go to standby after a certain period of inactivity.
The audio performance is respectable considering their size and power output (7W per channel). The manufacturer claims that you can even use them as TV speakers, but we don’t recommend that, especially if you have a big TV and a big room. Some larger soundbar is a much more appropriate solution in these situations. Yamaha NX-50 doesn’t deliver impressive bass performance but it would be unreasonable to expect that from such a small speaker set. The mids are quite detailed and accurate. The highs are maybe a little bit brighter but still enjoyable.
Things we don’t like
Yamaha NX-50 has two inputs but there’s no way to select the input. So, if you have two sources connected and both are playing audio, the speakers will output both audio signals at the same time.
NX-50 is priced around $110 and, at this price point, it’s only natural to expect Bluetooth connectivity. However, the speaker doesn’t feature Bluetooth. There’s an upgraded version with Bluetooth connectivity that looks exactly the same as this one but costs twice as much.
7. The Most Versatile Laptop Speakers Under $100 – KEiiD KD-BCS01
KEiiD KD-BCS01 is a fairly affordable (priced under $80), very versatile, and pretty good-sounding speaker set. It’s a great choice if you want to connect not only your MacBook Pro (or any other laptop/PC) but also your phone or some other Bluetooth or analog audio source.
Things we like
The speakers look a bit ordinary and boxy. What’s interesting about them is that they have very strong aluminum housings. No plastic of any kind here.
There are no controls on the speakers themselves but you will get a wired controller with touch-sensitive buttons. The controller is permanently attached to the main speaker. The main speaker also houses two AUX inputs and power input. There’s also a headphone output, located on the controller.
That touch-sensitive control pod is used to power the speakers on/off, select source, adjust volume, change EQ settings, or control the playback. The controller even has a built-in mic so you can use this speaker system to answer/make calls hands-free.
Each speaker has one 10W driver (peak power output) and two passive bass radiators (one on the top and one on the bottom). The speakers are surprisingly loud and the bass is present, but not impressive and it gets distorted at high volumes. The mids are clear and detailed. The highs are pretty articulate. The controller allows you to select one of three available EQ modes (movie, music, games) by pressing the M button.
Things we don’t like
The only thing we didn’t like is the controller. Unlike the speakers, the controller is made of plastic and looks a bit cheap and fragile. Other than that, we don’t have any complaints regarding this speaker set.
8. Best Speakers for MacBook Pro Under $20 – Logitech Z130
Logitech is a fairly recognizable name when it comes to PC and laptop peripherals. They make some pretty great-sounding PC/laptop speakers and gaming headsets, but also keyboards, mice, etc. Z130 is one of Logitech’s cheapest speaker sets and it’s our top choice when it comes to speakers under $20.
Things we like
Z130 speakers are quite compact and look aesthetically pleasing. The enclosures are made of plastic but feel fairly durable. The drivers are protected with metal grilles.
The speakers are connected with an undetachable cable. The left speaker is the main (active) one – it houses all the connections and controls. The speaker connects to laptops via AUX cable (located on the rear panel of the left speaker). On the front side, you have one headphone output and one power/volume dial. The controls are intuitive and easy to use. The whole installation process is absolutely hassle-free.
Each speaker houses one full-range driver and one front-firing bass radiator. The combined power output is rated at 5W RMS (10W peak). Compared to other, similarly sized and priced speakers, Logitech Z130 delivers quite an impressive low end. The mids are clear and dynamic. The highs are a bit dull and lack a little bit of detail.
Things we don’t like
It’s maybe a bit too optimistic to expect Bluetooth connectivity at this price point, but we still have to mention that Z130 doesn’t feature Bluetooth.
9. Best USB-Powered Laptop Speakers Under $50 – ELEGIANT SR300
ELEGIANT speaker set is one of the best affordable options. Besides the standard AUX input, the speakers feature Bluetooth connectivity. One feature that makes this system more interesting than others are those build-in LED lights around the woofers.
Things we like
The speakers feature a simple, boxy design with soft rounded edges. The cabinets are made of plastic and the woofers are protected with a metal grille. On each speaker’s grille, there’s an aluminum bar that makes them quite distinctive.
As always, you have the master/active speaker (the one with all the connections) and the passive speaker. The right one is the master speaker and it has, on the back, two undetachable cables (one USB cable for power supply and one AUX cable for connecting the audio source). On the front panel of the master speaker, on that metal bar, there’s an array of touch-sensitive controls. At the top, there’s the LED indicator. Below the indicator, you have the volume controls, mode button (M), power button, and a headphone output.
As mentioned above, ELEGIANT SR300 speaker system features one 3.5mm analog input and it supports Bluetooth connectivity. It features Bluetooth 5.0. The connection is perfectly stable within the standard 30ft Bluetooth range.
The thing that makes this speaker set recognizable and much more attractive than other similarly priced speakers is the LED lighting. It really makes the whole listening experience, especially at night, much more enjoyable. If you don’t like the lights, you can turn them off by pressing the M button for 2sec.
Each speaker houses one 5W full-range woofer (total peak power output – 10W). The woofers are paired with small front-firing bass ports that are supposed to improve the low end. For the price, the speakers deliver a very good performance. You won’t get the bass you would get with a significantly bigger system but there’s a nice hint of bass. Also, the midrange clarity is hardly comparable to Bose, Audioengine, or some other expensive speaker sets but, for less than 50 bucks, the mids are quite detailed and the vocals are perfectly clear. The treble is consistent. Overall, the performance is on par with the price.
Things we don’t like
If you are into bass-heavy music and you want something that rocks, you won’t be happy with these speakers. In fact, you will hardly be happy with any USB-powered laptop speakers.
This is the end of our list of 9 best speakers for MacBook Pro in 2024. In case you want to keep searching, you can find some useful pieces of advice on what to look for in our FAQs section. If you have any additional questions about laptop speakers or you want to share your opinion about a certain speaker model, feel free to comment.
FAQs
Q: How do I connect speakers to my MacBook Pro?
A: There are usually two ways of connecting a speaker to your laptop or MacBook Pro. Some speakers require wired connection via 3.5mm AUX cable and some also support wireless connection via Bluetooth.
It’s also important to mention that not all laptop speakers have the same kind of power supply. Some are powered by your laptop or MacBook (via USB port) while others require power outlet (AC/DC power).
Q: Can I use a Bluetooth speaker with my MacBook Pro?
A: Yes, you can. MacBook Pro supports Bluetooth connectivity and can work with any Bluetooth speaker or Bluetooth headphones. You can find all the instructions on how to pair your MacBook Pro with your Bluetooth audio device here.
Q: Which speaker is the best for MacBook Pro?
A: Unfortunately, we can’t give you a specific answer to this question. It all depends on what you are looking for and on your budget. None of the speakers in our list of 9 best speakers for MacBook Pro are massive. Most of them are small and portable but some are a little bit larger and made for desktop use. If you want the best sound, our top picks are Audio Engine A5+ and Fluance Ai40. If you need something more portable, try Bose Companion, Yamaha, Edifier, or Logitech speakers. If you need something cheap, there are many generic brands to choose from but our top choice are Logitech speakers (and maybe AmazonBasics).
Q: How do I connect my Bose speaker to my MacBook Pro?
A: As always, it depends on the speaker. If it’s a wired speaker, you must use the AUX cable. If the speaker is Bluetooth-enabled, you can either use Bluetooth connection or the good-old wired connection. You can find all the instructions on how to set up an audio device on your MacBook Pro here.
Q: Are USB speakers better?
A: Hardly. The fact that they are powered by the USB port means that they are small and that they don’t have high power requirements. In fact, their power requirements are very modest and their performance is also modest. USB speakers are usually better than your laptop speakers but not much better. And they are almost never better than regular AC-powered or DC-powered speakers.
Q: Do I need computer speakers?
A: Everybody needs them. Maybe not all the time, maybe not for everyday activities but, at some point, you’re going to want your laptop speakers to be louder. That’s why it’s smart to have a pair of laptop speakers lying around your home or dorm room. Just in case you decide to throw a mini party or in case you have to give a presentation. You can find some great suggestions on our list of 9 best speakers for MacBook Pro in 2024.
Hello, my name is James Longman.
I’m a writer and editor at AudioReputation. I disassembled my first portable AM/FM radio when I was only 8. At the age of 11, I burned the circuit board on my old boombox cassette player. I’m not going to explain how but it was reckless and stupid.
Since then, I have become much more careful around radios, boomboxes, and other audio devices (at least, I like to think so) but I have never lost the passion for audio equipment. Throughout 20 years of my professional career, I’ve been working for various audio equipment manufacturers and even started building speakers on my own in my little workshop.
I love the work we do here at AudioReputation. Testing, comparing, and evaluating all kinds of audio devices (speakers, soundbars, headphones, home theater systems, etc.) is something I truly enjoy. I try to be unbiased and give you my honest opinion on every piece of equipment I test. Still, you should take my reviews with a pinch of salt and always be just a little bit skeptical. The fact that I liked some speaker or soundbar doesn’t mean that you are going to love it. If you have the opportunity, you should test it/hear it before buying it.
I have a pair of Z200 from Logitech but they are sort of bulky for what sound they produce. Each speaker has a passive radiator and an active full frequency driver. Well it produces a range generally of 150 to 15,000Hz.
I mostly use headphones or earbuds now with my Mac mini. I have seen a few setups with the Apple Home pod. I just do not have the desktop space for bigger speakers that would probably sound better. The Bose Companion 2’s are pretty good I have had a couple pair of those in the past.
You’re sort of dealing with the Bose customized sound where equalization tries to make small speakers sound bigger. The internal speaker of the Mac mini is mostly for OS sounds and notifications. Otherwise it’s pretty worthless and I figure Apple included one to serve the Educational and Enterprise markets.