Speakers

Start with your desk space and what you listen to. A tidy 2.0 set (two speakers) suits most desks and sounds great for music, games and films. If you want more bass for gaming and movies, a 2.1 set adds a subwoofer. Match the size and power to your room, since big speakers in a small space can be too much.

A 2.0 setup keeps things simple and clean and is plenty for everyday listening. A 2.1 setup adds a subwoofer for deeper bass, which makes games and films feel weightier. If you love bass or watch a lot of action content, go 2.1. If you want a tidy desk and clear sound, 2.0 is the easy choice.

They suit different times. Speakers are great for relaxed sessions, music and sharing sound in the room. A headset is better for late-night play, competitive games where you need to hear detail, and clear team chat. Many people keep both and switch depending on the time of day and the game.

A 3.5mm analogue connection is the classic, simple option and works with any PC. USB speakers handle the audio digitally and can sound cleaner. Bluetooth lets you stream from a phone or tablet too. Pick based on your PC's outputs and whether you want to play wirelessly from other devices.

In the budget range, a compact 2.0 set gives the cleanest sound per pound, while a 2.1 set adds bass if that matters more to you. Look for a balanced sound and a build that suits your desk rather than the biggest numbers. A modest, well-made set often sounds better than a cheap, oversized one.