Chromebooks are great for tasks such as working in Google Docs or doing a little web surfing, but with many models having fancy swiveling hinges that stand like an easel, they also make for excellent compact movie screens. Streaming video is a great way to use your Chromebook, but there's one caution: the sound often sucks. And it's not just an entry-level Chromebook pet peeve either, as you'll see the same issue on some of the best Chromebooks as well. The tiny speakers inside your thin and light laptop are fine for the coffee shop but when you get home, it's worth it to have some good speakers on your desk.
These are some of the best audio upgrades for your Chromebook
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All-in-one audio solution
If your Chromebook is your main work machine, you want it to be quick and easy to transition back to your desk when you get home. The Logi Dock is expensive for a speaker but it does so much more with a USB-C dock including display out and 100W of charging. The speaker has dual 55mm drivers and six microphones with noise canceling.
Simple speaker system
These basic speakers from Cyber Acoustics are a great way to get more sound from your Chromebook without breaking the bank. There aren't any extras or fancy tricks here — just a good set of plug-and-play speakers for a great price. Plus, they're small so that they won't take up a lot of space on your desk.
Plenty of power
If your Chromebook is the main piece of your home office setup, you're going to need some quality speakers to go with them. The Logitech Z623 is a THX-certified 2.1 stereo speaker set that connects to your Chromebook via a 3.5mm audio cable, and it can bring your music and movies to life with studio-quality audio.
Home theater on your desk
Logitech is one of the first names to come to mind for surround sound computer speakers and the Z906 is its best surround system. This kit supports Dolby Digital and DTS digital surround over optical or coaxial with analog input as well. This is a good choice for those that also have a gaming PC or console at their desk.
A compact stereo speaker
Tall stereo speakers are nice but if you've got a large or ultrawide monitor, you may simply lack the space for good stereo positioning. That's where RAZER comes in with the Leviathan soundbar. This soundbar will fit under most monitors to provide strong stereo separation. The subwoofer helps round out the sound with plenty of bass.
Classic 2.1 computer speakers
With a simple and elegant design, Edifier impresses with the M3200 2.1 speaker system. The two stereo speakers each have a tweeter and woofer inside with a subwoofer for the floor. The large volume knob can sit on your desk making it quick and easy to get the perfect volume level. The hourglass design also looks great next to a PC.
Find a speaker that fits your desk
Chromebooks bring a ton of flexibility to computing with thin and light laptops that are great for work. The problem comes when it's time to clock out and watch your favorite YouTube channel or a few TV episodes. As we saw in our Acer Chromebook Spin 714 review, some Chromebooks can fold over for excellent viewing but the audio experience is lacking unless you use headphones. These speaker help balance your multimedia experience and make your Chrome OS laptop just as good at play as it is at work.
The Logi Dock verges on complicated but thanks to USB-C, you're one connection away from turning your Chromebook into a desktop. You can connect your monitor and USB devices to the Logi Dock while the included power supply gives your Chromebook up to 100W of power. The speakers won't rattle the windows but should be more than ample for some light music while you work. The dock is great for meetings so you don't need to wear headphones for hours on end and it has six noise-canceling microphones so everyone can hear you clearly.
If you're looking for the simplest of simple hookups: Cyber Acoustics' CA-2014 multimedia speakers are here for you. They're small, compact, and unassuming. They're the epitome of "keep It simple, stupid," and that's why you'll love these speakers. They represent simplicity at its finest.
If you're eyeing to make the Chromebook the centerpiece of your home office, check out Logitech's Z623 2.1 stereo speakers. The Z623 offers THX-certified sound to enhance the audio from whatever you're watching or listening to on your Chromebook, with crisp bass that will certainly shake the room.
