A basic set of PC speakers with a few quirks, the Logitech Z-5s operate entirely via USB, which means you need a PC to use them. The audio quality is adequate but nothing special.

Edifier's mid-level M3200 speakers work well for casual music and PC gaming. If you're looking for anything special, though, keep moving along. They're capable little workhorses but they won't blow you away with volume levels or sound quality.

If you’ve got the money, it’s hard to go past the Audiobytes as a pre-built PC sound system. These speakers blow their mainstream competitors out of the water with clear, analytical sound — even though they are a little bass-shy at higher volumes.

As a PC speaker system for games and movies, the S730 is excellent. Audiophiles will be flustered by the slight lack of mid-range, but unless you're listening intently the speakers will be all but perfect for day-to-day tasks.

The Mako speaker package from Razer surprised us a little, providing excellent if slightly bass-heavy audio and a sleek design. However the price tag is quite high and the remote can be painful to use, both of which may turn off some users.

The Audioengine A2 speaker set should be on the short list of anyone who values good musical reproduction over chest-thumping bass.

The E3350 from Edifier is a 2.1 speaker system that's a solid rival to equivalent products from Creative and Logitech, and it is available at a competitive price.

Logitech's Z-Cinema will transform your PC into a mini home entertainment setup. If you're looking to use your PC for media related tasks, it's an excellent option.

The Gigaworks T40 speakers are a great product. Creative has managed to produce some great quality audio for a very affordable price. As with most of Creative's range, they probably won't appeal to true audiophiles, but for everyday use they excel.

Although their bass may be lacking, Creative's Inspire T10 speakers are still quite good value, and deliver decent audio performance in a range of applications.

Creative's Gigaworks T20 speakers are a great choice for PC users looking for a versatile and reliable set of speakers. They're not high end, but deliver great value for their price.