Save your Chromebook from terrible sound with an amazing speaker set
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 movie screens. Streaming video is a great way to use your Chromebook, but there's one caveat: the sound often sucks. And it's not an entry-level Chromebook pet peeve either, as you'll see the same issue on some of the best Chromebooks as well. Understandably, it's hard to include decent-sounding speakers in a slim and light laptop design. However, the solution (thankfully) is easy: external speakers. Here is a selection of the best Chromebook speakers that not only sound great, but will also work with your machine without any fuss.
Portable bluetooth booming soundHarmon Kardon Onyx Studio 6Staff Pick
The Harmon/Kardon Onyx Studio 6 is one of the best Bluetooth speakers money can buy. Its booming bass and sound clarity are staples of the Harmon/Kardon experience, and the ability to connect to not only your Chromebook but to a second device, such as a mobile phone to take calls, is invaluable. The speaker also comes with eight hours of battery life per charge, so it's great for parties. Did I forget to mention that you can set two of these speakers up in a stereo configuration using the HK Connect app?
$295 at Amazon $300 at Best Buy $260 at Walmart
Simple and cleanCyber Acoustics CA-2014 Multimedia Speakers
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.
Best portable pickOontZ Angle 3 Ultra
If you want something with oomph, but small enough to take in your pocket, the OontZ Angle 3 Ultra should be on your radar. The OontZ Angle 3 Ultra has a 100-foot Bluetooth range and can be set up for wireless stereo audio. It packs a sturdy 20-hour playtime on one charge, or you can also hook up the speaker to your Chromebook via 3.5mm aux cable for passive audio.
Get your bass hereCyber Acoustics CA-3602 2.1 Sound System
A stylish and surprisingly loud (30 watts with 62 watts peak) set of speakers will separate stereo audio nicely, and the included 5.25-inch ported subwoofer sits out of sight and pumps out the bass. Set up is easy: You simply connect the control puck to your Chromebooks 3.5 mm audio port. Convenient volume and bass controls, as well as a master on/off switch, are built into the control pod, so all the adjustments are at your fingertips.
$40 at Amazon $60 at Walmart $80 at Newegg
THX immersionLogitech Z623 400 Watt Home Speaker System
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 3.5mm audio cable, and it can bring your music and movies to life with studio-quality audio.
$120 at Amazon $120 at Best Buy $140 at Newegg
Surround sound ... because why not?Logitech Surround Sound Speaker Z506
Okay, this might be overkill for a typical Chromebook, but if you have a high-end Chromebook that can handle 4K video, such as the Lenovo Yoga c630, it makes a bit more sense. The z506 connects via 3.5mm input, meaning no delay in transmitting audio. This makes it perfect for a home office setting when you're just relaxing, listening to music, or streaming a movie after a long day's work.
If we're making some suggestions ...None of these speakers are bad choices. Absolutely none. However, based on your needs, you would be tempted to go in a particular direction when picking the "perfect" speaker choice for your Chromebook or Chromebook setup.
If you're looking for portability with quality sound from a tried and true brand, Samsung's Harmon Kardon Onyx Studio 6 should be your go-to. The bass kicks - and I mean kicks. Just one of these speakers has enough sound to fill a medium-sized room, and its carrying handle makes it easy to transport.
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're 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.