Computer Speakers That Attach To Monitors | Clip-On Monitor Speakers & Soundbars
Having speakers on your computer monitor can be rather convenient. One of the significant advantages that they offer is good quality sound without long cables or the need for extensive, bulky speakers.
Most computer speakers that attach to the monitor are clip-on monitor speakers that use simple clips to attach to the monitor. In this roundup, we explore the best monitor clip-on speakers available on the market.
Top 3 Picks
1. Best Overall: Dell AC511M Stereo Soundbar
Brought to you by Dell, the AC511M tops our list for its ability to deliver decent audio performance at an affordable price.
This Texas-based multinational technology company is famous for creating powerful computers, tablets, and smartphones.
However, the company is also trying to match its superior computer hardware with a solid sound performance.
Design and Features
Designed for performance and convenience, the AC511M is hardly noticeable until you hear it. It has a slim and stylish design, attaching tightly below most Dell monitors without affecting their adjustability.
The speaker has a headphone port for private listening and an AUX-in jack that makes it easy to plug the music from your Smartphone. It also has a short USB power cable to enhance its simplistic design.
Performance
When connected, the AC511M delivers rich sound with a crisp and clear musical performance.
The volume integrates well on your dell monitor screen, allowing you to personalize the audio performance for clarity when watching movies or playing games. Nonetheless, you’re up for disappointment if you buy it expecting heart-thumping bass.
Its subtle bass makes it a great business tool, ideal for teleconferencing or listening to background music as you work. However, you may need an adapter to connect it to older Dell monitors.
Pros
Elegant, minimalistic presentation
Simple and convenient installation
Crisp audio clarity
Affordable price
Cons
No thumping bass
Verdict
The Dell AC511M should be your first choice if you want decent sound performance in an elegant soundbar. It may not give you jaw-dropping loudness, but it’s excellent for anyone who needs solid audio without complex and extra bulky wiring. Of course, it beats most internal speakers, and there is no doubt this is one of the best computer speakers that attach to monitors.
2. Best Design: Dell AX510 Soundbar
The AX510 is yet another top-of-the-line clip-on speaker from Dell, designed to improve the overall audio performance of your desktop computer.
This soundbar is built explicitly for the Dell Professional or Ultra-Sharp series monitors; it doesn’t feature a separate adapter.
Design and Features
Designed to attach easily to UltraSharp or P Series flat panel monitors, the AX510 is lightweight and elegant.
It has a simple light at the center, running from top to bottom to indicate when the speaker is on.
The light is not intrusive while working, but it’s unnecessarily big since a small white dot would offer the same benefits.
Performance
A dual-channel speaker, the Dell AX510 soundbar delivers 10 watts of RMS power with crisp clarity for watching movies and playing video games.
The bass performance isn’t stellar compared to your average bookshelf speakers, but it’s good enough to enjoy a decent sound. It’s not excellent, but it sounds far, much better than the internal laptop speaker.
Overall, the AX510 can deliver a decent sound volume with excellent tonal balance and clarity. Its performance rivals most laptops with an inbuilt Dolby Home theater system, making it great for web-based communication and entertainment.
Pros
Sleek and minimalistic design
Loud volume with no distortions
Easy to set up
Decent audio performance
Cons
Only compatible with select Dell monitors
Verdict
If you want a clean look on your desk space without sacrificing audio clarity, the Dell AX510 will be a valuable addition to your system. The volume is loud enough and easy to adjust, but folks looking for pounding bass should invest in a multi-unit speaker system with a subwoofer.
3. Best For Laptops: SonaVerse Clip-On Soundbar By Gogroove
With most clip-on speakers, there’s only one place you can clip them onto your monitor – either at the top, bottom, or beside the display.
However, the SonaVerse Clip-on Soundbar clip-on USB speaker from Gogroove gives you great versatility in its installation, allowing you to adjust it according to your needs.
Design and Features
Built-in modern and attractive housing, the SonaVerse clip-on soundbar was designed to tightly clip on top of your screen. If the clip is too tight for your screen, you can stand it alongside your computer as a desktop speaker.
When clipped on top of your laptop, it efficiently covers your webcam for extra security if you feel like someone might be spying.
Even better, this USB-powered speaker keeps you off batteries, AC adapters, and tedious wires.
Performance
With two high-excursion audio drivers, the SonaVerse USB soundbar is a decent 2.0-channel speaker capable of delivering full-range sound.
The stereo sound is noticeably loud than your faint internal speakers, pumping out 4watts peak and 2W RMS.
The volume is adjustable, but it doesn’t do much to add to the bass or change the overall performance. Nonetheless, the sound is distortion-free in any position or volume level.
Pros
Portable and travel-friendly
25mm full-range drivers
Multiple setup options without complex wiring
Affordable price
Cons
Clip-on attachment too tight for some laptops
The volume control doesn’t work well
Verdict
The SonaVerse USB soundbar is ideal for weak or faulty laptop speakers and speaker-less desktop computers. You can clip it at the top of your computer display or set it up as a desktop speaker using its stand. You may experience volume-level frustrations if you’re trying to go low, but the overall performance is impressive.
4. Best Under a Budget: Syba Clip-On Soundbar
While Syba is not popular in the speaker market, its clip-on soundbar is among the best for its nifty design and excellent performance.
The price is the biggest attraction to this speaker, though it offers an excellent array of features, primarily with high-end options such as the Dell AC511M.
Design and Feature
The construction of the Syba Clip-on soundbar is generally acceptable and easy to handle by clipping it on top of your display screen or TV.
The exterior casing is made of durable plastic and coated metal grills, making it easy to wipe off dust or moisture.
This speaker sits nicely on top of your screen, using two front legs and a longer leg at the back to secure it.
However, the gap between the front and the back is a bit hefty when clipping the speaker on your laptop. Nonetheless, it will remain in place unless you are typing too hard or banging the table.
Performance
This little speaker can deliver a solid audio performance that rivals most entry-level desktop speakers.
It packs a punch for its size, giving you 5 watts of RMS power when connected through the USB cable for power and a 3.5mm jack for sound.
This speaker is also great for adding punch to your sound system, especially when you need more speech clarity without sacrificing a movie’s or video game’s dramatic effects.
Pros
Immaculate sound
Unbeatable price and good performance
Durable construction
No hissing or humming when no sound is playing
Cons
It doesn’t clip on tightly on the laptop
Verdict
Though the Syba Clip-on soundbar doesn’t have the best clipping system for a laptop, the sound quality and price outweigh this minor inconvenience. Its performance solves the issue of weak TV and computer speakers, giving you clean audio with no distortion or humming sounds. Additionally, its plastic exterior is easy to clean and maintain though it looks cheap – just saying :).
5. Best Stereo: SUPVIN Portable Mini Computer Clip-On Speaker
Speakers On Monitor Arms
Some people prefer to have their speakers on their monitor arms because it looks cleaner and keeps the speakers at eye level. To do this, you need shelf brackets to mount the monitor arms and speakers. A good speaker monitor arm is the Gator Frameworks Desktop Clamp-On Studio Monitor.
What To Look For When Buying Clip-On Monitor Speakers
Stereo Quality:
Compatibility:
Vertical and Horizontal Clip-On:
Why Use A Monitor Clip-On Speaker
While monitor speakers don’t promise ground-shaking bass or a surround sound experience, they offer various benefits that make them worth buying.
Here are a few reasons you want to buy a clip-on speaker for your computer monitor.
Portability
Clip-on speakers feature minimalist designs that make them easy to mount on your screen without over-weighing it.
Their small design also makes them easy to carry while traveling, allowing you to enjoy a solid audio performance while on the go.
Save Space
While bookshelf speakers can deliver decent full-range sound, they occupy a significant space on your desk and may leave it untidy, especially with wires hanging around.
However, clip-on speakers don’t occupy any space on your desk, allowing you to maintain a formal vibe around the office while enjoying a decent sound.
Easy Connection
If you’re suffering from poor audio quality due to weak inbuilt speakers, you might need to upgrade to external monitor speakers to enjoy better sound.
However, most exterior speakers require wiring and audio skills to perform well. As such, clip-on speakers are an excellent choice for anyone who avoids complex connections and tangled wires.
Affordability
Unlike most speaker systems on the market, most clip-on monitor speakers cost less than $100. That makes them a brilliant choice for anyone looking for a good sound while watching movies or playing games with their speaker-less desktop monitor.
The price may vary from one brand to another, but you can still get a great clip-on speaker for as little as $40.
Before we get into it, please note that using clip-on monitor speakers is not the best way to get great sound from your computer.
These speakers are convenient but straightforward and don’t produce audiophile sound. If you are interested in that, check out our article on connecting a PC or laptop to an amplifier and speakers and getting audiophile sound from your computer.
Benefits of Desk Clamp Monitor Speaker Stands
There are a few benefits to using desk clamp monitor speaker stands. The first benefit is that they offer a stable and secure platform for your speakers.
If you’re using a speaker stand that doesn’t have a clamp, your speakers will likely move around and be unstable. A desk clamp monitor speaker stand will provide a more stable platform for your speakers, which will help keep them in place.
The desk clamp monitor speaker stand is a great way to improve the quality of your audio experience. Using a desk clamp, you can place your speakers in many positions to face the audience.
This position allows you to hear all of your speakers’ sounds. Additionally, the computer monitor speaker mount will keep your speakers in good shape even when placed in complex environments. When working with them, you won’t have to worry about them coming loose or damaged.
Additionally, a clip-on computer speaker can prevent unwanted sounds from leaking out of your speakers. This is important because it can help protect your investment and cause fewer noise complaints from your customers.
Top 3 Best Desktop Studio Monitor Stands
Looking for the best desktop studio monitor stands? Check out our top picks for the best desktop studio monitors in 2022.
If you’re looking for the best studio monitor stand to provide a dedicated space for your speakers, the SMS6000-P is an excellent option.
This stand is perfect for use in both small and large studios. It’s made from durable metal and has an adjustable height to be positioned at any angle. Plus, it has a built-in amplifier to ensure you have the best sound quality possible.
If you’re looking for a stand that will make your music sound even better, look no further than the SMS6000-P.
IsoAcoustics ISO-155 studio monitor stands are the perfect way to improve your sound quality in your home recording studio. They provide a dedicated space for your speakers and also feature IsoAcoustics’ exclusive wave-guide technology, which helps improve imaging and clarity.
Another great benefit of these stands is that they come equipped with soft close brackets, making it easy to tighten or adjust the speakers while recording. Plus, they’re made from heavy-duty materials that will last for years.
If you’re looking for an affordable option that will still provide excellent sound quality, we recommend checking out the budget-friendly IsoAcoustics ISO-155 studio monitor stand.
Gator Frameworks is a company that makes high-quality, clamp-on studio monitor stands. Their stands are designed to fit any speaker and can be attached or detached in seconds.
They come in a black and white finish and an eco-friendly plastic material that’s easy to clean. Additionally, their stands support up to 12 speakers, making them perfect for larger spaces.
Gator Frameworks is the perfect option if you’re looking for a great way to improve your home recording studio.
Adjustable speaker stands for Desktop.
Adjustable speaker stands for computers and is a great way to improve your computer sound. By changing the height and width of your stand, you can adjust the level of sound that your speakers output.
This can be extremely helpful if you’re using a computer in a noisy environment or have an audio system that is not up to par.
In addition, adjustable speaker stands can be used as makeshift stands for other electronics, like phones or tablets. This is an excellent way to keep your devices from touching the ground and making them unusable.
How Do You Make Your Desktop Speakers Stand?
Method 1: Straightened wood and wooden planks will be required for the stand. Wood glue, nails, saws, and sandpaper are essential supplies.
You will use these tools to strengthen and stabilize a stand. You can also use this material to dress up your desktop speakers by including various wood decorations.
Method 2: Place the speaker stand on a level surface and drill screws into two opposing ends of the stand to create an inclined, slanted appearance. You may add spoke legs to the top and bottom base of the stand after painting or priming it with a wood stain.
FAQs
1. Can clip-on speakers damage the monitor?
No, they do not cause any damage to the monitor. These clip-on speakers are lightweight and offer high-quality sound to the users.
2. Does the Dell clip-on speaker come with a Dell monitor?
No, it does not. You have to buy them for your computer separately.
3. What is the best speaker on the list for the monitor?
Dell AC511M is one of the best clip-on speakers currently. It has a minimal design and provides crisp and clear sound.
4. How do I add clip-on speakers to my Dell monitor?
Wired speakers use a 3.5mm audio connection or a USB cable to connect to a desktop or laptop. Bluetooth may be used to connect wireless speakers or headphones to a Bluetooth-capable PC.
5. Can VGA transmit an audio signal?
No, VGA does not transmit an audio signal; it is excluded from the receiving HDMI stream. Options for getting audio output through HDMI include: Directly connect an HDMI to an HDMI cable. Use an audio cable separately. Another way would be to connect speakers to the computer’s audio ports.
Conclusion
The primary lure of monitor clip-on speakers is that they allow you to easily enjoy the clear stereo sound without losing any desk space. If you are a minimalist and like this compact setup, we hope you found a clip-on monitor speaker that suits your needs.
Norvan Martin is the founder of BoomSpeaker.com. He is a professional Electronics Engineer and is passionate about home theater systems and AV electronics. BoomSpeaker was created as an online hub to share his knowledge and experiences as it relates to home theaters and home audio electronics.
My email: admin@boomspeaker.com
Connect on Pinterest and Linkedin