The Bottom Line: The $170 SoundSticks III speakers offer light cosmetic upgrades (and unfortunately retain a few irritations) from the previous model, but if you're a fan of the iridescent design, this speaker system won't disappoint.

Specs: PC multimedia speaker system, Wired, Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 10 Watt, 20 Watt

The Bottom Line: While the sound quality of the Altec Lansing Orbit Stereo speakers isn't likely to blow you away, the travel-friendly and affordable USB speakers do sound significantly better than the internal audio found on most laptops.

Specs: Portable speakers

The Bottom Line: We have few compliments to give the Altec Lansing Octane 7 speaker set. The awkwardly placed midrange driver and side-firing sub come off muddy and overbearing, and the constant adjustments aren't worth the cost, especially when Altec Lansing offers a better-sounding system for the same price.

Specs: PC multimedia speaker system, Wired, Active

The Bottom Line: Logitech's Z323 speakers project adequate sound at low levels, but if you turn up the volume, the audio has an unacceptable lack of clarity and severely distorted bass. We recommend that you stay away from these speakers and spend an extra $10 on the Logitech Z523, one of the best speaker-plus-subwoofer systems in its price class.

Specs: PC multimedia speaker system, Wired, Active

The Bottom Line: We found a lot to like about the B&W MM-1 multimedia speakers, but their $500 price tag gives us pause.

Specs: PC multimedia speakers, Wired, Active, 36 Watt

The Bottom Line: We'd have a much easier time recommending the Logitech Z520's average sound quality and lack of features if it didn't cost $130. We'd rather point you toward the Logitech Z523 system that offers best-in-class sound quality (and a subwoofer to boot) at an affordable price.

Specs: PC multimedia speakers, Wired, 2-way - Active, 13 Watt

The Bottom Line: Though they're not cheap, the Audioengine 2 speakers are an ideal combination of compact size and good looks, delivering great sound for their size.

Specs: PC multimedia speakers, Wired, High-gloss white, 2-way - Active, 88 dB, 15 Watt

The Bottom Line: Though they're not cheap, the Audioengine 2 speakers are an ideal combination of compact size and good looks, delivering great sound for their size.

Specs: PC multimedia speakers, Wired, Satin black, 2-way - Active, 88 dB, 15 Watt

The Bottom Line: You'd be hard-pressed to find a pair of powered stereo speakers at this price point that sounds better--and offer more flexibility--than the Audioengine 5s.

Specs: PC multimedia speakers, Wired, Black, 2-way - Active, 10 KOhm, 45 Watt

The Bottom Line: You'd be hard-pressed to find a pair of powered stereo speakers at this price point that sounds better--and offer more flexibility--than the Audioengine 5s.

Specs: PC multimedia speakers, Wired, White, 2-way - Active, 10 KOhm, 45 Watt