Your MacBook Pro is a powerhouse for creativity and productivity, but its built-in speakers often leave much to be desired when it comes to immersive sound. Whether you’re producing music, editing a podcast, or simply enjoying a movie, a dedicated set of speakers can dramatically improve your audio experience. The right speakers can fill your workspace with rich, detailed sound that does justice to your work and media.
With so many options available, from compact desktop models to powerful 2.1 systems, finding the perfect match for your setup can be a challenge. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting eight of the best speakers that pair seamlessly with your MacBook Pro. We’ve considered a range of needs, from audiophile-grade sound quality to space-saving designs and straightforward connectivity, to help you find the ideal audio upgrade for your desk.
The Best Speaker Upgrades For Your MacBook Pro
- Audioengine A2+ Desktop 24 Bit Wireless Bluetooth Desktop Speakers
- Creative Pebble 2.0 USB-Powered Desktop Speakers with Far-Field Drivers
- Audioengine A2-HD (HD3) Wireless Bluetooth PC and Computer Desktop Speakers
- Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers
- Logitech Z407 Bluetooth Computer Speakers
- Kanto YU2 Powered Desktop Speakers
- Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker System
- Mackie CR3-X 3-Inch Creative Reference Multimedia Monitors
Audioengine A2+ Desktop 24 Bit Wireless Bluetooth Desktop Speakers
The Audioengine A2+ speakers are a premium compact solution for the discerning listener. They deliver a powerful 60W of output and are capable of reproducing 16 and 24-bit high-resolution audio, making them perfect for high-quality streaming services and your personal music library. Their small footprint makes them an ideal fit for any desk without compromising on power.
Connectivity is a major strength, featuring the latest Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX-HD for a simple, high-fidelity wireless connection from up to 100 feet away. These speakers are custom-tuned by musicians to provide a signature sound that is equally impressive for critical music listening and immersive gaming sessions. The combination of robust power, high-resolution support, and wireless convenience makes them a top-tier choice for MacBook Pro users.
Creative Pebble 2.0 USB-Powered Desktop Speakers
For those seeking a simple, affordable, and highly effective audio upgrade, the Creative Pebble speakers are an excellent option. Their standout feature is a single USB cable that provides both power and audio from your MacBook Pro, eliminating the need for a separate power adapter and reducing cable clutter on your desk. This plug-and-play design offers a truly hassle-free setup.
Despite their small size, these speakers produce a surprisingly full sound. They utilize a custom-tuned far-field driver solution with rear-facing passive radiators to enhance bass reproduction and provide clear audio. The 45-degree elevated driver angle is a thoughtful design element that projects sound directly towards your ears, creating a more immersive and personal listening experience for work or entertainment.
Audioengine A2-HD (HD3) Wireless Bluetooth PC and Computer Desktop Speakers
The Audioengine A2-HD (HD3) model brings room-filling, high-fidelity sound to your desktop. With 60 watts of power, these speakers deliver CD or Hi-Res quality audio that is both pure and clean, providing a significant upgrade from your laptop’s internal speakers. They are built to fill your workspace with detailed sound that enhances everything from music to multimedia content.
These speakers offer versatile connectivity, including high-resolution Bluetooth with aptX-HD compatibility for seamless wireless streaming from your devices. The extended wireless range of up to 100 feet gives you the freedom to control audio from across the room. With multiple input options like USB and RCA, the A2-HD provides a flexible and powerful audio solution for any MacBook Pro setup.
Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers
Bose is synonymous with quality sound, and the Companion 2 Series III speakers live up to that reputation. These speakers are designed to deliver clear, consistent audio performance that enhances your computer experience. Their straightforward design and reliable performance have made them a popular choice for years.
With a simple connection process and an intuitive control pod that provides easy access to volume and a headphone jack, these speakers offer a user-friendly experience. The proprietary TrueSpace stereo digital processing circuitry is engineered to produce a wide, immersive soundstage from a compact system, making them a solid and trusted choice for enhancing your MacBook Pro’s audio.
Logitech Z407 Bluetooth Computer Speakers
The Logitech Z407 system offers a powerful and versatile audio solution with a modern twist. This 2.1 system includes two satellite speakers and a down-firing subwoofer to deliver deep, impactful bass that smaller 2.0 systems cannot match. It provides multiple ways to connect, including Bluetooth, micro-USB, and a 3.5mm input.
A unique feature of the Z407 is its wireless control dial, which allows you to adjust volume and toggle between audio sources from anywhere on your desk. This combination of robust bass, flexible connectivity, and convenient wireless control makes it an excellent choice for users who want a full, room-filling sound for both music and movies from their MacBook Pro.
Kanto YU2 Powered Desktop Speakers
The Kanto YU2 speakers are a fantastic choice for those who value both aesthetics and performance. These compact, powered speakers are known for their clean design and high-quality construction, available in a variety of colors to match any desk decor. They are an ideal size for a minimalist setup without sacrificing audio quality.
Beyond their looks, the YU2 speakers deliver a balanced and detailed sound profile. They feature a built-in digital amplifier and multiple inputs, including a dedicated USB DAC input that can provide a clean digital connection directly from your MacBook Pro. This focus on both form and function makes them a standout option for design-conscious users who demand great sound.
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker System
If you are looking for a truly powerful and cinematic audio experience at your desk, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 system is a legendary choice. This system is THX Certified, meaning it has been tested and proven to deliver theater-quality sound, making it perfect for movies, music, and gaming. The inclusion of a dedicated subwoofer provides deep, room-shaking bass.
The system features Klipsch’s signature horn-loaded technology for greater efficiency and clarity, minimizing distortion even at high volumes. With its robust power and prestigious certification, the ProMedia 2.1 offers an uncompromising audio upgrade that will completely change how you experience media on your MacBook Pro.
Mackie CR3-X 3-Inch Creative Reference Multimedia Monitors
The Mackie CR3-X speakers are designed with content creators in mind, serving as affordable studio reference monitors. Their primary goal is to provide a flat and accurate frequency response, which is essential for audio production tasks like mixing music or editing podcasts on your MacBook Pro. This accuracy ensures you hear your audio exactly as it is.
Beyond professional use, they are also excellent multimedia speakers. The front-panel volume control and headphone output offer convenient daily use, while the built-in headphone amplifier provides high-quality sound for private listening. The CR3-X strikes a great balance between professional-grade accuracy and user-friendly features at an accessible price point.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Speakers For a MacBook Pro
Upgrading from the built-in speakers on your MacBook Pro is one of the easiest ways to improve your daily computer experience. Whether you’re editing a podcast, getting lost in a movie, or just need some background music, a good set of external speakers makes a huge difference. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? I’ve put together this guide to help you figure out what to look for.
First, consider your connection options. This is probably the most critical factor for a MacBook Pro. Modern MacBooks rely heavily on USB-C, so a speaker with a USB-C connection is incredibly convenient—it often draws power and transmits audio through a single cable. If you have an older MacBook Pro with standard USB-A ports, that’s still a great option. For maximum compatibility, look for speakers that offer multiple inputs, like a 3.5mm auxiliary jack or even optical audio, giving you flexibility for other devices.
Next, think about power and size. Do you want a simple, plug-and-play setup that doesn’t require a separate power brick? Then a USB-powered speaker is your best bet. These are usually more compact and portable. If you’re looking for room-filling sound and more powerful bass, you’ll likely need a speaker system that plugs into a wall outlet. These often come with a separate subwoofer to really bring movies and music to life.
Sound quality is subjective, but there are a few things to listen for. A good pair of speakers should offer a clear and balanced sound. You don’t want the bass to be so overpowering that it muddies the vocals in your music, nor do you want it to be so weak that action scenes in movies fall flat. Some speakers come with built-in EQ controls or companion apps that let you tweak the sound to your personal preference, which is a nice bonus.
Finally, don’t forget about design and extra features. Your speakers will sit on your desk, so you probably want them to look good. A minimalist design often complements the MacBook Pro’s aesthetic. Features like a dedicated volume knob, a headphone jack for private listening, and even a built-in DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) can improve the overall user experience. A built-in DAC can provide a cleaner audio signal than your MacBook’s built-in sound card, potentially offering better sound quality.
By balancing these factors—connectivity, power, sound, and features—you can find the perfect audio companion for your setup. The right speakers will not only sound great but will also integrate seamlessly into your workflow, making your MacBook Pro even more of a pleasure to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special drivers or software to use speakers with my MacBook Pro?
For the vast majority of speakers, no. macOS is fantastic at automatically recognizing audio devices. You simply plug them in—via USB, USB-C, or the 3.5mm headphone jack—and your MacBook Pro should instantly switch the audio output to the new speakers. Some high-end models might offer companion software for advanced features like custom EQ settings or firmware updates, but for basic operation, it’s almost always plug-and-play.
What is the advantage of a USB connection over a 3.5mm aux connection?
A USB connection (including USB-C) has two main advantages. First, it’s a digital connection. This means the digital-to-analog conversion happens inside the speaker, which often has a higher-quality DAC than the one built into your MacBook. This can result in cleaner, better-defined sound. Second, a USB connection can power the speakers directly, eliminating the need for a separate power adapter on many models. A 3.5mm aux connection is an analog signal and requires the speakers to have their own power source, but it is universally compatible with almost any audio device.
Can I use my MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar or keyboard to control the speaker volume?
This depends on how you connect them. If you are using a USB or USB-C connection, yes, absolutely. The macOS system will recognize the speakers as a new audio output device, and your MacBook Pro’s volume keys will control them directly. If you are using the 3.5mm aux jack or a Bluetooth connection, the volume keys on your keyboard will also typically control the output volume. However, on some speakers, the digital volume control might have a limit, and you may need to turn up the physical knob on the speaker itself to get full volume.
Are there any wireless speakers that work well with the MacBook Pro ecosystem?
Yes, there are excellent wireless options. Bluetooth speakers are the most common and offer great convenience, though there can be a very slight audio delay (latency) which might be noticeable when watching video. For a more integrated experience within the Apple ecosystem, look for speakers that support AirPlay 2. AirPlay offers higher audio quality and multi-room capabilities, allowing you to sync audio across different AirPlay-compatible speakers in your home, all controlled seamlessly from your MacBook Pro or other Apple devices.
I do audio production work. What should I look for in studio monitors for my MacBook Pro?
For critical listening and audio production, you’ll want a set of studio monitors, not typical multimedia speakers. The key is a “flat” or “neutral” frequency response. This means the speakers don’t artificially boost bass or treble, giving you an accurate representation of your audio so you can make informed mixing decisions. Look for monitors with a USB or Thunderbolt connection for digital audio transfer, and consider a pair that has built-in interfaces, like MIDI inputs or headphone jacks. Proper connection and placement are crucial for getting the best speakers for a MacBook Pro in a professional audio context.