6 Best External Speakers for MacBook Pro in 2023

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Even if you’re not an audiophile, you know the feeling of not being able to turn something up as loud as you would like without sound distortion.

Be it a dorm-room movie night or presenting from your MacBook Pro, sometimes the built-in speakers inside your laptop just don’t cut it.

That’s why you may need a great set of external speakers which will help turn your Mac machine into the ultimate home entertainment rig.

In this article, we’ll point out some of the best external speakers for the MacBook Pro, and help you decide which are best for you depending on your personal preferences and budget, so listen up!

Quick Summary

• Bose Companion 2 Series III is a great fit for those who want a mostly permanent set up at a single location that can deliver great sound day after day.
• Creative Pebble V2 Minimalistic makes a great budget choice if you need a bit more sound power and a flare of personal style without breaking the bank.
• Logitech Z207 2.0 can be connected to your MacBook via Bluetooth or a cable while offering a stylish design and bold, dynamic sound.
• Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker offers a small size for an ultra-portable approach to booming, high-quality sound wherever you go.

Who Should Get This

When it comes to items of convenience, you know yourself best, but we can still help you figure out if it’s really worth it.

A speaker is definitely recommended for audiophiles who want to listen to music as they work, watch movies at full theatre volume, or generally have high-quality sound available at their fingertips.

But another sign you might want a speaker is constantly finding yourself frustrated with your current audio capabilities or wishing you could turn things up just a little bit further.

On the other hand, if you normally use headphones with your Mac or don’t consider yourself to have a picky ear, you could be fine with the built-in system until circumstances change.

Best Speaker for MacBook Pro in 2022: Top Picks

Please note that the external speakers listed below are chosen based on the criteria mentioned above. They are, however, not intended to be ranked in this order.

1. Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers

If you’re looking to upgrade your setup at your desk, this stereo set from Bose will take your games, movies, and work experience to the next level.

Two AUX connections mean you won’t need to unplug from your Mac to use your iPod with these speakers.

Pros:

• Stationary setup has great sound definition and is easy to install.
• With two input sources and a built-in headphone jack, you won’t be short on connections.
• Sturdy and with a small footprint, each speaker has a base approximately 3 x 6 inches.

Cons:

• The connecting cord that goes from the right speaker to the source is notoriously short and you may want to purchase a longer one separately.

2. Creative Pebble V2 Minimalistic USB-C Powered Speakers

Just need something to get you through the day once in a while? These little guys from Creative use USB-C for power rather than a wall adapter and take up just a 4.5 x 4.8 x 4.5 space each on your desk.

While you shouldn’t expect a big sound from them, you’ll get more than you would with built-in speakers, in addition to portability and ease of use.

Pros:

• Extremely small footprint and overall means you can set up just about anywhere.
• Ideal for travel, and compatible with consoles or other devices with a USB besides your MacBook.
• Available in a variety of colors to match your decor or personal style.
• One of the most affordable speakers on the market.

Cons:

• Not capable of producing extra loud sound or the rich bass you would find in more expensive models.

3. Logitech Z207 2.0 Multi Device Stereo Speaker

Built with the details in mind, this set of speakers from Logitech will both look and sound beautiful day in and day out. An awesome feature is that each speaker has one active driver that is able to deliver full-range Audio and a passive radiator that provides bass extension.

Another thing that makes this speaker set stand out from the crowd is that you can connect the speakers with your MacBook Pro via Bluetooth or a 3.5nm cable.

Pros:

• Versatile setup via Bluetooth wireless or a cable.
• Quality at a dynamic range of bass, mids, and highs from both the right and left speakers.
• Available in black to seamlessly blend in with the rest of your desk while delivering considerable volume.

Cons:

• More heavier than other speakers on this list and it takes a bit more space on your desk.

4. Beats Pill+ Portable Wireless Speaker

Beats has a well-deserved reputation for great music, and this Bluetooth Pill+ Speaker is no exception. It’s as portable as your MacBook and connects via Bluetooth for loud, rich music on the go or at home.

Pros:

• Uncompromising sound quality optimized to deliver dynamic sound even from a single speaker.
• Works with all your Apple products and looks sleek doing it.
• Extremely light at just over a pound and ready to bring the volume with you wherever you go.
• It has a 12-hour battery life.

Cons:

• Not waterproof unlike a lot of other portables and wireless design leaves you vulnerable to battery drainage.

5. Bose Companion 20 Multimedia Speaker System 

If you want a compact yet finely tuned sound setup at your disposal, the Bose Companion 20 provides crystal clear audio in a space-saving design.

This two-piece system offers excellent audio quality across frequencies, eliminating the need for a dedicated bass unit and producing outstanding sound from two speakers. 

It also comes with a control pod to allow you to adjust the volume or connect devices quickly. 

Pros:

• Full-frequency audio output in a small two-piece unit eliminates the need for additional speakers and saves space.
• Easy to use control pod included.

Cons:

• Lower volumes won’t produce as accurate audio as higher outputs.

6. Audioengine A5+ Plus Wireless Speaker

This is an excellent option for any audiophile looking for high-end audio to listen to or make music off their MacBooks.

The A5+ are bookshelf-style speakers that come with built-in amplifiers to deliver 50 watts per channel. Improved thermal management means you can blast these all day without worry, while custom Kevlar subwoofers and silk tweeters give accurate sound responses no matter what you’re listening to.  

Pros: 

• Excellent, professional-level audio quality.
• Built-in amplifiers and quality components deliver reliable sound performance. 

Cons:

• Expensive
• Larger and heavier than more portable desktop options. 

How to Choose an External Speaker for MacBook Pro

Make sure to take the following things into consideration when buying a speaker for your MacBook.

Connection

You may have heard someone say that wireless tech will never be the same quality as wired, but this is hardly true. This may have been true half a decade ago, but today there are high-quality speakers of both varieties on the market and you should pick the kind that is most convenient for you. Bluetooth, AUX, or specially wired, look for speakers that are easiest for you.

Portability & Size

If you plan to keep your speakers at a specific location such as your work desk, this isn’t much of consideration unless you have limited space. But if you want something to match the portability of your MacBook Pro, then make sure to check on the size and weight of your preferred model before buying.

Sound Quality

You’re buying speakers to get better sound from your Mac, so don’t let yourself end up with tinny or whisper-quiet models! Always check the spec sheet for your speakers to see exactly what they can deliver and read multiple reviews to decide whether or not they’ll deliver high-quality sound. You can also look for easy custom balancing of bass and treble.

Additional Tips and Tricks

If you’ve already upgraded from the built-in speakers but have yet to consider an alternative to the built-in mic, there are a few places to look whether you’re a gamer, professional musician, or just want to Skype with more clarity.

This article should get you headed toward the best external mics on the market.

Additionally, if you’re going to be using your speakers for listening or in conjunction with recording equipment, you may want to check out this Apple support guide to connecting audio equipment to your MacBook. It will guide you through any setup needed for the most common types of instruments and stereos.

Final Words

A great set of speakers can really take the experience of using your Mac to the next level.

Whether it’s pumping up your private dance party, background music while you’re working, or playback for the project you’re working on, any of the speakers we’ve highlighted here will deliver both volume and quality.

Want to tell us what speakers you’ve used in the past? We’re all ears if you do.

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