Test 1 Desktop design

Speakers of all shapes and sizes

AudioEngine’s HD3 provide a compact set of speakers that don’t take up much desk space (although the screw-on aerial for Bluetooth looks odd). In contrast, Edifier goes for super-size with the R2000DB, which tower above a MacBook Air.

KEF makes a fashion statement with its pod-shaped Eggs, but they’re practical too, with the controls on the right-hand speaker. The more gaming-focused Katana from Creative boasts a neon-lit, slimline soundbar that sits under your display or up on the wall, and a subwoofer that packs a punch. If you want a more conventional 2.1 system with separate stereo speakers and a subwoofer then Logitech’s Z623 and the M-Audio AV32.1 both fit the bill – although the AV32.1 has a slight edge on quality and price (you can also buy the AV32 speakers without the subwoofer for just £80).