How to Get Better Laptop Sound Quality

It might sound like a no-brainer, but speaker quality isn’t something many people think about when it comes to buying a laptop. This is understandable since other factors like performance, build quality, and the typing experience take precedence when making a decision. The problem is that there’s usually not a lot of room left in the laptop chassis for speakers that sound good.

But the easiest remedy to the problem of poor laptop sound is to fix it at the source and buy a laptop that meets (or exceeds) your expectations. Factor this into your buying decision, and if you already have a laptop with poor sound then keep it in mind when it’s time to upgrade.

You can also use static speakers like Apple’s HomePod mini (and discontinued HomePod) or Google’s Nest and Home devices as a speaker. These lack a battery and have to be connected to mains power to work. For the HomePod, you’ll need to use AirPlay which you can do from any MacBook or using iTunes on Windows. For Google devices, use the Google Home app to enable Bluetooth audio instead of using built-in services or Google Cast.

Remember that wireless audio over Bluetooth or AirPlay may incur a delay, which might not be ideal for gaming other low latency-dependent tasks. Audio must also be compressed which can degrade the listening experience somewhat.

Use a Home Stereo

If you want the best possible sound, or your laptop lacks the required output (like the Dell XPS 13) buy a digital to analog converter (DAC). External DACs convert digital signals to analog ones at a higher quality than those inside most laptops.

This is a good solution if you already have an old stereo system that you’re not using since you no longer play CDs or listen to FM or AM radio. Many of these systems are capable of using a computer, smartphone, tablet, or anything with 3.5mm output by selecting “AUX” or “Line in” as a source.

If you spend enough time at your desk it may be worth spending a chunk of change on some decent speakers. Most deliver better sound than the built-in speakers in any laptop you can buy, MacBook Pro included. The sky is the limit in terms of what you want to spend here, so let your budget dictate what you opt for and ideally test them out before you buy.

The first is pretty straightforward: launch the “command center” that shipped with your computer and install any pending sound driver updates. The second method is also easy enough using Windows Device Manager.

Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager” then expand the “Sound, Video and Game Controllers” category and find your audio device.

Right-click on it then choose “Update Driver” and select “Search automatically for updated drive software” in the window that shows up.

You can also choose “Browse by Computer for Driver Software” if you have downloaded a specific driver from a manufacturer’s website. For more, learn about fixing audio problems in Windows 10 and 11.

Manage Your Expectations

Bass suffers since low-end response is tied closely to the size of the sub-woofers used. Budget laptops frequently focus on raw performance at the cost of other factors, and sound quality is often at the bottom of the pile. Fortunately, adding a pair of speakers, using something you already own, or simply connecting your headphones can remedy the problem.

Be aware of software solutions that promise to increase audio quality. Though these can add interesting effects like virtual surround sound, they rarely improve sound quality beyond what is already there. Overall sound quality is tied closely to hardware, and no amount of software (outside of perhaps improved drivers) can make up for underwhelming speakers.

If your laptop supports it, you might want to enable “Windows Sonic” spatial audio. For a space-saving device that ticks multiple boxes, consider Microsoft’s all-in-one speaker and USB-C hub too.