Some of the Best Affordable Desktop Speakers Just Got Even Cheaper

Best known for its hi-fi components, the famed Japanese audio maker now also dabbles in computer speakers.

Dual computer monitors on a wooden desk with vertical coding screen, horizontal display with blue digital graphics, and gray speakers.

Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google

Published April 3, 2026

·

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Last year, Onkyo introduced two sets of budget-friendly desktop speaker systems: the GX-10DB and the larger GX-30ARC. In fact, they were the first new speakers the Japanese hi-fi company (whose best known for its home theater equipment) released in years.

And now both sets are on sale.

Pair of black Onkyo bookshelf speakers with gray fabric fronts and wooden bases against a yellow background. — The Onkyo GX-10DB is the smaller of the two powered speaker systems.

Two powered speaker systems

Onkyo’s GX-10DB and the larger GX-30ARC are both powered speaker systems that share a lot in common. The speakers share the same two-way design with Class D amplification and built-in digital signal processing (DSP). And the come in white or black finishes.

White Onkyo speaker with gray fabric front on a wooden stand beside a computer monitor and remote on a desk. — Yes, the stands come with the speakers. And yes, they are removable.

And while both sets of speakers are primed for desktop use (both connect to your computer via USB), they are also both incredibly versatile.

If you don’t want to use them as computer speakers, both GX-10DB and GX-30ARC systems support Bluetooth streaming. They also have a built-in phono preamp (switchable) and an RCA input, so you can use them with a turntable.

Wooden desk setup with an ultrawide curved monitor displaying a torii gate, white speakers on wooden stands, and a brown leather chair. — The Onkyo GX-30ARC is the larger and more expensive of the two offerings.

What’s the difference?

The main difference between the two sets of speakers is size and power (and price). The GX-10DB is smaller of the two, with each speaker standing 17 inches tall (rather than 22 inches). Both share the same tweeter, but the GX-30ARC’s speakers have a slightly larger woofer.

Black metal cabinet with six drawers topped with wooden surface holding two white speakers, a potted plant, and a camera on books. — Aside from superior sound, the Onkyo GX-30ARC has an HDMI ARC and 3.5mm connections, making it a slightly more versatile system.

As its name suggests, the other big advantage of the GX-30ARC is that it supports HDMI-ARC, which lets you use it as a tiny speaker system for your TV. Also, there’s an additional 3.5mm aux input so you can more easily integrate it into a larger hi-fi system.

Black GX-10DB powered speaker with a blue casing on a wooden stand on a desk. — The GX-10DB in black.

Both sets of speakers come with removable magnetic grilles, which you can choose to use depending on whether you like the look of exposed drivers. With the white speakers, the grilles are grey. With the black speakers, the grilles are black.

Both sets of speakers also come with the angled stands in the box, which, again, you can choose to use or not. The black speakers come with walnut stands, while the stands that come with the white speakers have a more natural finish.

Four pairs of compact rectangular speakers in black and white finishes, each pair with one speaker showing drivers and the other covered with a fabric grille, all on wooden stands. — The size difference between the larger GX-30ARC and GX-10DB systems.

Save $50

Onkyo normally sells the GX-10DB and the GX-30ARC systems for $249 and $349, respectively. But right now they are each being discounted by $50.

Onkyo GX-10DB Powered Speakers

$199 at Onkyo

$249 (20% off)
$199 at Crutchfield

$249 (20% off)

Onkyo GX-30ARC Powered Speakers

$299 at Onkyo

$349 (14% off)
$299 at Crutchfield

$349 (14% off)

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.