Logitech's Z520 stereo PC speakers are relatively expensive. The sound they produce is worth the outlay, though; good treble and mid-range response make for accurate and lively musical reproduction. The lack of a subwoofer means the system is suited ...

Clear treble, accurate mid-range, decent power levels

No option to add a subwoofer, expensive

If you€™re looking for a simple and compact pair of stereo speakers that still sound detailed, the Z520 set from Logitech is a good choice. It doesn€™t have everything we€™d want in a set of near-field speakers but the overall package is tempting.

Good sound quality, compact

Too bass heavy, missing top-end frequencies

Compared to a conventional two-box stereo speaker system, a 2.1 sub/sat setup means you can reap the benefits of smaller-looking speakers - although there will still be a nest of wiring to contend with. The Creative GigaWorks T3 is a well-designed ...

Cheap as chips, decent sound quality, simple and unobtrusive styling, versatile remote

Sound is a bit muddy at low volumes, no subwoofer line out

For a budget speaker system, Sharp's HT-SB200 sound bar performs well. Its small speakers reproduce surprisingly large amounts of mid-bass and it complements the in-built speakers of Sharp's LCD televisions well.

Streams 48KHz audio to up to four satellite speakers, good wireless range, good mid-range and treble

Occasionally weak bass, lacks some functionality, remote cannot control iPod menu, expensive

The IntelliTouch EOS Wireless (EOS100T1RB) iPod dock effectively streams high-quality audio to satellite speakers despite operating on the same 2.4GHz band as many other electronic devices. The main problems are its price tag and the lack of features ...

Design, build quality, doubles as a speakerphone, line-in jack

Needs six batteries to run, can't connect wired and Bluetooth devices simultaneously, no way to turn off Trubass, no equaliser options

It doesn't offer outstanding sound quality, but the design and functionality of the Altec Lansing inMotion SoundBlade make it a decent choice if you're looking for a wireless speaker system.

Design, full iPod control integration, remote control, reasonable sound quality

No outstanding features, no EQ or sound adjustment settings, distortion at higher volume levels

Sony's SRS-GU10iP is a competent but not outstanding iPod dock. We love the fact that it can control the iPod interface via the remote, but for this price we expected a few more features.

Slim design, easily transported, SDHC slot, good battery life

No control screen, heavy, distortion at higher volumes

If you are looking for a volume boost over your iPod or laptop's integrated speakers, the Fiio S3 is very capable portable speaker. It will output acceptable quality sound except at high volumes.

Bluetooth with A2DP, good battery life, can take advantage of its surroundings to improve sound quality

Could be smaller, woofers are unprotected while in use, sound quality isn't great

ASUS' SP-BT23 doesn't deliver particularly good sound, but it has a good battery life and Bluetooth connectivity - a decent trade-off.

Small and very portable, long-lasting battery life, reasonable audio quality

Heavy distortion at high volumes, cord can be hard to retrieve when wound

The Altec Lansing orbit MP3 (IM237) is a great portable speaker designed for listening to music while on the go. Good battery life and acceptable sound quality make for a great way of sharing music with friends.

Plenty of volume from its small speakers, fold-up design, can switch between FM radio and iPod modes

No mute button, lacks separate bass and treble controls, not enough presets

The Memorex Mi2013 Travel speaker performs adequately. It could use a few additions (such as a mute button and separate bass and treble controls), but if you're looking for a dock that can be used in the backyard, at the beach, in a hotel or while ...