Smart looking and with useful additions such as Bluetooth and a remote control, the Creative T100 are a versatile desktop computer speaker. They sound decent too with plenty of volume and range. They're just a touch expensive and the way their USB connection is really odd, though.
Pros
Slick design
Useful remote
Analog and digital inputs
Cons
Slightly boxy sound
Glossy plastic exterior
No USB PC connection
Creative has consistently made some of the most well-regarded PC speakers for decades now, with the Creative T20 being a favorite of ours for many years. At the top end of its current range of stereo speakers, though, is the Creative T100, which add Bluetooth and USB audio playback, as well as an infrared remote control, making for a far more convenient all-round package than the purely analog T20 set.
This combination of features makes these best computer speaker guide but there are some slight oddities for which to keep a look out.
1 x 70mm woofer and 1 x 25mm tweeter per speaker with rear bass port
Nominal power output
40W
Frequency range
76Hz – 21,000kHz
Connections
3.5mm stereo input, digital optical input, USB audio input, Bluetooth 5
Extras
Remote control, volume, source, and power buttons on right speaker
Design
A key improvement for some of the T100 over the Creative T60, they look much smarter than both thanks to each speaker's oblong shape and curved front being covered by a painted black metal grille. The look is a touch generic-cheap-speaker but the overall form is really clean looking.
That said, there's still a noticeable lightweight plasticky quality here when compared to more truly speakers, such as the Edifier R1280DB. That's somewhat to be expected given their mid-range price, but it's exacerbated by the choice of glossy plastic for the backs and sides of the units – a matt finish would mask the plastic build to a degree and certainly wouldn't be so prone to fingerprints and scratches.
The front grilles aren't removable, and neither is the cable that exits the back of the left speaker to plug into the right speaker. Its 2.4m length should be ample for most desktop setups, but if it does prove too short, you'll have a tough time fitting a longer cable.
On top of the right speaker are three rubber buttons for input, volume up/down, and power, while an infrared remote provides several other controls, such as changing treble and bass levels, controlling Bluetooth playback and changing EQ. It doesn't come with batteries (two AAAs), though, and the buttons are rather unsatisfying rubber ones. We also initially kept confusing the treble/bass controls for volume, but it gets the job done and beats having no remote.
Features
Round the back of the right speaker are all the inputs and outputs, consisting of a 3.5mm anaput, optical digital input, USB input, the left speaker output, and the 18V power input (external power brick included). The USB input is an odd one, as it's not a Type-B port for connecting these speakers to a computer but rather a Type-A port for plugging in USB flash drives, providing the ability to play FLAC, WAV and MP3 audio files. In today's streaming-focused world that feels like a very dated feature – a digital PC hook-up would be far more useful.
Sound quality
When it comes to audio quality, the T100's 70mm drivers and 25mm tweeters deliver all the power you should need for desktop listening, easily filling a small room with undistorted sound. They're also ample for small late-night kitchen party duties and for use with smaller TVs.
Where they come up a little short is in fine detail and bass presence. The small cabinets and drivers simply can't drive the lowest rumbles, while the amp and driver combo can't reproduce the final bit of sparkle of more expensive units. The Edifier R1280DB speakers have more bass presence and smoother overall presentation, while Creative's own T20 have a smoother, more integrated and natural sound.
Price
Priced at $99.99, the T100 feel just a touch expensive but not egregiously so. The Edifier R1280DB are far better value at only $30 more but they're much larger speakers. Meanwhile The Creative T20 get you slightly better sound but in a purely analog speaker format. If these speakers had a USB connection to your PC or a $20 lower price, they'd feel a lot better value.
Conclusion
The Creative T100 speaker set offers a great combination of features – even if the USB flash drive playback is a bit odd – and the speakers look great. They're also easy to use and sound okay for their size. If you're not fussed about the remote control, though, the much cheaper Creative T20s will give you similar audio performance.
For more computer audio upgrade options, check out our best gaming headset guide that includes a wide range of wired and wireless headsets.
