USB Powered Speakers With USB-C Plug

USB-C Computer Speaker Options

A new generation of bus-powered USB-C loudspeakers for Mac or PCs are featuring slimmer, reversible Type-C USB-C interface. They're ideal for modern systems that support USB 3.1 and Thunderbot 3 connections.

Creative USB-C Speaker System

Creative Labs is one of the first out of the gate with the USB-C Pebble desktop speaker - a compact pair of orb-shaped 2.0 speakers. The V2 version feature a native USB-C plug for power, and an analog 1/8"/3.5mm plug for audio from a computer, tablet or phone.

Creative Pebble V2 USB-C Speakers

2 Inch Driver Cones w/Volume Knob

This is a louder, revised "V2" version of their original Pebble desktop loudspeakers. V2's directly support a Type-C interface instead of a rectangular Type-A. Twice as powerful than the first Pebbles, these can have amplified audio when plugged into a higher-powered 10W USB-C port. The high-gain switch on the back of one of the loudspeakers increases volume levels of up to 8W RMS of total power. A front-mounted power/volume control offers easy adjustment to listening levels.

With front-facing 2" - 50mm drivers and bass resonators at the back of each loudspeaker's enclosure, you get enhanced low-frequency response from 100 up to 17000 hertz in such small cabinets.

For legacy compatibility, a USB Type-A adapter is included with Creative's USB-C powered speaker system for use on the older, more common rectangular A-style USB hub and computer ports.

Technical Benefits Of USB-C Speakers?

Wondering what the advantages are of USB-C connected laptop or desktop speakers? On the simplest level, the smaller and reversible Type-C plug on them will go in on the first try. With USB-A connections, there's a 50% chance you'll try to plug it in the wrong way on your 1st attempt. But more importantly the USB-C specification can deliver more power (amps) than earlier USB-A ports and hence can support greater volume levels.

Thunderbolt 3 Speaker Compatibility

It's important to know newer Windows PC's and Apple MacBook Thunderbolt 3 ports 'speak' BOTH USB and Thunderbolt device protocols over the same Type-C interface for data devices. However in the case of USB-C powered loudspeakers like these that use a separate cable for audio, it's only the pins that relate to DC power: Positive, Negative and Ground that matter.