CREATIVE Sound Blaster GS5 Gaming Soundbar 60W Bluetooth 5.4 Review: The Desktop Audio Revolution?

For years, my desktop audio setup was an afterthought. Like many, I relied on the built-in speakers of my monitor, accepting the thin, lifeless sound as a necessary evil to keep my desk clean and uncluttered. Every explosion in a game sounded like a cap gun, every cinematic score felt flat, and every dialogue-heavy scene forced me to crank the volume just to make out the words. The alternative—a bulky 2.1 speaker system with a subwoofer kicking around my feet and cables snaking everywhere—felt like a step back into the early 2000s. I craved a modern, elegant solution that could deliver powerful, immersive audio without demanding a complete redesign of my workspace. This frustrating gap between anemic integrated audio and cumbersome traditional speakers is a problem countless gamers, content creators, and remote workers face every single day. The search for the perfect middle ground is what leads us to products like the one we’re examining today.

What to Consider Before Buying a Gaming Soundbar

A gaming soundbar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your auditory experience from the mediocrity of standard-issue speakers. It’s designed to deliver a wide, detailed soundstage, punchy bass, and clear dialogue in a compact form factor that slides neatly under your monitor. The main benefit is achieving immersive, high-quality audio without the spatial footprint of a multi-speaker setup. This not only enhances gaming and media consumption but also creates a cleaner, more focused desk environment.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact dilemma I described: a PC gamer, a movie lover who uses their desk for entertainment, or a home office professional who wants better sound for video calls and background music. They value both performance and aesthetics, seeking a powerful upgrade that complements a modern setup. Conversely, a soundbar might not be suitable for die-hard audiophiles who demand the perfect stereo separation only achievable with a pair of precisely placed bookshelf speakers, or for someone looking to fill a large living room with cinematic sound, who would be better served by a larger, home-theatre-oriented system with a dedicated subwoofer.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The primary appeal of a desktop soundbar is its form factor. Measure the space beneath your monitor, paying attention to the height of its stand. You need to ensure the soundbar fits without obstructing the screen. The CREATIVE Sound Blaster GS5 Gaming Soundbar 60W Bluetooth 5.4, at around 61 cm long, is designed for standard 24-inch to 32-inch monitors.
• Performance & Connectivity: Peak power (like the GS5’s 60W) indicates how loud the speaker can get without distorting, but it’s not the whole story. Look for features like virtual surround sound (Creative’s “SuperWide” technology is a key example) that aim to create a broader soundstage. Crucially, check the connectivity options. A good gaming soundbar should offer USB-C for high-quality digital audio from a PC, Optical-in for consoles or TVs, and the latest Bluetooth standard for wireless convenience.
• Materials & Durability: Build quality affects both longevity and sound. While most soundbars in this category use a plastic chassis, look for sturdy construction and a protective metal grille over the drivers. As some users have noted, glossy plastic finishes can be fingerprint magnets, so consider whether that will bother you. The weight can also be an indicator of solid internal components.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: How do you control it? A combination of on-device buttons and a dedicated IR remote offers the most flexibility. Software integration is also a massive plus, allowing for firmware updates, EQ customization, and control over features like RGB lighting. Long-term care is minimal, usually just requiring a simple dusting.

Keeping these factors in mind, the CREATIVE Sound Blaster GS5 Gaming Soundbar 60W Bluetooth 5.4 stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the CREATIVE Sound Blaster GS5 Gaming Soundbar 60W Bluetooth 5.4 is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Sleek, Solid, and Ready to Play

Unboxing the CREATIVE Sound Blaster GS5 Gaming Soundbar 60W Bluetooth 5.4 feels like a premium experience. Creative has a legacy stretching back decades, and that experience shows in the presentation. The box is well-packaged, containing the soundbar itself, an IR remote control, a USB-A to USB-C cable, and a power supply with a worldwide adaptable plug—a thoughtful touch. Pulling the soundbar out, the first thing I noticed was its density. At over 2 kg, it feels substantial and well-built, not like a hollow piece of plastic. The design is minimalist and modern, with a black casing and a sleek, honeycomb-patterned metal grille protecting the drivers. It’s understated enough to fit into a professional setup but has that distinct gamer edge, especially once you power it on.

Behind the grille, a hidden two-digit LED display subtly illuminates to show the current input (e.g., ‘US’ for USB, ‘OP’ for Optical) and volume level. The controls are located on the right-hand side: a large, tactile rotating knob for volume that also functions as a power/mute button, surrounded by three other buttons for source, SuperWide mode, and RGB lighting. The unit is undeniably solid, a fingerprint magnet on its glossy top surface, perhaps, but it sits firmly on the desk without any wobble. Setting it up was a breeze; plug in the power, connect the USB-C to the PC, and Windows recognized it instantly. It was a true plug-and-play experience that had me up and running in under two minutes.

Deep Dive: A Symphony of Power and Precision

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand the CREATIVE Sound Blaster GS5 Gaming Soundbar 60W Bluetooth 5.4, we had to put it through its paces across a wide range of scenarios, from intense gaming sessions and blockbuster movies to nuanced musical tracks and daily conference calls. This is where Creative’s audio engineering pedigree truly comes to the forefront, but it’s not without its quirks.

Audio Performance: The SuperWide Revelation

Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter: the sound. Creative claims up to 60W of peak power, and in our testing, this little bar gets impressively loud without a hint of distortion. In a small to medium-sized room, it’s more than enough to completely immerse you. We started our tests with Cyberpunk 2077, a game known for its dense, atmospheric sound design. The difference from monitor speakers was night and day. The bustling streets of Night City felt alive, with distant sirens, pedestrian chatter, and the hum of flying vehicles creating a rich audio tapestry.

The real star of the show is the SuperWide technology. With a single press of a button, the soundstage seems to break free from the physical constraints of the soundbar. The audio separation is phenomenal for a single-unit device. In tactical shooters like Valorant, we could pinpoint enemy footsteps and reloads with surprising accuracy, giving us a tangible competitive edge. The effect isn’t just a gimmick; it genuinely expands the audio field, making the experience feel more like you’re wearing a good pair of open-back headphones. Several users confirmed this, with one German reviewer stating they were “wirklich geflasht” (truly blown away) by how much sound comes out of the compact bar. The bass, delivered via a rear-facing bass port, is punchy and present. While it won’t shake the room like a dedicated subwoofer, it provides a satisfying thump to explosions and a warm body to music. We agree with a few users who noted that out of the box, the bass could be more pronounced, but a quick trip to the Creative app and its 10-band equalizer allows you to tune the sound perfectly to your liking, adding that extra “thump” for those who crave it.

Connectivity and Versatility: Master of All Trades, with One Annoying Quirk

Creative has packed the CREATIVE Sound Blaster GS5 Gaming Soundbar 60W Bluetooth 5.4 with a fantastic array of I/O options, making it a true central hub for your desktop audio. The USB-C connection is the primary method for PC users, acting as an external sound card (DAC) to deliver pristine digital audio. We also connected it to a PlayStation 5 via the Optical-in port, and it worked flawlessly, providing a massive upgrade over the TV’s native speakers. The 3.5mm AUX-in is there for legacy devices, and Bluetooth 5.4 pairing with our smartphone was instantaneous and stable, with no noticeable latency when watching videos.

However, we must address the elephant in the room—a software/hardware bug that numerous users have reported, and which we were able to replicate in our testing. When connected via USB-C, if the soundbar is powered off along with the PC (e.g., via a power strip), it often fails to be recognized by Windows upon the next boot-up. The solution is simple but annoying: you have to unplug and replug the USB-C cable. Several users across different languages reported this exact issue, with some Italian and French users noting it was a “gros point noir” (major black mark). While Bluetooth or Optical connections don’t suffer from this, it’s a significant inconvenience for those who want to use USB-C as their primary, set-and-forget connection. It seems to be a driver-related handshake issue that we hope Creative can address in a future firmware update. For those who can live with this quirk or primarily use other inputs, the soundbar’s versatility remains a huge selling point.

Design, Controls, and Customization: Aesthetics Meet Functionality

The GS5 is designed to be seen as much as it is to be heard. The customizable RGB strip along the bottom edge adds a vibrant splash of colour to your setup. The lighting isn’t overly aggressive; it provides a nice underglow that can be cycled through several presets (like wave, pulse, and solid colours) using the remote or the side button. For deeper customization, the Creative app allows you to fine-tune the colours and effects to perfectly match the rest of your peripherals. You can, of course, turn the lights off completely for a more stealthy look.

While the IR remote is well-laid-out and intuitive, the on-device controls are a mixed bag. The large volume knob feels great, but the surrounding buttons are small, black-on-black, and lack backlighting, making them difficult to see and differentiate in a dimly lit room. We found ourselves, like many other users, relying almost exclusively on the remote. Another fascinating point raised by users was the front LED display. A French user lamented that it stays on constantly, displaying “–” in standby mode, which was bright enough to illuminate a dark room. This is a legitimate concern. However, another user discovered the solution: deep within the Creative app, there is a toggle to disable the front LED display completely. This is a perfect example of the community discovering solutions, and it turns a potential deal-breaker into a non-issue, provided you’re willing to install the software. For those who want to tailor their audio experience, the GS5 offers a fantastic level of control.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings align closely with the broader user consensus. The overwhelming majority of feedback is positive, with customers praising the CREATIVE Sound Blaster GS5 Gaming Soundbar 60W Bluetooth 5.4 for its exceptional sound quality and value for money. One user declared it delivered “Mega Sound,” while another was so impressed they wrote a review to say Creative’s latest offering “does not disappoint.” Many highlight the surprisingly powerful bass and crystal-clear highs and mids, perfect for everything from gaming to listening to music.

However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing, which provides a realistic picture. The most consistent negative point, as we detailed, is the USB detection issue upon startup. This is a recurring theme and a valid frustration for users who want a seamless experience. We also saw an isolated but serious report from one user whose soundbar allegedly failed on the second day, emitting loud static noise. While this appears to be a rare defect rather than a widespread problem, it’s an important reminder to purchase from reputable sellers with solid return policies. The sentiment is clear: if you get a good unit and can overlook the USB quirk, you’re getting an audio device that performs well above its price point.

How Does It Compare? The Top 3 Alternatives

The CREATIVE Sound Blaster GS5 Gaming Soundbar 60W Bluetooth 5.4 exists in a competitive market. To give you a full picture, we’ve compared it against three notable alternatives, each catering to a slightly different user need.

1. CREATIVE Stage 2.1 Soundbar with Subwoofer

For those who crave that deep, rumbling bass that only a dedicated subwoofer can provide, Creative’s own Stage 2.1 is a compelling option. While the GS5 delivers respectable low-end for its size, the Stage 2.1’s separate subwoofer takes it to another level, making it a better choice for movie lovers and bass-heavy music genres. It also includes TV ARC, a feature the GS5 lacks, making it slightly more suitable for a hybrid TV/monitor setup. The trade-off is space; you’ll need to find a home for the subwoofer under your desk, which goes against the all-in-one appeal of the GS5.

2. CREATIVE Stage Air V2 Soundbar

If budget and desk space are your absolute top priorities, the Stage Air V2 is the answer. It’s significantly more compact and affordable than the GS5. While it can’t compete on raw power or the immersive quality of the SuperWide technology, it represents a massive upgrade over tinny laptop or monitor speakers. It’s designed for users who need clearer audio for calls, casual music listening, and YouTube videos in a tiny footprint. Think of it as the essential, no-frills upgrade, whereas the GS5 is the feature-packed performance model.

3. Denon SCN10 HiFi Speakers

This alternative is for the user who prioritizes pure audio fidelity above all else. The Denon SCN10 is a traditional two-way HiFi bookshelf speaker system. It eschews gaming features like RGB and virtual surround in favour of classic stereo imaging and sound reproduction. For critical music listening, this pair of speakers will deliver a more detailed and accurate soundstage than any single soundbar. However, they require an amplifier or receiver to power them, take up significantly more space on your desk, and lack the all-in-one connectivity and convenience of the GS5.

Final Verdict: An Exceptional Value for PC Gamers

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the CREATIVE Sound Blaster GS5 Gaming Soundbar 60W Bluetooth 5.4 is a phenomenal piece of kit that punches well above its weight. It masterfully bridges the gap between inadequate monitor speakers and cumbersome multi-piece systems. The combination of powerful, clear audio, the genuinely impressive SuperWide technology, versatile connectivity, and tasteful RGB lighting makes it an outstanding choice for PC gamers and multimedia users.

It’s not perfect—the USB start-up bug is a genuine annoyance that prospective buyers must be aware of. However, when weighed against its stellar audio performance and rich feature set at this price point, it becomes a relatively minor issue for many. If you’re looking to dramatically elevate your desktop audio experience with a single, sleek, and powerful solution, the GS5 is one of the most compelling options on the market today. It delivers on its promises and then some.

If you’ve decided the CREATIVE Sound Blaster GS5 Gaming Soundbar 60W Bluetooth 5.4 is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.