I remember the moment I finally had my home office setup just right. The dual monitors were perfectly aligned, the mechanical keyboard had that satisfying clack, and the cable management was a work of art. But something was missing. Every time I played a game, watched a movie trailer, or jumped on a video call, I was met with the thin, lifeless sound from my monitor’s built-in speakers. It was a stark contrast to the vibrant, high-definition world on my screen. My desk looked great, but it sounded terrible. This is a common frustration: investing in a powerful computer and a beautiful display, only to have the audio experience feel like an afterthought. It breaks immersion, makes dialogue muddy, and turns your favourite music into a flat, uninspired hum. The quest for better audio often leads to bulky, expensive speaker systems that clutter the very space you worked so hard to perfect. I needed something that could deliver a significant audio upgrade while also enhancing, not detracting from, my setup’s aesthetic.
- USB Powered RGB LED Colour Changing Bluetooth 5.1 Transforming Detachable Soundbar Speaker
- Multifunction Speaker that Can be Set Up as a Soundbar or be Split and Arranged as 2 Separate Speakers
What to Consider Before Buying a PC Soundbar or Speaker System
A speaker system for your desk or PC is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking a more immersive and enjoyable digital life. For gamers, it’s about hearing every footstep and feeling the impact of every explosion. For remote workers, it ensures crystal-clear communication in meetings. For music lovers, it’s about rediscovering the depth and detail in their favourite tracks. The main benefits are a massive leap in audio fidelity, a reduction in desk clutter compared to traditional 2.1 systems, and, in many cases, an aesthetic upgrade that completes the look of your workspace.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact issues I described: a gamer, student, or home-office professional who is currently relying on subpar monitor or laptop speakers. They value both performance and design, often working within a modest budget. They want a simple, plug-and-play solution that doesn’t require complex wiring or a separate amplifier. Conversely, a product like this might not be suitable for dedicated audiophiles who demand flawless sound reproduction and deep, resonant bass that can only come from a dedicated subwoofer and high-end components. It’s also not the right fit for a large home cinema setup, where more powerful, room-filling sound is a necessity.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure the space beneath your monitor. A soundbar should fit neatly without obstructing the screen. The RED5’s 38 cm width is ideal for most 24-inch to 27-inch monitors. Consider if a detachable design, which allows for vertical placement on either side of your screen, would offer you better flexibility for your specific desk layout.
- Performance & Connectivity: Audio performance in this category is about clarity and volume, not earth-shaking bass. Look for clear mid-tones (for dialogue) and crisp high-tones. For connectivity, Bluetooth 5.1 offers a stable wireless connection for phones or tablets, while a 3.5mm aux-in provides a lag-free wired connection for gaming. USB-powered speakers are convenient but are limited in power, so manage your volume expectations accordingly.
- Materials & Durability: Most speakers in this price range are constructed from a durable ABS plastic. While not as premium as wood or metal, it’s lightweight and resilient. Check for a sturdy base, especially on detachable models, to prevent them from tipping over easily. A metal grille over the speaker drivers offers better protection than a fabric one.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The best desk speakers are “set it and forget it.” A single USB cable for power and a simple control interface (like a touch button or a small dial) are ideal. Long-term care is minimal; a simple wipe-down with a microfibre cloth is usually all that’s needed to keep them looking pristine.
Keeping these factors in mind, the RED5 Bluetooth Light Up Sound Bar Speaker stands out in several areas, particularly its unique design and feature set for the price. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the RED5 Bluetooth Light Up Sound Bar Speaker 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:
- Unbelievable Sound: 12W of pure audio power with enhanced bass thunders from dual neodymium drivers. An advanced Digital Signal Processor ensures pounding bass and zero distortion at any volume.
- ASTONISHING SOUND: Breathtaking stereo sound with deep bass is delivered with exceptional clarity and zero distortion by two high-sensitivity drivers and a patented bass port.
- POWERFUL SOUND: 30-watt output with dual speakers and dynamic drivers delivering rich stereo sound with an impressive 85dB signal-to-noise ratio
First Impressions: A Transformer on My Desk
Unboxing the RED5 Bluetooth Light Up Sound Bar Speaker was a straightforward and satisfying experience. The unit arrived securely packaged, and my immediate impression was of a device that felt surprisingly solid for its 800g weight. The matte black plastic housing feels robust, and the metal grilles protecting the drivers add a touch of class and durability. The star of the show, of course, is its modularity. With a simple, firm twist at the centre, the soundbar splits into two distinct vertical speakers. The connection feels secure and clicks back into place with a reassuring thud. In its unified soundbar form, it’s sleek and unobtrusive, sliding perfectly under my main monitor. When separated, the included stands provide a stable base for each tower, creating an instant classic stereo setup. The integrated USB and 3.5mm aux cables are of a decent length, offering enough flexibility for most desk layouts. Powering it on for the first time, the RGB lights burst to life, casting a vibrant, diffused glow that immediately elevated the ambiance of my workspace.
Advantages
- Unique detachable design offers 2-in-1 versatility
- Vibrant, multi-mode RGB LED lighting enhances desk aesthetics
- Dual connectivity with modern Bluetooth 5.1 and wired 3.5mm Aux
- Simple plug-and-play setup via a single USB power cable
Drawbacks
- RGB lighting controls can occasionally become unresponsive
- Bass response is present but lacks depth and power
Performance Deep Dive: How Does the RED5 Actually Sound and Look?
A speaker can have all the bells and whistles in the world, but it all comes down to performance. We spent over a week putting the RED5 Bluetooth Light Up Sound Bar Speaker through its paces, using it for everything from intense gaming sessions and music production to daily video conferences and late-night movie streaming. We tested both its unified soundbar and separated stereo configurations, switching between Bluetooth and wired connections to assess every facet of its capabilities. The results were, for the most part, impressively surprising for a speaker in this category, though not without a few notable quirks.
A Chameleon on Your Desk: The Detachable Design In-Depth
The single most compelling feature of the RED5 Bluetooth Light Up Sound Bar Speaker is its transformative design. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a genuinely practical innovation that addresses the diverse needs of modern desk setups. The central locking mechanism is brilliantly simple—a twist-to-unlock system that feels robust and durable. We split and reconnected the unit dozens of times, and the connection remained tight and secure, with no wobble or looseness.
In its soundbar configuration, the speaker is the picture of minimalist efficiency. At 38cm wide, it fits perfectly under a 24-inch or 27-inch monitor, reclaiming valuable desk space typically occupied by two separate speakers. This setup provides a focused, central sound source that’s excellent for watching videos or participating in video calls, as the audio feels like it’s coming directly from the screen. The entire unit is powered by a single USB-A cable that splits near the end to power both halves, meaning the clean, single-cable aesthetic is maintained even when detached.
When you twist them apart and place them on their included stands, the dynamic changes completely. The speaker transforms into a traditional 2.0 stereo system. This is a game-changer for gaming and music. By placing the speakers on either side of my monitor, I achieved a much wider stereo soundstage. In games like Counter-Strike 2, directional audio cues became significantly clearer, making it easier to pinpoint the direction of enemy footsteps. For music, this separation allows the stereo mix to breathe, preventing instruments from sounding cluttered and creating a more immersive listening field. The stability of the stands was more than adequate; they hold the speakers securely upright and have a small footprint, so they don’t take up too much room.
Sound Signature: Punchy Mids, Clear Highs, but What About the Bass?
Let’s set realistic expectations: a USB-powered speaker system weighing under a kilogram is not going to rattle your windows with deep, sub-bass frequencies. That said, the audio profile of the RED5 Bluetooth Light Up Sound Bar Speaker is surprisingly capable and well-balanced for its intended purpose. We tested it across various genres, from the intricate electronic layers of Daft Punk to the dialogue-heavy scenes of Blade Runner 2049 and the chaotic soundscape of Apex Legends.
The speaker’s primary strength lies in its mid-range clarity. Vocals in music and dialogue in movies come through with excellent definition and presence. This was particularly noticeable during video calls and when listening to podcasts, where every word was crisp and easy to understand, a massive improvement over the muddy output of my monitor’s speakers. The high frequencies are also handled well; they are bright and detailed without ever becoming harsh or tinny, even at higher volumes. Cymbals, synth pads, and environmental sound effects in games had a pleasing sparkle.
As anticipated, the low-end is the weakest link. The speaker produces a “punchy” bass rather than a “deep” one. You can hear the beat of a kick drum, but you won’t feel it in your chest. For action movies and bass-heavy genres like hip-hop or EDM, the lack of a dedicated subwoofer is evident. However, for a compact desk setup, this is often a benefit, as it prevents the boomy, vibrating bass that can travel through floors and annoy housemates or neighbours. For casual listening and immersive gaming where mid-range clarity is paramount, the audio quality delivered by the RED5 Bluetooth Light Up Sound Bar Speaker is genuinely impressive for its form factor and price.
The RGB Light Show: Ambiance Creator or Gimmicky Distraction?
The RGB lighting is the other major selling point, designed to appeal to the gamer and “battlestation” aesthetic. The illumination is vibrant, with rich colours that are diffused nicely through the translucent rings at the base of each speaker half. It provides a fantastic underglow effect when in soundbar mode and acts as stylish ambient lighting for each tower when separated. There are several modes to cycle through, including static colours, a slow “breathing” effect, and a multi-colour rainbow cycle, all controlled by the single touch-sensitive button on the right speaker.
However, this is where we encountered a notable quirk, one that is echoed in some user feedback. During our testing, the touch control for the lights would occasionally become unresponsive. We’d be cycling through the modes, and it would suddenly get “stuck” on a single colour, refusing to change no matter how we tapped the button. A quick unplug and replug of the USB power cable always resolved the issue instantly, rebooting the system and restoring full functionality. This suggests a minor firmware bug rather than a catastrophic hardware failure. While it was a minor annoyance that happened a few times over a week of heavy use, it’s a crucial point of transparency. For us, it wasn’t a dealbreaker given the simple fix, but it’s something potential buyers should be aware of. When it works, which is most of the time, the light show is a fantastic addition that truly enhances the visual appeal of a desk setup.
Connectivity and Controls: Simplicity is Key
The RED5 speaker champions simplicity in its operation. Connectivity is a tale of two options. The Bluetooth 5.1 pairing was effortless; we held down the touch button for a few seconds, it entered pairing mode, and our PC, laptop, and smartphone all found and connected to it within seconds. The connection remained stable within a 10-meter range, with no noticeable dropouts or audio stuttering when streaming music from a phone across the room.
For gaming, the integrated 3.5mm aux cable is the way to go. It provides a zero-latency audio feed, which is critical for competitive play. The cable is hardwired into the speaker, which means you can’t lose it, but also means you can’t replace it with a longer one if needed. The length was sufficient for our setup, but it’s a point to consider.
The entire unit is controlled by a single, multifunction touch-sensitive button on top of the right speaker. A short tap cycles through the RGB light modes, while a longer press switches between Bluetooth and Aux-in modes, confirmed by a distinct audio prompt. This minimalist approach keeps the device looking clean, but it does come with a trade-off: there is no physical volume control on the speaker itself. All volume adjustments must be made from your source device (your computer, TV, or phone). This wasn’t an issue for us, as we’re accustomed to using keyboard media keys, but users who prefer a physical volume knob will find its absence noteworthy.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our experience with the RED5 Bluetooth Light Up Sound Bar Speaker largely aligns with the general sentiment found online. Many users praise its excellent value, highlighting the unique 2-in-1 design as a major selling point for creating versatile and stylish desk setups. Positive feedback often centres on the brightness and appeal of the RGB lighting and the surprisingly clear audio quality for everyday use like YouTube, casual gaming, and video calls.
On the other hand, we weren’t alone in noticing the minor issue with the lighting controls. One user succinctly noted the “Colours don’t change,” which directly mirrors our experience of the lights occasionally getting stuck on one mode until the device was power-cycled. This appears to be the most common frustration among an otherwise positive reception. It’s a small but recurring quirk that prevents the user experience from being absolutely seamless, though most, like us, don’t consider it a fatal flaw given the product’s price and other strengths.
How Does the RED5 Compare to the Alternatives?
The RED5 Bluetooth Light Up Sound Bar Speaker occupies a unique niche with its blend of aesthetics and modularity. However, if your priorities lie elsewhere—be it thunderous bass or pristine audio fidelity—there are other excellent options to consider.
1. Edifier T5 8-Inch 70W Powered Subwoofer
- 8 inch speaker driver: delivers powerful sound with high precision bass to give you a better listening experience.
- Low pass filter with frequency response up to 38Hz - ensures that your woofer only plays noise that is too low to allow your speakers to be output correctly. Complement your speakers with great tweaks...
This is less of a direct alternative and more of a potential companion or specialized choice. The Edifier T5 is purely a powered subwoofer; it doesn’t produce mid or high-range frequencies. You cannot use this by itself. It’s the perfect choice for someone who already owns a pair of decent satellite speakers (like the Edifier R1280T, for example) and wants to add that deep, cinematic rumble that a small soundbar can’t deliver. If your primary complaint about desk audio is a lack of impactful bass for movies and music, and you have the space for a separate sub, the Edifier T5 is a fantastic and focused upgrade.
2. CREATIVE Stage V2 2.1 Soundbar with Subwoofer
- POWERED BY SOUND BLASTER | Experience improved vocal intelligibility and wider surround experience with Clear Dialog and Surround, audio processing technologies powered by Sound Blaster’s expertise,...
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE 2.1 SPEAKER | Housing two custom-tuned mid-range drivers and accompanied by a powerful long-throw tower-sized subwoofer, the Creative Stage V2 is capable of filling your room with...
The CREATIVE Stage V2 represents the next logical step up in audio performance. While it lacks the RGB lighting and detachable design of the RED5, it compensates with a dedicated subwoofer and a host of connectivity options, including TV ARC and Optical. This makes it a far more versatile solution for both PC and television use. The sound quality is a significant improvement, particularly in the low end, thanks to that separate sub. If you have a slightly higher budget and prioritize powerful, room-filling sound and dialogue clarity (thanks to its “Clear Dialog” feature) over aesthetics, the Stage V2 is a formidable alternative.
3. CREATIVE Stage SE Under-monitor Soundbar
- ENJOY POWERFUL AUDIO WITH TONE ADJUSTMENT – Stage SE delivers up to 48W peak power with high-quality audio. You can also toggle between warmer or brighter audio, and adjust them to your liking
- POWERED BY SOUND BLASTER – Bringing the cinematic experience to your desk with our Surround technology. You will also be able to hear each syllable clearly with Clear Dialog technology
This is perhaps the most direct competitor to the RED5 in its soundbar form. The CREATIVE Stage SE is a sleek, compact, under-monitor soundbar from a legendary audio brand. It focuses entirely on delivering the best possible audio in a small footprint. It boasts newer Bluetooth 5.3 technology and features Sound Blaster audio processing for enhanced surround effects and dialogue. You lose the flashy RGB and the ability to separate the speakers, but you gain the reassurance of Creative’s audio engineering. This is the ideal choice for a professional or minimalist user who wants a clean, unobtrusive soundbar that prioritizes audio clarity and functionality above all else.
Final Verdict: A Stylish and Versatile Audio Upgrade
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the RED5 Bluetooth Light Up Sound Bar Speaker is a fantastic and unique product for a specific type of user. It successfully bridges the gap between functional audio and aesthetic desk enhancement. Its clever detachable design is its greatest strength, offering a level of versatility that is simply unmatched at this price point. The audio is clear and loud enough for daily desktop use, and the vibrant RGB lighting adds a significant “wow” factor to any gaming or home office setup.
It is not without its flaws. The bass is modest, and the minor but persistent bug with the light controls is a quirk you’ll have to accept. However, these are reasonable trade-offs for what you’re getting. If you are an audiophile chasing perfect sound reproduction, this isn’t for you. But if you’re looking to dramatically upgrade from tinny monitor speakers, clean up your desk, and add a splash of colourful personality to your space, the RED5 is an exceptional and fun choice that delivers on its promises.
If you’ve decided the RED5 Bluetooth Light Up Sound Bar Speaker is the right fit for your setup, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API