The Creative XF1 in white. / Creative Creative XF1 Desktop Speakers 8.4 $180 at Creative Pros & Cons Compact, elegant design
Impressive sound for the size and price, with ample bass and good clarity
Detachable cork stands
Good wired and wireless connectivity
Can add subwoofer for more bass
Volume control on front They look nice but don't feel that premium
No HDMI eArc or optical input
Creative is known for its value PC speakers, including its popular orb-shaped Pebble speakers, which start at $20. In recent years, the company has dabbled in more premium models, such as the $280 Pebble Nova, which sits at the top of our best PC speakers list. Its new XF1 desktop powered speaker set is a slightly different animal in that it has a subdued, straightforward boxy design and a more midrange price of $180. But it still follows the same value formula, delivering very good sound for the price along with pretty robust connectivity options.
Creative XF1 design and connectivity
Measuring 7.5 inches tall, 6.1 inches deep and 3.9 inches wide, the speakers are fairly compact and won’t take up too much room on a desk. Available in matte black or white finishes, the XF1s have an appealing, understated, elegant design that gives off a mini-studio-speaker vibe and lends them a bit of seriousness. Each speaker has a 3-inch woofer and a 3/4-inch tweeter, and the drivers are fully exposed, as the speakers have no grilles. They sit on detachable cork stands that tilt the speakers upward at a 15-degree angle.
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