The Creative Sound Blaster GS5 aims to bridge the gap between compact desktop speakers and full-sized home entertainment systems. Designed as a versatile gaming soundbar for both desktop and TV setups, it combines powerful audio output, RGB lighting, broad platform compatibility, and Creative's proprietary SuperWide technology into an affordable package.
Priced at £74.99, the GS5 positions itself as an accessible upgrade for gamers looking to move beyond built-in monitor speakers without investing in a complex multi-speaker setup. Compatible with PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, TVs, smartphones, and tablets, it offers impressive flexibility for a wide variety of gaming and entertainment setups.
After examining its features and performance, the Sound Blaster GS5 proves itself to be one of the stronger value-focused gaming soundbars currently available.
Design & Build Quality
The first thing that stands out is the GS5's clean, understated design. Measuring just over 51cm wide, it fits comfortably beneath most gaming monitors while remaining equally suitable for living room entertainment centres.
Despite its compact footprint, the soundbar feels reassuringly solid. At 1.5kg, it has enough weight to remain stable during use without feeling bulky.
The black finish allows it to blend seamlessly into virtually any gaming setup, while the integrated RGB lighting adds personality without becoming distracting. Rather than overwhelming the desk with excessive illumination, Creative opts for subtle lighting effects that enhance the overall aesthetic.
Users can choose between multiple RGB presets through the Creative App, making it easy to match existing peripherals or simply add some ambience during gaming sessions.
The inclusion of a dedicated IR remote control is another welcome addition. Many compact gaming speakers rely entirely on software controls, but having quick access to volume, input switching and playback controls from across the room makes the GS5 equally practical as a TV soundbar.
Audio Quality
Audio performance is where the Sound Blaster GS5 earns much of its praise.
Powered by dual full-range racetrack drivers alongside a rear port tube, the soundbar produces surprisingly rich audio considering its size. Bass is noticeably fuller than many compact desktop speakers, giving explosions, engine sounds and cinematic moments far more impact without overwhelming dialogue or finer details.
With 30W RMS power and up to 60W peak output, there is more than enough volume for desktop gaming while also comfortably filling smaller living rooms.
Dialogue remains crisp during films and story-driven games, while music playback benefits from balanced mids and respectable high-frequency clarity.
The frequency response of 65Hz–20kHz naturally cannot compete with dedicated subwoofer systems at the very lowest frequencies, but Creative has done an impressive job maximising bass performance within the physical limitations of a compact soundbar.
For its price category, the overall sound signature feels well-balanced and engaging.
SuperWide Technology Makes a Difference
Perhaps the standout feature of the GS5 is Creative's SuperWide™ technology.
Unlike conventional stereo widening effects that often sound artificial, SuperWide expands the perceived soundstage in a convincing way. It creates noticeably greater separation between audio elements, making games and movies feel larger than the physical speaker dimensions would normally allow.
Creative also includes two distinct listening modes:
- Near Field for desktop gaming
- Far Field for television viewing
The Near Field mode performs particularly well for PC gamers sitting directly in front of the soundbar, creating impressive positional separation that enhances immersion across first-person shooters, RPGs and racing games.
Far Field mode broadens the presentation further, making it better suited to couch gaming and movie nights.
While it does not replace true surround sound, SuperWide successfully creates a much larger audio presentation than expected from a single speaker.
Gaming Performance
The GS5 feels purpose-built for gaming.
Fast-paced shooters benefit from improved environmental awareness thanks to the expanded soundstage, while open-world adventures gain greater atmospheric depth.
Explosions carry satisfying weight, ambient environmental sounds remain easy to distinguish, and dialogue stays clear during intense action sequences.
The compact design also makes it an ideal upgrade for gamers who lack space for traditional bookshelf speakers or multi-speaker systems.
Whether connected to a gaming PC or modern console, the experience remains consistently enjoyable.
Connectivity Is Excellent
One of the GS5's greatest strengths is its wide selection of connection options.
It supports:
- Bluetooth 5.3
- USB-C audio
- Optical input
- 3.5mm AUX input
- Headphone output
This flexibility allows users to switch easily between multiple devices without constantly reconnecting cables.
USB-C provides straightforward connectivity for PC, PlayStation consoles and Nintendo Switch, while optical input makes television installation equally simple.
Bluetooth 5.3 offers reliable wireless streaming for music and mobile devices, with stable connections throughout typical room distances.
For users who frequently move between gaming, movies and music, the GS5 eliminates many of the frustrations associated with more limited speaker systems.
Creative App Adds Useful Customisation
Creative's companion application adds another layer of functionality.
Available for Windows and iOS, the software allows users to:
- Adjust EQ settings
- Configure RGB lighting
- Access Creative's audio processing technologies
The equaliser options allow users to tailor the sound profile depending on whether they primarily play competitive games, enjoy cinematic adventures or simply listen to music.
While macOS users currently miss out on app functionality, Windows users receive meaningful customisation that enhances the overall experience.
Everyday Use
Beyond gaming, the GS5 proves equally capable for general entertainment.
Streaming services benefit from clear dialogue, while YouTube videos and podcasts sound significantly fuller than built-in monitor speakers.
Music playback is equally enjoyable, delivering enough bass to make modern genres engaging without sacrificing vocal clarity.
Because of its multiple inputs, switching between work, gaming and entertainment feels seamless.
Value for Money
At £74.99, the Sound Blaster GS5 sits in a highly competitive price bracket.
However, it offers several premium features that are often reserved for considerably more expensive gaming soundbars, including:
- SuperWide audio processing
- 60W peak output
- RGB lighting
- Optical input
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Remote control
- USB-C connectivity
- Companion software with EQ customisation
Considering the feature set alongside the overall audio performance, the GS5 represents excellent value.
Minor Drawbacks
The GS5 is an impressive package, although there are a few limitations worth mentioning.
Bluetooth is limited to the SBC codec, so users looking for higher-quality wireless audio codecs may find this restrictive.
The Creative App is also unavailable on macOS, limiting software customisation for Apple users.
Finally, while bass performance is impressive for a compact soundbar, users seeking room-shaking low-end response will still require a dedicated subwoofer.
These are relatively minor compromises given the price and target audience.
Final Verdict
The Creative Sound Blaster GS5 successfully delivers what many gaming soundbars promise but few fully achieve: impressive sound quality, versatile connectivity, attractive RGB lighting and genuine desktop convenience at an affordable price.
Its biggest strength is the combination of surprisingly powerful audio with Creative's excellent SuperWide technology, helping games, movies and music sound significantly larger than the compact chassis would suggest. The broad platform compatibility, thoughtful connectivity options and included remote further increase its versatility, making it equally suitable for desktop gaming setups and living room entertainment.
While the lack of advanced Bluetooth codecs and macOS app support may disappoint some users, these limitations do little to detract from what is otherwise an exceptionally well-rounded package.
For gamers looking to upgrade from built-in monitor speakers or ageing desktop speakers without spending hundreds of pounds, the Creative Sound Blaster GS5 is an easy recommendation. It offers an excellent balance of performance, features and value, making it one of the standout compact gaming soundbars in its price range.
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Rating: 9/10
Pros
- Excellent sound quality for its compact size
- Effective SuperWide technology creates a much larger soundstage
- Strong bass without requiring a separate subwoofer
- Versatile connectivity including USB-C, Optical and Bluetooth 5.3
- Attractive RGB lighting
- Includes IR remote control
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Bluetooth limited to SBC codec
- Creative App not available for macOS
- Bass cannot fully replace a dedicated subwoofer for home theatre enthusiasts
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