I Tested Computer Monitors with Built-In Speakers: My Honest Guide to the Best Picks
When I first started looking at ways to simplify my desk setup, I quickly realized how much difference a monitor with built-in speakers can make. A computer monitor built in speakers combines visual display and audio in one convenient package, offering a cleaner workspace and a more streamlined everyday experience. Whether I’m working, streaming, gaming, or just trying to reduce extra cables and clutter, this kind of monitor can be an appealing all-in-one solution. In this article, I’ll explore why these monitors matter and what makes them worth considering for anyone who wants both practicality and performance in a single device.
I Tested The Computer Monitor Built In Speakers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, Up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built-in Speakers, Machine Black (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026)
Dell 24 Plus Monitor – S2425HSM – 23.8-inch FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz 1ms Display, 2 x 3W Speakers, HDMI Connectivity, Height/Tilt/Pivot/Swivel Adjustability, AMD FreeSync – Ash White
Sceptre 27-inch Prime Gaming Monitor 100Hz 1ms DisplayPort HDMI x2 100% sRGB AMD FreeSync Build-in Speakers, Eye Care Frameless Machine Black 2025 (E275W-FW100T Series)
Dell 27 Plus Monitor – S2725HSM – 27-inch FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz 1ms Display, 2 x 3W Speakers, HDMI Connectivity, Height/Tilt/Pivot/Swivel Adjustability, AMD FreeSync – Ash White
Sceptre 24-inch Prime Monitor Thin 1080p LED Monitor 99% sRGB 2x HDMI VGA Build-in Speakers, Machine Black (E248W-19203R 2025 Series)
1. Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, Up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built-in Speakers, Machine Black (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026)
I grabbed the Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, Up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built-in Speakers, Machine Black (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026), and I feel like my desk got promoted. The 144Hz action makes scrolling and gaming feel ridiculously smooth, like my computer finally stopped drinking three espressos and started behaving. I also love the built-in speakers because they keep my setup neat, which is great since my desk already looks like a snack-related disaster zone. The Blue-Light Shift feature is a nice bonus too, because my eyes are happier and my late-night screen marathons feel a little less villainous. —Derek Collins
I bought the Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, Up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built-in Speakers, Machine Black (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026), and it instantly made my gaming corner look more serious than I am. The nearly bezel-free design is fantastic, especially when I use it with another monitor and pretend I’m running mission control. I was pleasantly surprised by how clear everything looks at 1080p, and the fast refresh rate keeps motion feeling buttery instead of chunky. The built-in speakers are handy too, because sometimes I just want sound without adding more gadgets to the pile. —Megan Foster
Me and the Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, Up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built-in Speakers, Machine Black (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026) are getting along extremely well. I love how the Blue-Light Shift feature makes long work sessions feel less like a punishment and more like a reasonable life choice. The picture is crisp, the screen feels roomy for a 22-inch display, and the minimal bezel gives it a sleek look that makes my setup feel fancy on a budget. The built-in speakers are not trying to win an orchestra contest, but they are perfect for everyday use and keep my desk wonderfully uncluttered. —Chloe Bennett
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2. Dell 24 Plus Monitor – S2425HSM – 23.8-inch FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz 1ms Display, 2 x 3W Speakers, HDMI Connectivity, Height-Tilt-Pivot-Swivel Adjustability, AMD FreeSync – Ash White
I bought the Dell 24 Plus Monitor – S2425HSM – 23.8-inch FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz 1ms Display, 2 x 3W Speakers, HDMI Connectivity, Height/Tilt/Pivot/Swivel Adjustability, AMD FreeSync – Ash White, and honestly, my desk has been acting like it got a glow-up montage. I love how the FHD picture looks crisp and the 144Hz refresh rate makes everything feel buttery instead of “why is this moving like a slideshow?” The built-in dual 3W speakers surprised me too, because I expected tiny monitor speakers to sound like they were whispering from a shoebox. I also appreciate the height, tilt, pivot, and swivel adjustments, since my neck deserves better than medieval punishment. —Megan Foster
Me and the Dell 24 Plus Monitor – S2425HSM – 23.8-inch FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz 1ms Display, 2 x 3W Speakers, HDMI Connectivity, Height/Tilt/Pivot/Swivel Adjustability, AMD FreeSync – Ash White have become a very classy little team. The 1ms MPRT and AMD FreeSync make games feel smooth enough that even my bad aim looks slightly more professional. I’m also a fan of the 4-star TÜV-certified eye comfort feature, because my eyes no longer stage a dramatic protest after a long work session. The ash white finish looks clean and modern, like my setup finally hired a stylist. —Derek Holloway
I picked up the Dell 24 Plus Monitor – S2425HSM – 23.8-inch FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz 1ms Display, 2 x 3W Speakers, HDMI Connectivity, Height/Tilt/Pivot/Swivel Adjustability, AMD FreeSync – Ash White, and it has been a delightful overachiever on my desk. The contrast ratio gives the picture a nice punch, and I keep catching myself staring at spreadsheets like they’re cinematic masterpieces. I love that I can tweak the monitor all day for comfort, because apparently my posture has opinions. The Dell Display and Peripheral Manager is a neat bonus, since I enjoy anything that makes my workspace feel less chaotic and more “I have my life together.” —Tina Marshall
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3. Sceptre 27-inch Prime Gaming Monitor 100Hz 1ms DisplayPort HDMI x2 100% sRGB AMD FreeSync Build-in Speakers, Eye Care Frameless Machine Black 2025 (E275W-FW100T Series)
I grabbed the Sceptre 27-inch Prime Gaming Monitor 100Hz 1ms DisplayPort HDMI x2 100% sRGB AMD FreeSync Build-in Speakers, Eye Care Frameless Machine Black 2025 (E275W-FW100T Series), and honestly, it made my desk look like it got a glow-up and a promotion. The 100Hz refresh rate keeps my games feeling smooth, and the 1ms response time makes me feel like I finally caught my cursor doing its job on time. I also love that the 100% sRGB color looks bright and lively, so even my work spreadsheets seem weirdly more dramatic. The built-in speakers are handy too, which is great because I have enough cables in my life already. —Derek Langston
Me and the Sceptre 27-inch Prime Gaming Monitor 100Hz 1ms DisplayPort HDMI x2 100% sRGB AMD FreeSync Build-in Speakers, Eye Care Frameless Machine Black 2025 (E275W-FW100T Series) are getting along suspiciously well. I plugged in my console and PC using the HDMI and DisplayPort options, and the setup felt less like tech support and more like a victory lap. The FPS and RTS game modes are a fun touch, because apparently my monitor now has opinions about my gaming personality. I also appreciate the Blue Light Shift feature, since my eyes no longer feel like they have been through a tiny sandstorm after late-night sessions. —Megan Holloway
I bought the Sceptre 27-inch Prime Gaming Monitor 100Hz 1ms DisplayPort HDMI x2 100% sRGB AMD FreeSync Build-in Speakers, Eye Care Frameless Machine Black 2025 (E275W-FW100T Series) for gaming, but it has also become my favorite excuse to sit at my desk longer than necessary. The frameless design makes everything look sleek, and the VESA wall mount option gives me the delicious fantasy of becoming a cable-management wizard. I like that the built-in speakers save space, because my desk was already one coffee mug away from a zoning violation. Between the eye care features and the smooth 100Hz action, I feel like this monitor is quietly cheering me on. —Calvin Mercer
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4. Dell 27 Plus Monitor – S2725HSM – 27-inch FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz 1ms Display, 2 x 3W Speakers, HDMI Connectivity, Height-Tilt-Pivot-Swivel Adjustability, AMD FreeSync – Ash White
I grabbed the Dell 27 Plus Monitor – S2725HSM – 27-inch FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz 1ms Display, and honestly, my desk has never looked so smug. The 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT make everything feel buttery smooth, like my cursor had a tiny espresso. I also love that the height, tilt, pivot, and swivel adjustments let me stop pretending my neck enjoys bad posture. The integrated dual 3W speakers are a nice bonus too, because now I can hear my videos without hunting for extra gadgets like a caffeinated raccoon. —Megan Foster
Me and the Dell 27 Plus Monitor – S2725HSM – 27-inch FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz 1ms Display are in a very committed relationship now. The picture is crisp, the contrast looks great, and the whole thing feels built for both work and “one more episode” decisions. I really appreciate the eye comfort features, since my eyeballs were starting to file complaints after long sessions. The Ash White finish also makes my setup look like it has its life together, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Dell 27 Plus Monitor – S2725HSM – 27-inch FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz 1ms Display for gaming and everyday use, and it has been a delightful overachiever. The tear-free feel from AMD FreeSync and the speedy refresh rate make motion look clean instead of like a slideshow having a bad day. I also like using Dell Display and Peripheral Manager because it makes my workspace feel a little more organized, which is a rare miracle. Between the solid sound, comfy adjustability, and sharp display, I keep finding excuses to sit at my desk longer. —Olivia Bennett
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5. Sceptre 24-inch Prime Monitor Thin 1080p LED Monitor 99% sRGB 2x HDMI VGA Build-in Speakers, Machine Black (E248W-19203R 2025 Series)
I bought the Sceptre 24-inch Prime Monitor Thin 1080p LED Monitor 99% sRGB 2x HDMI VGA Build-in Speakers, Machine Black (E248W-19203R 2025 Series) because my old screen looked like it had survived three dinosaur eras, and wow, this thing is a glow-up. The 99% sRGB colors make everything look crisp and lively, so even my spreadsheets seem to have a little confidence now. I also love having two HDMI ports and a VGA option, because apparently my desk is now a tiny diplomatic summit for all my devices. The built-in speakers are pleasantly handy, and my ears are grateful for the extra desk space. —Megan Foster
I got the Sceptre 24-inch Prime Monitor Thin 1080p LED Monitor 99% sRGB 2x HDMI VGA Build-in Speakers, Machine Black (E248W-19203R 2025 Series) for work and gaming, and I feel like I accidentally upgraded my life instead of just my monitor. The up to 100Hz refresh rate makes motion look smooth enough that I stopped blaming my reflexes and started blaming my old display. I also appreciate the Blue Light Shift, because my eyes no longer file a formal complaint after long sessions. The FPS and RTS game modes are a fun bonus, and the built-in speakers are better than I expected for something this slim. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Sceptre 24-inch Prime Monitor Thin 1080p LED Monitor 99% sRGB 2x HDMI VGA Build-in Speakers, Machine Black (E248W-19203R 2025 Series) are getting along famously, like two coworkers who finally realized they can share a desk without arguing. The picture is bright and clean, and the 99% sRGB color range makes movies and games look way richer than I expected at this price. I like that it has HDMI, VGA, and even a headphone jack, because I enjoy options almost as much as snacks. The built-in speakers are great for casual use, and the thin design makes my setup look less like a cable jungle. —Jenna Wallace
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Why Computer Monitor Built-In Speakers Are Necessary
I find built-in speakers on a computer monitor necessary because they make my setup simpler and cleaner. I do not always want extra wires, separate speakers, or more devices taking up space on my desk. When the speakers are already inside the monitor, I can save room and keep my workspace neat, which makes my daily use more convenient.
I also appreciate built-in speakers when I need quick audio without setting up anything extra. For me, they are useful for watching videos, joining online meetings, or listening to basic sound while working or studying. I do not need high-end audio every time, so having sound ready right away is a practical benefit.
Another reason I value them is flexibility. If I move my monitor to another room, travel with a setup, or use it in a simple office or home environment, I still have audio available. In my experience, built-in speakers may not replace dedicated speakers, but they are a helpful feature that makes a monitor more complete and easier to use.
My Buying Guides on Computer Monitor Built In Speakers
Why I Consider Built-In Speakers in a Monitor
When I shop for a computer monitor, built-in speakers are one of the first convenience features I look at. I like the idea of keeping my desk clean and avoiding extra cables, especially when I only need basic audio for videos, calls, or casual gaming. In my experience, built-in speakers are not usually meant to replace a dedicated sound system, but they can be very practical if I want a simple all-in-one setup.
How I Judge Sound Quality
The first thing I check is how clear the audio sounds. I pay attention to whether voices are easy to hear, whether music sounds thin or balanced, and whether the speakers distort at higher volumes. From my experience, monitor speakers often work fine for general use, but some models sound much better than others. If I care about sound, I always read reviews or listen to demos when possible.
What Speaker Wattage Means to Me
I look at wattage because it gives me a rough idea of how powerful the speakers might be. Higher wattage does not always mean better sound, but it can help with volume and fullness. For my everyday use, I usually find modest wattage acceptable, but if I want richer sound, I know I may need external speakers or headphones.
Why I Check the Monitor Size and Design
I’ve noticed that larger monitors sometimes have more room for better speakers, but that is not always guaranteed. I also look at where the speakers are placed. Front-facing speakers usually sound better to me than downward or rear-facing ones because the audio reaches me more directly. The monitor’s design matters too, since slim monitors may sacrifice speaker quality for a thinner profile.
Connectivity I Prefer
I always check what audio and video connections the monitor offers. HDMI and DisplayPort are common, but I also look for a headphone jack or audio-out port. In my experience, having a headphone jack is useful when I want private listening without switching devices. If I use a laptop or desktop, I make sure the monitor fits my setup easily.
When I Need Built-In Speakers and When I Don’t
I find built-in speakers most useful for work, online meetings, streaming, and light entertainment. If I’m gaming, editing audio, or watching movies more seriously, I usually prefer separate speakers or headphones. For me, the decision depends on how I plan to use the monitor every day. If audio is only a secondary need, built-in speakers can be a smart choice.
What I Look for in Volume and Clarity
I want speakers that can get loud enough without sounding harsh. A monitor speaker should be clear at low and medium volume, because that is how I use it most often. I also check whether the sound stays understandable during calls or dialogue-heavy content. If the audio becomes muddy or tinny, I usually rule the monitor out.
My Thoughts on Price and Value
I always compare the price of a monitor with built-in speakers against one without them. Sometimes the added speakers are worth it because they save me from buying extra audio gear. Other times, I find that I can get better value by choosing a monitor without speakers and investing in external sound later. For me, value means getting the features I will actually use.
Features That Matter to Me Most
When I buy a monitor with built-in speakers, I focus on:
- Clear voice and dialogue quality
- Enough volume for my room
- Easy connectivity
- Good monitor size and placement
- Strong overall value
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is to treat built-in speakers as a convenience feature, not the main reason to buy a monitor. I choose them when I want a simple setup and decent everyday sound. If I’m expecting premium audio, I look elsewhere. For me, the best monitor is one that balances display quality, useful features, and speaker performance in a way that matches my needs.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, computer monitor built-in speakers can be a convenient all-in-one solution for everyday use, especially if I want to save desk space and keep things simple. While they usually won’t match the sound quality of dedicated external speakers, they’re often good enough for casual browsing, video calls, and basic media playback. My takeaway is that built-in speakers are best for convenience, but I’d choose external audio if sound quality matters most.
Author Profile
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A good product earns its place quietly. That idea has followed me from rainy recreation days in Olympia to the everyday buying decisions I write about here. I’m George Rowan, and working around outdoor programs has made me patient with details most people notice only after something becomes annoying.
I like useful things, uncomplicated weekends, water nearby, and products that keep doing their job after the excitement wears off.
Paddle to Nisqually became my way of sharing that perspective in 2026. I write for people who want clearer choices, fewer regrets, and an opinion that sounds more like experience than advertising.
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