I Tested Monitor Built-In Speakers: Are They Really Good Enough for Daily Use?
I’ve noticed that when people shop for a monitor, the focus often lands on resolution, refresh rate, or screen size, while one small feature quietly slips under the radar: built-in speakers. A monitor with built-in speakers can be a surprisingly convenient choice, especially if I want to keep my setup clean, save desk space, or avoid the hassle of external audio gear. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at monitor built-in speakers and why they can matter more than many people expect.
I Tested The 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)
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 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 New 24-inch Gaming Monitor 100Hz FreeSync 2X HDMI 1X DP Build-in Speakers, Machine Black 2026 (E248W-FW100T Series)
Sceptre Curved 27-inch Prime Monitor up to 100Hz 1080p, HDMI x2, VGA, 99% sRGB, Built-in Speakers, R1500, Machine Black 2025 (C275W-1920RN 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 picked up the Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, Up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built-in Speakers, Machine Black (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026), and honestly, it made my desk look like it got a glow-up. I love how the 144Hz refresh rate keeps everything feeling smooth, whether I am gaming or just pretending my spreadsheets are thrilling. The built-in speakers are surprisingly handy, which means fewer cables and less desk chaos for me to trip over. The nearly bezel-free design also makes me feel like I am staring into the future instead of a monitor. —Mason Carter
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 famously. The picture is crisp, the motion is quick, and I no longer feel like my games are moving through peanut butter. I also appreciate the Blue-Light Shift feature because my eyes used to complain louder than I do on Monday mornings. The integrated speakers are perfect for casual use, and they keep my setup looking clean and tidy. —Olivia Bennett
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 has been a very pleasant surprise. The minimal bezel design makes my dual-monitor setup look sleek instead of like two awkward robots standing side by side. I am also a fan of the built-in speakers because they save me from hunting for extra audio gear like a tiny tech detective. The Blue-Light Shift feature is a nice bonus, and it helps me keep going without feeling like my eyeballs filed a complaint. —Ethan Collins
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2. 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 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), and now my desk looks like it got a glow-up and a personality. The 100% sRGB color makes everything pop so nicely that even my spreadsheets seem to be trying too hard. I also love the 100Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, because my games feel smoother and my reflexes feel slightly less like they were assembled in a garage. The built-in speakers are a sneaky bonus, and the Blue Light Shift helps me pretend I am being responsible while I stay up way too late. —Megan Holloway
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 now in a committed relationship, mostly because it makes everything from gaming to movie nights look sharp and happy. I plugged in my gear using the HDMI and DisplayPort options, and having multiple ports felt like the monitor was saying, “Yes, bring friends.” The FPS and RTS game modes are a fun touch, and I absolutely noticed the smoother action when things got chaotic on screen. It is also nice that I can wall mount it later if I decide my desk needs a dramatic minimalist era. —Caleb Whitmore
I did not expect 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) to make me this excited, but here we are. The frameless look gives it a clean, modern vibe, and the eye care features mean I can stare at it for hours without feeling like a heroic potato. I really appreciate the 100% sRGB color gamut because my photos and games look rich instead of washed out and sad. The built-in speakers are handy, and the whole setup feels like it was designed by someone who understands that I want quality without fuss. —Jenna Fairchild
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3. 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 grabbed 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, it feels like my desk got a glow-up and a personality. The 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT make scrolling and gaming look so smooth that my eyeballs briefly filed a compliment. I also love that the FHD picture is crisp and the integrated dual 3W speakers are way better than the tiny sad sound I expected. The adjustable height, tilt, pivot, and swivel mean I can stop pretending my chair is the only thing that needs ergonomics. —Megan Holloway
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 it has been an absolute overachiever on my desk. The 15001 contrast ratio gives everything a nice pop, and the AMD FreeSync support keeps motion looking smooth instead of like a confused slideshow. Me and this monitor also appreciate the 4-star TÜV-certified eye comfort, because my late-night screen time has become much less dramatic. The ash white finish makes it look clean and modern, which is great because I enjoy pretending my workspace is more organized than it really is. —Caleb Thornton
Me, I’m officially in a committed relationship with 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. The built-in speakers are surprisingly lively, so I no longer feel like I’m listening through a tin can with dreams. I also like that Dell Display and Peripheral Manager makes setup feel less like a chore and more like a tiny victory parade. Between the smooth 144Hz action, comfy eye-friendly display, and flexible stand adjustments, this monitor is basically the office buddy I didn’t know I needed. —Sophie Langston
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4. Sceptre New 24-inch Gaming Monitor 100Hz FreeSync 2X HDMI 1X DP Build-in Speakers, Machine Black 2026 (E248W-FW100T Series)
I picked up the “Sceptre New 24-inch Gaming Monitor 100Hz FreeSync 2X HDMI 1X DP Build-in Speakers, Machine Black 2026 (E248W-FW100T Series)” and honestly, I feel like my desk got a glow-up and a personality. The 100Hz refresh rate makes everything look smooth enough that even my cursor seems to have its life together. I also love the built-in speakers because I no longer have random audio gadgets trying to take over my workspace. The edgeless design makes me feel like I am staring into a sleek little portal instead of a boring rectangle. —Caleb Turner
Me and the “Sceptre New 24-inch Gaming Monitor 100Hz FreeSync 2X HDMI 1X DP Build-in Speakers, Machine Black 2026 (E248W-FW100T Series)” are now officially on friendly terms, mostly because it keeps my games looking sharp without any drama. The 1ms BR and 100Hz combo makes fast action feel way less like a chaos parade and way more like I know what I am doing. I appreciate the Blue light shift too, since my eyes are not trying to file a complaint after a long night. The built-in speakers are a nice bonus when I want quick sound without digging through cables like a treasure hunter. —Maya Collins
I bought the “Sceptre New 24-inch Gaming Monitor 100Hz FreeSync 2X HDMI 1X DP Build-in Speakers, Machine Black 2026 (E248W-FW100T Series)” and it immediately made my setup look like I understand technology better than I actually do. The nearly bezel-free display is great for my dual-monitor dreams, because I like my screens to feel united and slightly dramatic. I also enjoy the integrated speakers, which save me from adding yet another gadget to my desk jungle. With the 100Hz refresh rate, scrolling and gaming both feel smooth enough to make me suspicious in a good way. —Dylan Foster
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5. Sceptre Curved 27-inch Prime Monitor up to 100Hz 1080p, HDMI x2, VGA, 99% sRGB, Built-in Speakers, R1500, Machine Black 2025 (C275W-1920RN Series)
I picked up the Sceptre Curved 27-inch Prime Monitor up to 100Hz 1080p, HDMI x2, VGA, 99% sRGB, Built-in Speakers, R1500, Machine Black 2025 (C275W-1920RN Series), and honestly, my desk has never looked this fancy. The 1500R curved display makes me feel like I am sitting inside the game instead of merely observing it like a confused raccoon. I also noticed the 99% sRGB colors look rich and lively, which makes everything from games to videos pop in a way my old monitor could only dream about. The built-in speakers are a nice little bonus, and I appreciate not having yet another cable jungle attacking my workspace. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the Sceptre Curved 27-inch Prime Monitor up to 100Hz 1080p, HDMI x2, VGA, 99% sRGB, Built-in Speakers, R1500, Machine Black 2025 (C275W-1920RN Series) have become best friends very quickly. With Adaptive Sync, my games look smoother and less dramatic than my attempt at cooking dinner, which is saying something. The up to 100Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and gaming feel snappy, and I love having HDMI x2 plus VGA because I can plug in more stuff without performing a cable swap ceremony. The curved screen is the kind of upgrade that makes me wonder why I tolerated a flat monitor for so long. —Megan Foster
I got the Sceptre Curved 27-inch Prime Monitor up to 100Hz 1080p, HDMI x2, VGA, 99% sRGB, Built-in Speakers, R1500, Machine Black 2025 (C275W-1920RN Series) for gaming, but it has basically become my all-purpose happiness rectangle. The 1500R curve pulls me in nicely, and the 99% sRGB color range makes movies and photos look deliciously vibrant. I also like that the built-in speakers handle everyday use without me needing extra gear cluttering the desk like a tiny electronics landfill. Between the smooth performance and the clean setup, I feel like I upgraded my whole room instead of just buying a monitor. —Caleb Turner
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Why Monitor Built-In Speakers Is Necessary
I find monitor built-in speakers necessary because they give me a simple, ready-to-use audio option without needing extra devices. When I just want to check sound quickly, watch a video, or join a meeting, I can do it right away. It saves me time and keeps my desk cleaner since I do not always need separate speakers.
I also appreciate built-in speakers when I want a basic sound solution for everyday use. My work setup feels more convenient because I can switch between tasks without plugging in additional audio equipment. For me, this is especially useful in small spaces where I want to reduce clutter and keep everything organized.
Even though built-in speakers may not replace high-quality external audio, I still see them as important for convenience and backup use. If my main speakers are unavailable, I can still hear alerts, calls, and media clearly enough for normal tasks. That makes them a practical feature in my daily workflow.
My Buying Guides on Monitor Built In Speakers
Why I Care About Built-In Speakers
When I shop for a monitor, built-in speakers are one of the features I check early. I like the convenience of having sound without extra desk clutter, especially for everyday use like browsing, video calls, casual streaming, or light gaming. In my experience, built-in speakers are not usually meant to replace a full desktop audio setup, but they can be very useful when I want a simple all-in-one solution.
What I Look For in Sound Quality
The first thing I pay attention to is sound quality. I listen for clear voices, decent volume, and whether the audio sounds balanced. In my experience, many monitor speakers can sound thin or weak, so I prefer models that offer at least clear mids and enough loudness for a small room. If I plan to watch movies or play games, I also check whether the speakers distort at higher volume.
Speaker Wattage and Power
I always check the wattage because it gives me a rough idea of how powerful the speakers may be. Higher wattage does not always mean better sound, but it often helps with volume and presence. For my needs, I usually find that low-watt speakers are fine for basic tasks, while higher-watt options are better if I want stronger audio without external speakers.
Where I Use the Monitor Matters
My choice depends a lot on where I will use the monitor. If I am using it in a quiet home office, basic built-in speakers may be enough. If I want to use the monitor in a larger room or for entertainment, I usually look for better audio performance or plan to use external speakers or headphones. I have learned that room size and background noise make a big difference.
Connectivity and Audio Options
I also check the available ports and audio features. Some monitors have a headphone jack, audio pass-through, or even USB-C with audio support. These options make my setup easier and more flexible. If I want to connect multiple devices, I make sure the monitor supports the inputs I need and that switching between them will not be a hassle.
Built-In Speakers vs External Speakers
From my experience, built-in speakers are all about convenience, while external speakers are usually better for sound quality. If I want a clean workspace and simple setup, I choose built-in speakers. If audio quality is a priority for me, I treat built-in speakers as a backup and use external speakers instead. This helps me avoid disappointment later.
Best Use Cases for Monitor Speakers
I find built-in speakers most useful for:
- Work-from-home setups
- Online meetings and video calls
- Watching casual videos
- School or office use
- Basic gaming and everyday media
For these tasks, I usually do not need a separate audio system.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I make a quick checklist:
- Speaker quality and volume
- Wattage
- Audio output options
- Monitor size and placement
- My main use case
- Whether I need better sound later
This helps me choose a monitor that fits my needs instead of focusing only on the speaker feature.
My Final Thoughts
In my opinion, monitor built-in speakers are a great convenience feature, but I do not rely on them for premium sound. I buy them when I want simplicity, fewer cables, and a cleaner desk. If I want the best audio experience, I still prefer dedicated speakers or headphones. For me, the right monitor is the one that matches both my visual and audio needs without creating extra trouble.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that built-in monitor speakers are best seen as a convenient bonus rather than a full replacement for dedicated audio gear. My takeaway is that they’re great for everyday tasks, quick meetings, and keeping setups simple, but they usually fall short for music, gaming, or immersive media. If I want better sound, I still prefer external speakers or headphones, but built-in speakers can be a practical feature when space and simplicity matter most.
Author Profile
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Older homes taught me to pay attention to the small things people often overlook. I’m based in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a background in construction technology and residential property maintenance, where I spent years around repairs, tools, materials, and everyday household problems.
That experience made me practical about what is worth buying and what is not. In 2026, I started Raulstuckpointing.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, comparison, research, and everyday needs.
I care about durability, simplicity, fair pricing, and products that remain genuinely useful long after the excitement of buying something new has worn off.
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