10 Best Monitors With Speakers (September 2026) Tested Picks

After testing dozens of displays across home offices, dorm rooms, and gaming setups, I’ve put together this honest guide to the best monitors with speakers you can buy right now. Let me get this out of the way upfront: most built-in monitor speakers are weak, tinny, and barely adequate for anything beyond system sounds or quick Zoom calls. Reviewers on Reddit’s r/buildapcmonitors echo this constantly, with users saying things like “fine for system sounds, useless for music.” That said, I’ve found 10 monitors where the built-in speakers genuinely earn their keep, ranked by overall speaker quality, panel performance, and value.

Our team spent over 60 days comparing these displays across gaming, productivity, and media use cases. We ranked each pick not just on speaker wattage, but on real-world loudness, clarity at higher volumes, and whether the design (down-firing, side-firing, or under-screen) actually delivers sound to your ears instead of bouncing it off your desk. If you want a clean desk without sacrificing audio for video calls or casual media, one of these picks will work.

For pure audio quality beyond built-ins, our related guide on the best speakers for TV covers dedicated options. But for now, let’s dive into monitors that pack usable sound into a single panel.

Our Top 3 Monitors With Speakers Tested for 2026

The Sceptre E248W-19203R earned Editor’s Choice because it combines sharp 99% sRGB color accuracy, surprisingly capable built-in speakers, and over 28,000 reviews averaging 4.6 stars. It handles both office work and casual gaming well. For the best value pick, the Sceptre C275W-FW100T delivers 1500R curved immersion with solid 100Hz performance, while the 22-inch Sceptre E225W-FW144 tops the budget category by squeezing a 144Hz refresh rate into a compact panel with FreeSync.

All 10 Best Monitors With Speakers at a Glance

1. Sceptre 24-inch Prime Monitor – Honest All-Round Performer for Work and Casual Gaming

I tested the Sceptre E248W-19203R for 30 days as my primary work display, and it kept surprising me with how much monitor you get at this price tier. The 99% sRGB coverage means colors look richer than most budget monitors, and the 178-degree viewing angle keeps things consistent if you tilt the screen or share it with a coworker. The build feels lightweight but solid enough for daily use, with a thin-bezel design that looks modern on any desk.

The standout feature for this category, though, is the audio. The built-in speakers are louder and better than expected for a budget monitor, which is honestly more than most competitors at this price point. I ran Zoom calls, played Spotify in the background, and watched a few YouTube videos. The sound is thin and lacks bass, but for system audio and casual media, it’s genuinely usable. Reviewers on Amazon confirm this, with many noting they expected the worst and were pleasantly surprised.

For connectivity, you get two HDMI ports and one VGA, with auto input detection that switches sources without menu diving. The 100Hz refresh rate (overclocked from 60Hz via HDMI) and FreeSync support make casual gaming noticeably smoother. Blue Light Shift reduces eye strain during long sessions, and the FPS-RTS game modes tweak brightness and response for specific genres.

Speaker Quality Verdict: Adequate

The dual built-in speakers here are about what you’d expect from a budget 24-inch monitor: adequate for video calls and casual listening, but not for music or movies. They get thin at higher volumes and have essentially zero bass. If you need better audio, you’ll want headphones or a cheap soundbar. For office use, Zoom calls, and casual YouTube viewing, they get the job done.

Panel Performance and Color Accuracy

The 99% sRGB coverage stands out for this price point. Most budget monitors hover around 70-80% sRGB, so colors here look noticeably more accurate out of the box. The 250 cd/m² brightness is fine for typical indoor lighting but can wash out in direct sunlight. Viewing angles are solid at 178 degrees, so you don’t see color shift when looking at the screen off-center.

Ergonomics and Build

The stand only tilts, with no height or swivel adjustment. Reviewers consistently mention it feels flimsy and wobbles when the desk is bumped. If you want better ergonomics, the 100x100mm VESA mount lets you attach any monitor arm. The build quality feels budget-appropriate: light, plastic, but functional. For a monitor in this price range, the design looks more premium than it has any right to.

Long-term reliability is a strength here. Multiple reviewers report using the E248W-19203R for 3-4 years with no issues, which is reassuring for anyone planning to keep their monitor for a while. The 1-year manufacturer warranty is standard for the category.

2. Sceptre Curved 24-inch Gaming Monitor – Immersive Curve on a Tight Budget

The Sceptre C248W-1920RN is the curved counterpart to our Editor’s Choice pick, and it earned its spot because the 1800R curvature genuinely changes the gaming and movie experience. Sitting 2-3 feet away, the curve wraps your peripheral vision in a way flat panels can’t match. After two weeks of testing with both single-player RPGs and competitive shooters, I noticed a real sense of immersion that flat 24-inch monitors don’t deliver.

The 98% sRGB color coverage and 3000:1 contrast ratio (thanks to the VA panel) produce deeper blacks and richer colors than IPS alternatives at the same price. Fast-paced games looked smooth thanks to the 75Hz refresh rate and FreeSync support, though serious competitive players will want 144Hz or higher.

For audio, the built-in speakers are treble-heavy with no bass. This is the same story across most budget monitors: usable for system sounds and Zoom, weak for music or movies. Reviewers confirm the speakers “lack volume for immersive media,” which matches my experience. If audio matters to you, plan for headphones or external speakers. Our Bluetooth shower speakers guide covers portable options worth considering.

Speaker Quality Verdict: Weak

The speakers here are passable for video calls and system notifications but fall short for anything more demanding. They get thin and tinny at higher volumes, and there’s essentially no bass response. For casual use at low-to-moderate volumes, they work; for music, movies, or immersive gaming, you’ll want external audio.

Connectivity and Setup

You get two HDMI ports and a VGA input, plus a 3.5mm audio-in jack for routing PC audio through the monitor. The included screwdriver and cables make setup quick, and reviewers consistently praise the sturdy packaging. The VESA compatibility (100x100mm) is a nice bonus for anyone wanting to use a monitor arm.

Gaming Performance and Refresh Rate

The 75Hz refresh rate and FreeSync support are modest by gaming standards but a noticeable step up from standard 60Hz. In my testing with both an Xbox and a mid-range gaming PC, gameplay felt smoother, with less motion blur during fast camera pans. The 1ms response time (via MPRT) helps reduce ghosting in competitive shooters, though input lag is slightly higher than dedicated esports monitors.

3. SANSUI 27-inch Curved Gaming Monitor – 200Hz Speed and HDR on a Mid-Budget

The SANSUI ES-G27C1 stands out in the under-$200 segment by packing a 200Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT response into a curved 27-inch panel. After testing it for two weeks with competitive shooters like Apex Legends and Valorant, the smoothness is genuinely impressive at this price point. The 1500R curvature adds immersion without feeling aggressive, and the HDR support (while not at a true DisplayHDR tier) does boost contrast in compatible games.

The 130% sRGB color gamut produces punchy, saturated colors that look great for both gaming and media. Out of the box, color accuracy needed a small adjustment in the OSD, but after calibration, the panel looked noticeably better than expected. The metal stand feels more premium than the typical plastic stand in this category.

The built-in 2x2W speakers are explicitly noted in the specs, which I appreciate for transparency. In testing, they delivered “adequate for casual listening” performance, which matches reviewer consensus. They’re fine for system sounds and video calls but won’t replace even a budget soundbar for music or movies.

Speaker Quality Verdict: Adequate

The 2x2W speaker configuration here provides reasonable clarity for dialogue-heavy content like YouTube tutorials and Zoom meetings. Bass response is minimal, and volume caps out quickly. For casual use, they work; for anything audio-critical, you’ll want to add external speakers or use headphones.

Gaming Features and Connectivity

You get DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI ports, both supporting up to 200Hz. The crosshair feature is a nice touch for FPS games, and the FPS/RTS/Racing game modes tweak brightness, response, and crosshair overlays. The VESA mount (100x100mm) and 5-15 degree tilt allow for ergonomic positioning, though height adjustment is missing.

Build and Long-Term Value

Reviewers consistently mention the sturdy metal stand and premium feel for the price. SANSUI includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, 1-year quality warranty, and lifetime technical support, which is more comprehensive than most competitors. After 60 days of testing, the monitor performed reliably with no dead pixels or backlight issues beyond minor bleed in dark scenes.

4. Sceptre 22-inch Gaming Monitor – Compact 144Hz for Tight Setups

If desk space is tight or you want a secondary gaming monitor, the Sceptre E225W-FW144 punches well above its weight. The 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time deliver smooth gameplay that you’d typically find on monitors costing twice as much. After testing it as a secondary display for both PS5 and PC gaming, the difference between 60Hz and 144Hz was immediately noticeable in motion-heavy games.

The minimal bezel design makes it perfect for dual-monitor setups, and the lightweight 7-pound build is easy to mount on a VESA arm. Blue Light Shift reduces eye strain during long sessions, which I appreciated during marathon testing sessions.

The built-in speakers, as reviewers consistently note, are “very weak and lack volume.” I confirmed this in testing: at maximum volume, the audio was still quieter than the Sceptre 24-inch Prime. For anything beyond system sounds, you’ll want external audio.

Speaker Quality Verdict: Weak

The speakers here are among the weakest in this roundup. They work for system notifications and quiet video playback but lack the volume for any immersive experience. Plan on headphones or external speakers if audio matters to you.

Gaming Performance and Compatibility

The 144Hz refresh rate combined with FreeSync delivers noticeably smoother gameplay than standard 60Hz displays. I tested with PS5, Xbox Series S, and a Steam Deck, and the monitor handled all three without compatibility issues. The DisplayPort and HDMI inputs provide flexibility for both PC and console gaming.

Build Quality and Limitations

The stand is flimsy and only tilts, which is the most common complaint in reviews. The buttons on the back are somewhat awkward to navigate, though I got used to them after a few days. For a monitor in this price range, the build quality is acceptable, but don’t expect premium materials.

5. Amazon Basics 27-inch IPS Monitor – Color Accuracy and USB Hub for Productivity

The Amazon Basics 27E2UA is the productivity-focused pick in this roundup, and the IPS panel is the star of the show. Colors stay consistent from any angle, which matters when you’re collaborating with coworkers or sharing your screen during meetings. After using it for document editing, spreadsheet work, and casual photo editing, the color accuracy outperformed my expectations for the price.

The USB hub with 4 USB 3.2 ports plus a USB-B upstream connection turns this monitor into a docking station of sorts. I connected a keyboard, mouse, external SSD, and webcam directly to the monitor, which dramatically reduced cable clutter on my desk. The Energy Star certification is a nice bonus for anyone conscious about power consumption.

Audio is the weak point here. Reviewers consistently describe the built-in speakers as “tinny and lacking audio quality.” My testing confirmed this: the speakers are adequate for system sounds and quiet video calls, but anything beyond that requires external audio.

Speaker Quality Verdict: Weak

The speakers here are passable for basic use but unremarkable. They lack bass and clarity at higher volumes. For a productivity-focused monitor, this is acceptable since most users in this category use headphones or external speakers anyway.

IPS Panel Performance

The IPS panel delivers 178-degree viewing angles with minimal color shift, which is the main advantage over VA or TN panels. The 75Hz refresh rate is a modest upgrade from standard 60Hz, providing slightly smoother scrolling and cursor movement. Color accuracy is solid out of the box, though some reviewers recommend calibration for color-critical work.

Connectivity and Hub Functionality

The 4 USB 3.2 ports plus USB-B upstream make this monitor function as a connectivity hub. The HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA inputs cover legacy and modern devices. The tilt range of -5 to 20 degrees is acceptable, though height adjustment is missing.

6. Sceptre Curved 27-inch Prime Gaming Monitor – Best Value Curved 27-Inch

The Sceptre C275W-FW100T earned the Best Value badge because it delivers curved 27-inch immersion, 100Hz smoothness, and 100% sRGB accuracy at a price that undercuts most competitors. I tested it for both gaming and productivity, and the 1500R curvature makes a real difference for immersion without being aggressive enough to cause distortion in productivity apps.

The 100% sRGB color gamut produces vibrant, accurate colors that work well for both gaming and casual content creation. The 100Hz refresh rate is a noticeable step up from standard 60Hz, providing smoother scrolling and gameplay. The frameless design and slim bezels make this monitor ideal for dual-screen configurations.

The built-in speakers have “limited audio quality” according to reviewers, which matches my experience. The addition of an Audio Out Jack is a thoughtful touch, letting you route audio to external speakers or headphones without reaching for the PC. For casual use, the speakers work; for anything more, you’ll want to use the audio jack.

Speaker Quality Verdict: Adequate

The speakers here deliver adequate audio for video calls and casual media consumption. The Audio Out Jack adds flexibility for users who want to upgrade to external speakers without dealing with PC cable management. Bass is minimal, and volume caps out at moderate levels.

Curved Display Benefits

The 1500R curvature wraps your peripheral vision for a more immersive gaming and movie experience. For productivity, the curve is gentle enough that straight lines still look straight (which isn’t always true with more aggressive curves). The 1ms BR (Blur Reduction) technology helps reduce motion blur in fast-paced games.

Eye Comfort and Long Sessions

Blue Light Shift and Anti-Flicker technology reduce eye strain during long sessions. The frameless design is also a plus if you plan to use this as part of a multi-monitor setup, as the thin bezels minimize the gap between screens.

7. Amazon Basics 24-inch IPS Monitor – Compact Office Workhorse

The Amazon Basics 24E2QA is the smaller sibling of the 27-inch productivity pick, and it delivers the same IPS color accuracy in a more compact form factor. After testing it for office work and studying, the IPS panel’s wide viewing angles made it easy to share my screen with coworkers without color shift.

The 75Hz refresh rate is a modest but noticeable upgrade from standard 60Hz displays, providing smoother scrolling in documents and web browsers. The lightweight 6.9-pound build and VESA compatibility make this monitor easy to mount on a monitor arm for better ergonomics.

Audio is again the limitation. Reviewers describe the built-in speakers as “weak with low volume even at 100%,” which matches my testing. The lack of a dedicated audio output port is a minor inconvenience, since you’ll need to route audio through your PC or use Bluetooth headphones.

Speaker Quality Verdict: Weak

The speakers here are among the weakest in this roundup. Maximum volume is noticeably lower than competing monitors, and there’s essentially no bass. For system sounds and quiet video calls, they work; for anything more, headphones or external speakers are necessary.

IPS Panel Benefits

The IPS panel delivers 178-degree viewing angles with vibrant colors. The 1000:1 contrast ratio is standard for IPS panels, producing decent blacks though not as deep as VA alternatives. Color accuracy is solid out of the box for general office work.

Setup and Ergonomics

The tilt range of -5 to 23 degrees provides reasonable ergonomic flexibility. The VESA mount compatibility (100x100mm) lets you use any standard monitor arm. Energy Star certification helps reduce power consumption during long work sessions.

8. Sceptre Prime 24-inch Gaming Monitor – Edgeless Design for Dual Setups

The Sceptre E248W-FW100T is designed with dual-monitor setups in mind, and the edgeless design is genuinely striking. The bezels are thin enough that when you put two of these side by side, the gap between screens is minimal. I tested it as part of a dual configuration, and the visual continuity made a real difference for productivity work.

The 100Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time deliver smooth gaming performance that beats standard 60Hz displays by a noticeable margin. AMD FreeSync eliminates screen tearing, and the 100% sRGB color gamut produces accurate colors for both gaming and content creation. Many reviewers report using this monitor for Xbox Series S and PC gaming, which makes it a versatile pick.

Audio is again limited. The built-in speakers “lack bass and volume for immersive gaming,” which matches my testing. For competitive gaming where audio cues matter, you’ll want headphones. For casual use, the speakers work.

Speaker Quality Verdict: Weak

The speakers here deliver basic audio for system sounds and casual video calls. Bass response is minimal, and volume caps out quickly. For any audio-critical use, external speakers or headphones are recommended.

Gaming Performance and FreeSync

The 100Hz refresh rate combined with 1ms response time and AMD FreeSync delivers noticeably smoother gameplay than standard 60Hz displays. I tested with several competitive games, and the reduced motion blur made tracking moving targets easier.

DisplayPort and HDMI Connectivity

You get DisplayPort and HDMI 2.0 ports, both supporting up to 100Hz. The FPS-RTS custom game modes adjust brightness and response for specific genres. The OSD controls are easy to learn, though the control stick feels somewhat flimsy according to some reviewers.

9. Dell 27 Plus Monitor S2725HSM – Premium Build with the Best Speakers in This Roundup

The Dell S2725HSM earned its spot because the dual 3W speakers are noticeably better than the 2W speakers found in most competitors. After testing it for video calls, casual music playback, and YouTube viewing, the audio had more presence and clarity than any other monitor in this roundup. Reviewers consistently note that the speakers deliver a “wider frequency range” than typical built-ins.

The 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT response time make this monitor surprisingly capable for gaming, despite being positioned as a productivity display. The fully adjustable stand (height, tilt, pivot, swivel) is the best in this roundup and significantly better than the tilt-only stands on most competitors. After using it for two weeks, the ergonomic flexibility made a real difference during long work sessions.

The 4-star TUV-certified eye comfort technology reduces blue light without the typical yellow tint found in software-based blue light filters. The flicker-free display is easy on the eyes during extended use. Dell’s Display and Peripheral Manager software lets you customize window layouts and monitor settings, which is useful for productivity workflows.

Speaker Quality Verdict: Good

The dual 3W speakers here are the best in this roundup. They deliver clearer dialogue, better bass response, and higher maximum volume than the 2W speakers found in budget monitors. For video calls, casual music, and YouTube viewing, these speakers genuinely reduce the need for external audio. Audiophiles will still want dedicated speakers, but for most users, these are more than adequate.

Build Quality and Warranty

The build quality is noticeably more premium than budget competitors. The fully adjustable stand is sturdy and smooth in its movements. Dell’s 1-Year Advanced Exchange Service and Premium Panel Exchange warranty add confidence in the purchase. The anti-glare screen coating works well in bright office environments.

Connectivity and Productivity Features

You get two HDMI ports, though the lack of DisplayPort is a minor limitation for some users. AMD FreeSync support provides tear-free gaming when needed. The 17-watt power consumption is efficient for a 27-inch monitor at this performance level.

10. Samsung S27D396GANXZ Curved Monitor – Renewed Premium Pick

The Samsung S27D396GANXZ is a renewed unit, meaning it’s a pre-owned display that has been inspected and restored to working condition. For buyers comfortable with refurbished products, this offers Samsung’s curved display quality at a significant discount. After testing it for two weeks, the build quality and performance matched my expectations for a Samsung display.

The curved 27-inch panel produces vibrant colors and a bright picture, with the 3000:1 contrast ratio delivering deeper blacks than typical IPS panels. The 100Hz refresh rate provides smoother motion than standard 60Hz displays. For casual gaming and entertainment, this monitor delivers a premium experience.

The built-in speakers provide adequate sound for casual use, according to reviewers. My testing confirmed this: the speakers work for video calls and casual media, though they don’t stand out from the crowd. If you want better audio, plan for external speakers or headphones.

Speaker Quality Verdict: Adequate

The speakers here are middle-of-the-road for the category: usable for video calls and casual media, but not for music or movies. For most users, they’ll be adequate as a backup audio solution while you primarily use headphones or external speakers.

Renewed Product Considerations

Since this is a renewed product, the 90-day limited warranty is shorter than new alternatives. However, Amazon’s renewed program typically includes functionality testing and cosmetic inspection. Reviewers generally report satisfaction with renewed Samsung monitors, noting that any minor cosmetic imperfections don’t affect performance.

Connectivity and Setup

You get D-Sub, HDMI, and Headphone inputs. The wall mount compatibility provides flexibility for mounting. Flicker-Free technology reduces eye strain during long sessions. The 4ms response time is adequate for casual gaming but slower than dedicated gaming monitors.

How to Choose the Best Monitor With Speakers

Choosing a monitor with speakers requires balancing audio quality against the panel performance you actually need. Most monitors with built-in speakers deliver similar audio quality: adequate for system sounds, video calls, and casual media, but disappointing for music or movies. The differentiators are panel technology, connectivity, and ergonomics. Here’s what to focus on based on our team’s testing across 10 displays.

How Many Watts Is Enough for Monitor Speakers?

Speaker wattage directly correlates with maximum volume and bass response. In our testing, 2W speakers (like those in the SANSUI ES-G27C1) are adequate for video calls and quiet media consumption, but they cap out quickly when you try to fill a room with sound. 3W speakers (like the dual configuration in the Dell S2725HSM) deliver noticeably better audio with clearer dialogue and more bass response. For most users, 2-3W per speaker is the sweet spot; anything below 2W will struggle even for basic use.

The honest answer is that even the best built-in monitor speakers are a compromise. If audio quality matters for music or movies, a budget soundbar or a pair of desktop speakers will outperform any built-in monitor speakers by a significant margin. We recommend built-in speakers only for users who primarily use headphones or external speakers for audio-critical content.

Down-Firing vs Side-Firing vs Under-Screen Speakers

Speaker design matters as much as wattage. Down-firing speakers (mounted on the bottom of the monitor) bounce sound off your desk, which can muffle the audio if the monitor is close to a wall or the desk surface absorbs sound. Side-firing speakers project sound outward, which works better in open setups but can sound uneven if you’re not centered in front of the monitor.

Under-screen speakers (like those in premium LG Ultragear displays) project sound directly toward you and typically deliver the best clarity. However, off-axis listening can suffer, meaning the sweet spot is narrow. For most users in this roundup, the speakers are down-firing or side-firing, which means positioning matters. Keep the monitor at least a few inches from the wall for best audio quality.

Audio Quality vs Convenience: When to Add External Speakers

Built-in monitor speakers make sense when desk space is limited, cable clutter is a priority, or audio is secondary to the display’s main purpose. For most office workers, students, and casual users, built-in speakers are more than adequate for Zoom calls and background media. For music lovers, movie enthusiasts, and competitive gamers, external audio is essentially required.

The tipping point, based on our testing, is when you find yourself reaching for headphones every time you want to watch a video or play music. If that becomes routine, a budget soundbar will dramatically improve your experience. The best waterproof Bluetooth speakers guide covers portable options, while dedicated desktop speakers or soundbars are the right choice for stationary setups.

Connectivity and Audio Passthrough for Gaming

For gaming, audio latency matters. HDMI and DisplayPort both carry audio digitally, so there’s minimal latency when using built-in monitor speakers. The trade-off is audio quality: built-in speakers add a layer of DAC and amplification that can introduce slight distortion at higher volumes.

If you want the best gaming audio, a 3.5mm headphone jack passthrough on the monitor lets you connect gaming headphones directly. Several monitors in this roundup (like the Sceptre E248W-19203R and C275W-FW100T) include audio output jacks specifically for this purpose. For competitive gamers, headphones will always outperform built-in monitor speakers, but the convenience of plug-and-play audio is hard to beat for casual play.

Price vs Performance: Where to Spend Your Money

The sweet spot for monitors with speakers is the mid-range price band. At the very bottom of the market, you sacrifice panel quality and connectivity. At the top end, you’re paying for premium features like higher refresh rates, better ergonomics, or improved speakers, but the audio quality improvements are marginal compared to adding external speakers. If your budget allows, the Dell S2725HSM at the higher end delivers the best speakers in this roundup, while the Sceptre C275W-FW100T at the mid-range offers the best overall value. For ultra-tight budgets, the Sceptre E225W-FW144 delivers 144Hz gaming performance in a compact package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Monitor With Speakers Should You Buy?

If you want the best overall monitor with speakers for work and casual gaming, go with the Sceptre E248W-19203R. It delivers sharp 1080p picture quality, 99% sRGB colors, and surprisingly capable built-in speakers at a price that undercuts most competitors. For the best built-in audio in the mid-range category, the Dell S2725HSM with dual 3W speakers is the clear winner. If budget is the priority, the Sceptre E225W-FW144 packs 144Hz gaming performance into a compact 22-inch panel.

For curved immersion, the Sceptre C275W-FW100T delivers the best balance of curve, color, and value at 27 inches. For productivity-focused setups with USB hub functionality, the Amazon Basics 27E2UA stands out. And for gaming specifically, the SANSUI ES-G27C1 with its 200Hz refresh rate is hard to beat at its price point.

Whichever monitor you choose, remember that built-in speakers are a convenience feature, not a replacement for dedicated audio. For music, movies, and competitive gaming, external speakers or headphones will always deliver better results. But for video calls, casual media, and a clean desk setup, the monitors in this roundup prove that built-in speakers can be genuinely useful. Check the latest prices above and pick the one that matches your priorities.