Monitor with Speakers? Built-In Audio Explained

Yes, many monitors include built-in speakers, but they are typically small, low-power drivers designed for convenience rather than high-fidelity audio. If you need sound for video calls, system alerts, or casual YouTube viewing, built-in speakers are fine; for music, movies, or gaming, you will likely want separate speakers or headphones.

Why Monitors Have Built-In Speakers

Manufacturers add speakers to monitors for one primary reason: convenience. A monitor with speakers lets you get audio without connecting a separate sound system, saving desk space and reducing cable clutter. This is especially useful in office environments, where employees need to join video conferences or listen to training videos without requiring personal speakers. It also simplifies setups for basic home use, where the user just wants a plug-and-play display.

However, the physical constraints of a monitor limit speaker quality. The thin bezels and flat panel leave little room for speaker enclosures, which are essential for producing good bass and volume. As a result, most built-in monitor speakers output around 2 to 5 watts per channel, which is adequate for speech but lacks the dynamic range and power of even budget external speakers.

How Built-In Monitor Speakers Work

Monitors receive audio through the same cable that carries the video signal. For modern connections like HDMI and DisplayPort, audio data is transmitted digitally alongside the image. The monitor decodes this audio stream and sends it to its internal amplifier and speakers. If you use an older VGA or DVI connection, those cables do not carry audio, so you would need a separate 3.5mm audio cable from your computer to the monitor’s audio input.

When you connect a monitor with speakers via HDMI, your computer typically recognizes it as an audio output device. On Windows, you may see the monitor listed as a playback device (e.g., “DELL S2721QS” or “Generic PnP Monitor”). On macOS, the monitor appears in the Sound output settings. You can select it as the default output, and all system sounds will play through the monitor.

Choosing a Monitor with Speakers

If you decide that built-in speakers are sufficient for your needs, not all are created equal. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Power output: Look for the wattage (e.g., 2W x 2, 5W x 2). Higher wattage generally means louder sound, but also check for distortion at high volumes.
• Driver size: Larger drivers (e.g., 3-inch vs. 2-inch) can produce better bass and fuller sound, but they are rare in monitors.
• Audio features: Some monitors include features like DTS or custom EQ presets, but these are often marketing terms with minimal real-world effect.
• Connectivity: Ensure the monitor has HDMI or DisplayPort if you want audio over the same cable. If you plan to use a 3.5mm audio input, check that it exists.
• Adjustability: Some monitors have speakers that fire downward or backward, which can muffle sound. Front-firing speakers are better, but even side-firing ones are acceptable.

Remember that a monitor with speakers will cost slightly more than the same model without, so only pay extra if you genuinely need the convenience.

Common Problems and Fixes

Even with a monitor that has speakers, you may encounter issues. The most common problem is no sound at all. This usually happens because the computer is still sending audio to its internal speakers or to a previously connected device. To fix this, go to your operating system’s sound settings and select the monitor as the output device. On Windows, right-click the speaker icon in the system tray, choose “Open Sound settings,” and then select the monitor from the “Output” dropdown. On macOS, go to System Preferences > Sound > Output and choose the monitor.

Another frequent issue is low volume or distorted audio. Check that the monitor’s own volume is turned up—many monitors have a physical volume button or an on-screen menu setting. Also, ensure that the volume is not muted in the monitor’s OSD. If you are using a 3.5mm cable, try a different cable to rule out a faulty connection.

If you hear a hum or buzz, it could be a ground loop issue. Try connecting the monitor and computer to the same power outlet or using a ground loop isolator on the audio cable.

Built-In Speakers vs. External Speakers

The table below summarizes the main differences between monitor speakers and external speakers:

Feature	Built-In Monitor Speakers	External Speakers
Sound quality	Basic, adequate for speech	Ranges from good to excellent
Bass response	Very limited	Can be strong with a subwoofer
Maximum volume	Low to moderate	Can be very loud
Convenience	No extra cables or power	Requires power and audio cable
Cost	Included in monitor price	Extra cost, but wide range
Desk space	None	Requires space

For most general office work and casual video watching, built-in speakers are perfectly adequate. For immersive gaming or music production, external speakers or headphones are almost always worth the investment.

Cost and Value Considerations

Monitors with speakers typically cost between $20 and $100 more than equivalent models without speakers. Whether that premium is worth it depends on your use case. If you already own a good pair of speakers or headphones, you are paying for a feature you will not use. On the other hand, if you are setting up a secondary monitor for a home office or a guest room, the built-in speakers eliminate the need to buy a separate audio device, which could cost $20 to $50 for a basic pair.

There is also a power consumption consideration. Built-in speakers draw a small amount of power, typically 2 to 10 watts, which is negligible compared to the monitor’s overall consumption (usually 20 to 50 watts). However, if you are extremely energy-conscious, you can disable the speakers in the monitor’s OSD or simply not use them.

Alternatives to Built-In Speakers

If you decide that built-in speakers are not enough, you have several alternatives:

• External computer speakers: The most common choice, ranging from small USB-powered speakers to large 2.1 systems with a subwoofer. They offer better sound and volume.
• Soundbars: Many soundbars are designed for monitors and can be mounted beneath the display. They provide a wider soundstage and better dialogue clarity.
• Headphones: The best option for private listening. They offer the highest audio quality for the price and do not disturb others.
• USB speakers: These connect via USB and often have built-in DACs, which can improve audio quality over the monitor’s internal DAC.

Each alternative has its own trade-offs in cost, space, and performance, so consider what matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add speakers to a monitor that doesn’t have them?

Yes, you can connect external speakers to your computer or directly to the monitor if it has a 3.5mm audio output. Most monitors have a headphone jack, and some have line-out ports. External speakers will bypass the monitor’s internal audio entirely.

Why is there no sound from my monitor speakers?

First, check that the monitor is selected as the audio output device on your computer. Then, verify that the monitor’s volume is not muted and is turned up. If you are using a 3.5mm cable, ensure it is fully plugged in. Also, check that the cable (HDMI or DisplayPort) is capable of carrying audio—most are, but some older or damaged cables may not.

Are monitor speakers good for gaming?

For casual gaming, they are acceptable, but for competitive gaming or immersive titles, they are not recommended. Built-in speakers lack the directional audio cues and bass response that help you hear footsteps or explosions. A good pair of gaming headphones or external speakers will provide a better experience.

Do all monitors have speakers?

No, many monitors, especially high-end gaming or professional models, do not include speakers to keep the design slim and reduce cost. Always check the specifications before purchasing if built-in speakers are important to you.

Can I use the monitor’s speakers while also using external speakers?

Yes, you can have both connected, but your computer will only send audio to one output at a time (unless you use software to mix multiple outputs). You can switch between them in the sound settings, or use a headphone splitter if you want simultaneous playback.

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