Ready to Level Up? Cheap Monitors with Speakers That Don't Suck

Quick Answer

A monitor with built-in speakers can remove 2 boxes, extra cables and another power plug from your desk. That convenience is useful in bedrooms, student accommodation, shared workspaces and compact home offices, but the phrase 'built-in speakers' does not automatically mean strong audio.

Speaker quality varies widely between monitors. Driver power, cabinet space, speaker placement and tuning all affect clarity and volume, so it is better to judge a monitor as a complete package rather than assuming a higher-resolution screen will also sound better.

Are Cheap Monitors with Speakers Actually Worth It?

Yes, if your priority is convenience rather than hi-fi sound. Integrated speakers are usually good enough for video calls, online lessons, YouTube, news, background music and casual single-player gaming at a desk.

They are less suitable when audio quality is central to the experience. Competitive gamers often benefit from a headset for directional cues, while music listeners and film fans may prefer dedicated speakers for deeper bass, a wider soundstage and cleaner output at higher volume.

The Practical Trade-Off

Thin monitor chassis leave little room for large speaker drivers or acoustic chambers. That is why many affordable displays use compact 2W or 3W stereo speakers: they save space and work well for speech, but they usually cannot reproduce low frequencies with the weight of a separate desktop speaker system.

A common mistake is to buy solely on speaker wattage. Two 3W speakers can offer more headroom than two 2W speakers, but wattage alone does not tell you about distortion, tuning, placement or bass response.

What to Look for in a Budget Monitor with Speakers

1. Speaker Configuration and Audio Output

Look for stereo speakers and check the stated output per channel where available. A pair of 2W speakers is a common baseline for calls and casual media, while higher-output systems may provide more usable volume. Treat specifications as a guide, not a guarantee of sound quality.

2. Screen Size and Resolution

For most desks, 23.8 to 27 inches is the practical sweet spot. Full HD remains suitable at around 24 inches for everyday work and gaming. At 27 inches, QHD usually gives noticeably sharper text and more workspace, while 4K is useful when fine detail, scaling flexibility or high-resolution creative work matters.

3. Refresh Rate

A 100Hz or higher refresh rate makes scrolling, window movement and games look smoother than a basic 60Hz panel. Gaming-focused models often go to 144Hz, 165Hz, 180Hz or above, but only choose a very high refresh rate if your computer or console can supply the required frame rate.

4. Panel Type

IPS panels are a strong all-round choice because they generally offer consistent colours and wide viewing angles. VA panels usually provide stronger native contrast, which can help films and dark scenes, although motion characteristics vary by model.

5. Connectivity

HDMI is the simplest choice for most laptops, desktops and consoles because it can carry both video and audio. DisplayPort also carries audio when supported. USB-C can be especially useful on a laptop monitor because one cable may handle video, data and charging, but capabilities vary, so check Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alt Mode support.

6. Ergonomics and VESA Mounting

A height-adjustable stand can make a bigger day-to-day difference than a minor specification upgrade. If the included stand is tilt-only, VESA mounting support gives you the option to add a monitor arm later.

7. Headphone and Audio-Out Options

An audio-out or headphone jack gives you an easy upgrade path. You can use the monitor speakers for routine tasks, then connect external speakers or headphones without changing the display setup.

Best Cheap Monitors with Speakers to Consider in 2026

To help you find the right budget monitor with built-in speakers, we have selected models from Laptop Outlet’s current monitor range that offer a good balance of display quality, features and everyday usability.

ASUS TUF VG249QE5A: Best Affordable Compact Gaming Monitor with Speakers

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The ASUS TUF VG249QE5A suits gamers who want a smaller Full HD screen with smoother motion than a standard office monitor. ASUS lists a 146Hz overclocked refresh rate, IPS panel and stereo speakers, while gaming features such as ELMB Sync and Adaptive-Sync focus on motion clarity and tear reduction.

The built-in speakers are useful for quick gaming sessions, videos and system audio. For competitive multiplayer titles, a headset remains the better option because positional audio and microphone quality matter more than the convenience of integrated speakers.

Key specifications:

• 23.8-inch Full HD IPS display
• Up to 146Hz overclocked refresh rate
• 1ms MPRT
• 2 x 2W stereo speakers
• HDMI and DisplayPort
• Adaptive-Sync, ELMB Sync and low blue light features

ASUS TUF VG279QE5A: Best Affordable 27-Inch Gaming Monitor with Speakers

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The 27-inch VG279QE5A gives you a larger gaming display without moving into a higher-resolution QHD price tier. Its 146Hz refresh rate and IPS panel are the main attractions, with the built-in speakers providing a practical backup for games, streaming and everyday PC use.

Be aware of pixel density. Full HD looks less sharp at 27 inches than it does at 23.8 or 24 inches, especially for fine text viewed at close range. If desktop productivity is as important as gaming, a 27-inch QHD model may be the stronger long-term choice.

Key specifications:

• 27-inch Full HD IPS display
• 146Hz refresh rate
• 1ms response time
• 2 x 2W built-in speakers
• HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2 and 3.5mm earphone jack
• VESA mounting, low blue light and flicker-free features

Philips 27E1N1600AE/00: Best USB-C Monitor with Speakers for Work and Study

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The Philips 27E1N1600AE/00 is a particularly practical choice for laptop users. QHD gives more workspace than Full HD at 27 inches, while USB-C can carry the display signal and provide up to 65W of charging to a compatible laptop, reducing cable clutter.

Its speaker system is still aimed at everyday listening, but the overall package is stronger for home working because the monitor also adds a USB hub and height adjustment. Check that your laptop supports USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode and that 65W is enough for its charging needs.

Key specifications:

• 27-inch QHD IPS display
• 100Hz refresh rate
• 2 x 2W built-in speakers
• USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode and up to 65W Power Delivery
• Two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports and audio out
• Height-adjustable stand

MSI PRO MP273U: Best Affordable 4K Monitor with Speakers for Productivity

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The MSI PRO MP273U is aimed at users who value resolution more than very high refresh rates. Its 4K IPS panel gives substantially more pixel detail than Full HD or QHD, which can help with text clarity, spreadsheets, coding, image work and high-resolution video.

The 2 x 3W speakers provide more stated output than several entry-level alternatives, but they should still be treated as general-purpose audio. The 60Hz refresh rate also makes this a productivity-first choice rather than a high-refresh gaming display.

Key specifications:

• 27-inch 4K UHD IPS display
• 3840 x 2160 resolution at 60Hz
• 2 x 3W built-in speakers
• Adaptive-Sync and HDR Ready support
• Two HDMI 2.0b ports, DisplayPort 1.4a and headphone out
• VESA mounting and MSI EyesErgo features

Which Monitor Should You Choose?

• For the lowest-cost everyday setup: Choose a compact Full HD model such as the AOC 24B3HA2. It gives you built-in audio, an IPS panel and a sensible screen size for typical desk use.
• For affordable gaming: Choose the ASUS TUF VG249QE5A if you prefer a smaller 23.8-inch screen, or the VG279QE5A if you want a larger 27-inch display.
• For laptop productivity: The Philips 27E1N1600AE/00 is the most versatile option because QHD, USB-C charging, a USB hub and height adjustment all improve day-to-day desk use.
• For maximum desktop sharpness: The MSI PRO MP273U is the better fit when 4K detail matters more than a high refresh rate.
• For faster QHD gaming: The ASUS TUF VG27AQ5A combines QHD resolution with a much higher refresh ceiling and adaptive-sync support.

Built-In Monitor Speakers vs External Speakers

How to Get Better Sound from Monitor Speakers

• Use HDMI, DisplayPort or a compatible USB-C connection so the display can receive digital audio with the video signal.
• In Windows, macOS or your console settings, select the monitor as the active audio output device.
• Open the monitor's on-screen display menu and check that its speakers are not muted and the volume is high enough.
• Keep software volume below the point where you hear harshness or distortion. Small monitor speakers can sound worse when driven near maximum output.
• If the monitor offers sound modes or an equaliser, start with the neutral or standard preset before making adjustments.
• For richer sound, connect external speakers through the computer or the monitor's audio-out port where available.

Why Is There No Sound from My Monitor?

The most common cause is the wrong playback device rather than a faulty speaker. A monitor can display a picture correctly while Windows, macOS or the console continues sending audio to another output.

• Confirm the monitor actually has built-in speakers. Some models have a headphone jack or audio pass-through without internal speakers.
• Select the monitor in your operating system's sound output menu.
• Check the monitor's own volume and mute controls in the on-screen display.
• Use HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C rather than VGA when you want audio carried through the same connection. VGA does not carry digital audio.
• Reconnect the cable and restart the source device if the monitor does not appear as an audio device.
• Update graphics and audio drivers if the problem started after an operating-system or hardware change.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Monitor with Speakers

• Assuming every audio jack means the monitor has speakers. Check the specification explicitly for built-in or stereo speakers.
• Choosing a monitor for its speakers while ignoring resolution, panel type and refresh rate. You will look at the screen for far more hours than you will judge its audio system.
• Expecting monitor speakers to replace a dedicated gaming headset or quality desktop speakers. Integrated audio is primarily about convenience.
• Buying a 27-inch Full HD model for close-up text work without considering pixel density. QHD is usually sharper at that size.
• Buying USB-C without checking what the port supports. Some USB-C ports are service-only, while others can carry video, data and laptop charging.

Final Remarks

Cheap monitors with speakers make the most sense when you want a tidy, affordable setup for work, study, streaming or casual gaming. Prioritise the display first, then check speaker output, ports, stand adjustment and audio-out options so the monitor fits your real use case.

For a compact desk, a Full HD 23.8-inch model can be enough. At 27 inches, QHD offers a sharper everyday experience, while 4K suits detail-heavy productivity. Whatever you choose, built-in speakers are best treated as convenient everyday audio rather than a replacement for dedicated speakers or a good gaming headset. If you want to compare the wider category, browse our vast range of monitors with speakers at Laptop Outlet.

Your Common Questions Answered

Are monitors with built-in speakers worth buying?

Yes, if you want a simpler desk setup for calls, study, streaming or casual gaming. Built-in speakers reduce clutter and extra cables, but dedicated speakers or a headset usually provide stronger bass, higher volume and better audio detail.

Do monitor speakers work through HDMI?

Yes. HDMI can carry digital video and audio through the same cable. After connecting the monitor, select it as the playback device in Windows, macOS or your console settings and check that the monitor's volume is not muted.

Is a 24-inch or 27-inch monitor better for Full HD?

Full HD generally looks sharper on a 23.8 or 24-inch screen because the pixels are packed more densely. A 27-inch Full HD monitor gives a larger image, but QHD is usually the better choice for sharper text at that size.

Can I connect external speakers to a monitor with built-in speakers?

Usually, yes. You can connect external speakers to your PC, laptop or console, or use the monitor's audio-out or headphone port if it has one. You can then switch between integrated and external audio in your device settings.

What is a good refresh rate for a cheap monitor with speakers?

For office work and everyday use, 100Hz or 120Hz gives noticeably smoother motion than 60Hz. Gamers may prefer 144Hz or higher, but the benefit depends on whether the graphics hardware can produce matching frame rates.