Are Built-in Monitor Speakers Worth It? (2024 Expert Guide)

Are Built-in Monitor Speakers Worth It? The Definitive Answer

Whether built-in monitor speakers are worth it depends entirely on your primary use case: they are highly worth it for minimalist office setups and basic system notifications, but they generally fail to meet the needs of gamers, audiophiles, or video editors. While most monitors include speakers as an afterthought, certain premium models now feature specialized audio engineering that rivals entry-level external bars.

Quick Summary: The TL;DR

• Best For: Office work, Zoom calls, space-saving, and budget-conscious users.
• Worst For: Immersive gaming, music production, and cinematic movie watching.
• The Main Trade-off: You trade audio fidelity and bass response for a clutter-free desk and simplified cable management.
• Expert Recommendation: Only prioritize built-in speakers if you are buying a high-end “media monitor” (like the BenQ EW series); otherwise, expect “tinny” sound.

Are Built-in Monitor Speakers Worth It? Analyzing the Pros and Cons

When deciding if built-in monitor speakers are worth it, we have to look at the physical limitations of modern display hardware. Most monitors are designed to be as thin as possible, which leaves very little “cabinet space” for sound to resonate.

The Advantages of Internal Audio

1. Zero Desk Clutter: This is the primary reason I recommend them for home offices. You eliminate two speakers and at least two cables (power and audio) from your workspace.
2. Cost Efficiency: If you are on a strict budget, using the built-in units allows you to funnel more money into a higher-quality IPS or OLED panel rather than splitting your budget with external peripherals.
3. Ease of Use: Modern HDMI and DisplayPort cables carry both video and audio signals. This means your audio works the second you plug in your screen without extra drivers.
4. Secondary Audio Source: Even if you use a headset for gaming, having built-in speakers is great for “casual” listening when you don’t want something pressing against your ears.

The Disadvantages of Internal Audio

1. Lack of Bass (Low-End): Because the drivers are usually smaller than 2 inches, they cannot move enough air to create deep bass. Explosions in games will sound like “pops” rather than “booms.”
2. Downward or Rear Firing: To keep the front bezel thin, manufacturers point the speakers downward or toward the wall. This leads to muffled audio and poor soundstage imaging.
3. Vibration Issues: At high volumes, cheap monitor speakers can cause the plastic casing of the monitor to vibrate, which may interfere with the screen’s stability or cause annoying rattling.

Technical Breakdown: Built-in vs. External Audio

To understand if built-in monitor speakers are worth it for your specific build, we performed a comparison based on frequency response and power output.

In our testing, we found that even a $25 pair of Creative Pebble speakers significantly outperformed the built-in audio of a $500 gaming monitor. This highlights that for most manufacturers, audio is a “check-box” feature rather than a performance one.

Who Should Rely on Built-in Monitor Speakers?

We have tested hundreds of display configurations in various environments. Here is our expert breakdown of who should stick with built-in audio.

The Minimalist Professional

If your workday consists of Microsoft Teams calls, Slack notifications, and the occasional YouTube tutorial, built-in speakers are more than sufficient. You don’t need a high-fidelity soundstage to hear a colleague’s voice.

The Casual Console Gamer

If you are hooking up a Nintendo Switch or PS5 in a small bedroom or dorm, the built-in speakers offer a “plug-and-play” experience that saves you the headache of managing a separate sound system in a cramped space.

Public Kiosks and Shared Spaces

In environments where space is a premium and high-fidelity audio isn’t required (like a library or a retail point-of-sale system), built-in speakers are the industry standard.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Built-in Speakers Sound Better

If you’ve decided that built-in monitor speakers are worth it for your needs, you can still optimize them to sound much better than they do out of the box. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Enable Loudness Equalization (Windows)

Windows has a built-in feature that balances the quietest and loudest sounds, making small speakers feel “fuller.”

1. Right-click the Speaker Icon in your taskbar.


2. Select Sound Settings > More sound settings.


3. Right-click your monitor and select Properties.


4. Navigate to the Enhancements tab.


5. Check Loudness Equalization and click Apply.

Step 2: Use Third-Party EQ Software

Software like Equalizer APO or Peace GUI allows you to boost the lower frequencies (100Hz – 250Hz) to give the illusion of bass. Be careful not to “clip” the audio, as small drivers can blow if pushed too hard.

Step 3: Check Your Physical Surroundings

Since most monitor speakers are rear-firing, their sound quality depends on what is behind them.

• The “Wall Bounce”: Placing your monitor 4-6 inches away from a solid wall allows the sound to bounce back toward you, increasing perceived volume.


• Avoid Soft Surfaces: If your monitor is backed by heavy curtains, the sound will be absorbed, making it sound even muddier.

Exceptions to the Rule: Monitors with “Good” Audio

While we generally say most built-in audio is mediocre, there are specific brands that have invested in Internal Audio Engineering. If you want a setup where built-in monitor speakers are definitely worth it, look at these specific technologies:

• BenQ (treVolo Technology): BenQ uses a proprietary “treVolo” design that uses high-quality components and DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to create a much wider soundstage. Their EW3280U is often cited as the gold standard for built-in audio.
• HP (Bang & Olufsen Partnerships): Some premium HP Envy and Z-series monitors feature tuning by B&O. These offer much crisper highs and clearer dialogue than standard generic drivers.
• Apple Studio Display: Apple’s six-speaker array with force-canceling woofers is arguably the best integrated audio on the market. In our testing, it beats most $100 external speaker sets.

The Expert Verdict: Are They Worth the Extra Cost?

When shopping for a screen, you will often notice two versions of the same model—one with speakers and one without. Typically, the price difference is only $10 to $20.

Our Take: For that small price gap, it is always worth it to have them as a backup. Even if you plan on using high-end headphones, having the ability to quickly switch to monitor audio to show a friend a video or to listen to a notification while your headset is charging is incredibly valuable.

However, do not pay a $50+ premium specifically for speakers unless the monitor features a specific audio brand partnership (like Harman Kardon or treVolo). You are better off spending that $50 on a dedicated compact soundbar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why do my built-in monitor speakers sound so quiet?

Most monitor speakers are rated at only 2 Watts. This is roughly the same power as a smartphone speaker. To fix this, ensure your OS volume is at 100% and use the physical buttons on the monitor to check the internal volume menu, as these are often set to 50% by default.

Can I use built-in speakers and a headset at the same time?

Generally, no. Windows and macOS typically output audio to one device at a time. However, you can use software like VoiceMeeter to mirror your audio output to both the monitor speakers and your headphones simultaneously.

Do all monitors with HDMI have built-in speakers?

No. While HDMI is capable of carrying audio signals, many monitors lack the physical hardware (drivers) to play that sound. Always check the spec sheet for “Integrated Speakers” or “Internal Audio.”

Are 5W speakers better than 2W speakers?

In the world of monitors, yes. A 5W driver usually has a larger magnet and better excursion, leading to significantly less distortion at higher volumes compared to a standard 2W driver.

Can built-in speakers be replaced or upgraded?

Internal monitor speakers are integrated into the chassis and wired directly to the logic board. They are not user-upgradeable. If you want better sound, your only practical path is adding external speakers or a soundbar.