Best monitors with speakers for work and gaming in 2026
The best monitors with speakers for most desks are 27-inch 1440p models with built-in audio for calls and casual listening, while a 24-inch 1080p monitor suits a tighter budget or smaller workspace. Built-in speakers save space, but even good monitor audio is best treated as a convenience—not a replacement for dedicated speakers or a headset when sound detail matters.
For a balanced work-and-gaming setup, look for an IPS panel, at least 144 Hz, and speakers rated around 2–3 W per channel or higher. Choose a 4K display if text sharpness and creative work matter more than high frame rates, or a 34-inch ultrawide if your desk has room for the extra width.
Our top picks
OHAYO 60W Computer Speakers- 【SMALL HIFI BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS】With its modern aesthetic and…
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Edifier MR3 Powered Studio Monitor- Hi-Res Audio Certified
- Rich Connectivity
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| Product | Key specs | |
|---|---|---|
| OHAYO 60W Computer Speakers | 【SMALL HIFI BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS】With its modern aesthetic and… 【Experience powerful sound】Unleash powerful 30Wx2 distortion-free sound 【Durable Performance】Built with a premium MDF wooden enclosure,… | Check price |
| Edifier MR3 Powered Studio Monitor | Hi-Res Audio Certified Rich Connectivity Powerful Sound Output | Check price |
| FUNLOGY Speaker | 🎯 Compact, Powerful Sound: Despite its palm-sized design,… 🎯 Smart 30° Tilt Design: The 30-degree upward-facing… 🎯 Easy Setup, Broad Compatibility: Simply connect the… | Check price |
 Amazon Basics Stereo 2.0 Speakers for PC | External computer speaker in Black (set of 2)… USB-Powered from USB port of PC or Laptop In-line volume control for easy access | Check price |
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Our picks by situation
- Best all-rounder: Dell G2724D. Its 27-inch, 1440p IPS panel and high refresh rate make it a practical gaming and general-use display. It does not have built-in speakers, so it is not the choice if integrated audio is essential. Consider it when picture and gaming performance matter more than an all-in-one setup.
- Best gaming monitor with built-in speakers: Gigabyte M27Q. This 27-inch 1440p IPS monitor combines a high refresh rate with integrated speakers and a useful selection of connections. Its speakers are suitable for system sounds, calls, and casual video; use headphones for better immersion and clearer positional audio.
- Best compact budget option: ASUS VA24EHE. A 23.8-inch, 1080p IPS monitor is easier to fit on a narrow desk and asks less of an older computer’s graphics hardware. Its built-in speakers are modest, so expect practical rather than room-filling sound.
- Best for sharp text and mixed office use: BenQ GW2790Q. Its 27-inch QHD IPS panel gives text and work windows more room than a 1080p screen of the same size, with integrated speakers for everyday audio. It is a better fit for office-first use than high-refresh competitive gaming.
Model configurations and availability can vary by region. Confirm the exact model number and specification sheet before buying, especially for speaker output, refresh rate, and ports.
Size, resolution, and audio compared
| Monitor | Screen and resolution | Panel / refresh rate | Built-in speakers | Desk fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigabyte M27Q | 27 in; 2560 × 1440 | IPS; up to 170 Hz, depending on revision | 2 × 2 W | About 61 cm wide; allow room for the stand and keyboard |
| BenQ GW2790Q | 27 in; 2560 × 1440 | IPS; up to 100 Hz | 2 × 2 W | About 61 cm wide; well suited to a standard desk |
| ASUS VA24EHE | 23.8 in; 1920 × 1080 | IPS; up to 75 Hz | 2 × 2 W | About 54 cm wide; easier to place in a compact setup |
| Dell G2724D | 27 in; 2560 × 1440 | IPS; up to 165 Hz | None | About 61 cm wide; budget separately for audio |
Dimensions are approximate monitor-body widths; stand footprints vary. Refresh rates can depend on connection, settings, and hardware. Speaker wattage indicates electrical output, not how clear or loud the monitor will sound at your seat.
What built-in speakers can—and cannot—do
Monitor speakers point from the display toward the desk, and their small enclosures limit bass. That is usually enough for video calls, voice-led tutorials, notification sounds, and occasional streaming. For music, action games, or a shared room, compact powered desktop speakers or a headset generally provide fuller sound and more useful volume.
Judge clarity by whether speech stays understandable at your normal listening distance and whether it becomes harsh as you raise the volume. If a manufacturer does not publish speaker output, do not assume the audio is powerful: check the specification manual and confirm that speakers are actually included. Some monitors have a headphone jack but no speakers.
Choose by desk and use
| Your situation | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow desk, mostly documents and calls | 23.8–24 in, 1080p IPS, built-in speakers | Smaller footprint and lower cost; suitable for ordinary office work. |
| One display for work and gaming | 27 in, 1440p IPS, 144 Hz or higher | Balances workspace detail with smooth motion; choose a model with speakers if avoiding extra equipment is important. |
| Text-heavy work or detailed creative projects | 27 in, 1440p or 4K IPS | More pixels help fit windows and render fine detail; check scaling and your computer’s output support. |
| Competitive gaming | High-refresh display; plan on a headset | Low-latency audio and clear directional cues matter more than small built-in speakers can deliver. |
| Frequent video calls and minimal desk clutter | Monitor with speakers plus a separate webcam | Integrated audio reduces cable clutter, but speakers do not mean the monitor includes a microphone or camera. |
Check connections before ordering
For a desktop gaming PC, confirm the monitor has the right DisplayPort or HDMI connection for your graphics card and that the chosen port supports the resolution and refresh rate you want. For a laptop, USB-C video can simplify cabling, but not every USB-C port carries a display signal. Check whether the monitor supports USB-C video and whether it provides enough power delivery to charge your laptop; many monitors do not.
Also check for a 3.5 mm audio output if you may later connect headphones or powered speakers. It is not the same as built-in speakers, and it may pass audio from the selected input rather than provide a separate sound source. If you switch among a PC, console, and work laptop, count the inputs you will actually need before choosing.
Set it up for clearer everyday sound
- Place the display at your normal seated distance. Speakers can sound different when your ears are close to or far from the panel; judge them from where you will actually work.
- Select the monitor as the computer’s audio output. After connecting over HDMI or DisplayPort, your operating system may continue sending sound to a laptop or headset.
- Set volume at both ends. Start with moderate monitor volume, then adjust the computer’s output. Avoid maxing out a small speaker if voices start to distort.
- Keep vents clear and dust the grille gently. Use a dry, soft cloth; do not spray cleaner into speaker openings. Check the manual before using liquids on the screen or casing.
Ownership trade-offs worth knowing
Built-in speakers remove a separate device and its cable, but they also make audio depend on the monitor’s input selection, settings, and connection. A mute setting or incorrect output device is often the first thing to check when sound disappears. If the speakers sound thin, adding inexpensive powered speakers later is usually simpler than replacing a monitor that otherwise suits your needs.
Prices vary with sales, region, and model revisions. As a broad market guide, compact 24-inch 1080p monitors often sit around $100–$200, mainstream 27-inch QHD displays around $200–$400, and 4K or premium high-refresh models can cost more. Compare the total setup cost—not just the monitor price—if you will also need a webcam, speakers, or a USB-C dock.
