Gaming monitors have become incredibly popular, offering high refresh rates, fast response times, and adaptive sync technology like G-Sync and FreeSync. Many gamers appreciate having built-in speakers to simplify setup and reduce clutter.

Why Choose a Gaming Monitor with Speakers?

Built-in monitor speakers provide several advantages:

• Saves desk space without separate speakers – Reduces wires and clutter for a clean setup.
• Convenient all-in-one solution – No need to connect external speakers. Plug-and-play simplicity.
• Usually sufficient sound for gaming – Good enough audio quality for casual gaming.
• Ideal for minimalist setups – Allows monitor-only configuration without speaker boxes.
• Improved portability – Easy transport to LAN parties or different rooms without speakers.
• Cost-effective – Saves money spent on buying dedicated speakers.

Integrated speakers are ideal for casual gaming and maintaining a minimalist, organized station. Hardcore gamers may still prefer headsets or surround sound systems for competitive multiplayer though.

Factors to Consider in a Gaming Monitor

Important specifications and features to evaluate:

Display Size and Resolution

• 24-27″ sizes most popular. Larger is more immersive.
• 1080p (1920 x 1080) – Budget option, lower GPU demands.
• 1440p (2560 x 1440) – Ideal balance of visuals and performance.
• 4K (3840 x 2160) – Sharpest image quality but very taxing on GPUs.

Refresh Rate

• 120Hz+ recommended. 144Hz or 240Hz is ideal for smooth gameplay.
• Match to your PC’s FPS capabilities. Higher is better, especially for competitive gaming.

Response Time

• 1ms or lower is ideal to reduce ghosting and motion blur.
• IPS panels typically have 4-5ms response times which is still decent.

Adaptive Sync

• G-Sync and FreeSync match the monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU’s frame rate output for tear-free visuals.
• Sync technology must be compatible with your Nvidia or AMD graphics card.

Panel Type

• IPS – Best viewing angles and color accuracy. Ideal for image quality focus.
• VA – Provides deeper blacks and contrast compared to IPS.
• TN – Fastest response times but worst viewing angles and colors.

Curved or Flat

• Curved monitors wrap around your field of view for immersion.
• Flat panels offer more accurate image quality and are better for co-op viewing.
• Comes down to personal preference.

Brightness and Contrast

• 300 cd/m2 or higher brightness improves picture clarity.
• 3000:1 contrast ratio or better makes blacks look deeper.

Built-in Speakers

• At least 2W stereo speakers, but 5W+ is preferred for fuller sound.
• Speaker position affects directional sound – downward or side-firing.

Ergonomic Stand

• Adjustments like height, tilt, swivel, and pivot provide flexibility and comfort.
• The monitor should be at eye level and angled to reduce strain.

Connectivity

• HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 for high resolutions and refresh rates.
• USB hub lets you connect peripherals through the monitor.
• USB-C allows video, data, and power transfer over one cable.

We’ll recommend the best gaming monitors while keeping these factors in mind. Image quality is the priority, with built-in audio as a bonus.

Top Gaming Monitors with Speakers

Acer Nitro XV272U – Best 27″ 1440p Monitor Under $300

The Acer Nitro XV272U is an excellent budget 27” QHD monitor.

• 27″ IPS panel with 2560 x 1440 resolution
• 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync support
• 1ms response time with VRB
• 90% DCI-P3 color coverage and HDR400
• Fully adjustable ergonomic stand
• 2W stereo speakers

It provides stunning colors and visuals with a 1440p IPS display. Smooth 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync keep gameplay looking fluid. The stand offers extensive adjustments for optimal positioning. Speakers provide decent built-in audio for the price.

Asus TUF Gaming VG249Q – Best 1080p Gaming Monitor Under $200

The Asus TUF Gaming VG249Q delivers superb gaming performance at an affordable price.

• 23.8″ 1920 x 1080 IPS display
• 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time
• ELMB Sync eliminates ghosting and tearing
• Dual 2W speakers enhanced with DTS sound
• Extensive connectivity including HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2

With an extremely fast 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, motion clarity and fluidity are excellent. ELMB Sync simultaneously enables blur reduction and variable refresh rates. The speakers provide surprising audio power and performance given the low price.

Dell S2721DGF – Best 1440p Gaming Monitor Under $500

The Dell S2721DGF offers a premium 1440p gaming experience and great built-in audio.

• 27″ IPS panel with 2560 x 1440 resolution
• 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms GTG response time
• Supports G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro
• VESA DisplayHDR 400 with fantastic brightness and contrast
• Easy accessibility with numerous I/O ports
• Fully adjustable stand with up to 150mm height adjustment
• Dual 5W integrated speakers

With QHD resolution, you get sharp image quality. The ultra-fast 165Hz refresh rate provides extremely smooth motion clarity. G-Sync and FreeSync support variable refresh rates for tear-free gaming. The 5W speaker system delivers loud, high-quality sound.

LG 27GN950-B – Best 4K Gaming Monitor Under $1000

The LG 27GN950-B offers stunning 4K visuals and booming audio.

• 27″ IPS panel with 3840 x 2160 4K resolution
• 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms GtG response time
• Nvidia G-Sync Compatible with HDR600
• DCI-P3 98% color gamut with fantastic accuracy
• 4x USB 3.0 ports, 1x Thunderbolt 3 port
• Height/tilt/pivot adjustable stand
• 5W dual speaker system

With four times as many pixels as 1440p, it provides incredibly detailed and realistic visuals. A smooth 144Hz refresh rate prevents stuttering. Vivid color reproduction covers 98% of the DCI-P3 gamut. The 5W speakers deliver powerful, booming sound for immersive gaming.

MSI Optix MAG342CQRV – Best Ultrawide Monitor Under $800

The MSI Optix MAG342CQRV is an exceptional 34” curved ultrawide monitor.

• 34″ VA panel with 3440 x 1440 resolution
• 100Hz refresh rate and FreeSync variable refresh rate
• 1500R curvature for the immersive field of view
• Mystic Light RGB accent lighting on the back panel
• Tilt, height, and swivel adjustments are available
• 2W integrated stereo speakers

The massive 21:9 aspect ratio provides panoramic gaming visuals. A 1500R curvature matches the human eye for engrossing gameplay. The speakers provide decent audio quality considering the price.

How to Choose the Right Gaming Monitor

Follow these tips when selecting a gaming monitor:

• Match monitor resolution to your GPU’s capabilities – 1080p for budget GPUs, 1440p for mid-range, 4K only for high-end.
• Get the highest affordable refresh rate – 144Hz or above ideal for smooth gaming.
• Faster response time reduces ghosting and blur – 1ms is great, 4-5ms is still good for IPS.
• Pick a G-Sync or FreeSync monitor that is compatible with your Nvidia or AMD graphics card.
• Compare professional monitor reviews on sites like Rtings, Tom’s Hardware, PC Mag, and CNET to research image quality.
• Consider curved vs flat and ergonomic adjustments based on your setup and preferences.
• Look for modern connectivity like HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.2, USB-C, and USB hub.
• Check warranties – at least 3 years of coverage is preferred in case of defects.

Prioritize image quality and gaming performance first before factoring in speaker quality. But built-in audio provides added convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are built-in speakers on a gaming monitor good enough for gaming?

The built-in speakers on most gaming monitors are decent enough for casual gaming. While they don’t offer the same audio fidelity as a dedicated sound system, they provide good stereo sound quality. For single-player games or immersive RPGs, integrated speakers are usually sufficient.

Q: Should I buy a gaming monitor with speakers or separate speakers?

If you want a minimalist, clutter-free desk setup, a monitor with built-in speakers allows for simple plug-and-play use without extra speaker boxes and wires. But serious gamers may still prefer the audio quality of higher-end separate speakers or a headset for competitive multiplayer gaming.

Q: How many watts should built-in speakers have for gaming?

Look for gaming monitors with at least 2-watt integrated stereo speakers, but 5 watts or more is ideal for fuller sound. The higher the speaker wattage, the louder and richer the audio quality will be.

Q: Where are the speakers located on gaming monitors?

Most gaming monitors have downward-firing speakers located on the bottom bezel. Some models have side-firing speakers instead for wider stereo separation. The speaker’s position affects the directional sound.

Q: Can you connect external speakers to a gaming monitor?

Yes, you can connect powered external computer speakers or a gaming headset to any monitor that has an audio out port, usually a 3.5mm headphone jack or RCA audio out. This allows you to upgrade your audio experience.

Conclusion

When choosing a gaming monitor in 2023, focus on resolution, refresh rate, response time, and adaptive sync technology support. Models like the Acer Nitro XV272U, Asus TUF Gaming VG249Q, Dell S2721DGF, LG 27GN950-B, and MSI Optix MAG342CQRV provide stellar visuals and audio.

Built-in speakers simplify setup and reduce clutter. But don’t compromise too much on image quality for the sake of integrated audio. Find the right balance for your budget. Ultimately, visual specs take priority for a great gaming experience.