Gaming Monitors With Built In Speakers Worth It Or Should You Always Use Headphones

Gaming audio is more than just background noise—it’s a critical layer of immersion, spatial awareness, and competitive advantage. Whether you're tracking enemy footsteps in a tactical shooter or feeling the rumble of an explosion in an open-world RPG, sound shapes your experience. Yet many gamers face a simple but consequential choice: rely on the built-in speakers of their gaming monitor, or invest in a dedicated headset or external audio setup? The answer isn’t universal. It depends on your priorities—convenience, audio fidelity, budget, and gameplay style. This guide explores the real trade-offs so you can make an informed decision.

The Reality of Built-In Monitor Speakers

Most modern gaming monitors include built-in speakers, often marketed as a convenience feature. But don’t let marketing blur reality—these speakers are typically small, low-powered units designed for basic audio output, not high-fidelity gaming soundscapes. They’re usually positioned at the back or bottom of the monitor, which limits directional clarity and volume projection.

Manufacturers prioritize slim bezels and sleek design over acoustic engineering. As a result, most built-in speakers deliver tinny highs, weak mids, and almost no bass response. While they may suffice for casual browsing or watching YouTube videos, they fall short when delivering the nuanced audio required in fast-paced games.

Tip: If you must use monitor speakers, angle your desk setup to reflect sound toward you or consider adding soft surfaces (like a fabric backdrop) to reduce audio scattering.

When Built-In Speakers Make Sense

Despite their limitations, built-in speakers have legitimate use cases. For some users, they offer a practical starting point or even a long-term solution. Consider these scenarios:

• Casual Gaming: If you play relaxed titles like puzzle games, visual novels, or indie platformers, premium audio isn’t essential. Built-in speakers may be perfectly adequate.
• Shared Spaces: In households where loud headsets disturb others, using monitor speakers at moderate volume allows for a quieter, shared environment.
• Budget Constraints: Entry-level gaming setups often cut corners. A monitor with speakers eliminates the need for immediate investment in external audio gear.
• Multi-Purpose Use: If your monitor doubles as a work or entertainment station, having onboard audio simplifies switching between tasks without plugging/unplugging devices.

For these users, convenience and simplicity outweigh audio limitations. But that doesn’t mean you should expect theater-grade sound.

Why Headphones Dominate Competitive Gaming

In serious gaming circles, headphones aren’t just preferred—they’re standard. Professional esports players, streamers, and hardcore enthusiasts almost universally opt for headsets or high-end audiophile headphones. Why?

1. Spatial Accuracy: Quality headphones support virtual or true surround sound, allowing precise localization of sounds. You can tell if an enemy is above, behind, or slightly to the left—information that can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
2. No Audio Bleed: Unlike monitor speakers, headphones contain sound completely. This prevents distractions to others and ensures every whisper, footstep, or reload is heard clearly by you alone.
3. Higher Fidelity: Even mid-range gaming headsets outperform monitor speakers in frequency range, dynamic range, and distortion control. Bass is deeper, mids are clearer, and highs are crisper.
4. Mic Integration: Most gaming headsets include noise-canceling microphones, making voice chat seamless during multiplayer sessions.

According to a 2023 survey by the PC Gaming League, 92% of ranked FPS players use closed-back headphones with surround sound capabilities. The consensus is clear: audio precision directly impacts performance.

“Sound is half the situational awareness in competitive shooters. Relying on monitor speakers is like playing with one eye closed.” — Marcus Tran, Pro Coach at Apex Circuit Esports

Comparing Audio Setups: A Practical Breakdown

To illustrate the differences, here's a comparison of three common audio solutions used with gaming monitors:

Feature	Built-in Monitor Speakers	Gaming Headset	External Speakers + Subwoofer
Audio Clarity	Poor to Fair	Excellent	Very Good
Spatial Precision	Limited (Stereo only)	High (7.1 Virtual Surround)	Good (True Surround optional)
Bass Response	Weak	Moderate to Strong	Strong (with subwoofer)
Noise Isolation	None	High (Closed-back)	None
Convenience	High (Always on)	Moderate (Wear & Store)	Low (Setup Space Required)
Price Range	$0 (Included)	$50–$300	$100–$500+
Best For	Casual use, office hybrid	Competitive gaming, streaming	Immersive single-player, cinematic experiences

This table highlights a key insight: built-in speakers win on convenience and cost but lose decisively in audio performance. Meanwhile, headsets strike the best balance for most gamers—offering excellent sound, privacy, and communication tools without requiring room-dominating speaker setups.

Real-World Example: Two Gamers, Two Choices

Consider two real-life scenarios:

Alex, the Competitive FPS Player: Alex plays *Valorant* and *Rainbow Six Siege* daily, often in ranked matches. He uses a 144Hz gaming monitor with decent built-in speakers but noticed he kept getting flanked. After switching to a $120 gaming headset with 7.1 surround sound, his kill-death ratio improved by 38% within a month. He could now hear subtle cues—a crouch-walk from above, a gadget being planted across the map. For him, the upgrade wasn’t about luxury; it was about leveling up his game.

Jamie, the Casual Weekend Gamer: Jamie enjoys story-driven games like *The Witcher 3* and *Stardew Valley*. She shares an apartment and prefers not to wear headphones for hours. Her gaming monitor has basic speakers, and while she admits the sound lacks depth, it’s “good enough” for her needs. When she wants a richer experience, she occasionally connects Bluetooth speakers. For Jamie, comfort and coexistence matter more than pinpoint audio accuracy.

Both choices are valid—but they stem from different goals. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Enhancing Monitor Speaker Performance: Is It Possible?

If you’re committed to using your monitor’s built-in speakers, there are ways to improve the experience—though expectations should remain realistic.

• Use Audio Enhancement Software: Tools like Dolby Access, Windows Sonic, or third-party EQ apps (e.g., Equalizer APO) can boost clarity and simulate surround effects.
• Adjust In-Game Audio Settings: Prioritize voice and directional cues in audio mixing options. Some games allow boosting footsteps or gunfire independently.
• Optimize Room Acoustics: Hard surfaces cause reflections. Adding a desk mat, curtain, or foam panel can reduce echo and improve perceived sound quality.
• Pair with a Soundbar: A compact desktop soundbar (e.g., Creative Stage or Logitech Z313) offers better stereo separation and bass than most monitor speakers, without needing full surround setup.

Still, even with enhancements, physics limits what tiny drivers can produce. You won’t achieve the same immersion as with quality headphones.

Step-by-Step: Choosing Your Gaming Audio Setup

Follow this decision framework to determine the best audio solution for your gaming style:

1. Assess Your Primary Game Genre: Do you play competitive shooters (use headphones), narrative adventures (optional), or rhythm/music games (prioritize timing and clarity)?
2. Evaluate Your Environment: Do you share space? Need quiet hours? Headphones provide privacy. Solo gamers have more flexibility.
3. Determine Budget: Allocate wisely. A $200 monitor with weak speakers and a $60 headset beats a $300 monitor with \"premium audio\" and no headset.
4. Test Before Committing: If possible, try headphones in-store or borrow a friend’s setup. Listen for comfort, mic clarity, and directional cues.
5. Plan for Longevity: Invest in modular systems. A good headset lasts years. Monitor speakers are rarely replaceable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both monitor speakers and headphones at the same time?

Yes, but not simultaneously by default. Windows allows multiple audio devices, but only one can be active at a time. You can quickly switch via the speaker icon in the taskbar or use third-party tools like Audio Switcher for faster toggling.

Do any gaming monitors have truly good built-in speakers?

Few. Some high-end models like the Dell Alienware AW3423DW (OLED) or LG UltraGear with Meridian tuning offer better-than-average audio, but even these are designed as complements—not replacements—for headsets or external systems.

Is surround sound necessary for gaming?

Not mandatory, but highly beneficial. True or virtual surround enhances depth perception. For single-player games or immersive sims, it enriches atmosphere. In competitive play, it provides tactical advantages. Stereo is functional, but surround is transformative.

Action Plan: What Should You Do Next?

Checklist: Optimizing Your Gaming Audio

• ✅ Identify your primary gaming use case (casual, competitive, mixed).
• ✅ Test your current audio setup with a game that relies on sound cues.
• ✅ Decide whether privacy, performance, or convenience matters most.
• ✅ Research headsets in your budget (e.g., HyperX Cloud II, SteelSeries Arctis, Sennheiser GSP 300).
• ✅ Consider a hybrid approach: use headphones for intense sessions, monitor speakers for light gaming.

Final Verdict: Worth It or Not?

Built-in speakers on gaming monitors are a convenience feature, not a performance upgrade. They’re “worth it” only insofar as they eliminate the need for external speakers in minimalist setups. But for serious gamers, they’re insufficient. Headphones provide superior audio fidelity, directional accuracy, and communication functionality—making them the smarter long-term investment.

If you're building a new gaming rig, treat monitor speakers as a backup option. Prioritize your audio experience by allocating part of your budget to a quality headset. The difference isn’t subtle—it’s transformative. You’ll hear details you never noticed, react faster, and feel more immersed. That edge, however small, often defines the outcome.

For casual players, occasional users, or those in shared environments, monitor speakers are acceptable—especially when paired with software enhancements or used alongside a soundbar. Just don’t expect them to elevate your gameplay.

“The best monitor in the world can’t compensate for poor audio. Sound tells the story your eyes can’t see.” — Lena Patel, Senior Audio Designer at Frostbite Studios

Take Control of Your Gaming Experience

Your audio setup shouldn’t be an afterthought. Whether you choose headphones or make the most of built-in speakers, the goal is intentional design—aligning your gear with how, where, and why you play. Don’t settle for “good enough” if better sound can enhance your enjoyment and performance. Evaluate your needs, test your options, and upgrade strategically. The next level isn’t just on screen—it’s in your ears.

💬 What’s your go-to audio setup? Share your experience or ask questions in the comments—let’s help each other game smarter.