⏱ 14 min read  ·  ✅ Updated Oct 2026

Last Updated: October 21, 2026

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The Dell 27 Plus S2725DSM is the best monitor with speakers in this group for buyers who want one screen to cover work, video and light gaming, because it pairs a 27-inch 1440p panel with 144Hz and two 3W speakers; the Sceptre E275W-FW100T is the cheaper 27-inch pick with the most input choice. Built-in speakers suit tidy desks, video calls and background audio, not music-lovers. Seven of the eight are Full HD or unstated in resolution, so sharpness differs less than size and stand quality do. Every claim below comes from the listing titles, not from use of the units, and we flag the vague ones.

All eight at a glance

Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, Up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built-in Speakers, Machine Black (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026)

Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, Up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built-in Speakers, Machine Black (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026)

Included for 'Best Monitor With Speakers: Eight Built-in Audio Listings Compared by Panel Size, Ports and Speaker Claims' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Dell 24 Plus Monitor - S2425HSM - 23.8-inch FHD (1920x1080) 144Hz 1ms Display, 2 x 3W Speakers, HDMI Connectivity, Height/Tilt/Pivot/Swivel Adjustability, AMD FreeSync - Ash White

Dell 24 Plus Monitor - S2425HSM - 23.8-inch FHD (1920x1080) 144Hz 1ms Display, 2 x 3W Speakers, HDMI Connectivity, Height/Tilt/Pivot/Swivel Adjustability, AMD FreeSync - Ash White

Included for 'Best Monitor With Speakers: Eight Built-in Audio Listings Compared by Panel Size, Ports and Speaker Claims' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Dell 27 Plus Monitor - S2725HSM - 27-inch FHD (1920x1080) 144Hz 1ms Display, 2 x 3W Speakers, HDMI Connectivity, Height/Tilt/Pivot/Swivel Adjustability, AMD FreeSync - Ash White

Dell 27 Plus Monitor - S2725HSM - 27-inch FHD (1920x1080) 144Hz 1ms Display, 2 x 3W Speakers, HDMI Connectivity, Height/Tilt/Pivot/Swivel Adjustability, AMD FreeSync - Ash White

Included for 'Best Monitor With Speakers: Eight Built-in Audio Listings Compared by Panel Size, Ports and Speaker Claims' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Sceptre 27-inch Prime Gaming Monitor 100Hz 1ms DisplayPort HDMI x2 100% sRGB AMD FreeSync Build-in Speakers, Eye Care Frameless Machine Black 2025 (E275W-FW100T Series)

Sceptre 27-inch Prime Gaming Monitor 100Hz 1ms DisplayPort HDMI x2 100% sRGB AMD FreeSync Build-in Speakers, Eye Care Frameless Machine Black 2025 (E275W-FW100T Series)

Included for 'Best Monitor With Speakers: Eight Built-in Audio Listings Compared by Panel Size, Ports and Speaker Claims' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Sceptre Curved 24-inch Gaming Monitor 1080p R1500 98% sRGB HDMI x2 VGA Build-in Speakers, VESA Wall Mount Machine Black (C248W-1920RN Series)

Sceptre Curved 24-inch Gaming Monitor 1080p R1500 98% sRGB HDMI x2 VGA Build-in Speakers, VESA Wall Mount Machine Black (C248W-1920RN Series)

Included for 'Best Monitor With Speakers: Eight Built-in Audio Listings Compared by Panel Size, Ports and Speaker Claims' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor - S2725DSM - 27-inch QHD (2560x1440) 144Hz 1ms Display, 2 x 3W Speakers, HDMI/DisplayPort 1.4 Connectivity, Height/Tilt/Pivot/Swivel Adjustability, AMD FreeSync - Ash White

Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor - S2725DSM - 27-inch QHD (2560x1440) 144Hz 1ms Display, 2 x 3W Speakers, HDMI/DisplayPort 1.4 Connectivity, Height/Tilt/Pivot/Swivel Adjustability, AMD FreeSync - Ash White

Included for 'Best Monitor With Speakers: Eight Built-in Audio Listings Compared by Panel Size, Ports and Speaker Claims' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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New! Sceptre 27-inch Prime Gaming Monitor DisplayPort x2 180Hz HDMI x2 180Hz Build-in Speakers, Machine Black 2027 (E275B-FW180T Series)

New! Sceptre 27-inch Prime Gaming Monitor DisplayPort x2 180Hz HDMI x2 180Hz Build-in Speakers, Machine Black 2027 (E275B-FW180T Series)

Included for 'Best Monitor With Speakers: Eight Built-in Audio Listings Compared by Panel Size, Ports and Speaker Claims' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Sceptre 24-inch Prime Monitor Thin 1080p LED Monitor 99% sRGB 2X HDMI VGA Build-in Speakers, Machine Black (E248W-19203R 2025 Series)

Sceptre 24-inch Prime Monitor Thin 1080p LED Monitor 99% sRGB 2X HDMI VGA Build-in Speakers, Machine Black (E248W-19203R 2025 Series)

Included for 'Best Monitor With Speakers: Eight Built-in Audio Listings Compared by Panel Size, Ports and Speaker Claims' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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ModelKey point from titlePrice tierBest for
Sceptre E225W-FW14422″ FHD, up to 144Hz, HDMI + DisplayPort, speakersBudgetSmall desks and bedrooms
Dell 24 Plus S2425HSM23.8″ FHD, 144Hz, 2x3W, HDMI, four-way standMid-rangeLong desk sessions
Dell 27 Plus S2725HSM27″ FHD, 144Hz, 2x3W, HDMI, four-way standMid-rangeLarger screen, one cable
Sceptre E275W-FW100T27″, 100Hz, DisplayPort + 2x HDMI, 100% sRGB claimBudgetMulti-device desks
Sceptre C248W-1920RN24″ curved 1500R, 1080p, 2x HDMI + VGA, VESABudgetWall mounts, curved look
Dell 27 Plus QHD S2725DSM27″ 2560×1440, 144Hz, 2x3W, HDMI/DP 1.4PremiumSharper text plus sound
Sceptre E275B-FW180T27″, 180Hz over DP x2 and HDMI x2; resolution unstatedBudgetHigh-refresh hunters, after checking
Sceptre E248W-19203R24″ 1080p, 99% sRGB, 2x HDMI + VGA, speakersBudgetLegacy-port offices

The eight listings, from smallest to sharpest

See also: Best Monitor for POS: Eight Touchscreen Listings Compared by Size, Resolution and Ports • Best Monitor for Surface Pro: Six Listings Sorted by Cable Path, Size and Desk Fit

Sceptre E225W-FW144 (22-inch)

In this listing the title names a 22-inch Full HD panel with a refresh rate of “up to 144Hz”, HDMI, DisplayPort and built-in speakers. It is the smallest diagonal here, which suits a shallow desk. “Up to” wording suggests 144Hz may depend on the DisplayPort input, so check which port delivers it. No speaker wattage is given, so loudness cannot be compared with the Dell units. At 22 inches and 1080p, pixel density works out near 100 pixels per inch by our arithmetic, the sharpest of the 1080p screens in this set. That helps text, though the panel is small for splitting two windows side by side.

Pros

  • DisplayPort and HDMI both listed
  • Compact footprint
  • Lowest price tier

Cons

  • Speaker power not stated
  • “Up to” refresh wording is vague

Who it’s for: a small desk that needs a screen with sound and no extra speakers.

Dell 24 Plus S2425HSM

Dell lists a 23.8-inch Full HD panel at 144Hz with a 1ms claim, two 3W speakers, HDMI, FreeSync and height, tilt, pivot and swivel adjustment. The stand is what separates it from the cheaper Sceptres, none of which list height adjustment. Only HDMI is named, so confirm the port supports 144Hz at 1080p before you rely on the refresh figure. The panel type is not stated either, so do not assume IPS. It sits in the middle of the price range, and the stand is what you are paying extra for compared with the Sceptre listings.

Pros

  • Full stand adjustment in the title
  • 144Hz with FreeSync
  • Two 3W speakers named

Cons

  • No DisplayPort named
  • Panel type not stated

Who it’s for: someone who sits at the desk for hours and wants a stand that adjusts.

Dell 27 Plus S2725HSM

This is the 27-inch sibling of the 24-inch Dell, with the same 144Hz, 1ms claim, two 3W speakers, HDMI and four-way stand. The catch is pixel density: 1080p on 27 inches is roughly 82 pixels per inch (our estimate), so small text looks softer than on the 24-inch version. Games and video are less affected than text. If you will read documents all day, look at the QHD Dell below, which keeps the same speaker wording and stand. Video and games at this size feel immersive, and the extra width leaves room for two documents side by side.

Pros

  • Big screen with a full stand
  • 144Hz and FreeSync
  • Same speaker spec as the 24-inch

Cons

  • Softer text at 1080p
  • HDMI only in the title

Who it’s for: video and casual gaming on a large screen where text is secondary.

Sceptre E275W-FW100T (27-inch)

Sceptre packs DisplayPort and two HDMI ports into a 27-inch, 100Hz listing with a 1ms claim, FreeSync, a 100% sRGB label and frameless “eye care” wording. That input count is its strength: a PC, a console and a laptop can share it. It is also among the cheapest 27-inch options in the set. The resolution is not stated, so treat it as unconfirmed until you open the page. The sRGB figure is a seller claim about colour coverage, not about accuracy. Wattage for the speakers is missing, so assume basic sound.

Pros

  • Three inputs named
  • Low price tier for 27 inches
  • FreeSync listed

Cons

  • Resolution and stand not stated
  • Speaker power not given

Who it’s for: a shared desk with several devices and a tight budget.

Sceptre C248W-1920RN (curved 24-inch)

A 24-inch 1080p curved panel with 1500R curvature, 98% sRGB, two HDMI ports and a VGA port, plus built-in speakers and a VESA wall-mount pattern. The refresh rate is not in the title, so assume a standard office rate until you confirm it. VGA is useful for older desktops and legacy equipment, though it is analog and caps image quality. The VESA mount makes it workable on an arm or wall. Its near-twin in this set is the flat Sceptre E248W below, so choose between them on whether you want the curve rather than on features.

Pros

  • Two HDMI plus VGA
  • VESA wall-mount ready
  • Low price tier

Cons

  • Refresh rate not stated
  • No DisplayPort

Who it’s for: a wall-mounted or kitchen-counter screen that also plays sound.

Dell 27 Plus QHD S2725DSM

The only 1440p screen here, listed at 2560×1440, 144Hz, 1ms claim, FreeSync and two 3W speakers, with HDMI and DisplayPort 1.4 named. At 27 inches that is about 109 pixels per inch by our arithmetic, a clear step up for text. It also keeps the four-way stand. DisplayPort 1.4 gives you the bandwidth for 1440p at 144Hz; over HDMI, check the version. It is the highest price tier in the group, and the 3W speakers stay modest, so you pay for the panel more than for the audio.

Pros

  • 1440p text clarity
  • DisplayPort 1.4 named
  • Full stand adjustment

Cons

  • Highest price tier
  • Speakers limited at 3W

Who it’s for: people who read and code on screen and want sound from the same box.

Sceptre E275B-FW180T

The title promises 180Hz over two DisplayPort and two HDMI ports with built-in speakers, on a 27-inch screen. It never states a resolution or a response time, and it carries a year label and “New!” wording, which is marketing, not a specification. Treat the 180Hz claim as unverified for each port: check which inputs deliver it and at what resolution. Four video inputs make it flexible, and the price tier is low. If the resolution turns out to be Full HD, a 27-inch size will look soft for text, which makes it better for games and video.

Pros

  • Four video inputs
  • 180Hz claim on both port types
  • Low price tier

Cons

  • Resolution missing from title
  • Odd year labelling

Who it’s for: a buyer comfortable confirming the details on the page before ordering.

Sceptre E248W-19203R

This 24-inch, 1080p listing names 99% sRGB, two HDMI ports, VGA and built-in speakers, with “thin” styling. No refresh rate, panel type or stand adjustment is given. It is close in class to the curved Sceptre C248W: same size, same port mix, almost the same price tier. The flat panel suits those who dislike curvature. Treat it as a basic office screen with sound, not a feature leader. If you need a screen to sit in a spare room or a reception desk and play occasional audio, it does that without fuss.

Pros

  • Flat panel, simple setup
  • Two HDMI plus VGA
  • Low price tier

Cons

  • Refresh rate not stated
  • Near-duplicate of the curved Sceptre

Who it’s for: a plain office or study desk with older and newer devices.

How we picked these

We started from the listing titles and kept only monitors that name built-in speakers, then sorted them by size, resolution, ports and the clarity of their claims. Titles that leave out resolution, refresh rate or stand details are marked, because gaps matter as much as numbers. Our basis is published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. Treat speaker wattage, response time and colour figures as seller claims. Where a title is silent, we say so rather than fill the gap from memory, and we never rank on a spec the listing does not state.

What to look for in a monitor with speakers

Speaker wattage is not loudness

“2 x 3W” is a rated power figure for each driver. Small drivers in a thin chassis rarely produce real bass, whatever the wattage suggests. As general guidance, expect clear speech and system sounds, then thin music. If you want music, a pair of desk speakers or headphones will be better, and many monitors offer a headphone output for that. Check the listing for one. Also look at where the speakers face: downward-firing units lose clarity on soft surfaces like a desk mat.

Size versus desk depth

A 16:9 panel is about 19 inches wide at 22 inches diagonal, 21 inches at 24, and 24 inches at 27 (our estimates). Add a stand footprint of roughly 8 to 10 inches deep, and measure your desk first. Sound from rear-firing speakers also bounces off a wall that sits very close, and a deep stand can push a 27-inch screen uncomfortably near your face on a shallow desk. As a rough rule, keep the screen at least an arm’s length away.

Resolution against screen size

Pixel density tells you how sharp text looks. Using nominal sizes, 22-inch 1080p is about 100 pixels per inch, 24-inch about 92, 27-inch 1080p about 82 and 27-inch 1440p about 109. Under about 90, small text looks softer to many people, which is why the 27-inch 1080p models suit video better than documents. Operating-system scaling can help, but it cannot add real detail.

Ports and audio over cable

HDMI and DisplayPort carry audio; VGA does not. DisplayPort 1.4 is the safer choice for 1440p at 144Hz. A 1080p signal at 144Hz works over many HDMI versions, but the title usually does not state the version, so check it. If a listing offers both HDMI and DisplayPort, use DisplayPort for the highest refresh rate and keep HDMI for a second device.

Stand and mounting

Only the Dell titles list height, tilt, pivot and swivel, and a screen that cannot rise to eye level is the usual cause of hunched posture. On the others, budget for a riser or a VESA arm, and confirm the monitor’s weight limit and mount pattern.

A quick desk-audio check before you buy

Work out what built-in sound replaces. Assumptions: two small desk speakers take about 12 inches of desk width, need one power lead and one audio lead, and add a second wall socket. A monitor with speakers removes those three items. That saving is real, but it only pays off if you are content with thin sound. If you listen to music for more than an hour a day, count the monitor speakers as a backup and budget separately for headphones or a small pair.

Mistakes buyers make

Expecting bass is the most common error; plan for speech-grade sound and treat anything more as a bonus. Buying 27 inches at 1080p for text-heavy work is another, because small text looks soft and you will lean in. Assuming every port carries the advertised refresh rate causes disappointment, so look at the ports you will use. Forgetting that VGA carries no audio catches people with older PCs. Another trap is buying on the lowest price without checking whether the stand tilts, since a fixed screen can strain your neck. Last, trusting “up to” and unstated specs: when a title leaves out resolution or refresh rate, open the page and confirm before you order.

Verdict

Pick the Dell 27 Plus S2725DSM if you want the best text and a full stand with sound included. Pick the Dell 24 Plus S2425HSM for a compact, adjustable desk. Pick the Sceptre E275W-FW100T when budget and input count matter most, and skip the unstated-resolution listing unless the page confirms what you need. Compare two or three on size and stand, then confirm ports and resolution on the listing. For related buying, see our guides to the 24 inch monitor, the 22 inch monitor and the 1080p monitor.

Frequently asked questions

Are built-in monitor speakers any good?

They are fine for video calls, system sounds and casual videos, and weak for music or bass. Most of the Dell titles here list two 3W speakers, which is a rated power figure, not a loudness guarantee. If you listen for hours or care about sound quality, plan to add desk speakers or headphones.

Do monitor speakers work over HDMI and DisplayPort?

Yes, audio travels with the video signal on both. The computer must be set to send sound to the monitor as its output device. A VGA connection carries no audio, so a VGA-only hookup would need a separate cable if the monitor has a headphone or audio input. Check the listing for the headphone or audio ports.

Is a 27 inch screen too big for a desk?

A 27-inch 16:9 panel is roughly 24 inches (60 cm) wide, so a desk about 24 inches deep gives a comfortable viewing distance of roughly an arm’s length. Shallower desks suit 22 or 24 inches better. Treat these as our estimates from nominal sizes, and confirm the stand footprint on the listing before ordering.

Does a higher refresh rate matter for office work?

It mostly makes scrolling and cursor movement look smoother. Spreadsheets and documents look the same at 60Hz. Where it matters is gaming, and only if your graphics hardware supplies those frames and your cable and port support the mode. Refresh figures in titles are seller claims, so check the listing.

Why does one listing not state its resolution?

The Sceptre E275B-FW180T title gives size, refresh rate, ports and speakers but no resolution. That is a gap in the listing text, not proof of any particular panel. Open the product page and confirm the pixel count before buying, because it changes sharpness and what your graphics card must drive.

About the Digital Desk Solutions Editorial Team

The Digital Desk Solutions editorial team writes about work-from-home setups: desks, ergonomic chairs, monitors, lighting and cable management. Recommendations follow ergonomics guidance and published specifications, weighed against long-term owner feedback and the realities of small home offices.

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