You just got your dream gaming monitor, fired up your favorite game, and—wait—why is there no sound? It's a common question: do gaming monitors have speakers, or are you stuck using external audio? The answer isn’t that simple as some monitors come with built-in speakers and are not the best for immersive sound.
This is the reason why a lot of gamers prefer using a gaming monitor headphone jack for better sound or connecting external speakers. If you want immersive audio without missing crucial in-game sounds, it’s worth knowing your options. Let’s dive into what works best for your setup and how to get the best sound experience!
Audio Ports in Gaming Monitors
When it comes to monitor audio connectivity, not all gaming monitors are built the same. Some come with built-in speakers (which are often, let’s be honest, just loud enough to remind you they exist), while others rely on external sound systems for a better experience. Let’s break down what to expect when looking for speaker ports and audio output options.
Do Gaming Monitors Have Speaker Ports?
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Some monitors include 3.5mm headphone jacks or audio-out ports, letting you plug in external speakers or headsets directly.
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HDMI and DisplayPort cables carry audio, but not all monitors provide an easy way to extract that sound.
Common Audio Output Options
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3.5mm Jack – Found on many monitors, allowing you to connect headphones or speakers.
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HDMI Audio Passthrough – Sends audio to the monitor, but if there’s no speaker or output port, you’ll need to reroute it from your PC.
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Optical (TOSLINK) & USB – Less common but available on select high-end models.
Why Do Some Monitors Skip Speaker Ports?
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Many gamers buy headsets for better gaming monitor audio quality.
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High-end monitors use display technology over sound.
Built-in Speakers in Gaming Monitors
Ever wondered if gaming monitors come with speakers? Well, the answer is yes but they might not be the best. Manufacturers often take visuals over sound, and this leaves built-in speakers as an afterthought. Let's spill the beans on what to expect and how to get the best audio setup.
Do Gaming Monitors Have Built-in Speakers?
While some models come with speakers, they lack depth and work for casual use but are not ideal for gaming. That's why you'll need high-end gaming monitors to skip external speakers.
Sound Quality – What to Expect?
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Entry-level monitors – If they have speakers, expect low volume and minimal bass.
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Mid-range models – Slightly better audio but still lacks richness.
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Premium monitors – Rarely include built-in speakers, but when they do, they’re designed for crisp audio, not deep bass.
Best Audio Solutions for Gaming Monitors
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HDMI audio pass-through – Sends sound to the monitor, but external speakers or headphones are needed for quality audio.
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DisplayPort audio support – Similar to HDMI, but not all monitors provide an easy way to extract sound.
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3.5mm audio jack – A lifesaver! If your monitor has one, you can plug in external speakers or headphones for better sound.
How To Connect Speakers to a Gaming Monitor?
So, your gaming monitor doesn’t have built-in speakers? No worries! You can still enjoy crystal-clear sound by connecting external speakers. It’s easier than you think—you just need the right connection. Let’s break it down.
1. Connecting External Speakers
Here’s how to hook up your speakers as per the available ports:
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Using a 3.5mm audio jack – Plug your speakers directly into the monitor’s headphone jack. This works best for powered speakers.
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Via HDMI audio pass-through – If your monitor supports it, connect the speakers to the monitor’s audio output or use an HDMI audio extractor.
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Through DisplayPort audio support – Check if your monitor allows audio output via DisplayPort. If not, route the audio from your PC to speakers instead.
2. Alternative Solutions If Your Monitor Lacks Audio Ports
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Use your PC’s audio output – Connect speakers directly to your computer instead of the monitor.
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Opt for USB-powered speakers – Some gaming setups work best with USB speakers that connect directly to the PC.
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Go wireless with Bluetooth – If your monitor or PC supports Bluetooth, connect Bluetooth speakers for a cleaner setup.
Enhancing Gaming Monitor Sound
Gaming monitors are built for crisp visuals, but their audio often takes a backseat. If your monitor’s sound isn’t hitting the right notes, here’s how to make it through.
1. External Speakers
Most gaming monitors come with no speakers, and this makes external speakers the go-to solution. So, look for 2.1 speaker setups (two speakers + a subwoofer) for a solid sound boost. Wireless Bluetooth speakers work too, but wired options often give better audio clarity.
2. Gaming Headsets for Zero Distractions
If you want amazing sound quality, a good gaming headset is your best bet. And for this, you can go for 7.1 surround sound headsets for directional audio. This will allow you to pinpoint enemy movements in FPS games. Wired headsets with low latency also offer better synchronization with in-game actions.
3. Monitor Audio Ports: Use What You Have
Many monitors include a 3.5mm headphone jack and are perfect for plugging in speakers or headsets. If your monitor has an optical audio port, connect it to a soundbar or AV receiver for an instant home-theater feel.
4. HDMI and Audio Extractors
HDMI ARC helps the audio of your game to pass to external speakers or sound systems. If your monitor doesn’t support ARC, you should get this extractor to split sound from the video signal and send it to speakers.
Equalizers & Software Tweaks
Some monitors have built-in audio presets. So, you can try different modes like "Game" or "Cinema" for better sound output. Additionally, software like Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic can increase positional audio quality.
Wrap Up
So, do gaming monitors have speakers? Now you know the answer but don’t expect much from them.
Most gaming monitors come with audio output options like a 3.5mm audio jack, HDMI audio pass-through, or DisplayPort audio support. Rather than relying on tiny speakers, get your audio setup for full experience.
Don’t let weak audio harm your entertainment while playing a game. Get gaming monitors with speaker ports- only at ReHisk!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Is a headphone jack available on most gaming monitors?
A: Many gaming monitors have a headphone jack. But a lot of them don't and that's why you must check the specs before buying to avoid surprises.
Q: Can you connect external speakers to a monitor?
A: Yes! You can use the monitor’s audio output or route sound through your PC/console. Although there are some setups that also support Bluetooth or AV receivers.
Q: How do I get sound from my gaming monitor?
You shouldn't worry if your monitor has audio output ports like a 3.5mm jack or HDMI audio pass-through. Just plug in external speakers or headphones for better sound.
Q: Do gaming monitors have speakers built-in?
Yes. But you should always get high-end models that offer better audio. Some gamers might also go for external speakers or headsets for a better experience.
Q: Are built-in monitor speakers good for gaming?
They work for casual gaming but often lack depth. For crisp details and deep bass, external speakers or headphones are the way to go.
