Monitors with built-in speakers are best treated as a way to save desk space and a cable, not as a replacement for real speakers. The best of this group on paper is the Dell 27 Plus S2725DSM, a 27-inch 1440p, 144Hz panel with two 3W speakers, while the Sceptre 27-inch 100Hz and the Amazon Basics 27-inch are the lower-cost answers if 1080p is enough. One listing, the Dell S2725QS, does not mention speakers in its title at all, so it appears here as a labeled runner-up, not a core pick. Expect small, thin sound from all of them, fine for video calls, videos and casual play.
Our Top Picks
Sceptre 27-inch Prime Gaming Monitor 100Hz 1ms DisplayPort277.66 x 24.13 x 17.21 inches7.21 poundsCheck on Amazon
New! Sceptre Curved 27-inch Prime Gaming Monitor DisplayPort27 inches7.7 x 24.4 x 17.9 InchesCheck on Amazon
Top 3 picks at a glance
The short list
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- Dell S2725DSM: sharpest 1440p, 144Hz panel with speakers
- Dell S2725HSM: 27-inch 1080p, 144Hz, adjustable stand
- Dell S2425HSM: smaller 23.8-inch, 144Hz
- Sceptre E275B 180Hz: high refresh, two DisplayPort and two HDMI
- Sceptre C275B curved: the same ports on a 1500R curve
- Sceptre E275W 100Hz: 27-inch with 100% sRGB claim
- Sceptre E248W: compact 24-inch, 100Hz
- Sceptre E225W: 22-inch, 144Hz, smallest footprint
- Amazon Basics 27: IPS, USB ports, VESA
- Dell S2725QS: 4K IPS, speakers not stated
Ten monitors compared
| Model | Size and resolution | Refresh and speakers | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell S2725DSM | 27in, 2560×1440 | 144Hz, 2 x 3W | Sharper desk monitor |
| Dell S2725HSM | 27in, 1920×1080 | 144Hz, 2 x 3W | Larger 1080p |
| Dell S2425HSM | 23.8in, 1920×1080 | 144Hz, 2 x 3W | Smaller desks |
| Sceptre E275B-FW180T | 27in, check listing | 180Hz, built-in | High refresh |
| Sceptre C275B-FW180T | 27in curved, check listing | 180Hz, built-in | Curve fans |
| Sceptre E275W-FW100T | 27in, check listing | 100Hz, built-in | Budget 27in |
| Sceptre E248W-FW100T | 24in, check listing | 100Hz, built-in | Compact |
| Sceptre E225W-FW144 | 22in, 1920×1080 | 144Hz, built-in | Tiny footprint |
| Amazon Basics 27 | 27in, 1920×1080 IPS | 100Hz, built-in | Office and USB |
| Dell S2725QS | 27in, 3840×2160 IPS | 120Hz, speakers not stated | 4K, runner-up |
All ten monitors, one by one
Dell 27 Plus Monitor S2725DSM
The S2725DSM is the only QHD panel in this group that names its speakers: 27 inches, 2560×1440, 144Hz, a 1ms figure, 2 x 3W speakers and AMD FreeSync, with HDMI and DisplayPort 1.4. The step from 1080p to 1440p is visible on a 27-inch screen, since text and game detail look less coarse. The stand adjusts for height, tilt, pivot and swivel, which is rare at this tier. Treat 1ms as a seller figure that normally refers to a fast mode, not the whole panel behavior. The Ash White finish suits light desks. The title does not state the panel type or color coverage, so check the listing for those.
Pros
- QHD resolution at 27 inches with 144Hz
- Full stand adjustment including pivot and swivel
Cons
- Panel type and color coverage not in the title
- Speakers are a modest 3W each
Who it’s for: Players who want 1440p without buying separate speakers.
Who should skip it: Anyone who wants 4K or a built-in headphone output confirmed.
Dell 27 Plus Monitor S2725HSM
The S2725HSM lists a 27-inch 1920×1080 panel at 144Hz with a 1ms figure, 2 x 3W speakers and FreeSync, with HDMI connectivity only mentioned, plus height, tilt, pivot and swivel adjustment. Stretching 1080p across 27 inches gives lower sharpness than 1440p, so it suits a viewing distance of roughly an arm’s length or more. The title lists HDMI but not DisplayPort, so check the listing if your graphics card uses DisplayPort. It sits above the same-size Sceptre options in price tier, and the extra cost buys the adjustable stand and a known display brand rather than a new panel class.
Pros
- 144Hz with FreeSync on a 27-inch screen
- Adjustable height and pivot on the stand
Cons
- Only HDMI is named in the title
- 1080p looks softer at 27 inches than 1440p
Who it’s for: Buyers who want a larger screen, a flexible stand and speakers.
Who should skip it: Anyone sitting close who wants crisp text or needs DisplayPort.
Dell 24 Plus Monitor S2425HSM
The S2425HSM is the smaller sibling at 23.8 inches, still 1920×1080 at 144Hz, with a 1ms figure, 2 x 3W speakers, HDMI, FreeSync and the same adjustable stand. At that size the pixel density is better than on a 27-inch 1080p screen, so it is the sensible choice for a desk where you sit about 60cm away. Because the title mentions HDMI only, check the listing for a second input if you want to connect a console and a PC. The ash white finish is shared with the larger model. Speakers are the same 3W pair, so the sound is similar in character.
Pros
- Sharper pixel density than a 27-inch 1080p screen
- Adjustable stand with pivot
Cons
- Only HDMI named in the title
- Smaller screen than the other Dell picks
Who it’s for: People with a compact desk who want built-in sound.
Who should skip it: Players who want a bigger image or more than one input.
Sceptre 27-inch Gaming Monitor, 180Hz, Two DisplayPort and Two HDMI
This Sceptre listing is for the E275B-FW180T series: 27 inches, two DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs, 180Hz on both connection types and built-in speakers. The title does not state the resolution, panel type or response time, so check the listing before you buy, and do not assume QHD. Four inputs make it useful for a PC plus a console, and a high refresh figure suits fast games if your graphics card can produce frames to match. The title carries a model year of 2027 and a New label, which is marketing text, so confirm the exact model on the product page and in the manual.
Pros
- Four video inputs: two DisplayPort and two HDMI
- 180Hz named on both connection types
Cons
- Resolution and panel type missing from the title
- Model year in the title looks like a sales label
Who it’s for: Buyers who connect several devices and want a high refresh rate.
Who should skip it: Anyone who needs resolution details confirmed in the title.
Sceptre Curved 27-inch Gaming Monitor, 180Hz, 1500R
A curved version of the same idea, the C275B-FW180T series lists 27 inches, two DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs at 180Hz, a 1500R curve, a 1ms figure and built-in speakers. A 1500R curve is gentle: the screen bends toward you, which can make a 27-inch panel feel more enclosing at desk distance. It does not change the speakers, and the sound still comes from small drivers pointed away from you. As with the flat model, the title omits the resolution and panel type, so check the listing. Curved screens can be awkward for some wall-mount setups and for straight-line work such as design.
Pros
- 1500R curve with four inputs
- 180Hz on DisplayPort and HDMI named
Cons
- Resolution not stated in the title
- Curve may not suit precise design work
Who it’s for: Players who prefer a gentle curve and several inputs.
Who should skip it: People who want a flat panel for layout or drawing work.
Sceptre 27-inch Prime Gaming Monitor 100Hz
The E275W-FW100T series lists 27 inches, 100Hz, 1ms, DisplayPort, two HDMI inputs, 100% sRGB, AMD FreeSync, built-in speakers and an eye care, frameless design. A 100% sRGB claim is a seller figure and does not describe accuracy out of the box, but it hints at decent color coverage for photos and video. The resolution is not stated in the title, so check the listing; many monitors at this price are 1080p. The title includes a 2025 model label. It is the budget 27-inch in this list and a reasonable fit for a bedroom or a study that needs sound without extra cables.
Pros
- 100Hz with FreeSync, DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs
- 100% sRGB figure named
Cons
- Resolution not stated in the title
- 100Hz is the lowest refresh among the 27-inch gaming listings
Who it’s for: Budget shoppers who want a 27-inch screen with sound.
Who should skip it: Competitive players who want 144Hz or more.
Sceptre 24-inch Gaming Monitor 100Hz, 2 HDMI and 1 DisplayPort
The E248W-FW100T series is a 24-inch monitor at 100Hz with FreeSync, two HDMI inputs, one DisplayPort and built-in speakers. The title gives no resolution, panel type or response time, so check the listing and do not assume a figure. The input spread is its main point: two HDMI ports let you share it between a console and a PC. Speakers in a monitor this small are small speakers, so expect thin bass. At 24 inches a 1080p panel keeps text reasonably sharp, if that turns out to be the resolution. It suits a shared family computer or a second screen.
Pros
- Three inputs: two HDMI and one DisplayPort
- Compact 24-inch size for small desks
Cons
- Resolution and panel type not stated in the title
- 100Hz is modest for fast games
Who it’s for: Shared home setups and secondary screens.
Who should skip it: Anyone who wants a high refresh rate or a premium stand.
Sceptre 22-inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, up to 144Hz
The E225W-FW144 series is the smallest monitor here, a 22-inch FHD 1080p panel at up to 144Hz with HDMI, DisplayPort and built-in speakers. The words up to 144Hz tell you that the top refresh rate may only be available on one connection, so check the listing for which one. The small size makes pixels dense and keeps the whole screen in view, which suits competitive shooters and tight desks. It is also the least costly entry on the list. Like the other Sceptre titles, it carries a model year in the name, which is a sales label, and it gives no panel type.
Pros
- Up to 144Hz in a small, dense 1080p panel
- HDMI and DisplayPort both named
Cons
- Top refresh may depend on the connection used
- 22 inches feels small for movies
Who it’s for: Players on tight desks who want 144Hz and speakers.
Who should skip it: Anyone who wants a large, immersive screen.
Amazon Basics 27 Inch Monitor, FHD 1080P, 100Hz, IPS
The Amazon Basics 27-inch lists FHD 1080p, 100Hz, an IPS panel, built-in speakers, VESA compatibility and USB ports. IPS usually means wider viewing angles and steadier color than the cheapest panels, which helps in a shared room. The VESA mount lets you move it onto an arm, and the USB ports can save a trip behind the screen for a mouse receiver, though the title does not say whether they are hubs or charging only. Brightness, response time and the input mix are not in the title, so check the listing. It is a plain screen with sound, aimed at office and study.
Pros
- IPS panel and VESA compatibility named
- USB ports on the monitor
Cons
- Inputs and brightness not stated in the title
- Only 1080p on a 27-inch panel
Who it’s for: Home office and study buyers who want a simple screen with sound.
Who should skip it: Gamers who want a high refresh rate or low response time proof.
Dell 27 Monitor S2725QS, 4K UHD IPS (speakers not stated)
Not confirmed as a monitor with speakers: the S2725QS title lists a 27-inch 4K UHD IPS panel at 120Hz, 5ms, FreeSync Premium, 350 cd/m2 brightness, 1,500:1 contrast, 99% sRGB, anti-glare, HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C, with height, swivel and pivot adjustment, but no speakers. It is a runner-up for a different reason: it is the sharpest and best-connected screen here, and it may include speakers, but the title does not say, so check the listing. 4K on 27 inches gives very fine text, though a graphics card has more work to do at 120Hz.
Pros
- 4K IPS with USB-C, HDMI and DisplayPort named
- 99% sRGB and 350 cd/m2 figures stated
Cons
- Speakers are not mentioned in the title
- 4K at 120Hz needs a capable graphics card
Who it’s for: Buyers who value sharpness and USB-C and would add speakers.
Who should skip it: Anyone who needs sound built into the monitor.
How the list was built
We read the ten Amazon listings and compared the size, resolution, refresh rate, speaker mention, inputs and stand details that each title states. Basis: published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. For any specific model we use only what its title says, and where it is silent we write check the listing. A seller figure such as 1ms or 100% sRGB is called a claim. Three Sceptre listings do not give a resolution, and one Dell listing does not mention speakers, so those gaps are marked in the entries.
Making sense of built-in monitor speakers
What a 2 x 3W speaker pair can do
Speakers of 2 x 3W, as on the Dell S2725DSM, S2725HSM and S2425HSM, are enough for voices, video calls and casual game sound at desk distance. They lack deep bass and fill a room poorly. Several Sceptre titles say only built-in speakers, so wattage is a check-the-listing item. If you plan to play loud action games or music, a small desktop speaker pair or headphones will always sound better, and you can still use the monitor speakers as a fallback.
How the sound reaches the monitor
Monitor speakers play audio that travels over HDMI or DisplayPort alongside the picture, so the cable you use must carry sound and Windows must select the monitor as its output device. The sound output list will show the monitor name. Some monitors also have a headphone jack that disables or follows the speakers, but few titles here mention one. If you need a jack for headphones, check the listing and the manual. Also expect a volume control in the monitor menu and another in Windows, so set the Windows level high and fine-tune with the monitor, or sound may stay too quiet. Sound can also vanish after the screen sleeps, which a different cable or a driver update often cures.
Size, resolution and refresh together
| Size | Resolution | Sitting distance | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 to 24 in | 1080p | About 60cm | Sharp enough, small image |
| 27 in | 1080p | About 80cm or more | Softer text, large image |
| 27 in | 1440p | About 70 to 80cm | Balanced for work and play |
| 27 in | 4K | About 70 to 80cm | Very sharp, heavy on the GPU |
Refresh rate only helps if your graphics card can supply the frames. A 100Hz screen is a clear upgrade over 60Hz, while 144Hz and 180Hz matter for fast shooters. Our explainer on monitor refresh rate versus frame rate covers the difference.
Ports, stand and mounting
Count the inputs you need. A PC, a console and a laptop are three sources, so two HDMI plus DisplayPort suits that, as with the Sceptre listings, while a single HDMI, as on the Dell 24 and 27 titles, suits one device. VESA compatibility, named on the Amazon Basics listing, allows a monitor arm. A stand with pivot, as on the Dell models, lets you turn the screen upright for reading or coding. Pivot is only useful if your graphics driver rotates the picture, which Windows does with a display setting. For multi-device desks, see the multi-console and PC battlestation guide.
Panel type and what the title reveals
Most monitor titles name the panel only sometimes. IPS panels, named on the Amazon Basics and Dell S2725QS listings, usually hold color and brightness at wider angles, which helps if two people share the screen. VA panels tend to give deeper blacks and lower viewing-angle stability, and TN panels are fast but narrower. When the title is silent, as with most Sceptre listings, look in the product bullets for the panel type, brightness in cd/m2 and the sRGB figure. A 100% sRGB or 99% sRGB claim is a coverage figure, not proof of accurate color.
Warranty, returns and dead pixels
A monitor is a large, fragile item, so read the return window and who ships it. Ask whether a few stuck pixels count as a defect under the seller’s policy; policies differ between brands and between sellers. Keep the box until you are sure you are happy, and check the screen on a white and a black full-screen image as soon as it arrives.
Checklist before you order
- Does the title or bullet list the speaker wattage?
- Is the resolution written out, not just 2K or QHD?
- Which input carries the top refresh rate?
- Does the stand tilt only, or also raise and pivot?
- Is there a headphone output if you need one?
- What does the seller say about dead pixel returns?
Pitfalls to avoid
Expecting speaker quality. Built-in drivers are thin. Judge them as a convenience, not as a main audio system.
Assuming the resolution. Three Sceptre titles do not say it. A 27-inch 1080p and a 27-inch 1440p screen are very different in price and sharpness, so check the product page.
Trusting a response-time figure. A 1ms or 5ms claim describes the best case in a fast mode. For picture quality, buyer feedback on ghosting says more.
Overbuying refresh. A 180Hz screen still gives 60 fps if the game is limited. Check what your graphics card can do first.
Ignoring the cable. An old HDMI cable may not carry the top refresh rate, so use the one supplied or a recent DisplayPort lead.
Bottom line
For the best mix of sharpness and sound, the Dell S2725DSM is the lead pick, with the Dell S2425HSM as the compact alternative. If you want a high refresh figure and many inputs for less, the Sceptre 180Hz pair deserves a look once you have confirmed the resolution on the product page. The Amazon Basics 27-inch is the plain office choice, and the Dell S2725QS is the one to buy only if you plan to add speakers or find a listing that states them. Programmers may also like our monitors for programming list.
Questions buyers ask
Are built-in monitor speakers any good?
They are fine for video calls, videos and casual game sound, but they are small and thin on bass. A pair of 3W speakers, as named on the Dell S2725DSM, will not fill a room. If audio quality matters to you, add desktop speakers or use headphones, and keep the monitor speakers as a backup.
How does sound get from the PC to the monitor?
Connect the monitor with HDMI or DisplayPort, then open the Windows sound output list and choose the monitor by name. Not every cable carries audio at every setting, so if the monitor is silent, try another cable or port. Some monitors also add a headphone jack, but check the listing, since few titles here mention it.
Is 1080p enough on a 27-inch monitor?
It works, but text and fine detail look softer than on 1440p at the same size. Sitting further back helps. Several listings here are 27 inches at 1080p or an unstated resolution, so check the listing. For sharper desk work, the Dell S2725DSM names 2560×1440.
Is 144Hz or 180Hz necessary?
Only if your graphics card can push those frames in the games you play. For office work and slower titles, 100Hz is a clear step up from 60Hz. Fast shooters benefit more from 144Hz and above. Remember that some listings only reach the top rate on one connection.
Why does the Dell S2725QS appear without speakers?
Its title lists 4K IPS, USB-C and other specs but no speakers, so we cannot confirm sound. It is included as a labeled runner-up because it is the sharpest panel here. If speakers are a must, check the product page and manual before you order.
Related guides
- Low Latency 1080P High Refresh Monitors
- Gaming Monitor For Competitive Shooters
- Monitor Refresh Rate Vs Frame Rate Explained
