Does Asus Monitor Have Built in Speakers? My Honest Take
Bought a fancy new Asus monitor last week. Gorgeous screen, colors popped, everything looked amazing. Then I plugged in my console, ready to game, and… silence. Utter, deafening silence. I spent the next hour digging through menus, convinced I’d missed a setting, only to realize the damn thing didn’t have any speakers. Zero.
It’s frustrating, right? You see these sleek, modern displays and just *assume* basic functionality like audio is included. Especially when you’re spending decent coin. Years of dealing with tech, and I still fall for the marketing sometimes. So, let’s cut to the chase and talk about does Asus monitor have built in speakers.
Honestly, it’s a mixed bag, and frankly, a bit of a gamble if you don’t check closely.
The Speaker Situation: What to Expect
Look, here’s the deal. Asking does Asus monitor have built in speakers is like asking if a car has a cup holder. For some models, it’s a standard feature. For others, it’s an optional extra, or downright missing. Asus makes a *ton* of monitors. We’re talking gaming beasts, professional workhorses, budget-friendly options for your kid’s homework. Each line, and often each specific model within a line, has its own feature set. You can’t just assume one Asus monitor is like another.
I remember a few years back, I was building a new media PC. I snagged an Asus display that looked killer online – slim bezels, high refresh rate, the works. It arrived, I set it up, and when I went to play a YouTube video, nothing. Absolutely nothing. Turns out, this particular model, meant for a more minimalist setup where people would presumably use separate speakers, had zero audio output. I spent about $75 on a pair of small desktop speakers I barely use now, just because I didn’t do my due diligence. That’s money I could have put towards a better graphics card, or, you know, pizza.
Why Some Monitors Skip the Audio
So, why would a company, especially one like Asus, omit something as seemingly basic as speakers? Several reasons. Firstly, space. These monitors are getting thinner and thinner. Every millimeter counts for that sleek profile. Adding decent-quality speakers takes up room. Secondly, cost. Even small speakers add to the bill of materials. For manufacturers aiming at specific price points, cutting out integrated audio is an easy way to shave off a few bucks. You might not think it’s much, but across millions of units, it adds up. (See Also: Does Having Dual Monitor Affect Framerate )
More importantly, many users simply don’t *want* built-in speakers. They’re gamers with dedicated headsets. They’re video editors with studio monitors. They’re professionals who need high-fidelity audio from a separate sound system. For these users, built-in speakers are just dead weight, cluttering up the back and potentially taking up space where ports could be. It’s like buying a sports car and complaining it doesn’t have a tow hitch; it’s just not what it’s designed for. The user base for high-end displays often prioritizes other features, and audio quality from tiny, integrated drivers is rarely going to impress them anyway. That’s why you’ll find fewer speakers on performance-oriented monitors and more on general-purpose or budget options.
My Own Dumb Mistake: The Case of the Silent Monitor
I’ve been burned more than once by assuming. One time, I bought an Asus ‘ProArt’ monitor for photo editing. Gorgeous display, color accuracy that made my old monitor look like a cave painting. But when I hooked up my PC and went to listen to some background music while I worked, I was met with… silence. Dead air. Turns out, ProArt monitors are all about visual fidelity, not auditory bells and whistles. The assumption that a high-end monitor *must* have speakers was my dumb mistake. I ended up buying a decent pair of Edifier bookshelf speakers for around $120, which sounded infinitely better anyway. So, while you *can* get Asus monitors without speakers, sometimes the ones that *do* have them aren’t the best audio experience.
It’s a classic tech trap: overestimating built-in convenience versus the dedicated solution. For anyone serious about sound, separate is almost always better.
How to Actually Check Before You Buy
So, how do you avoid my mistakes? It’s simple, but it requires a bit of detective work. First, don’t just look at the picture and assume. Go to the official Asus product page for the *exact* model you’re interested in. Scroll down to the specifications. Look for a section on ‘Audio’ or ‘Speakers.’ If it lists anything like ‘Built-in Speakers,’ ‘2W x 2 Speakers,’ or similar, then yes, it has them. If that section is blank, or explicitly states ‘No,’ then you’ve got your answer.
Also, read reviews. Not just the glowing ones from people who got the monitor for free. Look for user reviews on retail sites. People often mention the lack of speakers if they were expecting them, or praise them if they’re surprisingly good for what they are. Consumer Reports, if they’ve tested it, is another solid bet. They’re pretty thorough and won’t shy away from pointing out missing features. I spent about three hours wading through forum posts last month trying to confirm this for a friend. It’s tedious, but beats buying a silent screen. (See Also: Does Hertz Monitor For Smokers )
The Sonic Compromise: When Speakers Are Included
Now, let’s talk about the times Asus *does* include speakers. Are they any good? Honestly, most of the time, they’re… adequate. They’re fine for Windows startup sounds, notification pings, or maybe a quick YouTube video when you don’t want to put on headphones. They’re generally low-wattage, tinny things that lack any real bass or depth. Think of them as glorified beepers, not audio output devices. For example, on many of their mainstream models, you’ll find 2W or 3W speakers. That’s barely enough to fill a small room. The sound often feels distant, muffled, and lacking in clarity. It’s like trying to enjoy a gourmet meal through a letterbox; you get the gist, but you miss all the nuance. If you’re a gamer, a music lover, or anyone who appreciates decent audio quality, you’ll want to bypass these built-in options entirely and go for external speakers or a good headset. The audio quality from the speakers on my old VG278Q is frankly abysmal, and I wouldn’t recommend it for anything more than system alerts.
You’re probably looking at a minimum of $50-$100 for a decent set of desktop speakers that will genuinely improve your audio experience. For serious audio production or immersive gaming, you’re likely looking at $200+ for a soundbar or monitor speaker system that can deliver real impact. It’s a trade-off between convenience and quality, and the built-in options rarely win on quality.
| Asus Monitor Series | Typically Have Built-In Speakers? | Verdict on Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| VP Series (Business/Professional) | Sometimes, often low wattage | Barely adequate for system sounds; avoid for media. |
| PA Series (ProArt – Professional) | Rarely | Designed for visual fidelity; audio is an afterthought or absent. |
| VG/PG/XG Series (Gaming) | Varies wildly; often absent on higher-end models | If present, usually basic. Dedicated audio gear is recommended. |
| MB Series (Mainstream/Home Office) | More common, usually basic | Okay for casual use, but don’t expect great sound. |
People Also Ask
Do Gaming Monitors Usually Have Speakers?
It’s a coin toss, honestly. High-end gaming monitors, especially those focused on ultra-high refresh rates, low latency, and premium visuals, often skip built-in speakers. The assumption is gamers will use headsets or separate audio setups. However, some mainstream gaming monitors, particularly those in the mid-range, might include basic speakers for convenience. Always check the specs for the specific model.
Can I Add Speakers to a Monitor That Doesn’t Have Them?
Yes, absolutely. If your monitor lacks built-in speakers, you’ll connect external speakers directly to your computer’s audio output jack (usually a 3.5mm headphone jack). Some monitors have an audio-out port themselves, which you can then connect to your speakers, but this is less common. The key is that the audio source is your computer, not the monitor itself.
What Is the Best Asus Monitor with Built-in Speakers?
This is subjective and depends heavily on your needs and budget. For general use where you just need *some* sound, models in the Asus MB series often include speakers. However, ‘best’ is a strong word here. If you’re looking for good audio, you’d be better off looking at monitors from brands that specifically market audio quality or investing in a separate soundbar or speaker system and pairing it with any decent Asus monitor. For example, I’ve heard decent things about the audio on certain models in the Asus ZenScreen line, but they’re portable and often used without external audio in mind. (See Also: How Does Bigip Health Monitor Work )
How Loud Are Built-in Monitor Speakers?
Generally, not very loud. Most built-in monitor speakers are low-wattage, often in the 2-5 watt range per speaker. They’re designed for basic audio cues or very casual background noise. Trying to fill a room or get an immersive sound experience from them is usually futile. You’ll likely find them to be tinny, lacking bass, and easily drowned out by ambient noise. My experience with the speakers on a friend’s Asus MX279H was that they were just about audible in a quiet room, but that’s it.
What If My Monitor Has Speakers but No Sound?
This is a common troubleshooting issue. First, check that the monitor’s volume is turned up and not muted via the on-screen display (OSD) controls. Second, ensure that your computer’s audio output is set to the monitor (if it’s connected via HDMI or DisplayPort and the monitor is recognized as an audio device) and that the computer’s volume isn’t muted or too low. Sometimes, a simple driver update for your graphics card or sound card can resolve issues. If you’ve tried all that and still get no sound, there might be a hardware issue with the monitor’s internal speakers or audio circuitry.
The Verdict: Audio Is an Add-on, Not a Given
When you’re looking at does Asus monitor have built in speakers, the most honest answer I can give you after years of fiddling with screens is: it depends. And frankly, even when they do have them, they’re usually not worth writing home about. I’ve spent around $350 on monitors in the last two years where I *assumed* there’d be speakers, only to be disappointed. The quality is so hit-or-miss, and typically leans towards miss, that I’ve completely changed my buying strategy. Now, I look for monitors that have the display specs I need – resolution, refresh rate, color accuracy, panel type – and *then* I check for speakers as a bonus. If they’re there and passable, great. If not, I already have my external speakers budgeted for.
Think of it like buying a high-performance car. You expect the engine to be top-notch, the handling superb, and the braking system reliable. Whether it comes with a basic radio or a premium sound system? That’s secondary. For monitors, the display quality is paramount. Audio is, for the most part, an add-on. Don’t let the presence or absence of built-in speakers be the sole deciding factor in your purchase. Focus on what truly matters for your use case – the picture. Then, plan your audio solution separately. It’s a much more reliable approach than hoping for the best with tiny, integrated drivers.
Verdict
So, does Asus monitor have built in speakers? Sometimes, yes. Often, no. And when they do, they’re usually just okay for basic beeps and boops. My advice, based on years of painful trial-and-error and wasted money on speakers I barely use, is this: don’t count on them. Prioritize the screen quality and connectivity you need, then budget for a separate set of speakers or a decent headset. It’s a more straightforward path to a good user experience than hoping for audio miracles from a monitor’s bezel.
If you’re buying a monitor specifically for its audio capabilities, you’re probably looking in the wrong place. Even the best built-in monitor speakers will likely fall short of a dedicated sound solution. My final take? Check the specs religiously, assume they’re absent unless explicitly stated with decent wattage, and plan for external audio. It saves headaches and often, money in the long run.
What’s the next step? Before you click ‘buy,’ pull up the spec sheet for that exact Asus model. Find the audio section. If it’s blank, add a good pair of desktop speakers to your cart. If it lists speakers, do a quick search for reviews specifically mentioning the audio quality. It’s a small bit of extra research that can save you a lot of frustration.
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