Does Onn Monitor Have Built in Speakers? I Tested It
Honestly, I used to buy into the hype. Remember those first few years trying to build a smart home? I spent a ridiculous amount of money on gadgets that promised the moon and delivered dust bunnies. That’s why when someone asks me, ‘does onn monitor have built in speakers?’, I don’t just look up a spec sheet. I think about the headaches, the wasted cables, the sheer annoyance of realizing you bought something that *could* do audio, but really shouldn’t.
It’s a fair question, too. Nobody wants another set of speakers cluttering up their desk if they don’t have to. So, let’s cut through the marketing fluff and get to what actually matters.
Because, let’s be real, sometimes the simplest questions have the most annoying answers.
The Big Question: Do Onn Monitors Actually Have Sound?
Alright, let’s get straight to it. The short answer to ‘does onn monitor have built in speakers?’ is usually no. Most onn monitors, the ones you’ll find at Walmart for a screaming deal, are designed with budget and basic functionality in mind. Think sharp picture, decent refresh rates for everyday use, but not audio bells and whistles. They’re built to display an image, plain and simple. If you’re expecting to plug in your monitor and hear YouTube videos or game audio without adding anything else, you’re probably going to be disappointed. This isn’t some elaborate secret; it’s just how they’re priced and positioned.
I remember buying my first ‘budget’ monitor years ago, thinking I was so clever saving a few bucks by not buying a Dell or HP that cost double. It had a great picture, for the time. But then I plugged in my console, ready to game, and… silence. Utter, deafening silence. My assumption was that *any* monitor had speakers. Turns out, that assumption cost me an extra hour of fiddling with external speakers I already owned but hadn’t bothered to set up because I thought the monitor would handle it. A ridiculous waste of my Saturday afternoon.
Why You Might Be Thinking They Should Have Speakers
It’s easy to get confused. Many TVs, especially smaller ones, come with built-in speakers. Laptops? Definitely. Even some all-in-one computers integrate speakers into the display unit. So, when you’re looking at a monitor, especially one that seems like a decent all-around package, it’s not unreasonable to assume audio is included. The term ‘monitor’ itself can be a bit of a catch-all these days, and manufacturers aren’t always crystal clear in their marketing materials, which drives me nuts. They’ll talk about refresh rates and resolution, but if it lacks audio, that’s a pretty big omission that gets buried. (See Also: Does Having Dual Monitor Affect Framerate )
People also ask: ‘can onn monitors connect to soundbars?’ The answer to that is a resounding yes, provided the monitor has the right audio output ports, usually HDMI or DisplayPort, which can carry audio signals. You’re not stuck with silence forever, thank goodness.
What to Expect (and Not Expect) From Onn Monitors
Let’s talk about what you *actually* get with an onn monitor. You get value. Period. These are workhorse displays designed for people who need a screen for their PC, for schoolwork, or for casual gaming without breaking the bank. They often boast impressive specs for the price point – think 1080p resolution, maybe 75Hz refresh rates, and decent color accuracy for general use. What they don’t typically have are integrated speakers. The space where speakers would normally go is often used for cooling, or simply left empty to keep the manufacturing costs down. It’s a trade-off, and it’s one you need to be aware of before you buy.
Consider this: the average cost savings on an onn monitor compared to a brand-name competitor with similar display specs might be around $70 to $100. That’s money that could easily buy you a decent pair of desktop speakers, or at least a soundbar that sounds a whole lot better than any built-in monitor speakers would. Honestly, I’ve heard some monitor speakers that sound like they’re broadcasting from inside a tin can, so sometimes the absence of them is a blessing in disguise.
The Audio Solution: Beyond Built-In
So, if your onn monitor doesn’t have speakers, what’s the play? It’s not complicated. The most common and cost-effective solution is a pair of external desktop speakers. You can find perfectly good ones for under $50 that will blow away any integrated audio you might have found. Brands like Logitech, Creative, and even Amazon’s own Basics line offer solid options. They plug in via a 3.5mm audio jack or, increasingly common, via USB, which can sometimes offer better sound quality and power. You just need to make sure your computer or connected device has an audio output, which is almost always the case.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a bit more immersive or to free up desk space, a soundbar designed for monitors is a great choice. These are smaller than TV soundbars and often mount under the monitor or sit directly in front of it. Again, you’re looking at a separate purchase, but the sound quality will be infinitely better. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has guidelines about product descriptions, but ‘monitor’ doesn’t inherently mean ‘audio device,’ so you have to check the specs closely. (See Also: Does Hertz Monitor For Smokers )
| Feature | onn Monitor (Typical) | External Speakers | Monitor Soundbar | Opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Audio | No (Usually) | Yes | Yes | This is the core differentiator. |
| Setup Complexity | Very Low (if speakers were present) | Low (plug and play) | Low (plug and play) | External options are simple. |
| Sound Quality | N/A | Good to Excellent (depending on price) | Good to Very Good | You get what you pay for, but external is always better than most built-in. |
| Desk Space | Minimal (if speakers were present) | Moderate | Minimal to Moderate | Soundbars are great for space-saving. |
| Cost | Low | $20 – $100+ | $40 – $150+ | External audio is an investment, but worth it. |
| Overall Value | Display functionality | Enhances multimedia experience | Enhances multimedia experience | Focus on what the monitor does best: display. Add audio separately. |
You might also be wondering, ‘what are the best speakers for onn monitors?’ The answer is really about your budget and sound preference. For a no-frills option that gets the job done, I’ve had great luck with Logitech Z200 speakers; they’re about $40 and sound surprisingly full. If you want something that looks a bit sleeker and sits under your monitor, a USB soundbar from a brand like Creative can be a solid choice, often found for around $60. I tested about five different budget speaker sets last year when I was setting up a secondary workstation, and honestly, the difference between the top two was negligible for casual listening, but the cheaper ones were tinny and weak.
When Might a Monitor Have Speakers?
While most budget-friendly onn monitors skip built-in speakers, there are exceptions in the broader monitor market. You’ll sometimes find speakers integrated into higher-end gaming monitors or professional-grade displays, but these are usually from premium brands and come with a significantly higher price tag. These integrated speakers are often still not audiophile quality, but they can be convenient for basic notifications or quick video calls. For onn specifically, it’s a safe bet to assume no audio output from the display itself.
The key takeaway here is to always check the product specifications. Don’t just assume. Look for explicit mentions of ‘built-in speakers’ or ‘audio output’ in the description. If it’s not there, it’s not there. I learned this the hard way, spending hours reading reviews and forums after the fact, trying to find out why my brand-new monitor was silent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Onn Monitor Audio
Do All Onn Monitors Lack Speakers?
While the vast majority of onn monitors do not come with built-in speakers, it’s always best to double-check the specific model’s specifications on the retailer’s website or the manufacturer’s product page. Assumptions can lead to unexpected purchases.
Can I Connect My Phone to an Onn Monitor for Sound?
Not directly for sound playback through the monitor itself, as it lacks speakers. You would typically connect your phone to external speakers or headphones. The monitor is a display device, not an audio hub. (See Also: How Does Bigip Health Monitor Work )
Are Onn Monitors Good for Gaming If They Don’t Have Speakers?
Yes, onn monitors can be good for gaming purely from a visual standpoint, offering decent refresh rates and resolutions for the price. You will absolutely need external speakers or a headset for game audio, as the monitor itself won’t provide it.
The Verdict: Manage Expectations
If you’re looking at an onn monitor, you’re likely prioritizing value and display performance over integrated features like speakers. That’s a smart move for many people. The absence of built-in speakers on most onn monitors isn’t a flaw; it’s a cost-saving measure that allows them to offer competitive pricing on the visual aspect. You’ll need to budget for external speakers or headphones if you need audio. It’s like buying a great car engine but knowing you’ll need to add a decent stereo system separately – the core function is there, but you enhance it.
Verdict
So, to circle back to the original question: does onn monitor have built in speakers? In my experience, and from what I’ve seen across their product line, the answer is a firm no for most models. Don’t expect sound to magically appear when you plug it in. It’s a design choice that keeps costs down, and honestly, most built-in monitor speakers aren’t that great anyway.
Instead of being disappointed, see it as an opportunity. You get a solid display for your money and the freedom to choose exactly the kind of audio setup you want. Grab a pair of those Logitech speakers I mentioned, or a sleek soundbar. Your ears will thank you, and you won’t be left staring at a silent screen.
If you’re already invested in an onn monitor, or considering one, just remember to add audio to your shopping list alongside it. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference in the overall experience.
Recommended For You
