Soundbar vs Built-In Monitor Speakers: Which Offers Better Audio for Your Setup?

Whether you’re setting up a home office, upgrading your gaming battlestation, or just trying to get the best experience from your monitor, one crucial detail often gets overlooked: sound.

Many of us focus heavily on visuals—resolution, screen size, refresh rate—only to realize too late that the audio experience doesn’t match the high-quality display. If you’ve ever felt disappointed by tinny or muffled sound coming from your fancy new monitor, you’re not alone.

This brings us to a common question: Should you stick with the built-in monitor speakers or invest in a soundbar?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore this debate from every angle—audio quality, practicality, use cases, costs, and more—so you can make the best choice for your space, budget, and audio needs.

Table of Contents

What Are Built-In Monitor Speakers?

Built-in speakers are integrated audio drivers that come inside your monitor. They’re usually hidden somewhere along the bottom or back panel. These speakers are designed for basic audio output—they’ll let you hear system alerts, dialogue from videos, or background music.

Pros of Built-In Speakers:

No need for extra devices or cables
Saves desk space
Convenient for quick audio needs
Cost is included in the monitor price

Cons of Built-In Speakers:

Small drivers = poor bass and overall volume
Limited stereo separation
Audio often lacks clarity and fullness
Not suitable for high-quality media consumption or gaming

In short, they’re fine for simple tasks but rarely deliver impressive sound.

What Is a Soundbar?

A soundbar is a compact external speaker system designed to improve audio quality. While commonly used for TVs, desktop soundbars have surged in popularity thanks to their space-saving designs and immersive sound capabilities.

Most modern soundbars include multiple speaker channels in a single enclosure, and some models even come with subwoofers or surround sound simulation. They connect to your PC, monitor, or console via AUX, USB, Bluetooth, or HDMI ARC.

Pros of Soundbars:

Better bass and louder volume
Clearer dialogue and music
Improved stereo imaging
Bluetooth support in many models
Aesthetically sleek and modern

Cons of Soundbars:

Requires additional space
May need cable management
Higher cost compared to built-in speakers
May need an audio output from your PC or monitor

Audio Quality Showdown: Built-In Speakers vs Soundbars

When comparing built-in speakers and soundbars, audio quality is the most significant differentiator. Here’s how they stack up:

1. Loudness & Clarity

Built-in speakers: Often underpowered, leading to muffled or tinny sound, especially at higher volumes.
Soundbars: Offer cleaner and louder output without distortion, even at high volumes.

2. Bass Performance

Built-in speakers: Struggle to reproduce deep bass due to small driver size.
Soundbars: Often include passive or active bass radiators. Models with subwoofers deliver deep, punchy lows that make movies and music come alive.

3. Stereo Separation

Built-in speakers: Poor stereo separation, especially in smaller monitors.
Soundbars: Much better left/right separation, with some even simulating surround sound.

4. Voice Clarity

Built-in speakers: Can make dialogue hard to understand in noisy environments.
Soundbars: Handle voice frequencies much better, which is ideal for movies, meetings, and gaming communication.

Verdict: Soundbars offer superior overall audio performance, and even budget models tend to sound better than most built-in speaker systems.

Different Use Cases: Which Should You Choose?

Your ideal audio setup will depend on how you use your computer. Let’s explore several common use cases and recommend which audio option works best for each.

1. Office Work & Video Calls

Use Case: You primarily use your monitor for email, spreadsheets, Zoom calls, and watching occasional tutorials or webinars.

Recommendation: Built-In Monitor Speakers (or Compact Soundbar)
If your audio needs are minimal, built-in speakers may suffice. However, if you often attend video conferences or online training, a small soundbar (like the Creative Stage Air V2 or Logitech Z207) can significantly improve speech clarity.

2. Gaming

Use Case: You game regularly and rely on audio cues for immersion and performance.

Recommendation: Soundbar
Built-in speakers simply don’t cut it for competitive or immersive gaming. A soundbar with virtual surround sound (like the Razer Leviathan V2) or Dolby Atmos support adds depth and spatial awareness that monitor speakers lack.

3. Content Creation & Editing

Use Case: You edit videos, podcasts, or music, and need accurate audio for professional output.

Recommendation: High-Quality Soundbar or Studio Speakers
Content creators should never rely on built-in speakers. Precision is critical when editing, and soundbars with flat EQ profiles provide much better accuracy. Some even offer voice enhancement modes or audio calibration.

4. Movie Streaming & Music

Use Case: You regularly stream movies, TV shows, or listen to music.

Recommendation: Soundbar with Subwoofer
A soundbar transforms your entertainment experience. Even compact 2.1 soundbars with a subwoofer (like the Creative Stage) deliver cinema-like performance that built-in monitor speakers simply can’t replicate.

5. Casual Browsing & YouTube

Use Case: You use your computer for light browsing, watching YouTube, or listening to background music.

Recommendation: Built-In Speakers (Optional Upgrade)
For casual users, built-in monitor speakers may be “good enough.” That said, upgrading to a basic soundbar adds noticeable richness to music and vocals, enhancing the overall experience.

Budget Comparison: What’s the Cost Difference?

Let’s look at how much each option might cost you.

Audio Solution	Typical Cost	Notes
Built-in Monitor Speakers	$0 (included in monitor)	Quality varies widely
Entry-Level Soundbar	$30 – $70	Great for casual users
Mid-Range Soundbar	$80 – $150	Best for gamers and movie lovers
Premium Soundbar w/ Sub	$200 – $400+	Audiophile-level sound

Pro Tip: If you already have a monitor with poor built-in speakers, investing even $40 in a basic soundbar will yield dramatic improvements.

Setup & Space Considerations

Desk Space

Built-in speakers have no footprint—perfect for minimalist or cramped workspaces.
Soundbars can be compact, but they do take up some desk space. Many are designed to fit directly under the monitor or mount on the wall.

Cable Management

Built-in speakers eliminate cables entirely.
Soundbars may require power cables, audio input wires, or charging cables (if wireless).

Tip: If you’re worried about clutter, look for Bluetooth soundbars or models with USB-C input.

Connectivity: Plug and Play or Plug and Pray?

Built-In Speakers

Audio is passed through via HDMI or DisplayPort
No setup required—just plug in your monitor and go

Soundbars

Offer more flexibility: AUX, Optical, USB, HDMI ARC, or Bluetooth
Some allow multiple device pairing (e.g., your PC and your phone)
Setup may take a few minutes, but the result is worth it

Important: Make sure your monitor has the necessary audio outputs if you’re connecting a soundbar directly. Alternatively, connect the soundbar to your PC or console.

Style & Aesthetics

If you care about your setup’s aesthetics, a sleek soundbar can be a beautiful addition. Many models are:

Low-profile
Color-matched to monitors
Backlit with RGB (especially for gamers)

Meanwhile, built-in speakers keep your desk clutter-free and ultra-minimal.

Your choice depends on whether you prioritize function or form.

Portability and Travel

If you frequently move your setup or travel, built-in speakers are more convenient. No external gear, no replugging. For stationary setups, however, soundbars are a solid investment and easy to integrate.

Top Soundbar Picks for Monitor Use

Here are five excellent soundbars that outperform built-in speakers in every way:

1. Creative Stage 2.1

Includes subwoofer
Bluetooth and AUX support
Excellent value under $100

2. Razer Leviathan V2

RGB lighting, THX Spatial Audio
Designed for gaming
USB-C and Bluetooth

3. Yamaha SR-C20A

Compact, powerful bass
HDMI ARC + optical inputs
Perfect for desks and TVs

4. Bose Solo 5

Sleek and simple
Exceptional voice clarity
Universal remote included

5. Sonos Ray

Premium multi-room support
Balanced sound profile
Expandable with other Sonos products

When Are Built-In Speakers Enough?

Stick with built-in monitor speakers if:

You only use your computer for office tasks
You prioritize minimalism and hate clutter
You rarely use audio, or use headphones instead
Your monitor actually has above-average speakers (rare, but not impossible)

When Should You Upgrade to a Soundbar?

Invest in a soundbar if:

You care about sound quality (for movies, music, games, or work)
You want better volume and voice clarity
You’re often frustrated with your monitor’s audio
You’re upgrading your setup and want immersive audio

Even a $50 soundbar can make your desk setup feel twice as premium.

FAQs: Soundbar vs Built-In Monitor Speakers

Q: Can I use a TV soundbar with my computer monitor?
A: Yes, as long as your monitor or PC supports the soundbar’s input (HDMI, AUX, USB, etc.). Many TV soundbars also work well with desktops.

Q: Are all soundbars better than built-in speakers?
A: Almost always. Even budget models deliver better clarity, bass, and volume.

Q: Will a soundbar work with a laptop?
A: Absolutely. You can connect via Bluetooth, AUX, or USB depending on the soundbar.

Q: What if my monitor doesn’t have audio output?
A: Connect the soundbar directly to your PC or use a USB soundbar.

Q: Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?
A: Not necessarily. Soundbars without subwoofers still offer better sound than built-in speakers, but a subwoofer adds significant depth.

Final Thoughts: Which Is Right for You?

At the end of the day, your choice comes down to priorities.

If you want simplicity, minimalism, and basic sound, built-in monitor speakers are fine.
If you care about immersive experiences, audio detail, and voice clarity, a soundbar is hands-down the better option.

Don’t let subpar audio drag down your setup.

With so many soundbars available at reasonable prices, it’s easier than ever to dramatically improve your listening experience—without sacrificing space or style.

Want help choosing the perfect soundbar for your setup? Drop your monitor model and use case in the comments—we’ll recommend the best options for your needs and budget!