The quest for the perfect gaming setup often focuses on the visual spectacle: a high-refresh-rate monitor with vibrant colors and crisp resolution. But what about the audio? While stunning visuals are crucial, immersive sound significantly enhances the gaming experience, transporting you to fantastical worlds and heightening the thrill of victory (and the sting of defeat). This comprehensive guide delves into the world of gaming monitor audio, exploring the capabilities of  external speakers, the benefits of external solutions, and the latest trends shaping the future of gaming sound.

Monitor Speakers vs. External Speakers

Do gaming monitors deliver good sound or do you need external speakers? The disparity in audio quality between built-in monitor speakers and dedicated external speakers is stark. External speakers consistently triumph in every criterion:

• Bass Response: Integrated speakers lack the ability to produce deep and impactful bass due to their size and design limitations. Many integrated speakers produce little to no thumping sounds.

• Clarity and Fidelity: Dedicated speakers use higher quality drivers and components, resulting in cleaner audio output and higher frequency precision. Many integrated speakers may exhibit harsh treble or muddied bass making the sound fatiguing.

• Soundstage and Imaging: External speakers, especially multi-speaker setups, create a more spacious and immersive soundstage, enabling much improved clarity and positional audio. Many integrated speakers exhibit no clear stereo imaging.

• Volume and Power: The power output of a typical gaming speaker rivals the combined power of many monitors. An external speaker can fill a room with little audible distortion, while the integrated monitor equivalent produces a weak, tinny sound.

The price difference is also meaningful. High-quality external speakers typically cost significantly more than a monitor with built-in speakers. Therefore it is important to set your budget around the speakers before the monitor.

The Limitations of Built-in Monitor Speakers

Many modern gaming monitors boast integrated speakers, a convenient feature that eliminates the need for additional equipment. However, the audio quality of these built-in speakers often falls short of expectations. While sufficient for casual gaming or video calls, they frequently lack the bass response, clarity, and overall fidelity necessary for a truly immersive experience. Think of it like comparing a compact car's sound system to a high-end home theater setup – a functional difference.

Let's examine some recent models to illustrate this point:

Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor 16.1" Screen

• 16.1 Inch Full HD (1920x1080p) IPS with a premium aluminum design.
• 1.7 lb weight and 0.3-inch thickness make it ideal for on-the-go use.
• Supports PS5, Xbox, Switch, Steam Deck, PCs, phone, and more.
• Includes a built-in stand for both portrait and landscape viewing.

BUY NOW

Samsung Odyssey G9: This 49-inch behemoth, priced around $1200, surprisingly boasts "fantastic" built-in speakers with surprisingly good performance that may even eliminate the need for external speakers. However, this exceptional quality is an exception rather than the rule.

Image Credit: Samsung website

BenQ PD2700U: At $600, this 27-inch monitor features treVolo speakers offering "crystal clear highs and satisfying low end." While better than many competitors, it's still not a replacement for dedicated audio equipment for serious gaming sessions.

Image Credit: BenQ website

Dell S3221QS: The $700 32-inch 4K model offers "high-quality" integrated speakers, suitable for movies and casual use, showcasing the variance in built-in quality.

Image Credit: Dell website

The speaker wattage is a key factor influencing volume and sound quality. Higher wattage generally equates to louder and more powerful sound. But even with higher wattage, built-in speakers usually lack the depth and richness of dedicated external speakers. Many budget monitors might have speakers barely audible above a whisper.

Why Gaming Monitors Need External Speakers?

External speakers, whether a simple 2.0 setup or a sophisticated surround sound system, dramatically elevate the gaming audio experience. They offer significantly improved audio fidelity, enhancing the immersion and enjoyment of games. The difference is akin to experiencing a game with muffled whispers versus the sharp crack of a sniper rifle or the roar of a dragon—a critical difference in immersion.

Several key advantages make external speakers a worthwhile investment:

• Superior Sound Quality: External speakers deliver richer bass, clearer highs, and a wider soundstage, creating a more realistic and immersive soundscape. This allows for better spatial audio which is increasingly important in modern gaming.

• Increased Volume: Unlike the often-limited volume of built-in monitor speakers, external speakers can easily fill a room with clear audio, even at higher levels without noticeable distortion.

• Customization: Dedicated speakers often allow for customization and tuning of audio, letting you perfect the audio environment for your preference and the specific demands of various game genres.

• Compatibility: High-quality external speakers can be seamlessly integrated into your gaming setup, enhancing both your gaming and entertainment experiences far beyond the capabilities of a monitor's integrated speakers. For instance, a gaming headset can be integrated into this setup to allow for seamless toggling between external speakers and private audio.

  

How to Connect External Speakers to Gaming Monitor?

Connecting external speakers can vary depending on your monitor's audio output capabilities (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB, or Bluetooth) and your playback device.

1. Identifying the Audio Output on Your Monitor

Check your monitor's specifications or physically inspect the back panel for audio ports:

• HDMI: Transmits both video and audio, requiring speakers with HDMI input. Modern HDMI ports carry high-bandwidth audio signals.

• DisplayPort: Similar to HDMI, but might necessitate additional adapters for speaker connectivity. DisplayPort (especially the newer versions) offer excellent audio transmission.

• USB: Provides convenience and may power some speakers directly. Audio quality can vary relying heavily on the monitor's USB audio implementation.

• 3.5mm Audio Jack: The most common audio output found on older monitors and many laptops, connecting directly to speakers with a 3.5mm input or through the use of an adapter.

• Bluetooth: Offers a wireless connection, ensuring convenience and reduced cable clutter. However, Bluetooth audio can sometimes introduce latency or slightly reduced sound quality if not well implemented.

2. Connecting Speakers to Your Monitor (or PC)

Connect external speakers will depend on your setup:

• HDMI Connection: If your speaker system has an HDMI input, connect it to your monitor's HDMI port utilizing a good quality reliable cable. If the monitor lacks an audio output, either you need to investigate further why it is not capable of outputting audio via HDMI or connect directly to the PC using HDMI.

• DisplayPort Connection: If your monitor has a DisplayPort and your audio output via DisplayPort is enabled, you can utilize an adapter to connect speakers with a 3.5mm audio jack. The audio driver needs to be setup correctly.

• USB Connection: Plug the USB cable from your USB-powered speakers into the monitor's USB port.

• 3.5mm Audio Jack Connection: Connect a 3.5mm audio cable (often included with most external speakers) from the computer's 3.5mm audio output (typically located on the back) to the appropriate input on your speakers.

• Bluetooth Connection: Put your Bluetooth speakers into pairing mode, then search for them on your monitor's settings and complete the pairing process.

3. Troubleshooting and Audio Optimization

Troubleshooting no sound may be caused by improper volume settings (both monitor and speakers), incorrect output selection, faulty cables or connectors, or compatibility issues between computer, monitor and speakers. Always test audio output by playing a test audio file.

Optimize audio quality by testing various monitor settings (bass, treble) and consider using a built-in or third-party equalizer for enhanced sound quality.

Also consider:

• Speaker placement is crucial: Place speakers such that the drivers (often found near the front) are facing you at ear level for ideal stereo imaging.

• Consistent signal processing techniques (e.g. using an equalizer) are great for consistency across your setup.

• Maintenance is key for consistent sound quality: Clean your speakers and audio cables regularly to avoid dust accumulation and deterioration.

The Xbox Series X Audio Output Dilemma

The Xbox Series X, while a powerhouse of gaming technology, notably lacks optical audio output, creating a hurdle for users with surround sound systems or other external audio requiring this connection method. This omission has led to considerable discussion and frustration within the gaming community. However, Microsoft has undertaken numerous steps to mitigate the situation via firmware updates.

Solutions for Connecting Speakers to Xbox Series X:

1. HDMI Audio Passthrough: Connecting directly to the TV via HDMI and then connecting the TV's optical output to your external audio system. This relies on the television’s ability to process and output the audio suitably. For high-end gaming, the audio processing may be negatively affected or even introduce latency issues.
2. Using a Soundbar with HDMI ARC: Several high-end soundbars now feature HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) functionality. They allow for high-bandwidth audio to be sent back to the TV to be processed and then sent to the soundbar.
3. Using an HDMI Audio Extractor (Adapter): This dedicated device extracts audio from the HDMI signal, providing various output options, including optical, coaxial, and other types of audio connectors more tailored to external speakers. This generally causes minimal latency and allows for high bandwidth audio output in most cases. However, this adds additional expense.
4. Wireless Headsets: While not exactly using external speakers, the Xbox Series X integrates well with wireless headphones such as those from Astro, SteelSeries, or other manufacturers.

The situation is actively evolving. Microsoft has updated the Xbox Series X audio setup to allow audio testing at various output configurations. These updates enhance user experience, facilitating easier audio configuration and improving signal quality in many cases.

Image Credit: Vention website

Tailoring Sound to Your Needs in Gaming PC Monitor

Connecting external speakers to a PC monitor without built-in audio is straightforward if the monitor is connected to a computer with an appropriate audio output. Your selection of external speakers has more selection variety than with consoles and might include higher fidelity speakers from various manufacturers.

A computer provides more options for direct audio output (3.5mm, optical, USB, Bluetooth, etc.). If the monitor connects directly to the PC using a suitable cable such as HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB C, the computer's audio configuration drives everything, so it is crucial to select the correct output device in the computer's sound settings.

The key is to ensure the correct output device is chosen. This is even more crucial for PC gaming as some games may not support or leverage spatial audio techniques. Using a high-quality headset can improve the audio quality significantly. Some high-end gaming headsets have their own digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms allowing for enhanced clarity and enhanced audio features like surround sound.

The Future of Gaming Audio

Several emerging technologies are set to revolutionize gaming audio, enhancing the narrative, immersing players further into gameplay, and improving accessibility.

• Spatial Audio (3D Audio): This technology creates immersive soundscapes that accurately and realistically portray the distance, direction, as well as the overall environment of audio sources in games such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI algorithms are increasingly used to enhance audio quality (noise reduction, upscaling), personalize sound profiles, and provide reactive audio.

• High-Resolution Audio: Providing unprecedented levels of audio fidelity, surpassing CD quality or other audio formats. High resolution audio offers an improvement in audio detail and depth, resulting in more realistic and immersive experiences.

• Adaptive Audio Systems: Creating 3D audio environments that respond dynamically to in-game events can result in significantly increased immersion. This can change a player's perception of the game world.

• Augmented Reality (AR) Audio: Combining real-world sounds with digital audio for further enhanced immersion.

• Sustainability: Manufacturers are embracing eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes in response to growing consumer demand for sustainability.

Can You Game without Speakers?

While traditional speakers are the norm, gaming without dedicated audio output can be achieved through several innovative approaches.

1. Headphones: High-quality gaming-focused headphones provide audio directly to the user, eliminating the need for external speakers. Many gaming headsets even focus on noise reduction, ensuring only the game's sound is audible. Such headphones are not just listening tools, but can add to the realism of the game.
2. Haptic Feedback Devices: Although not true audio, these devices convert audio signals into tactile sensations, providing a sense of the game's audio environment.
3. Bone Conduction Headphones: Transmitting sound directly through the skull's bones, eliminating the need for traditional speakers. This is ideal for those who wish to maintain awareness of their surroundings.
4. Subtitles and On-Screen Visual Cues: Many games provide visual cues such as health bars and status displays that help to convey certain game events. A more immersive experience can enhance the game.
   

Conclusion

The choice between built-in monitor speakers and dedicated external speakers hinges on your priorities and budget. While built-in speakers offer convenience, the limitations in audio fidelity are undeniable. For a truly immersive and engaging gaming experience, investing in a high-quality external speaker setup is highly recommended. This enhances not just your games, but also provides a better multimedia experience generally whether it's movies, music, or podcasts. By understanding the nuances of various audio solutions, you can equip yourself with the right tools necessary to create a complete gaming experience.

FAQ

What are the best external speakers for gaming under $200?

Several excellent options provide impressive audio within a $200 budget. The Logitech Z313, for example, offers punchy sound suitable for gaming at a great value. Its 2-inch drivers and 4-inch subwoofer deliver satisfying audio output with surprising presence for casual gaming and multimedia. The Creative T100 presents a slightly more refined sound, emphasizing clarity over overpowering bass, and providing ample connectivity options via Bluetooth 5.0 and various wired inputs. The choice often depends on audio preference: bass-heavy sound versus clearer mids and highs. Consider your audio environment (desk space) and the volume output you require from your speakers. Do you just need something for casual gaming or more serious long hours of play? Read reviews carefully before making a purchase; sound quality is subjective and depends heavily on the specific model and your expectations.

How can I improve the sound quality of my gaming monitor's built-in speakers?

While upgrading to dedicated external speakers offers the most significant improvement, some methods can modestly enhance the audio quality of built-in monitor speakers. First, check if the monitor offers any built-in audio customization options (bass, treble, equalizer settings). Adjusting these settings can offer some basic tweaking of the audio to minimize perceived weaknesses. Second, optimize speaker placement; the further away or the further blocked your sound output, the weaker the signal. Third, experiment using a third-party equalizer, either via the computer that can adjust your audio output in more detail, or if the monitor has it as a feature. These methods provide marginal enhancements over a dedicated speaker setup, but may offer a slight improvement over poor sound quality.

My gaming monitor doesn't have any audio output, how can I get sound?

Many modern gaming monitors have video capabilities that do not include audio outputs. A common issue with older monitors is a lack of audio output capabilities. Your options depend on the connection the monitor has. If the monitor is using an HDMI or Displayport cable, a common solution is to use an HDMI sound extractor (available for $40-$100) to pull the audio signal directly from the cable and redirect it to speakers that utilize the 3.5mm port or optical/coaxial types of audio output. Secondly, if the monitor is connected via other means to a PC, the audio may be present on the PC, and the audio can be outputted from the PC directly to an attached speaker setup. Lastly, you may use a Bluetooth adapter to directly send audio from the PC to the monitor if it accommodates Bluetooth input. The most common solutions revolve around using a computer as an intermediary device if the monitor cannot process or output audio natively.