Buying Guide
The Best Monitors With Built-In Speakers
Five monitors compared, from the AHXJKA 16 portable to the Sceptre 24 IPS, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Built-in speakers save desk space for calls and casual audio. Every pick has built-in speakers, ordered from the lowest price.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; a missing refresh rate is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
AHXJKA 16-inch portable gaming monitor 144HzThe lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $100.
Check price for AHXJKA 16-inch portable gaming monitor 144Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
KYY 15.6-inch PortableA PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand.
Best for: Buyers who want PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand.
Check price for KYY 15.6-inch Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
VA Panel
Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming MonitorA VA panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a VA panel.
Check price for Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
cocopar 15.6-inch PortableVESA mounting holes.
Best for: Buyers who want VESA mounting holes.
Check price for cocopar 15.6-inch Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
Sceptre 24-inch IPS 180HzThe highest refresh rate here (180Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Check price for Sceptre 24-inch IPS 180Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
AHXJKA 16-inch portable gaming monitor 144Hz
The AHXJKA 16 portable stands out for built-in speakers and VESA mounting, and it adds support for variable refresh rate.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $100.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the Sceptre 24 IPS (180Hz).
Why we like it
It also offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 16 inches screen size. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 144Hz: the Sceptre 24 IPS offers 180Hz, and the cocopar 15.6 comes in at 60Hz. Its 16 inches screen size ranks third of 5 here, behind the Westinghouse 24 Curved (24 inches) and ahead of the cocopar 15.6 (15.6 inches).
A 1920x1200 resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the Westinghouse 24 Curved uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. A 133% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the Sceptre 24 IPS uses a 100% sRGB color gamut. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the KYY 15.6 was closest.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1200
- Size
- 16 inches
- Color gamut
- 133% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 133% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- Built-in speakers and VESA mounting
Cons
- Refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the Sceptre 24 IPS (180Hz)
The catch
What it gives up: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the Sceptre 24 IPS (180Hz); by contrast, the Sceptre 24 IPS offers 180Hz.
Also Consider2 of 5
KYY 15.6-inch Portable
KYY's 15.6-inch 1080p IPS portable is the lowest-priced here at the time of writing.
Best for
- Buyers who want PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand.
Skip if
- Its refresh rate is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It connects over USB-C. Its 15.6-inch IPS screen is 0.3 inches thin and weighs 1.7 lbs, and two USB-C ports plus mini-HDMI connect laptops and consoles. On screen size it ties with the cocopar 15.6 at 15.6 inches.
Like the cocopar 15.6 and Sceptre 24 IPS, it has an IPS panel, while the Westinghouse 24 Curved uses a VA panel. It also offers a PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand and two built-in speakers. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper AHXJKA 16 portable and the pricier Westinghouse 24 Curved, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its refresh rate; if that figure matters, the Sceptre 24 IPS offers 180Hz.
Key specs
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 15.6 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- a USB-C input for laptops
- PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand
- Two built-in speakers
Cons
- No published refresh rate
- Costs more than the AHXJKA 16 portable at the time of writing
VA Panel3 of 5
Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor
Westinghouse's 24-inch curved monitor uses a VA panel with a 3000:1 contrast ratio and a 165Hz refresh rate.
Best for
- Buyers who want a VA panel.
Skip if
- Pass on it if a VA panel that can smear dark transitions rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It adds built-in speakers and FreeSync at one of the lowest prices here. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 165Hz: the Sceptre 24 IPS offers 180Hz, and the cocopar 15.6 comes in at 60Hz. It matches the Sceptre 24 IPS on screen size (24 inches).
A VA panel is unique to it among these picks, while the KYY 15.6 uses an IPS panel. A 110% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the Sceptre 24 IPS uses a 100% sRGB color gamut. You also get a 1500R curved screen.
At 1080p, 165Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. When we checked, only the KYY 15.6 and cheaper picks cost less, and the cocopar 15.6 cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 165Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 24 inches
- Panel
- VA
- Response
- 1ms
- Color gamut
- 110% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 110% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- 3000:1 contrast ratio from its VA panel
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Costs more than the AHXJKA 16 portable at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
cocopar 15.6-inch Portable
The cocopar 15.6 stands out for VESA mounting holes, and it adds built-in speakers.
Best for
- Buyers who want VESA mounting holes.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: a 60Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games.
Why we like it
It also offers a 60Hz refresh rate and offers a 15.6 inches screen size. Two full-featured USB-C ports and an HDMI port connect laptops, PS4 and Xbox, and one USB-C cable can carry video and power. The 1080p IPS panel covers 85% of the color gamut with 178-degree viewing angles, and it can be VESA mounted.
On refresh rate it trails the group at 60Hz, while the Sceptre 24 IPS offers 180Hz. It shares an IPS panel with the KYY 15.6 and Sceptre 24 IPS; the Westinghouse 24 Curved goes with a VA panel. When we checked, only the Westinghouse 24 Curved and cheaper picks cost less, and the Sceptre 24 IPS cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 60Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 15.6 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- a USB-C input for laptops
- VESA mounting holes
- Built-in speakers
Cons
- a 60Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games
- Refresh rate trails the Sceptre 24 IPS (180Hz)
- Screen size trails the Westinghouse 24 Curved (24 inches)
The catch
Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the Sceptre 24 IPS covers it better at 180Hz.
Fastest Refresh5 of 5
Sceptre 24-inch IPS 180Hz
The Sceptre 24 IPS stands out for two DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs, and it adds built-in speakers.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the AHXJKA 16 portable was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also offers a 180Hz refresh rate and offers a 24 inches screen size. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 180Hz, ahead of the Westinghouse 24 Curved (165Hz). It shares an IPS panel with the KYY 15.6 and cocopar 15.6; the Westinghouse 24 Curved goes with a VA panel.
A 100% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the Westinghouse 24 Curved uses a 110% sRGB color gamut. It also comes with a low budget price tier. At 1080p, 180Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. At our last price check it topped the group, with the cocopar 15.6 the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 180Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 24 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- Color gamut
- 100% sRGB
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 100% sRGB colour coverage
- Two DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs
Cons
- Costs more than the AHXJKA 16 portable at the time of writing
How We Chose These Monitors With Built-In Speakers
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out refresh rate.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the AHXJKA 16 portable to the Sceptre 24 IPS, state resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The KYY 15.6 gives no refresh rate; the AHXJKA 16 portable gives no panel.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the AHXJKA 16 portable ($50 to $100) to the Sceptre 24 IPS ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Monitor With Built-In Speakers
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Screen size across these picks
The Westinghouse 24 Curved tops screen size at 24 inches and the cocopar 15.6 sits lowest at 15.6 inches; 2 picks share the top figure. The Westinghouse 24 Curved is the pick for screen size.
Refresh rate
Across these 4 picks refresh rate spans 60Hz (the cocopar 15.6) to 180Hz (the Sceptre 24 IPS). The Westinghouse 24 Curved comes second at 165Hz, in the $50 to $100 tier against $100 to $150 for the Sceptre 24 IPS. The KYY 15.6 gives no refresh rate figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
A white desk with two monitors and a laptop Panel
The KYY 15.6, the cocopar 15.6 and the Sceptre 24 IPS list IPS; the Westinghouse 24 Curved lists VA. Settling panel first narrows 4 picks to 3 or 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The KYY 15.6: two built-in speakers. The Westinghouse 24 Curved: a 1500R curved screen. The cocopar 15.6: built-in speakers.
A monitor showing a desktop app in a dim room Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the AHXJKA 16 portable, the KYY 15.6 and the Westinghouse 24 Curved; $100 to $150 buys the cocopar 15.6 and the Sceptre 24 IPS at our last check.
How to Choose a Monitor With Built-In Speakers
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the cost under $100 | AHXJKA 16 portable | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand | KYY 15.6 | A PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand |
| Buyers who want a VA panel | Westinghouse 24 Curved | A VA panel |
| Buyers who want VESA mounting holes | cocopar 15.6 | VESA mounting holes |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | Sceptre 24 IPS | The highest refresh rate here (180Hz) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Westinghouse 24 Curved leads on screen size at 24 inches, ahead of the Sceptre 24 IPS at 24 inches. "Not listed" marks refresh rate where the KYY 15.6 leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHXJKA 16 portable | 144Hz | 1920x1200 | 16 inches | Not listed |
| KYY 15.6 | Not listed | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 15.6 inches | IPS |
| Westinghouse 24 Curved | 165Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | VA |
| cocopar 15.6 | 60Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 15.6 inches | IPS |
| Sceptre 24 IPS | 180Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the AHXJKA 16 portable, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Sceptre 24 IPS at $100 to $150; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | AHXJKA 16 portable, KYY 15.6, Westinghouse 24 Curved |
| About $100 to $150 | cocopar 15.6, Sceptre 24 IPS |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the Sceptre 24 IPS or the Westinghouse 24 Curved?
The Sceptre 24 IPS tops refresh rate at 180Hz; the Westinghouse 24 Curved follows at 165Hz, 9% apart. The cocopar 15.6 closes the ranking at 60Hz. The KYY 15.6 doesn't state a refresh rate figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the Sceptre 24 IPS worth paying more than the AHXJKA 16 portable?
The spec sheets show screen size (24 inches against 16 inches) and refresh rate (180Hz against 144Hz) in its favour. The AHXJKA 16 portable sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the Sceptre 24 IPS in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if screen size and refresh rate decide your purchase.
What makes the Westinghouse 24 Curved the VA Panel?
It carries the badge for a VA panel. It makes sense for anyone who wants a VA panel.
Do the AHXJKA 16 portable and the KYY 15.6 differ on resolution?
The AHXJKA 16 portable uses 1920x1200; the KYY 15.6, the Westinghouse 24 Curved, the cocopar 15.6 and the Sceptre 24 IPS use 1920x1080 (1080p).
Beyond the specs, what sets the AHXJKA 16 portable and the KYY 15.6 apart?
The AHXJKA 16 portable: built-in speakers and VESA mounting. The KYY 15.6: a PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand. The Westinghouse 24 Curved: a 3000:1 contrast ratio from its VA panel.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AHXJKA 16 portable, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the KYY 15.6 for a PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand, the Westinghouse 24 Curved for a VA panel and the cocopar 15.6 for VESA mounting holes if those matter more to you.
Monitor speakers are thin; use headphones for games.
Related Guides
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- Related guideThe Best OLED Gaming Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best Monitors Under $80
- Similar guideThe Best VA Monitors
- ExplainerHow to choose a monitor for your PC
- Explainer24 vs 27 vs 32-Inch Monitor
- Also see: monitor arms and accessoriesThe Best Ergonomic Monitor Stand
- Similar guideThe Best IPS Monitors
- Topic hubAll monitors for work and everyday use guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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