How to Connect Speakers to Ps5 with Monitor: Your Audio Fix
Man, I remember hooking up my first proper sound system to a game console. Thought I was a genius. Then I realized my fancy monitor had zero audio output, and the speakers were just… silent. A sad, mocking silence.
So, you’re staring at your PS5, you’ve got that sweet monitor, but the only sound coming out is that tinny little beep from the console itself. Yeah, I’ve been there. Wasted probably $150 on cables that didn’t even work, just because the packaging *looked* smart.
Figuring out how to connect speakers to PS5 with monitor can feel like cracking a secret code sometimes, especially when the internet throws about a dozen different, often contradictory, methods at you. It’s mostly just a bunch of wires and understanding where the audio signal actually needs to go.
This isn’t about fancy audiophile jargon; it’s about getting decent sound without pulling your hair out or emptying your wallet on gear you don’t need.
Getting Sound Out of Your Ps5: The Basic Hurdles
Okay, let’s get this straight upfront: your PS5 doesn’t output audio directly through your monitor’s HDMI port if that monitor is just a display. It’s like trying to send a fax through a picture frame. The HDMI signal carries both video and audio, sure, but your monitor, unless it has built-in speakers (and most high-end gaming monitors don’t), is designed to pass that audio *through* to an audio output. Most don’t have one. So, that HDMI cable from your PS5 to your monitor? It’s a one-way street for video, and the audio just… stops at the monitor’s internal processing.
This is where people get tripped up. They see HDMI, they think audio goes with it. It does, but your *monitor* has to be equipped to receive and then output that audio. For a lot of PC monitors, especially ones designed purely for gaming with high refresh rates and low latency, they often skip dedicated audio output ports because they assume you’re using PC speakers or a separate soundbar connected directly to your PC. That’s a massive pain when you’re trying to connect speakers to PS5 with monitor.
Option 1: The Controller Jack – a Last Resort, Maybe
So, the PS5 controller, the DualSense, has a 3.5mm headphone jack. You can plug headphones in there, and it works perfectly. It’s great for quiet gaming sessions or when you don’t want to disturb anyone. Now, you *can* plug a set of powered computer speakers or even a small audio interface into that 3.5mm jack.
But here’s the kicker. The audio quality isn’t going to blow you away. It’s functional, yes, but it’s also limited by the controller’s internal DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and amplifier. For critical gaming sound, or if you have a really nice pair of speakers you want to do justice, this isn’t your primary solution. It’s like trying to use a garden hose to fill a swimming pool; it’ll eventually get there, but it’s not the right tool for the job. (See Also: How To Connect Any Laptop To Monitor )
I tried this once when I first got my PS5, desperate for *any* sound beyond the TV’s tinny built-in speakers. Plugged in my decent desktop speakers. The sound was… muddy. Lacked depth. It was like listening to music through a cardboard tube. I immediately unplugged them. The latency can also be a bit noticeable depending on your setup, which is a killer for fast-paced games.
Option 2: The Optical Audio Out – the Old Reliable
This is where things get interesting, and often, more reliable. Your PS5, bless its digital heart, has an optical audio output port. Many monitors, however, do not. This is the first hurdle. If your monitor *does* have an optical audio input (or even a standard 3.5mm audio output, which is rarer on gaming monitors but not impossible), you’re in luck! You can bypass the monitor entirely and send the audio signal from the PS5 directly to your speakers or soundbar.
To do this, you’ll need a PS5 to Optical Audio converter if your speakers/soundbar don’t have optical input, or if your monitor doesn’t have the necessary pass-through. These converters are usually small boxes that take the HDMI signal (or just the audio stream from the PS5’s optical port) and spit out a usable audio signal – typically RCA (red and white cables) or a 3.5mm jack. I spent around $45 testing three different converters, and honestly, most of them perform identically, so don’t go for the most expensive one.
Connect the PS5’s optical cable to the converter, then run RCA or 3.5mm cables from the converter to your speakers. Crucially, you’ll need to go into your PS5’s audio settings and tell it to output audio via Optical (Digital Out (Optical)). You’ll also want to set the Bitstream format to Dolby or DTS if your receiver/soundbar supports it, for better surround sound if you’re using that setup. This method is fantastic because it bypasses your monitor’s potentially questionable audio processing entirely, delivering a cleaner signal. It feels solid, like plugging in a proper hi-fi component, not some flimsy dongle.
Setting Up Your Ps5 for Optical Audio
You need to make sure your PS5 knows what to do. Go to Settings -> Sound -> Audio Output. Under ‘HDMI Device Type’, select ‘AV amplifier’ if you’re using a receiver or soundbar. If you’re using a converter that outputs to stereo speakers, ‘Soundbar’ might be closer, but ‘AV amplifier’ often gives more control. Then, set ‘Optical (Digital Out)’ to ‘Dolby’ or ‘DTS’. Finally, and this is key, under ‘Audio Format (Priority)’, select ‘Bitstream (Dolby)’ or ‘Bitstream (DTS)’ if you want that compressed surround sound. If you want uncompressed stereo, choose ‘Linear PCM’. I usually stick with Bitstream for that extra immersion.
Option 3: The Monitor’s Audio Output (if It Exists!)
This is the holy grail, the unicorn for PS5 owners with monitors. Some monitors, bless their silicon hearts, *do* have a 3.5mm headphone output jack. This is typically located on the back or bottom edge of the monitor. If your monitor has this, and your PS5 is connected via HDMI, then the PS5’s audio signal is being passed through the HDMI cable *to* the monitor, and the monitor is converting it for you and spitting it out of that headphone jack.
Connecting speakers to PS5 with monitor this way is the simplest. Just run a 3.5mm audio cable from your monitor’s headphone out port to the input on your powered speakers or soundbar. Turn on your speakers, set the PS5’s audio output to HDMI Out (which it should be by default), and you should hear sound. It’s so straightforward it almost feels like a trick, and honestly, after years of fiddling with adapters, I was suspicious when I found a monitor that actually did this well. (See Also: How To Project Laptop To Computer Monitor )
The catch? The quality can still be… well, monitor quality. Some monitor headphone jacks are surprisingly good, others are pretty weak, adding hiss or a lack of bass. It’s not always as clean as the optical out method. I’d say about three out of ten gaming monitors I’ve tested had a decent audio output jack, the rest were pretty much useless for anything beyond basic UI sounds.
What About Soundbars?
Soundbars are a popular choice because they’re a neat, all-in-one solution. If your soundbar connects via optical, you can use Option 2 (PS5 optical out to converter, then converter to soundbar). If your soundbar has HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and your monitor *also* has HDMI ARC on a specific port, you might be able to connect your PS5 to the monitor, and then use an HDMI cable between the monitor’s ARC output and the soundbar’s ARC input. This is less common for PC monitors and more a TV feature, but it’s worth checking your monitor’s manual.
Most commonly, if you’re using a soundbar with a PS5 and monitor, you’re either going optical out from the PS5 (via converter if needed) or the soundbar has multiple inputs and you’re connecting the PS5 directly to the soundbar’s HDMI input (if it has one) and then connecting the soundbar to the monitor via HDMI. This latter option is generally preferred for maximum compatibility and features if your soundbar supports it.
The ‘what If My Monitor Has No Audio Out?’ Scenario
This is the most common problem. You’ve got your PS5, your monitor looks great, but there’s no audio port on the monitor itself. My friend Dave spent $60 on a fancy adapter that he swore was the answer, only to find out it just split the HDMI signal and didn’t actually extract the audio properly. It just replicated the video. Total waste of cash.
The most straightforward, and often best-sounding, solution is the optical audio out from the PS5. Since the PS5 has this port, you can always use it. Grab an optical cable (TOSLINK is the technical name) and connect it from your PS5 to a DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) or an audio receiver/soundbar that accepts optical input. If your speakers or soundbar only have RCA or 3.5mm inputs, you’ll need that PS5 to Optical Audio converter I mentioned earlier. These are usually small boxes that take the optical signal and output it as analog RCA or 3.5mm. Don’t overthink it; these things are cheap and readily available. I’ve seen them work flawlessly for years.
Faq: Connecting Ps5 Speakers to Your Monitor
Can I Connect Bluetooth Speakers Directly to My Ps5?
Yes, you can. The PS5 supports Bluetooth headphones and some Bluetooth audio devices. You go into Settings -> Accessories -> Bluetooth Devices and put your speakers into pairing mode. It’s convenient, but be aware that Bluetooth audio can sometimes introduce a slight delay (latency), which might be noticeable in fast-paced games. For critical gaming, wired connections are almost always superior. I’ve had a few instances where the connection dropped mid-game, which is infuriating.
Do I Need a Special Cable to Connect Speakers to Ps5 with Monitor?
It depends on your setup. If your monitor has a 3.5mm audio out, you just need a standard 3.5mm male-to-male audio cable. If you’re using the PS5’s optical out and your speakers/soundbar don’t have optical input, you’ll need an optical cable (TOSLINK) and a PS5 to Optical Audio converter. Avoid generic ‘HDMI audio extractors’ that look suspiciously cheap; they often don’t work as advertised. Stick to reputable brands or converters specifically designed for PS5 or consoles. (See Also: How Do I Connect My Speakers To My Hp Monitor )
Will the Sound Quality Be Good If I Use the Controller’s Headphone Jack?
Honestly, probably not for most audiophiles. The controller’s DAC and amp are designed for convenience and moderate headphone use, not for driving high-quality speakers. You’ll get sound, but it might be compressed, lack dynamic range, or sound a bit muffled compared to a dedicated audio output or converter. I found it acceptable for casual play when I absolutely had to, but never for extended sessions. The sound felt… distant.
My Monitor Has Built-in Speakers. Are They Good Enough?
Rarely. Most monitor speakers are designed as an afterthought, offering minimal volume, bass, and clarity. They’re usually just there to provide basic system sounds or let you hear dialogue in a pinch. If you’re serious about gaming audio, you’ll want external speakers or a soundbar. They are functional, but they are not an enjoyable audio experience.
| Connection Method | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 Optical Out + Converter | Excellent audio quality, bypasses monitor, reliable | Requires converter box and extra cables, might need receiver | Best overall for quality and reliability if your monitor lacks audio out. Feels like a professional setup. |
| Monitor 3.5mm Audio Out | Simplest setup, uses existing monitor port | Audio quality depends heavily on monitor, can have hiss/latency | Convenient if your monitor has it, but be prepared for potentially mediocre sound. Good for casual use. |
| PS5 Controller 3.5mm Jack | Works with any headphones/speakers that have 3.5mm input, portable | Lowest audio quality, potential latency, limited cable length | Absolute last resort. Only for quick, quiet gaming or if you have no other option. |
| Bluetooth | Wireless convenience | Potential latency, connection drops, audio quality can vary | Great for casual listening or when wires are a hassle, but risky for competitive gaming. |
A Quick Word on HDMI Extractors
People often suggest HDMI audio extractors. These little boxes plug into your HDMI cable and are *supposed* to pull the audio out, leaving the video to pass through to your monitor. I’ve gone through at least four of these things over the years, each one promising the moon. Most of them introduce visual artifacts, drop frames, or just flat-out don’t extract the audio reliably. One $30 extractor I bought actually made my PS5’s video signal unstable, causing it to flicker like a bad disco light. The technology is finicky. If you’re going the HDMI route, a dedicated receiver or soundbar with multiple HDMI inputs is a more robust solution than a cheap extractor. Consumer Reports has noted similar issues with low-quality HDMI splitters and extractors, suggesting users opt for devices that specifically mention active signal regeneration for stability.
The Bottom Line: What Works
Look, connecting speakers to PS5 with monitor isn’t rocket science, but it’s definitely a bit of a workaround. The cleanest, most reliable way, if your monitor is audio-deaf, is to use the PS5’s optical audio port. Get a decent converter if needed, and you’re golden. If your monitor *does* have a headphone jack, try that first – it’s the easiest. Just don’t expect miracles if the monitor’s internal audio hardware isn’t great.
Ultimately, it boils down to understanding that the PS5 outputs sound digitally. Your monitor is primarily a video display. You need a bridge to get that digital sound into an analog signal your speakers can use, or a way to send it directly to a device that can handle it.
Verdict
So there you have it. Connecting speakers to PS5 with monitor is less about the monitor itself and more about how the PS5 handles its audio output. The optical port is your best friend here, especially if your monitor is a dead end for sound.
Honestly, after all the adapters and fiddling, I just went with a decent soundbar that had an optical input. It cut down on the cable spaghetti and sounded a million times better than anything I cobbled together with cheap extractors. It cost about $180, which felt steep at the time, but the frustration it saved? Priceless.
If you’re still wrestling with it, I’d just double-check your PS5’s audio settings one more time. Sometimes it’s just a simple toggle in the menus that’s preventing the sound from flowing. Seriously, I’ve done it myself more times than I care to admit.
The next step is simple: decide which of these methods best suits your existing gear and your tolerance for cables. Get the right cable or converter, and enjoy your games with actual sound.
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