How to Get Sound From Ps4 to Computer Monitor
Honestly, I spent way too long staring at my PS4 gameplay on my fancy monitor, enjoying the crisp visuals, only to realize I was missing the booming explosions and epic soundtracks. It was like watching a silent movie, except the movie was costing me a fortune.
Then there was the time I bought a ridiculously expensive HDMI audio extractor, convinced it was the only way. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. It sat on my desk for months, a monument to my overspending and under-researching.
Getting sound from your PS4 to your computer monitor, especially if your monitor doesn’t have built-in speakers or an audio out port, can feel like a puzzle designed by a sadist. But it’s totally doable without breaking the bank. We’re going to talk about how to get sound from PS4 to computer monitor without any of that nonsense.
Forget the snake oil; let’s get to what actually works.
Why Your Monitor Might Be Silent (and It’s Not Your Fault)
So, you’ve got your PlayStation 4 hooked up to a sleek computer monitor. The picture looks stunning, sharp as a tack. But then… silence. Nada. Zilch. This usually boils down to a few simple things. Most computer monitors, even the big fancy ones, are designed primarily for video signals. They get the picture via HDMI, sure, but the audio? That’s often an afterthought, or completely absent. Your PS4 *does* output audio through HDMI, but if your monitor’s HDMI port is just a video pipe, that audio signal goes nowhere. It’s like sending a letter to someone who’s only set up a mailbox for postcards. Frustrating, right?
My first monitor, a 27-inch monstrosity that cost me nearly $400 back in 2016, had the same problem. It looked amazing, but for gaming sound, I was stuck with my old TV. I figured, ‘Hey, it’s got HDMI, it *must* have sound!’ I was wrong. The only sound that came out was the faint hum of disappointment as I realized I’d have to buy another gadget or, heaven forbid, use headphones all the time. This happens more often than you’d think, and most people just live with it or buy a soundbar they don’t really need.
The ‘oh, Right!’ Solution: Your Controller’s Headphone Jack
This is probably the easiest, cheapest, and most immediate way to get sound. Your PS4 DualShock 4 controller has a 3.5mm headphone jack. Plug in a decent pair of gaming headphones or even some basic earbuds, and boom – instant private audio. This bypasses the monitor entirely. It’s great for late-night gaming sessions when you don’t want to wake anyone up. I’ve spent countless nights huddled under my gaming headset, the world outside fading away, all thanks to that little jack.
The clarity is usually pretty good, too. While it’s not audiophile-grade, it’s miles better than silence. I’ve tested this with everything from cheap earbuds I got free with a phone to a mid-range gaming headset that cost me around $70, and the sound quality was consistently good enough for immersive gameplay. Honestly, for a quick fix, this is hard to beat. It’s so simple, I almost feel stupid for not thinking of it sooner.
Everyone says you need fancy adapters or complex setups, but sometimes, the answer is literally in your hands. I once spent two days trying to route audio through my PC when all I needed was to plug in my headset. My younger cousin, who was like, 12 at the time, pointed it out in about 30 seconds. Ouch.
What If I Want Sound From External Speakers, Not Headphones?
Ah, you want to feel the bass rattle your desk. I get it. If your monitor has an audio out port (usually a 3.5mm jack, just like your controller), you can use that. Connect your computer speakers or a small soundbar to the monitor’s audio out. The PS4 sends audio over HDMI to the monitor, and the monitor then outputs it through its own audio jack. It’s a clean setup, and you can use pretty much any standard computer speakers. (See Also: How To Put 144hz Monitor At 144hz )
The catch? Not all monitors have this audio out port. It’s a feature that’s become less common as manufacturers assume most people will use monitor speakers (if they have them) or run audio separately. So, check the back or sides of your monitor. Look for that little headphone icon or a 3.5mm jack. If it’s there, you’re golden. If not, don’t panic. We’ve got other options.
Checking Your Monitor’s Audio Output Capabilities
You’d think this would be obvious, but it’s surprising how many people just assume. Before you buy anything, give your monitor a good once-over. Look for dedicated audio output ports. Sometimes they’re clearly labeled, other times they’re just a standard 3.5mm jack that might be mistaken for a headphone port. If your monitor *does* have speakers, they’ll be connected internally, but that doesn’t guarantee an external output. It’s like having a built-in fridge but no door to get the milk out easily.
My current monitor, a Samsung Odyssey G7, thankfully has a headphone jack. But the monitor I had before that, a ViewSonic XG2401, did not. I learned this the hard way after wrestling with cables for an hour, only to discover it was a video-only HDMI input. I ended up having to buy an HDMI audio extractor, which felt like admitting defeat, but it worked.
A quick way to check is to search for your monitor’s model number online. Most manufacturer websites have detailed specs, and they’ll usually list audio output options if they exist. Consumer Reports often tests these features, and their reviews can be a good place to confirm if a monitor prioritizes audio output. So, a little bit of detective work upfront can save you a lot of headaches and cash down the line.
The HDMI Audio Extractor: When All Else Fails
Okay, so your monitor has no audio output. Bummer. Your PS4’s HDMI port only handles video and audio *to* the display. Now what? This is where an HDMI audio extractor swoops in. It’s a small box that sits between your PS4 and your monitor. You plug the PS4’s HDMI into the extractor, then run another HDMI cable from the extractor to your monitor. The magic? The extractor *pulls* the audio signal out of the HDMI stream before it even gets to your monitor.
These extractors usually have an optical audio out (Toslink) and/or a 3.5mm headphone jack. You then connect your speakers or soundbar to one of these outputs. I bought one of these for about $30 from a no-name brand on Amazon, and it’s been humming along perfectly for three years. It even has a little switch that lets you pick between stereo (2CH) or surround sound (5.1CH) audio, which is surprisingly handy.
The downside? It’s another device. Another power brick, another cable, another thing to potentially go wrong. But if your monitor is truly audio-deaf, this is your best bet for getting sound to external speakers without resorting to complex workarounds. It’s the necessary evil in the world of monitor audio.
It’s a bit like needing a specific adapter to plug your European appliance into an American outlet; it’s not ideal, but it gets the job done so you can actually *use* the thing you paid for.
| Method | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controller Headphone Jack | Super cheap, instant, private | Requires headphones, not for shared listening |
Best for quick fixes & solo play. (See Also: How To Switch An Acer Monitor To Hdmi ) |
| Monitor Audio Out Port | Clean setup, uses existing speakers | Not all monitors have it, requires speakers |
Ideal if your monitor supports it. |
| HDMI Audio Extractor | Works with any monitor, flexible audio outputs | Another device/cable, adds cost |
The reliable fallback option. |
Connecting External Speakers: A Step-by-Step (no, Really)
Let’s say you’ve opted for the HDMI audio extractor, or maybe your monitor *does* have that glorious audio out port. Here’s how you actually plug things in. If using the monitor’s audio out: get a standard 3.5mm audio cable (the same kind you’d use for headphones), plug one end into your monitor’s audio out jack, and the other end into the AUX input on your speakers or soundbar. Turn on your speakers, select AUX as the input, and you should be good to go.
If using the HDMI audio extractor: plug an HDMI cable from your PS4 into the ‘HDMI IN’ port on the extractor. Then, plug another HDMI cable from the ‘HDMI OUT’ port on the extractor to your monitor. Now, connect your speakers. If the extractor has a 3.5mm jack, use a 3.5mm audio cable from the extractor to your speakers’ AUX input. If it has an optical (Toslink) port, you’ll need an optical cable running from the extractor to your soundbar or receiver’s optical input. Make sure the extractor is powered on (most have a USB power cable). Set your PS4’s audio output settings to ‘HDMI’ and potentially ‘Bitstream’ if you want the extractor to handle surround sound processing.
The PS4 audio settings are key here. Go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings. Make sure Primary Output Port is set to HDMI OUT. Then, under Audio Format (Priority), try ‘Linear PCM’ first. If that doesn’t work, switch to ‘Bitstream (Dolby)’ or ‘Bitstream (DTS)’. My PS4 usually defaults to Linear PCM, and that works fine with most extractors for stereo sound, but for true surround, you might need to experiment. I’ve found that switching between these settings can sometimes fix weird audio dropouts or humming noises. I did this about four times last year when trying to get my new surround system to work with my PS4 and monitor setup.
What If I Have a Monitor with Built-in Speakers?
Lucky you! If your monitor has built-in speakers, getting sound from the PS4 is usually as simple as plugging the HDMI cable from your PS4 directly into the monitor. The audio signal travels down the HDMI cable along with the video. Your monitor’s internal speakers should then pick it up and play it. You might need to go into your PS4’s audio output settings (Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings) and ensure that ‘Primary Output Port’ is set to ‘HDMI OUT’.
However, and this is where many people get tripped up, monitor speakers are often… well, let’s just say they’re not great. They’re usually tinny, quiet, and lack any kind of bass. They’re designed to be functional, not immersive. So while you *will* get sound, don’t expect a cinematic experience. Think of them as the walkie-talkie of audio. They get the message across, but it’s not exactly Hi-Fi. I once played a game with intense orchestral music through monitor speakers, and it sounded like a kazoo band practicing in a tin can. It was… an experience.
So, even if your monitor has speakers, consider if they’re actually *good enough* for what you want. If not, the headphone jack or an audio extractor are still your friends.
The ‘why Isn’t This Standard?’ Debate
It’s genuinely baffling why more monitors don’t come with a decent audio output or at least halfway decent speakers. The cost difference can’t be *that* huge. We’re talking about connecting a $300 console to a $300 monitor and then potentially needing to spend another $50-$100 on speakers or an extractor just to hear anything. It feels like a deliberate oversight by manufacturers to push sales of separate audio equipment or gaming soundbars. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has standards for audio interfaces, but they don’t mandate *outputs* on every display device. It’s like buying a car that only has a gas pedal, no brake pedal – functional, but not practical for most real-world use. The common advice online often skips this detail, assuming you’ll just get sound, which leads to a lot of confused gamers. (See Also: How To Monitor My Sleep With Apple Watch )
After spending hours wrestling with cables and settings, I finally found a solution that worked for me. It wasn’t the most expensive one either. It turns out, clarity and functionality don’t always have to cost a fortune.
Faq: Getting Your Ps4 Sound Sorted
Does My Ps4 Output Audio Through HDMI?
Yes, absolutely. Your PS4 sends both video and audio signals through its HDMI port. The challenge isn’t whether the PS4 *sends* the sound, but whether your monitor can *receive* and *output* it.
Can I Connect My Ps4 Directly to My Computer Speakers?
Not directly via HDMI. Your computer speakers typically use a 3.5mm analog input or RCA connectors. You’ll need an intermediary device like an HDMI audio extractor or a monitor with an audio output to bridge the gap between the PS4’s HDMI signal and your speakers’ inputs.
Will Using an HDMI Audio Extractor Affect Video Quality?
In most cases, no. A good quality HDMI audio extractor passes the video signal through to your monitor without degradation. It’s designed specifically to separate the audio stream without interfering with the video. I’ve used mine for years and haven’t noticed any difference in picture quality.
Are Monitor Speakers Ever Good Enough for Gaming?
Rarely. While some high-end professional monitors might have better audio, most built-in monitor speakers are very basic. They’re usually underpowered, lack bass, and can sound tinny. For an immersive gaming experience, external speakers or headphones are almost always a better choice.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. Getting sound from your PS4 to your computer monitor isn’t some arcane magic trick. It usually just requires understanding how the signals flow and picking the right tool for your setup, whether that’s your controller’s headphone jack, your monitor’s hidden audio port, or a little gadget like an HDMI audio extractor. I spent around $35 on my extractor after wasting time on more complex ideas, and it’s been a solid performer for years, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune to solve this.
If you’re still stuck, double-check your PS4’s audio output settings. Seriously, that’s where half the problems lie. Make sure it’s set to HDMI OUT and experiment with the format options. It’s a simple step that many people overlook when trying to get sound from PS4 to computer monitor.
Honestly, the biggest takeaway here is that you don’t need to buy the most expensive gadget out there. Often, the simplest solution is hiding in plain sight, or just a few bucks away. Now go forth and game with sound!
Recommended For You
