Monitors don't have speakers built in, so you need a separate audio source

Most monitors sold today have no speakers at all, or speakers so small they're nearly useless. If you want sound from your desk setup, you'll need to add it yourself — either by connecting external speakers, using headphones, or routing audio through a different device. The method depends on what ports your monitor has, what you're plugging in, and whether you want sound all the time or just when you're at your desk.

The good news is that adding sound is usually straightforward. The bad news is that monitor manufacturers often make it harder than it needs to be by including confusing port labels and leaving out the cables you actually need.

Key Takeaways

  • Most monitors have no speakers; you must add external speakers, headphones, or route audio through your computer's built-in speakers or soundcard.
  • HDMI and DisplayPort can carry both video and audio, but only if your monitor has a 3.5mm audio output jack on the back.
  • If your monitor has no audio output, connect speakers directly to your computer instead of trying to run them through the monitor.
  • USB-C monitors can output audio through the same cable that carries video and power, making setup simpler if your computer supports it.
  • Wireless speakers and headphones avoid cable clutter but require charging and may have latency issues with video.

Check what audio ports your monitor actually has

Before you buy speakers or headphones, look at the back of your monitor. Most monitors have a 3.5mm audio jack (the small round port that looks like a headphone socket). Some newer monitors skip this entirely. A few high-end models have built-in speakers, but they're rare and usually still sound poor.

If your monitor has a 3.5mm jack labeled "audio out" or "line out," you can connect speakers or headphones there — but only if your monitor is also receiving audio from your computer. This works when you use HDMI or DisplayPort to connect your monitor, because those cables can carry both video and sound. If you're using an older connection like DVI or VGA, audio won't reach the monitor at all, and the jack becomes useless.

USB-C monitors are different. A single USB-C cable carries video, power, and audio all at once. If your monitor has USB-C and your computer supports it, this is the simplest setup — one cable does everything.

Connect speakers or headphones through your monitor's audio jack

If your monitor has a 3.5mm audio output and you're using HDMI or DisplayPort, you can plug speakers or headphones directly into the monitor. This works because the video cable is also carrying the audio signal from your computer to the monitor, and the monitor passes that audio out through the jack.

The catch: your computer must be set to send audio through HDMI or DisplayPort, not through its own speakers or a different audio device. On Windows, right-click the speaker icon in the system tray, select "Open Volume mixer," and check which device is set as the default. On Mac, go to System Settings > Sound and look at the "Output device" dropdown. If it's set to your monitor or "HDMI," you're good. If it's set to "Speakers" or "Internal Speaker," change it to match your monitor's name.

Once audio is routing through the monitor, plug your speakers or headphones into the 3.5mm jack and adjust the volume using the monitor's buttons or menu. Some monitors have a separate volume dial; others hide the volume control in an on-screen menu.

Route audio directly to your computer if the monitor has no audio output

If your monitor has no 3.5mm jack, or if you're using a connection that doesn't carry audio (like DVI), skip the monitor entirely and plug speakers or headphones into your computer instead. Most computers have a 3.5mm audio jack on the back or side of the tower, or on the keyboard if you're using a laptop.

This is actually the most reliable method because you're not depending on the monitor to pass audio through. You're also not limited to whatever volume level the monitor allows — you control everything from your computer's sound settings and the speaker's own volume knob.

If your computer has no 3.5mm jack (common on newer laptops and some desktops), use a USB speaker or headphones instead. These plug into any USB port and appear as a new audio device in your sound settings. USB speakers are often cheaper than you'd expect and work on any computer.

Use wireless speakers or headphones for a cleaner desk

Wireless speakers and headphones avoid cables but add complexity. Bluetooth speakers work with most computers and phones, but they need charging and can have a slight delay between video and sound — noticeable when watching videos or playing games, less so for music or general use.

2.4 GHz wireless speakers (the kind that come with a USB dongle) have less delay than Bluetooth and work well for gaming or video. They also work on computers that don't have Bluetooth built in. The downside is another USB port taken up and another device to charge.

Wireless headphones are convenient if you move between your desk and other places, but they're overkill if you're sitting at the same monitor all day. A cheap wired headset or a pair of desktop speakers will sound better and never run out of battery.

Set up USB-C audio if your monitor supports it

If your monitor has USB-C and your computer has USB-C, a single cable can carry video, audio, and power all at once. This is the cleanest setup possible — one cable to your monitor, and you're done.

Not all USB-C monitors support audio output, so check the manual or product page before buying. Once you plug in the USB-C cable, your computer should recognize the monitor as an audio device automatically. Go to your sound settings and set it as the default output, just like you would with HDMI.

The limitation: USB-C audio only works if your computer supports USB-C video output. Most newer laptops do, but many desktop computers don't. If your computer has USB-C ports but they're only for data and charging, a USB-C monitor won't help you.

Troubleshoot when sound isn't coming through

If you've plugged everything in and hear nothing, start with the obvious: check that the speaker or headphone volume isn't turned all the way down, and that the monitor's volume (if it has one) isn't muted. Look for a mute button on the monitor's frame or in its menu.

Next, check your computer's sound settings. On Windows, open Settings > System > Sound and verify that the correct device is set as the default output. If you don't see your monitor or speakers listed, your computer isn't recognizing them. Try unplugging and replugging the cable, or restarting your computer. If you're using USB speakers, try a different USB port.

If audio works on your computer but not through the monitor, the problem is usually that your computer is sending audio to the wrong device. Check that HDMI or DisplayPort is set as the default output, not your computer's internal speakers. If the monitor has a volume control, make sure it's not set to zero.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any speakers with my monitor?

Only if they have a 3.5mm jack or USB connection. Speakers designed for computers, phones, or tablets will work. Powered speakers (the kind with their own power cord or battery) are easiest because they don't need a separate amplifier. Passive speakers won't work unless you also buy an amplifier.

Why does my monitor have an audio jack if it has no speakers?

The jack is for audio output only — it lets you connect external speakers or headphones. It's not an input. Some manufacturers include it even though most people never use it, because it costs almost nothing to add and makes the monitor more flexible.

Will connecting speakers to my monitor affect video quality?

No. Audio and video are separate signals, even when they travel on the same cable. Adding speakers won't change how your monitor displays anything.

What if I want sound but don't want to buy speakers?

Use headphones. A basic wired headset costs less than ten dollars and plugs into your computer or monitor. Wireless headphones cost more but let you move around without unplugging.

Can I connect multiple speakers to one monitor?

Not directly through the audio jack — a 3.5mm output only connects to one device at a time. You can buy a splitter cable to run two speakers from one jack, but both will play the same audio at the same volume. For separate control, connect speakers to your computer instead, or buy a powered speaker system with multiple inputs.