Alex Ruben
How To Connect PC Speakers to PS5 Easily
Figured out that it’s kind of a pain to get decent audio when gaming on the PS5 using regular PC speakers? Yeah, sometimes it’s not as straightforward as just plugging things in, especially since the PS5 isn’t really made with PC speakers in mind. Maybe your monitor’s audio out is finicky, or you’re trying to avoid clutter. So, here’s a semi-rough guide based on real-world messed-up setups—what worked, what didn’t, and some tips that might save you a headache. Basically, this ends with you listening to your favorite game soundtrack or voice chat without breaking out a full sound system.
How to Fix Connecting PC Speakers to Your PS5
Method 1: Using Your Monitor’s Audio Out
This one is the most common, because most folks just want their PC speakers to work without messing with fancy equipment. The reason it helps: if you can get the PS5’s audio routed through your monitor’s audio out, then connecting to speakers kicks in just like a regular PC setup. The problem? Not all monitors have audio out, or they jam volume controls and audio settings in weird places. Expect some tweaking, but on a good day, it works.
- Plug the aux cable into your monitor’s headphone or audio out jack. Usually, it’s a small 3.5mm port labeled “audio out” or similar. Sometimes, it’s behind the monitor, so be ready to poke around a bit.
- Then, connect the other end of that aux cable to your PC speakers’ aux in port. If your speakers have multiple inputs, pick the aux one.
- Make sure your monitor’s volume isn’t muted and turned up. You might need to go into Settings > Sound > Audio Output on the PS5 and select the monitor as the main output device. Honestly, some monitors will just respect the audio out automatically, but not all.
- If this setup doesn’t get sound, try turning off your TV or monitor and turning them back on after connecting, because sometimes the PS5 needs a reboot to recognize changes in audio routing.
Why it helps: This is the simplest “plug-and-play” route if all your gear plays nicely. When it works, you’ll get decent sound from your PC speakers, just like on a regular PC, with minimal fuss. Expect some trial and error though—on some setups, the audio just isn’t routed correctly without changing the default output manually.
Method 2: Using a Bluetooth Adapter (if your speakers support Bluetooth)
On some setups, especially if your PC speakers can connect via Bluetooth, this can be a quick fix. The reason it helps? It bypasses the monitor entirely, giving you a direct link. Problem is, PS5 doesn’t natively support Bluetooth audio for most devices, so you might need a Bluetooth transmitter plugged into the PS5’s USB port or HDMI audio extractor with Bluetooth support. Expect some lag or pairing hiccups, but it might be worth trying.
- Buy a Bluetooth transmitter compatible with PS5 (not all are created equal—some lag more than others).
- Connect the transmitter to your PS5’s USB or optical audio port if available. Otherwise, get an HDMI HDMI audio extractor that supports Bluetooth and plug it into the HDMI port.
- Pair your Bluetooth PC speakers with the transmitter. You should see some lights blinking or a pairing tone.
- Test the audio by playing some game or media. Expect more setup fiddling, and on some consoles, Bluetooth audio might not work perfectly depending on latency.
Why it helps: If wired connections are a pain or your monitor is stubborn, going wireless can be less cluttered. But beware of lag or disconnects, especially if your Bluetooth setup is kinda cheap and not designed for gaming audio.
Method 3: Using an HDMI Audio Extractor
This is for the serious troubleshooters. If you’re okay with a bit of DIY, an HDMI audio extractor can grab the sound from your PS5’s HDMI output and route it to your PC speakers. The reason it helps: it completely bypasses monitor limitations. Only catch? You need a spare HDMI port and a decent extractor, usually with both optical and 3.5mm outputs.
- Connect your PS5 HDMI to the input of the HDMI audio extractor.
- Connect the extractor’s HDMI output to your monitor or TV as usual.
- Use the extractor’s audio out (3.5mm or optical) to connect to your PC speakers.
- Switch the extractor to the correct audio output mode if needed (some have a switch).
- Set the PS5’s audio output to HDMI in Settings > Sound > Audio Output.
This method is more complicated but offers quality control. You get a dedicated audio path and can often get higher fidelity sound. Often, you’re looking at more money for gear, but it beats tearing your setup apart trying to get audio from under your monitor.
Extra Tips & Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- If you’re not hearing anything, make sure your speakers aren’t muted, and your volume is cranked up in both PS5 settings and your input device (monitor, extractor, Bluetooth). Sometimes, the simplest thing gets overlooked.
- On some setups, the PS5 defaults to internal sound, so you’ve gotta go into Settings > Sound > Audio Output and manually select the correct device—like “HDMI Device (TV/Monitor)” or “USB Audio Device”.
- Older monitors or TVs with only HDMI might not pass audio unless you enable specific settings (like “Audio Out” or “PCM” mode).
Not sure why it works sometimes and fails other times? Guess what—because Windows has to make it harder than necessary. Sometimes, you push all these cables and switches, and it still just won’t find the audio device. Rebooting the PS5 or re-plugging cables often helps, but other times, you need to dig into the menu and toggle output formats or disable HDMI-CEC just to get it working.
Wrap-up
Connecting PC speakers to your PS5 isn’t exactly plug-and-play, but it’s definitely doable. Whether you’re going for a quick wired fix via monitor output, a wireless Bluetooth gadget, or a dedicated HDMI audio extractor, each method has its quirks. The key is patience and a willingness to tinker a bit. Usually, with some fiddling, you’ll get decent sound, and then it’s just a matter of volume control and maybe a few adjustments to keep everything synced.
Summary
- Use your monitor’s audio out if possible—simple but not always reliable.
- Bluetooth works, but might introduce lag or pairing headaches.
- HDMI audio extractors are high-end and pricier but give best quality and flexibility.
- Check all device settings, muted options, and volume levels for troubleshooting.
Fingers crossed this helps
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours of frustration and gets your PC speakers singing along with your PS5. It’s not super elegant every time, but it’s what you’ve got—until Sony or monitor makers finally include better support.