Many modern monitors focus on video, leaving audio as an afterthought. It is common to find monitors with no USB ports, or with USB ports that only serve as a hub for data, not for audio. If you want to add sound to your monitor-based setup for gaming, movies, or daily work, you need speakers that can connect through the available outputs. The good news is that you have plenty of excellent options, from small desktop speakers to powerful soundbars, all without relying on USB audio. This guide walks you through the connection types, speaker recommendations, and setup tips to get clear, rich sound from any monitor.
Understanding Your Monitor’s Audio Outputs
Before buying speakers, check what audio connections your monitor supports. Look on the back or sides for the following:
3.5mm Headphone Jack
This is the most common analog audio output. If your monitor has a 3.5mm port (often labeled with a headphone icon), you can plug in almost any powered speaker or external amplifier directly.
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
Some monitors with built-in speakers or smart features include an HDMI ARC port. This allows a single HDMI cable to send both video to the monitor and audio from the monitor back to a soundbar or receiver. If your monitor supports ARC, it simplifies wiring significantly.
Optical (TOSLINK)
Less common on monitors, but some high-end or TV-like monitors have an optical audio output. This digital connection sends uncompressed stereo or surround sound to compatible speakers or soundbars.
No Audio Output
If your monitor has no audio output at all, you have two main paths. First, use the audio output from your source device, such as a PC, game console, or streaming stick. Plug speakers directly into that device instead of the monitor. Second, use an HDMI audio extractor, a small box that splits the HDMI signal and sends audio to speakers while passing video to the monitor.
Speaker Types That Work Without USB
Once you know your monitor’s outputs, you can choose the right type of speaker. All of these options operate without USB.
Powered (Active) Speakers
Powered speakers have built-in amplifiers. They only need an analog signal from a 3.5mm jack or RCA connectors. They are plug-and-play and come in many sizes. Examples include the Audioengine A2+ and Edifier R1280T. They are ideal for desktop use and produce excellent sound for music and games.
Bluetooth Speakers
Bluetooth speakers are convenient and portable, but most monitors lack Bluetooth transmission. You can add a Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the monitor’s 3.5mm jack. This transmitter pairs with any Bluetooth speaker, giving you wireless audio without USB. Look for models with aptX Low Latency to avoid lip-sync issues when watching videos.
Soundbars
Soundbars are slim, single-unit speakers that sit under or in front of the monitor. Many soundbars accept 3.5mm, optical, or HDMI ARC inputs. If your monitor has any of these, a soundbar is a neat solution that saves desk space. The Yamaha SR-C20A and TaoTronics PC Soundbar are budget-friendly picks.
Passive Speakers with an Amplifier
For the purest sound, you can pair passive bookshelf speakers with a separate mini amplifier. The amp usually takes a 3.5mm input, so you connect it to the monitor’s headphone jack. This setup offers greater upgrade flexibility but adds complexity.
How to Connect Speakers Step by Step
Once you have your speakers, follow these common connection methods.
Direct 3.5mm Connection
- Turn off the monitor and speakers.
- Plug one end of a 3.5mm audio cable into the monitor’s headphone jack.
- Plug the other end into the speaker’s AUX or line-in port.
- Power on the monitor and speakers, then adjust the volume.
Using a Bluetooth Transmitter
- Connect the Bluetooth transmitter to the monitor’s 3.5mm jack.
- Put the transmitter in pairing mode.
- Set your Bluetooth speaker to pairing mode.
- Once connected, audio from the monitor plays wirelessly through the speaker.
HDMI ARC Setup
- Use an HDMI cable to connect the monitor’s HDMI ARC port to the soundbar’s HDMI ARC port.
- Enable ARC in the monitor’s settings (often under Audio).
- Select the ARC input on the soundbar. Audio should now route through the soundbar automatically.
Optical Audio Connection
- Plug a TOSLINK optical cable from the monitor’s optical out to the speaker’s optical in.
- Set the speaker’s input to Optical.
- Ensure the monitor’s audio output is set to optical or PCM stereo.
Best Speaker Recommendations for Monitor Setups (No USB)
Here are our top picks across different categories, all selected for ease of connection without USB.
Best Budget Desktop Speakers
- Creative Pebble V3: Compact USB-C powered (for power only, not audio) but also takes a 3.5mm input. Great clarity for the price.
- Logitech Z207: Bluetooth and 3.5mm inputs, simple design, and clear sound for everyday use.
Best Compact and Clear Sound
- Audioengine A2+: Small footprint with stellar audio. Connect via 3.5mm or even Bluetooth with an optional adapter. Perfect if you prioritize music and detail.
- Edifier R1280T: Bookshelf-sized with a wood finish, these powered speakers sound far bigger than their price and work with a single 3.5mm cable.
Best Soundbar Options
- Yamaha SR-C20A: Compact soundbar with HDMI ARC, optical, and 3.5mm inputs. Ideal for a clean desk and clear dialogue.
- TaoTronics Computer Soundbar: Inexpensive, mounts under the monitor, and connects via 3.5mm or Bluetooth.
Best High-End Desktop Audio
- Kanto YU2: Premium build and sound quality with a 3.5mm input and a dedicated subwoofer output.
- Klipsch ProMedia 2.1: A classic 2.1 system with a powerful subwoofer, connecting through a 3.5mm jack. Great for immersive games and movies.
Best Bluetooth Add-Ons
If you already own a Bluetooth speaker, these transmitters let you use it with your monitor:
- Avantree Oasis Plus: Long range, aptX Low Latency, dual link.
- 1Mii B03Pro: Budget-friendly, aptX Low Latency transmitter/receiver.
Setup Tips and Troubleshooting
Even simple setups can run into issues. Here is how to fix common problems.
No Sound at All
- Confirm the monitor’s volume is not muted and is turned up. Many monitors have OSD (on-screen display) volume controls.
- Check that the external speakers are powered on and the correct input is selected.
- Try the cable with another device to rule out a faulty cable.
Low or Distorted Volume
- Make sure the monitor’s audio output is set to a fixed line-level, not variable, if available. Some monitors output a weak signal meant for headphones; using a powered speaker with its own volume control helps.
- Increase volume on the speakers themselves, not the monitor.
- If using a Bluetooth transmitter, check its volume settings.
Audio Delay (Lip Sync Issues)
- Use a transmitter and headphones/speakers that support aptX Low Latency or AAC codecs. Standard Bluetooth can introduce noticeable delay.
- For gaming or movies, a wired 3.5mm connection is always the most reliable to avoid delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use USB powered speakers if my monitor lacks a USB port?
Yes, but you need a separate USB power adapter. Many USB speakers only use USB for power, while audio comes through a 3.5mm jack. Plug the USB power cable into a phone charger or a powered USB hub, and connect the audio via 3.5mm.
What if my monitor has no audio output at all?
Route audio directly from your source device. For a PC, use its headphone jack or Bluetooth. For game consoles, many support analog output or Bluetooth. Alternatively, buy an HDMI audio extractor to split the audio signal from the HDMI cable before it reaches the monitor.
Are Bluetooth speakers a good option for a monitor without USB?
They can be, with the right transmitter. Choose a transmitter with aptX Low Latency to avoid audio delay. If latency is not critical (e.g., music only), standard Bluetooth works fine.
Do I need an amplifier for passive speakers?
Yes, passive speakers require an external amplifier or receiver. You can find small desktop amplifiers like the Fosi Audio TB10A that accept a 3.5mm input and drive bookshelf speakers easily.
How can I get sound from a monitor that outputs only video?
If the monitor has no audio output, use the audio output on your source device. For HDMI sources, an HDMI audio extractor is the best tool. It takes the HDMI signal, passes video to the monitor, and outputs audio via 3.5mm, optical, or RCA.
Once you have the right speakers and connection, your monitor setup will deliver the sound quality you need, whether for work, movies, or gaming. The absence of USB does not limit your choices; it simply points you toward flexible, reliable audio solutions that work with any display.
