For most powered PC speakers with a 3.5 mm AUX input, connect the speaker cable to the computer’s headphone or line-out jack, turn on the speakers, and select them as the sound output. To connect through a monitor or TV instead, first confirm it has a compatible audio output and that the computer’s sound is routed to that display.
Before connecting: identify the audio ports
Match an audio output to an audio input. A computer’s headphone/line-out jack or a display’s documented headphone/audio-out can feed a powered speaker’s AUX input with a compatible stereo cable. A 3.5 mm socket is not necessarily an audio output: check the port label or the exact computer, monitor, or TV manual. Some desktop PC jacks look alike but serve different purposes, such as microphone input.
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Powered speakers also need power; the audio cable alone does not operate them. Depending on the speaker design, power may come from a wall outlet or USB.
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3.5 mm AUX speakers
- Connect a 3.5 mm male-to-male stereo cable from the computer’s headphone or line-out jack to the speaker’s AUX input.
- Power on the speakers and select AUX if they have an input selector.
- Choose the speakers or headphone output in the computer’s sound settings, then raise the computer, app, and speaker volumes as needed.
On Windows, open Settings > System > Sound and choose the intended device under Output. The jack color can vary; Microsoft notes that some systems use a green jack for output, so follow the labels or computer manual rather than relying on color alone. Microsoft’s Windows sound troubleshooting guide covers output selection and cable/jack checks for Windows 11 and Windows 10. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025.
#1 Best Overall
- External computer speaker in Black (set of 2) for amplifying PC or laptop audio
- USB-Powered from USB port of PC or Laptop
- In-line volume control for easy access
- Blue LED lights; metal finish and scratch-free padded base
- Bottom radiator for “springy” bass sound
On a Mac, open System Settings > Sound > Output and select the connected device if necessary. Menu wording can vary by macOS release.
USB speakers
Connect the speakers to a compatible computer USB port, provide separate power if the model requires it, and select the USB speaker device in sound settings. USB speakers are a documented option for Surface computers in Microsoft’s Surface audio accessories guidance. A monitor or TV USB port may be intended only for other functions; check that display’s manual before assuming it supports USB audio.
Rank #2
- [COMPATIBLE WITH USB DEVICES] - Our USB Speakers are compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux, making them ideal for PC, laptop, and desktop computer. Incompatible Devices: Monitors TVs and Projector.
- [COMPATIBLE WITH USB-C DEVICES] - Thanks to the built-in USB-C to USB Adapter, our USB-C speakers are now compatible with devices that only have USB-C interface, such as the latest MacBook, Mac mini, iMac, iPad, Android phones, and tablets.
- [INCREDIBLE LOUD SOUND WITH RICH BASS] - Our small computer speaker is equipped with dual ultra-magnetic drivers and dual passive radiators, providing high-quality stereo sound with powerful volume and deep bass for an incredible audio experience.
- [ADAPTIVE-CHANNEL-SWITCHING WITH G-SENSOR] - Ensures the left and right sound channels remain correctly positioned whether the speaker is clamped to the top or bottom of your monitor.
- [CONVENIENT TOUCH CONTROL] - Three intuitive touch buttons on the front allow for easy muting and volume adjustment.
Bluetooth speakers
Pair the speaker using the computer’s Bluetooth controls, then select it as the playback output. Bluetooth avoids an audio cable, but pairing and audio routing are separate steps. For video or gaming, wireless delay may matter; no single latency figure applies across devices. TV support for Bluetooth audio, including whether the TV’s own speakers can play at the same time, depends on the model.
Route computer audio through a monitor
HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C connections may carry audio as well as video, depending on the computer, adapter, connection, and monitor. To use the monitor as the audio route, it needs a documented headphone/audio output, and the computer must send sound to the display.
Rank #3
- Surge Stereo Sound - 4 large amplifier IC horns! Computer speakers achieved Distortion Free and Noiseless in stunning sound. Immersive cinema effect for movies, videos, games and music.
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- All In One Compact - Fits any desktop computer! Perfectly under the monitor without taking up any extra desktop space. Cables are glued together to avoid desktop clutter.
- Plug And Play - No need for any driver! Must Plug in the USB powered cable and 3.5mm audio cable to enjoy now! Top volume knob for easier volume adjustment.
- Type C Adapter Included & Compatibility - USB speakers match computers, desktops, PCs, laptops. Suitable for windows(Vista/7/8/10), Mac OS, Chrome OS, etc.
- Connect the computer to the monitor using a connection and adapter that support audio.
- Connect the powered speakers’ AUX input to the monitor’s documented headphone/audio-out jack.
- In the computer’s sound settings, select the monitor or its audio device as the output. Raise the monitor’s volume if its settings provide one.
LG’s monitor instructions for connecting an external speaker describe using a headphone-out/3.5 mm AUX port when present. If the monitor has no audio output, connect the speakers directly to the computer instead. Do not select an inactive monitor as the playback device and expect sound from speakers that are not connected to it.
For a Mac sending audio over HDMI, select the HDMI device in System Settings > Sound > Output if sound is not reaching the display. Some USB-C/Thunderbolt Macs need a suitable HDMI adapter, and the Mac and adapter must support the needed output. See Apple’s HDMI connection guidance.
Rank #4
- Versatile setup with speakers that connect easily to computers and other devices via Bluetooth wireless or 3.5mm cable
- Logitech Easy-Switch technology lets you seamlessly switch between audio devices Just by pausing the Audio on one device and pressing play on the other
- Each speaker has one active/powered driver that delivers full range Audio and ONE passive radiator that provides bass extension.
- On-speaker headphone jack Plus convenient controls for easy access to Bluetooth wireless pairing, power and Volume adjustments, Bluetooth version: 4.2
- Works with Bluetooth enabled devices and any device with a 3.5mm input including a computer, television, smartphone, tablet and music player
Connect speakers or audio equipment to a TV
Analog speakers with AUX input
Use a TV socket explicitly labeled headphone or audio out, then connect it to the speakers’ AUX input with a compatible cable. If the TV has a documented RCA audio output instead, use a cable with the matching connectors. Port labels and sound settings vary by TV. LG’s TV connection guide warns that some 3.5 mm-looking sockets are for diagnostics or RS-232 control, not headphones.
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HDMI ARC/eARC is for compatible audio equipment, such as a soundbar or receiver. Connect it to the TV’s designated HDMI ARC/eARC port, not an ordinary HDMI input, and configure the TV and audio equipment for the matching output/input. Optical audio is another digital option only when both devices have compatible optical ports.
Best Value
- USB-powered (5V) speakers plug directly into your computer for portable convenience
- Turn the speakers on and adjust the volume using one simple control (located on the front of the speakers); volume control includes On/Standby
- Simple plug-and-play setup (no drivers needed); can be used with headphones via the 3.5mm jack connector
- Frequency range of 103 Hz - 20 KHz; 2.2 watts of total RMS power (1.1 watts per speaker)
- Measures 2.76 by 3.55 by 5.3 inches (LxWxH); weighs approximately 1.4 pounds;
Connector behavior and menus are model-specific. For example, Zebronics’ speaker setup FAQs describe AUX, HDMI ARC, and optical connections for one product; those instructions are not a universal TV setup recipe.
Send PC audio to the TV over HDMI
If the computer is connected to the TV by HDMI, the TV may receive audio over that connection. Select the TV/HDMI device as the computer’s sound output. If speakers are connected to the TV, also set the TV to send received audio to that output. HDMI video appearing on the TV does not by itself confirm that the computer or TV is routing sound to the intended speakers.
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| Connection path | What must be available | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Computer 3.5 mm to speaker AUX | Computer headphone/line-out and speaker AUX input; compatible stereo cable | Correct output jack, speaker power, and selected computer output |
| Computer USB to USB speakers | Computer USB port and speakers that support USB audio | Separate power needs and USB speaker selection |
| Computer Bluetooth to speaker | Bluetooth support on both devices | Pairing and selection as the computer’s output |
| Computer to monitor to speakers | Audio-capable computer-to-monitor connection and documented monitor audio out | Monitor selected as computer output; monitor output connected to speaker input |
| TV audio out to AUX speakers | Documented TV headphone/audio out or RCA output and compatible speaker input | Port purpose, cable compatibility, and TV sound-output setting |
| TV HDMI ARC/eARC or optical to audio equipment | Matching ARC/eARC or optical ports on the TV and compatible audio equipment | Designated TV port and matching output/input settings |
Choose based on the available ports, signal compatibility, where the audio originates, and whether you need to switch between a computer and TV. A cable or adapter must match the actual signal and port direction; do not buy a converter until you know what the source outputs and the speakers accept. If one speaker set needs to serve multiple sources, check whether it has suitable inputs or use a switching device designed for those connections.
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Quick Recap
Fix sound when the speakers do not work
- Check speaker power and input. Turn the speakers on, make sure they are not muted, and select AUX, USB, Bluetooth, optical, or HDMI ARC as appropriate.
- Check the signal path. Reseat both ends of the cable and confirm it runs from an audio output to a speaker input, not output-to-output.
- Select the intended playback device. In Windows or macOS, choose the connected speaker, USB device, Bluetooth speaker, HDMI device, or monitor as appropriate. Do not route sound to a display that cannot produce or pass it to connected speakers.
- Check volume and mute. Raise volume at the computer, the app, and the speakers or display. Check for app-specific mute controls, too.
- Test another connection. Try another USB port for USB speakers, or another cable or port if available. Disconnect headphones if they have switched the computer’s output.
- Check device availability and drivers. If the output is missing from settings, see whether it is disabled and whether the required driver is installed. For computer-specific audio hardware, use the computer maker’s driver support.
- Verify display support. If a monitor or TV output remains silent, confirm in the exact model manual that the port supports audio out and check the display’s sound-output settings.
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