How to Connect Wired Headphones to TV (Solved)

Most new TVs dropped the headphone jack, but you can still listen privately. If your TV has a 3.5mm output, plug straight in. If it only has optical or HDMI ARC, a small adapter — or your receiver’s headphone jack — gets you there. Here are the wired routes that actually work, from simplest to most flexible.

While a lack of audio inputs and outputs may not bother most people, it can be inconvenient for those who appreciate the convenience of plugging in a pair of headphones to their TV’s 3.5mm headphone socket.

Even if your new TV lacks audio outputs and a USB adapter isn’t an option, there are lots of alternative ways to get TV sound into your headphones.

From wired headphone to wireless headphone to best bluetooth headphones, here’s a comprehensive look at all of your alternatives.

How to Connect Wired Headphones to TV

There are plenty of other easy ways to get TV sound to your headphones without running a wire across the room, which we’ll cover in detail below. However, if your setup allows for wired headphones — that is, you’ll be sitting close enough to the TV or audio device — there are a few solid options for plugging in.

1. Adapters

To connect using an adapter, you must first determine what type of audio output your TV has. There should be an audio output on the back or side of your TV, near the other connections.

There may be a 3.5mm (standard headphone) output on older televisions, making it simple to plug and play. Older models, on the other hand, typically have stereo RCA audio connections, which need an RCA-to-3.5mm female adapter, such as this one from Amazon.

This type of setup is straightforward and inexpensive, but it isn’t ideal for most situations – after all, you don’t want a long wire snaking through the middle of your living room.

Newer televisions are a bit trickier. Many TV makers dropped analog outputs in favor of digital optical outputs a long time ago. The result is a tiny, square-shaped port, often glowing with red light (or covered by a rubber cap). For this setup, you’ll need a digital-to-analog converter (DAC).

A DAC gives you a 3.5mm headphone port and converts the digital signal into audio your headphones can play. Again, you’ll probably need a headphone extension cable so you can sit back and relax.

2. Connecting to the remote control of a streaming device

Another, more practical option is to plug your headphones into your streaming device’s remote, if it has a headphone jack. If you’ve been thinking about getting a set-top box, now is the time. The Roku Ultra’s remote includes a built-in headphone jack for private listening, and some Roku TV remotes (like the TCL 6-Series remote) have one too. Note: current Nvidia Shield TV remotes don’t include a headphone jack — only the 2017 original did.

The only downside to this approach is that you’ll only hear audio from your streaming device. If you watch TV mostly through a cable box, this option won’t help.

3. Using external audio devices to connect

A/V receivers and even external speakers usually have a jack for plugging in headphones. This is especially useful if you have multiple source devices (e.g., a cable box or antenna, a streaming device, etc.).

Check whether your gear has a headphone output, or use one of the adapter setups described above (such as the RCA or digital optical adapters). Most A/V receivers have a quarter-inch headphone jack on the front that works with a simple adapter.

4. Extension cords

If your TV has a conventional 3.5mm headphone port, you’re in luck, but you’ll still need an extra wire. Most headphones have short cords because they are designed with the assumption that you will be near a computer, smartphone, or tablet. This isn’t ideal for viewing TV because it can put you far too close to the screen for comfort. If this is the case, we recommend purchasing a headphone extension cable.

5. Using Radio Frequency Headphones

The base charging station plugs into your TV or another audio device, but the connection types of your TV and the charging station must be compatible.

Check the connection types, since you may need an adapter to hook everything up. However, using RF headphones is a great way to Connect your headphones wirelessly with considerably less latency than a Bluetooth headset.

6. A Headphone Jack on your TV or another device may be available

Some televisions include headphone ports, allowing you to connect any headphones with the standard 3.5mm audio connector to them. Simply plug in the headphones and go; however, you may need to change your audio output settings to have the TV deliver the audio through the headphone port. This technique is convenient since it distributes all of the TV’s audio through the headphones, regardless of where it comes from.

If you’re watching TV using a cable set-top box, the cable box may feature a headphone jack. Check your devices to see what’s available.

Final Thoughts on How to Connect Wired Headphones to TV

Connecting your headphones to your TV makes viewing more personal and immersive. If you have Bluetooth headphones or a wireless headset and a smart TV or Apple TV, connecting is easy! And if you have wired headphones, the options above will get you connected just as easily.

Connecting your headphones to the TV can also make your viewing more discreet, so if you want to stay up late to watch a movie or listen to a televised music concert, you can do so without disturbing your partner or anyone else in the house. Connecting your headphones gives you good sound quality and truly private listening!

The first step is to determine whether your TV has Bluetooth connectivity. If it does, pairing wireless headphones is easy. We also recommend choosing headphones that work with your Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, or TV speakers — with Bluetooth support that makes them a solid gaming headset!

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