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To hear audio through an external monitor, the display must have built-in speakers or an audio output connected to speakers or headphones, and the computer-to-monitor connection must support audio. Then select the intended playback device in your computer’s sound settings and check volume and mute controls on every device in the chain.
First, check whether the monitor can produce sound
A monitor does not necessarily have speakers. Check its specifications or manual for built-in speakers. If it has none, selecting the monitor as your computer’s audio output will not make sound come from the display. Instead, select the computer’s speakers or headphones, or connect speakers or headphones to a monitor audio output if it has one. Microsoft explains how to choose a playback device in Windows.
Look at the monitor’s ports and identify their direction. An audio input and an audio output are not interchangeable: an output may feed headphones or external speakers, while an input is intended to receive audio. Check the monitor manual to learn what a particular jack supports. Apple’s guidance also covers speakers connected to a computer or display audio output.
Make sure the connection can carry audio
HDMI and DisplayPort commonly carry audio, but sound depends on the source device, monitor, cable, adapters, and any dock in the path. Confirm that the specific ports and equipment in your setup support audio. For HDMI or DisplayPort, ASUS recommends matching the connection type at both ends, such as HDMI to HDMI or DisplayPort to DisplayPort.
#1 Best Overall
- 【HDMI Audio Extractor】The HDMI audio extractor can extract audio from HDMI signal and transmit it to AV receiver through optical or 3.5mm Cable.(Note: Devices do not support ARC and eARC.TV is not supported as the input source，otherwise product doesn't p video.)
- 【3 modes】2.0CH, 5.1CH and PASS mode. Select 3.5mm stereo output, please use 2.0CH mode. Select optical output, please use 5.1CH mode. When you use the first and two modes and find that no audio and video signal is output, use the pass mode.
- 【4K Ultra-HD with HDMI 1.4V】HDMI audio converter up to 10.2G bandwidth, support HDCP1.4,4K@30Hz RGB / YUV4:4:4 Ultra high definition image quality. The optical output supports DTS 5.1. The 3.5mm output supports PCM2.0. The audio splitter does not support 7.1 channels.Note: Fire TV, Apple TV, PS4/5 etc. only support 1080p format signals and do not support 4K
- 【Low energy consumption】HDMI audio splitter has a low energy consumption,only requires the USB port to be connected to the 5V-USB port of another device to work. Or use your other 5V-USB power adapter
- 【Wide Compatibility & Plug and Play】Suitable for various HDMI source devices without dedicated audio output as well as Blu-ray/ DVD/ HD player, cable/satellite box, Amazon Fire TV, PS4,PS5, Xbox, PC/laptop etc
Do not assume that VGA, DVI, USB-C, or a particular adapter or dock carries audio. Their capabilities vary by model and implementation. Dell’s audio guidance and Microsoft’s DisplayPort troubleshooting notes illustrate why the exact hardware and connection matter.
Select the monitor or another playback device
Windows 11 and Windows 10
- Open Start > Settings > System > Sound.
- Under Output, select the device you want to use for playback. Depending on your setup, it may appear as the monitor, an HDMI or DisplayPort audio device, computer speakers, or headphones.
- Raise the computer’s volume and make sure it is not muted. If the monitor has no speakers, select speakers or headphones that can actually produce sound.
These Windows steps are documented by Microsoft Support.
Rank #2
- Supported Resolution: Video Pass-through Up to 4K @ 50/60Hz (YUV4:4:4), DOES NOT SUPPORT 1440@120hz, 4K @ 30Hz, 1080P @ 120Hz and 1080P 3D @ 60Hz. Supported Audio: LPCM 2/5.1/7.1CH, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X.
- Supports HDMI High Bit Rate(HBR) audio pass through & CEC Bypass| HDMI 2.b (18Gbps), HDCP 2.2 and DVI compliant, NO ARC SUPPORT. The device comes with a dual voltage supply using a US plug, and an adapter/converter is provided for international use
- Dolby Digital & DTS Support – Supports LPCM 2CH, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS audio formats via optical output. Enjoy reliable surround sound performance for home theater systems
- 18Gbps Bandwidth with HDR Pass-Through – Maintains full 4K Ultra HD resolution with 10-bit HDR support. Ensures no video degradation while splitting audio from your HDMI source
- Wide Compatibility & Plug-and-Play – Compatible with Blu-ray players, PS5, Xbox, PCs, streaming devices like Apple TV, Fire TV Stick,and Roku.HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.2 compliant with a durable metal housing for home or commercial AV setups
macOS
- Open the Apple menu > System Settings > Sound.
- Select the desired device under the sound output options.
- If you are using speakers connected to the computer or a display audio output, turn them on and adjust their volume.
Menu labels can vary by macOS release. See Apple’s instructions for Mac sound output.
If the monitor is selected but you hear nothing
- Check mute and volume on the computer, monitor, and any connected speakers or headphones. Some monitor audio controls are in the display’s own menu.
- Confirm that the monitor has speakers, or that speakers or headphones are connected to a supported audio output.
- Reseat the cable and check the exact ports, cable, adapter, and dock specifications for audio support.
- On Windows, reselect the intended output. If it remains silent, try turning off audio enhancements and test again.
Microsoft’s Windows troubleshooting guidance covers output selection, volume, and audio enhancements. A persistent issue may depend on the particular driver, adapter, monitor, or operating-system version; consult the manuals for the devices in your setup.
Rank #3
- 【Wide Compatibility】Works with various HDMI players, such as Roku or Chromecast without dedicated audio output, and Blu-ray/DVD/HD players, cable/satellite boxes, PS3/4, PS4 Pro, PS5 Xbox, Fire TV, HD camera, HD DVR, etc.Note: Devices do not support ARC and eARC. TV is not supported as the input source,otherwise product doesn't work.)
- 【4k 3D HDMI Audio Extractor】High performance and multifunction high definition audio extractor, can extract audio signals from HDMI high definition signals into power amplifier system to achieve audio effects that difficult to achieve with TV speakers. This HDMI audio extractor supports 3D stereo imaging technology, giving you an immersive and breathtaking visual experience(Requires your input and output devices to support 3D).
- 【Light Weight】Easy installation and smaller size. Normally no external power adapter is required. Plug and play. For some devices with a low power HDMI port (like PS4, PS4 Slim and other Sony devices), please use a USB adapter or other device's USB port to charge it (free USB cable included in the package).
- 【High Resolution】HDMI audio converter, convert HDMI input to HDMI output and R/L analog audio output, audio output supports R/L analog audio output, input resolution up to 4Kx2K@30Hz, can realize audio signal synchronous separation. The picture is more vivid and the visual effect is better.
- 【Package】Each product accessories include 1 x HDMI Audio Splitter,1 x USB Power Supply Cable,1xAudio cable,1x 4K HDMI cable,1 x Manual. Reminder: If you have any questions that need to be consulted, you can contact us at any time.
If the audio output is missing from Windows
- Open Device Manager and expand Sound, video and game controllers.
- If the relevant device is listed but disabled, enable it. If it is not listed, use Device Manager’s option to show hidden devices, then scan for hardware changes.
- If it still does not appear, install the current audio driver from your computer or sound-card manufacturer and restart the computer.
Follow Microsoft’s instructions for a missing or undetected Windows audio output. Microsoft’s cited guidance covers Windows 10 and 11; Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so consider which version you are using when following support steps.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 8K HDMI Audio Extractor: Designed to extract audio from any HDMI-compliant source and convert it to Optical (S/PDIF) or high-quality stereo 3.5mm audio output. Input: 1× HDMI | Output: 1× HDMI ARC, 1× L/R Audio Out, 1× Optical Out (S/PDIF).
- DOES NOT SUPPORT eARC: Supports video pass-through up to 8K @ 50/60Hz, 4K @ 120Hz (YUV 4:4:4), 4K @ 30Hz, 1080P @ 120Hz, and 1080P 3D @ 60Hz. HDMI 2.1 protocols supported — ALLM, QMS, QFT, SBTM, HLG Pass-through, Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR+. Supported Audio: LPCM 2/5.1/7.1CH, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X.
- High Bandwidth & ARC Support: Supports 48 Gbps FRL and 18 Gbps TMDS video bandwidth. Features HDMI High Bit Rate (HBR) audio pass-through and CEC bypass. HDMI 2.1 | HDCP 2.3 | DVI Compliant | Supports ARC. NOTE: Volume cannot be controlled using the TV’s remote. The device comes with a dual voltage supply using a US plug, and an adapter/converter is provided for international use.
- HDMI 2.1 Cable Required: HDMI Input supports Computer, Laptop, PS5, PS4, PS3, Xbox, Blu-ray DVD Player, and STB devices. HDMI Video Output supports Projectors, HDTVs, Monitors, and Screens. Heavy-duty metal enclosure ensures efficient heat dissipation and durability; compact size allows easy plug-and-play installation.
- Package Includes: 100-240V 50/60 Hz auto-switching power supply (worldwide use), HDA-913 Audio Extractor, User Manual, Lifetime OREI Tech Support, and 12-Month Manufacturer’s Warranty.
Rank #4
- 4K@30Hz HDMI to HDMI audio extractor converter box in durable metal housing
- Supports HDMI source devices without dedicated audio output
- Supports two channel left-right or SPDIF stereo output and uncompressed and compressed audio
- Supports up to 4k video resolution; 8-bit 4K (30 Hz), 12-bit 1080p (60 Hz), or 12-bit 720p/1080i (60 Hz), plus 3D formats
- Compatible with devices such as Blue-ray, DVD/HD/DVR players, cable/satellite, PS3/4, Xbox, PC/laptop, HD cameras and more
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
