How To Connect Bluetooth Speakers To Monitor-3 Ways
By Robert Jones · 2022-11-02
Fed up with your monitor's rubbish speakers? I'll show you a few easy ways to hook up your Bluetooth speakers, so you can actually enjoy your films and tunes. It's not as tricky as you might think.
Right then, let's talk monitors and Bluetooth speakers. I know what you're thinking, "Why bother? My monitor's got speakers, or I've got a cheap set plugged in." And fair enough, most desktop setups do. But honestly, for anything more than a quick YouTube video, those built-in efforts are usually a bit rubbish. They're tinny, lack any sort of bass, and just generally make music or film soundtracks sound a bit… sad. I've had countless customers over the years, usually younger folk just getting into their first proper home setup, who've asked me about getting better sound from their computer. They've often already got a decent Bluetooth speaker for their phone, something like a portable Marshall or a Bose SoundLink. The idea of getting that richer, fuller sound from their monitor, without splashing out on a full wired desktop system, is quite appealing. And why not? It's a perfectly sensible question, especially if you're tight on space or just want to keep things neat and tidy. Now, it's not always as straightforward as you might hope, mind. Monitors aren't always built with Bluetooth in mind, not like a laptop or a phone. So, there are a few hoops to jump through. But with a bit of know-how and maybe a small bit of kit, you can absolutely get a proper good sound going. **Quick Verdict: Connecting Bluetooth speakers to your monitor is totally doable, but you might need an adapter or your PC to bridge the gap.** ### Why Bother with Bluetooth for Your Monitor? So, before we dive into the "how-to," let's have a quick chinwag about *why*. As I said, those dinky speakers built into monitors or even some cheaper soundbars are often just there for convenience. They'll do for system sounds, maybe a news report, but for music? Forget about it. You'll miss all the warmth, the detail, the thump that makes a track truly enjoyable. And for films? You might as well watch it with the sound off. * **Better Sound Quality:** This is the big one. Even a halfway decent Bluetooth speaker will likely sound miles better than your monitor's internal efforts. You'll get more bass, clearer mids, and highs that don't sound like they're being played through a tin can. If you're using your monitor for gaming, watching films, or just enjoying your Spotify playlists, this is a massive upgrade. * **Clutter-Free:** No more wires snaking across your desk. If you're already using a Bluetooth speaker for other devices, you can just pop it next to your monitor and you're done. Clean desk, clean mind, eh? * **Portability:** Fancy taking your speaker into the kitchen or garden while you're still working on the computer? No problem. Just disconnect and off you go. Not something you can do with a wired setup. * **Cost-Effective Upgrade:** If you already own a decent Bluetooth speaker, this method costs very little, perhaps just the price of a small adapter. Much cheaper than buying a whole new set of wired desktop speakers, especially if you're on a budget. ### Who it's for: * Anyone fed up with tinny monitor sound but doesn't want a full wired desktop speaker setup. * Gamers and movie buffs who want a more immersive sound without headphones. * Folks with limited desk space who want to keep things tidy. * People who already own a good Bluetooth speaker and want to get more use out of it. * Budget-conscious users looking for an audio upgrade without spending a fortune. ### Who should skip it: * True audio purists who demand lossless, uncompressed audio (Bluetooth isn't quite there yet). * Professional audio engineers needing absolute zero latency for mixing or monitoring. * Those who value rock-solid, always-on connections without any potential for interference (though rare, it can happen). * Users who already have a top-tier wired desktop speaker system they're happy with.  *How To Connect Bluetooth Speakers To Monitor-3 Ways — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Method 1: Connecting Via Your PC (The Easiest Way for Most) This is usually the path of least resistance, especially if your computer isn't too ancient. Most modern desktop PCs and pretty much all laptops come with Bluetooth built right in. If your monitor is plugged into your PC, and your PC can talk to the Bluetooth speaker, then the sound just passes through the PC to the speaker. Simple as that. ### What You'll Need: * A PC or laptop with built-in Bluetooth (most do these days). * Your Bluetooth speaker, fully charged or plugged in. ### The Process: 1. **Turn on your Bluetooth speaker and put it in pairing mode.** This usually involves holding down a dedicated Bluetooth button for a few seconds until an LED starts flashing. Check your speaker's manual if you're not sure. 2. **On your Windows PC:** * Click the **Start button** (the Windows icon). * Go to **Settings** (the cog icon). * Click on **Devices**, then select **Bluetooth & other devices** from the left-hand menu. * Make sure the **Bluetooth toggle** is set to "On". * Click **"Add Bluetooth or other device"**, then select **"Bluetooth"**. * Your PC will start scanning. After a moment, your speaker's name should appear in the list. Click on it. * It might ask for a PIN, but usually, it'll just connect. You'll see a confirmation message. 3. **On your Mac:** * Click the **Apple menu** in the top-left corner. * Select **System Settings** (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). * Click **Bluetooth** in the sidebar. * Make sure Bluetooth is "On". * Your Mac will scan for devices. When your speaker appears, click **Connect** next to its name. * Again, you might need a PIN, but usually, it's automatic. 4. **Set your Bluetooth speaker as the default audio output.** This is crucial. * **Windows:** Right-click the **speaker icon** in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar. Select **"Sound settings"**. Under "Output," click the dropdown menu and choose your Bluetooth speaker. Or, even easier, click the speaker icon once, and a volume slider will appear with a small arrow next to the current output device name. Click that arrow and select your Bluetooth speaker from the list. * **Mac:** Click the **Control Centre icon** (two toggles) in the top-right corner of your menu bar. Click on **Sound**. Under "Output," select your Bluetooth speaker. Alternatively, go back to **System Settings > Sound > Output** and pick it there. Once that's done, any sound coming from your PC – whether it's from a game, a YouTube video playing on your monitor, or your Spotify – will now route through your Bluetooth speaker. Marvellous, isn't it? ### Robert's Musings on PC Connections: Honestly, this is how most people will do it. It's reliable, doesn't usually cost anything extra, and modern Bluetooth (especially Bluetooth 5.0 and newer) has pretty good range and stability. I've had a few instances where customers have had older, budget PCs with dodgy internal Bluetooth modules, and they've had dropouts. In those cases, a cheap USB Bluetooth dongle (we're talking £10-£15) can solve it. Just plug it in, and Windows usually sorts out the drivers itself. Then you just use the new dongle's Bluetooth connection instead of the internal one. Easy peasy. One thing to remember: latency. For general listening, it's not an issue. But if you're a serious competitive gamer, even the smallest delay between seeing an action and hearing the sound might put you off. For those situations, wired headphones or a wired speaker setup will always be king. ## Method 2: Using a Bluetooth Transmitter (When Your PC or Monitor Lacks Bluetooth) Now, what if your PC doesn't have Bluetooth, or maybe you're using a console connected directly to your monitor, and you want that audio without involving a PC? This is where a Bluetooth transmitter comes in handy. Think of it as a little box that takes an audio signal (from a headphone jack or an optical port) and broadcasts it wirelessly to your Bluetooth speaker. ### What You'll Need: * A Bluetooth audio transmitter. You can pick these up on Amazon or from electronics shops for about £20-£50, depending on features. * A 3.5mm audio cable (stereo mini-jack) or an optical audio cable (TOSLINK), depending on your monitor's output and the transmitter's input. * Your Bluetooth speaker. ### The Process: 1. **Check your monitor's audio output.** Look for a 3.5mm headphone jack (it'll usually have a little headphone icon next to it) or an optical audio output (a square port, often labelled "Optical Out" or "SPDIF"). Most monitors will at least have the 3.5mm jack. 2. **Connect the transmitter to your monitor.** * If using 3.5mm: Plug one end of the 3.5mm cable into your monitor's headphone jack and the other end into the "audio input" on your Bluetooth transmitter. * If using optical: Plug the optical cable into your monitor's optical output and the other end into the transmitter's optical input. 3. **Power on the transmitter.** Most transmitters will have a USB power cable. You can plug this into a spare USB port on your monitor (if it has one), a USB port on your PC, or a USB wall adapter. 4. **Put the transmitter into pairing mode.** This is usually a button you hold down until an LED flashes. Consult the transmitter's manual. 5. **Put your Bluetooth speaker into pairing mode.** Again, hold the Bluetooth button until it flashes. 6. **Let them connect.** The transmitter and speaker should find each other and pair automatically. You'll usually see solid LEDs on both devices when they're successfully connected. 7. **Set your monitor's audio output.** If your monitor has an internal speaker, you'll need to tell it to output sound through its headphone or optical port. This is usually done in the monitor's on-screen display (OSD) menu. Look for a "Sound" or "Audio" section and select the appropriate output. If you're using the 3.5mm jack, simply plugging something in usually bypasses the internal speakers automatically. ### Robert's Musings on Transmitters: I've used loads of these over the years, both for customers and in my own workshop. They're brilliant for older gear or for setting up a dedicated audio link from something like a TV or a games console directly to a speaker without faffing with a PC. I even used one for a while to send audio from an old CD player to a portable speaker in my garage. Works a treat. The quality of transmitters can vary. Some cheap ones can introduce a bit of hiss or have a shorter range. Look for ones that support aptX Low Latency if you're worried about delay, especially for gaming or watching films where lip-sync is important. Brands like Taotronics, UGREEN, and Avantree usually make decent, affordable options. Expect to pay £25-£40 for a good one. Don't go for the absolute cheapest you can find, you'll regret it. ## Method 3: Using a Bluetooth-Enabled Monitor (The Rarest but Simplest) This is the holy grail, isn't it? A monitor with Bluetooth built right in. You just pair your speaker directly to the monitor, and you're done. No extra boxes, no cables beyond the power cord. Unfortunately, these are still pretty rare beasts in the monitor world. Monitors are primarily designed to display video and often pass audio through from the source (your PC, console, etc.). Adding Bluetooth means adding extra chipsets, antennae, and licensing costs, which most manufacturers skip to keep costs down. You'll typically only find this feature on higher-end professional displays, some "smart" monitors that are almost like TVs, or very specific multimedia models. ### What You'll Need: * A monitor with built-in Bluetooth (check the spec sheet very carefully!). * Your Bluetooth speaker. ### The Process: 1. **Turn on your Bluetooth speaker and put it in pairing mode.** 2. **Access your monitor's on-screen display (OSD) menu.** This is usually done with buttons on the monitor itself. Look for a "Settings" or "System" menu. 3. **Navigate to the Bluetooth section.** It might be under "Audio" or "Connectivity." 4. **Enable Bluetooth and initiate a scan for devices.** 5. **Select your Bluetooth speaker from the list** and confirm the connection. You might get a pairing code, but often it's automatic. 6. **Set the monitor's audio output to Bluetooth.** Again, this will be in the OSD menu under "Audio Output." ### Robert's Musings on Bluetooth Monitors: As I said, these are few and far between. If you're buying a new monitor and this is a must-have feature for you, then absolutely keep an eye out for it. But don't expect it to be standard. I've seen a few models from Samsung (their Smart Monitor range) and Dell that sometimes incorporate Bluetooth for peripherals or audio. But they're not your average office monitor. If you've got one, you're lucky! It's the cleanest solution by far. ## Potential Pitfalls & Troubleshooting Tips Nothing's ever perfect, is it? Here are a few common snags you might hit and how to sort 'em out. * **No Sound at All:** * **Volume:** Obvious, but check the volume on both your computer/monitor *and* your Bluetooth speaker. Sometimes one is turned down low. * **Output Device:** Double-check that your Bluetooth speaker is selected as the default audio output on your PC/monitor/transmitter. This is the most common culprit. * **Pairing:** Is the speaker actually paired and connected? Is the LED on the speaker solid (usually means connected) or flashing (usually means pairing mode)? If in doubt, unpair and re-pair. * **Cables:** If using a transmitter, are all the audio cables securely plugged in? Try wiggling them a bit. Are they plugged into the correct input/output ports? * **Power:** Is the speaker charged? Is the transmitter powered on? * **Audio Dropouts or Stuttering:** * **Interference:** Bluetooth can be affected by other wireless devices (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, cordless phones). Try moving your speaker or the transmitting device a bit further away from other electronics. * **Distance:** You might be too far from the source. Bluetooth range isn't infinite. Try moving the speaker closer. * **Obstacles:** Thick walls, metal objects, even your own body can interfere with the signal. Clear the line of sight if possible. * **Old Bluetooth:** If you're using an older PC or a very cheap dongle, the Bluetooth hardware might not be up to snuff. Consider a newer USB Bluetooth adapter for your PC or a better transmitter. * **Multiple Connections:** Some Bluetooth devices struggle when trying to maintain multiple connections simultaneously. Disconnect other Bluetooth devices from your PC/transmitter if you're having trouble. * **Lag/Latency (Sound is behind the picture):** * This is common with standard Bluetooth. If it's a real issue, look for a transmitter or speaker that supports **aptX Low Latency** (or similar low-latency codecs). Both the transmitting and receiving device need to support it for it to work. * For competitive gaming, honestly, a wired connection is always going to be best to avoid any perceptible delay. ## Comparison: Methods at a Glance | Feature | Method 1: Via PC | Method 2: Via Bluetooth Transmitter | Method 3: Bluetooth Monitor (Built-in) | | :------------------ | :------------------------- | :---------------------------------- | :------------------------------------- | | **Ease of Setup** | Very Easy | Moderate | Easiest | | **Cost** | Free (if PC has Bluetooth) | £20 - £50 | Included (but monitor costs more) | | **Compatibility** | Most modern PCs/laptops | Any monitor with audio output | Only specific, high-end monitors | | **Clutter** | Low | Low (one small box) | Very Low | | **Latency Risk** | Moderate | Can be low with aptX LL | Moderate | | **Who it's Best For** | Most users with a PC | Console gamers, older PCs, clean setups | Premium users, "Smart" monitor owners | ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ### Q: Can I use multiple Bluetooth speakers with my monitor at the same time? A: Generally, no, not directly. Standard Bluetooth only allows for one-to-one connections. Some newer Bluetooth speakers and transmitters support features like "Party Mode" or "Stereo Pairing" (e.g., from JBL, Bose, Sony), but this usually means pairing two *identical* speakers together for stereo sound, or linking several for multi-room audio, all controlled from a single source like your phone or a specific transmitter. Your PC or a generic transmitter usually won't manage multiple *different* Bluetooth speakers simultaneously. You'd need specialist hardware or software for that, and it's rare for monitor setups. ### Q: Will connecting Bluetooth speakers affect my monitor's performance? A: Not at all. Connecting speakers via Bluetooth (whether through your PC, a transmitter, or the monitor itself) is an audio function and has absolutely no impact on your monitor's display performance, refresh rate, or response time. The video signal and the audio signal are handled by different parts of the system. ### Q: What's the best Bluetooth codec for connecting to a monitor? A: If you have the choice, look for **aptX Low Latency (aptX LL)**. This is specifically designed to minimise the delay between audio and video, which is crucial for watching films or gaming. If aptX LL isn't available, standard **aptX** is a step up from the basic SBC codec. Most common Bluetooth devices use SBC, which is fine for music but can have noticeable latency for video. Both your transmitter (or PC's Bluetooth chip) and your speaker need to support the same advanced codec for it to work. ### Q: My monitor has an HDMI input. Can I get audio from that? A: Yes, absolutely. HDMI carries both video and audio. When you connect a device (like a games console, Blu-ray player, or even your PC) via HDMI to your monitor, the audio signal is embedded in that HDMI cable. If your monitor has a 3.5mm headphone jack or an optical output, it will usually extract that audio from the HDMI signal and send it out through those ports. This means you can then connect your Bluetooth transmitter (Method 2) to that output to get wireless sound from an HDMI source connected to your monitor. ### Q: Is there a significant sound quality difference between wired and Bluetooth connections? A: For most listeners, in a typical setup, the difference won't be night and day. Modern Bluetooth (especially with codecs like aptX HD or LDAC, though less common in monitor setups) is very good. However, a good quality wired connection (e.g., through a dedicated DAC and amplifier) will always offer the highest fidelity because it avoids the compression and potential interference inherent in wireless transmission. For casual listening and most gaming, Bluetooth is perfectly adequate. For critical listening or professional audio work, wired is still king. ## Final Word So there you have it, the long and short of getting some proper oomph out of your monitor's sound. Don't put up with those anaemic internal speakers, honestly. Life's too short for rubbish sound! Whether you go down the PC route, grab a trusty transmitter, or you're one of the lucky few with a fancy Bluetooth-enabled monitor, there's a solution for everyone. Just remember to check your connections, make sure your volumes are up, and don't be afraid to experiment a bit. It's not rocket science, and the reward of richer, clearer sound when you're working, gaming, or just chilling with a film is well worth the five minutes it takes to set up. Happy listening, folks!", seoTitle=