Most TVs offer some mix of five audio outputs: HDMI eARC (older sets have an earlier version of it), optical, a 3.5mm headphone output, red and white RCA outputs on older sets, and Bluetooth. HDMI eARC is the best all-rounder for powered speakers, because it carries the sound and usually lets the TV remote control the volume. Optical is a reliable second choice, and the analogue outputs and Bluetooth fill the gaps when nothing else fits.
Where do you find the audio outputs on a TV?
They are usually on the back panel or on a side panel, grouped with the other connections. An HDMI connection that supports sound back from the TV is marked eARC, or with the older audio return label on earlier sets. Optical is a small square opening, often with a protective flap, and may be labelled digital audio out. The headphone output is a small round connection with a headphone symbol, and older sets may have a pair of red and white RCA outputs marked audio out.
Bluetooth has no physical connection. You find it in the TV’s sound settings, if the set supports it.
What is HDMI eARC, and which speakers suit it?
eARC stands for enhanced Audio Return Channel. It lets the TV send its sound back down an HDMI cable to your speakers, so everything you watch comes through one connection. Because HDMI also carries control signals, the TV remote can normally adjust the speaker volume, and the speakers can switch on and off with the TV.
Older TVs have the original version of the same feature, with less capacity, which matters mostly for high-resolution surround formats. For a stereo pair, either version does the job. If you have powered speakers with an HDMI eARC input, this is the connection to use. Our guide to connecting speakers to a TV over HDMI walks through the setup.
When should you use the optical output?
Optical sends digital audio as pulses of light through a thin cable. It is common on TVs, simple to connect and free from electrical interference. It is a good fallback when your speakers lack HDMI eARC or the TV’s audio return connection is already in use.
The main difference is control. Optical carries sound only, so the TV remote usually cannot change the speaker volume, and you use the speakers’ own remote instead. If you hear nothing over optical, check the TV’s digital audio output setting, and try switching it to PCM. For a fuller comparison, read our HDMI and optical comparison.
Can you use the TV headphone output for speakers?
Yes. The 3.5mm headphone output sends an analogue signal that any powered speakers with a 3.5mm or aux input can accept, often through a simple 3.5mm cable or a 3.5mm to RCA cable. This is the classic answer for speakers for a TV without Bluetooth, HDMI eARC or optical.
A few points are worth knowing. On many TVs the headphone output mutes the built-in speakers when it is in use, and the TV remote then sets the volume. On others the level is fixed, so you set the volume on the speakers instead. Check the TV’s sound menu, where you can often choose how this output behaves.
What about RCA outputs on older TVs?
Older sets often have red and white RCA outputs, the right and left channels of an analogue stereo signal. They connect to powered speakers with RCA inputs or to an amplifier driving passive speakers. The level is usually fixed, so volume is set on the speakers or the amplifier. If you are unsure which kind of speaker you need, our guide to powered vs passive speakers explains the difference.
Is Bluetooth a good way to connect speakers to a TV?
It is convenient, with no cable between the TV and the speakers. The trade-off is that Bluetooth can add a short delay, which can leave voices slightly behind lip movements. Many TVs offer an audio sync setting to help. For films and everyday viewing, a wired connection such as HDMI eARC or optical is usually the more dependable choice, with Bluetooth kept for music or for TVs without other options. Our guide to the best kind of speakers for a TV helps you choose a pair once you know your outputs.
Which outputs do uStream speakers connect to?
A pair of uStream Three, uStream Two, uStream One or uStream Cube speakers connects to a TV through HDMI eARC. With the uStream One and uStream Cube, your TV remote then does the controlling. The uStream Three, uStream Two and uStream One also take optical and RCA connections, and the uStream Three, uStream One and uStream Cube have a 3.5mm input. On the uStream Three and uStream Two, every input sits on the left speaker, so whatever your TV plays comes through your pair.
Frequently asked questions
What audio outputs do TVs have?
Most modern TVs have an HDMI eARC connection (or an earlier version of it), an optical output and often a 3.5mm headphone output. Many also support Bluetooth. Older sets may have red and white RCA outputs.
How do I connect speakers to a TV without Bluetooth?
Use HDMI eARC, optical or the headphone output, depending on what your TV and speakers both offer. HDMI eARC is the simplest if both have it.
Can I connect speakers to the TV headphone output?
Yes. Powered speakers with a 3.5mm or aux input work with it. Check the TV’s sound menu to see whether the output level is fixed or follows the TV remote.
Is HDMI eARC better than optical for speakers?
For most people, yes, because the TV remote can control the volume. Sound quality for stereo is similar on both.
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