Last Updated: on September 13, 2023 by Jack
When it comes to enjoying your favourite music, immersing yourself in a gaming session, or simply watching a movie in peace, you want to achieve the best possible sound you can get through your headphones. However, one common dilemma people face is whether to connect their headphones directly to their PC or through the monitor.
Answer: You should connect your headphones to your PC rather than your monitor if you have the choice.
Here are the benefits of both options and when you should look to use each one.
Benefits of Connecting Headphones To Your PC
Improved Audio Quality
The primary advantage of connecting your headphones directly to your PC is the potential for improved audio quality. You can bypass any audio processing your monitor performs by plugging your headphones into the PC audio jack or using a high-quality USB DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter). This means you get a cleaner, more accurate audio signal, which can make a significant difference, especially if you have high-end headphones.
If you have wireless headphones with Bluetooth connectivity, your options may differ.
If you’re a gamer, do professional work or are serious about music and need to get the absolute best out of your headphones, then the onboard audio from the PC should be your first choice.
Greater Control Over Audio Settings
Connecting your headphones to your PC gives you greater control over audio settings. Most PCs have extensive audio customization options, allowing you to adjust equalization, audio effects, and surround sound settings to your liking. This level of control can be especially valuable for audiophiles or gamers looking to fine-tune their audio experience.
Gaming, professional editing or music production may require audio settings to be tinkered with a bit, which the PC offers the best options for.
Compatibility with Various Applications and Software
Another advantage of connecting headphones to your PC is compatibility. Your PC is the central hub for various applications, from music players to video conferencing software and gaming platforms. Connecting your headphones directly to the PC ensures compatibility with all these applications without worrying about whether your monitor supports audio output for them.
In theory, you should have fewer compatibility issues using the PC, and it should be easier to diagnose and solve any audio problems.
Benefits of Connecting Headphones to Your Monitor
Cable Management and Convenience
Connecting headphones to your monitor can be a convenient option, especially if you have multiple devices connected to it, such as a gaming console or another computer. This approach reduces cable clutter on your desk since you don’t need to run a separate cable from your PC to your headphones. It simplifies your setup and provides a clean, organized look.
If your PC is quite far away, then the monitor is a great alternative for running your headphone cable to.
Ease of Switching Between Devices
If you frequently switch between using your PC and another device, like a gaming console or laptop connected to your monitor, connecting your headphones to the monitor can be more versatile. You can switch between audio sources without repeatedly unplugging and re-plugging your headphones, which can potentially damage the jack. All around, it’s just a more hassle-free experience when multiple devices are involved.
When you connect your headphones to your monitor, you can usually switch between audio sources with a simple button on the monitor or via its on-screen menu. This ease of switching can be a time-saver and is especially useful if you’re juggling various tasks or devices throughout the day.
On the other hand, if your PC is your primary and sole device, connecting headphones directly to that would make more sense.
Wrapping It All Up
We’ve established that the best audio option overall is to plug the headphones into the PC. Your PC is better equipped to handle sound than your monitor, as the monitor accepts signals from the PC and outputs them to the speakers.
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, though. It all depends on how you use your computer, the type of headphones you have, your device ecosystem, and your personal preferences.
Are you a dedicated gamer who spends hours immersed in gaming sessions? Do you use your computer primarily for professional work, video conferencing, or content creation? Or are you a casual user who enjoys a mix of music, movies, and web browsing?
If you’re still unsure which option is best for you, consider experimenting with both. Most modern computers and monitors allow for easy switching between audio sources. Experiment with both setups for a few days and consider factors like audio quality, convenience, and ease of use.
It might be the case that the audio difference is barely noticeable between the two, depending on the quality of your monitor and the onboard PC audio.