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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Yes, every PS4 model has a port labeled AUX, but it is not a normal 3.5 mm audio jack. Sony identifies the console’s AUX connector primarily with the PlayStation Camera. For ordinary headphones, use the 3.5 mm stereo headset jack on the DUALSHOCK 4 controller. TV and soundbar audio normally travels through HDMI; compatible consoles can also use optical or USB audio.
Sony’s PS4 specifications list the AUX connector separately from HDMI, optical audio and the controller’s stereo headset jack.
What the PS4 AUX port is actually for
“AUX” means auxiliary, but the label does not make this a universal analog audio input or output. On PS4, the connector on the back of the console is a dedicated peripheral connection associated with the PlayStation Camera. Sony’s original PS4 FAQ describes the auxiliary connector as reserved for that camera.
It is therefore not the same as the 3.5 mm AUX sockets found on cars, phones, stereo receivers and powered speakers. Do not force a headphone plug into it, connect a phone or MP3 player to it, or assume that a passive AUX-to-3.5 mm or AUX-to-USB adapter will convert it into an audio socket.
#1 Best Overall
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Where headphones connect
Plug a compatible wired headset into the stereo headset jack on the bottom of the DUALSHOCK 4 controller, not the console’s AUX port. A compatible combined TRRS headset can carry game audio, voice chat and microphone input. Headphones without a microphone provide audio only. Headsets with separate headphone and microphone plugs may need a correctly wired splitter; adapters are not interchangeable.
Send game audio to the headset
- Connect the headset fully to the DUALSHOCK 4.
- Open Settings on the PS4 home screen.
- Select Devices, then Audio Devices.
- Choose Output to Headphones.
- Change the default Chat Audio setting to All Audio for game sound and chat.
- Adjust headset volume in the same menu if necessary.
These labels and the menu path are documented by Sony at How to change the audio output on PS4.
Rank #2
- 2 in 1 Essential: DuKabel USB to aux adapter supports listening + speaking, dual functions. Easily adds a 3.5mm TRRS aux port (integrated microphone-in and audio out interface) to your devices. This stereo to usb adapter can work for your PC, PS4, PS5, Laptop, Desktop, and more. *DO NOT work for TV/Car/PS3/Truck etc.
- 0 to 1 Setup: The DuKabel USB audio adapter is super easy to setup. Simply plug and play. The USB port will be automatically recognized by system in seconds. No driver download required, no external power required.
- One for All Compatibility: Usb audio jack adapter support CTIA standards TRRS headsets and microphones. No system limitation. Support Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X, Linux, Google Chromebook, Windows Surface 3 pro, Raspberry Pi and PS4, PS5 etc.
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Choosing an audio connection for your goal
| Goal | Best first option | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Wired headphones or headset | DUALSHOCK 4 3.5 mm jack | The controller must be connected and working. |
| Wireless gaming headset | PS4-compatible headset with its supplied USB transmitter | Generic Bluetooth audio is not guaranteed to provide game and microphone support. |
| TV speakers | HDMI from PS4 to the television | TV audio settings determine how sound is handled. |
| Soundbar or AV receiver | HDMI; optical on models that include it | The PS4 Slim’s CUH-2000 series lacks an optical output. |
| Analog powered speakers | TV analog output or a compatible HDMI audio extractor | Extractor compatibility varies by HDCP, resolution, HDR and audio format. |
| PlayStation Camera | PS4 AUX port | This is the port’s principal documented use. |
| Optical headset or speakers | Console DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL), if fitted | Unavailable on CUH-2000 PS4 Slim models. |
Other PS4 audio paths
HDMI
HDMI carries digital audio and video to a TV, AV receiver or soundbar. For most living-room setups, connect the PS4 to the display or receiver with HDMI and configure audio on that equipment.
Optical audio
Original PS4 and PS4 Pro models include DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL). When the port is present, Sony’s menu path is Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings > Primary Output Port > DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL). The CUH-2000 series PS4 Slim does not have an optical digital output terminal, so identify a used or refurbished console by its CUH model number rather than appearance.
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Rank #3
- User-Friendly: Connect your wireless headphones to your PS5 or other gaming consoles with the UGREEN adapter and enjoy high-quality audio with no wires, drivers, or software required. Also Add Bluetooth audio capability (AUDIO devices ONLY, no data) with ease to your Desktop, Computer, iMac
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- Wide Compatibility: Easily transmit audio wirelessly from your USB-C ported PS5, Switch, or PC/Laptop to your Bluetooth headphones or speaker. Note: 1. Compatible for Windows/macOS, not compatible for Linux. 2. Not Compatible with PS4
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- Note: 1. Our product is not compatible with the PS5 Portal. 2. Our product is incompatible with AirPods Pro 2 and does not support the dual-device pairing feature
USB audio
A compatible USB headset or USB audio device can use a console USB port. Select the recognized device under Settings > Devices > Audio Devices. Compatibility, microphone support and available controls depend on the headset.
HDMI audio extraction
An HDMI audio extractor can split PS4 HDMI audio into analog or optical output for speakers that lack a suitable HDMI connection. Choose one whose documented HDMI version, HDCP behavior, 4K/HDR passthrough, refresh-rate limits and audio-format support match the entire setup. A cheap extractor is not automatically compatible with every display or protected video signal.
Rank #4
- 【USB external sound card audio adapter】This USB to aux adapter supports listening and speaking,Easily adds a 3.5mm TRRS aux port integrated microphone-in and audio out interface to your devices
- 【High Quality Sound】 Equipped with an advanced built-in DAC chip, this USB sound card supports both CTIA and OMIP standard headphones. This USB to Aux adapter delivers stable 16-bit/48kHz audio output and effective noise reduction, faithfully reproducing and enhancing the original sound quality. Note: The 3.5mm male microphone jack does not support TS or TRS connectors
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB to 3.5mm Jack Audio Adapter support TRRS headsets and microphones.USB male wide compatibility with Windows 10/9/8/7/Vista/XP,Linux,Mac OS X google Chromebook,Raspberry Pi, PS4,PS5 and Windows Surface 3 etc
- 【Plug and Play】USB Sound Adapter no driver required,USB headset adapter plug and play;the durable nylon braided cable of the USB audio adapter ensures stable transmission and allows you to use your 3.5mm headphones more conveniently.USB to 3.5 mm port will be automatically recognized by system in seconds
- 【Portable and Durable】USB to audio jack adapter is equipped with an aluminum shell.The nylon braided of the USB to 3.5mm jack audio adapter is more durable,smaller and lighter than other plastic shells and PVC cable USB audio adapter,ensuring a much longer lasting life
Common problems and fixes
“My cable does not fit the AUX port.”
That is expected: the console AUX connector is not designed for a normal 3.5 mm audio plug. Use the DUALSHOCK 4 headset jack or another supported output listed above.
“I hear chat but not game audio.”
Return to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices > Output to Headphones and select All Audio instead of Chat Audio. Also verify the volume, fully insert the plug and test another compatible headset if necessary.
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- 【Bluetooth 4.0】This USB Bluetooth Adapter for PS4 utilizes the cutting-edge Bluetooth 4.0 technology, providing seamless connectivity and superior performance. The Dongle Receiver and Transmitters Dongle ensure stable and reliable Bluetooth connections. With broad compatibility, it supports A2DP, HFP, and HSP profiles, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of audio options on your PlayStation console.
- 【Mini Size】This Bluetooth Adapter extremely small and space-saving USB Bluetooth adapter allows you to leave it on devices without blocking the surrounding USB ports. Just plug it into your laptop for PS4/PS5 and carry it anywhere.
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“The microphone is not detected.”
- Confirm the headset uses a compatible combined audio-and-microphone plug.
- Insert the plug completely and make sure the headset mute switch is off.
- Check the selected input device under Settings > Devices > Audio Devices.
- Inspect any splitter or adapter; wiring standards differ.
- Test another headset or controller to isolate a hardware fault.
“My PS4 has no optical port.”
Check the CUH model. CUH-2000 PS4 Slim consoles omit optical output. Use HDMI, the controller jack, compatible USB audio, the television’s output or an HDMI extractor instead.
“Can I use ordinary Bluetooth earbuds?”
Do not assume so. PS4 hardware includes Bluetooth functionality, but generic Bluetooth headphones are not guaranteed to work as plug-and-play game-and-chat devices. A wired controller headset, a PS4-compatible wireless headset with USB transmitter, or a manufacturer-supported transmitter is the safer choice.
Quick Recap
Console connectors at a glance
| Connector | Location | Typical function |
|---|---|---|
| AUX | Back of console | PlayStation Camera and related peripherals |
| Stereo headset jack | Bottom of DUALSHOCK 4 | Headphones, headset audio and microphone |
| HDMI OUT | Back of console | Digital video and audio |
| DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) | Back of supported models | Optical digital audio |
| USB | Front or back, by model | Compatible headsets, accessories, storage and charging |
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