How to Connect Speakers to Xbox Series X? Easy Guide

To enhance your overall gaming experience, you can connect a speaker to your Xbox Series X.

Despite Microsoft’s decision to remove the optical audio output from the recently introduced Xbox, you may still attach a speaker to your new console.

When it comes to game consoles, people want to connect their peripherals. So here’s how to hook up a speaker to your Xbox Series X now that that’s taken care of.

How to Connect Speakers to Xbox Series X

Since the Xbox Series X has limited audio input and output options, it is the only way to attach a speaker.

You may connect an HDMI audio extractor to your computer using the best cable to capture the audio from your games and apps.

Afterward, you may attach your speaker to the correct cable. Then, play your Xbox Series X games with a lot more ambient sound.

One important thing is that if you have a speaker with a terrible sound, you will not enjoy it, so I have put all my effort into finding the best Speakers for Xbox Series X.

My recommendation for you is the Polk Audio T Series 5. That is because Every part of this speaker was made by Polk and had their unique Dynamic Balance Technology. 

This speaker configuration has a much broader coverage area and much-reduced distortion. The outcome is harmonious, enveloping music that seems to come from all directions.

Finally, the designers of this technology went with a classic aesthetic. These speakers blend nicely with your Xbox Series X rather than calling attention to themselves. They are adaptable to a wide variety of decor styles.

speakers for xbox series x

Xbox Series X Speaker audio settings

According to the official Xbox support page, you may customize the audio output of your Xbox Series X Speakers by selecting from several different options.

HDMI audio, optical audio, and Bitstream audio fall under this category. So you’d have more control over the Xbox Series X’s audio if you tweak those settings.

But if you want to hear the noises even more clearly, you may want to invest in some gaming headphones.

Video Guide: How do I connect speakers to my Xbox X Series?


Here’s how to connect your Xbox Series X to a soundbar.

It is a feature that Microsoft decided to remove from the Xbox Series S and Series X consoles as they were being created. According to the manufacturer, the reason for this is that the port was underutilized by gamers and so freed up space on the new consoles.

If you don’t have an HDMI ARC-enabled soundbar or TV, you’ll need to get one first: an Xbox X or S.

  1. Connect your console’s HDMI output to one of the soundbar’s HDMI input ports.
  2. Connect the soundbar to the television with a second HDMI cable, using the ARC or eARC connectors on both devices to ensure that both devices are properly connected.
  3. On a soundbar with only one HDMI port,
  4. Use one of the eARC connectors to connect the Xbox Series X or Series S to your TV’s HDMI input.
  5. Use an additional HDMI cable to connect the soundbar to the television using ARC- or eARC-enabled ports on both devices.
  6. If your soundbar and TV do not have ARC-enabled connections but do have optical ports:
  7. Connect the Xbox X or XS to your TV’s HDMI port.
  8. Connect the soundbar to your TV using an optical cable.

Setup for surround sound depends on the type of surround sound your soundbar can offer, as well as your connection method. HDMI is the only way to acquire Dolby Atmos; therefore, you can’t use optical.

Open your Xbox’s Settings menu if you want to use a non-Dolby Atmos soundbar. Then go to General > Volume & Audio Output to adjust the volume. Then, dependent on your hardware, select an audio format:

  • Without surround sound: Stereo Uncompressed is the best option.
  • HDMI and surround sound: Select either 5.1 Uncompressed or 7.1 Uncompressed as your preferred format.
  • Surround and optical soundbar Decide between DTS Digital Surround and Dolby Digital as the output format by selecting Bitstream Out.

FAQs – How to Connect Speakers to Xbox Series X

Can you connect external speakers to Xbox Series X?

It is possible to remove the audio from the HDMI cable (from your Xbox) and connect an optical one. Afterward, you can connect the Optical connection to your Mixer or Speakers.

Does Xbox Series X have audio output?

Here’s why the Xbox Series X will not include an optical audio port: Many gamers have invested in a high-end headset and use the optical audio connector on their current consoles, which is not available on the Xbox Series X.

Can you plug speakers into Xbox One controller?

Choose from the adapter, a stereo headset that comes with an adapter from Microsoft, a soundbar, a receiver that supports optical or HDMI cables, or even a television or monitor with built-in speakers if you don’t want to buy an adapter.

Does the Xbox One have an audio jack?

You’ll need an HDMI to HDMI + audio adapter, which you can find below if your Xbox One s doesn’t have a 3.5mm audio output. You will use the HDMI connector on your Xbox, and you’ll get both HDMI and audio output.

How do I connect my 3.5 mm jack to my Xbox One?

Plugin the stereo headset adapter to the controller’s expansion port, as shown in the picture. Using the adapter’s 3.5 mm jack, attach the stereo headset. You can change the level of the sound and microphone using the buttons on the adapter itself. Launch the Xbox One.