The Different Types of Headphones You Can Connect to Your TV

headphones you can connect to tv

Whether you’re someone who watches a lot of TV or you want to enjoy the best audio experience possible, headphones are an essential accessory. Headphones allow you to listen at a volume that’s comfortable for you, while also providing the ability to share the TV listening experience with others in your home. The type of headphones you choose depends on what type of television you have and your preference for wired or wireless connections.

The simplest way to connect headphones to your tv is through a wired connection. Most older TVs will have a standard 3.5mm headphone jack that you can plug your headphones into directly. Newer TVs will need a digital audio-to-analog audio adapter or an RCA-to-3.5mm adapter, but these are inexpensive and easy to find at any electronics store. The only disadvantage to this method is that you’ll need a cable long enough to let you watch TV from a comfortable distance from your headphones.

Many media streamers and gaming consoles have a Bluetooth jack, which you can use to connect wireless headphones to your tv. This option is especially useful if you’re using a Roku or Amazon Fire TV Stick. In addition, the latest consoles from Xbox and Playstation have a 3.5mm jack, as do some Chromecast devices. Check the documentation for your device to determine if it supports Bluetooth or a compatible wireless protocol like aptX Adaptive.

There are two types of wireless headphones you can connect to your tv: Bluetooth and RF-style. Bluetooth headphones work out of the box with most TVs and don’t require a transmitter base, but they generally have a shorter battery life. RF-style headphones, on the other hand, have a longer battery life and low latency. They do, however, require a receiver base that you wire into your TV to transmit audio.

Most smart TVs can pair directly with Bluetooth headphones, but you’ll need to know the specifics of your TV’s audio settings to enable this feature. Most modern TVs have a Bluetooth menu that can be accessed through the main screen, usually under the Settings or System settings. If you can’t find a Bluetooth menu, check the manual for your TV or ask an assistant to help.

If you’re having trouble getting your headphones to connect to your TV, try restarting the TV and the headphones. Other devices that use a wireless protocol like your Wi-Fi router or smartphone can interfere with the audio signal, and Bluetooth is susceptible to interference from solid objects like walls and furniture. Try moving the headphones closer to your TV and turning off other wireless devices in the room to eliminate these problems.

If you’re a fan of Dolby Atmos, a pair of headphones with support for the format is an excellent choice. The Sennheiser RS 185 wireless headphones are a great example, as they offer premium open-back sound quality that can compete with the sound of some home theater systems. They’re also available in an under-chin design that makes them more comfortable for people with hearing impairments or who wear glasses or hearing aids.