How To Use a Roku With a Computer Monitor, No Speakers? No Problem!

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In this guide, I will show you how to use your Roku with a computer monitor, whether it has speakers or not, to ensure you have the best streaming experience.

Let’s get started!

How To Connect Your Roku to a Computer Monitor

Connecting your Roku streaming device to a TV is common, but did you know that many modern computer monitors can also be used with Roku?

This is possible because these monitors have HDMI input ports.

I’ll show you how to do it with my Roku Express 4K and a CM2406H monitor. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Plug your Roku into a power outlet using its micro-USB cable.

Step 2: Use an HDMI cable to connect your Roku to the monitor.

Make sure to insert the cable into the monitor’s HDMI input port.

Step 3: Switch the input source setting on your monitor to the HDMI option that your Roku is connected to.

Step 4: When you see the Roku’s main screen on the monitor, use the Roku remote control to start streaming your favorite shows or movies.

In my case, my monitor has built-in speakers, which means I can easily adjust the volume directly on the monitor.

This is great for listening to music or watching YouTube videos with sound.

If your monitor doesn’t have built-in speakers, there’s no need to worry. 

You can find solutions for this in the section ‘5 Best Solutions for Monitors Without Built-in Speakers‘ below.

And if you’re in the market for a new monitor, I recommend the HP 24mh FHD monitor. 

It’s an excellent choice because it has built-in speakers and uses IPS technology, ensuring you get vibrant visuals and high-quality images.

The monitor provides consistent color and quality across an ultra-widescreen, offering a panoramic viewing experience with a 178° horizontal and vertical angle.

Last update on 2024-12-22 / Paid Link.

5 Best Solutions for Monitors Without Built-in Speakers

1. Use the Monitor’s Audio Out Port (If It Has One)

One of the best solutions is to use the monitor’s headphone out port like the LG 27UP600-W monitor I use below.

This port allows you to connect devices like headphones, external speakers, or a soundbar, to your monitor, which can greatly enhance your audio experience.

To make this connection, you’ll need a 3.5mm audio cable.

A good option for this is the Syncwire 3.5mm Nylon Braided Aux cable, which is known for its durability and quality performance.

Last update on 2024-12-22 / Paid Link.

2. Use the HDMI Audio Extractor

In case your monitor lacks internal speakers or a headphone jack, there’s an easy solution.

Simply use an HDMI audio extractor. This device allows you to connect external speakers, a soundbar, or headphones to your monitor for enhanced audio.

Last update on 2024-12-22 / Paid Link.

The HDMI audio extractors also work well if you want to connect a gaming console (PS3, PS4, Xbox), Blu-ray or DVD players, and video camera to a computer monitor without speakers.

Here’s how to use Roku on a monitor without speakers via an HDMI audio extractor:

Step 1: Plug the audio extractor into a power outlet using a USB cord and adapter.

Step 2: Connect your Roku device to the audio extractor via the HDMI input using an HDMI cable.

Step 3: Plug external speakers into the extractor Audio out using a 3.5mm audio cable. Alternatively, you can plug in headphones.

Step 4: Use another HDMI cable to connect the monitor to the HDMI output of the audio extractor.

3. Use the Roku Mobile App

You can use the Roku Mobile app to connect your Roku device to your smartphone. 

This connection allows you to listen to the audio from your Roku through your phone’s speaker, thanks to a handy feature known as private listening. 

To set this up, just follow a few simple steps:

Step 1: Ensure that both your phone and Roku device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Download and open the Roku Mobile app on your phone.

Use this link for iPhones and this link for Android phones.

Step 3: Choose Devices, then tap on your Roku device’s name to establish a connection. 

In my case, I connected to my Roku Ultra.

Step 4: Once your phone is connected to your Roku device, click on the Remote icon within the app.

Step 5: The final step involves activating the private listening feature. 

To do this, simply tap on the Headphone icon that appears on your phone’s screen.

Now, you can enjoy listening to your Roku’s audio content right from your phone’s speaker.

Alternatively, you can plug headphones into your phone. This setup is particularly useful if you wish to watch something without disturbing those around you.

4. Connect Roku to Bluetooth Headphones or Speakers

You can enhance your viewing experience by connecting your Roku to Bluetooth headphones, speakers, or soundbars.

This feature allows for an immersive sound quality while watching your favorite shows and movies.

However, it’s important to note that this functionality is available only on select Roku models, including:

• Roku Streambar
• Roku Streambar Pro
• Roku Ultra (models 4800 and 4802)
• Roku Ultra LT (model 4801)

Here’s how I connect my Roku Ultra to a Bluetooth soundbar, using my monitor as the display screen:

Step 1: Start on your Roku’s Home screen. 

Go to Settings and select Remotes & devices.

Step 2: Then, click on Wireless headphones. 

From the list of devices that appear, choose your soundbar.

In my case, I named my Bluetooth soundbar as ‘Dining Room speaker.’

Step 3: To complete the setup, simply hit Connect.

Your Roku will then be linked to your soundbar, offering you a fantastic audio experience for your shows and movies.

5. Plug Headphones Into the Roku Remote

Some Roku remotes have a neat feature: a 3.5mm audio output port.

This port allows you to connect headphones directly to the remote.

It’s great for enjoying your favorite shows privately without disturbing others. 

I’ve used this feature, and it really does enhance my listening experience.

However, it’s important to remember that not all Roku remotes come equipped with this audio output port. 

This special feature is available in specific models like the Roku Voice Remote Pro. 

Last update on 2024-12-23 / Paid Link.

You’ll find this remote included with devices such as the Roku Streambar Pro, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+, and the Roku Ultra.

If you have one of these models, you’re all set for some personal listening time!

Bonus: How To Use Roku TV As a Computer Monitor Wirelessly

In case you’re looking to expand your work area or enhance your TV viewing experience, you can transform your Roku TV into a wireless computer monitor.

This cool and flexible feature is not only easy to set up but also works if you have a standard TV connected to a Roku device.

Let me guide you through the straightforward steps I used with my TCL Roku TV:

Step 1: The first thing to do is to connect your Roku TV and computer to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: On your computer, simultaneously press the Windows key and the P key.

This action will bring up a menu where you should select Connect to a wireless display.

Step 3: A list of devices will appear. From this list, choose your TV’s name to begin connecting your computer to your TV.

Step 4: When the below message pops up on your TV, click Allow to complete the setup.

And there you have it. Your computer screen should now be displayed on your Roku TV.

This setup allows you to enjoy streaming, web browsing, or working on big projects with the added convenience and excitement of a larger, wireless screen. 

FAQs:

1. Can You Plug Roku Into a Laptop?

The answer is yes, you absolutely can! 

To make this happen, you’ll need two things: an HDMI capture card and OBS software. 

Think of the HDMI capture card as a bridge that connects your Roku to your laptop, and OBS software as the tool that lets them communicate with each other.

If you’re looking for more information on how to do this, we’ve got you covered. We have a detailed article that explains the process. 

Although the article uses the Fire Stick as an example, don’t worry – the same steps apply to your Roku. Just click here to dive into the details and get started

2. Can You Connect Roku to a DisplayPort Monitor?

You can link your Roku device to a monitor that has a DisplayPort input. 

To do this, you’ll need a special tool called an HDMI to DisplayPort adapter.

This adapter helps your Roku and the DisplayPort monitor communicate with each other. 

For more information on how to make this connection, we’ve put together a detailed article. Just click here to learn more and get all the details you need.

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