Most modern TVs have removed the 3.5mm port, but you can still find headphone jacks on specific models from Sony, TCL, Hisense, and Vizio.
You bought a brand-new 4K TV, set it up, and grabbed your favorite wired headphones for a late-night movie. You reach around the back to plug them in, only to find… nothing. The humble 3.5mm audio jack, a standard for decades, is vanishing from modern living rooms.
Manufacturers are pushing Bluetooth audio and soundbars, leaving users with high-quality wired headphones in the dark. Bluetooth introduces lag, and soundbars don’t help when you need silence for the rest of the house.
Fortunately, you have options. Some manufacturers still value the analog connection. This guide breaks down which brands keep the port alive, specific models to look for, and smart workarounds if your dream TV lacks the jack.
Why The Headphone Jack Is Hard To Find
Before we list the models, it helps to know why this feature is rare. Understanding the industry shift saves you time when shopping.
TV brands focus on slimming down displays. An analog port takes up internal depth that engineers want to remove. More importantly, removing the jack pushes consumers toward buying wireless accessories. Brands like Samsung and LG have almost entirely phased out the 3.5mm output on their premium OLED and QLED lines in favor of Bluetooth and Optical (Toslink) audio.
However, performance brands and budget-friendly options often keep it. They know gamers and audiophiles prefer zero-latency wired audio over the convenience of wireless.
Top Brands With A List Of Televisions With Headphone Jacks
If you refuse to use dongles or adapters, stick to these brands. They have the best track record of keeping the 3.5mm auxiliary port on their rear panels.
Sony Bravia Series
Sony is one of the few premium manufacturers that kept the headphone jack longer than its competitors. They understand that high-fidelity audio requires a wired connection. While their absolute newest flagship OLEDs are moving away from it, many of their mid-to-high-range LED models still sport the port.
Look for:
- Sony X85K Series: This model is a favorite for gamers due to its 120Hz refresh rate and, crucially, a dedicated audio out/headphone jack on the side panel.
- Sony X80K Series: A solid mid-range option that retains the analog output.
TCL (Roku and Google TV Versions)
TCL offers incredible value and excellent inputs. They often include a headphone jack directly on the TV, but they also offer a unique “Headphone Mode” feature through their remotes and mobile app (more on that later).
Look for:
- TCL 6-Series: Often regarded as the best bang-for-your-buck TV, many iterations of the 6-Series keep the 3.5mm jack.
- TCL 5-Series: A reliable option that usually features the port on the side input panel.
Hisense
Hisense competes directly with TCL and often packs more legacy ports into their hardware. Their ULED series is impressive and usually friendly to wired audio users.
Look for:
- Hisense U8 and U7 Series: These models deliver high-end brightness and contrast while keeping the analog headphone output.
- Hisense A6 Series: A budget-friendly 4K option that consistently includes the jack.
Vizio
Vizio is a mixed bag. Their high-end OLEDs often drop the port, but their D-Series and V-Series (budget lines) are reliable sources for a 3.5mm connection.
Reviewing The Specs: What To Look For
Shopping online can be tricky because product descriptions often hide the port details. Retailers might list “Audio Out” without specifying if it is digital (Optical) or analog (3.5mm).
Scan the spec sheet for these terms:
- 3.5mm Audio Out / Mini-Jack: This is the gold standard. It means you can plug directly in.
- Analog Audio Out: Usually refers to the 3.5mm jack, but verify with photos of the back panel.
- Headphone Output: The clearest indicator.
- Hybrid Audio/Composite: Some Sony TVs use a single port for both video input and audio output. You can use this for headphones, but you may need to adjust settings in the menu.
Warning signs the TV lacks the jack:
- Optical Audio Only: This means you only get digital sound output (square port with a red light).
- Bluetooth Only: The specs highlight “Bluetooth Audio” but make no mention of analog connections.
The “Private Listening” Loophole
If you fall in love with a TV that lacks a physical jack, you might not need one on the TV body itself. Several smart TV platforms have moved the jack from the TV to the remote control or your smartphone.
Roku Voice Remote Pro
Roku devices and Roku TVs (like those from TCL and Hisense) offer a feature called Private Listening. The Roku Voice Remote Pro includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack right on the side of the remote.
How it works:
- Plug into the remote — Connect your wired headphones to the remote control.
- TV mutes automatically — The sound routes wirelessly to the remote, then through the wire to your ears.
This gives you the freedom of wireless (you aren’t tethered to the TV screen) with the quality of your wired headphones.
The Roku Mobile App
Even if you don’t have the pro remote, you can use the Roku app on your smartphone. Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi as the TV, tap “Private Listening” in the app, and plug your headphones into your phone. The audio syncs perfectly.
Best Workarounds For TVs Without Jacks
You might already own a stunning Samsung or LG OLED that has zero analog ports. You do not need to return the TV. You can add a headphone jack using inexpensive external tools.
1. Digital to Analog Converter (DAC)
This is the most reliable method for high-quality sound. Almost every modern TV has an Optical (Toslink) audio output. A DAC converts that light signal into an electrical signal your headphones can use.
Setup steps:
- Buy a DAC — These small boxes cost between $15 and $30 online.
- Connect Optical cable — Run the optical cable from the TV to the DAC.
- Plug in headphones — The DAC will have a standard 3.5mm female port.
- Change Audio Settings — Go to your TV settings and switch Audio Output to “Optical” or “PCM.”
Pro Tip: Most basic DACs require USB power. You can usually plug the DAC’s power USB cable into an unused USB port on the back of the TV.
2. Bluetooth Transmitters
If you want to use wired headphones but sit far away from the TV, a Bluetooth receiver/transmitter combo is handy. However, this reintroduces the latency issue mentioned earlier.
How to use:
- Plug transmitter into TV — Use the Optical port or RCA ports (red/white) if available.
- Pair with receiver — You plug your wired headphones into a small Bluetooth receiver that you clip to your shirt.
This turns your wired headphones into wireless ones. It’s convenient, but a DAC provides better sound quality.
Gaming considerations: Why The Jack Matters
Gamers suffer the most from the removal of the headphone jack. In competitive shooters or rhythm games, audio timing is everything. Bluetooth latency can cause a delay between seeing a gunshot and hearing it. This “desync” puts you at a disadvantage.
If you are buying a TV for PS5 or Xbox Series X, prioritize a model with a native headphone jack or use the controller’s audio port.
Controller Audio Fix:
- PS5/Xbox Controllers — Both Sony DualSense and Xbox Wireless controllers have built-in 3.5mm jacks.
- Route TV Audio — Go to the console settings and set “Output to Headphones” to “All Audio.”
This bypasses the TV entirely. The console sends audio to the controller wirelessly (using a low-latency protocol), and you plug your headset into the controller.
Checking Audio Settings On Your New TV
Once you find a TV with a jack or set up a DAC, you might not hear sound immediately. Modern TVs are smart, but they sometimes need a nudge to switch audio outputs.
Common Troubleshooting Steps
- Check Sound Output — Navigate to Settings > Sound > Sound Output. Ensure it is set to “Audio Out” or “Headphones.”
- Adjust PCM settings — If using a DAC via Optical, you must change the Digital Output Audio Format to “PCM.” Dolby Digital signals usually won’t work with cheap converters.
- Volume Control — Some TVs have separate volume controls for the internal speakers and the headphone jack. You might need to turn up the “Headphone Volume” in a submenu.
The Future of Wired Audio on TVs
The trend is clear: physical ports are disappearing. Manufacturers want seamless, wireless ecosystems. However, the demand for legacy audio remains strong among audiophiles and retro gamers.
While the list of televisions with headphone jacks shrinks every year, brands like Sony and Hisense keep the torch burning. For everyone else, the optical-to-analog converter remains the best insurance policy against a port-less future.
If you are in the market right now, check the back panel photos carefully before you buy. If the port is missing, remember that a $20 adapter can fix the problem without forcing you to sacrifice picture quality.