How to Use 2 Headphones on a PC: The Ultimate Guide

In today’s digital age, the ability to use multiple headphones on a single PC has become increasingly valuable. Whether you’re sharing audio with a friend, collaborating on a project, or simply want to enjoy different audio streams simultaneously, connecting two headphones to one PC can greatly enhance your audio experience. However, most computers are designed with a single audio output in mind, making this task seem challenging at first glance.

As an audio technology expert with over two decades of experience, I’ve explored numerous methods to overcome this limitation. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through various techniques to connect and use two headphones on your PC, from simple hardware solutions to more advanced software configurations.

1. Using a Headphone Splitter: The Simple Hardware Solution

One of the easiest and most straightforward methods to use two headphones on a PC is by utilizing a headphone splitter.

What is a Headphone Splitter?

A headphone splitter is a small, Y-shaped device that plugs into your PC’s 3.5mm audio jack and splits the signal into two or more outputs. This allows you to connect multiple headphones to a single audio source.

Types of Splitters

• Y-Splitters: These basic splitters divide the audio into two outputs.
• Multi-Splitters: More advanced models can split the audio into three or more outputs.

How to Use a Splitter

1. Plug the single end of the splitter into your PC’s headphone jack.
2. Connect your headphones to the available ports on the splitter.
3. Adjust your PC’s volume to ensure both headphones receive adequate sound levels.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Simple and easy to use
• No software installation required
• Inexpensive (typically $10-15)
• Works with any wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack

Cons:

• Limited to wired headphones
• May slightly reduce audio quality
• No individual volume control for each headphone

While splitters offer a quick fix, they may not be suitable for those seeking a wireless solution or requiring more control over their audio outputs.

2. Adjusting Windows Sound Settings: The Software Approach

For users who prefer a software-based solution or need to connect a combination of wired and wireless headphones, adjusting Windows sound settings can be an effective method.

Step-by-Step Guide for Windows 10/11

1. Connect both sets of headphones to your PC (via 3.5mm jack, USB, or Bluetooth).
2. Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar and select “Open Sound settings.”
3. Under “Output,” select your primary headphones as the output device.
4. Scroll down and click on “Sound Control Panel” under “Related Settings.”
5. In the Sound Control Panel, go to the “Recording” tab.
6. Right-click in the blank space and ensure “Show Disabled Devices” is checked.
7. Right-click on “Stereo Mix” and select “Enable.”
8. Right-click “Stereo Mix” again and choose “Properties.”
9. Go to the “Listen” tab and check “Listen to this device.”
10. In the dropdown menu, select your secondary headphones.
11. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

Using Stereo Mix

Stereo Mix is a Windows feature that allows you to record or redirect audio playing on your PC. By enabling and configuring Stereo Mix, you can essentially “listen” to your PC’s audio output through a second set of headphones.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• If Stereo Mix is not visible, you may need to update your audio drivers.
• Some audio cards don’t support Stereo Mix. In this case, consider using third-party software solutions.
• Audio lag may occur with this method. Adjusting buffer settings in your sound card’s control panel can help minimize this issue.

3. Utilizing Audio Mixing Software: The Professional Solution

For users seeking more control and flexibility, audio mixing software provides a powerful solution for managing multiple audio outputs.

Overview of Voicemeeter

Voicemeeter is a popular virtual audio mixer that allows you to route audio from various sources to different outputs. It’s particularly useful for streamers, podcasters, and anyone needing advanced audio management.

Setting up Voicemeeter for Dual Headphones

1. Download and install Voicemeeter from the official website.
2. Open Voicemeeter and familiarize yourself with the interface.
3. In Windows sound settings, set Voicemeeter as your default playback device.
4. In Voicemeeter, assign your first headphone to A1 and the second to A2.
5. Click the A1 and A2 buttons in the main section to enable output to both headphones.
6. Use the sliders to adjust individual volumes for each headphone.

Alternative Software Options

• Audio Router: A simpler alternative to Voicemeeter, allowing you to route audio on a per-application basis.
• CheVolume: Offers similar functionality to Audio Router with a user-friendly interface.

These software solutions provide unparalleled control over your audio setup, allowing you to manage multiple headphones and even route different audio sources to different headphones.

4. Connecting Multiple Bluetooth Headphones

Connecting multiple Bluetooth headphones to a PC can be challenging due to limitations in most Bluetooth adapters.

Bluetooth Limitations on PCs

Most built-in Bluetooth adapters in PCs only support connecting to one audio device at a time. This limitation is due to the Bluetooth protocol itself rather than a software restriction.

Using Bluetooth Adapters

To overcome this limitation, you can use a Bluetooth adapter that supports multipoint connections. The Avantree Orbit, for example, is a highly recommended adapter that allows connection to two Bluetooth headphones simultaneously.

Software Solutions for Bluetooth Audio

While not a perfect solution, some software can help manage multiple Bluetooth audio connections:

• Bluetooth Audio Receiver: This app allows you to use your Android phone as a Bluetooth receiver, which you can then connect to your PC via an aux cable.
• TaoTronics Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter: This device can transmit audio to two Bluetooth headphones simultaneously when connected to your PC’s audio jack.

For those on a budget, check out our guide on the best Bluetooth headphones under $100 to find quality options that won’t break the bank.

5. Virtual Audio Cable Method

Virtual Audio Cable (VAC) is a powerful tool that creates virtual audio devices, allowing you to route audio between applications and devices with great flexibility.

What is Virtual Audio Cable?

VAC is a Windows audio driver that creates virtual audio devices. These devices can be used as inputs or outputs, allowing you to route audio in complex ways.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

1. Download and install Virtual Audio Cable.
2. Open Windows sound settings and set “Line 1” (a virtual device created by VAC) as your default playback and recording device.
3. Open two instances of the Audio Repeater tool (included with VAC).
4. In the first instance:
   • Set “Wave in” to your PC’s default audio device
   • Set “Wave out” to “Line 1”
5. In the second instance:
   • Set “Wave in” to “Line 1”
   • Set “Wave out” to your second headphone device
6. Click “Start” on both Audio Repeater windows.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extremely flexible audio routing
• Can manage multiple audio devices and applications
• High-quality audio transmission

Cons:

• Steep learning curve
• May introduce slight audio lag
• Paid software (though a trial version is available)

6. USB Headphone Solutions

USB headphones can provide another avenue for connecting multiple headphones to your PC.

Using Multiple USB Audio Devices

Most modern PCs support multiple USB audio devices simultaneously. Simply plug in your USB headphones, and Windows should recognize them as separate audio devices.

Software for Managing USB Audio

• SoundSwitch: Allows you to quickly switch between audio devices using a hotkey.
• AudioSwitch: Similar to SoundSwitch, providing an easy way to manage multiple audio outputs.

Potential Limitations

• Some PCs may have limitations on the number of USB audio devices they can handle simultaneously.
• USB bandwidth may become an issue if you’re using many USB devices.

7. Troubleshooting and Tips

Even with the right setup, you may encounter some issues when using two headphones on a PC. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Dealing with Audio Lag

• Use high-quality splitters or adapters to minimize signal degradation.
• When using software solutions, adjust buffer sizes to find the right balance between latency and audio quality.
• Ensure your PC’s drivers are up to date, particularly audio and Bluetooth drivers.

Maintaining Sound Quality

• Use high-quality headphones and cables to ensure the best possible audio experience.
• When using splitters, be aware that they may slightly reduce audio quality due to power sharing.
• For software solutions, experiment with different audio quality settings to find the optimal balance between quality and performance.

Solving Common Connectivity Issues

• If a headphone isn’t recognized, try unplugging and replugging it, or restarting your PC.
• For Bluetooth devices, ensure they’re in pairing mode when connecting and that your PC’s Bluetooth is enabled.
• If using USB headphones, try different USB ports if one isn’t working.

8. Choosing the Right Headphones

When setting up a dual headphone system, it’s crucial to choose the right headphones for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:

Comfort for Extended Use

If you wear glasses, look for headphones designed to be comfortable with eyewear. Our guide on the best headphones for glasses wearers can help you find the perfect pair.

Size Matters

For those with larger heads, finding comfortable headphones can be challenging. Check out our recommendations for headphones suitable for big heads to ensure a comfortable fit during long listening sessions.

Gaming and Voice Changing

If you’re into gaming or streaming, you might be interested in headsets with built-in voice changing capabilities. Our article on voice changer gaming headsets explores some exciting options in this category.

Aesthetic Appeal

For those who appreciate classic design, vintage headphones can add a unique touch to your audio setup while still delivering quality sound.

Conclusion

Using two headphones on a PC is not only possible but can be achieved through various methods to suit different needs and setups. From simple hardware solutions like splitters to more advanced software configurations using Voicemeeter or Virtual Audio Cable, there’s a solution for every user.

When choosing the best method for your needs, consider factors such as:

• The types of headphones you’re using (wired, wireless, USB)
• Your required level of control over audio routing
• Your comfort level with software configuration
• The importance of audio quality in your setup

By understanding these different approaches, you can create a dual headphone setup that enhances your audio experience, whether for work, entertainment, or creative projects.

FAQs

1. Can I use two Bluetooth headphones on my PC simultaneously? While most PCs don’t support this natively, you can use a Bluetooth adapter that supports multipoint connections or software solutions like Voicemeeter.
2. Will using a headphone splitter reduce audio quality? There may be a slight reduction in audio quality due to power sharing, but with a good quality splitter, the difference is often negligible.
3. Can I control the volume of each headphone independently when using a splitter? No, a basic splitter doesn’t allow for independent volume control. For this functionality, you’ll need to use software solutions or specific audio interfaces.
4. Is it possible to use more than two headphones on a PC? Yes, using methods like multi-output splitters, audio mixing software, or multiple USB audio devices, you can connect more than two headphones.
5. Do these methods work for both Windows and Mac? While this guide focuses on Windows, many of these methods (particularly hardware solutions and third-party software) also work on Mac systems.

Remember, the world of audio technology is constantly evolving, so keep an eye out for new solutions that might make connecting multiple headphones even easier in the future.