No 3.5mm audio port
Nope! The Raspberry Pi 400 doesn't have the same 3.5mm audio port as the Raspberry Pi 4.
Traditional headphones or 3.5mm wired speakers won't be able to connect directly to the keyboard, but there are some other options:
USB audio adapter
USB audio adapters plug straight into your Pi 400 and allow you to connect headphones or another device via a 3.5mm jack cable.
Pros:
- Inexpensive (typically $5-15)
- Simple plug-and-play (no drivers needed on Raspberry Pi OS)
- Works with any 3.5mm headphones or speakers you already own
Cons:
- Audio quality is basic (adequate for casual listening, not audiophile-grade)
- Takes up one USB port
How to use:
- Plug the USB audio adapter into any USB port on the Pi 400
- Connect your 3.5mm speakers or headphones to the adapter
- Set the audio output to USB audio in Raspberry Pi OS sound settings
USB DAC
Much better quality than the USB Audio Adapter. Plugs into any of the USB ports and also offers RCA outputs for connecting to a speaker system line-in.
Pros:
- Significantly better audio quality (lower noise, higher fidelity)
- RCA outputs for connecting to stereo systems or powered speakers
- Often includes volume controls and indicator LEDs
Cons:
- More expensive ($30-100+ depending on quality)
- Takes up one USB port
When to use: If you're listening to music, watching movies, or need high-quality audio output, a USB DAC is worth the investment.
USB speakers
Some speakers use just a single USB connection for both audio and power.
Pros:
- Single-cable solution (audio and power via USB)
- No need for external power adapter
- Often include built-in volume controls
Cons:
- Limited selection compared to traditional 3.5mm speakers
- Audio quality varies widely by model
- Takes up one or two USB ports (depending on model)
Recommendation: Look for USB speakers with decent reviews. Cheap USB speakers can sound worse than a basic USB audio adapter with quality 3.5mm speakers.
Bluetooth speakers
The Pi 400 includes a Bluetooth connection, which will allow you to connect most Bluetooth speakers to the keyboard for playing audio. Check out the Vilros Mini Bluetooth Speaker.
Pros:
- Wireless (no cables cluttering your desk)
- Portable (use the speaker with other devices too)
- No USB ports used
- Easy to pair and reconnect
Cons:
- Potential audio latency (delay between video and sound)
- Battery-powered speakers need charging
- Bluetooth audio quality is compressed (not lossless)
How to connect:
- Put your Bluetooth speaker in pairing mode
- Open Bluetooth settings on the Pi 400 (click the Bluetooth icon in the taskbar)
- Search for devices and select your speaker
- Pair and set it as the default audio output
Note: For watching videos, USB speakers or a USB DAC may be preferable to avoid Bluetooth audio delay.