Soundbar HDMI Connections: Ports, Cables, and What You Need

Why HDMI matters for soundbars

HDMI is the standard connection for sending high-definition video and audio between devices. For a soundbar, HDMI does double duty: it can carry audio from your TV to the soundbar and video from source devices to the TV. Without HDMI, you would be limited to optical or analog connections that cannot transmit lossless or high-bitrate audio.

Unlike optical or Bluetooth connections, HDMI has enough bandwidth to carry lossless and high bitrate audio formats. The HDMI 2.2 specification, for instance, offers up to 96Gbps bandwidth, according to the HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. This allows for high-resolution video and audio simultaneously. In contrast, Bluetooth Classic, which is often used for wireless audio, offers a maximum data rate of 3 Mb/s, as noted on the Bluetooth Technology Overview. This is insufficient for lossless HD audio, which is why HDMI remains the go-to for home theater.

For more on how HDMI compares with other connections, see our article on optical vs HDMI and the broader discussion of soundbar inputs and outputs.

HDMI inputs on soundbars

Many soundbars include multiple HDMI inputs. These let you plug in a streaming stick, game console, or Blu-ray player directly to the soundbar. The soundbar then passes the video through to your TV over an HDMI output, while it processes the audio. This is especially useful for keeping all your devices connected to one central hub.

Having multiple inputs simplifies cable management. You only need to switch the soundbar's input rather than fiddling with TV inputs. When comparing soundbars, check the number of HDMI inputs and whether they support the latest HDMI version. A soundbar with the newest HDMI version can handle 4K and even 8K video passthrough without loss of quality. For specific recommendations, look at our best 5.1 soundbars and best 7.1 and up soundbars lists, which often include models with multiple HDMI inputs.

ARC and eARC: the TV-to-soundbar link

ARC, or Audio Return Channel, lets the TV send audio down the same HDMI cable that carries video to the TV. This eliminates the need for a separate audio cable. ARC is commonly used to connect the TV to a soundbar, and it works with most TVs and soundbars that have an HDMI port labeled ARC. With ARC, you can use the TV's remote to control the soundbar volume if HDMI CEC is enabled.

eARC, or enhanced Audio Return Channel, is an upgraded version that supports higher bandwidth audio. This allows lossless formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as object-based formats like Dolby Atmos. eARC also supports higher channel counts and better synchronization. For a detailed comparison of the two, see our guide on ARC vs eARC.

HDMI 2.1 features that matter

The HDMI 2.1 specification introduced several features that benefit soundbar users. The most relevant are eARC, which we covered above, and Enhanced Gaming Features such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). These features reduce lag and screen tearing when you connect a gaming console through the soundbar.

Another important feature is Quick Media Switching (QMS), which eliminates the delay when switching between different video sources. For a soundbar with these advanced features, you'll want to check the HDMI version and whether the soundbar supports HDMI 2.1 on its inputs and output. The HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. provides the official specification to adopters, and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) helps develop related industry standards.

To dive deeper into what HDMI 2.1 means for soundbars, read our article on HDMI 2.1 features.

HDMI cables and versions: what you need

HDMI cables come in categories: Standard, High Speed, Premium High Speed, and Ultra High Speed. The HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. manages a certification program for Premium High Speed cables to ensure they meet specific performance requirements. The HDMI 2.2 specification increases bandwidth to 96Gbps, which supports very high resolutions and refresh rates. However, for most soundbar setups, the cable doesn't need to be that fast unless you're passing 8K video.

For ARC, a High Speed cable with Ethernet is sufficient. For eARC, a Premium High Speed or Ultra High Speed cable is recommended to guarantee the full bandwidth for lossless audio. When buying a new cable, look for the logos on the packaging that indicate the speed and certification. Standards like these are developed by industry bodies such as the Consumer Technology Association, which is ANSI accredited, to ensure compatibility across devices.

What to look for when connecting a TV

Check your TV's HDMI ports for the one labeled ARC or eARC. That is the port you'll use to connect to the soundbar's ARC or eARC output. Make sure both devices have the feature enabled in their settings. In many TVs, you'll need to turn on ARC and set the audio output to 'external speakers'. You may also need to enable HDMI CEC to let your TV remote control the soundbar volume.

Before buying a soundbar, verify that the TV has a matching port and that the soundbar has the right output and cable type. Some older TVs only have ARC, while newer ones have eARC. If you want to use eARC, both devices must support it. Also, consider the number of HDMI inputs you need based on your source devices. If you have many, look for a soundbar with at least two HDMI inputs.

For more on CEC, see our article on HDMI CEC. If you're also wondering about lip sync issues, check our guide on lip sync adjustment.

• Confirm the TV has an ARC or eARC port.
• Match the soundbar's output to the TV's port (ARC to ARC, eARC to eARC).
• Use a cable that supports the connection (High Speed for ARC, Ultra High Speed for eARC).
• Enable ARC and CEC in both devices' settings.
• Test with a known source to ensure audio is passing correctly.

Common setups for soundbar and TV

The most common setup is to connect the TV to the soundbar using the ARC/eARC port on both devices. All TV audio, including from built-in apps and devices plugged into the TV, plays through the soundbar. This is ideal if you watch mostly streaming services and want a clean, single-cable connection.

Alternatively, you can connect source devices directly to the soundbar's HDMI inputs. This sends the audio to the soundbar first and passes video to the TV. This setup can improve audio quality because the soundbar receives the original audio format before any processing. It also reduces the number of cables behind the TV, but you must switch the soundbar's input to change devices. For a guide to soundbars with multiple inputs, see our best 5.1 soundbars roundup.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do I need an eARC soundbar if my TV only has ARC?

No, but you won't get lossless audio. ARC is fine for compressed streams like Dolby Digital. If you want lossless formats like Dolby TrueHD, you'll need eARC on both the TV and the soundbar. You can still use the soundbar with ARC, but you'll be limited to compressed audio.

What HDMI cable do I need for eARC?

A High Speed HDMI cable with Ethernet is the minimum, but a Premium High Speed or Ultra High Speed cable is recommended for reliability. The cable must support the Ethernet channel that eARC uses. Look for cables certified by HDMI LA to ensure they meet the required specifications.

Can I use an optical cable instead of HDMI?

Optical can carry compressed 5.1 audio, but not lossless or object-based formats like Dolby Atmos. For best quality, use HDMI. See our comparison of optical vs HDMI for more details.

Why is there no sound from the soundbar when using ARC?

Check that you've connected the TV's ARC port to the soundbar's ARC port, and that ARC is enabled in the TV's audio settings. Also, ensure the soundbar is set to the correct input. You may need to enable HDMI CEC in both devices. If the problem persists, try a different HDMI cable.

Can I connect a soundbar to a TV that has no HDMI?

If your TV lacks HDMI, you can use optical or analog outputs, but you'll miss out on the best audio quality. Some soundbars have both inputs, so you can still get a decent setup. However, you won't be able to use ARC or eARC features.

Does HDMI 2.1 make a difference for soundbars?

Yes, mainly because it includes eARC and gaming features like VRR and ALLM. If you connect a gaming console through the soundbar, HDMI 2.1 ensures you get the best video quality and low latency. For audio only, eARC is the key feature.