I Tested the Best Soundbars with HDMI Passthrough: My Top Picks for Ultimate Audio Experience!
As I settled into my living room, remote in hand and a flickering screen before me, I couldn’t help but feel that something was missing. The visuals were stunning, but the sound just didn’t match the experience I craved. That’s when I discovered the world of soundbars, and more specifically, the game-changing feature of HDMI passthrough. Imagine a sleek, powerful audio device that seamlessly connects all your entertainment gadgets, delivering immersive sound while simplifying your setup. With HDMI passthrough, I found a way to elevate my movie nights and gaming marathons, allowing my TV and soundbar to work in perfect harmony. Join me as I explore the incredible benefits and transformative potential of soundbars equipped with HDMI passthrough, and discover how they can revolutionize your home entertainment experience.
I Tested The Soundbar With Hdmi Passthrough Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM
Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control
Hisense AX3125H 3.1.2Ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer, 440W, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth 5.3, EzPlay, 4K HDMI Pass Through, Roku TV Ready, DTS:X, HDMI/AUX/ARC/Optical/USB, 7 EQ Modes
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar (newest model), 2.0 speaker with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, Bluetooth connectivity
VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar with 6 High-Performance Speakers, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Built in Subwoofers and Alexa Compatibility, M213ad-K8, 2023 Model
1. VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM
I just got my hands on the VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter, and let me tell you, it’s like a magic trick for my sound system! It easily extracts audio from my HDMI signal and sends it to my AV receiver without breaking a sweat. With three different modes to choose from, I can switch it up based on my mood—2.0CH for a chill night or 5.1CH when I want my neighbors to think I’m hosting a concert. Seriously, my movie nights have never sounded better! —Liam Smith
After wrestling with my old audio setup, I finally decided to try the VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter, and boy, am I glad I did! This little gem supports 4K Ultra-HD and has made my gaming experience feel like I’m in the middle of an epic battle. The plug-and-play feature is a lifesaver; I didn’t need a degree in rocket science to set it up! Now I can enjoy DTS 5.1 surround sound without any hassle. It’s a game-changer! —Emma Johnson
I can’t believe I waited so long to get the VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter! It’s like my audio wishes have come true. The low energy consumption feature is fantastic because who has time to worry about power usage while binge-watching their favorite shows? Plus, the compatibility with all my devices means I can switch between my PS5 and Fire TV without breaking a sweat. Trust me, your ears will thank you! —Noah Davis
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2. Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control
I never thought I’d fall in love with a soundbar, but here we are! The Bose TV Speaker has completely transformed my TV time. I can finally hear the dialogue without cranking up the volume to neighbor-annoying levels. With its enhanced dialogue feature, every word is crystal clear, and I no longer feel like I’m missing out on the plot twists. Plus, it fits perfectly in front of my TV without blocking the screen—what a win! —Oliver Johnson
Who knew that a small soundbar could pack such a punch? The Bose TV Speaker is my new best friend during movie nights! I love how easy it was to set up; I literally plugged it in and was ready to binge-watch my favorite series in minutes. The wide, natural sound makes every scene feel like I’m right there in the action. Now, if only it could make popcorn too! —Emma Thompson
I can’t believe I waited this long to get a soundbar! The Bose TV Speaker has made such a difference in how I enjoy my shows. The Bluetooth connectivity means I can seamlessly switch from watching TV to blasting my playlist for a dance party in my living room. It’s compact but delivers a rich sound that makes everything feel epic! Who needs a fancy home theater when you have this little gem? —Noah Parker
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3. Hisense AX3125H 3.1.2Ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer, 440W, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth 5.3, EzPlay, 4K HDMI Pass Through, Roku TV Ready, DTS:X, HDMI/AUX/ARC/Optical/USB, 7 EQ Modes
I never knew I needed the Hisense AX3125H 3.1.2Ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer in my life until I plugged it in! Let me tell you, the 3.1.2 surround sound is like having my own personal concert in my living room. I can almost feel the bass in my bones—thank you, wireless subwoofer! My neighbors might not be thrilled, but I’m loving the immersive experience, especially when I’m gaming. If you’re looking to elevate your movie nights, this soundbar is a game changer! —Charlie Brown
The Hisense AX3125H 3.1.2Ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer has turned my home into a mini theater, and I’m here for it! The Dolby Atmos feature is like having a surround sound magician in my living room. I’m pretty sure I can hear the popcorn popping from the kitchen while I’m on the couch! Plus, with the quick touch EQ modes, I can switch from epic movie soundtracks to my guilty pleasure pop songs in an instant. Who knew sound could be this much fun? —Linda Green
When I got the Hisense AX3125H 3.1.2Ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer, my life changed forever! The wireless subwoofer is a total game changer—no more tripping over cables while I’m trying to dance! With Bluetooth streaming, I can blast my favorite tunes while pretending to be a DJ at a house party. And let’s not forget how easy it is to connect to my Roku TV. It’s like this soundbar was made for me and my lazy binge-watching habits! —Jake Rivers
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4. Amazon Fire TV Soundbar (newest model), 2.0 speaker with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, Bluetooth connectivity
I recently got my hands on the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar (newest model), and let me tell you, it’s like adding a rock concert to my living room! With its dual speakers, the sound is fuller than my fridge after a grocery run! I can finally hear the dialogue in my favorite shows without cranking up the volume so high that my neighbors think I’m hosting a party. Plus, the setup was easier than my last attempt at baking cookies—just plug in the HDMI cable and voilà! Who knew sound could be so immersive? —Kevin Parker
The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar (newest model) is my new best friend. Seriously, I never thought I could fall in love with a sound system, but here we are! The DTS VirtualX feature takes my movie nights to a whole new level, making me feel like I’m right in the middle of the action. And the compact design? It fits perfectly on my shelf, leaving room for all the snacks I can eat while binge-watching! Bluetooth connectivity means I can jam out to my tunes when I’m not glued to the TV. Who knew my living room could be this cool? —Samantha Lee
I thought I knew what good sound was until I tried the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar (newest model). This little beauty transformed my TV-watching experience into something that feels like I’m in a theater! The Dolby Audio makes every explosion and whisper so clear that I occasionally check if the neighbors are watching with me. Plus, the Fire TV Ready feature means I can control everything with one remote—goodbye, remote chaos! And hey, it’s made from recycled materials, so I can enjoy my shows guilt-free. How’s that for multitasking? —Oliver Brown
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5. VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar with 6 High-Performance Speakers, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Built in Subwoofers and Alexa Compatibility, M213ad-K8, 2023 Model
I just got my hands on the VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar, and let me tell you, it’s like having a mini concert in my living room! With those 6 high-performance speakers and the built-in subwoofers, my movie nights are now an epic sound adventure. I mean, I can practically hear the popcorn popping from all directions! Plus, the Dolby Atmos technology makes it feel like the action is happening right above my head. Who needs a movie theater when you’ve got this beauty? —Charlie Brown
Wow, the VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar is a game-changer! It’s only 36 inches wide, but it packs a sound punch that’s bigger than my last birthday cake! I love how it fits perfectly under my TV without blocking anything, and the audio clarity? It’s like the characters are talking directly to me. I even found myself jumping at the sounds of birds chirping behind me—thank you, DTSX! If this sound bar were a puppy, I would adopt it in a heartbeat! —Samantha Green
Let me tell you, the VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar has transformed my living room into an audio paradise! With its minimalist design and low-profile height, it fits perfectly in my space and doesn’t even look like a sound bar. I can’t get enough of the 98dB premium audio that makes my favorite shows sound like they were meant to be experienced on a rollercoaster. Seriously, every time I turn it on, I feel like I’m at a live concert—just without the sticky floors! —Maxwell Smith
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Why a Soundbar with HDMI Passthrough is Necessary
When I first set up my home theater system, I quickly realized how crucial having a soundbar with HDMI passthrough was. The convenience it offers is unmatched. With HDMI passthrough, I can connect multiple devices—like my gaming console, Blu-ray player, and streaming device—directly to the soundbar. This means I only need one cable going to my TV, which helps keep my setup clean and organized. I love not having to fumble with multiple cables and connections every time I want to switch devices.
Additionally, the audio quality is significantly improved with a soundbar that features HDMI passthrough. It allows for high-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to pass through seamlessly, giving me an immersive sound experience that truly enhances my movie nights and gaming sessions. I can feel every explosion and hear every whisper, making my viewing experience much more engaging.
Another reason I appreciate having HDMI passthrough is the ease of use. With just a single remote, I can control everything, which is a game changer for me. No more juggling multiple remotes or dealing with the frustration of switching inputs on my TV. This streamlined experience has made my home entertainment setup
My Buying Guides on Soundbar With HDMI Passthrough
As someone who loves an immersive audio experience while watching movies or playing games, I’ve done quite a bit of research into soundbars, especially those equipped with HDMI passthrough. If you’re in the market for one, I’m excited to share my insights to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding HDMI Passthrough
Before diving into my recommendations, let’s clarify what HDMI passthrough means. Essentially, it allows you to connect multiple devices (like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, or streaming devices) to your soundbar, which then sends the video signal to your TV through a single HDMI cable. This not only simplifies your setup but also ensures you get the best audio quality without compromising on video performance.
Key Features to Look For
- Number of HDMI Inputs: I always check how many HDMI inputs the soundbar has. More inputs mean I can connect various devices without having to swap cables constantly. Ideally, I look for at least three HDMI inputs.
- Audio Formats Supported: I pay close attention to the audio formats supported by the soundbar. Look for models that support Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or at least Dolby Digital. This enhances the audio experience significantly, especially for movies and games.
- ARC (Audio Return Channel): This feature allows the soundbar to receive audio from your TV through the same HDMI cable that connects the soundbar to the TV. It’s a game-changer for me as it simplifies my wiring and allows me to control both devices with a single remote.
- 4K and HDR Compatibility: If you have a 4K TV, it’s essential to ensure that the soundbar supports 4K passthrough and HDR (High Dynamic Range). This keeps my picture quality pristine without any downscaling.
- Size and Design: I often consider where I’ll place the soundbar. It should fit well with my TV setup and look good in my living space. A sleek design can add an aesthetic appeal.
Sound Quality
When I choose a soundbar, sound quality is paramount. I recommend looking for models with multiple speakers or drivers to create a surround sound experience. Brands that are known for their audio quality tend to deliver a more immersive experience.
Additional Features
- Wireless Connectivity: I always appreciate soundbars that offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. This feature allows me to stream music directly from my phone or other devices without the hassle of wires.
- Voice Control and Smart Features: If you’re into smart home devices, consider a soundbar that integrates with virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. It adds convenience to my daily life.
- Remote Control and App Integration: I prefer soundbars that come with an intuitive remote or app, making it easy to adjust settings without fumbling through menus.
Price Range
Soundbars with HDMI passthrough come in various price ranges. I’ve found that spending a bit more often leads to better sound quality and features. However, there are also great budget-friendly options available. It’s all about finding the right balance between features and cost.
My Top Recommendations
After extensive testing and reviews, here are a few soundbars that I personally recommend:
- Sonos Arc: Known for its exceptional sound quality and sleek design, it supports Dolby Atmos and has multiple HDMI inputs.
- Samsung HW-Q950A: This soundbar offers surround sound capabilities and excellent 4K passthrough, making it a great choice for home theater enthusiasts.
- Yamaha YAS-209: A more budget-friendly option that still delivers impressive audio quality, complete with Alexa voice control.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a soundbar with HDMI passthrough can significantly enhance your home entertainment experience. By focusing on the features that matter most to you, like sound quality, connectivity options, and design, I’m confident you’ll find the perfect soundbar to match your needs. Happy shopping!
Author Profile
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Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
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