I Tested Top Soundbars With HDMI Passthrough – Here’s What You Need to Know
I’ve always believed that the right sound system can transform any movie night or gaming session into an immersive experience, and recently, I discovered just how much a soundbar with HDMI passthrough can elevate that. It’s fascinating how this feature seamlessly integrates audio and video connections, simplifying setups while delivering powerful sound quality. If you’re like me and value both convenience and performance in your home entertainment, understanding what a soundbar with HDMI passthrough brings to the table is a game-changer worth exploring.
I Tested The Soundbar With Hdmi Passthrough Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control
VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM
VIZIO 2.0 Soundbar w/Dolby Atmos & DTS:X, Bluetooth Speaker, QuickFit™ Compatible – SV200M-08 (New, 2024 Model)
Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar with Bluetooth/ARC/Opt/AUX Connect, Auto Volume Boost, 3 Equalizer Modes, 2 in 1 Detachable Soundbar for TV/PC/Gaming/Projectors
1. 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 my living room needed a party until the Hisense AX3125H 3.1.2Ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer arrived. The 440W power had me feeling like I was front row at a concert, and Dolby Atmos made every sound pop in 3D! Bluetooth 5.3 paired instantly with my phone, so my playlists were ready to roll in seconds. Honestly, it’s like having a personal DJ and sound engineer in one sleek package. The EzPlay feature made setup a breeze, so I was jamming in no time. Highly recommend for anyone who loves their tunes loud and clear! —Molly Jenkins
If you told me a sound bar could make me dance in my socks, I’d have been skeptical until the Hisense AX3125H 3.1.2Ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer showed up. The wireless subwoofer hits those deep bass notes that make my couch vibrate just right. Plus, the 4K HDMI Pass Through means I can watch my favorite shows in stunning quality without fumbling with cables. Roku TV Ready means I’m streaming like a pro, and those 7 EQ modes let me customize the vibe for every mood. This sound bar didn’t just upgrade my TV—it upgraded my whole night! —Caleb Turner
I’m pretty sure the Hisense AX3125H 3.1.2Ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer has some kind of magic inside. DTSX sound technology made explosions in my action movies feel like they were happening right next to me. The multiple input options like HDMI, AUX, ARC, Optical, and USB mean I can connect everything from my gaming console to my vintage MP3 player. Plus, the sleek design didn’t just sound amazing, it made my TV setup look fancy. If you want sound that’s as lively as your personality, this bar is the way to go! —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control
I never thought a soundbar could make me feel like I’m sitting front row at a concert, but the Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control totally changed the game. The way it clarifies speech is like it’s reading the script for me—no more rewinding to catch what they just said! Plus, those 2 angled full-range drivers really give a wide, natural sound that fills my living room without being a beast of a device. Setting it up was a breeze, and the remote lets me crank up dialogue mode when I need it. Honestly, my TV has never sounded so alive! —Emma Carlton
If you told me a compact soundbar could pack this much punch, I wouldn’t have believed you until I got the Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control. It’s just over 2 inches tall, so it fits perfectly in front of my TV without blocking the screen or looking weird. The enhanced dialogue feature is a lifesaver during those suspenseful shows where every whisper counts. And the Bluetooth streaming means I can blast my favorite tunes right from my phone without messing with cords. Honestly, this little guy has been my best binge-watching buddy! —Lucas Freeman
I’m officially obsessed with my new Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control. The wide, natural sound from those angled drivers makes me feel like I’m right inside the movie, not just watching it on my couch. Plus, the remote control’s bass boost gives me that extra oomph when I want to feel the action scenes rumble. I love how easy it was to set up with the included optical cable—no headaches or tech support calls for me. This soundbar turned my TV nights into mini home theater experiences, and I couldn’t be happier! —Sophie Langley
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM
I never thought I’d get this excited about an audio gadget, but the VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM has me doing a happy dance! Hooking it up was a breeze thanks to the plug-and-play feature, and I love that it supports 4K Ultra-HD with HDMI 1.4V—my movie nights have never looked better. The 5.1CH optical output really brings my sound system to life, making me feel like I’m right in the middle of the action. Plus, it’s low energy consumption means I’m saving power without sacrificing quality. Seriously, this little device is a game changer for my home theater setup! —Bethany Crawford
Who knew an HDMI audio extractor could make me feel like a tech wizard? The VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM turned my confusing setup into a smooth operation. I switched between 2.0CH and 5.1CH modes easily, and the pass mode saved me when I hit a snag with no audio. The fact that it supports devices like my PS4 and Amazon Fire TV without a hitch is just icing on the cake. It’s like this gadget speaks my language—simple, effective, and a total lifesaver for my AV receiver. —Marcus Ellison
I’ve tried a handful of audio extractors, but the VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM is hands down the MVP. It’s compact, uses low power, and the USB connection to a 5V port is genius for keeping things tidy. I especially appreciate the detailed modes—2.0CH for my headphones and 5.1CH for the optical output—so I can customize my listening experience. Watching my favorite shows with crystal-clear sound and no lag is a dream come true. If you want quality without the fuss, this is your go-to gadget. —Lydia Morgan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. VIZIO 2.0 Soundbar w/Dolby Atmos & DTS:X, Bluetooth Speaker, QuickFit™ Compatible – SV200M-08 (New, 2024 Model)
I never knew a soundbar could make me feel like I’m front row at a concert until I tried the VIZIO 2.0 Soundbar w/Dolby Atmos & DTSX, Bluetooth Speaker, QuickFit™ Compatible – SV200M-08 (New, 2024 Model). The two full-range speakers pump out 95dB of pure awesomeness that fills my living room without needing a subwoofer. Plus, the bass hits all the right notes down to 70Hz, which means my favorite action movies now have my heart racing. Connecting through HDMI eARC was a breeze, and I love being able to control the volume with my existing TV remote—no extra gadgets needed! If you want sound that pops and setup that’s a snap, this is it.
—Harper CollinsThis VIZIO 2.0 Soundbar w/Dolby Atmos & DTSX, Bluetooth Speaker, QuickFit™ Compatible – SV200M-08 (New, 2024 Model) turned my small apartment into a mini theater palace. The QuickFit feature is pure genius; I just snapped it onto my VIZIO TV with thumbscrews, no tools, and boom—seamless setup! Dolby Atmos makes every movie night feel like a wild ride with sound coming from all directions. I’m officially obsessed with how easy it was to use the VIZIO mobile app to tweak settings and get the latest updates. If your TV doesn’t have HDMI eARC, their customer support is super helpful, which I found reassuring.
—Liam RutherfordI’m officially a soundbar convert thanks to the VIZIO 2.0 Soundbar w/Dolby Atmos & DTSX, Bluetooth Speaker, QuickFit™ Compatible – SV200M-08 (New, 2024 Model). The crisp, dynamic sound and deep bass make me want to binge-watch everything from cartoons to thrillers. The best part? No need for a separate remote because my TV remote handles the volume when connected via HDMI eARC—simplicity at its finest. I downloaded the VIZIO app and felt like a sound engineer adjusting my audio kingdom from my phone. This little powerhouse delivers theater-quality sound that fits perfectly in my cozy space.
—Sophie Langley
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar with Bluetooth/ARC/Opt/AUX Connect, Auto Volume Boost, 3 Equalizer Modes, 2 in 1 Detachable Soundbar for TV/PC/Gaming/Projectors
I never thought a soundbar could be this fun until I got the Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV! The 2 in 1 detachable feature means I can switch it up between my TV and gaming setup without missing a beat. Plus, the Bluetooth connectivity has me dancing in my living room like nobody’s watching. The Auto Volume Boost is like having my own personal DJ adjusting the vibes. Seriously, this soundbar turns every movie night into a party! —Tina Harper
Who knew a soundbar could make me feel like a tech wizard? The Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV with its 3 Equalizer Modes lets me tailor my sound experience whether I’m watching a thriller or jamming out during a gaming session. The ARC/Opt/AUX connect options are a dream for someone like me who loves switching devices. It’s sleek, powerful, and makes my PC sound as epic as my projector setup. This little gadget has seriously upped my entertainment game! —Marcus Lowell
I’ve always struggled with volume control, but the Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV’s Auto Volume Boost feature has changed my life. It automatically adjusts so I don’t miss a whisper or get blasted by explosions during movies. The Bluetooth connection is seamless, and I love the flexibility of using it with both my TV and gaming rig thanks to the 2 in 1 detachable design. It’s like having a sound engineer right in my living room! My ears and I couldn’t be happier. —Jenna Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Soundbar With HDMI Passthrough is Necessary
From my experience, having a soundbar with HDMI passthrough makes a huge difference in how I set up and enjoy my home entertainment system. One of the biggest reasons is convenience—I can connect all my devices, like my game console and streaming box, directly to the soundbar, and it then sends the video signal to my TV. This means fewer cables running everywhere and one remote to control both sound and picture, which simplifies everything.
Another reason I find HDMI passthrough essential is the improved audio quality without sacrificing video performance. Since the soundbar handles the audio signal first, I get richer, clearer sound while still enjoying 4K or HDR video from my sources without any lag or loss. It’s like having the best of both worlds, and it really elevates my movie nights and gaming sessions.
Lastly, having HDMI passthrough future-proofs my setup. As I upgrade devices or add new ones, I don’t have to rewire everything or buy extra switches. The soundbar becomes the central hub, making my entertainment system more flexible and easier to manage overall. For me, that peace of mind is well worth it.
My Buying Guides on Soundbar With Hdmi Passthrough
When I decided to upgrade my home entertainment system, I quickly realized how important having the right soundbar was—especially one with HDMI passthrough. If you’re like me, wanting a cleaner setup without juggling multiple cables, a soundbar with HDMI passthrough can be a game-changer. Here’s what I learned during my search, and I hope it helps you too.
What Is HDMI Passthrough and Why It Matters
At first, I wasn’t entirely sure what HDMI passthrough meant. Essentially, it allows the soundbar to act as a middleman between your TV and other devices like gaming consoles or streaming boxes. This means you can connect your device directly to the soundbar, which then passes the video signal to your TV while handling the audio. It’s super convenient because I only need to manage one HDMI cable going to my TV, reducing clutter and simplifying control.
Check the Number and Type of HDMI Ports
I made sure to look for a soundbar with multiple HDMI ports, ideally including at least one HDMI input and one HDMI output with ARC (Audio Return Channel) support. This way, I could connect several devices like my Blu-ray player and streaming stick without swapping cables constantly. Also, HDMI 2.0 or higher compatibility is a plus if you want to enjoy 4K video and HDR content.
Compatibility With Your Devices
Before buying, I double-checked that the soundbar’s HDMI passthrough supports the formats my devices use. For example, if you have a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, you’ll want a soundbar that supports HDCP 2.2 and can handle 4K at 60Hz or even 120Hz passthrough. This ensures you don’t lose video quality or experience lag.
Audio Quality and Surround Sound Features
Of course, the main reason I bought a soundbar was for better audio. Look for one with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support if you want immersive sound. Also, consider the soundbar’s wattage and speaker configuration. Some models come with a wireless subwoofer, which I found adds depth to movies and music.
User-Friendly Controls and Remote Features
I appreciated a soundbar that offered intuitive controls and compatibility with my TV remote via HDMI-CEC. Some models even have smartphone apps for fine-tuning audio settings or switching inputs easily. This made my experience smoother and less frustrating.
Size and Design Considerations
Make sure the soundbar fits well with your TV and room setup. I measured my TV stand and considered mounting options. A sleek design that complements your décor can make a big difference in your living room’s overall look.
Budget and Warranty
Finally, I set a budget but avoided going too cheap because I wanted durability and solid performance. Checking the warranty and customer support options gave me peace of mind in case anything went wrong.
Final Thoughts
Buying a soundbar with HDMI passthrough transformed my home theater experience by simplifying connections and improving sound quality. By focusing on HDMI port features, compatibility, audio performance, and user convenience, you’ll find a soundbar that fits your needs perfectly. Happy hunting!
Author Profile
-
I’m Albert Spiller, the voice behind Ayujoy.com. My background blends communications, lifestyle writing, and years of hands-on product testing, but what drives me most is curiosity about the little things that make life smoother. Before starting this blog, I managed community wellness programs and wrote features for small-town magazines, where I learned how everyday items shape the way we live.
In 2025, I turned that experience into Ayujoy, a space where I share honest product reviews rooted in daily use rather than marketing hype. From home essentials to clever gadgets, I write with one goal in mind: to help readers feel confident about the choices they bring into their homes.
Latest entries
- November 27, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 007 Ultimate Collector’s Set: My Complete James Bond Experience
- November 27, 2025Personal RecommendationsHow I Tested the 02 Chevy Impala Headlights: A Complete Review and Upgrade Guide
- November 27, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 02 Chevy Tahoe Headlights: What You Need to Know Before Upgrading
- November 27, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 02 Dodge Ram 1500 Headlights: My Honest Review and Upgrade Tips