The Best Audio Connection For Soundbar In 2025
By, Piers AnthonyUpdated
Summary
Best Overall
Amazon Basics Uni-Directional DisplayPort to HDMI Display Cable 4K@30Hz
The AmazonBasics Uni-Directional DisplayPort to HDMI Cable is an ideal solution for connecting your computer to an HDTV, monitor or projector. With support for resolutions up to 4K@30Hz, it's perfect for high-definition applications. Gold-plated connectors, bare copper conductors and foil-and-braid shielding make this cable a great choice for quality and sound.
Best Bang For The Buck
RUIPRO 8K HDMI Fiber Optic Cable CL2
Experience the latest in TV technology with RUIPRO 8K HDMI Fiber Optic Cable CL2. This cable provides a connection for video signals between a video source (like a TV, Blu-Ray player or game console) and an HDTV or another video projector. The cable is made with durable, bend-resistant fiber optics and it supports wavelengths of up to 1680 nm.
Best Efficient
Amazon Basics High-Speed Fiber Optic HDMI Cable
This Ultra Thin and Flexible High-Speed HDMI Cable with 4.8 mm OD is the perfect solution for your home theater needs. The cable is simple to install and can be used in tight spaces. The connectors are gold-plated to resist corrosion, ensuring a premium video and audio output.
When you have an amazing soundbar, you want to hear everything from the roar of the engines to the screech of brakes on your favorite car racing show. But what if you can’t hear the details of that soundtrack? In that case, you may be missing out on some great sound and a more immersive viewing experience. But this doesn’t have to be so!
A quality audio connection for your soundbar will give you just what you need to unlock all those hidden details and get more immersed in your shows. So to find the best audio connection for soundbar, we often consider 2 types of Digital Audio Cables: HDMI and Optical. This article will give you a deep insight into the top HDMI cables for soundbars. Read on to find out how exactly this can help improve your entertainment experience.
We think Amazon Basics Uni-Directional DisplayPort to HDMI Display Cable 4K@30Hz is the best of the best among the top models. If you were dissatisfied with the preceding item, you have the option of selecting RUIPRO 8K HDMI Fiber Optic Cable CL2 as an alternative. You may relax knowing that its quality is also good per what we researched.
Our Top Picks
- VIDEO: Supports video resolutions up to 4K@30Hz
- UNI-DIRECTIONAL: From DisplayPort to HDMI only (not bi-directional); not compatible with a USB port
- NOTE: This cable can NOT work with Thunderbolt Dock
- DURABLE DESIGN: Gold-plated connectors, bare copper conductors, and foil-and-braid shielding for high picture quality and pure sound
- CONVENIENT: Ideal for showing movies on a big-screen HDTV, presenting work on a projector, or configuring a second monitor or mirrored displays
- AUDIO: Supports uncompressed digital audio channels (7.1, 5.1, or 2)
- IN THE BOX: 6-foot DisplayPort to HDMI cable (10-pack); black; transmits audio and video from computer to HD display
- 【Ultra High Speed 48gbps CL2 Rated HDMI Cable】Supports the full range of uncompressed HDMI 2.1 Specification features including 8K video with dynamic HDR, Enables up to 48Gbps bandwidth, CL2 Rated in-wall security HDMI fiber optic cable
- Meets the latest 8K HDMI 2.1 specification (8K@60fps, 4K@120fps & up to 10K resolution, Dynamic HDR10, eARC, HDCP 2.2&2.3, ALLM, QFT, QMS, VRR), backwards compatible with earlier versions
- 【Dynamic HDR Support】Dynamic HDR ensures every moment of a video is displayed at its ideal values for depth, detail, brightness, contrast, and wider color gamuts on a scene-by-scene or even a frame-by-frame basis
- 【eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)】eARC supports the most advanced high bitrate home theater audio formats, object-based audio, uncompressed 5.1 and 7.1, and 32-channel uncompressed audio; Object-based audio provides an immersive multi-dimensional experience and enhanced audio detail and depth
- 【5-YEAR WARRANTY】If there is any quality problem with our cable, please contact us in time, we will send you a replacement for free or give you a full refund.
TOP Choice #3
![Amazon Basics High-Speed Fiber Optic HDMI Cable]()
- Connects Blu-ray players, Fire TV, Apple TV, PS4, PS3, XBox one, Xbox 360, computers and other HDMI-enabled devices to TVs, displays, A/V receivers and more
- Meets HDMI 2.0 standards (4K UHD Video at 60 Hz, 2160p, 48 bit/px color depth), supports 18Gbps bandwidth, Ethernet, 3D, and Audio Return Channel (ARC), backwards compatible with earlier versions
- Ultra thin and flexible with 4.8mm OD; Gold-plated connector resist corrosion and ensure premium video and audio output; Durable construction with zinc alloy housing.
- High-speed 30AWG fiber optic cable for transmitting video and audio signals via HDMI from source to display (One-way transmission only)
- Cable Length: 100 feet (30.5 meters)
- 100Feet SHD(Super High-Definition) High Speed HDMI Cable with Signal Booster Black Cable Red Metal Shell Male A to Male A Type
- Built-in HDMI Signal Booster/Amplifier for Active Signal Amplification & Equalization,CL3 Rated for In-wall Installation.The HDMI Cable with Signal Booster is Directional:Please Mind the End Marked "Input" or "Source" Needs to be Connected to Blu-ray Player,DVD Players,XBox One,Xbox 360,PS3,PS4,Computer,AV Receiver,TV box ...The End Marked "Output" or "Screen" Needs to be Connected to Display Devices: HDTV, Monitor, Display, Projector ...
- 2.0 Version High Speed HDMI Cable Up to 18Gbps Transfer Speed,Supports Full HD 1080P,4K x 2K,3D,Audio Return Channel (ARC),Ethernet and Other Currently Available HDMI Functions
- 24K Gold Plated Connectors with 99.99% Oxygen Free Copper Conductor to Further Enhance Image/Sound Quality.
- Dual Shielding Al/Mylar and Tin Plated Copper Braiding for Shielding to Protect You Signal Interrupted from Out.
- Audio Return Channel and HDMI Ethernet Channel
- Supports 4k UHD Resolution and 3840 x 2160 @ 24 Hz
- High definition multichannel audio including DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD
- 3D Video Support x.v.Color and Deep Color up to 16-bits per channel 48-bit total
6
![Amazon Basics CL3 Rated HDMI Cable with RedMere (10.2 Gbps, 4K/30Hz)]()
- Connect media players, gaming systems, computers, and more to your HDTV, monitor, or projector
- Male-to-male HDMI cable for connecting digital devices
- Cable allows you to share an Internet connection among multiple devices without the need for a separate Ethernet cable
- Cable Length: 100 feet (30.5 meters)
- Meets HDMI standards (4K Video at 30 Hz, 2160p, 48 bit/px color depth) that supports bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps and backwards compatible with earlier versions
7
![Atomos HDMI Full to HDMI Full Coiled Cable, 30cm/12" Coiled]()
- The perfect cable for Atomos Inferno and connecting other high frame rate 4K 60p ProRes and Raw infrastructure
- Compatible with High Dynamic Range (HDR) product line up
- Coiled cable to give flexibility on the rig, extending & retracting as you need to minimize clutter
- 12 Inches Coiled, 24 Inches Extended
- Passes the high speed tests laid out in HDMI 2.0. 4K 60p and HD 240p are fully supported
8
![AudioQuest Cinnamon 48 1.5m 8K-10K 48Gbps HDMI Cable (5.0ft)]()
- In addition to all 19 HDMI conductors being Direction-Controlled to reduce RF Noise, AudioQuest Cinnamon 48 HDMI cables feature a metal-layer shield around the 4 FRL + eARC pairs to further enhance noise-dissipation.
- AudioQuest Cinnamon 48 HDMI cables can transfer up to professional 10K Ultra HD video. The incredible 48Gbps data rate is made possible by four balanced audio/video pairs each capable of 12Gbps, enabling a surprisingly stronger audio/video experience.
- AudioQuest Cinnamon 48 HDMI cables use Direction-Controlled conductors to minimize RF noise. For optimal Noise-Dissipation and superior audio performance, use Cinnamon 48 HDMI cables with the plug's arrows pointing towards the TV, or Source towards A/V receiver.
- Increasingly thick layers of silver plating are applied to AudioQuest’s Long-Grain Copper (LGC) conductors to improve Noise-Dissipation. Placing the superior metal on the outside of the conductor produces the greatest benefit on overall performance.
- The Audio Return Channel sends audio from the TV to a soundbar, receiver, or ARC input. “enhanced” eARC is easier to use and enables lossless multi-channel. In AudioQuest Cinnamon 48 HDMI cables, the eARC conductor pair is internally controlled for direction to ensure superior audio performance.
9
![Monoprice Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable - 50 Feet]()
- Slimrun AV HDR is thinner and softer than traditional glass fiber optic cables. The flexible polymer optical cable has a tighter bend radius and is much more resistant to damage and abuse than traditional fiber optic cables made of glass.
- The eARC feature provides support for the most advanced audio formats, including object-based Audio, which provides an immersive multidimensional experience. The enhanced audio detail and spatial depth can position Audio events in 3D space.
- High-dynamic range imaging allows you to enjoy the beauty of a wider and richer range of colors, much brighter whites, and much deeper, darker blacks.
- The 8K Ultra HD resolution offers a more immersive viewing experience, with sharper high speed content. The resulting Ultra fast And sharp images are great for sports, high performance Gaming, and VR.
- The flexible polymer optical cable has a tighter bend radius than traditional glass fiber optic cables.
10
![AudioQuest Carbon 48 3.0m 8K-10K 48Gbps HDMI Cable (9.8ft)]()
- In addition to all 19 HDMI conductors being Direction-Controlled to reduce RF Noise, AudioQuest Carbon 48 HDMI cables feature a high-loss carbon layer sandwiched between layers of metal around the 4 FRL + eARC pairs to further enhance noise-dissipation.
- AudioQuest Carbon 48 HDMI cables use Direction-Controlled conductors to minimize RF noise. For optimal Noise-Dissipation and superior audio performance, use Carbon 48 HDMI cables with the plug's arrows pointing towards the TV, or Source towards A/V receiver.
- Increasingly thick layers of silver plating are applied to AudioQuest’s Long-Grain Copper (LGC) conductors to improve Noise-Dissipation. Placing the superior metal on the outside of the conductor produces the greatest benefit on overall performance.
- AudioQuest Carbon 48 HDMI cables can transfer up to professional 10K Ultra HD video. The incredible 48Gbps data rate is made possible by four balanced audio/video pairs each capable of 12Gbps, enabling a surprisingly stronger audio/video experience.
- The Audio Return Channel sends audio from the TV to a soundbar, receiver, or ARC input. “enhanced” eARC is easier to use and enables lossless multi-channel. In AudioQuest Carbon 48 HDMI cables, the eARC conductor pair is internally controlled for direction to ensure superior audio performance.
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What to Look For in a best audio connection for soundbar?
The best audio connection for soundbar is influenced by a multitude of factors, including all those stated below. Depending on the sort of product, the learning process differs. We'll be ready to aid you and propose solutions since we're here to support you.
It's necessary to remember the following factors before selecting best audio connection for soundbar:
Ease Of Set-up And Use
It is easy to hook up the soundbar with your TV or other device and get started using it immediately. This can be gauged by looking at the manual or reading some user reviews.
Subwoofer
In large rooms, a soundbar with an external subwoofer (or dedicated soundbar) can be more effective than one without it. A subwoofer that is well made will enhance low-end sound quality and add a cinematic vibe to your system. A sub that is poorly designed can cause a drop in sound quality. A soundbase is a great option if you need bass, but aren't able to fit an external sub. They include an integrated subwoofer.
Wired/wireless Speakers
Some soundbars allow for wired and wireless connection to other speakers. Some soundbars only support a subwoofer. However, a few models offer "surround sound" connectivity, which allows you to connect other speakers to the rear of the room to replicate 5.1. You can purchase these speakers separately or as a bundle at an extra cost.
Connectivity
Soundbars typically only require one cable to connect with your TV. HDMI is the best choice. Make sure that your soundbar is equipped with all necessary ports for connecting to Blu-ray players and USB storage. You should check if your soundbar has a pass-through function that transmits 4K HDR video from your 4K HDR TV.
Additional Features
You might also want these features in your soundbar:
There are special sound modes for various audio types, such as watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. You can adjust the treble and bass settings depending on what you are watching/listening too.
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice-controlled music.
Front-panel displays that display important information, such as volume levels. Make sure to check if this display is able to be switched off when it's not in use so that it does not become distracting.
There are special sound modes for various audio types, such as watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. You can adjust the treble and bass settings depending on what you are watching/listening too.
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice-controlled music.
Front-panel displays that display important information, such as volume levels. Make sure to check if this display is able to be switched off when it's not in use so that it does not become distracting.
Wi-Fi And Bluetooth
Bluetooth is an important soundbar feature that allows you stream music from compatible phones, tablets and computers to your soundbar. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to stream music from your Spotify account or access cloud music libraries.
Number Of Channels And Speakers
A soundbar with just 2.1 channels may be enough to enhance the audio quality of your TV. A 5.1 and 7.1 models might offer better sound quality when you watch TV/movies or listen to audio. Dolby Atmos is available on 5.1.2 and 7.1.2 models. This technology allows for a richer experience. It involves placing speakers higher than the roof, to create sound from above.
Size
To ensure that the unit will not block the screen, or interfere with the remote control or display of your TV's remote, check its dimensions. You should also check that the design of the unit matches your TV.
FAQs
Can A Sound Bar Be Used As A Center Speaker?
There are some that can and others that can't, but it's not something we recommend. Although a passive soundbar could technically be used to provide center channel speakers, this is not what it was designed for. This is like asking a pitcher to play both catch and second base instead of the only position that he excels at.Can You Add Speakers To A Sound Bar?
There are both yes and no. Some sound bars have additional speakers that can be added to the system, which brings you closer to home theatre sound. If the soundbar is multi-room compatible, then wireless rear speakers can be added. This is a good option for those who have or want to install a multi-room sound system in their home.Will A Soundbar Improve Sound Quality?
Modern TVs have very tiny speakers which bounce sound off of your TV. As a result, they can be distant and harsh. A soundbar can be added to most TVs to improve their sound quality, particularly when it comes down to reproducing spoken words. It will also allow you to listen to music.Can You Add A Subwoofer To A Sound Bar?
Wireless sound bars often come with a subwoofer. You can also add your own wireless subwoofer to the sound bars that do not have one. If you desire an immersive experience, you'll want it.Are Soundbars Really Worth It?
They are well worth the investment when compared to how loud your TV sounds. A soundbar costs only $100 and can make your TV viewing experience 10x better. A soundbar can make it easier to understand speech by allowing TV speakers to face down.Where Do I Place My Soundbar?
The soundbars can be placed directly in front of your TV using a stand, or any other type of furniture. They are usually less than 2 inches high so they won't interfere with the infrared remote port of your TV or block it. Some soundbars are also wall-mountable and include brackets. There are third-party kits that can be used to mount soundbars on the wall.Can You Use Any Soundbar With Any TV?
There are very few exceptions to this rule. However, you can still use your soundbar with any TV. It is helpful sometimes to match soundbar and TV brands. New soundbars often use HDMI ARC to transmit the audio from the TV's speakers through the soundbar. If both of your devices have this port, you are good. An optical connection is available on some older soundbars, and almost all TVs have them.Can You Use A Soundbar To Play Music?
A soundbar can make music play through your TV much more enjoyable. Bluetooth is a feature that many soundbars offer, so you won't have to turn on the TV to hear your music. A soundbar that has a wireless subwoofer will work best to reproduce deep bass and dynamics.About Piers Anthony
