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The best HDMI 2.1 AV receiver passes 4K 120Hz, VRR and ALLM from your console to the TV while decoding surround sound.
HDMI 2.1 support varies: some receivers label every input 8K, others only one. We compared input counts, gaming features and channels to pick the best HDMI 2.1 AV receiver.
Quick Answer: The Best Hdmi 2.1 Av Receiver
- Best Overall: Denon AVR-X1800H 7.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver
- Best Yamaha: Yamaha RX-V6A 7.2-Channel AV Receiver with MusicCast
- Best for Sony TVs: Sony STR-AN1000 7.2ch 8K AV Receiver
- Best Premium: Marantz Cinema 60 7.2 Channel AV Receiver
- Best Mid-Range: Denon AVR-S770H 7.2 Channel 8K Receiver
- Best Value: Yamaha RX-V4A 5.2-Channel AV Receiver
- Best Budget: Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver
The Denon AVR-X1800H is the best HDMI 2.1 AV receiver for most gamers. The Yamaha RX-V6A is a strong 7.2 alternative and the Denon AVR-S570BT is the budget entry.
Best Hdmi 2.1 Av Receiver Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-X1800H | Best Overall | 7.2 AV receiver | 3 x 8K inputs, Atmos | Check Price |
| Yamaha RX-V6A | Best Yamaha | 7.2 AV receiver | 7 HDMI inputs, 3 x 8K | Check Price |
| Sony STR-AN1000 | Best for Sony TVs | 7.2 AV receiver | HDMI 2.1 6-in, 360 Spatial | Check Price |
| Marantz Cinema 60 | Best Premium | Premium 7.2 receiver | 100W/ch, HEOS | Check Price |
| Denon AVR-S770H | Best Mid-Range | 7.2 AV receiver | 8K/4K120, 75W x 7 | Check Price |
| Yamaha RX-V4A | Best Value | 5.2 AV receiver | HDMI 2.1, YPAO | Check Price |
| Denon AVR-S570BT | Best Budget | 5.2 AV receiver | 4 x HDMI 2.1, VRR | Check Price |
The 7 Best HDMI 2.1 AV Receivers
Each best HDMI 2.1 AV receiver pick supports 4K 120Hz passthrough.
Denon AVR-X1800H 7.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver
1The Denon AVR-X1800H is a 7.2 receiver with three 8K/4K120 inputs, ideal for PS5 and Xbox together.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Three HDMI 2.1 inputs
- Atmos and DTS:X
- Easy setup guide
Cons
- Pricier
- Only 3 8K inputs
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 7.2, 80W x 7
- HDMI: 3 x 8K inputs, 4K120 passthrough
- Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and virtual height.
An on-screen guide simplifies setup.
Yamaha RX-V6A 7.2-Channel AV Receiver with MusicCast
2The Yamaha RX-V6A is a 7.2 receiver with seven HDMI inputs, three of them 8K/4K120 capable.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Seven HDMI inputs
- Atmos and DTS:X
- MusicCast
Cons
- Some early HDMI 2.1 issues reported
- Mixed reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 7.2
- HDMI: 7 in / 1 out, 3 x 8K, eARC
- Streaming: MusicCast, AirPlay 2
It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Dolby Vision.
MusicCast adds multi-room streaming.
3The Sony STR-AN1000 is a 7.2 receiver with six HDMI 2.1 inputs and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, great for PS5 rooms.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Six HDMI 2.1 inputs
- 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
- Works with Sonos
Cons
- Expensive
- Large
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 7.2
- HDMI: 6 in / 2 out, HDMI 2.1, 4K120
- Tech: 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX tunes sound to the room.
It also works with Sony SA-RS5 wireless rears.
4The Marantz Cinema 60 is a premium 7.2 receiver with 100W per channel and Marantz’s warm sound.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Warm Marantz sound
- Premium design
- Powerful
Cons
- Expensive
- Overkill for small rooms
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 7.2, 100W/ch
- Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
- Video: 8K
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X create a 3D sound field.
A luxury pick for dedicated gaming rooms.
5The Denon AVR-S770H brings 7.2 Atmos and 4K120 passthrough at a lower price.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Atmos at a lower price
- HDR10+ and Dolby Vision
- Multi-room
Cons
- Fewer features than X series
- 75W per channel
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 7.2, 75W x 7
- HDMI: 8K/60, 4K/120 passthrough
- Formats: Dolby Atmos, Height Virtualization
Dolby Height Virtualization adds overhead effects without ceiling speakers.
A strong mid-range pick.
6The Yamaha RX-V4A is an affordable 5.2 receiver with 4K120 HDMI and YPAO calibration.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable 4K120
- Room calibration
- Streaming built in
Cons
- No Atmos decoding
- Only 5.2
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 5.2
- HDMI: 4 in / 1 out, 4K120, eARC
- Calibration: YPAO
It handles Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.
Note: no Dolby Atmos decoding.
Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver
7The Denon AVR-S570BT is an affordable 5.2 receiver with four HDMI 2.1 inputs and VRR.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Four HDMI 2.1 inputs
- VRR support
- Affordable
Cons
- No Atmos height channels
- 5.2 only
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 5.2, 70W x 5
- HDMI: 4 x 8K inputs, eARC
- Gaming: VRR, ALLM
It supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision and eARC.
A budget gaming receiver.
How We Chose the Best Hdmi 2.1 Av Receiver
To choose the best hdmi 2.1 av receiver, we compared receivers on HDMI 2.1 input count, gaming feature passthrough and owner feedback.
To understand how object-based height and surround sound works, see Dolby’s official Dolby Atmos overview.
Product details in this guide are based on manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback, not in-house lab testing. Read more on our How We Test page.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best HDMI 2.1 AV Receiver
Keep these factors in mind when shopping for the best hdmi 2.1 av receiver.
HDMI 2.1 passthrough
To keep 4K 120Hz and VRR, the receiver needs HDMI 2.1 inputs (40Gbps). Check how many HDMI 2.1 inputs it has if you own both a PS5 and an Xbox.
VRR and ALLM passthrough
VRR reduces tearing and ALLM switches the TV to Game Mode automatically. Check that the receiver passes both, and update its firmware.
Why an AV receiver
An AV receiver decodes surround formats, powers passive speakers and switches HDMI sources. For gaming, look for HDMI 2.1 with 4K 120Hz, VRR and ALLM passthrough.
Speaker layout basics
A 5.1 layout uses left, center, right, two surrounds and a subwoofer. Place surrounds slightly behind and above ear height for the best effect.
HDMI 2.1 Receiver Tips
Avoid black screens:
- Use certified Ultra High Speed cables.
- Enable 8K/enhanced mode per input.
- Update receiver firmware.
- Match TV input to 4K120 port.
Here are quick answers about the best hdmi 2.1 av receiver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best HDMI 2.1 AV receiver?
The Denon AVR-X1800H is the best HDMI 2.1 AV receiver for most gamers, with the Yamaha RX-V6A as an alternative.
Do I need Ultra High Speed cables?
Yes, for 4K 120Hz reliability.
Are all HDMI inputs 2.1?
Not always; check which are 8K/4K120.
Does VRR pass through?
On most current models after firmware updates.
Final Verdict
Our final pick for the best hdmi 2.1 av receiver is the Denon AVR-X1800H. Choose the Yamaha RX-V6A if you want Yamaha reliability, or the Sony STR-AN1000 for Sony TVs.
Related Guides
More home theater guides:
- Best Soundbar for PS5 with Subwoofer
- Best Desktop Speakers with Subwoofer
- Best Wireless Subwoofer for PC
- Best Surround Sound System for Gaming
- Best Govee Lights for Gaming Setup
- Best Gaming Speakers for PS5
Product details are based on manufacturer specifications at the time of writing. Prices and availability change often, so check Amazon for the latest price.
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