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Shopping for the best soundbar with HDMI 2.1 passthrough for PS5? The key goal is keeping 4K 120Hz and VRR while sending great audio to your speakers.
True HDMI 2.1 passthrough is rare on soundbars, and most bars that have an HDMI input are limited to 4K 60Hz. The reliable solution is eARC: plug the PS5 into the TV and send audio to the bar. Below are the best soundbar with HDMI 2.1 passthrough for PS5 alternatives that work perfectly with that setup.
Quick Answer: The Best Soundbar with Hdmi 2.1 Passthrough for Ps5
- Best Overall: Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos – Black
- Best with Sony TVs: Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar with 11 Speakers
- Best Value Atmos: Samsung HW-Q800D 5.1.2ch Soundbar with Wireless Dolby Atmos
- Best Calibration: Klipsch Flexus CORE 300 5.1.2 Soundbar with Dirac Live
- Best Bass Value: JBL Bar 500 MK2 5.1 Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and 10″ Subwoofer
- Best Compact: Samsung HW-S60D 5.0ch All-in-One Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
For a PS5, the Sonos Arc Ultra is the best soundbar with HDMI 2.1 passthrough for PS5 setups via eARC. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 pairs best with Sony TVs and the Samsung Q800D is the value pick.
Best Soundbar with Hdmi 2.1 Passthrough for Ps5 Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Arc Ultra | Best Overall | Premium Dolby Atmos soundbar | 9.1.4 spatial audio, Sound Motion bass | Check Price |
| Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 | Best with Sony TVs | Dolby Atmos soundbar | 11 speakers, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping | Check Price |
| Samsung HW-Q800D | Best Value Atmos | 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar | Subwoofer included, rears optional | Check Price |
| Klipsch Flexus CORE 300 | Best Calibration | 5.1.2 Atmos soundbar | Dirac Live room correction | Check Price |
| JBL Bar 500 MK2 | Best Bass Value | 5.1 Atmos soundbar | MultiBeam 3.0, 10″ sub | Check Price |
| Samsung HW-S60D | Best Compact | All-in-one Atmos soundbar | 5 channels, built-in woofers | Check Price |
The 6 Best Soundbars for PS5 HDMI Setups
Each best soundbar with HDMI 2.1 passthrough for PS5 alternative keeps PS5 video features through an eARC connection.
Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos – Black
1The Sonos Arc Ultra is our premium pick: a 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos soundbar with Sound Motion bass that fills a living room from a single bar.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Huge, room-filling 9.1.4 sound
- AI Speech Enhancement keeps dialogue clear
- One-cable HDMI eARC setup
Cons
- Premium price
- No HDMI input; consoles connect through the TV
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 9.1.4 with Dolby Atmos
- Connection: Single HDMI eARC to the TV
- Extras: AI Speech Enhancement, Trueplay tuning
Sonos rebuilt the Arc with Sound Motion technology, which squeezes more bass out of a slim cabinet, and spreads 9.1.4 channels of Dolby Atmos across the room. AI-powered Speech Enhancement lifts voices so callouts and cutscene dialogue stay clear.
It connects with one HDMI eARC cable, so your PS5 or Xbox stays plugged into the TV and keeps its 4K 120Hz and VRR features while the TV passes audio to the bar.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar with 11 Speakers
2The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 spreads 11 speakers and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping across the room, ideal with a PS5.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Wide spatial sound
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Auto room calibration
Cons
- Sub and rears cost extra
- Best features with BRAVIA TVs
📄 Detailed Review
- Speakers: 11 units
- Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced
- Expandable: Optional sub and rear speakers
Sound Field Optimization calibrates the bar to your room, and it supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced.
You can add Sony wireless subwoofers and rear speakers later.
Samsung HW-Q800D 5.1.2ch Soundbar with Wireless Dolby Atmos
3The Samsung Q800D delivers true 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos with a wireless subwoofer, a strong middle ground between budget bars and full systems.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- True up-firing Atmos channels
- Subwoofer included
- Works with Samsung rear kit
Cons
- Best features need a Samsung TV
- Bulkier than all-in-one bars
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos
- Included: Wireless subwoofer
- Features: Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro
With up-firing channels and a wireless subwoofer, the Q800D adds real height and bass. Q-Symphony combines your Samsung TV speakers with the bar.
You can add Samsung’s wireless rear speaker kit later for true surround.
Klipsch Flexus CORE 300 5.1.2 Soundbar with Dirac Live
4The Klipsch Flexus Core 300 is the first soundbar with Dirac Live room correction and 5.1.2 Atmos.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- First soundbar with Dirac Live
- Strong Atmos
- Expandable
Cons
- Premium price
- Large
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 5.1.2
- Calibration: Dirac Live
- Format: Dolby Atmos
Dirac Live tunes the sound to your room for tighter bass and clearer imaging.
Add Flexus surrounds and subs over time.
JBL Bar 500 MK2 5.1 Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and 10″ Subwoofer
5The JBL Bar 500 MK2 delivers 750W, Dolby Atmos and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer at a mid-range price.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong bass
- Wide MultiBeam soundstage
- PureVoice dialogue
Cons
- Virtual height
- Large sub
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 5.1 with Dolby Atmos
- Power: 750W max
- Included: 10″ wireless subwoofer
MultiBeam 3.0 widens the soundstage and PureVoice 2.0 keeps dialogue clear.
It is a strong under-$500 pick.
Samsung HW-S60D 5.0ch All-in-One Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
6The Samsung S60D is a compact all-in-one Dolby Atmos bar, ideal when you want better sound without a separate subwoofer.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact all-in-one design
- Dolby Atmos without extra boxes
- Wireless Dolby Atmos with Samsung TVs
Cons
- Less deep bass than a sub
- Best with Samsung TVs
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 5.0 with Dolby Atmos
- Design: All-in-one, no separate sub
- Features: Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro
Samsung fits 5 channels and built-in woofers into one bar for Dolby Atmos without extra boxes.
It is a strong fit for small rooms and apartments.
How We Chose the Best Soundbar with Hdmi 2.1 Passthrough for Ps5
To choose the best soundbar with hdmi 2.1 passthrough for ps5, we focused on bars with eARC that keep the PS5 connected directly to the TV, then compared sound, Atmos and setup.
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 Soundbar with HDMI 2.1 Passthrough for PS5
Keep these factors in mind when shopping for the best soundbar with hdmi 2.1 passthrough for ps5.
Why HDMI 2.1 passthrough is rare
Passing 4K 120Hz and VRR through a soundbar requires HDMI 2.1 chips and 40Gbps bandwidth. Few bars include it, and some that do still cap at 4K 60Hz.
Keep the console plugged into the TV
For PS5 and Xbox Series X, plug the console into the TV’s HDMI 2.1 port and send audio to the soundbar over eARC. That keeps 4K 120Hz, VRR and ALLM working, even if the soundbar has no HDMI 2.1 input.
HDMI eARC vs. ARC vs. optical
HDMI eARC carries lossless and Dolby Atmos audio from your TV to the soundbar with one cable. Older ARC handles compressed Dolby audio, and optical is limited to stereo or basic 5.1. For Atmos, use eARC.
When you need passthrough
If your TV has no eARC or too few HDMI 2.1 ports, consider an AV receiver with HDMI 2.1 inputs instead of a soundbar.
PS5 + eARC Checklist
Keep every feature:
- PS5 into TV HDMI 2.1 port.
- Bar into TV eARC port.
- Enable 120Hz output on PS5.
- Turn on VRR in PS5 settings.
Here are quick answers about the best soundbar with hdmi 2.1 passthrough for ps5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best soundbar with HDMI 2.1 passthrough for PS5?
Most PS5 owners are better served by an eARC setup; the Sonos Arc Ultra is our top pick for that route.
Does PS5 need HDMI 2.1 for 120Hz?
Yes, 4K 120Hz and VRR need an HDMI 2.1 path, which the TV provides.
Will a soundbar limit my PS5 to 60Hz?
Only if the PS5 is plugged into a bar without full HDMI 2.1 passthrough.
What if my TV lacks eARC?
An AV receiver with HDMI 2.1 inputs is a good alternative.
Final Verdict
Our final pick for the best soundbar with hdmi 2.1 passthrough for ps5 is the Sonos Arc Ultra. Choose the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 if you want the best pairing with Sony TVs, or the Samsung HW-Q800D for the best value Atmos.
Related Guides
More gaming audio guides:
- Best Soundbar for Gaming
- Best Soundbar for PS5
- Best Soundbar for PS5 and Xbox
- Best Soundbar for PS5 under 300
- Best Ambilight Alternative
- Best Cozy Gaming Lamp
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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