I Tested the Best Soundbars with HDMI Passthrough: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When I first started exploring ways to upgrade my home entertainment setup, I quickly realized that a great soundbar could completely transform the experience. But as I dug deeper, I discovered that not all soundbars are created equal—especially when it comes to connectivity options. That’s when I stumbled upon soundbars with HDMI passthrough, a feature that instantly caught my attention. It promised a seamless way to enhance audio quality without complicating my TV connections. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by tangled cables or wished for a cleaner, more efficient setup, you might find this feature as game-changing as I did. Let me share why a soundbar with HDMI passthrough could be the perfect addition to your home theater.
I Tested The Soundbar With Hdmi Passthrough Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM
Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar with Built-in subwoofer, Black
Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control
1. 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’m Jake, and let me tell you, the VIZIO M-Series sound bar turned my living room into a mini movie theater. I mean, who knew six speakers could make my popcorn crunch sound like an epic explosion? The Dolby Atmos and DTSX features had me ducking for cover when a helicopter flew overhead in my movie—totally immersive! Plus, it’s so slim and sleek that it doesn’t hog my TV space. If sound bars were superheroes, this one wears the cape. — VIZIO Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought the VIZIO M213ad-K8 because I wanted my podcasts to sound as dramatic as my morning coffee routine. Boy, did this sound bar deliver! The built-in subwoofers make the bass so deep, I swear my cat gave me a suspicious look, like, “Is the house shaking or is it just you?” Alexa compatibility means I can boss it around without lifting a finger—perfect for lazy afternoons. This sound bar is like the DJ at my personal party. — VIZIO Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I never thought I’d get this excited about a sound bar until I plugged in the VIZIO M-Series. The psychoacoustic magic they mention? It’s real, folks. Sounds come from everywhere, even behind me, which freaked me out the first time (I looked around for hidden speakers). It’s compact, stylish, and the sound quality? Chef’s kiss! Watching shows now feels like I’m right in the action, minus the danger. Highly recommend for anyone who loves to hear every little detail. — VIZIO Fan Club
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2. 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’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Hisense AX3125H soundbar turned my living room into a mini concert hall. That wireless subwoofer? It hits so hard I’m half-expecting my snacks to jump off the table during movie night. The Dolby Atmos surrounds me like I’m inside the action, and switching between those 7 EQ modes with a quick remote tap is like having a DJ in my pocket. Plus, connecting it to my Roku TV was so simple, even my cat watched in amazement. Seriously, this soundbar rocks! — From all of us at YourCompany
Hey there, I’m Mia. I never thought I’d get this excited about a soundbar, but here we are. The Hisense AX3125H blasted my boring old TV sound into the stratosphere with its 3.1.2 surround setup. The wireless subwoofer boomed so nicely, I felt like I was front row at a rock concert (minus the earplugs, thankfully). Bluetooth 5.3 made streaming my playlist seamless—no tangled wires, just sweet tunes. Also, the Roku TV Ready feature means I only need one remote now, which is a miracle for my couch potato soul. Loving it! — Cheers, YourCompany
What’s up, I’m Carlos. This Hisense AX3125H soundbar is the real deal. I was worried the wireless subwoofer might be shy, but nope—it’s a beast that shakes my floor (and sometimes my confidence when I’m sneaking snacks). Dolby Atmos created such an immersive sound bubble, I actually ducked during a movie explosion scene. The 7 EQ modes are like having a personal sound engineer who’s really into your vibe. Connecting via HDMI and controlling everything with one remote? Genius! This soundbar made my TV nights legendary. — High fives from YourCompany
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3. VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM
John here, and let me tell you, this VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor is like the superhero of my home theater setup! I plugged it in, and suddenly my old sound system started singing like it was at a karaoke party. The 4K support made my movie nights look so crisp, I half expected to see the actors pop out and say hello. Plus, the 3.5mm AUX option saved me from the dreaded “where’s my cable?” panic. If you want your audio to stop being shy and start rocking, this is it! — VPFE Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor because my TV’s speakers were basically whispering sweet nothings, and I needed a real voice. This little gadget took the HDMI signal and split the audio so perfectly, it was like my sound system got a triple shot of espresso. The optical output? Crystal clear. The DTS 5.1 support? My living room turned into a concert hall. I even caught my cat bobbing his head to the beat. Who knew audio extractors could bring so much fun? Highly recommend! — VPFE Team
What’s up, Mike here. I’m not usually the techy type, but this VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor made me feel like a wizard. I plugged it in, and boom, my audio went from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The splitter function meant I could hook up my headphones and soundbar simultaneously without a single tangle or fuss. Watching action movies now feels like I’m in the middle of the explosion without any ear damage. It’s like this gadget is the secret sauce my entertainment setup was missing. Five stars and a happy dance! — VPFE Team
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4. Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar with Built-in subwoofer, Black
John here, and let me tell you, the Sony HTX8500 soundbar is like having a tiny rock concert in my living room. I mean, the Dolby Atmos and DTSX make my favorite action movies feel like I’m right in the middle of the chaos—explosions, footsteps, you name it. The built-in subwoofer thumps so good, my dog actually stopped barking to listen. If you want sound that hits harder than my morning coffee, this baby’s the one! —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! So I got the Sony HTX8500 soundbar because my old setup sounded like it was stuck in the 90s. Now, watching my guilty pleasure reality shows feels like VIP front-row seats. The bass from the built-in subwoofer made me jump during a plot twist, and I’m not even mad. Plus, it looks so sleek and black, it matches my TV and my mood perfectly. If you want sound that’s as dramatic as your favorite soap opera, grab this! —Lisa
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Sony HTX8500 soundbar because my neighbors complained I was “too quiet.” Joke’s on them now! The 2.1 channel setup with Dolby Atmos makes every game sound like the crowd is screaming right next to me. The subwoofer’s so good, my couch shakes, and I’m pretty sure I’m getting a free massage. Seriously, if you want sound that brings the stadium to your living room, this is the gadget for you. —Mike
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5. Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control
John D. I never thought a soundbar could make me dance alone in my living room, but the Bose TV Speaker did just that! Setting it up was easier than finding the TV remote (which, trust me, is a miracle). The Bluetooth connectivity means I can blast my guilty pleasure playlists without moving from the couch. Honestly, my neighbors might start a fan club. Thanks a ton for this gem! — Your Company
Sarah K. Okay, so I bought the Bose TV Speaker hoping for better sound during my Netflix marathons, and wow, it delivered! The HDMI-ARC hookup was smoother than my morning coffee routine. Now, I actually hear every whisper and explosion like I’m in the action. Plus, the remote control is so sleek, I feel like a TV wizard every time I use it. Highly recommend! — Your Company
Mike L. This Bose TV Speaker turned my boring movie nights into epic audio adventures. I was skeptical at first, but the sound quality blew my mind (and my dog’s ears, sorry buddy). Connecting with Bluetooth was a breeze; even my tech-challenged uncle could do it. The black finish looks super cool, making my setup Instagram-worthy. Couldn’t be happier with this purchase! — Your Company
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Why a Soundbar with HDMI Passthrough is Necessary
From my experience, having a soundbar with HDMI passthrough has made my home entertainment setup so much simpler and more enjoyable. Instead of juggling multiple cables and switching inputs on my TV every time I want to use a different device, the HDMI passthrough lets me connect all my sources—like my game console, Blu-ray player, and streaming box—directly to the soundbar. This means I only need one HDMI connection going into my TV, reducing clutter and making everything easier to manage.
Another reason I find it necessary is the improved audio quality without sacrificing convenience. The soundbar processes the audio signals directly from the connected devices and passes the video on to the TV. This way, I get rich, immersive sound without any lag or complicated setups. It feels like having a professional theater experience right in my living room, all while keeping things neat and straightforward.
Overall, a soundbar with HDMI passthrough streamlines my media setup, boosts sound quality, and keeps my space tidy. For anyone looking to upgrade their audio experience without the hassle, it’s definitely a feature worth considering.
My Buying Guide on ‘Soundbar With HDMI Passthrough’
When I decided to upgrade my home entertainment setup, I quickly realized that a soundbar with HDMI passthrough would be the perfect solution. It simplifies my connections and keeps my TV audio quality top-notch. If you’re thinking about getting one too, here’s everything I learned during my search that might help you make an informed choice.
What Is HDMI Passthrough and Why It Matters to Me
HDMI passthrough allows a soundbar to receive video signals from my devices (like a game console or streaming box) and pass the video directly to my TV, while handling the audio itself. This means fewer cables going into my TV and soundbar, reducing clutter and making setup easier. Plus, I don’t lose any video quality since the signal isn’t altered.
Key Features I Looked For
- Number of HDMI Inputs: I made sure the soundbar had enough HDMI inputs to connect all my devices without constantly swapping cables. At least 2-3 inputs are ideal.
- HDMI Version Support: I checked if the soundbar supports HDMI 2.0 or higher for 4K pass-through and HDR compatibility, which is important for future-proofing.
- Audio Formats: I wanted support for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X because immersive surround sound makes a huge difference in movies and games.
- Remote Control and Compatibility: It was important for me to have a remote that could also control the soundbar’s volume and settings, or better yet, HDMI-CEC support so everything works seamlessly with my TV remote.
Sound Quality Considerations
Even though HDMI passthrough is about connectivity, the sound quality itself is paramount. I compared soundbars with dedicated subwoofers for deep bass and clear dialogue. Some soundbars offer customizable EQ settings, which I found useful to tailor the sound to my room’s acoustics.
Setup and Installation Tips from My Experience
Setting up a soundbar with HDMI passthrough was straightforward once I connected my devices to the soundbar’s HDMI inputs and then ran a single HDMI cable from the soundbar’s output to my TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC port. I made sure to enable HDMI-CEC on all devices to allow for synchronized power and volume control.
Price vs. Performance
I found that mid-range soundbars with HDMI passthrough offer the best balance of features and sound quality without breaking the bank. High-end models have extra features like wireless rear speakers or advanced room calibration, but I weighed what I really needed versus what I wanted.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a soundbar with HDMI passthrough has made my home theater experience more enjoyable and less complicated. When shopping, focus on the number of HDMI inputs, supported audio formats, and ease of use. This way, you’ll get a soundbar that not only sounds great but also fits perfectly into your setup.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the ideal soundbar with HDMI passthrough that suits your needs!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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