For the simplest wired setup, connect the TV’s HDMI port labelled ARC or eARC to the soundbar’s matching TV OUT/HDMI OUT ARC or eARC port, then select the soundbar as the TV’s audio output. If either device lacks a compatible port, optical, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi may work, depending on the models. Check both manuals before connecting: port labels, audio-format support and menu names vary.
Choose a connection both devices support
Check the labels on the TV and soundbar, then compare them with the manuals. A regular HDMI port is not necessarily an ARC port: Sony says ARC/eARC will not work through an HDMI port that is not labelled ARC or eARC. The soundbar’s matching connection may be labelled TV OUT, HDMI OUT, ARC or eARC.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Connection | Basic setup | Important trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC/eARC | Connect the TV’s HDMI ARC/eARC port to the soundbar’s TV OUT/HDMI OUT ARC/eARC port. Select the soundbar or HDMI ARC as the TV output and the corresponding HDMI/ARC input on the soundbar. | Both devices must support the connection. HDMI-CEC may enable linked power or volume control; Samsung calls its CEC feature Anynet+. Supported audio formats vary by device. |
| Optical digital audio | Connect the TV’s Optical/Digital Audio Out to the soundbar’s Optical/Digital Audio In. Select optical output on the TV and optical or D.IN on the soundbar. | Both devices need matching optical ports. Optical does not carry every format and may not support HDMI-dependent controls such as TV-remote volume or power interlock. |
| Bluetooth | Put the soundbar in pairing mode and select it in the TV’s Bluetooth speaker list or sound-output menu. | Requires compatible devices and avoids an audio cable. Samsung warns that Bluetooth may provide lower audio quality than HDMI or optical. |
| Wi-Fi | Follow the pairing steps for the compatible brand, app and models. | Support and network requirements vary. Samsung describes setup through SmartThings for supported devices on the same Wi-Fi network; some router conditions can prevent connection. |
| Analog | Use only if neither ARC-compatible HDMI nor optical is suitable and both devices have compatible analog audio ports. | Confirm the available ports in the manuals. Sony lists stereo mini analog as an option after ARC and optical. |
For most compatible setups, HDMI ARC/eARC is the most useful starting point: it carries TV audio over one cable and can support linked control when HDMI-CEC is available and configured. Choose optical if both devices have the ports and its format and control limitations suit your setup. Wireless connections are options only when the specific TV and soundbar support them.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteConnect with HDMI ARC or eARC
- Find the matching ports. Confirm that the TV port and soundbar port are labelled ARC or eARC. A standard HDMI input without that label will not provide ARC/eARC.
- Connect the cable. Run HDMI from the TV’s HDMI IN ARC/eARC port to the soundbar’s TV OUT/HDMI OUT ARC/eARC port. Samsung UK recommends a cable labelled “High Speed” or “High Speed with Ethernet.” An included or existing cable may already be suitable; check the device manuals before buying another.
- Select the soundbar input. Turn on both devices and set the soundbar to HDMI, ARC or the corresponding TV input.
- Change the TV audio output. In the TV’s sound settings, select the external soundbar, HDMI ARC or the equivalent option. Menu labels differ by manufacturer and model.
- Enable HDMI-CEC if needed. CEC can enable linked control between the TV and soundbar. Samsung calls it Anynet+; other manufacturers may use different names. LG says ARC can allow TV-remote control of soundbar power and volume, but available behavior depends on the equipment and settings.
Use optical when HDMI ARC/eARC is unavailable
- Connect the TV’s Optical or Digital Audio Out port to the soundbar’s Optical or Digital Audio In port.
- Set the soundbar’s source to Optical or D.IN.
- In the TV’s sound settings, choose Optical or Digital Audio Out if it does not switch automatically.
Optical is a practical wired alternative, but it is not equivalent to ARC/eARC for every purpose. Samsung’s published format comparison says optical does not support Dolby Digital Plus or Dolby TrueHD. Sony also notes that an optical-only connection lacks some HDMI-dependent controls, including TV-remote volume and power interlock. Check the format support and control behavior for your specific TV and soundbar.
#1 Best Overall
- 【𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭】: Elevate faint sounds to vibrant with automatic loudness boost. Experience immersive sound through 4 versatile placements—horizontal for distortion-free audio, vertical for room-filling sound, tabletop for vibrant clarity, or wall mount for 360° cinematic magic. Transforms your room into a personal theater.
- 【𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐚 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨】: Powered by 4 high-performance drivers, 80W powerful sound output, it provide richer details, like soft whisper or subtle croon, whether deep thunder or sonorous roar, turn flat audioto vivid, adding weight to music, making the virtual game experience immersive.
- 【𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝】: Fine-tune your listening experience with 3 dynamic equalizer modes—movie, music, and news. Enjoy rich, cinematic audio, luxurious melodies, and crystal-clear dialogue, tailored to enhance every scene and soundtrack. Spreading the audio evenly throughout a room, ensures that everyone, regardless of seating position, experiences the full range of sound.
- 【𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐔𝐬𝐞】: Enjoy seamless setup with cutting-edge Bluetooth 5.0 or reliable ARC, OPT, and AUX connections. In ARC mode, control your soundbar with ease using your TV remote, guided by our easy-to-follow instructions and video tutorials.
- 【𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭】: Your satisfaction is our top priority. Enjoy peace of mind with our 18-month warranty and 24/7 online tech support. Our 60-day hassle-free replacement policy, with top-tier assistance whenever you need it.
Pair over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
- Put the soundbar into Bluetooth pairing mode using its controls or the model’s instructions.
- Open the TV’s Bluetooth speaker list or sound-output menu and select the soundbar.
- Confirm that the TV reports the soundbar as the active audio output.
Bluetooth support is model-dependent. Samsung cautions that it may offer lower audio quality than HDMI or optical, so consider whether the cable-free setup is worth that trade-off for your use.
Wi-Fi
Use the TV and soundbar maker’s instructions for your exact models. For supported Samsung devices, Samsung describes pairing through SmartThings when the devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. App support and network requirements vary, and some router conditions may prevent setup.
Rank #2
- HEAR YOUR TV BETTER: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is an all-in-one soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound
- WIDE, NATURAL SOUND: 2 angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar
- ENHANCED DIALOGUE: This sound bar for smart tv is designed to specifically focus on clarifying and elevating vocals and pronunciation
- BLUETOOTH TV SPEAKER: Pair your device to this Bluetooth soundbar to wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts. Connect up to 3 devices through the inputs (HDMI, Optical in, and AUX in); the first powered on device will automatically connect
- SIMPLE SETUP: A single connection from this compact soundbar to the TV via an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately) has you up and running in minutes
What audio formats and controls can you expect?
Connection type affects what may pass to the soundbar, but the TV, soundbar, source and configuration all matter. Samsung UK’s 2026 support table lists the following formats by connection. These are Samsung’s published compatibility entries, not universal guarantees or independent test results:
| Format in Samsung UK’s 2026 table | Connections listed as supported |
|---|---|
| Dolby TrueHD, including uncompressed Dolby Atmos | HDMI eARC |
| Dolby Digital Plus, including compressed Dolby Atmos | HDMI eARC and HDMI |
| Dolby Digital 5.1 | HDMI eARC, HDMI, optical and Bluetooth |
Do not assume a format will work just because it appears in a connection’s row: verify the format support of both devices and consider the source and its settings. Control is a separate consideration. HDMI-CEC may provide TV-linked functions when enabled, while Sony says optical-only setups do not provide some HDMI-dependent controls. Manufacturer feature names and available controls differ.
Rank #3
- Amp up your audio - Fire TV Soundbar enhances TV audio with dual speakers for fuller sound, clearer dialogue, and deeper bass—all in a compact design.
- Immersive sound - Enjoy a three-dimensional virtual surround sound experience with DTS Virtual:X and more detail with Dolby Audio.
- Easy setup - Just plug in the included HDMI cable to the HDMI eARC/ARC port on your TV to instantly enjoy audio that's always in sync.
- Compact design - With a length of 24“ and a height of just 2.5", Fire TV Soundbar fits most entertainment consoles and TV stands.
- Stream audio with Bluetooth - Connect your phone or tablet via Bluetooth to fill the room with your favorite music.
Fix common connection problems
- No sound over HDMI: Check that the cable is connected to the labelled ARC/eARC ports on both devices, not an ordinary HDMI input. Confirm the soundbar is set to the HDMI/ARC source and the TV output is set to the soundbar or HDMI ARC.
- No sound over optical: Confirm the cable runs from the TV’s Optical/Digital Audio Out to the soundbar’s Optical/Digital Audio In. Select Optical or D.IN on the soundbar and Optical/Digital Audio Out on the TV.
- The TV remote does not control the soundbar: Check HDMI-CEC settings for an HDMI connection. For optical, some HDMI-dependent controls are not available through that connection.
- Bluetooth pairing fails: Make sure the soundbar is in pairing mode, then select it from the TV’s Bluetooth audio-output list. Confirm both models support Bluetooth audio.
- Wi-Fi pairing fails: Check that the devices, app and network meet the manufacturer’s requirements. Samsung notes that some router conditions can block pairing.
Settings and control names vary by product. If the listed option is missing or the connection still does not work, consult the manuals for the exact TV and soundbar models.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Wireless Subwoofer, Place It Anywhere: The wireless subwoofer connects to the soundbar without audio cables, giving you the freedom to place it anywhere in your room for flexible setup.
- Mica-Reinforced Drivers for Greater Accuracy: Mica-reinforced diaphragms increase driver rigidity by up to 30%, helping suppress cone breakup and unwanted resonance. The enhanced stability helps reduce distortion by up to 20%, delivering cleaner, more accurate sound with improved clarity and detail.
- VoiceMX Technology for Clear Dialogue: VoiceMX technology uses advanced DSP algorithms to isolate and enhance vocal frequencies in real time. By dynamically boosting the 120 Hz–6 kHz vocal range with adaptive EQ and gain control, dialogue stays clear and easy to follow in any scene.
- BassMX Deep Bass Technology: With an 18 mm high-excursion driver, 6.5 L tuned cabinet, and high-density magnetic circuit, the wireless subwoofer produces strong low-frequency output. BassMX optimizes 45–150 Hz bass for deeper, tighter, and more realistic sound at any volume.
- 240W Peak Output with 2.1 Channel System: Featuring a precision-tuned soundbar and a dedicated wireless subwoofer, the system delivers up to 240W of peak power for room-filling sound. With a frequency response of 45 Hz–18 kHz and a maximum SPL of 95 dB, it reproduces clear dialogue, detailed mids, and impactful bass for movies, music, and gaming.
Rank #4
- Simplified 5.1ch Dolby Atmos Setup: Enjoy immersive 4D sound with real Dolby Atmos and 5.1-channel audio. Five built-in speakers, including two side-firing drivers, create wide surround without rear speakers. Precision DSP ensures <0.5 ms latency for smooth, theater-like sound. Setup takes less than 1 minute.
- Voice Clarity Enhancement: VoiceMX technology uses advanced DSP algorithms to isolate and enhance vocal frequencies in real time. Dialogue remains crisp and easy to follow by separating speech from background effects and music, even at low volumes or during intense scenes.
- 300W Output with 6-Driver System: Featuring five precision-tuned full-range drivers and a dedicated wired wooden subwoofer, the system delivers up to 300W of peak power for bold, room-filling sound. With a frequency response of 45 Hz–18 kHz and a maximum SPL of 99 dB, it reproduces everything from subtle nuances to explosive cinematic effects.
- 18 mm High-Excursion Driver: Powered by BassMX technology, the wired wooden subwoofer features a 18 mm high-excursion driver, a 5.3L tuned cabinet, and a high-density magnetic circuit. This design delivers deeper, tighter bass with greater air displacement and enhanced low-frequency performance—bringing more realism to every scene.
- HDMI eARC for True Dolby Atmos: HDMI eARC supports up to 37 Mbps of bandwidth, unlocking the full potential of lossless Dolby Atmos 5.1-channel audio. Compared to standard ARC, eARC delivers richer surround effects and greater detail. CEC integration allows the TV and soundbar to work together with unified control.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
