LG TVs do not all have the same audio-out connection. Check the labels on the TV’s back or side for OPTICAL DIGITAL AUDIO OUT or an HDMI port marked ARC or eARC. Some models also support wired headphones or wireless audio, but those options vary by model. Before buying a cable, confirm the available ports in your exact TV’s owner manual.
Which audio output does your LG TV have?
“Audio out” can refer to several different ways of sending sound from a TV. Look at the port labels—not just the shape—and check your model’s manual if the label or feature is unclear.
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- Optical: Look for a square port labeled OPTICAL DIGITAL AUDIO OUT. Use it only if the soundbar, receiver, or other audio device also has an optical input.
- HDMI ARC or eARC: Find an HDMI port explicitly labeled ARC or eARC. A standard HDMI port does not necessarily support audio return.
- Headphone output: Selected LG models have a 3.5 mm, three-pole stereo headphone jack. LG USA Support notes that headphone outputs are not common across TVs. A 3.5 mm port may instead be for diagnostics or RS232 control, so confirm its purpose in the manual.
- Wireless audio: The Sound Out menu may offer a wireless speaker option, depending on the TV and connected equipment. Confirm wireless support in the manual and on the TV itself.
LG describes the wired headphone connection as a 3.5 mm (in diameter), three-pole stereo jack on supported models. Some of those models can play sound through headphones and the TV speakers at the same time; the exact behavior depends on the set. LG’s headphone guidance explains the supported-model distinction.
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How do you connect a soundbar or receiver?
Choose a connection available on both the TV and the receiving device. The labels on each end matter: use the TV’s output and the soundbar or receiver’s corresponding input.
#1 Best Overall
- Optical digital audio cable: Perfect for equipment with a TOSLINK interface (OPT In / OPT Out or S/PDIF In / S/PDIF Out). TOSLINK connector to TOSLINK connector (F05 connector)
- Versatile: Ideal for transmitting crystal-clear digital audio from your TV, video game console (PS3/PS4/Xbox One), DVD/Blu-ray player, or TV streaming box to a soundbar, amplifier/amp, stereo/Hi-Fi system, D/A converter, and more
- High-End: This metal-free fiber optic audio cable, featuring a fully flexible PVC jacket, is entirely immune to electrical interference. Each cable undergoes multi-stage testing during manufacturing to ensure maximum product quality and durability
- 24K gold-plated connectors: Corrosion resistant gold plating keeps connectors clean. And because these cables are fiber optic, they provide 100 % signal transmission with 0 % loss
- No risk: 36 months manufacturer warranty
Optical audio cable
- Check that the TV has an optical digital audio output and the soundbar or receiver has an optical input.
- Connect the two ports with a digital optical audio cable, often called a TOSLINK cable.
- On the TV, open Settings > All Settings > Sound > Sound Out and choose the optical output option that appears for your model.
LG’s menu wording varies by webOS generation: its guide lists “Optical” for webOS 5.0 or older, and “Use Wired Speaker > Optical Out Drive” for webOS 6.0 and webOS22. If you do not see those labels, consult the manual for your exact TV rather than assuming a setting is missing. LG’s optical connection guide covers the setup.
HDMI ARC or eARC
- Connect the TV’s HDMI port marked ARC or eARC to the soundbar’s or receiver’s port marked TV ARC/eARC.
- On the TV, open Settings > All Settings > Sound > Sound Out and select the HDMI ARC option shown for your model.
- If the option or audio does not appear, verify that both devices’ ports support ARC/eARC and check the TV manual for model-specific setup.
Connecting to an ordinary HDMI port does not by itself establish an ARC connection. LG’s HDMI connection guidance directs users to the model’s manual for setup details.
Rank #2
- This optical audio cable delivers crystal-clear digital audio with zero distortion. Japanese Toray fiber optic cores transmit uncompressed PCM, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD, and 5.1/7.1 surround sound for immersive home theater.
- 24K gold-plated connectors slip into standard Toslink (S/PDIF, optical) ports with a snug, wobble-free fit — just remove the protective caps and push in. No tools, no drivers, no setup steps.
- Nylon-braided jacket withstands 10,000+ bends while staying flexible and tangle-free. CL3-rated for safe in-wall installation, this fiber optic audio cable features a slim aluminum housing that fits tight TV mounts and entertainment consoles.
- Pairs with Samsung, Sony, LG, Vizio soundbars, AV receivers, Blu-ray players, PS4, Xbox One, Apple TV — any device with a standard Toslink (S/PDIF, optical) port. Whether you're replacing a dead cable or upgrading from thin HDMI TV sound, the difference shows up in the first scene you watch or game you play.
- Ideal 6ft optical audio cord for TV-to-soundbar setups in living rooms and bedrooms. Note: transmits audio only — video still needs an HDMI connection. Includes protective caps and Velcro strap.
Wireless speaker or headphones
If you want to listen wirelessly, open Settings > All Settings > Sound > Sound Out and look for the option corresponding to your wireless device. Available options depend on the TV model and connected equipment. Check the manual and the menu before purchasing an accessory; wireless support should not be assumed for every LG TV. LG’s Sound Out settings guide describes choosing the output that matches the connection.
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If your model has a confirmed headphone jack, connect the headphones and select the headphone output option in Sound Out. LG’s headphone instructions list menu paths for supported TVs. If the jack is not clearly identified, check the manual before plugging in headphones.
Rank #3
- Optical digital audio cable: Perfect for equipment with a TOSLINK interface (OPT In / OPT Out or S/PDIF In / S/PDIF Out). TOSLINK connector to TOSLINK connector (F05 connector)
- Versatile: Ideal for transmitting crystal-clear digital audio from your TV, video game console (PS3/PS4/Xbox One), DVD/Blu-ray player, or TV streaming box to a soundbar, amplifier/amp, stereo/Hi-Fi system, D/A converter, and more
- High-End: This metal-free fiber optic audio cable, featuring a fully flexible PVC jacket, is entirely immune to electrical interference. Each cable undergoes multi-stage testing during manufacturing to ensure maximum product quality and durability
- 24K gold-plated connectors: Corrosion resistant gold plating keeps connectors clean. And because these cables are fiber optic, they provide 100 % signal transmission with 0 % loss
- No risk: 36 months manufacturer warranty
How to choose between the available connections
| Your goal | Connection to consider | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Send TV audio to a soundbar or receiver | HDMI ARC/eARC or optical | The TV and audio device both have the matching labeled ports; the TV manual supports the output. |
| Listen privately with wired headphones | Headphone output | The exact TV model has a headphone jack, not a diagnostics or control port. |
| Listen through a wireless device | Wireless Sound Out option | The TV supports the device and the corresponding option appears in Sound Out. |
There is no connection that is best for every setup based on the available model-specific guidance. Decide based on the ports present at both ends, the TV’s supported output modes, and whether you want a speaker system or private listening.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Please REMOVE the end protective caps before using the cable.
- IN THE BOX: 6-foot digital optical audio Toslink cable.
- CLEAR AUDIO: Multi-channel, fiber-optic digital audio output; corrosion resistant gold-plated connectors and buffer tubing for optimal signal transfer.
- DURABLE: Lightweight, flexible cable with a rugged PVC exterior and removable rubber tips that protect the cable when not plugged in; remove before using.
- CONNECTS DEVICES: Quickly connects a sound bar, CD player, Blu-Ray player, game console, or other device to an audio system or TV.
Rank #4
- Optical digital audio cable: Perfect for equipment with a TOSLINK interface (OPT In / OPT Out or S/PDIF In / S/PDIF Out). TOSLINK connector to TOSLINK connector (F05 connector)
- Versatile: Ideal for transmitting crystal-clear digital audio from your TV, video game console (PS3/PS4/Xbox One), DVD/Blu-ray player, or TV streaming box to a soundbar, amplifier/amp, stereo/Hi-Fi system, D/A converter, and more
- High-End: This metal-free fiber optic audio cable, featuring a fully flexible PVC jacket, is entirely immune to electrical interference. Each cable undergoes multi-stage testing during manufacturing to ensure maximum product quality and durability
- 24K gold-plated connectors: Corrosion resistant gold plating keeps connectors clean. And because these cables are fiber optic, they provide 100 % signal transmission with 0 % loss
- No risk: 36 months manufacturer warranty
What to check if there is no sound
- Recheck the connection. Make sure the cable runs from the TV’s labeled output to the matching input on the soundbar or receiver. For HDMI audio return, both ports must be marked ARC/eARC.
- Select the active output. Open Settings > All Settings > Sound > Sound Out and choose the connection you are actually using. Menu names can differ by model and webOS version.
- Check the external device’s volume. LG notes that an external device set to volume 0 can make a working connection appear silent.
- Confirm the model’s features. If the expected output choice is absent, find the TV’s exact model number and check its owner manual. Not every LG TV includes every port or output mode.
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