Many people use their family room for all kinds of recreation. They stream the latest show on Netflix and watch Blu-ray movies. They also play Call of Duty battles with their PS4 or play PUBG on their PCs. Their sound system gets a lot of use. So, they need a better sound system for their home theater system.
While building my home theater system, I invested in a soundbar. So, while researching which soundbar would be best for my busy home theater system, It came with an HDMI and an Optical soundbar. While buying, you need to choose one between these two soundbars. So, which one should you choose? Which one would be the best one for your home theater system? What are the differences between these two soundbars?
Both the soundbars provide quality sound. HDMI soundbars come with audio and video usage, making them a nice option when used in conjunction with your TV, Blu-ray player, etc. Let’s found out which one would be the best one for you.
What Is Soundbar?
Many of you don’t know what a soundbar is. A soundbar is a centrally located speaker system that doesn’t take too much space and provides high-quality sound. Soundbars are often renowned for their high-quality sound.
You can use a soundbar as a part of a full surround sound system or as a stand-alone speaker. When you use it as a stand-alone, you will get high-quality sound without taking up much space. But when you use it as a full surround sound system, it will take more space than a stand-alone. You can easily set them up.
HDMI (ARC) vs. Optical – What is the Difference?
Now, let’s come to the differences. Though the differences between these two soundbars are subtle, they are worth considering. Let’s discuss them in detail.
HDMI Soundbars
The full meaning of HDMI is “High-Definition Multimedia Interface.” Nowadays, this is one of the most common types of cable. They provide quality sound and video quality. They also provide reliable and consistent video and sound quality.
You can easily use them because these types of cables relay both video and audio signals between devices. It will take fewer cables to connect your devices.
You Must Use HDMI ARC to Connect from TV to Soundbar
Connect your TV to your soundbar with an HDMI cable. You will need to use the TV’s HDMI ARC input. This sends the sound from the TV to the soundbar. You can also use an HDMI ARC input as a regular HDMI input, but it doubles as an audio output too.
Optical Soundbars
An optical cable can produce consistent and reliable sound. Many have said that Digital Optical cables provide better sound than an HDMI cable. If you have a home theater system, you would like to buy the optical cables for the quality sound. Optical cables only relay audio, not video. So, if you want a relay video, then you will need to buy an additional cable.
Comparing the Specs
When you come to choose between these two soundbars, you need to consider some factors. It would be best if you gave priority to your input options and the placement of your soundbar. Let’s check it out.
Input Options
When it comes to input options, you need to consider what types of inputs and ports your devices have. Many devices will give a permit to use HDMI cables. If your device doesn’t allow the use of HDMI cables, you need to make sure you have the right video cables needed to relay pictures between your device and TV.
Many people buy except a proper connection type to find out their device does not allow for that cable. How surprising it is!
The Bottom Line: If you are looking only to relay sound, A Digital Optical is the best choice for you. A Digital Optical provides the same sound quality as an HDMI does. If you want to watch Blu-ray, Netflix series, game consoles, you should purchase an HDMI cable.
Soundbar Placement
Now, you need to place your soundbar perfectly. If you want to put it behind your TV, it is going to be a bad decision. Why do you use a soundbar? Usually, you use a soundbar to minimize the footprint of your home theater system.
A soundbar provides you a minimalistic approach to sound. An HDMI cable offers you this minimalistic approach with only one cable to relay sound and video quality. But using a Digital Optical cable will mean you need more wires to relay video quality.
The Bottom Line: An HDMI won’t take much space. It keeps your space wire requirement minimum. But a Digital Optical cable needs much space and wire requirement if you want to relay video quality. If you don’t like the wiring mess, you wouldn’t like to go with a Digital Optical.
Recommended HDMI and Optical Soundbars
So, which HDMI or Optical soundbar should you buy? Well, there are many HDMI and Optical soundbar in the market. You need to find out the best quality for your entertainment system. You can buy Yamaha Soundbar System, YAS-207BL which is an HDMI soundbar. You can also buy Sony 2.1-Channel Soundbar System, Model HT-CT290, a Digital Optical model.
Yamaha YAS-207BL Soundbar (HDMI Model)
- World's first sound bar with DTS Virtual: X Virtual 3D surround sound (available via a firmware update available now)
- Slim, understated design perfectly complements your TV
- Wireless subwoofer for powerful bass with flexible placement
- Bluetooth wireless music streaming; Dimensions (W x H x D)(subwoofer): 7 1/8 x 17 1/4 x 15 3/4 inches; Drivers (Center Unit) 4 1 3/4 inch woofers, Dual 1 inch tweeters, (Subwoofer) 6 1/4 inch cone woofer; Dimensions (W x H x D) (Center Unit) 36 5/8 x 2 3/8 x 4 1/4 inches; ARC Yes
- Simple setup with HDMI, optical or analog connection
The Yamaha Soundbar System, YAS-207BL, comes with many features. This model provides 100 watts of power. You can connect it wirelessly to the included subwoofer, which gives you a true and crystal-clear sound. This soundbar allows analog, HDMI, and optical audio inputs. This quality helps you to use almost all of your home theater devices.
This soundbar is 36-5/8 inches long, 2-3/8 inches tall, and 3.25 inches deep. Many positive reviews make it one of the most highly regarded HDMI soundbars.
Sony 2.1-Channel Soundbar System (Digital Optical Model)
- 300W power, plus 2.1ch S-Force PRO Front Surround sound
- Connect and stream music easily with Bluetooth; Slot-in design
- Save space with the ultra-slim, wall-mountable design
- Hear clearer voices with Voice Mode and clearer sound at low volumes with Night Mode
- Control your TV and sound bar with a single remote via HDMI ARC
The Sony 2.1-Channel HT-CT290 is one of the best optical model soundbars. It is budget-friendly for those who are audio lovers. This soundbar provides 300 watts of power. It is 35.5 inches long, 2.1inches high, and 3.4 inches deep. This soundbar is also wall-mountable.
This HT-CT290 optical soundbar has both USB ports and an optical cable. It also supports different audio formats. Many reviewers gave great and positive reviews about this soundbar.
Related Questions
What type of cable do I need for Dolby Digital sound?
Both Optical and HDMI cables can relay Dolby Digital sound between your source and receiver device. So, in that case, you don’t compare these two soundbars. But if you want to play DTS-HD caliber audio, Dolby TrueHD, both the soundbars won’t support those. An HDMI has the capability to do those, but an Optical hasn’t.
-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.
Best Seller List Of Soundbars:
- 【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.
- Hear your TV better: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is a small 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 TV speaker 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
- SONY USA AUTHORIZED - Includes 26 Months Extended Protection in ADDITION to the Included FULL Manufacturer Protection
- Discover 3.1.2ch spatial sound with the BRAVIA Theater Bar 6. Up-firing speakers, a dedicated center channel speaker, and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X will surround you with expansive sound and clear dialogue. The included subwoofer adds deep, powerful bass, letting you feel the rumble in every scene.
- Cinematic 3.1.2ch spatial sound: Acoustically designed to deliver cinematic spatial sound with 3 front-firing speakers, including a dedicated center speaker for clear dialogue. Additional dual up-firing speakers bounce sound above you adding an elevated dimension to your movies. The soundbar is accompanied by an included subwoofer for rich, powerful bass.
- Sound straight from cinema: Get the best streaming experience and authentic cinema sound as the creator’s intended with support for industry-standard formats Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
- Center speaker for clear dialogue: A dedicated center channel speaker ensures clear voice reproduction in every scene. From intense conversations to hushed whispers, you’ll catch every word, enhancing your experience across all types of content.
- FULL, BALANCED SOUND WITH A SUBWOOFER INCLUDED: Immerse yourself in your favorite content with perfectly balanced sound and rich bass from the built-in woofer.
- ONE REMOTE. TOTAL CONTROL: Use your Samsung TV remote to control key soundbar functions, including power, volume and sound effects.*
- EXPANDS YOUR LISTENING ZONE SO YOU CAN FEEL THE SOUND ALL AROUND YOU: Experience immersive sound that fills the room. Clear audio is projected in all directions so you can feel the action from every angle.
- SEAMLESSLY CONNECTS TO YOUR TV: Connects to your TV without cable clutter.** Just pair and play your favorite content.
- PICK UP EVERY PIECE OF DIALOGUE: Hear voices more clearly with dialogue automatically amplified so you don't miss a word.
- 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.
- Compact, versatile design – Sleek, rounded all-black finish with easy-to-clean textured surface, optimized for small-med rooms.
- DTS Virtual:X – Sound Enhancement for room-filling, floor-to-ceiling virtualized sound
- Full-Range Speakers – 2 full-range speakers in the sound bar provide coherent sound and brilliant clarity.
- Optimized for 4K HDR Content with Dolby Audio – Bring out the best audio performance from your 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio when connected through HDMI.
- 70Hz – 20kHz Frequency Response – Wide, natural frequency response means you can hear what the artist intended.
- Samsung Brand Soundbar
- Color: multicolor
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 15.7 x 93.2 cm
- Reference : S9124229
- If you are looking for quality at the best price, look no further!
- Fire TV Soundbar Plus – Elevate your audio with an all-in-one 3.1 soundbar that’s easy to set up. Featuring built-in bass, crisp dialogue, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X.
- Powerful sound with style – Take your entertainment to the next level with incredible sound, clarity, and depth packed into an all-in-one design.
- Crystal clear dialogue – A dedicated center dialogue channel sharpens conversations so you can catch every moment of your favorite shows.
- Sound in another dimension – Dolby Atmos features 3D sound that moves around you and clear dialogue. DTS:X delivers multi-dimensional audio for lifelike sound.
- Easy setup – Connect the included HDMI cable to your TV's HDMI eARC/ARC port and instantly enjoy audio that’s always in sync.
- Straight from the theater to your home: easy set-up, built-in tweeter, 2-ch speaker with simple Bluetooth connection
- Deep sound with Bass Reflex speaker
- High power with a slim design that matches any room and is perfect for small living spaces
- Voice enhancement feature is great for TV content with hushed dialogue, or to make conference call participants easier to hear
- Easy TV set up with HDMI ARC
- ✔️【2-IN-1 Detachable Sound bar】 This soundbar works with TVs, game consoles, and home theaters. Split the soundbar into two tower speakers for 360° surround sound by placing them beside your TV, or combine them into a single fashion bar for compact tabletop or wall-mounted use. Designed to provide a seamless transition between immersive cinematic audio and space-saving, it delivers deep bass and clarity with versatile placement options, great for movie nights, gaming, or music
- ✔️【Immersive 3D Sound & Deep Bass】 This 100W sound bar packs 6 Audio Sources—2 full-range speakers, 2 tweeters, and 2 bass diaphragms—to deliver room-filling 3D surround sound bass. Perfect for music, movies, or gaming, the soundbar's compact design blends effortlessly into small spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. Enhance movie effect with cinematic immersion or elevate casual meals with vibrant, room-filling audio clarity
- ✔️【Bluetooth 5.3 & 5 Connection Methods】Upgraded soundbar Bluetooth 5.3 delivers stable wireless streaming for synced movie/gaming experiences. This Bluetooth speaker delivers high-quality audio to phones, tablets, and TVs. The soundbar provides versatile connectivity: Bluetooth/USB/AUX/Optical/I ARC. You can use the TV remote control to control the soundbar volume in ARC mode. In non-ARC connection mode, you can only use the soundbar's built-in remote control to control volume
- ✔️【Personalized Audio Modes】This soundbar offers three EQ modes (Music/Movie/Game) to optimize your listening experience. Advanced 3D surround sound technology enriches explosive effects, sound details, and crisp dialogue. Whether watching movies, enjoying live concerts, following sports, or catching up on the news, this home theater sound system delivers enhanced depth and clarity for all your favorite content
- ✔️【Two Control Methods】Adjust your soundbar using either the included remote or front/top physical buttons. The remote offers precise surround effect customization and volume management. Both methods allow seamless volume control. If the speakers' prompt tone is too loud, press the remote's mute button to silence it instantly. Choose your preferred control style – handheld precision or tactile access – for optimized audio management
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Last update on 2025-07-10
