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Connecting a soundbar is usually easy once you know which port to use. The right choice depends on what your TV and soundbar offer. This guide explains the options in order of quality, gives step-by-step instructions and lists fixes for common problems such as no sound and lip-sync delay.

This guide is based on product listings and general TV knowledge rather than our own testing. Specs and features vary by model and year, so confirm the details on the product page.

By the Reviewstook Editorial Team. Last updated: October 31, 2026.

Pick the Best Connection

  • HDMI eARC: the best option. It carries high-bandwidth audio, including lossless formats and object-based sound such as Dolby Atmos from supported sources.
  • HDMI ARC: works with the same cable but has less bandwidth, so it handles stereo and compressed surround formats.
  • Optical (Toslink): a good fallback for stereo and compressed 5.1. It does not carry lossless or Atmos audio. See optical audio cables.
  • Bluetooth: convenient, but compression and delay can affect quality and lip-sync.
  • 3.5mm or RCA analog: an option for older gear, for stereo only.

Connect With HDMI ARC or eARC

  1. Find the HDMI port on the TV labeled ARC or eARC, and the HDMI OUT (ARC) or eARC port on the soundbar.
  2. Connect them with an HDMI cable. For eARC and Atmos, use a high-speed or Ultra High Speed cable. See our HDMI cable guide.
  3. On the TV, switch audio output to HDMI ARC or an external speaker.
  4. Turn on HDMI-CEC (it may be called Anynet+, Simplink, Bravia Sync or similar) so the TV remote controls the volume.
  5. Set the TV audio format to automatic or passthrough if you want surround sound.

Connect With Optical

  1. Plug the optical cable into the TV optical output and the soundbar optical input. Remove the protective caps first.
  2. Select Optical or Digital on the soundbar input.
  3. Set the TV audio output to optical or external speaker, and set the format to PCM or Dolby Digital if there is no sound.

Connect With Bluetooth

Put the soundbar in pairing mode, pair it in the TV Bluetooth menu and set the TV audio output to the soundbar. If the TV lacks Bluetooth audio output, a Bluetooth transmitter can add it. Use a wired connection for movies and games if you notice delay.

Fix No Sound

  • Check the TV audio output setting and the soundbar input source.
  • Make sure the TV speakers are off and the volume on the soundbar is up.
  • Try the other HDMI port or cable, and confirm it is the ARC port.
  • Change the TV digital audio format to PCM if a format is not supported.
  • Restart the TV and soundbar and unplug them for a minute if CEC fails.

Fix Lip-Sync Delay

Most TVs and soundbars have an audio delay or lip-sync setting. Adjust it in small steps until voices match lip movement. In game mode, some TVs lower video delay, so you may need to retune audio. Use HDMI rather than Bluetooth for the best sync.

Streaming Devices and Consoles

You can plug streaming boxes and consoles into the soundbar or into the TV. Connecting them to the TV and sending audio back through ARC is simplest. If you plug them into the soundbar, make sure the soundbar passes through 4K HDR video. See the soundbar buying guide for channel and Atmos choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ARC and eARC?

eARC has more bandwidth and supports lossless and object-based audio, while ARC supports compressed formats.

Why is my soundbar not working with the remote?

HDMI-CEC may be off. Turn it on in the TV settings and try the same HDMI port.

Can I use both optical and HDMI?

You can connect both, but pick one input at a time for audio.

Do I need a special HDMI cable?

Use a certified high-speed cable. Ultra High Speed is best for eARC.

Bottom Line

Use HDMI eARC if both devices support it, ARC or optical as a fallback, and Bluetooth only when wires are not possible. Check CEC and audio format settings if anything is missing.