Guide 3 · Wiring
HDMI eARC vs Optical for Soundbars
Quick verdict · Wiring
Prefer HDMI eARC/ARC when your TV has the labeled port — one cable for TV apps and Atmos-capable return audio. Use optical when the TV is older or you only need stereo / basic compressed surround.
Check the TV ports before chasing badges. Cable SKUs live on the honest cables page — soft picks below after the checklist.
Why wiring before purchase
The “best” bar is useless if your TV only has optical and you needed eARC features (TV-app Atmos, higher-bandwidth return audio).
HDMI eARC — when it wins
- TV apps sending advanced audio (Atmos / multichannel where supported)
- Single-cable return audio from TV → bar
- CEC / power sync convenience (when it works)
Optical (TOSLINK) — when it’s enough
- Stereo / basic compressed surround
- Older TVs without ARC/eARC
- Isolating a simple music path (see streamer wiring)
Decision checklist
- Does the TV have eARC, ARC, or optical only?
- Do you care about Atmos / advanced audio from TV apps?
- Will a streamer share the bar? → see WiiM / streamer wiring
Need the cable?
Soft path → full myth-kill and length notes on honest HDMI / optical cables. One certified HDMI and one working optical are enough for most apartments: