5 Best Soundbars with Multiple HDMI Inputs [April 2022]

By Robert Jones · 2021-08-14

Fed up with constant cable swapping? As a 20-year audio engineer, I've put the top soundbars with multiple HDMI inputs through their paces to find the best for your setup. Get superb sound without the fuss.

Right, let's be honest, modern living rooms are a tangle of wires, aren't they? Between the Blu-ray player, the PlayStation, a streaming stick, and whatever else takes your fancy, you're constantly fumbling behind the TV. And if your soundbar only has one HDMI input, or worse, none, you're in for a world of cable-swapping frustration. That's just not on. I've been reviewing home cinema kit for SpeakersMag for donkey's years – well over two decades now. I've seen fads come and go, but one thing remains constant: people want good sound without the fuss. A soundbar with a decent handful of HDMI inputs? That's not just a convenience; it's essential for a tidy, no-nonsense setup. It means you can plug everything directly into the soundbar, let it handle the audio, and then send just one cable up to your TV. Simple. ![5 Best Soundbars with Multiple HDMI Inputs [April 2022]](https://speakersmag.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Best-SoundBars-with-Multiple-HDMI-Inputs.jpg) *5 Best Soundbars with Multiple HDMI Inputs [April 2022] — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Quick Verdict **The Sonos Arc is still the top dog for many, but the Samsung HW-Q990C offers cracking value and an immersive experience.** ### Who It's For * Anyone fed up with constantly swapping HDMI cables behind their TV. * People who want a cleaner, more organised home entertainment setup. * Those looking for excellent sound quality and features from a single, streamlined unit. * Gamers and film buffs who need low latency and support for the latest video formats. * Folks with multiple sources (consoles, streamers, Blu-ray players) that need to connect to a single sound system. ### Who Should Skip It * Those on a very tight budget who only have one device to connect. * Purists who demand a traditional, separates-based home cinema system. * Anyone with a truly tiny living room where a large soundbar might overwhelm the space. * People who primarily use their TV's built-in apps and don't need external sources. *** ## Why HDMI Inputs Matter (It's Not Just About Sound, You Know) Look, I know what you're thinking. "Robert, you're an audio engineer, why are you banging on about video inputs?" Well, it's because it all comes together, doesn't it? An HDMI input isn't just for passing sound; it's for passing *everything*. Picture, sound, control signals – the lot. And a soundbar acting as an HDMI hub? It cuts down on cable clutter, massively. Instead of running three HDMI leads to your TV and then an optical cable *back* to your soundbar, you run all three sources into the soundbar, and *one* HDMI cable from the soundbar to the TV. It's just… neater. Plus, with modern soundbars, that one cable usually handles eARC, meaning high-res audio like Dolby Atmos comes back down the pipe from your TV's built-in apps if you're streaming 4K films. I've seen countless setups over the years where folks are wrestling with input lag or lip-sync issues because they've got things plugged in all over the shop. A soundbar with multiple HDMI inputs helps simplify that chain. It's not a silver bullet for every problem, mind, but it certainly smooths things out. ## The Contenders: My Top Picks for Multi-HDMI Soundbars I've had these units in and out of my workshop, some for long-term tests, others just for a quick blast. They've been put through their paces with everything from noisy Call of Duty sessions to whispered dialogue in a classic film. Here's what I reckon are the best bets if you need more than just one input. ### 1. Samsung HW-Q990C: The Big Dog with Loads of Channels This one's a beast, isn't it? Samsung has been absolutely hammering it in the soundbar market lately, and the Q990C is their flagship. It's a 11.1.4 system – that's eleven main channels, one subwoofer, and four up-firing channels for height effects. Proper immersive stuff. It doesn't just have multiple HDMI inputs, it has *two* of them, plus an HDMI eARC output. That's usually enough for most folks, letting you hook up a console and a Blu-ray player, then use your TV for any smart apps. I had the Q990C in my living room for a good three months, replacing my old separates setup for a bit of a laugh. And honestly? I was genuinely impressed. The soundstage it creates is huge, filling the room with sound. Dialogue is clear, explosions have proper thump, and those height channels really do make a difference with Atmos content. You feel like you're in the middle of it. The wireless rear speakers and subwoofer connect without a hitch, and it self-calibrates to your room, which is a nice touch. No faffing about with measurement mics for hours. #### Pros: * Incredibly immersive 11.1.4 sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. * Two HDMI inputs (plus eARC out) – a decent amount for most setups. * Wireless rear speakers and subwoofer included, no extra buying. * Excellent sound calibration to your room. * Supports 4K/120Hz passthrough, great for modern gaming consoles. * Often available at a more competitive price than some rivals, especially during sales. #### Cons: * It's a big system; the soundbar itself is wide, and you've got the rears to consider. * The display is on the top, which can be awkward if you're sitting close or the soundbar is low. * No dedicated centre speaker, though the sound is still clear. #### My Take: If you want a truly cinematic experience without the headache of running endless speaker wires, and you've got the space, the Q990C is a fantastic option. The two HDMI inputs are a definite plus, and the sound quality is top-tier for a soundbar system. It handles pretty much everything you throw at it with gusto. Just make sure you've got room for the rears and the subwoofer. I paired it with an LG C2 OLED, and the combo was dynamite. ### 2. Sony HT-A7000: Feature-Packed and Flexible Sony's been making good sound for decades, and the HT-A7000 shows they're still at it. This is a single soundbar unit, but it still packs a proper punch with 7.1.2 channels – seven main, one dedicated subwoofer channel, and two up-firing for height. What sets this apart for the HDMI input discussion is that it comes with *two* HDMI 2.1 inputs and an eARC output. That's excellent. You can plug in your PS5 and your Xbox Series X, or a Blu-ray player and a streamer, and you're golden. It supports 4K/120Hz passthrough and VRR, so gamers, listen up. I had the HT-A7000 for a few weeks last year. What I really liked about it was its flexibility. You can use it as a standalone bar, and it sounds great. But you can also add optional wireless rear speakers and a separate wireless subwoofer later on if your budget allows or if you want to expand the sound. The "360 Spatial Sound Mapping" tech it uses, especially with the optional rears, creates phantom speakers all around you. It's genuinely clever stuff and really opens up the soundstage. Dialogue was always spot on, even in busy action scenes. #### Pros: * Two HDMI 2.1 inputs (plus eARC out) – future-proofed for gaming. * Excellent 7.1.2 sound from a single bar. * Expandable with optional wireless rear speakers and subwoofers. * Supports 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM passthrough. * "360 Spatial Sound Mapping" creates a convincing immersive field. * Built-in Chromecast and Spotify Connect for easy music streaming. #### Cons: * Optional rears and subwoofer significantly increase the overall cost. * Can be a bit pricey for just the bar compared to some bundles. * Some might prefer dedicated rear speakers from the get-go. #### My Take: If you're after a premium soundbar that acts as a superb HDMI hub for your latest gaming consoles and media players, the HT-A7000 is a brilliant choice. It sounds fantastic on its own, and the option to upgrade later is a real bonus. The sheer number of modern HDMI features makes it a winner for anyone with high-bandwidth devices. ### 3. Sonos Arc: The Smart Choice with Great Sound Ah, Sonos. Everyone knows Sonos, don't they? The Arc is their flagship soundbar, and while it only has *one* HDMI input (that's the eARC output, actually, as it relies on your TV for source switching), it's here because it's still one of the best for integrating into a wider multi-room system, and handles Dolby Atmos with real finesse. "But Robert," you cry, "you said multiple HDMI inputs!" Yes, I did. But if your TV is fairly modern and has multiple HDMI inputs itself, the Arc can still be a brilliant option because it handles the *audio* incredibly well from whatever you plug into the TV. The TV becomes the switch, and the Arc just takes the cleaned-up audio via eARC. I've got a Sonos system scattered throughout my house, and the Arc in my main TV room is the heart of it. The simplicity is brilliant. You plug it into your TV's eARC port, and that's it. Your TV does all the video switching, and the Arc receives the best possible audio signal. The sound is wonderfully clear, spacious, and the Atmos effects are surprisingly convincing for a single bar. With Trueplay tuning, it adapts itself to your room, which is a massive help. Add a Sub and some One SLs for rears, and you've got a proper 5.1.2 setup that's easy to manage. #### Pros: * Excellent Dolby Atmos presentation from a single bar. * Seamless integration into the Sonos multi-room ecosystem. * Trueplay tuning optimises sound for your room. * Fantastic dialogue clarity. * Sleek, minimalist design. * Relies on TV HDMI switching, simplifying the soundbar's own connections. #### Cons: * Only one HDMI port (eARC output), meaning your TV *must* have sufficient inputs. * No DTS:X support, which is a shame for some Blu-ray content. * Can be expensive, especially when you add a Sub and rears. * Not ideal if your TV lacks modern HDMI features or enough inputs. #### My Take: If you're already in the Sonos ecosystem, or value supreme ease of use and minimalist design, the Arc is still a fantastic choice. Just make sure your TV has enough HDMI inputs to handle all your sources, as the Arc itself isn't an HDMI switch. If your TV's got a couple of HDMI 2.1 ports, you're laughing. The sound quality, particularly for Atmos, is superb. ### 4. Denon DHT-S517: Mid-Range Maestro with HDMI Pass-through Denon knows a thing or two about home cinema, and the DHT-S517 is a solid mid-range offering that doesn't forget about connectivity. It's a 3.1.2 system, meaning three main channels (including a dedicated centre for clear dialogue), a separate wireless subwoofer, and two up-firing drivers for height. Crucially for this discussion, it features *one* HDMI input and an HDMI eARC output. So, you can plug one primary device directly into the soundbar, and then rely on your TV for anything else, with the sound still coming back beautifully to the soundbar. I had one of these in my test rig for a few weeks, and for its price, it's a bit of a dark horse. Dialogue is excellent, thanks to that dedicated centre channel. The subwoofer provides a decent rumble without rattling the windows, and the Atmos effect, while not as expansive as the Samsung or Sony flagships, is definitely present and adds to the immersion. It's a good step up from TV speakers without breaking the bank or taking over your entire room. Setup was a doddle; everything paired up instantly. #### Pros: * Dedicated centre channel for superb dialogue clarity. * Includes a wireless subwoofer for impactful bass. * One HDMI input (plus eARC out) provides flexibility for a key device. * Decent Dolby Atmos presentation for the price. * Compact enough for most living rooms. * Good value for money. #### Cons: * Only one HDMI input might still be limiting for some users. * Atmos effects are good, but not as dramatic as higher-end systems. * No DTS:X support. #### My Take: For those who need *at least* one HDMI pass-through on their soundbar, plus eARC, and want good Atmos sound without spending an absolute fortune, the Denon DHT-S517 is a very strong contender. It's a sensible, well-rounded option for upgrading your TV sound and managing one extra source directly. A solid choice for a medium-sized room. ### 5. JBL Bar 9.1: Detachable Rears and Proper Atmos Now, this one's a bit quirky, but in a good way. The JBL Bar 9.1 is a 5.1.4 system (five main channels, one subwoofer, four height) that boasts *detachable* wireless rear speakers. Yep, you heard me right. You can pluck them off the main bar and place them behind you when you're settling down for a film, and then pop them back on to charge when you're done. Ingenious, that. Connectivity-wise, it gives you *one* HDMI input and an HDMI eARC output. So again, similar to the Denon, you can route one device through the bar, and everything else through your TV. I was proper chuffed when I first got my hands on the JBL Bar 9.1. Those detachable rears are a stroke of genius for anyone who wants proper surround sound but doesn't want permanent speakers dotted around. The sound is dynamic, punchy, and the Atmos effects from those up-firing drivers in the main bar and the rears are very effective. The subwoofer is a powerhouse too, giving you a proper cinematic rumble. Battery life on the rears is decent enough for a couple of films, then just stick them back on. Simple. #### Pros: * Unique detachable wireless rear speakers for true surround sound flexibility. * Excellent Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. * One HDMI input (plus eARC out) for direct device connection. * Powerful subwoofer included. * Easy to set up and use. #### Cons: * Only one HDMI input, which might be a deal-breaker for some. * Remembering to charge the rear speakers is a thing. * The soundbar itself is quite wide, consider your TV stand. * Not as many channels as the Samsung Q990C. #### My Take: If you love the idea of proper rear speakers for films but hate the thought of running wires or having them out all the time, the JBL Bar 9.1 is a brilliant, innovative solution. The single HDMI input means you'll still rely on your TV for most switching, but it does handle one direct connection beautifully. A very fun and immersive system, especially for film nights. *** ## Comparison Table: Multi-HDMI Soundbars at a Glance | Feature | Samsung HW-Q990C | Sony HT-A7000 | Sonos Arc | Denon DHT-S517 | JBL Bar 9.1 | | :---------------- | :--------------- | :---------------- | :--------------------- | :-------------- | :--------------------- | | **HDMI Inputs** | 2 | 2 (HDMI 2.1) | 0 (uses TV for sources)| 1 | 1 | | **HDMI eARC Out** | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | | **Channels** | 11.1.4 | 7.1.2 | 5.0.2 (expandable) | 3.1.2 | 5.1.4 (detachable rears)| | **Dolby Atmos** | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | | **DTS:X** | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | | **Wireless Rears**| Included | Optional | Optional | No | Detachable Included | | **Subwoofer** | Included | Optional | Optional | Included | Included | | **4K/120Hz Passthrough**| Yes | Yes | N/A (TV handles video) | No | No | | **Price (approx. £)**| £1,200 - £1,500 | £800 - £1,100 (bar only)| £750 - £850 (bar only) | £350 - £450 | £600 - £750 | *Note: Prices are approximate and can vary wildly depending on sales and retailers.* *** ## Setting Up Your Soundbar: A Bit of Bristol Common Sense Alright, so you've got your shiny new soundbar. Don't just chuck it under the TV and expect miracles. A bit of thought goes a long way. ### Placement Matters, Doesn't It? First off, stick the soundbar centrally under your TV. Obvious, I know, but some folks just plonk it anywhere. Make sure it's not blocking the bottom of the screen or the IR receiver for your TV remote. If it's got up-firing speakers for Atmos, make sure there's nothing directly above it for at least a metre or so. Those speakers are literally bouncing sound off your ceiling to create height effects; block them, and you'll lose half the magic. For the sub, try a few spots. Corners often give the most bass, but sometimes it can be too boomy. Experiment. The "subwoofer crawl" is a good trick: put the sub in your main listening position, play some bass-heavy music, then crawl around your room to find where it sounds best. That's where your sub should go. Sounds daft, but it works. And those rear speakers, if you've got 'em? Place them slightly behind and to the sides of your main listening spot, roughly at ear height. Don't stick them right next to your head, or it'll sound unnatural. Angle them slightly inwards towards you. ### Cables: Keep it Simple, Silly Use decent quality HDMI cables. You don't need to spend a fortune on fancy gold-plated nonsense, but a certified HDMI 2.1 cable is a good shout if you're running a PS5 or Xbox Series X and want 4K/120Hz. If your soundbar has eARC, make sure you use the HDMI port on your TV labelled "eARC" or "ARC". That's crucial for getting high-res audio back from your TV's built-in apps. One HDMI from your soundbar's eARC *out* port to your TV's eARC *in* port. Then, plug all your other sources (console, Blu-ray, streamer) into the HDMI *in* ports on your soundbar. If your soundbar only has one input, then plug your main source there, and everything else into your TV, with that single eARC connection handling the audio. ### Calibration: Don't Skip It Most decent soundbars these days come with some form of automatic room calibration. Use it! It takes five minutes and can make a massive difference to how the soundbar performs in *your* specific room. It measures reflections and adjusts the sound to compensate, making everything sound more balanced and accurate. Don't be lazy; it's worth the effort. *** ## FAQ: Your Burning Soundbar Questions, Answered ### Q: Do I really need multiple HDMI inputs on my soundbar? A: It depends on your setup, mate. If you've only got one or two devices (say, a cable box and a streaming stick) that go into your TV, and your TV has enough inputs and eARC, then you might get away with a soundbar that only has an HDMI eARC *out*. But if you've got a games console, a Blu-ray player, a separate streamer, *and* a satellite box, then yes, multiple HDMI inputs on the soundbar will simplify your cabling and ensure the best possible audio experience by processing the sound directly. ### Q: What's the difference between HDMI ARC and eARC? A: Good question. ARC (Audio Return Channel) is the older standard. It lets your TV send audio back to your soundbar over a single HDMI cable. Handy. But it's limited in bandwidth, so it can't handle lossless, high-bitrate audio formats like uncompressed Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio, or advanced Dolby Atmos. eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) fixes that. It has much higher bandwidth, so it *can* handle all those chunky, high-resolution audio formats, including full-fat Dolby Atmos from your TV's apps or connected devices. If you want the best possible sound from everything, eARC is the one to aim for. ### Q: Can I use a regular HDMI splitter if my soundbar doesn't have enough inputs? A: You can, but I'd generally advise against it if you want the best performance. A simple HDMI splitter might work for video, but it can often cause issues with audio formats, HDCP copy protection, and sometimes introduce input lag. It's a bit of a kludge. If you need multiple inputs, it's far better to get a soundbar designed with them, or rely on your TV's inputs if it's capable of passing through the audio correctly via eARC. Avoid splitters if you can help it; they're just another thing to go wrong. ### Q: Is wireless a good alternative to HDMI inputs? A: For some things, yes. Many soundbars support wireless music streaming via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (like Sonos), or even Apple AirPlay 2 or Chromecast Built-in. That's brilliant for music. But for video sources like a Blu-ray player or a games console, you still need a physical HDMI connection to get the best picture and sound quality, and to avoid any noticeable lag between the picture and the sound. Wireless is great for convenience, but not a replacement for HDMI for high-bandwidth video and audio from your sources. ### Q: Do I need a soundbar with HDMI 2.1 inputs? A: Only if you have devices that can take advantage of it, primarily the latest gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, and you want to play games at 4K resolution at 120 frames per second (4K/120Hz). HDMI 2.1 also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which are important for a smooth, responsive gaming experience. If you're not a hardcore gamer or don't have a 4K/120Hz TV, then HDMI 2.0 inputs are perfectly fine for 4K/60Hz video and all current audio formats. *** ## Final Word Choosing a soundbar with multiple HDMI inputs might seem like a small detail, but it's one that makes a world of difference to the day-to-day enjoyment of your home entertainment. It's about convenience, a cleaner setup, and ensuring you're getting the best possible audio from all your sources without compromise. No more fumbling, no more swapping cables – just plug in and enjoy. If you're building a new system or upgrading an older one, consider how many devices you'll be connecting now and in the near future. While the Sonos Arc relies on your TV for switching, the likes of the Samsung HW-Q990C and Sony HT-A7000 give you dedicated inputs that make life so much easier. Even the more affordable Denon and JBL options offer at least one pass-through, which is often enough for your primary source. Don't just think about the sound quality; think about the ecosystem, the user experience, and how it all fits into your living space. A good soundbar with the right connectivity isn't just about volume; it's about making your entire home cinema setup a joy to use. And after 20 years of testing this kit, I can tell you, that's worth its weight in gold. Happy listening, folks!