HDMI Cable Requirements for Soundbars

What an HDMI cable does for a soundbar

The HDMI cable carries both audio and video between your TV and soundbar. When you connect a soundbar through the HDMI ARC or eARC port, the cable sends audio from the TV to the soundbar and can also pass video from a source device (like a streaming box or game console) through the soundbar to the TV. The cable's bandwidth determines whether it can handle high-resolution video formats and advanced audio features like Dolby Atmos over eARC.

Not all HDMI cables are the same. Older cables may not have enough bandwidth for 4K at high refresh rates or for the full eARC audio signal. Choosing a cable that matches the capabilities of your soundbar and TV ensures you get the performance the listing describes. For a starting point, see our best soundbar guide to understand what features to compare.

Bandwidth and cable versions

The HDMI specification defines cable categories by bandwidth. The HDMI 2.1 Specification introduced the Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable, which supports up to 48Gbps. The newer HDMI 2.2 Specification defines the Ultra96 HDMI Cable, which supports up to 96Gbps. Both are backward compatible with earlier HDMI devices.

For most soundbar setups, an Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable (48Gbps) is sufficient. It can handle 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 60Hz, and the full bandwidth needed for eARC. The Ultra96 cable is designed for future resolutions like 10K and 12K and for systems that require the highest bandwidth. If your soundbar listing mentions HDMI 2.1 or eARC, an Ultra High Speed cable is the minimum requirement. Learn the difference between HDMI ARC vs eARC to see which port your soundbar likely has.

eARC requirements

Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) sends uncompressed high-bitrate audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio from the TV to the soundbar. This requires a higher bandwidth than standard ARC. The HDMI cable must support Ethernet, which is part of the HDMI specification. All Ultra High Speed HDMI Cables and Ultra96 cables support eARC.

If your soundbar listing states "eARC" or "HDMI eARC", you need a cable that meets the HDMI 2.1 or later specification. A standard High Speed HDMI Cable (10.2Gbps) may work for basic ARC but will not reliably carry the full eARC signal. Check the cable's packaging for the "Ultra High Speed HDMI" logo or the "Ultra96" logo to confirm it supports eARC. The best HDMI ARC soundbar guide lists soundbars that state their HDMI port type.

4K passthrough requirements

Many soundbars include HDMI inputs that let you connect a source device and pass the video through to the TV. For 4K video at 60Hz or 120Hz, the cable must have enough bandwidth. 4K at 60Hz with standard color depth requires about 18Gbps, which a Premium High Speed HDMI Cable (18Gbps) can handle. However, for 4K at 120Hz or 4K with HDR and 10-bit color, you need an Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable (48Gbps).

If your soundbar listing mentions "4K passthrough" or "HDMI 2.1", the cable must support the full bandwidth of that specification. The listing may not state the required cable speed, but you can infer it from the features. For example, a soundbar that supports 4K at 120Hz and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) requires an Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable. Always check the maker's page for the exact passthrough capabilities. For gaming setups, see the best Dolby Atmos soundbar guide for models with HDMI 2.1 inputs.

How to identify the right cable on a listing

When shopping for an HDMI cable, look for the official certification logos on the packaging or in the product images. The HDMI Licensing Administrator requires cables to pass certification before they can use the logos. The key logos are:

Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable – certified for up to 48Gbps, supports eARC and all HDMI 2.1 features.

Ultra96 HDMI Cable – certified for up to 96Gbps, supports all HDMI 2.2 features and is backward compatible.

Premium High Speed HDMI Cable – certified for up to 18Gbps, supports 4K at 60Hz and basic ARC but not eARC or 4K120.

If a cable listing does not show a certification logo, it may not meet the requirements for the bandwidth you need. Check the maker's page for the cable to confirm its specifications. Avoid cables that only claim "high speed" without a logo, as they may not be verified.

Common questions about HDMI cables

A frequent question is whether an expensive cable is necessary. The answer depends on the features you need. For a soundbar that only uses standard ARC and 1080p video, a Standard HDMI Cable (4.95Gbps) may work. But for eARC or 4K passthrough, you need a certified cable that meets the bandwidth requirement. Price alone does not indicate performance; look for the certification logo.

Another question is whether a cable labeled "HDMI 2.1" is enough. The cable must be certified as Ultra High Speed HDMI to guarantee 48Gbps. Some cables marketed as "HDMI 2.1" may only support lower bandwidth. Always verify the certification.

If you are using a soundbar with Bluetooth for audio, you do not need an HDMI cable for audio, but you may still need one for video passthrough if the soundbar has HDMI inputs. Bluetooth is a wireless alternative for audio only, as described by the Bluetooth SIG. For more on connectivity options, see our soundbar connectivity options article.

What to check on a soundbar listing

When reading a soundbar listing, look for these terms that indicate the cable requirements:

HDMI eARC – requires an Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable or Ultra96 cable.

HDMI 2.1 – requires an Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable.

4K passthrough – if the listing specifies 4K at 60Hz, a Premium High Speed cable may suffice; if it mentions 4K at 120Hz or HDR, you need Ultra High Speed.

If the listing does not state the HDMI version or passthrough resolution, check the maker's page. The cable you choose should match the highest capability of the soundbar and your TV.

For a soundbar that only has an HDMI ARC port (not eARC), a Premium High Speed HDMI Cable is usually enough. But if you plan to upgrade your TV or source devices later, buying an Ultra High Speed cable now ensures compatibility. See the best soundbar with separate subwoofer guide if you are also choosing a subwoofer bundle.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Do I need a special HDMI cable for eARC?

Yes. eARC requires an HDMI cable that supports Ethernet and has enough bandwidth. An Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable (48Gbps) or Ultra96 cable (96Gbps) is recommended. A standard High Speed cable may not work reliably.

Can I use an old HDMI cable with a new soundbar?

It depends on the features. If the soundbar uses standard ARC and 1080p, an old cable may work. For eARC or 4K passthrough, you need a certified cable that meets the bandwidth requirements. Check the cable's certification logo.

What does Ultra High Speed HDMI mean?

Ultra High Speed HDMI is a certification for cables that support up to 48Gbps bandwidth. It is required for HDMI 2.1 features like eARC, 4K120, and 8K60. The cable must pass certification to use the logo.

Is an Ultra96 cable necessary for a soundbar?

Not for current soundbars. Ultra96 cables support up to 96Gbps for future resolutions like 10K and 12K. If your soundbar and TV only use HDMI 2.1 features, an Ultra High Speed cable is sufficient.

How can I tell if my HDMI cable is certified?

Look for the official certification logo on the cable packaging or the cable itself. The logos are "Ultra High Speed HDMI" with a QR code, "Premium High Speed HDMI", or "Ultra96". If there is no logo, the cable may not be certified.

Does the length of the HDMI cable matter?

Longer cables can experience signal degradation. For lengths over 15 feet, active cables or fiber optic HDMI cables may be needed. Check the cable's specifications for maximum length at the required bandwidth.

Can I use a Bluetooth connection instead of HDMI?

Bluetooth can stream audio wirelessly, but it does not support high-bitrate formats like Dolby TrueHD or video passthrough. For full soundbar performance, HDMI is recommended. Bluetooth is a secondary option for music from a phone.

What if my soundbar listing does not mention HDMI version?

Check the maker's page for the soundbar. Look for terms like "eARC", "HDMI 2.1", or "4K passthrough". If none are listed, the soundbar likely uses standard ARC and 1080p, so a Premium High Speed cable is adequate.