HDMI CEC vs ARC on Soundbars: What's the Difference?

What is HDMI CEC?

HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is a feature built into the HDMI standard that lets connected devices control each other. When you press the power button on your TV remote, CEC can turn on the soundbar at the same time. It can also let the TV remote adjust the soundbar's volume, and it can switch inputs automatically when you start a device like a streaming stick or game console.

On a soundbar listing, CEC might appear as "HDMI CEC," "Anynet+," "BRAVIA Sync," "SimpLink," or "RIHD." These are brand names for the same feature. If a listing doesn't mention CEC, it may still have it, but you can't assume it does. Check the maker's page for the model to confirm.

CEC is a control feature, not an audio feature. It doesn't affect how the soundbar sounds. It only handles commands like power, volume, and input switching. For more on how CEC fits into a soundbar setup, see how HDMI CEC works.

What is ARC?

ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a feature of HDMI that lets audio travel from the TV back to the soundbar through the same HDMI cable that connects them. Normally, HDMI sends audio from a source device to a TV. ARC reverses that direction for audio, so the TV can send the sound from its built-in apps, antenna, or other sources to the soundbar.

The HDMI page on the HDMI Licensing Administrator site describes eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) as a feature that "simplifies connectivity, provides greater ease of use, and supports the most advanced audio formats and highest audio quality." eARC is the newer version of ARC and is found on many recent TVs and soundbars.

On a listing, look for "HDMI ARC" or "HDMI eARC" in the connections section. If a soundbar has an HDMI port labeled "ARC" or "eARC," that's the port you use to connect it to a TV that also has an ARC or eARC port. If neither device has ARC, you would need an optical cable for audio, but you'd lose the ability to send audio from the TV's apps to the soundbar through HDMI. For a deeper look at ARC versus optical, see ARC vs optical.

How CEC and ARC Work Together

CEC and ARC are separate features, but they often work together in a soundbar setup. CEC handles the control signals: when you turn on the TV, it tells the soundbar to turn on. When you change the volume, it tells the soundbar to change volume. ARC handles the audio signal: it carries the sound from the TV to the soundbar.

In practice, this means you can use one remote for both devices. You don't need to pick up the soundbar remote to adjust volume or switch inputs. The TV remote sends commands through CEC, and the audio comes back through ARC.

Some soundbars have a feature called "Auto Power Link" or "HDMI-CEC" that uses CEC to turn the soundbar on and off with the TV. This is a convenience feature, and it requires both devices to support CEC. If your TV and soundbar both have CEC, you can enable it in the settings menus. For more on auto power features, see auto power on/off with ARC.

Checking Your TV and Soundbar

Before you buy a soundbar, check your TV's HDMI ports. Look for a port labeled "ARC" or "eARC." If your TV has one, you can use a soundbar with ARC to get audio from the TV's apps and antenna. If your TV doesn't have ARC, you'll need to use an optical cable for audio, but you won't get the same convenience.

Also check if your TV supports CEC. It might be in the settings menu under a name like "HDMI Control," "Anynet+," or "Bravia Sync." If your TV has CEC, you can control the soundbar with the TV remote.

On the soundbar listing, look for the same terms. If the listing says "HDMI ARC" or "HDMI eARC," it has the audio return feature. If it mentions "CEC" or a brand name like "Anynet+," it has the control feature. If a listing doesn't state these, you can check the maker's page for the model. For a checklist of what to look for, see soundbar unboxing and setup checklist.

What to Pick for Your Situation

If you want to use your TV remote to control the soundbar, you need a soundbar with CEC and a TV with CEC. If you want to hear audio from your TV's apps through the soundbar, you need ARC or eARC on both devices. Most modern soundbars and TVs have both, but it's worth checking.

For a simple setup with a TV that has ARC, a soundbar with ARC is a good choice. For a newer TV with eARC, a soundbar with eARC can support higher-quality audio formats. If your TV doesn't have ARC, you can still use a soundbar with an optical connection, but you'll need to switch inputs manually.

The guides below compare soundbars on stated details like channel layout, subwoofer, and rear speakers. Use them to find a model that fits your TV and room. Start with the best HDMI ARC soundbars guide, or see the best soundbars overall for a broader view.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Do I need both CEC and ARC?

No, but they work well together. CEC lets you control the soundbar with the TV remote, and ARC sends audio from the TV to the soundbar. If you only have one, you can still use the soundbar, but you'll have fewer conveniences.

Can I use ARC without CEC?

Yes, ARC can work without CEC. You'll get audio from the TV to the soundbar, but you'll need to use the soundbar remote to control volume and power.

What if my TV doesn't have ARC?

You can use an optical cable to connect the TV to the soundbar for audio. You won't get audio from the TV's apps through HDMI, but you'll still hear sound from connected devices.

Is eARC better than ARC?

eARC is the newer version and supports higher-quality audio formats. The HDMI page says eARC "supports the most advanced audio formats and highest audio quality." If your TV has eARC, a soundbar with eARC is a good match.