How to Connect a Soundbar to a Computer

Check the ports on your computer and soundbar

Before you connect anything, look at the ports on your computer and on the soundbar. The connection you can use depends on what both devices have. A computer may have an HDMI output, an optical audio output, a USB port, or Bluetooth. A soundbar may have an HDMI input (often labeled ARC or eARC), an optical input, a USB port, or Bluetooth.

If you are shopping for a soundbar to use with a computer, the soundbar connectivity options article explains what each port name means on a listing. The HDMI ARC vs optical article compares the two most common wired connections for TV and computer setups.

Connect via HDMI

HDMI is the most common connection for modern soundbars. If your computer has an HDMI output and your soundbar has an HDMI input, you can connect them with an HDMI cable. The HDMI specification supports audio and video over a single cable, and the HDMI Licensing Administrator describes the technology as a way to connect devices for audio and video.

For a computer, you typically connect the HDMI cable from the computer's HDMI output to the soundbar's HDMI input. If the soundbar has an HDMI ARC or eARC port, that port is designed to receive audio from a TV, but it can also receive audio from a computer if the computer's HDMI output supports audio. The HDMI ARC vs optical article explains the difference between ARC and eARC.

After connecting, you may need to set the soundbar as the default audio output device in your computer's sound settings. On Windows, go to Settings > System > Sound and select the soundbar. On macOS, go to System Settings > Sound and choose the soundbar under Output.

Connect via optical (Toslink)

Optical audio, also known as Toslink, is a wired connection that carries digital audio. If your computer has an optical audio output and your soundbar has an optical input, you can connect them with an optical cable. The optical input limitations article explains what optical can and cannot carry.

To connect, plug one end of the optical cable into the computer's optical output and the other end into the soundbar's optical input. Make sure the cable clicks into place. Then, in your computer's sound settings, select the optical output as the default audio device.

Optical does not carry video, so it is only for audio. If you are using a computer monitor that has no speakers, you may need to use a different connection for video, such as HDMI or DisplayPort.

Connect via USB

Some soundbars have a USB port that can accept audio from a computer. This is less common than HDMI or optical, but it can work if your soundbar supports USB audio input. The USB input for music article explains what a USB port on a soundbar is for.

To connect, use a USB cable to link the computer's USB port to the soundbar's USB port. The computer should recognize the soundbar as an audio device. You may need to select it in your sound settings.

Not all USB ports on soundbars accept audio. Some are only for firmware updates or charging. Check the soundbar's manual or the maker's page to see if the USB port supports audio input.

Connect via Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless option for connecting a computer to a soundbar. The Bluetooth technology overview explains that Bluetooth is used for wireless audio streaming between devices like speakers and computers.

To connect, put the soundbar in pairing mode, then on your computer go to Bluetooth settings and search for devices. Select the soundbar from the list to pair. Once paired, the soundbar should appear as an audio output device in your sound settings.

Bluetooth is convenient because it requires no cable, but it is a wireless connection and may have limitations compared to wired connections. The Bluetooth codecs article explains what codecs mean on a listing.

Set the soundbar as the default audio device

After connecting the soundbar, you need to tell your computer to use it for audio. On Windows, open Settings > System > Sound, and under Output, select the soundbar. On macOS, open System Settings > Sound, and under Output, choose the soundbar.

If the soundbar does not appear, check the connection and make sure the soundbar is powered on. You may also need to restart the computer or the soundbar. The auto power on/off with ARC article explains how some soundbars turn on automatically when they receive a signal.

Troubleshooting tips

If you hear no sound, check the volume on both the computer and the soundbar. Make sure the soundbar is set to the correct input source. Some soundbars have a button or remote to select the input.

If you are using HDMI and the soundbar has an ARC port, make sure you are using that port. The HDMI ARC vs optical article explains the difference.

If you are using Bluetooth and the connection drops, move the computer closer to the soundbar. The Bluetooth vs Wi-Fi streaming article compares wireless options.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Can I connect a soundbar to a computer with HDMI?

Yes, if your computer has an HDMI output and the soundbar has an HDMI input. Connect them with an HDMI cable and set the soundbar as the default audio device in your computer's sound settings.

Does optical audio work with a computer?

Optical audio works if your computer has an optical output and the soundbar has an optical input. It carries digital audio but not video.

Can I use USB to connect a soundbar to a computer?

Some soundbars have a USB port that accepts audio from a computer. Check the soundbar's manual to see if the USB port supports audio input.

How do I connect a soundbar to a computer via Bluetooth?

Put the soundbar in pairing mode, then on your computer go to Bluetooth settings and select the soundbar. Once paired, choose it as the audio output device.

Why is there no sound from my soundbar when connected to my computer?

Check the volume on both devices, make sure the soundbar is set to the correct input, and verify that the soundbar is selected as the default audio device in your computer's sound settings.