Best for HDMI 2.1 gaming
Samsung HW-Q990H
4.9 feature score
Highest scored product for this feature based on supporting review evidence.
Best Speakers for HDMI 2.1 gaming
HDMI 2.1 gaming Decision Dashboard
Safest pick
Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar
4.6 feature score
Balances feature score, supporting reviews, and overall product strength.
Most evidence
Yamaha True X Surround 90A
8 supporting reviews
Has the broadest review evidence for this feature.
Best overall product
KEF XIO
4.4 overall score
Strongest overall product among items with scored evidence for this feature.
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Dual HDMI 2.1 inputs preserve 4K/120Hz, VRR, and low-latency gaming while Game Mode Pro provides strong directional cues.
Pros: Loudness / maximum volume, Stereo imaging accuracy
Cons: Smart assistant integration (Alexa, Status indicators
HDMI 2.1 gaming support is praised for 4K/120-style passthrough and no lag or video-quality loss in gaming tests.
Pros: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Gaming HDMI passthrough
Cons: Google, Cabinet construction / bracing
HDMI 2.1 gaming support was a major strength, with repeated praise for 4K/120Hz, VRR, low latency, and console usefulness.
Pros: Soundstage height, Surround sound simulation
Cons: Chromecast compatibility, Google
HDMI 2.1 gaming support was a weakness because reviewers noted the HDMI input is not HDMI 2.1 and is limited for 4K/120 use.
Pros: Spotify Connect reliability, Setup simplicity
Cons: On-device controls, HDMI 2.1 gaming
HDMI gaming support falls short for high-refresh-rate players because 4K/120Hz passthrough is missing.
Pros: Loudness / maximum volume, Voice clarity
Cons: Customer support, Reliability
HDMI 2.1 gaming support was limited, with reviewers routing consoles directly to the TV for better high-refresh gaming.
Pros: Inter-speaker connectivity, Audio format support
Cons: optical, Gaming HDMI passthrough
The HDMI input is not a full HDMI 2.1 gaming solution: 4K/120 and VRR are missing. That limitation is repeatedly called disappointing or even a dealbreaker for current-generation console owners.
Pros: Distortion at high volume, Wi-Fi streaming reliability
Cons: Included HDMI cable, AI Room Calibration
The lack of direct HDMI 2.1/4K120 passthrough is a clear drawback for high-end console setups that want to route sources through the soundbar.
Pros: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Wi-Fi streaming reliability
Cons: Gaming HDMI passthrough, HDMI 2.1 gaming
The lack of HDMI 2.1 features such as 4K/120, VRR and ALLM is repeatedly criticized as a major omission at this price.
Pros: Stereo imaging accuracy, Voice clarity
Cons: HDMI 2.1 gaming, Gaming HDMI passthrough
The H7 does not provide full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 passthrough. Gamers must depend on available HDMI 2.1 ports on their TV.
Pros: Chromecast compatibility, Spotify Connect reliability
Cons: Rear speaker cable length, Gaming HDMI passthrough