Best for Gaming HDMI passthrough
Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar
5.0 attribute score
Highest scored product for this attribute based on supporting review evidence.
Best Soundbars for Gaming HDMI passthrough
Gaming HDMI passthrough Decision Dashboard
Safest pick
Samsung HW-Q990H
5.0 attribute score
Balances the attribute score, supporting reviews, and overall product strength.
Most evidence
Yamaha True X Surround 90A
8 supporting reviews
Has the broadest review evidence for this attribute.
Best overall product
JBL Bar 1300MK2
4.4 overall score
Strongest overall product among items with scored evidence for this attribute.
Gaming HDMI passthrough receives positive evidence from PS5 testing, where reviewers reported no lag or video-quality drop.
Pros: Value for money, Surround sound simulation
Cons: Status indicators, Wi-Fi streaming reliability
Gaming signals pass through the soundbar without sacrificing 4K/120Hz performance or low-latency features.
Pros: Home theater integration, Bass performance
Cons: Value for money, Design and aesthetics
Gaming HDMI passthrough was mostly praised as a major upgrade, though one reviewer reported a faulty HDMI port on the tested unit.
Pros: Subwoofer, Value for money
Cons: Remote control usability, Status indicators
Gaming passthrough was limited by 4K/60 and non-HDMI 2.1 support, making direct console-to-TV connection preferable for 4K/120 gaming.
Pros: Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use), Surround sound simulation
Cons: App reliability, Audio format support
Gaming passthrough is the major weak spot: the HDMI input tops out at 4K/60Hz, and multiple sources wanted 120Hz support.
Pros: Overall product quality, Overall sound quality
Cons: Bass performance, Surround sound simulation
Gaming-related HDMI passthrough is a weakness. Reviewers wanted HDMI 2.1/4K120 passthrough, especially at this price, but the Mini relies on a single TV eARC connection.
Pros: Subwoofer, Surround sound simulation
Cons: Value for money, Wired input
Gaming passthrough was a weakness where discussed, with reviewers flagging missing HDMI 2.1 or 4K/120Hz support.
Pros: Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use), Subwoofer
Cons: EQ customization, Stereo imaging accuracy
Gaming HDMI passthrough was a weakness because the single HDMI connection and lack of passthrough can complicate consoles and streaming boxes.
Pros: Value for money, Dolby Atmos height effects
Cons: Audio format support, Video passthrough support
There is no HDMI passthrough for consoles or other HDMI-reliant devices, so gaming setups may lose a convenient connection path.
Pros: Design and aesthetics, Overall sound quality
Cons: Value for money, App reliability
Gaming passthrough is a clear weakness. The HDMI input tops out at 4K/60 for modern use and omits VRR and 4K/120, so serious PS5 or Xbox Series X users are...
Pros: Home theater integration, Overall product quality
Cons: Value for money, Small-room suitability
Gaming passthrough is the biggest repeated weakness: the HDMI inputs stop at 4K/60, forcing 4K/120 console users to connect directly to a capable TV.
Pros: Rear speaker versatility, Overall product quality
Cons: Size and TV fit, Gaming HDMI passthrough
There is no dedicated HDMI passthrough for a game console, forcing gaming sources through the TV instead of directly through the soundbar.
Pros: Overall product quality, Overall sound quality
Cons: Value for money, Video passthrough support
There is no dedicated HDMI passthrough for a game console, limiting direct gaming connectivity through the soundbar.
Pros: Design and aesthetics, Overall sound quality
Cons: Value for money, App reliability
The H7 cannot accept a console through a dedicated HDMI input. Gamers who need soundbar passthrough should look elsewhere.
Pros: Inter-speaker connectivity, AI Room Calibration
Cons: Value for money, Music performance