Best for HDMI 2.1 gaming
Samsung HW-Q990H
4.9 attribute score
Highest scored product for this attribute 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 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
KEF XIO
4.4 overall score
Strongest overall product among items with scored evidence for this attribute.
Dual HDMI 2.1 inputs preserve 4K/120Hz, VRR, and low-latency gaming while Game Mode Pro provides strong directional cues.
Pros: Home theater integration, Bass performance
Cons: Value for money, Design and aesthetics
HDMI 2.1 gaming support is praised for 4K/120-style passthrough and no lag or video-quality loss in gaming tests.
Pros: Value for money, Surround sound simulation
Cons: Status indicators, Wi-Fi streaming reliability
HDMI 2.1 gaming support was a major strength, with repeated praise for 4K/120Hz, VRR, low latency, and console usefulness.
Pros: Subwoofer, Value for money
Cons: Remote control usability, Status indicators
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: Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use), Surround sound simulation
Cons: App reliability, Audio format support
HDMI gaming support falls short for high-refresh-rate players because 4K/120Hz passthrough is missing.
Pros: Overall product quality, Overall sound quality
Cons: Bass performance, Surround sound simulation
HDMI 2.1 gaming support was limited, with reviewers routing consoles directly to the TV for better high-refresh gaming.
Pros: Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use), Subwoofer
Cons: EQ customization, Stereo imaging accuracy
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: Home theater integration, Overall product quality
Cons: Value for money, Small-room suitability
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: Overall product quality, Overall sound quality
Cons: Value for money, Video passthrough support
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: Rear speaker versatility, Overall product quality
Cons: Size and TV fit, 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: Inter-speaker connectivity, AI Room Calibration
Cons: Value for money, Music performance