Best for Video passthrough support
Samsung HW-Q990H
4.8 attribute score
Highest scored product for this attribute based on supporting review evidence.
Best Speakers for Video passthrough support
Video passthrough support Decision Dashboard
Safest pick
Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar
4.4 attribute score
Balances the attribute score, supporting reviews, and overall product strength.
Most evidence
Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar
10 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.
Two HDMI passthrough inputs add valuable source flexibility and support modern high-bandwidth video signals.
Pros: Home theater integration, Bass performance
Cons: Value for money, Design and aesthetics
Video passthrough support is strong, with praise for 4K/120, HDR format passthrough, and gaming-friendly HDMI behavior.
Pros: Value for money, Surround sound simulation
Cons: Status indicators, Wi-Fi streaming reliability
Video passthrough support was praised for Dolby Vision/HDR formats and 4K/120Hz support, with one reviewer preferring TV ports for best image quality.
Pros: Subwoofer, Value for money
Cons: Remote control usability, Status indicators
Video passthrough was useful for disc players and consoles, but gaming use is limited by 4K/60 constraints.
Pros: Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use), Surround sound simulation
Cons: App reliability, Audio format support
Video passthrough was useful thanks to multiple HDMI inputs and HDR/Dolby Vision support, but limited by 4K/120Hz shortcomings.
Pros: Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use), Subwoofer
Cons: EQ customization, Stereo imaging accuracy
Video passthrough is useful for multiple sources and Dolby Vision, but its 4K/60 ceiling is a meaningful limitation for modern gaming.
Pros: Rear speaker versatility, Overall product quality
Cons: Size and TV fit, Gaming HDMI passthrough
Video passthrough handles 4K plus Dolby Vision and HDR10+, which covers most film sources. The ceiling is 60Hz rather than 4K/120, limiting its appeal for high-refresh gaming.
Pros: Home theater integration, Overall product quality
Cons: Value for money, Small-room suitability
The HDMI input is useful for simplifying source cabling, but video passthrough is capped at 4K/60Hz. That makes it adequate for many setups but a poor fit for gamers who...
Pros: Overall product quality, Overall sound quality
Cons: Bass performance, Surround sound simulation
Video passthrough flexibility is limited by the single HDMI eARC design. One reviewer notes that external Atmos music devices need the TV as a go-between.
Pros: App reliability, Subwoofer
Cons: Remote control usability, Value for money
Video passthrough support is limited by the single HDMI eARC design. Reviewers repeatedly wanted extra HDMI inputs or HDMI 2.1 passthrough for players and consoles.
Pros: Subwoofer, Surround sound simulation
Cons: Value for money, Wired input
Video passthrough support was weak, with one comparison noting disappointment that HDMI passthrough was still absent.
Pros: Value for money, Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use)
Cons: Subwoofer, Bluetooth connectivity
Video passthrough was a clear weakness because many reviewers criticized the absence of HDMI passthrough or spare HDMI inputs.
Pros: Value for money, Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use)
Cons: Video passthrough support, Soundstage height
Video passthrough was a weakness because one review noted the HDMI input does not support 4K passthrough.
Pros: Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use), Subwoofer
Cons: Dolby Atmos height effects, Smart features
Video passthrough is weak because reviewers note the lack of extra HDMI input support.
Pros: Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use), Surround sound simulation
Cons: Subwoofer, Value for money
Video passthrough support was a consistent weakness because reviewers criticized the absence of HDMI input/passthrough.
Pros: Value for money, Dolby Atmos height effects
Cons: Audio format support, Video passthrough support
The lack of HDMI passthrough is a recurring practical limitation for owners who want to connect source devices through the soundbar.
Pros: Design and aesthetics, Overall sound quality
Cons: Value for money, App reliability
Video passthrough support was a limitation because one review called out the lack of HDMI inputs.
Pros: Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use), Subwoofer
Cons: EQ customization, AI Room Calibration
One reviewer flagged the absence of HDMI inputs as a limitation for passthrough-style setups.
Pros: Value for money, Cohesive presentation
Cons: Subwoofer, Surround sound simulation
HDMI passthrough is the most repeated specification complaint. A soundbar this expensive having no extra HDMI input forces all source switching through the TV and feels under-equipped beside premium rivals.
Pros: Overall product quality, Overall sound quality
Cons: Value for money, Video passthrough support
The absence of extra HDMI passthrough ports is one of the most consistent complaints, especially for disc players, consoles, and more complex home-theater setups.
Pros: Design and aesthetics, Overall sound quality
Cons: Value for money, App reliability
The lack of any dedicated HDMI input is a near-universal complaint. Buyers with multiple consoles or source devices must connect everything to the TV and give up direct passthrough.
Pros: Inter-speaker connectivity, AI Room Calibration
Cons: Value for money, Music performance
The Core 100 is not a good fit for setups that depend on HDMI video passthrough through an AV receiver; one owner had to rewire the system entirely.
Pros: Overall sound quality, Value for money
Cons: Remote control usability, Detail retrieval