Best for Gaming HDMI passthrough
JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar
3.2 feature score
Highest scored product for this feature based on supporting review evidence.
Best Sound Bars for Gaming HDMI passthrough
Gaming HDMI passthrough Decision Dashboard
Safest pick
Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar
2.0 feature score
Balances feature score, supporting reviews, and overall product strength.
Most evidence
Sony HT-S100F Soundbar
3 supporting reviews
Has the broadest review evidence for this feature.
Best overall product
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
4.0 overall score
Strongest overall product among items with scored evidence for this feature.
One review confirms 4K60 passthrough works for gaming, but it is not presented as a cutting-edge gaming solution.
Pros: Loudness / maximum volume, Detail retrieval
Cons: HDMI 2.1 gaming, Cabinet construction / bracing
One review explicitly says the HDMI input does not support 4K passthrough, which limits console passthrough use.
Pros: Setup simplicity, Value for money
Cons: Wi-Fi streaming reliability, AirPlay compatibility
Because there is no extra HDMI input, the Smart Soundbar offers essentially no meaningful gaming passthrough capability.
Pros: Weight convenience, Setup simplicity
Cons: Gaming HDMI passthrough, HDMI 2.1 gaming
Gaming-related HDMI passthrough is weak because reviewers repeatedly note the lack of spare HDMI inputs or direct passthrough.
Pros: Smart assistant integration (Alexa, Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use)
Cons: Bluetooth codec support, Gaming HDMI passthrough
Because it has no HDMI input passthrough, it is not suited to gaming passthrough use cases.
Pros: Setup simplicity, Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use)
Cons: Wi-Fi streaming reliability, Smart assistant integration (Alexa