Best for optical
Ultimea Nova S50 Soundbar
5.0 feature score
Highest scored product for this feature based on supporting review evidence.
Best Speakers for optical
optical Decision Dashboard
Safest pick
KEF LS50 Wireless II Powered Bookshelf Speakers
4.8 feature score
Balances feature score, supporting reviews, and overall product strength.
Most evidence
Fluance Ri71 Reference Powered Bookshelf Speakers
9 supporting reviews
Has the broadest review evidence for this feature.
Best overall product
Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar
4.5 overall score
Strongest overall product among items with scored evidence for this feature.
Most options
Sound Bars
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Use this filter when you want the deepest set of ranked options.
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Optical support is repeatedly listed and demonstrated as one of the available wired inputs.
Pros: optical, Weight convenience
Cons: Gaming HDMI passthrough, Smart features
Optical/Toslink input is repeatedly listed as part of the wired input suite, including use with older TVs or digital sources.
Pros: HDMI ARC), optical
Cons: Wi-Fi streaming reliability, Surround sound simulation
Optical input support is repeatedly confirmed alongside coaxial, analog, HDMI, Ethernet, and other wired options.
Pros: Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use), Latency with TV (lip sync)
Cons: Smart assistant integration (Alexa, Multi-speaker pairing reliability
Optical input support is repeatedly listed among the wired connection options.
Pros: Google, Chromecast compatibility
Cons: On-device controls, HDMI 2.1 gaming
Optical input support is consistently confirmed alongside HDMI and analog inputs.
Pros: Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use), Detail retrieval
Cons: Chromecast compatibility, Google
Optical input is consistently listed as a supported wired option alongside HDMI connections.
Pros: AirPlay compatibility, Chromecast compatibility
Cons: HDMI 2.1 gaming, Gaming HDMI passthrough
Optical connectivity is a strength, with reviewers citing one or two optical inputs and reliable fallback for older TVs.
Pros: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Inter-speaker connectivity
Cons: Wi-Fi streaming reliability, AirPlay compatibility
Optical input is repeatedly confirmed alongside HDMI ARC, USB-C, AUX, and Bluetooth, giving the bar useful wired flexibility.
Pros: Setup simplicity, Voice clarity
Cons: Wi-Fi streaming reliability, Spotify Connect reliability
Optical/Toslink input is consistently available, though usually secondary to HDMI eARC.
Pros: AirPlay compatibility, HDMI ARC)
Cons: Status indicators, Weight convenience
Optical input is widely confirmed and useful as a fallback, though it does not deliver Dolby Atmos.
Pros: Spotify Connect reliability, AirPlay compatibility
Cons: AI Room Calibration, Gaming HDMI passthrough
Optical connectivity is well supported across reviews, usually listed alongside HDMI ARC and other wired inputs.
Pros: Setup simplicity, Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use)
Cons: AirPlay compatibility, Chromecast compatibility
Optical input is present and useful for older gear, though reviewers consistently treat it as less capable than eARC.
Pros: Amplifier power requirements, HDMI ARC)
Cons: HDMI 2.1 gaming, Gaming HDMI passthrough
Optical input is consistently present, though HDMI is the preferred route for advanced formats.
Pros: Cohesive presentation, Detail retrieval
Cons: Weight convenience, Status indicators
Optical input support is consistently mentioned as a practical wired setup option.
Pros: Distortion at high volume, Setup simplicity
Cons: Wi-Fi streaming reliability, Dolby Atmos height effects
Optical support is available through an adapter, which helps older TVs even though HDMI ARC is the preferred connection.
Pros: Weight convenience, Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use)
Cons: Bluetooth codec support, Dolby Atmos height effects
Optical support exists through an adapter, but reviews repeatedly warn that optical does not carry Atmos.
Pros: Setup simplicity, Distortion at high volume
Cons: Bluetooth codec support, Video passthrough support
Optical support exists through an adapter, but reviewers caution that using optical removes Dolby Atmos capability.
Pros: Smart assistant integration (Alexa, Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use)
Cons: Bluetooth codec support, Gaming HDMI passthrough
Optical input is repeatedly identified as missing, especially by reviewers who wanted more TV or desktop flexibility.
Pros: Setup simplicity, Aesthetic design / Finish options
Cons: Wi-Fi streaming reliability, optical