Best Soundbars for Gaming PS5 Xbox: What Users Recommend

Samsung HW-Q990D supports 4K 120Hz passthrough with HDMI 2.1 delivering 9.2ms input lag for PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming per TechRadar testing. Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 wins AVForums 2025/26 gaming champion at £999 with Perfect for PlayStation guarantee and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. Both models handle VRR and ALLM while passing HDR signals without latency penalty. Samsung HW-B630F delivers budget HDMI 2.1 gaming at £200-300 optimized for PlayStation 5 with wireless subwoofer included. Avoid soundbars without HDMI 2.1 passthrough — older HDMI 2.0 models cannot pass 4K 120Hz signals forcing eARC-only connection adding 40-100ms latency depending on TV. Check HDMI 2.1 passthrough specification before buying any soundbar for PS5 or Xbox Series X gaming.

🎮 Why These Recommendations?

• Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8: AVForums crowned it "gaming champion" for value. Perfect for PlayStation guarantee means tested PS5 compatibility. HDMI 2.1 with 4K/120Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). 360 Spatial Sound Mapping creates immersive gaming soundstage. Source-based tone mapping optimizes audio for PS5 games. Only one HDMI input limits multi-console setups. No optical input.
• Samsung HW-Q990D: 9.2ms input lag — TechRadar measured zero added latency when Xbox signal passed through. HDMI 2.1 passthrough supports 4K/120Hz and VRR. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision pass-through. 11.1.4 channel system with wireless subwoofer and rear speakers. Game Mode optimizes directional audio for competitive gaming. Works with both PS5 and Xbox Series X.
• Samsung HW-Q990F: 9.5ms input lag per AVForums testing. HDMI loop-through supports 4K/120Hz gaming feeds and VRR. Appears twice in AVForums 2025/26 Editor's Choice Awards demonstrating strong credentials. Redesigned more compact subwoofer versus Q990D. Both HDMI inputs support 4K 120Hz passthrough allowing dual console setup.
• Samsung HW-B630F: Entry-level Samsung gaming bar with HDMI 2.1. Optimized for PlayStation 5 per gaming review aggregators. Game Mode enhances directional audio for footsteps and spatial cues. Wireless subwoofer included at budget price. Good for smaller rooms and casual gaming.
• Soundbars without HDMI 2.1: Cannot pass 4K 120Hz signals — forces eARC-only connection adding latency and losing features. PS5 and Xbox Series X output 4K 120Hz in performance modes. HDMI 2.0 maxes at 4K 60Hz. Any soundbar from 2020 or earlier likely lacks HDMI 2.1. Verify specifications before purchase.

Sources: AVForums 2025/26 Editor's Choice Awards, TechRadar, Audio Advice, FlatpanelsHD, Home Entertainment. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Last updated February 2026.

HDMI 2.1 for Gaming: Why It Matters

PS5 and Xbox Series X output 4K resolution at 120Hz in performance modes for supported games. HDMI 2.0 maxes at 4K 60Hz and cannot pass this signal. HDMI 2.1 passthrough allows soundbar to sit between console and TV while maintaining full 4K 120Hz VRR capability. Without HDMI 2.1 passthrough you must connect console directly to TV using HDMI eARC to send audio back to soundbar — this adds 40-100ms latency depending on TV and disables some features. Variable Refresh Rate eliminates screen tearing in 60-120fps games. Auto Low Latency Mode automatically switches TV to game mode when console detected reducing input lag by 15-30ms on most TVs.

"The HDMI loop through system supports 4K/120Hz gaming feeds and variable refresh rates, so you can run a PS5, Xbox Series X or PC through the soundbar, rather than having to rely on HDMI's eARC technology."

— AVForums, Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 Review

Game Mode and Low Latency: What Gamers Prioritize

Competitive gamers prioritize directional audio for footsteps and spatial awareness. Game Mode on Samsung soundbars enhances directional cues while reducing bass bloat that masks mid-range detail. Sony 360 Spatial Sound Mapping calibrates audio to room layout creating accurate positional audio for enemy location tracking. Under 20ms input lag considered excellent for gaming soundbars. Samsung HW-Q990D measured 9.2ms. Samsung HW-Q990F measured 9.5ms. Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 measures under 15ms. These figures mean the soundbar adds virtually zero latency when console signal passes through to TV. Over 30ms you notice audio-visual desync in fast-paced games. Over 50ms becomes distracting in competitive multiplayer.

• Game Mode: Reduces latency and enhances directional audio while reducing bass bloat for clearer footsteps
• Dolby Atmos: Overhead spatial audio in supported games (Call of Duty, Horizon Forbidden West, Halo Infinite, Spider-Man)
• DTS:X: Alternative spatial format with fewer game titles supporting it versus Atmos
• 360 Spatial Sound Mapping (Sony): Room calibration for accurate positional audio tailored to your space
• Night Mode: Essential for competitive gaming without disturbing neighbors at late hours
• Dialogue enhancement: Clear voice chat in multiplayer games and party chat on console

Dolby Atmos for Gaming: Height Channels Explained

Dolby Atmos in games like Call of Duty and Horizon Forbidden West uses height channels for overhead effects — helicopters, rain, explosions above. Height channels create immersive soundstage beyond traditional stereo left-right audio. Upfiring drivers on soundbar project audio to ceiling which reflects back down creating overhead spatial awareness. Halo Infinite and Spider-Man support Dolby Atmos using height information for aircraft flyovers and web-swinging through New York. DTS:X similarly enhances spatial audio in supported titles but fewer games support it versus Atmos. Samsung HW-Q990D and Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 both support Dolby Atmos with upfiring drivers for height channels. Traditional soundbars with built-in subwoofers deliver left-right stereo only without overhead awareness.

Platform-Specific Optimization: PS5 vs Xbox Features

Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 has Perfect for PlayStation guarantee meaning tested PS5 compatibility at Sony engineering labs. Source-based tone mapping optimizes audio for PS5 games automatically adjusting EQ per title. Samsung HW-Q990D and Q990F work with both PS5 and Xbox Series X with HDMI 2.1 passthrough supporting 4K 120Hz and VRR on both platforms. Samsung Q-Symphony pairs Samsung soundbars with Samsung TV speakers for synchronized audio but this feature works only with Samsung TVs not console-specific.

Perfect for PlayStation Features

Sony Bar 8 Perfect for PlayStation guarantee ensures tested compatibility with PS5 firmware updates and system features. Source-based tone mapping adjusts soundbar EQ automatically for each PS5 game title optimizing dialogue and effects balance. 360 Spatial Sound Mapping calibrates audio to room acoustics using PlayStation camera creating accurate positional audio. Limitation: Sony Bar 8 has only one HDMI input requiring HDMI switcher for multi-console setup or manual cable swapping between PS5 and Xbox.

Xbox Spatial Audio Integration

Samsung HW-Q990D and Q990F integrate with Xbox spatial audio system supporting Dolby Atmos for Headphones and Windows Sonic output from console. Game Mode optimization enhances directional audio for footsteps in competitive shooters. Samsung HW-Q990F has two HDMI 2.1 inputs allowing PS5 and Xbox Series X connected simultaneously without switching cables. Q-Symphony synchronizes Samsung soundbar with Samsung TV speakers for expanded soundstage but this feature works only with Samsung TVs not Xbox-specific functionality.

FAQ: Gaming Soundbar Questions

Do I Need HDMI 2.1 for PS5 Gaming?

Yes if playing performance mode games at 4K 120Hz. PS5 outputs 4K 120Hz in performance modes for supported titles like Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Gran Turismo 7. HDMI 2.0 cannot pass this signal — maxes at 4K 60Hz. Without HDMI 2.1 passthrough you must connect PS5 directly to TV and use HDMI eARC to send audio back to soundbar — this adds 40-100ms latency depending on TV and disables VRR. For casual 60fps gaming HDMI 2.0 sufficient. For competitive 120fps gaming HDMI 2.1 essential.

What Is Good Input Lag for Gaming Soundbars?

Under 20ms input lag considered excellent for gaming soundbars. Samsung HW-Q990D measured 9.2ms. Samsung HW-Q990F measured 9.5ms. Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 under 15ms. These figures mean the soundbar adds virtually zero latency when console signal passes through to TV. Over 30ms you notice audio-visual desync in fast-paced competitive games. Over 50ms becomes distracting for any gaming. Budget soundbars without HDMI 2.1 force eARC connection adding 40-100ms latency depending on TV processing speed. Dedicated gaming soundbars prioritize low latency processing.

Can I Use Soundbar with Both PS5 and Xbox Series X?

Yes if soundbar has two HDMI 2.1 inputs. Samsung HW-Q990F has two HDMI 2.1 inputs allowing both consoles connected simultaneously without cable swapping. Samsung HW-Q990D also has two HDMI inputs with 4K 120Hz support. Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 has only one HDMI input — requires HDMI 2.1 switcher for multi-console setup or manual cable swapping between consoles. Budget Samsung HW-B630F typically one HDMI input. For dual-console gaming choose soundbar with two HDMI 2.1 inputs or buy HDMI 2.1 switcher separately.

Should I Add a Separate Subwoofer to My Gaming Soundbar?

Samsung HW-Q990D and Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 include wireless subwoofers providing sufficient bass for gaming. Adding wireless subwoofer to existing soundbar requires Sub Out port which most modern soundbars lack per AVS Forum research. Wireless subwoofers use proprietary protocols — Samsung wireless sub only works with Samsung soundbars. For gaming choose soundbar-plus-sub combo system like models recommended above rather than adding aftermarket subwoofer later.

Do Gaming Soundbars Work for Movies and Music?

Yes — gaming soundbars excel at movies and music due to low latency and Dolby Atmos support. Samsung HW-Q990D and Sony Bar 8 deliver cinema-quality audio for Netflix and Amazon Prime with Dolby Atmos height channels. Movie Mode on Samsung soundbars optimizes bass and dialogue balance for films. Music Mode reduces effects processing for accurate stereo imaging. Gaming features like low latency and directional audio enhance movie soundtracks without compromise. Compare with general best soundbars UK 2026 if gaming not primary use case.

Choose gaming soundbars based on HDMI 2.1 and low latency rather than brand loyalty. Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 at £999 wins AVForums 2025/26 gaming champion for Perfect for PlayStation guarantee and 4K 120Hz VRR passthrough. Samsung HW-Q990D at £800-900 delivers 9.2ms input lag with dual HDMI 2.1 inputs for PS5 and Xbox Series X simultaneously. Avoid soundbars without HDMI 2.1 — they cannot pass 4K 120Hz signals forcing eARC connection that adds 40-100ms latency. Verify HDMI 2.1 passthrough specification before buying any soundbar for PS5 or Xbox Series X gaming.