How to Connect Samsung Soundbar to PS5
If you want louder, clearer game audio from your PlayStation 5, the right Samsung soundbar setup makes a noticeable difference.
This guide explains how to connect Samsung soundbar to PS5 using HDMI ARC, eARC, optical, and Bluetooth, plus the settings that help avoid lag, audio dropouts, and format mismatches.
Best Connection Methods for PS5 and Samsung Soundbars
The best method depends on your TV, your soundbar model, and whether you care most about simplicity, audio quality, or surround sound features.
In most setups, HDMI ARC or eARC is the preferred path because it supports higher-quality audio and cleaner control through HDMI-CEC.
- HDMI eARC: Best overall for modern TVs and soundbars.
- HDMI ARC: Good for most setups and widely supported.
- Optical: Reliable, simple, but limited compared with HDMI.
- Bluetooth: Easy for casual use, but usually not ideal for gaming latency.
How to Connect Samsung Soundbar to PS5 Through HDMI ARC or eARC
This is the most common and recommended setup when your Samsung soundbar connects to the TV rather than directly to the PS5.
The PS5 sends video to the TV, and the TV sends audio back to the soundbar over the HDMI ARC or eARC port.
What you need
- A TV with an HDMI ARC or eARC port
- A Samsung soundbar with HDMI ARC or eARC support
- High-speed HDMI cables
Connection steps
- Connect the PS5 to a regular HDMI input on the TV.
- Connect the Samsung soundbar to the TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC port.
- Turn on HDMI-CEC on the TV if required.
Samsung TVs call this Anynet+.
- Set the TV audio output to the soundbar.
- On the PS5, set audio output to HDMI Device (TV) or AV Amplifier depending on your TV’s behavior.
With eARC, you can often pass more advanced audio formats, which is useful if your Samsung soundbar supports Dolby Atmos or multichannel PCM.
ARC is still solid for everyday gaming and streaming, but eARC is the better option when available.
How to Connect Samsung Soundbar to PS5 Using Optical Audio
Optical audio remains a dependable alternative when HDMI ARC is unavailable or inconsistent.
It is easy to set up and can work well with older TVs or soundbars, but it has lower bandwidth than HDMI and does not support every modern audio format.
Connection steps
- Connect the PS5 to the TV using HDMI as usual.
- Run an optical cable from the TV’s optical output to the Samsung soundbar’s optical input.
- Select optical or digital audio output on the TV.
- Set the PS5 audio format to a compatible option, such as Linear PCM or Dolby Audio, depending on your TV and soundbar support.
Optical is a practical solution if you want stable audio without relying on ARC handshake behavior.
The tradeoff is that it may not deliver the same immersive audio experience as HDMI eARC.
Can You Connect a Samsung Soundbar Directly to PS5?
In some cases, yes, but it is not usually the best route.
The PS5 does not typically connect directly to a soundbar for a full gaming setup unless your soundbar has HDMI input and you are using it as a pass-through device.
That can work, but it may create compatibility issues with 4K, 120Hz, HDR, or VRR depending on the soundbar’s HDMI hardware.
A direct connection is most useful when the soundbar has HDMI passthrough and your TV inputs are limited.
For most users, connecting the PS5 to the TV and the soundbar to the TV’s ARC or eARC port is safer and more flexible.
PS5 Audio Settings for Samsung Soundbar
Once the cables are connected, the PS5 audio menu matters just as much as the hardware.
Incorrect settings can cause stereo-only sound, no audio, or delayed output.
Recommended PS5 settings
- Settings → Sound → Audio Output
- Set Output Device to HDMI Device
- Set HDMI Device Type to TV or AV Amplifier, depending on your setup
- Choose Audio Format Priority based on your equipment
Use Linear PCM if your TV and soundbar support it well, because it often provides clean, low-compression audio.
Choose Dolby Audio if you need broader compatibility and your Samsung soundbar handles Dolby processing better in your setup.
Samsung TV and Soundbar Settings That Matter
If your Samsung soundbar is paired with a Samsung TV, the TV settings can have a major effect on performance.
Enabling the right audio and HDMI features helps prevent the common issue where the PS5 sends sound but the soundbar stays silent.
Check these Samsung TV features
- Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC): Allows device control through HDMI
- Sound Output: Select HDMI Receiver or the connected soundbar
- eARC Mode: Turn on if both the TV and soundbar support it
- Digital Output Audio Format: Test PCM, Auto, or Pass-Through
Samsung soundbars often work best with Samsung TVs when Anynet+ and eARC are enabled together.
If audio stops after switching inputs, power-cycling the TV, soundbar, and PS5 can help reset the HDMI handshake.
Bluetooth Connection: When It Makes Sense
Bluetooth is the simplest way to connect some Samsung soundbars to mobile devices, but it is usually not the best choice for PS5 gaming.
The main concern is latency, which can cause a slight delay between what you see on screen and what you hear.
If you must use Bluetooth, pair the soundbar through the TV or a compatible adapter rather than expecting direct PS5 Bluetooth audio support.
For competitive gaming, Bluetooth should be considered a convenience option, not a primary solution.
Common Problems and Fixes
Even with a correct setup, small compatibility issues can appear.
Most are related to cable quality, HDMI ports, or incorrect audio mode selection.
No sound from the soundbar
- Confirm the soundbar is on the correct input
- Check the TV audio output setting
- Verify the HDMI cable is plugged into the ARC or eARC port
- Restart all devices and test again
Audio delay or lip sync issues
- Prefer HDMI eARC over optical or Bluetooth
- Turn off extra audio processing on the TV
- Adjust the TV’s audio delay or lip sync setting
Only stereo sound instead of surround
- Check the PS5 audio format priority
- Enable pass-through or eARC where supported
- Make sure the game or app actually outputs multichannel audio
What to Use for the Best Gaming Experience?
For most users, the best answer to how to connect Samsung soundbar to PS5 is to route the PS5 to the TV and use HDMI ARC or eARC from the TV to the soundbar.
That setup usually offers the best balance of audio quality, compatibility, and convenience.
If ARC is unavailable, optical is the next best stable option, while Bluetooth is best reserved for casual listening rather than fast-paced gaming.
When configured correctly, a Samsung soundbar can add stronger dialogue, deeper bass, and more immersive game audio without complicating your PS5 setup.