Audio & Entertainment / Home audio
Last updated: Written by: Rafael Rocha

The 5 Best Soundbars with Optical Input for Different TVs

An optical cable is often the easiest way to give an older TV better dialogue, but it also sets the limits of the setup. Check that the TV has an optical output, that the soundbar has the matching input, and whether the box actually includes the cable. If your TV and bar both support HDMI ARC, compare that route too; it can make volume control easier.

I would start with the compact Saiyin for a small room, or LG S40TR when rear speakers and a subwoofer are worth the extra wiring and space. ULTIMEA is another multi-speaker route. The two detachable bars suit buyers who need flexible placement, but I would verify their actual optical port and included cable before ordering. A larger channel count alone does not guarantee clearer speech.

Our top 5 soundbars with optical input for different tvs

Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →

Five products compared by price, rating and best use.
ProductPriceRatingBest for
01Saiyin 11.7-inch Sound Bar, Small Size & Big Power, Home Theater System | Bluetooth 5.3/Optical/Auxiliary Inputs, 48W Peak Power, Powered by AC Adapter, Compact Sound Bar for Smart TV, PC, Gaming product image from AmazonSaiyin 11.7-Inch Sound BarDetails ↓$29.99
4.2/5Amazon
Best compact optical bar
02LG S40TR 4.1 ch. Home Theater Soundbar with Rear Surround Speakers and Wireless Subwoofer, Wow Interface, Dolby Audio, AI Sound Pro, Amazon Exclusive - Black product image from AmazonLG S40TRDetails ↓$199.99
4.3/5Amazon
Best fuller TV setup
03ULTIMEA 7.1ch Sound Bar w/Subwoofer, Virtual Surround System for Smart TV | Home Theater Soundbar with 4 Surround Speakers, App Control, Opt/AUX/BT, Aura A40 (2026 Upgraded) product image from AmazonULTIMEA 7.1 Virtual Surround SystemDetails ↓$129.98
4.4/5Amazon
Best multi-speaker alternative
04MZEIBO Sound Bar for Smart TV,80W Detachable Bluetooth Soundbar with Powerful Bass, 2-in-1 Home Theater Audio System, ARC/Optical/AUX Connectivity for TV/PC/Laptop/Game Console product image from AmazonMZEIBO Detachable Sound BarDetails ↓$53.99
4.2/5Amazon
Best adjustable bar layout
05Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar with Bluetooth/ARC/Opt/AUX Connect, Auto Volume Boost, 3 Equalizer Modes, 2 in 1 Detachable Soundbar for TV/PC/Gaming/Projectors product image from AmazonAssistrust Detachable Sound Bar for Smart TVDetails ↓$58.82
4.1/5Amazon
Best lower-cost detachable option
Saiyin 11.7-inch Sound Bar, Small Size & Big Power, Home Theater System | Bluetooth 5.3/Optical/Auxiliary Inputs, 48W Peak Power, Powered by AC Adapter, Compact Sound Bar for Smart TV, PC, Gaming product image from Amazon

01 — Saiyin

Best compact optical bar

Saiyin 11.7-Inch Sound Bar

4.2/5Amazon
$29.99In Stock

The 11.7-inch Saiyin is the one I would consider for a bedroom TV or a desk where a full-width bar has nowhere to sit. Its optical and auxiliary connections are useful if the source can reach the speaker by cable; Bluetooth is another route when wiring is awkward. Measure the shelf and cable path, and do not expect this small cabinet to fill a large living room like LG's multi-speaker kit.

First for a desk or small TV where dialogue needs a simple boost without adding rear speakers. I would check the exact optical input and cable contents on this offer; its short body cannot fill a large living room like LG’s larger kit.

Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗

View on Amazon ↗
Choose it if

Small rooms and older TVs.

Skip it if

You want enveloping rear sound.

What I like

+Compact single-bar footprint.

What to weigh

−Limited scale for big rooms.

Power
48W peak
Connections
Bluetooth 5.3, optical and auxiliary
Width
11.7 inches
LG S40TR 4.1 ch. Home Theater Soundbar with Rear Surround Speakers and Wireless Subwoofer, Wow Interface, Dolby Audio, AI Sound Pro, Amazon Exclusive - Black product image from Amazon

02 — LG

Best fuller TV setup

LG S40TR

4.3/5Amazon
$199.99In Stock

LG S40TR suits a household that wants speakers behind the seating area without paying for a more ambitious package. LG describes a 4.1 system with a subwoofer and two rear speakers, a much clearer large-room proposition than a single short bar. Its channel layout does not include a dedicated center channel, so compare dialogue handling and the TV's connection options before choosing it for speech-heavy viewing.

Second for someone prepared to position a subwoofer and rear speakers. The additional pieces can make film nights more involving, but they bring sockets and placement work. Verify the TV’s optical output and preferred audio settings before assuming every surround format will pass over that cable.

Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗

View on Amazon ↗
Choose it if

Living-room movies.

Skip it if

You want one small bar only.

What I like

+More speakers around the room.

What to weigh

−More wiring and floor space.

ProductType
Home audio
ULTIMEA 7.1ch Sound Bar w/Subwoofer, Virtual Surround System for Smart TV | Home Theater Soundbar with 4 Surround Speakers, App Control, Opt/AUX/BT, Aura A40 (2026 Upgraded) product image from Amazon

03 — ULTIMEA

Best multi-speaker alternative

ULTIMEA 7.1 Virtual Surround System

4.4/5Amazon
$129.98In Stock

This ULTIMEA 7.1-labeled system can suit someone chasing a wide movie presentation on a tight budget, provided the exact bundle fits the room. Virtual-channel counts are not interchangeable with seven physical positions, so verify the included speakers, wiring and subwoofer before comparing it with LG's kit. Extra setup can erase an apparent price advantage.

Third for a buyer intrigued by a wider multi-piece layout at its current price. I would compare the physical speaker count, connectors and return policy with LG, rather than rank it by the virtual 7.1 claim.

Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗

View on Amazon ↗
Choose it if

A room with speaker placement space.

Skip it if

You need a simple single cable setup.

What I like

+Flexible multi-speaker arrangement.

What to weigh

−Setup complexity and format checks.

ProductType
soundbar
MZEIBO Sound Bar for Smart TV,80W Detachable Bluetooth Soundbar with Powerful Bass, 2-in-1 Home Theater Audio System, ARC/Optical/AUX Connectivity for TV/PC/Laptop/Game Console product image from Amazon

04 — MZEIBO

Best adjustable bar layout

MZEIBO Detachable Sound Bar

4.2/5Amazon
$53.99In Stock

MZEIBO's detachable bar is for a TV setup that benefits from separating the speakers rather than placing one long bar below the screen. I would check the exact ARC and optical connections on the linked kit, because the cable route often decides whether it works behind a TV. Its extra pieces need places to sit; the compact Saiyin is simpler for a small bedroom.

Fourth for a TV stand that needs a split or differently placed bar. Its detachable form solves a furniture problem; test whether the exact optical connection and power routing remain tidy in your planned layout.

Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗

View on Amazon ↗
Choose it if

Awkward TV furniture.

Skip it if

You prefer one rigid bar.

What I like

+Placement flexibility.

What to weigh

−More parts to position.

ProductType
soundbar
Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar with Bluetooth/ARC/Opt/AUX Connect, Auto Volume Boost, 3 Equalizer Modes, 2 in 1 Detachable Soundbar for TV/PC/Gaming/Projectors product image from Amazon

05 — Assistrust

Best lower-cost detachable option

Detachable Sound Bar for Smart TV

4.1/5Amazon
$58.82In Stock

This two-piece bar is an alternative if you are still working out how a TV will feed audio. Its listed HDMI ARC, optical, auxiliary and Bluetooth options give several routes, provided your TV has a matching output. The detachable layout takes assembly and cable planning; I would choose a single compact bar if the room does not benefit from split placement.

Fifth for an occasional TV room where price and placement flexibility outweigh brand support. I would inspect the optical port, power supply and warranty terms before choosing it over Saiyin; the phrase smart TV does not describe the connection.

Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗

View on Amazon ↗
Choose it if

Secondary TV and flexible placement.

Skip it if

You want a clearer documented brand setup.

What I like

+Alternative split-bar format.

What to weigh

−Inputs and support need checking.

ProductType
soundbar
Price information

Amazon price and availability checked Oct 18, 2026, 12:09 PM Lisbon time. Prices and availability are subject to change; the information shown on Amazon.com at purchase applies.

Our process

How we picked.

We compare five relevant products for different needs, using documented specifications, clear use cases and practical trade-offs. Our goal is to make the differences clear and help you choose with confidence.

  • 01
    Relevance

    Each product must fit the guide’s intended use, audience and requirements.

  • 02
    Specifications

    We compare the key product details that meaningfully affect the buying decision.

  • 03
    Use case and fit

    We compare the intended use, configuration and practical fit of every selected product.

  • 04
    Strengths and limitations

    We explain where each option performs best and the compromises to consider.

Read our full methodology →

Good questions

FAQ — Soundbars with Optical Input for Different TVs

01Does an optical connection control the bar with my TV remote?+

Sometimes a TV can learn or pass basic volume control, but behavior varies; confirm the exact TV and bar setup.

02Is an optical cable included?+

Check the exact offer’s contents. A product supporting optical input may still ship without the cable.

The short answer

Start with the Saiyin 11.7-Inch Sound Bar.

I recommend it for small rooms and older tvs. Choose something else if you want enveloping rear sound.

View on Amazon ↗