HDMI ARC vs. Bluetooth - Is ARC/eARC Better Than Bluetooth?

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and Bluetooth are similar technologies for sending audio from a device to speakers. But there are some crucial differences between them, including sound quality and compatibility.

If you are wondering whether you should use HDMI ARC or Bluetooth, this article will help you decide which option is best for your setup. You will also learn what HDMI ARC and Bluetooth are, how they work, and which one is best to use.

HDMI ARC

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) allows audio to be returned from a TV over an HDMI cable to an audio receiver. This would typically require another cable from an audio receiver to your TV. Video from a receiver to a TV can still be used through the same HDMI cable while also sending audio from the TV to a receiver when using ARC.

ARC directly connects to your sound system, opposed to connecting it wirelessly, so that you won't have any out-of-sync audio, but instead the highest quality sound your speakers can support. Using HDMI ARC, you can connect your TV with any sound system that supports it without needing extra wires.

HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), supported on newer HDMI 2.1 devices, enables you to play the latest uncompressed 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound, 32-channel uncompressed audio, and high-bitrate audio formats up to 192 Khz at 24 bit. It also supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby TrueHD, creating next-level surround sound.

To take advantage of HDMI eARC, you will have to have devices that support all of those listed features, along with the correct cable version (see Our Recommended HDMI 2.1 Cables below).

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is handy and easy to use with mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, but it is not the best choice for watching movies for several reasons.

While it's a cleaner-looking option, there are a few downsides to using Bluetooth with a sound system. The most noticeable issues include possible cut-outs from unreliable connections, latency issues, and audio being out of sync with the video. Bluetooth is also heavily compressed from the source and may not sound as good as other connections such as HDMI. Bluetooth is great for music, depending on the audio device, but watching movies will be worse than using an HDMI cable, especially if the audio is out of sync with the video.

Most Bluetooth-only sound systems also don't support true 5.1 (or higher) surround sound but instead upscale it to sound like its surround audio so that it won't sound nearly as good.

Using Bluetooth is mainly suitable for listening to a soundbar is excellent for casual use or for someone who doesn't mind enjoying music from a 2.1 channel audio system.

HDMI ARC vs. Bluetooth Conclusion

Bluetooth speakers/soundbars can be tempting to use since they might make your theater system look cleaner, but they offset those benefits by not matching the audio quality of using HDMI ARC.

With Bluetooth, there may always be the chance of issues, like disconnects or audio being out of sync, and it doesn't support high-quality surround sound as HDMI eARC does. You should use HDMI ARC if you want the best audio quality and most reliable connection, or use Bluetooth if you want a cleaner setup and don't care as much about the best audio quality.

You can also get the benefits of both if your sound system supports ARC and Bluetooth, so you can use the ARC connection for movies and the Bluetooth for playing music from your phone. Many sound systems advertised as wireless also support ARC and the capability of having the speakers wired (not just for power).

Which HDMI Cable Type Should You Get?

Since HDMI 2.1 is backward compatible with older HDMI versions, it's probably best to buy an HDMI 2.1 cable for future-proofing. You will ensure that you'll get the most out of your display without worrying about which one to buy. HDMI 2.1 is also needed for devices that support eARC, for better quality audio to soundbars and audio receivers. If you want to make it even easier, be sure to check out Our Recommended HDMI 2.1 Cables below.

With that said, to get all of the features and speed increase, be sure to check if your display and device (PCs, game consoles, etc.) both support HDMI 2.1 and its features.

Keep in mind that HDMI cables can only go up to specific lengths. If you want a very long HDMI cable, you may need to go with HDMI 2.0 instead and follow one of these HDMI extension methods.

Our Recommended HDMI 2.1 Cables

Anker 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable

After conducting our research and analysis, we have found that the Anker 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable offers exceptional performance and a range of impressive features.
You can find the Anker 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable (6.6 ft) on Amazon
With a bandwidth of 48 Gb/s, it supports high-resolution formats like 8K at 60 Hz, 4K at 120 Hz, and chroma 4:4:4 (no compression), all while delivering stunning Dynamic HDR.
Additionally, it boasts support for eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), allowing for enhanced audio transmission. It is compatible with Dolby Atmos, DTS X 7.1, and DTS X 5.1 surround sound.
We have found that the Anker 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable offers an excellent solution for those seeking top-notch performance and compatibility. Whether you're a casual viewer or a dedicated enthusiast, this cable delivers the reliability and quality necessary to elevate your home entertainment experience.

Monoprice 8K Certified Braided HDMI 2.1 Cable

After conducting our research and analysis, we have found that the Monoprice 8K certified braided HDMI 2.1 cable offers exceptional performance and a range of impressive features.
You can find the Monoprice 8K Certified Braided HDMI 2.1 Cable on Amazon , available in lengths ranging from 6 to 10 feet.
With a bandwidth of 48 Gb/s, it supports high-resolution formats like 8K at 60 Hz, 4K at 120 Hz, and uncompressed video resolutions, all while delivering stunning Dynamic HDR and 3D visuals.
Additionally, it boasts support for eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), allowing for enhanced audio transmission. It is compatible with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and DTS X surround sound.
We have found that the Monoprice 8K certified braided HDMI 2.1 cable offers an excellent solution for those seeking top-notch performance and compatibility. Whether you're a casual viewer or a dedicated enthusiast, this cable delivers the reliability and quality necessary to elevate your home entertainment experience.

Cable Matters Active 8K Fiber Optic HDMI 2.1 Cable

After conducting our research and analysis, we have found that the Cable Matters Active 8K Fiber Optic HDMI 2.1 cable offers exceptional performance and a range of impressive features.
You can find the Cable Matters Active 8K Fiber Optic HDMI 2.1 cable on Amazon , available in lengths ranging from 16.4 to 49.2 feet.
With a bandwidth of 48 Gb/s, it supports high-resolution formats like 8K at 60 Hz, 4K at 120 Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and and chroma 4:4:4 (no compression), all while delivering stunning Dolby Vision HDR (10 bit/12 bit color depth).
Additionally, it boasts support for eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), allowing for enhanced audio transmission. It is compatible with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and DTS X surround sound.
After conducting our research and analysis, we have found that the Cable Matters Active 8K Fiber Optic HDMI 2.1 cable surpasses expectations, providing an unrivaled solution for those seeking top-notch performance and compatibility. Whether you're a casual viewer or a dedicated enthusiast, this cable delivers reliability and exceptional quality that will elevate your home entertainment experience to new heights.

Max HDMI Cable Length

Each type of HDMI cable has a limitation on how far it can reach. There's no official "max" length specified in HDMI standards, but there is a practical limitation based on the materials used and the bandwidth requirements.

Most passive copper HDMI cables reliably reach around 10 to 25 ft (3 to 7.5 m) depending on the HDMI version and resolution. Newer HDMI 2.1 cables supporting 48Gbps typically max out at 10 to 15 ft (3 to 4.5 m), while older HDMI 2.0 cables can reach 15 to 25 ft (4.5 to 7.5 m). HDMI cables made with fiber optic technology can reach much farther. On average, active optical HDMI cables can extend from 50 to 300 ft (15 to 90 m) or more.

Below are the three types of copper HDMI cables with their average length limits and resolutions they can handle at their max cable length:

Max Length of Copper HDMI Cables
Type	Max Cable Length	Speed	Supported Resolutions
Standard HDMI	49 ft (15 m)	< 10 Gb/s	720p 60 Hz \| 1080i 60 Hz
High Speed HDMI	15–25 ft (5–7.5 m)	18 Gb/s	1080p 60 Hz \| 4K 30 Hz
Ultra High Speed HDMI	10–15 ft (3–5 m)	48 Gb/s	4K \| 5K \| 8K \| 10K 120 Hz

Why HDMI Cables Have a Max Length

Most HDMI cables are made of copper, which limits the cable's length because the signal loses strength the farther it travels. Signal loss can occur with cables made of other materials as well. This signal loss (called attenuation) is measured in decibels per distance. The greater the distance, the more signal loss occurs.

Higher bandwidth requirements also reduce maximum cable length. HDMI 2.1 cables supporting 48Gbps (for 4K at 120Hz or 8K at 60Hz) experience more attenuation than older HDMI 2.0 cables. The recently released HDMI 2.2 specification in June 2025 doubles the bandwidth to 96Gbps, which will require even more careful cable design for longer runs.

If an HDMI cable is too long, the signal level may not be high enough due to excessive attenuation, resulting in visual artifacts, audio dropouts, or complete signal loss. For longer distances, an HDMI extender, repeater, or active optical cable is needed. Otherwise, a shorter HDMI cable should be used.

How to Extend HDMI 2.0 Cables

Short-range extension: HDMI repeater.
Medium-range extension: Fiber optic HDMI cable or HDMI over Ethernet
Long-range extension: HDMI over fiber extender.

HDMI Repeater

An HDMI repeater extends the connection for shorter runs by connecting two HDMI cables and amplifies the signals for better transmission.

Determining the max length when using a repeater depends on the HDMI repeater and the HDMI cable type, but I give the average ranges below. Remember that HDMI repeaters are directional, so be sure to use the device's correct input/output sides.

HDMI Repeater Range
Resolution	Length
4K @ 60 Hz	60–100 ft (18–30 m)
4K @ 30 Hz	100–130 ft (30–40 m)
1080p @ 60 Hz	135–195 ft (40–60 m)

To be safe, assume a repeater can reach only the shorter end of those ranges.

I recommend the JerGO HDMI 2.0 Repeater on Amazon
Extends up to 100 ft for 4K @ 60 Hz.
Supports 6.0 Gb/s bandwidth with 3D transmission.

Fiber Optic HDMI Cable

Fiber optic HDMI cables are like standard HDMI cables but made with optical fiber inside the cable and meant for farther distances up to 164 ft (50 m) for 4K @ 60 Hz.

These cables aren't meant to be used with an extender, repeater, or switch and should be used alone. They also must be installed in the correct direction, with the output/display label connecting to the side with the display.

Learn more about fiber optic HDMI cables in my article: What Is a Fiber Optic HDMI Cable and Is It Worth Getting?.

I recommend the ATZEBE Fiber Optic HDMI Cable on Amazon
Supports 18 Gb/s bandwidth and 4K @ 60 Hz chroma 4:4:4 (no compression) with HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
Comes in lengths ranging from 6 to 164 ft (2 to 50 meters).
Supports ARC (Audio Return Channel).

HDMI Over Ethernet Extender

The HDMI over Ethernet extender is similar to an HDMI over fiber optic extender but uses an Ethernet cable for a shorter extension. An HDMI over Ethernet extender can extend the connection up to 130 ft (40 m) for 4K @ 60 Hz or 230 ft (70 m) for 1080p.

Learn more about HDMI over Ethernet in my article: HDMI Over Ethernet - How to Extend HDMI With Cat 5e/6a.

I recommend the AV Access HDMI 2.0 Over Ethernet on Amazon
Supports 18 Gb/s bandwidth and 4K @ 60 Hz chroma 4:4:4 (no compression) with HDR10.
Supports ARC (Audio Return Channel).
To go along with the HDMI over Ethernet extender, I recommend the Cable Matters Snagless Long Shielded Cat6A Ethernet Cable on Amazon

HDMI Over Fiber Extender

An HDMI over Fiber extender uses an optical fiber cable to transmit the data to reach a much farther distance. You could use an HDMI over Fiber extender to extend the connection up 1,000 to 3,300 ft (300 to 1000 meters) for 4K @ 60 Hz.

Learn more about HDMI over fiber in my article: HDMI Over Fiber - How to Extend HDMI With Fiber-Optic Cable.

I recommend the AV Access Fiber Optic HDMI 2.0 Extender on Amazon
Supports 18 Gb/s bandwidth and 4K @ 60 Hz chroma 4:4:4 (no compression) with HDR10.
Supports multi-channel PCM, Dolby, and DTS HD audio supported up to 7.1.
Supports bi-directional IR pass-through.
I also recommend the Cable Matters Multimode Duplex OM3 Fiber Cable on Amazon to go along with the HDMI over Fiber extender (for indoor use).

Learn About TVs

Want to learn more about TVs? Check out the articles in my TV series:

Learn About HDMI

Find answers to your HDMI questions by checking out the articles in my HDMI series: