Best HDMI Audio Extractor for Gaming Console Setups in 2026

The best HDMI audio extractor for gaming console setups lets you connect external speakers, soundbars, or older audio receivers without sacrificing essential gaming features. However, HDMI extractors differ significantly in supported refresh rates, VRR passthrough, optical output, and surround-sound compatibility. This guide compares six options for PS5, Xbox Series X, and other HDMI gaming devices.

Quick Verdict

Best Overall: OREI BK-931. This HDMI 2.1 extractor combines 4K 120Hz video support with eARC, HDMI audio, optical, and analog output options. Its flexibility makes it suitable for gaming systems using different audio equipment.

Best for Stereo Speakers: OREI BKA-1. A more focused solution for users connecting analog speakers or optical-input sound systems while preserving modern HDMI gaming capabilities.

Best for eARC Soundbars: OREI BK-929. Designed for routing HDMI-source audio to compatible ARC/eARC soundbars without forcing the video signal through an older sound system.

Best for Older HDMI Receivers: OREI BK-927. Useful when an AV receiver accepts HDMI audio but cannot pass modern 4K 120Hz video.

Quick Comparison Table

Maximum video ratings require compatible consoles, cables, displays, and signal formats. Audio output type matters just as much as the advertised HDMI version.

How We Selected These HDMI Audio Extractors

We prioritized identifiable products with documented audio-output configurations and clearly defined HDMI capabilities.

Our evaluation considered 4K 120Hz passthrough, audio connection types, EDID management, surround-sound compatibility, and the practical requirements of modern gaming consoles.

Products that support only HDMI 2.0-class 4K 60Hz operation remain relevant to some setups, but they should not be recommended for users who need uninterrupted 4K 120Hz gaming.

The recommendations are based on documented specifications and connection requirements, not direct comparative latency or audio-quality testing.

Detailed Product Recommendations

1. OREI BK-931 — Best Overall HDMI Audio Extractor

Best For: PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming setups requiring multiple external audio connection options.

Why We Picked It: The BK-931 combines modern HDMI video support with an unusually broad range of audio outputs.

Key Specifications

• HDMI 2.1-class video connectivity

• Video support up to 4K 120Hz or 8K 60Hz

• eARC/ARC connection

• HDMI audio output

• Optical SPDIF output

• 3.5mm analog output

• VRR and ALLM support in compatible configurations

Features and Benefits

The BK-931 is particularly useful when a modern gaming console must connect to an older audio system.

For example, a user might want 4K 120Hz gameplay on a compatible monitor while sending audio to an AV receiver without equivalent HDMI video bandwidth.

The extractor separates those functions, preserving the video path while providing dedicated audio connections.

Another advantage is flexibility. Depending on the connected equipment, users can select HDMI, optical, or analog audio output.

Performance and Practical Use

Audio-format compatibility requires attention.

An optical or stereo output cannot automatically reproduce every advanced HDMI audio format. Some configurations require the console to output stereo PCM or a supported compressed surround format.

If an audio system cannot decode the incoming signal, the extractor may produce silence even though the HDMI video works.

Pros: Broad audio connectivity, modern gaming video support, suitable for different audio systems.

Cons: More complicated setup than basic extractors; surround and stereo output combinations are format-dependent.

Buy If: You want one extractor supporting several possible audio configurations.

Skip If: Your only requirement is inexpensive analog sound at 1080p60.

2. OREI BKA-1 — Best for Optical and Analog Audio

Best For: Gaming consoles connected to older optical soundbars, DACs, or powered speakers.

Why We Picked It: The BKA-1 provides optical and 3.5mm audio extraction while preserving HDMI 2.1 gaming features.

Key Specifications

• HDMI 2.1 connection

• 4K 120Hz and 8K 60Hz support

• Optical SPDIF output

• 3.5mm stereo output

• ARC support

• Compatible HDR and variable-refresh-rate passthrough

Features and Benefits

Many gaming monitors provide excellent visuals but limited speaker connectivity.

The BKA-1 addresses that problem by converting compatible HDMI audio into outputs that external sound equipment can accept.

Its analog output is particularly convenient for powered stereo speakers.

The optical output is useful for compatible DACs and older soundbars.

Performance and Practical Use

The BKA-1 should not be treated as a universal Dolby Atmos decoder.

Digital audio extraction and audio decoding are different functions.

For ordinary analog speakers, selecting stereo PCM on the console is often the most straightforward approach.

Pros: Suitable for modern video signals, straightforward optical and analog outputs, useful for gaming monitors.

Cons: Not a dedicated eARC soundbar bridge; advanced audio formats may require different output equipment.

Buy If: You want 4K 120Hz gameplay with external stereo or optical audio.

Skip If: Your main audio device requires an HDMI eARC input.

3. OREI BK-929 — Best for eARC Soundbars

Best For: Gaming systems with soundbars or receivers that accept HDMI ARC/eARC audio.

Why We Picked It: The BK-929 is designed to extract audio from an HDMI source and deliver it to compatible ARC/eARC audio equipment.

Key Specifications

• HDMI video support up to 4K 120Hz

• 8K 60Hz support

• HDMI eARC audio output

• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X-compatible signal routing

• HDMI VRR support in compatible configurations

• HDMI 2.1-class video bandwidth

Features and Benefits

A common gaming problem occurs when a soundbar supports advanced audio but lacks the HDMI video passthrough capabilities required by a new console.

Connecting the console directly through the soundbar can prevent certain high-refresh-rate modes.

The BK-929 provides a different signal route: the console video reaches the display, while compatible audio reaches the soundbar.

Performance and Practical Use

The BK-929 is not the correct product for every HDMI receiver.

Its dedicated audio output is intended for ARC/eARC-compatible equipment.

An older AV receiver with ordinary HDMI inputs but no suitable ARC/eARC support may require a different extractor.

Pros: Dedicated eARC output, high-refresh-rate video support, suitable for compatible soundbars.

Cons: Narrower audio-output selection, soundbar compatibility must be confirmed.

Buy If: You have an ARC/eARC soundbar and want to preserve modern console video modes.

Skip If: You need 3.5mm analog or optical output.

4. OREI BK-927 — Best for Older HDMI AV Receivers

Best For: Gaming systems using receivers with standard HDMI inputs but limited 4K 120Hz passthrough.

Why We Picked It: The BK-927 offers an HDMI audio-only output rather than relying on an ARC/eARC soundbar connection.

Key Specifications

• HDMI 2.1-class video support

• Up to 4K 120Hz or 8K 60Hz

• Dedicated HDMI audio output

• Support for compatible surround-audio bitstreams

• Advanced HDMI video passthrough features

Features and Benefits

An older receiver might decode high-quality surround audio correctly but lack the video bandwidth needed for modern gaming.

The BK-927 can help separate those requirements.

Instead of routing the console’s complete HDMI video signal through the receiver, the extractor sends video to the display and audio separately to the receiver.

This can preserve useful existing audio equipment.

Performance and Practical Use

The key limitation is connection type.

The receiver must accept the HDMI audio-only output in the intended configuration.

This product is not ideal for a system requiring only analog stereo output.

Pros: Preserves older HDMI receivers, suitable for modern console video, purpose-specific routing.

Cons: No general-purpose analog output; requires compatible HDMI audio input.

Buy If: Your AV receiver can decode HDMI audio but cannot pass 4K 120Hz video.

Skip If: You only own powered speakers with a 3.5mm input.

5. FeinTech AX210 — Best Alternative for External Audio Systems

Best For: Gamers seeking HDMI 2.1 video with optical or analog audio extraction.

Why We Picked It: The AX210 is identified by FeinTech as an HDMI 2.1 audio extractor offering optical and analog output capabilities.

Key Specifications

• HDMI 2.1 video interface

• Optical Toslink output

• Analog auxiliary output

• ARC/eARC functionality

• External power supply

Features and Benefits

The AX210 is relevant to gaming monitor owners whose displays have limited audio connectivity.

It provides an alternative method of extracting audio before the HDMI video reaches the screen.

This can simplify integration with an optical-input DAC, powered speakers, or a suitable sound system.

Performance and Practical Use

Buyers must check the exact AX210 hardware revision and supported signal formats.

Not all HDR, VRR, audio, or refresh-rate combinations are necessarily supported at their maximum capabilities simultaneously.

Pros: HDMI 2.1-oriented design, optical and analog outputs, useful alternative to OREI.

Cons: Exact format compatibility requires verification; not a substitute for an HDMI-only receiver extractor.

Buy If: You need optical or analog output and prefer FeinTech’s connection arrangement.

Skip If: Your audio equipment requires a dedicated HDMI audio-only output.

6. OREI HDA-929 — Best for 4K 60Hz Gaming Systems

Best For: Console setups limited to 4K 60Hz or lower resolutions.

Why We Picked It: The HDA-929 provides both ARC/eARC-oriented audio extraction and HDMI audio routing without requiring the cost or complexity of 4K 120Hz hardware.

Key Specifications

• Maximum video resolution: 4K 60Hz

• HDMI eARC/ARC audio output

• HDMI audio-only output

• External power supply

• Metal enclosure

Features and Benefits

Not every gaming setup requires 4K 120Hz.

Many televisions and monitors operate at 60Hz, and some consoles or games do not produce higher refresh rates.

For those systems, the HDA-929 can provide audio routing without requiring modern high-bandwidth HDMI hardware.

Performance and Practical Use

Its limitation is clear: it should not be placed in the signal path of a gaming system that requires 4K 120Hz video.

Buyers should also verify the receiver’s expected HDMI audio input rather than assuming every audio connection is interchangeable.

Pros: Useful dual HDMI audio-output approach, appropriate for 60Hz setups, metal enclosure.

Cons: Limited to 4K 60Hz, not ideal for high-refresh-rate gaming.

Buy If: Your display operates at 60Hz and you need HDMI audio extraction.

Skip If: Your console and monitor support 4K 120Hz gaming.

Buying Guide: Choosing an HDMI Audio Extractor

Match the HDMI Signal to Your Gaming Monitor

A PS5 or Xbox Series X can use video modes that require high HDMI bandwidth.

An extractor limited to 4K 60Hz can prevent a 4K 120Hz mode from reaching the display.

For a high-refresh-rate setup, confirm the exact supported resolution, frame rate, color format, and VRR compatibility.

Understand Optical Versus HDMI Audio

Optical SPDIF is useful for stereo PCM and supported compressed surround audio.

It does not provide the same bandwidth as modern HDMI eARC.

For advanced lossless surround formats, HDMI audio routing may be necessary.

The audio equipment must also support decoding the selected format.

Check ARC and eARC Requirements

ARC and eARC are audio-return technologies, but not every extractor uses them in the same direction.

An extractor designed to send audio to an eARC soundbar is different from one that sends ordinary HDMI audio to an older receiver.

Identify the precise input type of the destination audio device before buying.

Consider VRR and ALLM

Variable Refresh Rate helps compatible displays synchronize with changing game frame rates.

Auto Low Latency Mode allows supported devices to select a low-latency display mode.

Not every extractor preserves these functions.

Check support for the exact combination of console, display, and extractor.

Understand EDID Problems

EDID communicates display and audio capabilities between connected devices.

An extractor can introduce compatibility problems if the console receives incorrect information about supported resolutions or audio formats.

Some models include adjustable EDID settings.

These can help troubleshoot missing audio, unsupported surround modes, or unexpected video limitations.

Avoid Assuming Dolby Atmos Works Everywhere

Dolby Atmos support depends on the source, output format, extractor, and audio device.

A stereo analog output will not reproduce discrete immersive audio channels merely because the extractor advertises Atmos compatibility.

Choose the extraction path based on the connected audio equipment’s actual decoding capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an HDMI audio extractor increase gaming latency?

A properly designed extractor should not introduce meaningful gameplay delay through basic passthrough, but measured performance varies. Avoid assuming every product has identical latency.

Can I use an HDMI extractor with PS5 and Xbox Series X?

Yes, provided the model supports the relevant video and audio formats.

Can I connect headphones directly to an extractor?

Only if it provides an appropriate analog output, and even then a separate headphone amplifier may be needed.

Does optical audio support Dolby Atmos?

Ordinary optical SPDIF cannot carry the same lossless Dolby Atmos formats available through HDMI eARC.

Why does my extractor produce video but no audio?

The source may be using an unsupported audio format. Check PCM or supported compressed-audio settings, EDID configuration, and the destination device’s decoding capabilities.

Conclusion

The OREI BK-931 is the most versatile choice among the best HDMI audio extractor for gaming console options because it supports modern HDMI video alongside multiple audio outputs. Choose the BKA-1 for optical or stereo connections, the BK-929 for a compatible eARC soundbar, or the BK-927 for an older HDMI receiver. Above all, verify the required video mode and destination audio connection before purchasing.