Best HDMI to Optical Adapters in 2026

The ESWN DNXB HDMI eARC to Optical Audio Adapter is a digital audio converter designed for modern TV owners who need to connect their televisions to soundbars, amplifiers, or other audio equipment with optical inputs. This adapter is ideal for anyone frustrated by limited TV audio outputs or seeking to upgrade their home theater setup with external speakers.

The standout feature is its support for 192kHz/24-bit high-resolution audio, which significantly outperforms standard adapters and unleashes the full potential of premium audio systems. Setup is genuinely effortless, requiring only a USB power connection and cable placement between your TV's eARC port and your audio device. The adapter supports multiple audio formats including PCM, Dolby 5.1, and DTS 5.1, providing flexibility across various content sources.

Build quality appears solid with a compact form factor that integrates cleanly into entertainment centers. The included 6.6FT cable offers reasonable reach for most setups, and the USB power requirement is standard for this device category. User reviews highlight consistent performance and ease of installation, with verified purchasers praising its reliability in connecting soundbars to TVs.

Important limitations include the requirement for eARC/ARC compatibility on your TV (not standard HDMI ports) and the absence of CEC volume control support, meaning you'll adjust volume directly on your soundbar. Additionally, the adapter does not support Dolby Atmos or multi-channel PCM formats. Some isolated reports mention defective units, though the manufacturer guarantees 24-hour resolution.

This adapter delivers excellent value for cord-cutters and home theater enthusiasts looking for high-quality audio connectivity without complexity. If your TV has eARC/ARC and your audio equipment supports optical input, this converter provides a straightforward solution to audio output limitations.

Interface: HDMI ARC, Optical (Toslink)

Audio Support: 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution, PCM, Dolby 5.1, DTS 5.1

Cable Length: 6.6 feet (2 meters)

Power: USB powered with included power cable

Compatible Devices: TVs with eARC/ARC ports, soundbars, amplifiers, active speakers with optical input

Included Components: DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), HDMI and Optical cables, USB power cable

Warranty: 24-hour customer support and resolution guarantee

Limitations: Does not support CEC volume control, Dolby Atmos, or multi-channel PCM 5.1/7.1

Before You Buy: Verify your TV has an eARC or ARC port (not a standard HDMI port). Check that your soundbar or audio equipment has an optical (Toslink) input. Ensure your audio system supports Dolby 5.1 or DTS 5.1 if you plan to use those formats.

Setup Requirements: You'll need a USB power outlet within reach of your TV setup. The adapter requires TV settings adjustment, including setting audio output to ARC device and selecting PCM or Dolby/DTS 5.1 format in your TV's audio settings.

Best For: Modern TV owners upgrading to external soundbars, home theater enthusiasts seeking high-resolution audio connectivity, and anyone frustrated by limited TV audio outputs. This adapter is particularly valuable for recent TV models that eliminated standard audio outputs in favor of eARC/ARC ports.

Volume Control Note: Since this adapter does not support CEC, you cannot control soundbar volume from your TV remote. You'll adjust volume using your soundbar's remote or controls directly, which is a minor inconvenience for some users.