If you need to send audio from a TV or HDMI source to a sound system, choose an adapter based on the direction of the signal: HDMI audio extractors send audio from an HDMI source to optical or 3.5mm output, while ARC adapters send a TV’s audio from its HDMI ARC port to optical. The four listed products cover those two uses; none is described as converting an optical digital audio input into an HDMI output. The VPFET is best for extracting audio from an HDMI source, while the other options are designed for TV ARC connections.
| Product | Best For | Audio Connection |
|---|---|---|
| VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor | HDMI source to audio system | Optical or 3.5mm output |
| ESWN DNXB ARC Adapter | TV with HDMI ARC | Optical output |
| IHTHER ARC Adapter | TV ARC with supported surround formats | Optical output |
| Unstincer eARC/ARC Converter | TV with ARC or eARC | Built-in optical cable |
VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor
Best for: Sending audio from an HDMI source to a receiver or speaker system with optical or 3.5mm input. This is an HDMI audio extractor, not an adapter for sending optical audio into an HDMI display.
Its listed features include 2.0-channel, 5.1-channel, and pass modes. The optical output supports DTS 5.1, while the 3.5mm output supports PCM 2.0. The adapter supports HDMI 1.4, HDCP 1.4, and 4K at 30Hz under the stated conditions.
Choose this if your source device connects by HDMI and your sound system needs optical or analog stereo audio. Limitation: it does not support ARC or eARC, does not support 7.1-channel audio, and the listing notes that certain devices are limited to 1080p signals.
ESWN DNXB HDMI ARC Adapter
Best for: Connecting a TV’s HDMI ARC port to a soundbar or home theater system with optical input. The adapter is described as receiving audio from the TV’s ARC connection and outputting it through optical.
The product lists support for sampling rates up to 24-bit/192kHz and USB power. It is designed for plug-and-play use without software or drivers.
Choose this if your TV has a dedicated HDMI ARC port and your audio system accepts optical input. Limitation: the listing excludes standard HDMI and eARC ports, and identifies PCM 2.0 as its supported audio format. It also states that CEC is not supported.
IHTHER HDMI ARC Optical Converter
Best for: A TV-to-soundbar setup using HDMI ARC when the connected sound system supports the selected audio format. The listed formats include PCM, LPCM, Dolby 5.1, and DTS 5.1.
The adapter supports a listed sampling rate of 192kHz/24-bit, uses USB power, and includes an HDMI ARC cable. Its indicator lights show power and input status, according to the product details.
Choose this if you want ARC-to-optical conversion and need the listed surround-format options. For Dolby or DTS output, the sound system must also support the selected format. Limitation: the listing says it is for an HDMI ARC port, not a standard HDMI or eARC port, despite other wording in the product description. Check your TV connection before buying.
Unstincer eARC/ARC Optical Converter
Best for: A TV with an ARC or eARC connection that needs to send audio to a sound system through optical. Unlike the ARC-only options above, this product is listed for both ARC and eARC TVs.
It has a built-in optical SPDIF cable and a stated cable length of about 41 inches. The listing specifies 24-bit/192kHz sampling and recommends setting the TV audio output to ARC/eARC and the audio format to PCM.
Choose this if a built-in optical cable suits the distance and connection layout of your TV and sound system. Limitation: its roughly 41-inch length may not reach equipment placed farther away. Measure the route before choosing it.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right HDMI Audio Adapter
Are you connecting an HDMI source or a TV?
For a streaming device, game console, or other HDMI source, look for an HDMI audio extractor like the VPFET. It takes audio from an HDMI signal and sends it to optical or 3.5mm output. For audio coming from a TV, look for an ARC or eARC adapter and confirm that the TV has the matching port.
Does the adapter work in the direction you need?
Connection labels describe signal direction. “HDMI ARC to optical” means audio travels from a TV’s ARC port to an optical audio device. It does not mean optical audio can be converted into an HDMI picture-and-sound signal. Check the input and output labels against your equipment before ordering.
Which audio format should you check?
Match the adapter’s listed formats to the TV’s audio output settings and the sound system’s capabilities. The VPFET lists optical DTS 5.1 and 3.5mm PCM 2.0. The ESWN DNXB lists PCM 2.0, while the IHTHER lists PCM/LPCM and Dolby or DTS 5.1, subject to sound-system support. The Unstincer listing recommends PCM.
What else affects setup?
Check whether the adapter requires USB power, whether the TV port is ARC or eARC, and whether the included or built-in cable reaches your equipment. If a system has no sound, verify the audio format and adapter mode, then confirm that the TV and sound system support the selected connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an HDMI-to-optical adapter convert optical audio to HDMI?
No. HDMI-to-optical and ARC-to-optical adapters send audio toward an optical output. They are not described as converting an optical input into HDMI output.
Is HDMI ARC the same as regular HDMI?
No. ARC is an audio-return feature on a designated TV HDMI port. An adapter that requires ARC may not work with a regular HDMI port.
Will an ARC adapter work with eARC?
It depends on the product. The ESWN DNXB and IHTHER listings specify ARC and exclude eARC, while the Unstincer listing specifies ARC and eARC support.
Can these adapters carry 5.1 surround sound?
Some list support for 5.1 formats, but the TV’s output settings and the connected sound system must also support the selected format. The VPFET lists optical DTS 5.1; the IHTHER lists Dolby 5.1 and DTS 5.1 with compatible equipment.