Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For most setups, plug the Fire TV Stick into a regular HDMI port on the TV, then connect the soundbar to the TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC port. If your devices lack compatible ARC/eARC ports, use an optical cable between the TV and soundbar; a compatible soundbar can also pair directly with the Stick over Bluetooth.
Choose the connection that fits your equipment
Check the ports on both the TV and soundbar before connecting anything. HDMI ARC/eARC is the usual first choice when both devices support it. Optical is a wired alternative if both have optical ports. Bluetooth avoids an audio cable, but it may involve pairing or synchronization issues.
| Connection | How it connects | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC/eARC | Fire TV Stick to a regular TV HDMI port; soundbar to the TV’s ARC/eARC port | Check ARC/eARC and HDMI-CEC settings. Device and format support varies. |
| Optical | TV optical output to soundbar optical input | Both devices need optical ports; format and feature support can be more limited. |
| Bluetooth | Pair the soundbar directly with the Fire TV Stick | Can introduce connection or synchronization complications. Amazon warns against connecting its Fire TV Soundbar to the TV by both Bluetooth and HDMI at once. |
Connect through HDMI ARC or eARC
- Plug the Fire TV Stick into a regular HDMI port on the TV—not the port reserved for ARC/eARC.
- Connect the soundbar’s HDMI ARC/eARC connection to the TV port labelled ARC or eARC. Follow the soundbar manual if it specifies a particular connection.
- Set the soundbar’s input to HDMI.
- If audio does not play, open the TV’s Speakers or Audio Output settings and select the soundbar or audio system. Confirm that HDMI ARC and HDMI-CEC are enabled as required by your TV.
Amazon’s Fire TV Soundbar setup instructions use the TV’s ARC/eARC port for the soundbar. Its Fire TV Soundbar Plus guidance likewise places the Stick in another TV HDMI port when ARC/eARC is needed for the soundbar.
Connect with an optical cable
- Connect the TV’s optical audio output to the soundbar’s optical input.
- Choose Optical as the soundbar’s input.
- If necessary, change the TV’s audio output setting to send sound to an external device or soundbar.
This option requires optical ports on both devices. Amazon notes that an optical cable is sold separately for its Fire TV Soundbar setup. Check the manuals for your TV and soundbar for supported audio formats and settings.
#1 Best Overall
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
Pair the soundbar over Bluetooth
- Put the soundbar into Bluetooth pairing mode.
- On the Fire TV Stick, open Settings > Controllers & Bluetooth Devices > Other Bluetooth Devices > Add Bluetooth Devices.
- Select the soundbar when it appears and complete pairing.
Menu labels can differ by device version. For its Fire TV Soundbar, Amazon advises disconnecting the HDMI or optical cable from the TV before using Bluetooth, and warns that connecting the soundbar to the TV by both Bluetooth and HDMI may cause issues. See Amazon’s Fire TV Soundbar setup guidance for that model.
Check audio-format support before choosing a route
The connection method, TV, Fire TV Stick, soundbar, and content all affect which audio formats work. Confirm the supported formats in the manuals for your specific devices rather than assuming that a route carries every surround format or allows the TV remote to control soundbar volume and power.
Rank #2
- Upgrade your TV, instantly – Fire TV Stick HD is our fastest HD streaming stick ever, with a streamlined navigation that jumps straight to your movies, shows, and live TV. Take your entertainment on the go with the new ultra-portable profile. And watch it all come to life with crisp Full HD and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
For Fire TV Soundbar Plus, Amazon says to use HDMI ARC/eARC for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X on compatible equipment; its instructions say optical and Bluetooth do not support those formats in that setup. These are model-specific claims, not a guarantee for every TV or soundbar. See Amazon’s Fire TV Soundbar Plus setup instructions and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X guidance.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Fix common soundbar connection problems
- No sound: Check that the soundbar is powered on and using the input that matches the connection. Confirm that the TV’s audio output is set to the soundbar or external audio.
- HDMI audio does not work: Verify that the cable is connected to the TV’s ARC/eARC port and the soundbar’s corresponding connection. Check the TV’s ARC and HDMI-CEC settings.
- Optical audio does not work: Confirm both optical ports are connected, remove any protective caps if present, select Optical on the soundbar, and choose external audio output on the TV.
- Bluetooth audio fails or behaves inconsistently: Confirm that the soundbar is paired with the Stick and in the correct mode. For Amazon’s Fire TV Soundbar, avoid simultaneously connecting it to the TV over Bluetooth and HDMI.
- Surround sound or Atmos is missing: Check the format support of the content and each device, then verify that the selected connection supports the format. Amazon’s soundbar audio troubleshooting guidance and Atmos/DTS:X troubleshooting cover its equipment.
Understand Fire TV audio output settings
Available audio menus and choices vary by device. Amazon’s guidance for Fire TV Smart TV audio settings describes PCM as sending uncompressed audio over HDMI ARC or optical, Dolby Digital as sending Dolby Digital audio, Passthrough as forwarding the incoming signal without changing its format, and Auto as choosing a format based on the connected device or output. That page concerns Fire TV Smart TVs; a separate Fire TV Stick may show different menus or options, so do not assume these labels are universal.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Rank #4
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
Rank #3
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Elevate your entertainment experience with a powerful processor for lightning-fast app starts and fluid navigation.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Enjoy the show in 4K Ultra HD, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- Fire TV Ambient Experience lets you display over 2,000 pieces of museum-quality art and photography.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
