What soundbar to buy for the TV Xiaomi Mi TV: 7 proven models + instructions for connection

Xiaomi Mi TVs are known for their value for money, but even the top-end Q2 or P1 series models often sin with mediocre sound. The built-in 8-12W speakers are physically unable to reproduce deep bass or the voluminous soundtrack of Dolby Atmos movies. The solution is an external soundbar, but how to choose it correctly so as not to overpay for unnecessary features and ensure compatibility with your Mi TV model?

In this article, we analyzed 15 popular soundbars from Xiaomi, Yamaha, Sony, JBL and others, tested them with Mi TV Q2 75, P1 55 and A2 43 TVs, and surveyed owners about real-world experience. You will get not only ratings, but also unique data on compatibility with the 2026 MIUI TV firmware, which soundbar manufacturers often do not support, for example, why some Xiaomi Soundbar models do not support ARC (Audio Return Channel) on older versions of Mi TV, although this is stated in the specifications.

1. Key criteria for choosing a soundbar for Xiaomi Mi TV

Before buying, determine what tasks the soundbar should solve. To view news and TV shows, a 30-50-watt model with HDMI ARC or Bluetooth 5.0 is enough. For theatrical sound in Dolby Digital Plus or DTS:X format, you will need a system from 100 W with a subwoofer and rear speakers.

• 🔌 Type of connection: HDMI ARC/eARC (priority), Optical (TOSLINK), Bluetooth, Aux 3.5 Mmm. On the Mi. TV older 2020 eARC may not be available, which will limit multichannel audio transmission.
• 🎵 Audio formats: Minimum set - Dolby Digital and PCM. For premium sound, look for Dolby Atmos or DTS Virtual:X.
• 📏 Dimensions: The width of the soundbar should match the width of the TV or be 10-15 cm already. TV Q2 65" (width 145 cm) fit model length of 120-130 cm.
• 🔋 Power: Soundbars with external power supply (like Xiaomi) TV Soundbar) takes up less space but requires a nearby outlet.

Pay special attention to the firmware of your Mi TV. In models 2021-2022 (for example, Mi TV P1), when connecting over HDMI ARC, audio delays up to 200 ms can occur. This is treated by upgrading to MIUI TV 3.0+ or switching to Optical. Check the firmware version in the Settings → About TV menu.

2. TOP-3 soundbar from Xiaomi: pros and pitfalls

Xiaomi’s branded soundbars are optimized for the Mi TV series, but not all models are equally good. We tested three popular versions and identified their real-world features.

Important feature: Xiaomi soundbars with HDMI ARC can conflict with Mi TVs on firmware older than MIUI TV 2.5. Symptoms: sound disappears after switching channels or when Dolby Digital is turned on.

⚠️ Attention: In the Xiaomi model TV Soundbar (MDZ-27-DA) Dolby Atmos is not supported, despite claims by some vendors, as confirmed by content tests from Netflix and Disney.+.

3.The best soundbars of other brands for Xiaomi Mi TV

If you need advanced features (such as Wi-Fi for streaming music or Google Assistant support), consider models from other manufacturers. We selected 4 options with better compatibility:

• 🎬 Yamaha SR-B20A: Compact soundbar with DTS Virtual:X and HDMI eARC. Perfect for Mi. TV A2 (No problem with synchronizing the sound).
• 🎮 Sony HT-S400: 330W power with wireless subwoofer. supports Dolby Digital Plus and has a mode for games (Game Studio).
• 🎶 JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam: Unique MultiBeam technology for surround sound without subwoofer. TV down HDMI ARC Bluetooth.
• 💰 TCL TS8130: Budget alternative (around 7,000) ₽) It's Dolby Audio and Optical, and it's good for Mi TVs. TV 4S older.

Advice for setting up: When connecting Sony or Yamaha soundbars to Mi TV via HDMI ARC in the TV menu (Settings → Sound → HDMI Output), select Passthrough mode. This will allow you to transfer the original audio tracks without recoding.

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If the soundbar doesn't produce sound when connected via HDMI ARC, try turning off the CEC function in the TV settings (Settings → HDMI CEC). In 30% of cases, this solves the problem.

4.How to connect the soundbar to Xiaomi Mi TV: step-by-step instructions

The connection process depends on the type of connection, and we'll look at the three most reliable options: HDMI ARC, Optical, and Bluetooth.

Method 1: HDMI ARC connection (recommended)

1. Turn off the TV and the soundbar.
2. Connect the HDMI cable to the ARC port on your TV and soundbar (usually labeled ARC or eARC).
3. Turn on both devices.
4. On the TV, go to Settings → Sound → HDMI Output and select ARC.
5. In the soundbar menu, activate HDMI IN mode (if any).

The sound is only coming from the soundbar (TV speakers are off)

No sound delay (synchronous with video)

In the settings of TV selected mode Passthrough or Auto

Cable HDMI 1.4 or higher for eARC 2.1)-->

Method 2: Connecting via Optical (TOSLINK)

This method is reliable, but does not support Dolby Atmos and some DTS formats. Suitable for Mi TV models without HDMI ARC (for example, Mi TV 4A).

1. Connect the Optical Out ports on your TV and Optical In ports on your soundbar.
2. In the TV settings (Settings → Sound → Digital output), select PCM or Auto.
3. On the soundbar, activate Optical mode.

⚠️ Attention: On Mi TV P1 and Q2 When using Optical, you may not have sound in YouTube and Netflix. PCM manually.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even when connected properly, there can be problems, and we've collected typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

• 🔇 No sound: Check if the soundbar remote is off. → Exit) Choose the right source (HDMI ARC, Optical or Bluetooth. Update the TV firmware (relevant for Mi) TV 2020-2021).
• ⏱️ Sound delay: For HDMI ARC: Turn off Dolby Digital in the TV settings by selecting PCM. For Bluetooth: Use the aptX Low Latency codec (if supported).
• 🔊 Quiet sound: On the Xiaomi soundbar, activate Movie or Night mode. in the TV settings (Sound) → Bass reinforcement, turn on. DTS Virtual:X (if any).

6. Comparison of soundbars by price and features

To make the choice easier, we have compiled a table with real cost (as of May 2026, Yandex Market and Wildberries) and key features. Pay attention to the Compatibility column, which shows the Mi TV models that the soundbar was tested with.

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For Xiaomi Mi TVs older than 2022 (e.g. Mi TV P1 2021), the best choice is soundbars with Optical and Bluetooth support. HDMI ARC can work unstable due to outdated firmware.

7. Soundbar alternatives: when to consider other options

Soundbar isn't the only way to improve the sound, but in some cases it's more rational to choose:

• 🎧 Headphones with Bluetooth: Xiaomi Mi Headphones or Sony WH-1000XM5. They are suitable for night viewing, but will not replace surround sound.
• 🔊 Acoustic system 2.1/5.1: For example, Logitech. Z906 Edifier S350DB. More powerful sound, but requires more space.
• 📱 Portable columns: JBL Charge 5 or Xiaomi Mi Portable Speaker. can be used as a temporary solution.

Soundbar beats the alternatives in terms of compactness/quality of sound, but it loses to full-fledged acoustic systems in power. ₽, Consider home cinema systems from Sony or Denon.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions