Best Audio Extractors for Projectors: Enhance Your Setup in 2026

The VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor solves a very specific but common problem: extracting audio from an HDMI source and sending it to older receivers or soundbars that only accept optical or 3.5mm inputs. It's aimed at gamers and home theater enthusiasts using devices like the PS4, PS5, Xbox, or Blu-ray players who need to pair modern HDMI-only hardware with legacy audio equipment.

In real-world use, the extractor performs well for its intended purpose, letting users pull 5.1 surround sound through optical output from consoles that lack a dedicated audio port, such as the PS4 Slim. It also proves useful for adding optical connectivity to newer TVs that dropped the port entirely, letting older soundbars like the Sonos Playbar stay in service. The three-mode switch (2.0CH, 5.1CH, PASS) gives users flexibility, though it does require some trial and error to find the right setting for each device.

Build quality is solid thanks to the compact aluminum housing, and the unit is powered efficiently through a USB connection, making it easy to tuck behind a TV or AV rack. Setup is generally plug-and-play, with several reviewers noting it worked immediately once connected properly.

The main drawbacks come from compatibility limitations: it doesn't support ARC/eARC, and TVs cannot be used as the HDMI input source, which trips up buyers expecting a universal TV audio solution. A few users also encountered console-specific quirks, like the Xbox Series X requiring manual switching between 4K video and 5.1 audio modes.

Overall, this is a niche but genuinely useful adapter for anyone bridging modern HDMI audio sources with older optical or analog receivers. It's best suited for gamers and AV hobbyists with a clear understanding of their setup, rather than as a plug-and-fix for every TV soundbar problem.

The OREI HDA-913 is an HDMI audio extractor built for anyone bridging the gap between modern high-resolution video sources and older audio equipment. It's especially useful for home theater enthusiasts who own a capable but aging AV receiver that lacks support for today's HDMI standards, or gamers running high-refresh-rate setups who still want full surround sound extraction.

Video Pass-through: 8K@50/60Hz, 4K@120Hz (YUV 4:4:4), 4K@30Hz, 1080P@120Hz, 1080P 3D@60Hz

Audio Output: HDMI ARC, L/R 3.5mm, Optical S/PDIF

Supported Audio Formats: LPCM 2/5.1/7.1CH, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS 5.1, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X

Bandwidth: 48 Gbps FRL, 18 Gbps TMDS

Compliance: HDMI 2.1, HDCP 2.3, DVI Compliant

Power: 100-240V auto-switching, worldwide use

The MOSWAG HDMI Audio Extractor is built for anyone who needs to pull audio out of an HDMI signal without touching the video quality. It's aimed at gamers, home theater enthusiasts, and small office or conference room setups that still rely on traditional amplifiers, Hi-Fi speakers, or projectors without integrated audio processing.

Its standout feature is the clean separation of video and audio: HDMI video passes through untouched at up to 4K60, while audio gets decoded into either optical or 3.5mm analog output. Reviewers confirm it performs exactly as described, with one user successfully routing laptop audio to external speakers while sending unaffected video to a monitor, and another praising the straightforward setup process for both headphone and optical connections.

Physically, the unit is compact and lightweight, measuring just over two inches long, making it easy to conceal behind a TV, home theater rack, or projector mount. The white aluminum-shell RCA cable and matching USB-C power cable included in the box add a nice touch of durability and consistency to the overall presentation.

The main limitations are clearly disclosed by MOSWAG: this device does not support ARC or EARC, so it cannot pull audio from a smart TV acting as the source, and some older TVs may cap out at 1080p. It's also strictly a one-way extractor, not a converter that works in reverse for optical or AUX to HDMI signals.

Overall, this is a practical, no-frills solution for extracting HDMI audio in gaming, home theater, or office environments where ARC isn't a requirement. For users with compatible source devices like a PS5, Switch, or Blu-ray player, it offers reliable performance at a reasonable price point.

The extractor works with a wide range of HDMI source devices including PS4, PS5, Xbox One S, Nintendo Switch, Blu-ray players, cable boxes, projectors, and PCs or Macs. It's designed to be fully plug-and-play, automatically recognizing the input signal without requiring drivers or additional software.

Power comes via a low-consumption USB-C connection, which can be sourced from a TV's USB port, a power bank, or a standard 5V adapter, adding flexibility for various installation setups.

Buyers should note that TVs cannot be used as the HDMI source since ARC and EARC formats aren't supported, so this device is best suited for source-side extraction rather than TV-side audio pickup.

The J-Tech Digital HDMI Audio Extractor is a compact converter designed to pull audio from an HDMI or ARC signal and send it to external speakers via RCA or optical connections. It's aimed at users with older sound systems, soundbars, or receivers that lack modern HDMI inputs but need to work with newer streaming devices, gaming consoles, or projectors.

In real-world use, the standout feature is its ARC-to-optical conversion, which reviewers praised for solving a common problem: connecting TVs without optical outputs to legacy equipment like a Sonos Playbar. The dual extraction modes (direct HDMI or ARC) combined with the 3-mode EDID switch (TV, 2CH, 5CH) give users flexibility to fine-tune audio output based on their specific hardware, and multiple reviewers confirmed clean, reliable audio when pairing with Roku sticks or Blu-Ray players.

Build quality is simple and functional, using a lightweight plastic housing that keeps the unit affordable and easy to place behind a TV or entertainment center. It requires external power, so users should plan for an extra outlet, and the ARC mode needs manual activation via a physical button, which resets if power is interrupted.

On the downside, this extractor tops out at 4K@30Hz for full 4:4:4 color and doesn't support HDR10 at 4K60 or eARC, so it's not ideal for the latest high-end AV setups. RCA output is also restricted to 2-channel stereo without 5.1 downmixing, and a few users noted occasional audio dropouts with certain streaming sticks.

Overall, this is a practical, budget-friendly solution for straightforward point-to-point audio extraction needs, especially bridging older audio equipment with newer HDMI sources. It's best suited for casual home theater setups rather than complex multi-device audio chains or those requiring HDR10 and eARC support.

Choose this extractor if you need a simple way to route HDMI or ARC audio to an older receiver, soundbar, or stereo system using RCA or optical connections. It's particularly useful for pairing streaming devices like Roku with legacy speakers that lack HDMI support.

Before buying, confirm your source device can output at 4K@30Hz or lower if you need full color accuracy, since 4K@60Hz is limited to 4:2:0 chroma subsampling. Also verify your downstream audio equipment only needs 2-channel PCM stereo through RCA, as 5.1 surround will only pass through the optical output.

This unit works best in simple, direct connections between one source and one audio output. Avoid using it in setups involving multiple splitters, decoders, or simultaneous soundbar and receiver routing, as it's not designed for that level of complexity.

The eSynic Professional eARC/ARC Audio Extractor is built for one specific job: pulling stereo audio out of a TV's eARC or ARC HDMI port and sending it to older or simpler audio gear via 3.5mm AUX or L/R RCA. It's ideal for owners of legacy receivers, powered speakers, or headphones that lack Bluetooth or HDMI inputs, especially when a smart TV's only other audio option is optical.

In real-world use, the standout feature is straightforward compatibility with PCM audio at up to 24-bit/192KHz, which reviewers confirm delivers clean sound without static, dropouts, or noticeable lag. Users have successfully paired it with zone-2 receiver setups, outdoor speaker systems, small amplifiers like the FOSI BT30D, and vintage tabletop radios, all while retaining volume control from the TV remote thanks to CEC support.

Build quality gets solid marks, with the unit described as compact and sturdy despite its low price point. Setup is genuinely plug and play once the correct PCM audio format and eARC/ARC settings are enabled on the TV, and the included signal indicator lights make it easy to confirm a working connection without guesswork.

The main limitation is format support: this extractor only handles PCM, so anyone hoping for Dolby Digital or optical audio pass-through will need a different device. It also requires an external USB power source that isn't included in the box, and it strictly needs a true eARC/ARC HDMI port, not a standard HDMI input, to function at all.

Overall, this is a practical, no-frills solution for bridging modern TVs to older analog audio equipment. For the price, it delivers dependable PCM stereo output with minimal setup hassle, making it a smart buy for anyone whose speaker or receiver setup predates HDMI audio standards.

The DONGJIAN HDMI Audio Extractor is designed for anyone who needs to pull audio from a modern HDMI source and send it to older or separate speakers, amps, or soundbars. It's especially useful for devices like Roku, Fire TV Stick, or game consoles that don't have their own headphone or audio-out jack.

In real-world use, reviewers note that it performs reliably for basic setups, successfully extracting audio from sources like Roku boxes and SNES Classic consoles while passing video through to a monitor or TV. The automatic EDID detection generally works well, though a few users needed to manually switch their source's audio output to PCM format to get sound working correctly.

Build quality is simple and functional, a small lightweight box with HDMI in/out and audio ports that doesn't require a bulky power adapter for most standard devices. Setup is genuinely plug-and-play for most users, with no drivers or configuration needed beyond basic HDMI and audio cable connections.

The main drawbacks show up in specific scenarios: it won't work with ARC/EARC audio return systems, can't use a TV as a signal source, and a couple of users found that some device combinations only output audio when the HDMI display connection is removed. Low-power devices like PS4 Slim may also need extra USB power to function properly.

Overall, this extractor is a practical and affordable solution for connecting non-ARC HDMI sources to external audio equipment. It's best suited for home theater tinkerers, retro gaming setups, or anyone reviving an older sound system, but not ideal if you specifically need ARC/EARC support or TV-based audio extraction.

This extractor works with a broad range of HDMI 1.4 sources including Roku, Chromecast, Fire TV, PS4/PS5, Xbox, Blu-ray players, PCs, and HD DVRs. It supports resolutions up to 4Kx2K@30Hz along with 1080p, 1080i, 720p, and lower formats, making it versatile across both new and legacy display setups.

For best results, ensure your source device's audio output is set to PCM if sound doesn't come through automatically. Devices with lower power HDMI ports, such as certain PS4 models, may require an additional USB power connection for stable operation.

Keep in mind this unit does not support ARC, EARC, or using a TV as the signal source, so it should be paired directly with a source device like a streaming box or console rather than a television.

The Tendak HDMI Splitter is designed for anyone who needs to send a single HDMI signal to two displays while also extracting audio for a separate speaker or soundbar. It's a great fit for home theater enthusiasts, gamers, and even hobbyists like pinball machine modders who need reliable audio and video distribution without complicated setup.

Its standout feature is the built-in audio extractor, which supports optical, coaxial, and stereo RCA outputs alongside the standard HDMI passthrough. Real-world reviews confirm it handles this well, from feeding a soundbar and projector simultaneously to isolating audio for wireless headphones, though a few users had to manually adjust their source device's audio settings (like on a Fire Stick) to get consistent output.

Build quality appears solid for the price point, with several reviewers noting it outperformed cheaper alternatives that struggled with dropped audio or video flicker. Support for 4K@30Hz plus backward compatibility down to 480i makes it versatile across older and newer devices, including PS4, Blu-ray players, and HDTVs.

On the downside, this splitter can't decode advanced formats like Dolby True-HD or DTS-HD, so users with high-end AV receivers need to set their source to PCM/LPCM for audio to come through. There's also no status light, so if the unit fails, as one user experienced after an accidental power mishap, diagnosing the issue can take some trial and error.

Overall, the Tendak HDMI Splitter delivers dependable dual-display output and flexible audio extraction at a reasonable price. It's a smart choice for straightforward home theater or DIY audio projects, though users with complex surround-sound setups should verify format compatibility first.

The upxuntek HDMI ARC Audio Extractor is built for anyone who needs to bridge the gap between a modern TV's ARC-enabled HDMI port and older or simpler audio gear. If you have a soundbar, amplifier, or set of headphones without HDMI support, this little converter lets you tap into your TV's audio output using coaxial, optical, RCA, or 3.5mm connections instead.

Its standout feature is the 192KHz sampling rate, which should provide clear, accurate stereo sound reproduction for most everyday viewing and listening. The front-panel 3-position switch is a nice touch, letting users manually select between ARC, coaxial, and optical inputs without digging through TV menus. It also supports 5.1-channel audio transmission, so pairing it with a proper 5.1 speaker system can add noticeable depth for movies and games.

Build quality appears solid thanks to the aluminum casing, and the compact 3.58 x 2.28 inch footprint means it won't take up much space behind or near your TV. Setup should be plug-and-play, though getting the CEC-based volume control to work through the TV remote requires a few extra steps in your TV's audio settings.

The main limitation here is that this unit only processes PCM/LPCM audio streams, meaning it can't decode compressed formats like Dolby Digital or DTS. Users expecting full surround decoding from compressed broadcast or streaming audio will need a separate decoder. It's strictly a converter, not a full audio processor.

Overall, this is a practical, affordable solution for extracting audio from ARC-equipped TVs when your existing sound equipment lacks HDMI support. It's best suited for budget home theater setups, older amplifiers, or anyone wanting simple TV audio flexibility without investing in a full new soundbar.

To get the most out of this adapter, users should first confirm their TV has an HDMI port explicitly labeled ARC, since not all HDMI ports support this function. Once connected, users need to enable CEC in the TV's settings and set the audio output format to PCM, LPCM, or Source mode for compatibility.

An HDMI 2.0 cable is recommended for the most stable ARC connection, as older cables may cause intermittent audio dropouts. If ARC audio doesn't work immediately, unplugging the HDMI cable, waiting a few minutes, and reconnecting both the cable and adapter power source often resolves initial connectivity issues.

This converter works well with a wide range of devices, including AV receivers, DVD/Blu-ray players, computers, DVRs, and both passive and powered speakers. Just keep in mind that any connected soundbar must have a dedicated HDMI input for the ARC extraction feature to function properly.