The best AV receiver with HDMI 2.1 can simplify a modern home theater by combining high-refresh-rate gaming, 8K video support, immersive audio, and network streaming in one component.
This roundup compares 10 models across entry-level, midrange, and premium systems, so you can match channel count, room size, connectivity, and budget without paying for features you will not use.
Best 10 Av Receiver with Hdmi 21 Picks for 2026
Premium All-Rounder
- All HDMI inputs support 8K60 and 4K120 at 40 Gbps.
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, and YPAO R.S.C.
- Wi-Fi, MusicCast, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and phono input.
Best For: Premium seven-channel home theaters with gaming and streaming needs
Custom-Install Specialist
- 8K and 4K/120 HDMI 2.1 connectivity.
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping.
- Works with Sonos and supports IP control systems.
Best For: Compact theaters and custom installations using Sony ES features
Gaming and Multiroom Pick
- 9.2-channel processing with three HDMI outputs.
- 4K/120, VRR, ALLM, QFT, and 40 Gbps HDMI transfer.
- Dirac Live, HDMI Zone 2, and two-way Bluetooth.
Best For: Gamers and larger multiroom home theater systems
Large-Theater Powerhouse
- 13.2-channel processing with 150-watt output.
- 8K and 4K/120 HDMI 2.1 connectivity.
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, spatial mapping, and IP control.
Best For: Large immersive theaters with complex speaker layouts
Best All-Around Pick
- Three dedicated 8K HDMI inputs
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- HEOS, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth
Best For: Flexible small- to medium-room home theaters
Best for Competitive Gaming
- 4K/120Hz HDR pass-through
- VRR, ALLM, and QFT for smoother play
- eARC supports high-bitrate audio
Best For: Console gamers focused on low-latency performance
Best for Connectivity
- Three 8K HDMI inputs plus eight total HDMI ports
- 100-watt, 7.2-channel output
- MusicCast and broad wireless streaming support
Best For: Multi-source, multi-room entertainment systems
Budget 4K Surround Pick
- 5.2-channel design with 145W-per-channel listed output
- 4K HDR and Dolby Vision compatibility
- Bluetooth streaming and low-profile cabinet-friendly build
Best For: Simple 4K surround systems on a budget
Connected HDMI 2.1 Value
- HDMI 2.1 features with 4K120 and 8K60 support
- eARC, Dolby Vision, and BT.2020 compatibility
- Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, MusicCast, and YPAO calibration
Best For: Streaming-rich home theaters and gaming setups
Immersive Gaming Upgrade
- 4K120/8K60 HDMI with ALLM, VRR, and eARC
- Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X support
- Bluetooth Multipoint and automatic room correction
Best For: Gaming and immersive home-theater systems
Premium All-Rounder – Yamaha RX-A4A AVENTAGE
The Yamaha RX-A4A is a well-rounded av receiver with hdmi 21 support for home theaters that need 8K video, 4K/120 gaming, immersive sound, and broad music-streaming compatibility. Its seven HDMI inputs all support 8K60 and 4K120 at up to 40 Gbps, while eARC, VRR, and ALLM help keep newer displays and consoles connected.
Best For: Buyers wanting a premium seven-channel receiver with strong calibration, streaming, and gaming features.
Pros:
- All HDMI inputs support 8K60 and 4K120 at 40 Gbps.
- Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D audio.
- YPAO R.S.C. provides multipoint room measurement and precision EQ.
- Includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, MusicCast, and phono connectivity.
Cons:
- Limited to a 7.2-channel configuration.
- Sonos integration requires a separately sold Sonos Port.
The RX-A4A is a particularly flexible choice for mixed movie, music, and gaming systems. Surround:AI, extensive streaming support, and room correction add convenience, while its HDMI bandwidth supports current high-frame-rate sources.
Custom-Install Specialist – Sony STR-AZ1000ES
The Sony STR-AZ1000ES is an av receiver with hdmi 21 support designed for compact, high-quality home theater systems and custom installations. It provides seven channels, 8K and 4K/120 HDMI connectivity, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, and Sony’s room-calibration and spatial-mapping features.
Best For: Home theater owners who value Sony’s ES integration features and immersive calibration in a 7.2-channel setup.
Pros:
- Supports 8K and 4K/120 video through HDMI 2.1 connectivity.
- Includes Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping.
- Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, Hybrid Log Gamma, and IMAX Enhanced.
- Works with Sonos and offers IP-control integration for custom systems.
Cons:
- Provides fewer HDMI outputs than some larger home theater receivers.
- Limited to seven channels and 100 watts per channel under the listed test conditions.
The STR-AZ1000ES focuses on straightforward immersive performance and integration rather than a large channel count. Its calibration tools, HDR support, streaming options, and custom-control compatibility make it a practical fit for a carefully configured theater.
Gaming and Multiroom Pick – Onkyo TX-NR7100
The Onkyo TX-NR7100 is an av receiver with hdmi 21 support for users who want 9.2-channel processing, flexible HDMI routing, and gaming-focused features. It handles 8K/60 and 4K/120 transfer at 40 Gbps, with VRR, ALLM, QFT, eARC, and a dedicated HDMI Zone 2 option.
Best For: Gamers and multiroom households needing nine channels, advanced room correction, and flexible zone operation.
Pros:
- Offers 9.2-channel processing and three HDMI outputs.
- Includes 4K/120 HDR pass-through, VRR, ALLM, and QFT for gaming.
- Dirac Live room correction helps improve speaker placement and balance.
- Supports HDMI Zone 2, Sonos integration, and two-way Bluetooth.
Cons:
- A third-party USB microphone is required for the Dirac Live PC or Mac application.
- The supplied notes do not specify the complete HDMI input count.
The TX-NR7100 stands out when gaming performance and system flexibility matter as much as surround sound. Its combination of nine-channel processing, room correction, multiple zones, and high-bandwidth HDMI makes it suited to larger or more varied setups.
Large-Theater Powerhouse – Sony STR-AZ7000ES
The Sony STR-AZ7000ES is a high-capacity av receiver with hdmi 21 support for expansive theaters that need 13.2 channels and substantial power. It combines 8K and 4K/120 HDMI connectivity with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, and Sony’s ES-focused integration features.
Best For: Large, immersive home theaters requiring extensive channel processing and custom-control compatibility.
Pros:
- Provides 13.2-channel processing for complex speaker layouts.
- Supports 8K and 4K/120 HDMI 2.1 connectivity.
- Includes Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping.
- Offers 150-watt output, Sonos compatibility, and IP control integration.
Cons:
- Its larger channel count may be excessive for smaller rooms.
- Only two HDMI outputs are listed in the supplied specifications.
- Its 55.9-pound weight can make installation more demanding.
The STR-AZ7000ES is aimed at buyers building a serious, highly immersive theater rather than a basic living-room system. Its 13.2-channel architecture and 150-watt output provide substantial expansion potential, while calibration and control options support more sophisticated installations.
Best All-Around Pick – Denon AVR-X1800H
The Denon AVR-X1800H is a versatile av receiver with hdmi 21 features for small- to medium-sized home theaters. Its three dedicated 8K inputs support 4K/120Hz pass-through, while Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, HEOS, and Audyssey setup cover both movie viewing and everyday music listening.
Best For: Home theater users who want strong gaming support, immersive surround sound, and multi-room streaming.
Pros:
- Three dedicated 8K HDMI inputs with 4K/120Hz pass-through and up to 40Gbps bandwidth
- Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, and Height Virtualization
- Built-in HEOS, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth enable flexible music streaming
- On-screen setup guide and color-coded connections simplify installation
Cons:
- Provides four total HDMI ports, fewer than some competing models
- Its 80-watt output is better suited to small- and medium-sized rooms than very large spaces
The AVR-X1800H is a balanced choice when you need modern HDMI video support without giving up convenient wireless audio features. Its guided setup and broad format support make it especially approachable for a first dedicated home theater receiver.
Best for Competitive Gaming – Onkyo TX-NR5100
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 is a practical av receiver with hdmi 21 support for gamers who prioritize responsive performance. Its HDMI 2.1 gaming features include 4K/120Hz HDR pass-through, VRR, ALLM, and QFT, while eARC carries high-bitrate audio from compatible TV apps.
Best For: Console gamers seeking smoother motion, reduced lag, and immersive home theater audio.
Pros:
- 4K/120Hz HDR pass-through supports fast, high-resolution gaming
- VRR helps reduce tearing and stutter
- ALLM and QFT are designed to improve latency and responsiveness
- eARC supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby TrueHD
Cons:
- Supplied details list four HDMI ports
- Streaming features are centered on Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, and DTS Play-Fi rather than HEOS
The TX-NR5100 stands out for its gaming-focused HDMI feature set. It is a strong fit for a living-room setup where console performance and TV-app audio matter more than extensive multi-room ecosystem features.
Best for Connectivity – Yamaha RX-V6A
The Yamaha RX-V6A is a flexible av receiver with hdmi 21 connectivity for systems with multiple sources. It combines three 8K HDMI inputs with additional HDMI connections, 100 watts of output, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, plus MusicCast multi-room support and broad wireless streaming options.
Best For: Users building a connected gaming, movie, music, and multi-room entertainment system.
Pros:
- Three 8K HDMI inputs support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz formats
- Offers eight total HDMI ports according to the supplied specifications
- Supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos with Height Virtualization, and DTS:X
- MusicCast, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, voice control, and numerous streaming services add flexibility
Cons:
- Its wide range of features may require more setup than a simpler receiver
- Some listed HDMI 2.1 format support is specified as 8K60B and 4K120AB
The RX-V6A is the connectivity-oriented choice in this group. Its generous HDMI count and MusicCast ecosystem make it well suited to households that connect several sources and want audio available in more than one room.
Budget 4K Surround Pick – Sony STR-DH590
If you want an affordable av receiver with hdmi 21-style home-theater connectivity, the renewed Sony STRDH590 offers a straightforward 5.2-channel setup with 4K HDR support, Dolby Vision compatibility, and Bluetooth streaming. Its low-profile design also suits smaller media cabinets.
Best For: Buyers seeking a simple 4K surround receiver with flexible wired inputs and wireless music streaming.
Pros:
- 5.2-channel amplification rated at 145 watts per channel under the listed test conditions
- Supports 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and HDCP 2.2
- Built-in Bluetooth and S-FORCE PRO front surround processing
- Low-profile 5¼-inch height fits conventional AV cabinets
Cons:
- Does not list HDMI 2.1 connectivity
- Renewed condition may not suit shoppers wanting a factory-new unit
- Only four HDMI inputs are listed
This Sony is a practical choice for a conventional 4K home theater, especially when power, Bluetooth, and cabinet-friendly sizing matter more than newer gaming-focused HDMI features.
Connected HDMI 2.1 Value – Yamaha RX-V4A
The Yamaha RX-V4A is a strong option for shoppers comparing an av receiver with hdmi 21 support. It combines listed HDMI 2.1 features, 4K120 and 8K60 video support, eARC, network streaming, voice control, and automatic YPAO room calibration in a 5.2-channel receiver.
Best For: Home-theater and gaming setups that need modern video connectivity plus built-in streaming.
Pros:
- Lists HDMI 2.1 support with 4K120AB and 8K60B compatibility
- Includes eARC, Dolby Vision, and BT.2020 support
- Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, MusicCast, Bluetooth, and Spotify Connect are built in
- YPAO automatic room calibration helps simplify setup
Cons:
- Rated output is 80 watts, lower than the Sony in this lineup
- Only four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output are listed
- Its large listed dimensions may require careful cabinet planning
With its combination of HDMI 2.1-era video features and broad wireless services, the RX-V4A is the most connectivity-focused choice here for a networked 5.2-channel system.
Immersive Gaming Upgrade – Yamaha RX300A
For shoppers specifically seeking an av receiver with hdmi 21 capabilities, the Yamaha RX300A adds 4K120 and 8K60 HDMI switching, ALLM, VRR, eARC, and Dolby Atmos processing. Its automatic room correction and Bluetooth Multipoint make setup and everyday listening more convenient.
Best For: Gamers and movie fans wanting immersive audio, high-refresh video support, and flexible speaker layouts.
Pros:
- Supports 4K120, 8K60, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, ALLM, and VRR
- Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X support immersive sound formats
- Allows flexible layouts including a 3.1.2-channel configuration
- Bluetooth Multipoint pairs two source devices for quick switching
Cons:
- Listed output is 70 watts, lower than the other receivers here
- Only a 5.2-channel configuration is provided
- Some advanced immersive layouts require compatible speakers and room placement
The RX300A is the most forward-looking pick in this group for gaming and immersive audio, pairing modern HDMI features with room correction and a guided setup process.
How We Picked the Best Av Receiver with Hdmi 21
We selected receivers that support the core features buyers expect from a current home theater hub: HDMI 2.1 connectivity, 4K/120Hz compatibility where specified, 8K pass-through, eARC, HDR support, and surround formats such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. We also considered channel count, room-correction tools, wireless streaming, gaming features, brand support, and overall system flexibility.
Specifications can vary by input, output, firmware version, and regional model. Before buying, confirm the number of full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports and check whether features such as 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision work on the inputs you plan to use.
Quick Comparison
- Best for premium expansion: Sony’s 13.2-channel ES receiver offers the most ambitious setup potential in this group.
- Best for larger immersive systems: The 9.2-channel THX-certified Onkyo is a strong fit for buyers planning additional speakers or zones.
- Best all-around midrange choices: Yamaha AVENTAGE, Sony ES, and Denon models balance modern video support with useful room and streaming features.
- Best for compact or budget systems: The 5.2-channel Yamaha and Sony options suit smaller rooms, simpler speaker layouts, or lower-cost upgrades.
Key Buying Factors for an AV Receiver with HDMI 2.1
HDMI Inputs and Gaming Support
Count the devices that need HDMI 2.1, including a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, gaming PC, or 8K source. Look for support for 4K at 120Hz, variable refresh rate, auto low-latency mode, and eARC if gaming performance is a priority. More HDMI 2.1 inputs provide greater flexibility and reduce the need for an external switch.
Channels and Speaker Expansion
A 5.2-channel receiver can handle a conventional surround system, while 7.2 models add more layout flexibility and are often a better long-term choice. Choose 9.2 or 13.2 channels if you want multiple height speakers, larger rooms, additional zones, or future expansion. Channel numbers do not automatically indicate amplifier power, so also check continuous wattage and impedance requirements.
Room Correction and Audio Formats
Room calibration can improve dialogue, bass balance, and speaker integration, particularly in irregular rooms. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support matter if you plan to install height speakers. Auro-3D or advanced processing may be useful for enthusiasts, but they should not outweigh speaker quality and proper placement.
Streaming, Zones, and Everyday Use
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, MusicCast, and other network features can make the receiver easier to use daily. Check compatibility with your preferred music services and whether the receiver supports a second listening zone. A clear on-screen interface and reliable app can matter as much as headline specifications.
Who Should Buy Which Av Receiver with Hdmi 21?
Choose a 5.2-channel Yamaha or the renewed Sony STR-DH590 for a straightforward small-room system. A 7.2-channel Denon, Yamaha RX-V6A, or Onkyo TX-NR5100 is better for most living rooms and mixed movie-and-gaming setups. Step up to the Yamaha RX-A4A or Sony STR-AZ1000ES when you want stronger construction, more sophisticated processing, or a more premium ownership experience. The 9.2-channel Onkyo suits users planning an expanded immersive layout, while Sony’s 13.2-channel ES model is aimed at large, feature-rich theaters with substantial upgrade plans.