The right AV receiver can simplify your entire entertainment system by switching video sources, powering speakers, and delivering immersive surround sound from one hub. HDMI 2.1 adds valuable support for 8K video and 4K at 120Hz, making compatible receivers especially useful for newer gaming consoles, PCs, and TVs.
We selected 10 models across entry-level, midrange, and premium categories so you can match features, room size, speaker demands, and budget without paying for capabilities you will not use.
Best 10 Av Receiver with Hdmi 21 Picks for 2026
Premium All-Rounder
- 7.2 channels with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D
- All HDMI inputs support 8K60 and 4K120
- YPAO room correction and extensive streaming support
Best For: Feature-rich home theaters and next-generation gaming
Custom-Install Specialist
- 7.2 channels with six HDMI inputs and two outputs
- 8K, 4K/120, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X support
- Calibration, spatial mapping, and custom-control features
Best For: Integrated home theaters and custom installations
Accessible Gaming Pick
Yamaha RX300A 5.2-Channel Receiver
- 4K/120 and 8K/60 HDMI with ALLM and VRR
- Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, and room correction
- Bluetooth Multipoint and guided setup
Best For: Entry-level theaters and gaming-focused setups
Large-Theater Powerhouse
- 11.2 channels with 130-watt output
- Seven HDMI inputs with HDMI 2.1 support
- 8K, 4K/120, immersive audio, and spatial mapping
Best For: Expansive home theaters and advanced speaker layouts
Best Balanced Pick
- 7.2-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through
- HEOS, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth streaming
Best For: Small- to medium-sized home theaters with flexible streaming needs
Premium Powerhouse
- 13.2-channel processing with listed 150W output
- Seven HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs
- 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and custom-integration features
Best For: Large home theaters and advanced custom installations
Best for Gaming
- 4K/120Hz HDR pass-through for gaming
- VRR, ALLM, and QFT for smoother play
- 7.2-channel audio with eARC support
Best For: Console gamers building a versatile 4K home theater
Best Overall
- 7.2-channel design with 8K HDMI and 4K/120Hz support
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and YPAO room calibration
- MusicCast, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and voice control
Best For: Versatile home theater, gaming, and multi-room audio
Best for Advanced Home Theater
- 9.2-channel receiver with THX and IMAX Enhanced support
- Built-in Dirac Live room correction
- 4K/120Hz gaming with VRR, ALLM, and QFT
Best For: Larger surround systems and serious gaming setups
Best Compact 5-Channel Pick
- 5.2-channel receiver with 8K HDMI and 4K/120Hz support
- YPAO automatic room calibration
- Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, MusicCast, and voice control
Best For: Smaller home theaters and straightforward gaming setups
Premium All-Rounder – Yamaha RX-A4A AVENTAGE
For shoppers seeking an av receiver with hdmi 21 support, the Yamaha RX-A4A AVENTAGE combines 7.2-channel surround sound with 8K60 and 4K120 HDMI switching. Its extensive streaming features, room correction, and gaming support make it a flexible centerpiece for a serious home theater.
Best For: Home theater enthusiasts who want premium Yamaha processing, immersive audio, and broad connectivity.
Pros:
- All HDMI inputs support 8K60 and 4K120 at up to 40 Gbps.
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, and Surround:AI support immersive listening.
- YPAO R.S.C. room calibration includes 3D and multipoint measurement.
- Strong wireless and streaming options, including Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, MusicCast, and Spotify Connect.
Cons:
- Its 7.2-channel design may not suit buyers planning a larger speaker layout.
- Sonos integration requires a separately sold Sonos Port.
The RX-A4A is a well-rounded choice when you want advanced video support, gaming-friendly features, and a broad selection of audio formats in one receiver. Its premium feature set is particularly appealing for systems that will grow over time.
Custom-Install Specialist – Sony STR-AZ1000ES Premium ES
The Sony STR-AZ1000ES is a 7.2-channel option for shoppers comparing an av receiver with hdmi 21 support. It provides 8K and 4K/120 connectivity, immersive audio decoding, and installation-oriented control features in a premium ES-series design.
Best For: Custom installations and compact-to-midsize theaters that need flexible control and immersive sound.
Pros:
- Offers six HDMI inputs and two outputs with HDMI 2.1 support.
- Supports 8K, 4K/120, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and major HDR formats.
- Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping support setup optimization.
- Works with Sonos and supports Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay.
Cons:
- The 7.2-channel configuration provides less expansion than larger ES models.
- Its listed warranty is one year.
With its ES-series integration features and broad video compatibility, the STR-AZ1000ES is a practical fit for buyers prioritizing clean system control. It offers capable immersive sound without moving to a larger 11.2-channel chassis.
Accessible Gaming Pick – Yamaha RX300A 5.2-Channel Receiver
The Yamaha RX300A keeps the essentials straightforward for shoppers looking for an av receiver with hdmi 21 features. It supports 4K/120 and 8K/60 video, Dolby Atmos, room correction, and Bluetooth Multipoint in a 5.2-channel layout.
Best For: First-time home theater builders and gamers who want modern video support with simple setup.
Pros:
- Supports 4K/120, 8K/60, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, ALLM, and VRR.
- Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X enable dimensional surround sound.
- Included setup microphone automatically optimizes sound for the room.
- Bluetooth Multipoint allows two source devices to be paired and switched between.
Cons:
- The 5.2-channel design offers less speaker-layout flexibility than 7.2- or 11.2-channel receivers.
- It has five total HDMI ports, which may be limiting for larger setups.
The RX300A is a sensible value-oriented starting point for a modern theater. Its combination of gaming video features, automated setup, and 70-watt output keeps the system approachable while retaining support for immersive audio.
Large-Theater Powerhouse – Sony STR-AZ5000ES Premium ES
For a larger immersive system, the Sony STR-AZ5000ES pairs 11.2-channel processing with HDMI 2.1 support, 8K and 4K/120 video, and 130-watt output. It is a strong candidate for shoppers who want an av receiver with hdmi 21 and room to build a more elaborate theater.
Best For: Large home theaters requiring more channels, higher output, and custom-installation flexibility.
Pros:
- 11.2-channel architecture supports more expansive immersive speaker layouts.
- Provides 7 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs with HDMI 2.1 support.
- Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 8K, 4K/120, and common HDR formats.
- Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping assist system setup.
Cons:
- Its larger channel count and 130-watt output may be more than smaller rooms need.
- The listed warranty is one year.
The STR-AZ5000ES stands out when channel capacity and system expansion matter more than a compact setup. Its Sony ES integration features, broad HDMI connectivity, and immersive processing make it suited to ambitious theater builds.
Best Balanced Pick – Denon AVR-X1800H
If you want an av receiver with hdmi 21 for a small- to medium-sized home theater, the Denon AVR-X1800H combines 7.2-channel surround sound with 8K and 4K/120Hz video pass-through. Its HEOS streaming and guided setup add useful convenience for everyday use.
Best For: Small- to medium-sized rooms, streaming-focused home theaters, and buyers who want a straightforward setup.
Pros:
- Three dedicated 8K inputs and one output with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through.
- Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, and virtual height effects.
- Built-in HEOS, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and support for Spotify, Tidal, and Amazon Music HD.
- On-screen setup guide and color-coded rear connections simplify installation.
Cons:
- Its 7.2-channel design offers fewer channels than the Sony option.
- The supplied specifications list four total HDMI ports.
The AVR-X1800H is a practical all-rounder for users who value modern video support, immersive audio, and wireless music playback without moving into a larger high-channel system.
Premium Powerhouse – Sony STR-AZ7000ES
For a high-end av receiver with hdmi 21, the Sony STR-AZ7000ES offers 13.2 channels, 8K and 4K/120 HDMI connectivity, and 150-watt output. It is designed for expansive theaters and custom installations that need substantial processing and connection flexibility.
Best For: Large, feature-rich home theaters and custom-integration projects requiring many channels and HDMI connections.
Pros:
- 13.2-channel configuration with 150-watt output per listed two-channel specification.
- Seven HDMI inputs and two outputs with HDMI 2.1 support, 8K, and 4K/120 connectivity.
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX, and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping.
- Works with Sonos and supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, and AirPlay.
Cons:
- Its 55.9-pound chassis is considerably heavier than the other listed receivers.
- The premium feature set may be more than smaller or simpler rooms require.
The STR-AZ7000ES stands out when you need extensive channel capacity, broad connectivity, and advanced room-calibration features. Its size and complexity make it a better fit for a dedicated system than a basic living-room setup.
Best for Gaming – Onkyo TX-NR5100
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 is a practical av receiver with hdmi 21 for console gamers. Its HDMI 2.1 features include 4K/120Hz HDR pass-through, VRR, ALLM, and QFT, while eARC supports high-bitrate formats from compatible TV apps.
Best For: Gamers who want smoother 4K/120Hz gameplay and a 7.2-channel home theater receiver.
Pros:
- 4K/120Hz HDR pass-through supports fast-motion gaming.
- VRR, ALLM, and QFT target lag, stutter, screen tearing, and latency.
- eARC supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby TrueHD from TV apps.
- Supports Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi, and Bluetooth.
Cons:
- The supplied specifications list four total HDMI ports.
- It provides fewer channels and lower listed output than the Sony receiver.
The TX-NR5100 is a focused choice for a gaming-centered setup. Its HDMI 2.1 gaming functions are the main attraction, while 7.2-channel processing and eARC keep it useful for movies and TV.
Best Overall – Yamaha RX-V6A
The Yamaha RX-V6A is a strong all-around av receiver with hdmi 21 support for gaming, home theater, and multi-room audio. It combines 7.2-channel processing with 8K HDMI, Dolby Atmos, automatic room calibration, and broad wireless streaming support.
Best For: Home theater users who want a versatile receiver with gaming-friendly video support and MusicCast multi-room functionality.
Pros:
- Supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz HDMI formats, with eARC and HDCP 2.3.
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Vision, and YPAO R.S.C. room calibration support immersive viewing and listening.
- Includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, voice control, and MusicCast.
Cons:
- Its seven-channel design offers fewer channels than the Onkyo TX-NR7100.
- Supplied notes list software update status as unknown.
With 100 watts of output and extensive connectivity, the RX-V6A is a balanced choice for a modern entertainment system, especially if wireless streaming and multi-room audio matter.
Best for Advanced Home Theater – Onkyo TX-NR7100
The renewed Onkyo TX-NR7100 is a 9.2-channel av receiver with hdmi 21 features aimed at larger, more capable home theater systems. Its standout features include built-in Dirac Live room correction, THX certification, zone HDMI switching, and gaming support for 4K/120Hz HDR pass-through.
Best For: Enthusiasts building a larger surround system who want advanced room correction and extensive gaming features.
Pros:
- Built-in Dirac Live automatically calibrates the system to the listening room.
- Supports 4K/120Hz HDR pass-through, VRR, ALLM, and QFT for responsive gaming.
- Offers 9.2-channel surround processing, IMAX Enhanced support, and discrete Zone 2 HDMI switching.
- Works with Sonos, Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi, and multiple streaming services.
Cons:
- This is a renewed product with a listed 90-day limited warranty.
- Dirac Live desktop calibration requires a third-party USB microphone, which is not included.
- Its larger feature set may be more than needed for a basic setup.
The TX-NR7100 is the most feature-rich option here for serious surround sound and gaming. Its renewed status and shorter listed warranty are important considerations, but Dirac Live and 9.2-channel support add meaningful flexibility.
Best Compact 5-Channel Pick – Yamaha RX-V4A
The Yamaha RX-V4A is a straightforward 5.2-channel av receiver with hdmi 21 support for smaller home theaters and gaming setups. It provides 8K HDMI, 4K/120Hz support, YPAO automatic calibration, and wireless streaming without the added complexity of a nine-channel receiver.
Best For: Smaller systems that need modern HDMI support, easy room calibration, and wireless music streaming.
Pros:
- Supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz signals with eARC and HDCP 2.3.
- YPAO automatic room calibration helps optimize sound for the listening space.
- Includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, MusicCast, and voice control.
Cons:
- Its 5.2-channel configuration is less expandable than the other receivers listed.
- At 80 watts, it provides less specified output than the Yamaha RX-V6A.
- It does not list Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support in the supplied notes.
The RX-V4A makes sense when a five-channel layout is sufficient and the priority is modern video connectivity in a simpler package. It retains Yamaha’s streaming and calibration features while keeping the system focused.
How We Picked the Best Av Receiver with Hdmi 21
We compared these receivers by HDMI 2.1 support, available HDMI inputs and outputs, audio-channel capacity, room-correction tools, surround formats, streaming features, and overall system flexibility. We also considered whether each model suits a compact living-room setup, a dedicated theater, or a gaming-focused system.
HDMI specifications can vary by input, output, firmware, and source device, so check the manufacturer’s current documentation before buying. Features such as 4K/120Hz, 8K, VRR, ALLM, HDR formats, and eARC are most useful when every connected component supports them.
Quick Comparison
- Best for premium home theaters: Sony’s ES receivers and the higher-channel Yamaha models offer substantial processing and installation flexibility.
- Best for balanced performance: The Yamaha RX-A4A, Denon AVR-X1800H, and Onkyo TX-NR7100 cover advanced surround, streaming, and gaming needs.
- Best for smaller systems: Five- and seven-channel receivers such as the Yamaha RX-V4A, RX-V6A, RX300A, and Onkyo TX-NR5100 can handle common living-room layouts.
- Best for value-conscious buyers: Compare the number of HDMI 2.1 ports, included room correction, power requirements, and future expansion rather than choosing by wattage alone.
Key Buying Factors for an AV Receiver with HDMI 2.1
HDMI Inputs and Gaming Features
Count the HDMI 2.1 inputs you actually need. A PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, gaming PC, and streaming device can quickly exceed a receiver’s available ports. Look for 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and eARC if you want low-latency gaming and high-quality audio from a compatible television.
Channels and Speaker Expansion
Five channels can support a basic surround system, while seven channels allow layouts such as 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos. Nine, 11, or 13 channels are better suited to multiple height speakers and larger rooms. Processing capacity and powered amplifier channels are not always identical, so review both specifications.
Room Correction and Connectivity
Automatic calibration can improve timing, level balance, and bass integration, particularly in irregular rooms. Also consider Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, multiroom platforms, AirPlay, voice-control compatibility, phono input, pre-outs, and the number of zones you plan to use.
Who Should Buy Which Av Receiver with Hdmi 21?
Choose a compact five-channel model if you are building a straightforward TV-and-speaker system and do not expect to add height channels. A seven-channel receiver is the practical middle ground for most living rooms, especially if you want Dolby Atmos or more HDMI flexibility.
Step up to a nine-channel or larger receiver if you are planning several overhead speakers, a dedicated theater, multiple zones, or long-term expansion. Premium ES and higher-end AVENTAGE models make the most sense for demanding installations, while renewed equipment can offer greater channel capacity at a lower initial price if warranty coverage and condition are acceptable.