Soundbars comparison

Votes 69 69
Rating 3.7 3.7
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  • Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 review

    Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1

    • Nakamichi
    • | 1000

    • 2241
    • |
  • Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 review

    Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2

    • Nakamichi
    • | 1000

    • 3541
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q90R review

    Samsung HW-Q90R

    • Samsung
    • | 1800

    • 1662
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q80R review

    Samsung HW-Q80R

    • Samsung
    • | 1100

    • 1662
    • |
  • Sonos Playbar review
    OUR CHOICE

    Sonos Playbar

    • Sonos
    • | 700

    • 1767
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q800T review

    Samsung HW-Q800T

    • Samsung
    • | 900

    • 1048
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q70T review

    Samsung HW-Q70T

    • Samsung
    • | 700

    • 664
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q900T review

    Samsung HW-Q900T

    • Samsung
    • | 1300

    • 664
    • |
  • Bose Soundbar 700 review
    OUR CHOICE

    Bose Soundbar 700

    • Bose
    • | 800

    • 915
    • |
  • LG SN10YG review

    LG SN10YG

    • LG
    • | 1300

    • 7
    • |
  • LG GX review

    LG GX

    • LG
    • | 1000

    • 3
    • |
  • Samsung HW-R450 review

    Samsung HW-R450

    • Samsung
    • | 200

    • 1577
    • |
  • Samsung HW-T550 review

    Samsung HW-T550

    • Samsung
    • | 300

    • 3970
    • |
  • Samsung HW-T450 review

    Samsung HW-T450

    • Samsung
    • | 200

    • 3970
    • |
  • VIZIO SB2920-C6 review

    VIZIO SB2920-C6

    • VIZIO
    • | 200

    • 6525
    • |
  • Polk Audio SIGNA S2 review

    Polk Audio SIGNA S2

    • Polk Audio
    • | 300

    • 6669
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q60R review

    Samsung HW-Q60R

    • Samsung
    • | 500

    • 1662
    • |
  • Sony HT-S350 review

    Sony HT-S350

    • Sony
    • | 300

    • 2158
    • |
  • KEF HTF7003 review

    KEF HTF7003

    • KEF
    • | 600

    • 17
    • |
  • Sony HT-Z9F review
    OUR CHOICE

    Sony HT-Z9F

    • Sony
    • | 900

    • 349
    • |
  • JBL Bar 5.1 review
    OUR CHOICE

    JBL Bar 5.1

    • JBL
    • | 500

    • 3060
    • |
  • VIZIO SB3821-C6 review
    OUR CHOICE

    VIZIO SB3821-C6

    • VIZIO
    • | 300

    • 8357
    • |
  • Bose Solo 5 review
    OUR CHOICE

    Bose Solo 5

    • Bose
    • | 200

    • 13457
    • |
  • VIZIO SB2821-D6 review
    OUR CHOICE

    VIZIO SB2821-D6

    • VIZIO
    • | 200

    • 2005
    • |
  • Sonos Beam review
    OUR CHOICE

    Sonos Beam

    • Sonos
    • | 400

    • 3280
    • |
  • LG SNC4R review

    LG SNC4R

    • LG
    • | 200

    • 9
    • |
  • LG LASC58R review

    LG LASC58R

    • LG
    • | 400

    • 72
    • |
  • LG SN5Y review

    LG SN5Y

    • LG
    • | 300

    • 168
    • |
  • LG SN6Y review

    LG SN6Y

    • LG
    • | 400

    • 87
    • |
  • Vizio M21d-H8 review

    Vizio M21d-H8

    • Vizio
    • | 200

    • 4
    • |
  • Vizio V21-H8 review

    Vizio V21-H8

    • Vizio
    • | 200

    • 21
    • |
  • Vizio V51-H6 review

    Vizio V51-H6

    • Vizio
    • | 300

    • 254
    • |
  • Yamaha SR-B20A review

    Yamaha SR-B20A

    • Yamaha
    • | 200

    • 34
    • |
  • Yamaha SR-C20A review

    Yamaha SR-C20A

    • Yamaha
    • | 200

    • 1
    • |
  • Sony HT-G700 review

    Sony HT-G700

    • Sony
    • | 600

    • 221
    • |
  • Sony HT-X8500 review

    Sony HT-X8500

    • Sony
    • | 300

    • 171
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q60T review

    Samsung HW-Q60T

    • Samsung
    • | 500

    • 1048
    • |
  • Samsung HW-S40T review

    Samsung HW-S40T

    • Samsung
    • | 200

    • 235
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q950T review

    Samsung HW-Q950T

    • Samsung
    • | 1700

    • 28
    • |
  • Bose Smart Soundbar 300 review

    Bose Smart Soundbar 300

    • Bose
    • | 400

    • 144
    • |
  • Bose TV Speaker review

    Bose TV Speaker

    • Bose
    • | 300

    • 795
    • |
  • Bose Soundbar 500 review

    Bose Soundbar 500

    • Bose
    • | 600

    • 407
    • |
  • LG SL5Y review

    LG SL5Y

    • LG
    • | 300

    • 379
    • |
  • Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 review

    Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400

    • Yamaha
    • | 500

    • 159
    • |
  • Samsung HW-M360 review

    Samsung HW-M360

    • Samsung
    • | 300

    • 200
    • |
  • Yamaha YAS-209 review

    Yamaha YAS-209

    • Yamaha
    • | 400

    • 769
    • |
  • Yamaha YAS-109 review

    Yamaha YAS-109

    • Yamaha
    • | 200

    • 766
    • |
  • Dayton Audio BS36 review

    Dayton Audio BS36

    • Dayton Audio
    • | 300

    • 56
    • |
  • ZVOX SB380 review

    ZVOX SB380

    • ZVOX
    • | 200

    • 581
    • |
  • Yamaha YSP-5600 review

    Yamaha YSP-5600

    • Yamaha
    • | 1700

    • 52
    • |
  • Samsung HW-M360/ZA review
    OUR CHOICE

    Samsung HW-M360/ZA

    • Samsung
    • | 300

    • 908
    • |
  • Samsung HW-J355 review
    OUR CHOICE

    Samsung HW-J355

    • Samsung
    • | 300

    • 1116
    • |
  • VIZIO SB36512-F6 review
    OUR CHOICE

    VIZIO SB36512-F6

    • VIZIO
    • | 500

    • 150
    • |
  • LG SK1 review

    LG SK1

    • LG
    • | 200

    • 126
    • |
  • LG SN9YG review

    LG SN9YG

    • LG
    • | 900

    • 18
    • |
  • LG SN11RG review

    LG SN11RG

    • LG
    • | 1500

    • 19
    • |
  • Polk Audio Command Bar review

    Polk Audio Command Bar

    • Polk Audio
    • | 300

    • 1506
    • |
  • JBL Bar Studio review

    JBL Bar Studio

    • JBL
    • | 200

    • 828
    • |
  • VIZIO SB46514-F6 review

    VIZIO SB46514-F6

    • VIZIO
    • | 1000

    • 196
    • |
  • LG SL9YG review

    LG SL9YG

    • LG
    • | 600

    • 27
    • |
  • Denon HEOS BAR review

    Denon HEOS BAR

    • Denon
    • | 900

    • 20
    • |
  • Sony HT-ST5000 review

    Sony HT-ST5000

    • Sony
    • | 1500

    • 173
    • |
  • Yamaha YSP-2700 review

    Yamaha YSP-2700

    • Yamaha
    • | 1200

    • 27
    • |
  • Samsung HW-N950 review
    OUR CHOICE

    Samsung HW-N950

    • Samsung
    • | 1700

    • 106
    • |
  • Samsung HW-LST70T review

    Samsung HW-LST70T

    • Samsung
    • | 1200

    • 3
    • |
  • Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 review

    Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2

    • Nakamichi

    • 2241
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q70R review

    Samsung HW-Q70R

    • Samsung

    • 1662
    • |
  • VIZIO SB3820-C6 review
    OUR CHOICE

    VIZIO SB3820-C6

    • VIZIO

    • 2630
    • |
  • Yamaha YAS-207 review
    OUR CHOICE

    Yamaha YAS-207

    • Yamaha

    • 2129
    • |
  • Yamaha YAS-108 review
    OUR CHOICE

    Yamaha YAS-108

    • Yamaha

    • 1385
    • |
  • Samsung HW-R650 review

    Samsung HW-R650

    • Samsung

    • 468
    • |
  • Samsung HW-R550 review

    Samsung HW-R550

    • Samsung

    • 1236
    • |
  • Sonos Arc review

    Sonos Arc

    • Sonos

    • 368
    • |
  • JBL Bar 2.1 review

    JBL Bar 2.1

    • JBL

    • 548
    • |
  • Sony HT-X9000F review

    Sony HT-X9000F

    • Sony

    • 234
    • |
  • VIZIO SB3621n-F8M review
    OUR CHOICE

    VIZIO SB3621n-F8M

    • VIZIO

    • 639
    • |
  • TaoTronics TT-SK15 review
    OUR CHOICE

    TaoTronics TT-SK15

    • TaoTronics

    • 5570
    • |
  • LG SN8YG review

    LG SN8YG

    • LG

    • 40
    • |
  • Polk Audio MagniFi One review

    Polk Audio MagniFi One

    • Polk Audio

    • 211
    • |
  • Klipsch R-10B review

    Klipsch R-10B

    • Klipsch

    • 420
    • |
  • VIZIO SB4451-C0 review

    VIZIO SB4451-C0

    • VIZIO

    • 121
    • |
  • Definitive Technology Mythos SSA-50 review

    Definitive Technology Mythos SSA-50

    • Definitive Technology

    • 36
    • |
  • Samsung HW-N650 review
    OUR CHOICE

    Samsung HW-N650

    • Samsung

    • 68
    • |
  • Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 review
    OLD MODEL

    Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1

    • Nakamichi

    • 2241
    • |
  • Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 review
    OLD MODEL

    Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2

    • Nakamichi

    • 3541
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q90R review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-Q90R

    • Samsung

    • 1662
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q80R review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-Q80R

    • Samsung

    • 1662
    • |
  • Sonos Playbar review
    OLD MODEL

    Sonos Playbar

    • Sonos

    • 1767
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q800T review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-Q800T

    • Samsung

    • 1048
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q70T review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-Q70T

    • Samsung

    • 664
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q900T review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-Q900T

    • Samsung

    • 664
    • |
  • Bose Soundbar 700 review
    OLD MODEL

    Bose Soundbar 700

    • Bose

    • 915
    • |
  • LG SN10YG review
    OLD MODEL

    LG SN10YG

    • LG

    • 7
    • |
  • LG GX review
    OLD MODEL

    LG GX

    • LG

    • 3
    • |
  • Samsung HW-R450 review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-R450

    • Samsung

    • 1577
    • |
  • Samsung HW-T550 review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-T550

    • Samsung

    • 3970
    • |
  • Samsung HW-T450 review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-T450

    • Samsung

    • 3970
    • |
  • VIZIO SB2920-C6 review
    OLD MODEL

    VIZIO SB2920-C6

    • VIZIO

    • 6525
    • |
  • Polk Audio SIGNA S2 review
    OLD MODEL

    Polk Audio SIGNA S2

    • Polk Audio

    • 6669
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q60R review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-Q60R

    • Samsung

    • 1662
    • |
  • Sony HT-S350 review
    OLD MODEL

    Sony HT-S350

    • Sony

    • 2158
    • |
  • KEF HTF7003 review
    OLD MODEL

    KEF HTF7003

    • KEF

    • 17
    • |
  • Sony HT-Z9F review
    OLD MODEL

    Sony HT-Z9F

    • Sony

    • 349
    • |
  • JBL Bar 5.1 review
    OLD MODEL

    JBL Bar 5.1

    • JBL

    • 3060
    • |
  • VIZIO SB3821-C6 review
    OLD MODEL

    VIZIO SB3821-C6

    • VIZIO

    • 8357
    • |
  • Bose Solo 5 review
    OLD MODEL

    Bose Solo 5

    • Bose

    • 13457
    • |
  • VIZIO SB2821-D6 review
    OLD MODEL

    VIZIO SB2821-D6

    • VIZIO

    • 2005
    • |
  • Sonos Beam review
    OLD MODEL

    Sonos Beam

    • Sonos

    • 3280
    • |
  • LG SNC4R review
    OLD MODEL

    LG SNC4R

    • LG

    • 9
    • |
  • LG LASC58R review
    OLD MODEL

    LG LASC58R

    • LG

    • 72
    • |
  • LG SN5Y review
    OLD MODEL

    LG SN5Y

    • LG

    • 168
    • |
  • LG SN6Y review
    OLD MODEL

    LG SN6Y

    • LG

    • 87
    • |
  • Vizio M21d-H8 review
    OLD MODEL

    Vizio M21d-H8

    • Vizio

    • 4
    • |
  • Vizio V21-H8 review
    OLD MODEL

    Vizio V21-H8

    • Vizio

    • 21
    • |
  • Vizio V51-H6 review
    OLD MODEL

    Vizio V51-H6

    • Vizio

    • 254
    • |
  • Yamaha SR-B20A review
    OLD MODEL

    Yamaha SR-B20A

    • Yamaha

    • 34
    • |
  • Yamaha SR-C20A review
    OLD MODEL

    Yamaha SR-C20A

    • Yamaha

    • 1
    • |
  • Sony HT-G700 review
    OLD MODEL

    Sony HT-G700

    • Sony

    • 221
    • |
  • Sony HT-X8500 review
    OLD MODEL

    Sony HT-X8500

    • Sony

    • 171
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q60T review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-Q60T

    • Samsung

    • 1048
    • |
  • Samsung HW-S40T review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-S40T

    • Samsung

    • 235
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q950T review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-Q950T

    • Samsung

    • 28
    • |
  • Bose Smart Soundbar 300 review
    OLD MODEL

    Bose Smart Soundbar 300

    • Bose

    • 144
    • |
  • Bose TV Speaker review
    OLD MODEL

    Bose TV Speaker

    • Bose

    • 795
    • |
  • Bose Soundbar 500 review
    OLD MODEL

    Bose Soundbar 500

    • Bose

    • 407
    • |
  • LG SL5Y review
    OLD MODEL

    LG SL5Y

    • LG

    • 379
    • |
  • Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 review
    OLD MODEL

    Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400

    • Yamaha

    • 159
    • |
  • Samsung HW-M360 review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-M360

    • Samsung

    • 200
    • |
  • Yamaha YAS-209 review
    OLD MODEL

    Yamaha YAS-209

    • Yamaha

    • 769
    • |
  • Yamaha YAS-109 review
    OLD MODEL

    Yamaha YAS-109

    • Yamaha

    • 766
    • |
  • Dayton Audio BS36 review
    OLD MODEL

    Dayton Audio BS36

    • Dayton Audio

    • 56
    • |
  • ZVOX SB380 review
    OLD MODEL

    ZVOX SB380

    • ZVOX

    • 581
    • |
  • Yamaha YSP-5600 review
    OLD MODEL

    Yamaha YSP-5600

    • Yamaha

    • 52
    • |
  • Samsung HW-M360/ZA review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-M360/ZA

    • Samsung

    • 908
    • |
  • Samsung HW-J355 review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-J355

    • Samsung

    • 1116
    • |
  • VIZIO SB36512-F6 review
    OLD MODEL

    VIZIO SB36512-F6

    • VIZIO

    • 150
    • |
  • LG SK1 review
    OLD MODEL

    LG SK1

    • LG

    • 126
    • |
  • LG SN9YG review
    OLD MODEL

    LG SN9YG

    • LG

    • 18
    • |
  • LG SN11RG review
    OLD MODEL

    LG SN11RG

    • LG

    • 19
    • |
  • Polk Audio Command Bar review
    OLD MODEL

    Polk Audio Command Bar

    • Polk Audio

    • 1506
    • |
  • JBL Bar Studio review
    OLD MODEL

    JBL Bar Studio

    • JBL

    • 828
    • |
  • VIZIO SB46514-F6 review
    OLD MODEL

    VIZIO SB46514-F6

    • VIZIO

    • 196
    • |
  • LG SL9YG review
    OLD MODEL

    LG SL9YG

    • LG

    • 27
    • |
  • Denon HEOS BAR review
    OLD MODEL

    Denon HEOS BAR

    • Denon

    • 20
    • |
  • Sony HT-ST5000 review
    OLD MODEL

    Sony HT-ST5000

    • Sony

    • 173
    • |
  • Yamaha YSP-2700 review
    OLD MODEL

    Yamaha YSP-2700

    • Yamaha

    • 27
    • |
  • Samsung HW-N950 review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-N950

    • Samsung

    • 106
    • |
  • Samsung HW-LST70T review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-LST70T

    • Samsung

    • 3
    • |
  • Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 review
    OLD MODEL

    Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2

    • Nakamichi

    • 2241
    • |
  • Samsung HW-Q70R review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-Q70R

    • Samsung

    • 1662
    • |
  • VIZIO SB3820-C6 review
    OLD MODEL

    VIZIO SB3820-C6

    • VIZIO

    • 2630
    • |
  • Yamaha YAS-207 review
    OLD MODEL

    Yamaha YAS-207

    • Yamaha

    • 2129
    • |
  • Yamaha YAS-108 review
    OLD MODEL

    Yamaha YAS-108

    • Yamaha

    • 1385
    • |
  • Samsung HW-R650 review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-R650

    • Samsung

    • 468
    • |
  • Samsung HW-R550 review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-R550

    • Samsung

    • 1236
    • |
  • Sonos Arc review
    OLD MODEL

    Sonos Arc

    • Sonos

    • 368
    • |
  • JBL Bar 2.1 review
    OLD MODEL

    JBL Bar 2.1

    • JBL

    • 548
    • |
  • Sony HT-X9000F review
    OLD MODEL

    Sony HT-X9000F

    • Sony

    • 234
    • |
  • VIZIO SB3621n-F8M review
    OLD MODEL

    VIZIO SB3621n-F8M

    • VIZIO

    • 639
    • |
  • TaoTronics TT-SK15 review
    OLD MODEL

    TaoTronics TT-SK15

    • TaoTronics

    • 5570
    • |
  • LG SLM4R review
    OLD MODEL

    LG SLM4R

    • LG

  • LG SN4Y review
    OLD MODEL

    LG SN4Y

    • LG

  • LG SN8YG review
    OLD MODEL

    LG SN8YG

    • LG

    • 40
    • |
  • Polk Audio MagniFi One review
    OLD MODEL

    Polk Audio MagniFi One

    • Polk Audio

    • 211
    • |
  • Samsung HW-K850 review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-K850

    • Samsung

    • 75
    • |
  • Akixno SR210 review
    OLD MODEL

    Akixno SR210

    • Akixno

    • 91
    • |
  • VIZIO SB3651-E6 review
    OLD MODEL

    VIZIO SB3651-E6

    • VIZIO

    • 270
    • |
  • Klipsch R-10B review
    OLD MODEL

    Klipsch R-10B

    • Klipsch

    • 420
    • |
  • Sony HT-CT800 review
    OLD MODEL

    Sony HT-CT800

    • Sony

    • 267
    • |
  • VIZIO SB4451-C0 review
    OLD MODEL

    VIZIO SB4451-C0

    • VIZIO

    • 121
    • |
  • Definitive Technology Mythos SSA-50 review
    OLD MODEL

    Definitive Technology Mythos SSA-50

    • Definitive Technology

    • 36
    • |
  • Yamaha ATS-1070 review
    OLD MODEL

    Yamaha ATS-1070

    • Yamaha

  • Samsung HW-N850 review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-N850

    • Samsung

    • 29
    • |
  • VIZIO SB3651-F6 review
    OLD MODEL

    VIZIO SB3651-F6

    • VIZIO

    • 373
    • |
  • Samsung HW-N650 review
    OLD MODEL

    Samsung HW-N650

    • Samsung

    • 68
    • |
  • Yamaha YAS-107 review
    OLD MODEL

    Yamaha YAS-107

    • Yamaha

    • 761
    • |

How to choose a soundbar

The soundbar is a fairly compact, horizontally oriented, electro-acoustic device with or without a subwoofer, designed to improve and enhance the sound capabilities of modern TVs. Previously, in order to enjoy the volume and clarity of the sound of the TV, users had to buy several speakers and a subwoofer, allocate a lot of space for them and regularly stumble on tangled cords, wiping the quickly accumulating dust on their surface. Now all problems are solved by acquiring a soundbar but there is another reason for what to look for in a soundbar.

In order to know how to choose a soundbar for yourself, you need to pay attention to:

  • dimensions and installation method;
  • sound format and power;
  • connection method;
  • support for formats, other functions, and features.

Installation

According to the installation method, all soundbars can be divided into two types: wall and those that can be put on the floor/shelf. There are models with two installation options on what look for when buying a soundbar.

Wall-mounted soundbars have special mounts or brackets to place them on the wall.

Shelf soundbars can be put on a special shelf or other furniture of a suitable size. Soundbars that can be used as a TV stand are also worth mentioning here. They have a flat shape and extra strong construction. Such a soundbar can be put on a table or other surface, and a TV can be installed on top of it. Often this type of soundbar is made of small height. And this does not allow us to create a device with extensive sound capabilities.

The provided installation method affects not only the design or appearance of the device but also often its acoustic capabilities. Therefore, it is not recommended to install the soundbar in an abnormal way.

Soundbar width to TV diagonal ratio

Let's talk about the dimensions of the main panel with the speakers, and the conversation basically comes down to aesthetics. When mounting on a wall, the ideal option is when the length of the soundbar matches the width of the TV case. If you put the soundbar on a shelf in front of the display, then you can choose a model a little narrower, and it will neatly hide between the legs, as we have here. And in order to make it easier for customers to select a sandbar, many manufacturers produce several variants of the same soundbar for different TV diagonals.

The best option is to compare the diagonal of the TV and the width of the soundbar, which can be done using the information from our soundbar buying guide:

  • 35 cm (13,7 inches) - any TV diagonal
  • 96 to 114 cm (37,7 to 44,8 inches) - 42 to 50 inches
  • 127 cm (50 inches) - 55 to 65 inches
  • 152 cm (59,8 inches) - from 70 inches and more

Depth and power

Another question in the topic "How to buy a soundbar?" is power.

The depth and power of the sound are largely dependent on the bass. The subwoofer is responsible for the bass. In soundbars, it can be built-in or connected separately. The built-in subwoofer will save space, but it will not give out especially high-quality basses. If you want to enjoy a more powerful and high-quality sound, it is better to choose models with an active subwoofer.

Under total power is usually meant the sum of the power of the main speakers and the subwoofer.

However, the actual volume of the device depends more on the power of the main speakers. This means that models with the same rated power can differ markedly in sound volume. For example, take two models with the same power of 200W. Only in the first case is it 100 W the soundbar itself and 100 W subwoofer, and in the second - 150 W soundbar and 50 W subwoofer. The second option will be louder.

The larger the area of ​​the room in which the soundbar will be used, and the farther the distance to the viewer, the more powerful you need to choose a device. It is believed that for our average apartments, a soundbar with a power of about 100 watts will be quite enough, excluding the subwoofer.

In addition to power, you need to pay attention to such an indicator as to the sound format. It is indicated by two digits through the point where the first digit is the number of main channels, and the second is low-frequency, i.e. bass.

Not always the number of sound channels means that at least one speaker is allocated for each of them. Some models simply have virtual surround support. Thus, for the listener, it seems that he hears more channels than is provided in the soundbar. By the reliability of the sound, this option loses to the real multi-channel but wins at price.

Configuration

Soundbars, on the other hand, are most often built according to the 2.0 or 2.1 scheme - that is, two channels in the central module, plus an optional subwoofer. Clearly, no rear channels, all the speakers - right here, in front of you. Model 3.1 is less common - when there is a separate speaker for the center, dialogs are usually driven into it in soundtracks.

Models with indices above (5.1, 7.1, 9.1) most often have a main body with dedicated speakers for the rear channels, and they use complex processing algorithms to ensure that the signal reflected from the walls of the room creates the illusion of surround sound. This, of course, is better than the complete lack of rear, but usually much more expensive, and at the same time, to be honest, not very effective.

Well and the pinnacle of progress - soundbars with Dolby Atmos. Here, in addition to the five classic ones, there are two more upward-facing speakers, the sound from which is reflected from the ceiling for greater volume and immersion in what is happening on the screen.

Connection method

This parameter should not be ignored. Roughly speaking, today you can find two categories of soundbars - with or without HDMI ports. In the second case, everything is limited to an optical or coaxial digital input and analog tulips. If you, in addition to the TV, have other sources of the signal — the same media player or game console — the best option is when you connect all the devices to the TV, by which you switch the inputs, and the sound is already output from it to the soundbar. Yes, this can be done with the optical output.

However, firstly, you may encounter limitations - TVs often do not provide multichannel sound to the optical output, and secondly, new HD audio signals with a high bitrate do not pass through the outdated optical output.

If you choose a subwoofer with HDMI, then you will not encounter these problems. To pick up the sound in original quality from the TV, plug it into the connector labeled “HDMI ARC”. If you need HD audio formats - look for a soundbar with eARC or connect the source directly.

However, still, HDMI is the most popular interface for transmitting sound and image to date. The HDMI input allows you to connect various external signal sources. If there are several such inputs, this makes it possible to connect several devices at the same time and simply select the desired one in the settings, without pulling the cable again.

This means that it can transfer the signal to another HDMI-compatible device, for example, to switch the video signal from the DVD player to the TV. There can also be several such exits.

If it is possible to separately connect a subwoofer, then the soundbar will be equipped with a special output for this. Usually, it is designed for an “active” subwoofer, i.e. with its own amplifier.

Other features

Most soundbars now have network features. And well-known Wi-Fi is designed not only for wireless broadcasting of sound but also allows you to access content on the Internet, as well as control the soundbar from your smartphone.

AirPlay and AirPlay 2 are wireless audio technology developed by Apple. The signal is transmitted via Wi-Fi. Convenient if you plan to listen to your favorite songs from your iPhone. There is also a similar technology from Google - Chromecast.

Bluetooth essentially turns the soundbar into wireless speakers. It allows you to stream music from a smartphone and similar devices and connect other devices that support Bluetooth technology to the soundbar.

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