A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Home Audio Soundbars

Your Guide to buying the best Home audio soundbars

Overview

A home audio soundbar is a great way to up the sound quality in your home without taking up too much space. It's an all-in-one solution to provide great sound with minimal setup or fuss. With so many different models and features available, it can be difficult to choose the right one. This buying guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when selecting the best home audio soundbar for your needs. It will cover considerations including budget, size, features, and connections, as well as providing a selection of the best soundbar models available.

Key features

  1. Size - Home audio soundbars come in a variety of sizes, from small and compact to large and wide. Consider the size of the room and the optimal range of sound you want to achieve when selecting the size of your soundbar.
  2. Connectivity - Look for Home audio soundbars with HDMI ports, allowing you to connect them to your TV, as well as other devices like your laptop and gaming consoles. Bluetooth connectivity is also important for playing music wirelessly.
  3. Power - Look at the power output of a Home audio soundbar, which is generally measured in watts. Higher wattage is typically more powerful sound, but be careful not to get a soundbar that is too powerful for your space.
  4. Sound Quality - Consider the sound quality of the Home audio soundbar, including the frequency range, audio formats, and features like surround sound. Look for soundbars with advanced audio technologies, like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
  5. Price - Home audio soundbars range in price from budget-friendly models to more expensive models with more features. Consider what features you need and how much you are willing to spend on your soundbar.
  6. Subwoofer - If you are looking for more bass, consider a Home audio soundbar with a built-in or wireless subwoofer. This will give you deeper bass and a more immersive sound experience.

See the most popular Home audio soundbars on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Space savings - Home audio soundbars are much easier to set up than a traditional 5.1 surround sound system, and they take up much less space in the room.
  • Ease of use - Home soundbars are typically very user-friendly and easy to operate, making them ideal for those who are not tech-savvy.
  • High quality audio - Home soundbars are designed to provide high quality audio, with options for Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound.
  • Updated technology - Many home soundbars now come with the latest technology, such as wireless streaming, voice-assistant integration, and Bluetooth compatibility.
  • Affordability - Home soundbars are more affordable than traditional 5.1 surround sound systems, making them a great option for budget-conscious buyers.

Cons

  • Price - Home audio soundbars can be quite expensive, depending on the features and brand.
  • Size - Soundbars can be bulky and take up a lot of space, which may not be desirable in a smaller room.
  • Compatibility - Not all soundbars are compatible with all TVs, so it's important to check compatibility before buying.
  • Sound Quality - The sound quality of a soundbar is always dependent on the brand and model, so it's important to research before buying.
  • Connectivity - Some soundbars have limited connectivity options, so it's important to check the number and type of ports available.
  • Setup - Setting up a soundbar can be tricky, so it's important to check the user manual to make sure everything is properly set up.

Best alternatives

  1. Floor-standing speaker systems – Ideal for larger rooms, these provide high-end sound quality but can take up considerable floor space.
  2. Bookshelf speaker systems – A great option for medium-sized rooms, bookshelf systems are easy to set up and provide superior sound quality.
  3. Soundbars – An all-in-one solution that’s simple to install, soundbars are great for smaller rooms and don’t take up much space.
  4. Surround sound systems – These are best for larger home theaters and provide the best sound quality. However, they require a lot of wiring and installation.
  5. Wireless speakers – Portable and wireless, these are a great option for listening to music on the go.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Audio receiver - A device that connects to the soundbar and typically amplifies the audio signal.
  • Subwoofer - An additional speaker that provides a deeper bass. This is optional, but provides an enhanced listening experience.
  • Remote Control - A device used to control the soundbar, adjust settings, and change volume.
  • Cables - Cables used to connect devices to the soundbar, such as HDMI, optical, and RCA cables.
  • Wall Mount - Optional mounting hardware used to attach the soundbar to a wall.

Common questions

  1. What is a Home Audio Soundbar? A Home Audio Soundbar is an all-in-one speaker system that provides powerful, room-filling sound without taking up too much space. It typically has several built-in speakers that project sound waves into the room to create a surround sound effect.
  2. What are the benefits of using a Home Audio Soundbar? A Home Audio Soundbar provides a superior sound experience compared to traditional speakers, offering better sound quality, improved bass response, and a more immersive soundstage. Additionally, the soundbars are typically smaller and take up less space than traditional speakers, making them a great option for smaller rooms.
  3. What features should I look for in a Home Audio Soundbar? The features to look for in a Home Audio Soundbar include the number of channels, audio quality, wireless connectivity, the ability to connect to other devices, and voice assistants. The more channels, the better the sound quality. Additionally, look for soundbars that offer high-resolution audio or Dolby Atmos for an even greater sound experience.
  4. What type of connections are available for Home Audio Soundbars? Home Audio Soundbars typically offer both wired and wireless connections, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and optical ports. Some soundbars also offer USB connections, allowing you to directly connect and playback audio from USB devices.
  5. What other accessories are available for Home Audio Soundbars? Home Audio Soundbars often come with a variety of accessories, such as wireless subwoofers, wall-mount brackets, remote controls, and more. Some soundbars even offer voice assistant integration, allowing you to stream music and control your soundbar with voice commands.

Trivia

In 2017, the Guinness World Record for the longest soundbar was set by the Philips Fidelio B5 soundbar. At over nine feet long, it was nearly the length of an average SUV. The soundbar was able to pick up sound better than shorter models, due to the amount of time sound waves had to travel along its length before being detected. The soundbar was officially certified as the longest soundbar in the world in front of a live audience. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.