How to Choose the Best Soundbar for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best Soundbar

Overview

A soundbar is a type of audio system designed to improve sound quality when playing music, movies, or other types of audio content. It is a simple, space-saving solution for home theater systems, and can be used to great effect in a variety of spaces. This guide will help you understand the features and benefits of soundbars, and how to choose the best one for your needs. It will cover topics such as soundbar sizes and shapes, connectivity options, power output, and more, as well as provide a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your soundbar.

Key features

  1. Size - The size of the soundbar should be considered when making a purchase. The best size for your soundbar depends on the size of your room and the sound quality you want to achieve.
  2. Speaker Configuration - You should consider what kind of speaker configuration is included with the soundbar. Look for a soundbar that has multiple speakers, such as a 5.1 or 7.1 system, to provide a more immersive sound experience.
  3. Subwoofer - A subwoofer adds significant bass to the soundbar, providing a more powerful and realistic sound. Look for a soundbar with a built-in subwoofer or one that can be connected to an external subwoofer.
  4. Connectivity - Make sure to check the soundbar’s connectivity options, such as HDMI, optical, AUX, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, for easy setup and compatibility with your devices.
  5. Voice Control - Voice control is becoming increasingly popular with soundbars, allowing you to control the soundbar with voice commands. Look for a soundbar that is compatible with voice assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
  6. Design - Finally, consider the design of the soundbar. Look for a soundbar with a sleek, modern design that will match the décor of your room.

See the most popular Soundbar on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Cost:Soundbars are typically more affordable than a full surround sound system.
  • Space:Soundbars take up less space than a surround sound system.
  • Simplicity:Soundbars are easier to set up than a full surround sound system.
  • Sound Quality:Soundbars produce high-quality sound and can be used with a variety of audio sources.
  • Portability:Soundbars are typically lighter and more portable than a full surround sound system.

Cons

  • Cost: Soundbars can be costly, and the price of a soundbar can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
  • Installation: Installation of a soundbar can be tricky and may require an electrician or a professional if a wall mount is desired.
  • Size: Soundbars are typically quite large and can take up a significant amount of space in a room.
  • Sound Quality: While soundbars typically improve sound quality, they may not provide a sound experience that is as good as a full surround sound system.
  • Compatibility: Not all soundbars are compatible with all devices. Compatibility issues between devices and soundbars may require additional hardware or software to get them to work together.

Best alternatives

  1. Surround sound system - A multi-speaker system that provides a more immersive audio experience than a soundbar.
  2. Home theater system - An audio system that includes a receiver, speakers, and a subwoofer for an enhanced surround sound experience.
  3. Bookshelf speakers - Compact speakers that can be used with a receiver to create a powerful stereo audio system.
  4. Soundbase - A device that sits under a TV and can provide a better sound than the TV's own speakers.
  5. Floor standing speakers - A set of speakers designed to be placed on the floor and fill the room with powerful sound.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Soundbar - A slim bar designed to fit under a television that provides a high-quality audio experience.
  • Subwoofer - A compact, low-profile speaker used to create a fuller sound by adding low-frequency sound to the soundbar.
  • Wall mount kit - A kit designed to securely mount a soundbar on a wall.
  • Remote control - A remote used to control volume, sound settings, and more on a soundbar.
  • Bluetooth adapter - An adapter used to connect a soundbar to a Bluetooth-enabled device.
  • Surround sound kit - A kit designed to create a surround sound experience with multiple speakers connected to a soundbar.
  • Cables and wires - A variety of cables and wires used to connect a soundbar to a television and other devices.

Common questions

  1. What is a soundbar? A soundbar is a compact, all-in-one speaker system that provides high-quality audio when connected to a TV or other audio/video device. Soundbars are designed to replace the traditional home theater surround sound system, providing an easy to install and use alternative.
  2. What size soundbar should I get? The size of soundbar you should get depends on the size of your TV and the size of the room it is located in. As a general rule, if your TV is larger than 50 inches, you should get a soundbar that is at least 40 inches long. For smaller TVs, look for a soundbar that is at least 30 inches long.
  3. What are the different types of soundbars? There are several different types of soundbars available, including virtual surround sound soundbars, soundbars with built-in subwoofers, and soundbars that come with wall mount brackets. Additionally, some soundbars come with additional features such as Bluetooth streaming, HDMI connectivity, and built-in Alexa voice assistant.
  4. How do I install a soundbar? Installing a soundbar is relatively easy and can usually be done in a few simple steps. First, connect the soundbar to your TV using either an HDMI cable or an optical audio cable. Next, plug the soundbar into a power source and turn it on. Finally, adjust the settings on your TV and soundbar to get the best sound quality.
  5. What are the benefits of a soundbar? Soundbars provide an easy and cost-effective way to upgrade your home theater system. They can provide a much clearer and more immersive sound experience than traditional speakers, and many soundbars come with additional features such as wireless streaming and voice assistant integration.

Trivia

In 2017, the world's longest soundbar was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show. The 120-inch soundbar was created by Samsung and took up a large portion of their booth at the show. Samsung said the soundbar was the “longest soundbar ever seen”, and it was designed to provide a high-quality listening experience for movies, games, and music. It was made with eight separate speakers and created to give users a theatre-like experience in their own homes. The soundbar also featured wireless capabilities, allowing users to stream music and audio from any device. Source: https://www.cnet.com/news/samsung-unveils-the-worlds-longest-soundbar-at-the-ces-2017/

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.