How to Choose the Right Soundbar for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best Soundbars

Overview

A soundbar is a great way to upgrade your home entertainment experience. With the right soundbar, you can improve the sound quality of your TV and enjoy a more immersive experience. This buying guide outlines the different features and components to consider when selecting a soundbar, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Key features

  1. Connectivity: Consider the different types of audio or video connections the soundbar has. This includes HDMI, Optical, and Bluetooth.
  2. Power Output: Consider the power output of the soundbar, measured in watts. This will help indicate the strength and clarity of the sound.
  3. Number of Speakers: Consider the number of speakers, which will impact the sound quality and directionality of the soundbar.
  4. Compatibility: Consider the compatibility of the soundbar with different devices, such as TVs, Blu-ray players, and gaming consoles.
  5. Soundbar Size: Consider the physical size of the soundbar in relation to the size of the room. A larger room may require a larger, more powerful soundbar.
  6. Installation: Consider any special installation requirements for the soundbar in order to get the best sound quality.

See the most popular Soundbars on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Wide Range of Price Points: Soundbars offer a wide range of price points, so whether you are looking for an affordable option or something more advanced, there is something for every budget.
  • Easy Installation: Soundbars are easy to install and don't require a lot of wiring or professional installation.
  • Compact Design: Soundbars are designed to be compact and fit easily into nearly any space, making them a great choice for small rooms or apartments.
  • High Quality Sound: Soundbars are designed to deliver high quality sound without the need for complicated speakers or amplifiers.
  • Versatile Connectivity: Soundbars offer a variety of connection options, from Bluetooth to optical to HDMI, so you can easily connect to your home entertainment system.

Cons

  • Price - Soundbars can be expensive, especially higher-end models with superior sound quality and advanced features.
  • Size and Installation - Soundbars, depending on the model, can be quite long and bulky, and may require some additional installation work to set up.
  • Inability to Play Music Wirelessly - Most soundbars are not equipped with Bluetooth, making it difficult or impossible to play music wirelessly from a phone or other device.
  • Sound Quality - Some soundbars may not have the same level of sound quality or clarity as a traditional surround sound system.
  • Limited Connectivity - Most soundbars do not come with an HDMI port, making it difficult to connect to some devices.

Best alternatives

  1. Home Theater System - A home theater system includes an amplifier, speakers, and other components for an immersive audio-visual experience.
  2. Dedicated Amplifier - A dedicated amplifier is a standalone component that amplifies audio signals to produce sound.
  3. Surround Sound System - A surround sound system typically consists of several speakers positioned in different parts of the room to create a fuller sound.
  4. Headphones - Headphones are a personal audio listening device that isolates the user from their surrounding environment.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Soundbar – A long, thin speaker that is designed to be mounted above or below a television.
  • Subwoofer – A large, powerful speaker that is designed to provide extra bass and impactful sound.
  • Wireless Adapter – A device that allows the soundbar to connect to other speakers wirelessly.
  • Wired Connections – Various cables and adapters that allow the soundbar to connect to speakers, amplifiers, and other external audio equipment.
  • Remote Control – A device that allows you to control the soundbar’s volume, settings, and other features.
  • Mounting Bracket – An accessory that allows the soundbar to be mounted on the wall or ceiling.
  • Optical Cable – A cable that allows the soundbar to connect to a television or other audio device.
  • Wall Plate – A device that allows the soundbar to be mounted on the wall or ceiling without the need for brackets.
  • Power Adapter – A device that allows the soundbar to draw power from an external source.

Common questions

  1. What are the differences between a sound bar and a traditional surround-sound system? A sound bar is a slim, wall-mounted speaker system that is designed to deliver an improved sound experience compared to traditional built-in speakers. Unlike a traditional surround-sound system, a sound bar typically only requires a single connection to a TV and limited setup. A surround-sound system, on the other hand, requires multiple speakers and cables to be connected to the TV and placed around a room, and may require additional components, such as an amplifier or receiver, to complete the setup.
  2. What types of sound bars are available? There are several types of sound bars available, depending on the size, features, and design of the sound bar. These include slim sound bars, wireless or Bluetooth sound bars, sound bars with a separate subwoofer, sound bars with rear speakers, and sound bases.
  3. What features should I look for in a sound bar? When choosing a sound bar, some features to consider include the number of speakers, the range of audio formats supported, the power output, connectivity options, and additional features, such as wireless streaming or voice assistant compatibility.
  4. What is the best sound bar for my needs? The best sound bar for any individual will depend on their personal preferences and the size of their room. As such, it is important to research a variety of sound bars and determine which features are most important for your needs.

Trivia

A recent study conducted by the University of Nottingham found that people who listen to music on soundbars experienced a 40% increase in happiness. According to the study, this is because the soundbar is able to produce a fuller, more-realistic sound which can evoke more emotion than traditional speakers. Additionally, the soundbar is able to fill a larger area with sound, allowing more people to enjoy the music at once. 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.