The best 10 soundbars in comparison
Soundbars (1 - 5)
| Best price |
| Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus | Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar | Philips Fidelio Soundbar | JBL Bar 300 | LG SP11RA | Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max | Sony HT-A5000 | Sony HT-A7000 | Roku Streambar | LG SE6 | |
| Image |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Best price | ||||||||||
| Best price | ||||||||||
| Audio | ||||||||||
| Size of speakersLarger speakers usually produce better sound than smaller speakers. | ||||||||||
| Size of speakersLarger speakers usually produce better sound than smaller speakers. | 7 x 2" & 2 x 4" | 2 x 3.5" & 6 x 4" & 5 x 1" | 4 x 2.4" & 2 x 3.4" & 3 x 0.9" | N.A. | N.A. | 2 x 3.5" & 6 x 4" & 5 x 1" | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. |
| Number of channels of sound outputThe more channels of sound, the more realistic the experience becomes. | ||||||||||
| Number of channels of sound outputThe more channels of sound, the more realistic the experience becomes. | 7.1 | 5.1 | 7.1 | 5 | 7.1 | 5.1 | 5.1 | 7.1 | N.A. | 3 |
| Audio output powerAudio output power is based on the number of speakers and their power in watts. High audio output power results in loud, clear sounds. | ||||||||||
| Audio output powerAudio output power is based on the number of speakers and their power in watts. High audio output power results in loud, clear sounds. | 9 x 400W | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | 11 x 50W | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | 2 x 30W & 3 x 30W |
| AptX Adaptiveaptx Adaptive is an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that is developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps), which means it can adjust the bit rate for different scenarios, such as listening to HD audio or reducing interference from other devices. | ||||||||||
| AptX Adaptiveaptx Adaptive is an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that is developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps), which means it can adjust the bit rate for different scenarios, such as listening to HD audio or reducing interference from other devices. | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| AACAAC is a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate. | ||||||||||
| AACAAC is a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate. | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Total score for "Audio" | ||||||||||
| Total score for "Audio" | ||||||||||
| Features | ||||||||||
| Spotify ConnectSpotify Connect allows you to control the music playing on the speaker from the Spotify app on another device (when the devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network). | ||||||||||
| Spotify ConnectSpotify Connect allows you to control the music playing on the speaker from the Spotify app on another device (when the devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network). | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that allows sounds to be interpreted as three-dimensional objects. By doing so, Dolby Atmos allows for immersive, 360-degree sound. | ||||||||||
| Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that allows sounds to be interpreted as three-dimensional objects. By doing so, Dolby Atmos allows for immersive, 360-degree sound. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| DTS:XDTS:X is an object-based surround sound technology that allows filmmakers to place and move individual sounds around your listening space, giving you a theater-like audio experience. | ||||||||||
| DTS:XDTS:X is an object-based surround sound technology that allows filmmakers to place and move individual sounds around your listening space, giving you a theater-like audio experience. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ChromecastChromecast built-in is a technology that allows users to stream entertainment and apps from their phone, tablet, or laptop, straight to the Chromecast-enabled device. | ||||||||||
| ChromecastChromecast built-in is a technology that allows users to stream entertainment and apps from their phone, tablet, or laptop, straight to the Chromecast-enabled device. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Dolby Digital surround soundIf the device supports Dolby Digital it can deliver up to six different audio channels (sides) for a much better sound quality. | ||||||||||
| Dolby Digital surround soundIf the device supports Dolby Digital it can deliver up to six different audio channels (sides) for a much better sound quality. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Total score for "Features" | ||||||||||
| Total score for "Features" | ||||||||||
| Connectivity | ||||||||||
| HDMI portsMore HDMI ports mean that you can simultaneously connect numerous devices, such as video game consoles and set-top boxes. | ||||||||||
| HDMI portsMore HDMI ports mean that you can simultaneously connect numerous devices, such as video game consoles and set-top boxes. | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | N.A. | 1 |
| HDMI outputDevices with a HDMI or mini HDMI port can transfer high definition video and audio to a display. | ||||||||||
| HDMI outputDevices with a HDMI or mini HDMI port can transfer high definition video and audio to a display. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| HDMI versionNewer versions of HDMI support higher bandwidth, which allows for higher resolutions and frame rates. | ||||||||||
| HDMI versionNewer versions of HDMI support higher bandwidth, which allows for higher resolutions and frame rates. | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 1.4 | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.0 | ||||
| BluetoothBluetooth is a wireless technology that allows you to easily transfer data between different devices, such as smartphones, tablets and computers. | ||||||||||
| BluetoothBluetooth is a wireless technology that allows you to easily transfer data between different devices, such as smartphones, tablets and computers. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| S/PDIF Out portS/PDIF is an interface used to transmit digital audio with high fidelity. | ||||||||||
| S/PDIF Out portS/PDIF is an interface used to transmit digital audio with high fidelity. | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Total score for "Connectivity" | ||||||||||
| Total score for "Connectivity" | ||||||||||
| General info | ||||||||||
| Voice commandsYou can use your voice to control key functions of the device and you can easily access your device without pushing any button. | ||||||||||
| Voice commandsYou can use your voice to control key functions of the device and you can easily access your device without pushing any button. | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Control panel on deviceThere is a control panel on the device body, so you can easily access the volume control or remote without having to interact with a cable or another device it's connected to. | ||||||||||
| Control panel on deviceThere is a control panel on the device body, so you can easily access the volume control or remote without having to interact with a cable or another device it's connected to. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Remote controlA remote control allows you to control the device remotely. The remote control can be included or optional. | ||||||||||
| Remote controlA remote control allows you to control the device remotely. The remote control can be included or optional. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rechargeable remote controlThe remote control is rechargeable, so you don't have to worry about replacing the batteries. | ||||||||||
| Rechargeable remote controlThe remote control is rechargeable, so you don't have to worry about replacing the batteries. | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Dedicated smartphone appThere is a dedicated smartphone app that is designed to be used with the device. | ||||||||||
| Dedicated smartphone appThere is a dedicated smartphone app that is designed to be used with the device. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Total score for "General info" | ||||||||||
| Total score for "General info" | ||||||||||
How to choose the best soundbar
Gone are the days when a large home theater system was required to experience high-quality audio in the comfort of your own home. With the advent of soundbars, it's now easier than ever to enhance your home audio experience without sacrificing space or breaking the bank. Sleek and versatile, soundbars are designed to blend in seamlessly with your existing setup while delivering an audio experience that far surpasses that of your television's built-in speakers. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best soundbar for your needs? We'll discuss the crucial factors you need to consider, including sound quality, connectivity, and price, to help you make an informed decision.
Sound Quality
When choosing a soundbar, sound quality should be your top priority. After all, the primary purpose of investing in a soundbar is to enhance your audio experience. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating sound quality:
Number of channels
The number of channels in a soundbar directly impacts the audio experience it can deliver. A basic soundbar typically offers 2.1 channels, which means it has two speakers and a subwoofer. A more advanced model may offer 5.1 or 7.1 channels, providing a more immersive surround sound experience. Consider your room size and desired audio experience when deciding how many channels you need.
Subwoofer
A subwoofer is essential for reproducing low-frequency sounds, providing the depth and richness that create a more immersive experience. Some soundbars come with built-in subwoofers, while others have separate, wireless subwoofers. If you're a fan of action movies or bass-heavy music, a separate subwoofer is highly recommended.
Audio formats
High-quality soundbars support various audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Dolby Digital. These formats offer multi-dimensional audio and enhance the overall listening experience. If you're a movie buff or gaming enthusiast, look for a soundbar that supports these advanced audio formats.
Connectivity
A soundbar's connectivity options determine how easily it can be integrated into your existing home entertainment setup. Here are some of the most common connectivity options you'll encounter:
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
This is the most common and recommended method of connecting your soundbar to your TV. It allows for a single HDMI cable to transmit audio from your TV to your soundbar, as well as control the soundbar's power and volume using your TV remote. Ensure that both your TV and soundbar support HDMI ARC for seamless integration.
Optical and coaxial inputs
If your TV or soundbar doesn't support HDMI ARC, you can use optical or coaxial cables to connect them. While they deliver high-quality audio, they may not support advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, and you'll need a separate remote to control your soundbar.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Many soundbars come equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, enabling wireless audio streaming from your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible devices. If you plan to stream music or podcasts through your soundbar, consider one with these wireless connectivity options.
Additional inputs
Depending on your home entertainment setup, you may require additional inputs, such as HDMI, USB, or 3.5mm AUX ports. Make sure the soundbar you choose offers the necessary inputs to accommodate all of your devices.
Price
Soundbars come in a wide range of prices, from budget options under $100 to high-end models costing upwards of $1000. Your budget will ultimately dictate the soundbar you choose, but it's important to consider the value it offers in terms of sound quality, connectivity, and features. For those on a tight budget, the Sony HT-SF150 is a popular choice, offering solid audio quality and Bluetooth connectivity at an affordable price. Mid-range options, such as Sonos Beam (Gen 2), provide a more immersive audio experience with features like separate subwoofers and support for advanced audio formats. If you're willing to splurge on a high-end soundbar, the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus offers cutting-edge technology and unparalleled audio performance. Remember that investing in a soundbar is an investment in your home entertainment experience, so it's worth considering your long-term needs and preferences when setting your budget.
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