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Soundbars are an affordable way to bring professional sound to your living room by compensating for the thin speakers found in slim modern TVs. Theyre compact and there are good quality models available at affordable prices - so what's the best soundbar for you?
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The first question to ask is whether a soundbar will work in your entertainment space. Each bar has a range of speakers inside it that project audio on different channels to increase clarity and to simulate high fidelity surround (though the number of speakers and channels is not always the same). Theyll be less effective at doing this in a large, wide space, and are best suited to smaller, enclosed rooms. The size of your actual soundbar is mainly an aesthetic concern.
Next, you should consider ports and connectivity. Only buy a unit that has enough ports for your home entertainment system might have, such as the TV itself, a DVD player, or maybe a record player. Some soundbars are connectable via built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Google Chromecast, Amazon Alexa or Apple Airplay functionality. You can filter for this information, as well as the number of HDMI/USB ports and included cabling, via the panel on the left.
Channels
Knowing what soundbar numbers mean (such as 5.1) is important to find the right unit for you. The first number is how many channels it has, and more channels mean a greater surround sound effect. Satellite speakers are included in this first number, and are able to be positioned around the room to enhance the audio. The second number is whether or not it has a subwoofer, which is responsible for deep bass sounds (like in action scenes or music). The third number tells you if it has any upward-firing speakers (or Atmos speakers) to simulate sound from above. So, 2.0 means two channels and no subwoofer. 7.1.2 means there are seven channels, one subwoofer, and two upward firing speakers.
The higher the soundbar number, the better it will be at simulating high fidelity surround sound. How many channels is right for you, and the value of a subwoofer, depends on your budget and what you want from your unit. For watching movies, it's generally recommended to have a soundbar with at least 3.1 channels as the 3rd middle channel can make dialogue clearer. Real audio buffs will be encouraged to go for a 5.1 or higher system, but these require a bigger budget and may also require the placement of two satellite speakers for the full surround sound experience, which might not suit every living room. If you want to go as high as 7 channels, you should make sure that whatever you want to watch actually supports 7.1 surround sound - Netflix for example, currently only supports up to 5.1 surround sound.
Surround Sound
Some surround models come equipped with Dolby Atmos, which is renowned for its clarity, richness, and depth in creating a sense of height, and DTS-X provides a similar, surround sound sphere. These both are designed for sound to appear from above through up-firing or satellite speakers. DTS Virtual:X is designed to simulate this effect without the use of satellite or up-firing speakers.
79 listings
Sonos Playbar
Latest review: The sound quality is clean and crisp and second to none. The set up is very easy and works over WiFi. I highly recommend the sound bar. The only drawback is no support for Bluetooth however truly
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue4.9 (7)
- Bass4.9 (7)
- Music4.6 (7)
- FeaturesWall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsEthernet, Optical Port and Wi-Fi
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions140 x 900 x 85 mm
- Weight5.4 kg
- Channels3.0
- Subwoofer TypeNone
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Samsung Series 6 Soundbars · includes 4 listings
Latest review: This soundbar is compact. It improves the movie watching experience a lot. It is not a high-end product, but it is good enough for a small living room. Your ear can hear the difference. It's not
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue4.7 (3)
- Bass4.3 (3)
- Music4.7 (3)
- FeaturesDolby Atmos Surround Sound, DTS:X and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity Options3.5mm Jack (AUX), Bluetooth, HDMI, HDMI ARC, Optical Port and USB
- Number of HDMI Ports0 to 2
- Colour / Finish Black, Silver and Titanium Grey
- Soundbar Width54 mm to 1,100 mm
- Power340 W, 360 W and 450 W
- Channels3.0, 3.1 and 5.1
- Subwoofer TypeNone and Wireless
- Satellite Speakers0
Sonos Beam
Latest review: Cheaper that I thought for a name brand and an attractive unit, small but has plenty of base and quality effects from a big TV it's attached too. Looks good, sound good and well
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue4.8 (9)
- Bass4.1 (9)
- Music4.4 (9)
- FeaturesAirplay, Amazon Alexa built-in, Google Assistant and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsEthernet, HDMI ARC, Optical Port and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports1
- Colour / Finish Black, White
- Soundbar Dimensions68 x 651 x 100 mm
- Weight2.8 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeBuilt-In
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
LG SJ Series · includes 5 listings
Latest review: This sound bar is decently priced. It has got very fine sound quality with good bass and treble system. I would totally recommend this to anyone who would like a good soundbar in addition to their TV
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue4.7 (3)
- Bass4.3 (3)
- Music4.3 (3)
- FeaturesDolby Atmos Surround Sound, Spotify Connect and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity Options3.5mm Jack (AUX), Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, HDMI ARC, Optical Port, USB and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports0 to 2
- Colour / Finish Black and Silver
- Soundbar Width660 mm to 1,220 mm
- Power160 W, 300 W, 320 W and 500 W
- Channels2.1 and 5.1.2
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
Yamaha YSP-2700
Latest review: I've been using PC speakers plugged in to my TV for years because they were very significantly better than the inbuilt speakers in any TV I've had. I set up my YSP-2700 last night, and was blown away
Price (RRP) $1,499.00
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue5.0 (1)
- Bass5.0 (1)
- Music5.0 (1)
- FeaturesAirplay, DTS Virtual:X and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI ARC, Optical Port and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports4
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions51 x 944 x 154 mm
- Power107 W
- Weight4 kg
- Channels7.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Bose Soundbar 700
Latest review: We bought soundbar from Amazon during black Friday sale. Very good sound quality and bass. Easy to pair with Phone, TV and apple tv using HDMI arc. Its a real worthy though the price bit
Price (RRP) $1,199.95
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue4.2 (10)
- Bass4.2 (9)
- Music4.3 (10)
- FeaturesAirplay and Amazon Alexa built-in
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC, Optical Port, USB and Wi-Fi
- Colour / Finish Arctic White, Bose Black
- Soundbar Dimensions57 x 978 x 108 mm
- Weight4.76 kg
- Channels5.1
- Subwoofer TypeBuilt-In
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Yamaha YAS-108
Latest review: I am very pleased with this purchase. Lots of functions, great sound, scalability with a subwoofer add on option. The sound can have a little too much bass but that’s better than not e
Price (RRP) $349.00
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue4.6 (5)
- Bass4.2 (5)
- Music4.5 (4)
- FeaturesAmazon Alexa built-in, DTS Virtual:X and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, HDMI, HDMI ARC and Optical Port
- Number of HDMI Ports2
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions53 x 890 x131 mm
- Power120 W
- Weight3.2 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeBuilt-In
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Bose Solo 5
Latest review: bought the bose solo from Harvey norman.$390.easy set up and enhances my tv sound clear and crisp.Bluetooth was easy and the sound very good as well.i also like how it isn't too big fits nicely under
Price (RRP) $399.95
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue4.0 (2)
- Bass3.5 (2)
- Music3.5 (2)
- FeaturesWall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth and Optical Port
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions70 x 548 x 86 mm
- Weight1.69 kg
- Channels5.0
- Subwoofer TypeNone
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
ALDI Bauhn Soundbar · includes 14 listings
Latest review: We brought this sound bar from Aldi a month ago and can’t be anymore pleased with it. It is perfect it fits perfect with the tv and sounds very good. We were worried buying it from Aldi as it’s not a
Price (RRP) $69.99 to $299.00
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue3.2 (14)
- Bass2.9 (14)
- Music3.1 (13)
- FeaturesDolby Atmos Surround Sound and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity Options3.5mm Jack (AUX), Bluetooth, HDMI, HDMI ARC, NFC, Optical Port and USB
- Number of HDMI Ports1 to 2
- Colour / Finish Black, Black or Silver, Black or White and Silver
- Soundbar Width800 mm to 965 mm
- Power15 W, 20 W, 30 W and 45 W
- Channels2.0 and 2.1
- Subwoofer TypeNone and Wireless
- Satellite Speakers0 and 2
Samsung Series 9 Soundbars · includes 2 listings
Latest review: Sound is awsome. Great woofer sounds from the sub, although the rear speakers are very soft and should have been boosted some more. Would only buy on special as I think the RRP of $2000 is too
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue3.7 (3)
- Bass3.3 (3)
- Music3.7 (3)
- FeaturesAmazon Alexa built-in, Dolby Atmos Surround Sound, DTS:X, Spotify Connect and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, MicroUSB, Optical Port, USB and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports2
- Colour / Finish Black and Natural Gray
- Soundbar Width83 mm
- Power512 W
- Channels7.1.4
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
Sony HT-CT800
Latest review: I bought the Sony HT-CT800 2.1ch soundbar on sale from JB HiFi. I've owned this soundbar for 7 months now and absolutely loving it. The soundbar is slim but powerful and fits in nicely under my
Price (RRP) $699.00
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue5.0 (2)
- Bass4.5 (2)
- Music5.0 (2)
- FeaturesSpotify Connect and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, HDMI ARC, Optical Port, USB and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports4
- Soundbar Dimensions52 x 1030 x 126 mm
- Power350 W
- Weight2.8 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
JBL Bar 3.1
Latest review: We bought this with our new Sony 4K tv and honestly it was the best decision. We upgraded from a Samsung 7.1 Home theatre system and this soundbar is so much better. The bass when turned up fills
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue5.0 (1)
- Bass5.0 (1)
- Music5.0 (1)
- FeaturesDolby Atmos Surround Sound and Spotify Connect
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, HDMI, HDMI ARC, Optical Port and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports1
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions58 x 1018 x 78 mm
- Power450 W
- Weight2.3 kg
- Channels3.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Sony HT-S350
Latest review: I bought this a week ago. It has good bass and clarity. 320W output fills your room and make you feel like you are in a cinema. No display. Soundbar has 3 leds to communicate with the user. Cons - It
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue5.0 (1)
- Bass4.0 (1)
- Music4.0 (1)
- FeaturesWall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical Port and USB
- Number of HDMI Ports1
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions64 x 900 x 88 mm
- Power320 W
- Weight2.4 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Klipsch R-20B
Latest review: Those of you who don't know a lot about klpisch....this is one of the best American speakers brand and any "reference" series speakers are their top of the line... This sound bar is simply
Price (RRP) $1,599.00
- Specifications
- FeaturesWall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth and Optical Port
- Number of HDMI Ports0
- Colour / Finish Satin Black Soundbar,Brushed Black Vinyl Subwoofer
- Soundbar Dimensions105 x 1016 x 71 mm
- Power250 W
- Weight3.9 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Sonos Playbase
Latest review: I'm a great fan of Sonos products and have a few of their speakers. I was looking at the soundbar for a while already and during Christmas Amazon had an amazing deal that I couldn't resist...... and
Price (RRP) $999.00
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue5.0 (3)
- Bass5.0 (3)
- Music5.0 (3)
- FeaturesAirplay
- Connectivity OptionsEthernet, Optical Port and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports0
- Colour / Finish Black, White
- Soundbar Dimensions58 x 720 x 380 mm
- Weight8.6 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeBuilt-In
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
JBL Cinema SB160
Latest review: JBL Cinema SB160 This soundbar is a 2.1 channel soundbar which comprises of a single soundbar and a wireless sub woofer. After purchasing a large screen TV in November last year and using it to
Yamaha MusicCast BAR40 Soundbar
Latest review: Great all-rounder for any occasionn, watching movies, sports, or even streaming music, the Yamaha MusicCast BAR40 Soundbar is easy to set up and delivers good quality sound. I am very happy with this
Price (RRP) $699.00
- Specifications
- FeaturesAmazon Alexa built-in and Google Assistant
- Connectivity OptionsAirPlay, Bluetooth, HDMI and Optical Port
- Number of HDMI Ports1
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions60 x 980 x 110.5 mm
- Power100 W
- Weight2.7 kg
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Panasonic SC-HTB7000
Latest review: Bought this sound bar to go with the Panasonic tv that I bought and they compliment each other. I am very happy with all the features and build quality of it. The sound is amazing when playing movies
Price (RRP) $899.00
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue5.0 (1)
- Bass5.0 (1)
- Music5.0 (1)
- FeaturesDTS:X and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, HDMI and USB
- Number of HDMI Ports2
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions78 x 1050 x 128 mm
- Power376 W
- Weight9.9 kg
- Channels3.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
Klipsch SB120
Latest review: Can't fault it, great bass, middle & treble responses. Movies sound like the theatre!! Got a good deal at Harvey's so if you want a treat look no further than something from Klipsch!! All their gear
Price (RRP) $699.00
- Specifications
- Connectivity Options3.5mm Jack (AUX), Bluetooth and Optical Port
- Colour / Finish Brushed Black
- Soundbar Dimensions99 X 831 X 336 mm
- Power160 W
- Weight10.4 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeBuilt-In
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Sony HT-S100F
Latest review: Compact & good sound. Quality of the sound is great, although it does lack in Bass. A bit more customisation to sound would be nice but presets work well. Good sound bar for the
Price (RRP) $249.00
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue5.0 (2)
- Bass4.0 (2)
- Music5.0 (2)
- FeaturesWall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical Port and USB
- Number of HDMI Ports1
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions64 x 900 x 88 mm
- Power30 W
- Weight2.4 kg
- Channels2.0
- Subwoofer TypeNone
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0