Read also:
archer gas log fire manual 2400w bagless vacuum kmart review kmart drink bottle blender review how good are bauhn tvs mortein mozzie zapper liquid refillBest Soundbars
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?
Read More...
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.
29 listings
JBL Bar 3.1
Latest review: The best sound bar ever...For the money, you can not find any better...Bass is really good. Shakes my walls and loose items...surround system is good too. Works well with TV ARC. All in all, if you
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue5.0 (2)
- Bass5.0 (2)
- Music5.0 (2)
- 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
Samsung HW-Q60R
Latest review: Easy to hook up, online instruction available, sleek well made n powerful with many options for sound type . highly recommend..all Samsung products, had for year and a half no issues
Price (RRP) A$799.00
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue5.0 (1)
- Bass4.0 (1)
- Music5.0 (1)
- FeaturesDolby Atmos Surround Sound and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity Options3.5mm Jack (AUX), Bluetooth, Optical Port and USB
- Number of HDMI Ports0
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions59 x 1100 x 100 mm
- Power360 W
- Weight3.6 kg
- Channels5.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Is part of...
Samsung Series 6 Soundbars · includes 4 listings
LG SL10YG
Latest review: I bought the LG SL10YG about 2 weeks ago now along with the rear speakers. This bar is a little on the pricey side but well worth it along with the rear speakers. The bass seems to have good
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue5.0 (1)
- Bass4.0 (1)
- Music5.0 (1)
- FeaturesChromecast built-in, Dolby Atmos Surround Sound, DTS:X, Google Assistant and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, HDMI, HDMI ARC, Optical Port, USB and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports3
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions63 x 1443 x 146 mm
- Power570 W
- Weight7.5 kg
- Channels5.1.2
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers2
Is part of...
LG SL Series · includes 6 listings
LG SK10Y
Latest review: Ok, It’s been a week since I purchased my LG SK10Y soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Meridiab technology. The word great is an understatement for this soundbar. It’s brand may sound off to you but thi
Price (RRP) A$1,699.00
- Specifications
- FeaturesChromecast built-in, Dolby Atmos Surround Sound and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity Options3.5mm Jack (AUX), Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, HDMI ARC, Optical Port, USB and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports3
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions63 x 1443 x 146 mm
- Power550 W
- Weight7.5 kg
- Channels5.1.2
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers2
Is part of...
LG SK Series · includes 5 listings
Samsung HW-R550
Latest review: This sound bar is very easy to setup, it literally takes 2 minutes ! You plug in your HDMI to the TV arc input and the power and it does the rest !!! The sound quality is extremely crisp and base
Price (RRP) A$549.00
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue5.0 (1)
- Bass5.0 (1)
- Music5.0 (1)
- FeaturesDolby Atmos Surround Sound
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, HDMI, Optical Port and USB
- Number of HDMI Ports1
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions904.0 x 55.0 x 80.0 mm
- Power320 W
- Weight9.8 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Is part of...
Samsung Series 5 Soundbars · includes 2 listings
Sony HT-Z9RF
Latest review: I had just paid $5,000 for a brand new Sony OLED TV with super thin screen, a magnificent picture, more connectivity than you can poke a stick at, and best of all, it's a SMART TV (smarter than some
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue5.0 (1)
- Bass3.0 (1)
- Music4.0 (1)
- FeaturesAmazon Alexa built-in, Chromecast built-in, Dolby Atmos Surround Sound, DTS:X, Google Assistant and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity Options3.5mm Jack (AUX), Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, Optical Port, USB and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports3
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions64 x 1000 x 98 mm
- Power500 W
- Weight3.1 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers2
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Yamaha YSP-5600BMK2
Latest review: After grappling with a bluetooth only soundbar and subwoofer combo, I returned it and purchased the Yamaha. Everything went well until I went to set up the subwoofer. After almost an hour of double
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue5.0 (2)
- Bass4.5 (2)
- Music4.5 (2)
- FeaturesAirplay, Dolby Atmos Surround Sound, DTS:X, Spotify Connect and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports4
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions212 x 1100 x 93 mm
- Power128 W
- Weight11.7 kg
- Channels7.1.2
- Subwoofer TypeWired and Wireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers2
Bose Soundbar 500
Latest review: We bought it because we thought it was pretty good price. But it actually has a very good sound for a small item and the features such as Alexa is very helpful. Never thought that we would be using
Price (RRP) A$799.95
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue5.0 (2)
- Bass5.0 (2)
- Music5.0 (2)
- FeaturesAirplay, Amazon Alexa built-in, Dolby Atmos Surround Sound and Spotify Connect
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, HDMI, HDMI ARC, Optical Port, USB and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports1
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions44.4 x 800 x 101.6 mm
- Channels2.0
- Subwoofer TypeNone
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Sony HT-X9000F
Latest review: I have a Sony HT-X9000F connected to a Kogan KU8000 65" screen via HDMI ARC; the Kogan was previously connected to a LG soundbar that worked each time, every time, though the sound quality wasn't
- Specifications
- FeaturesDolby Atmos Surround Sound, DTS:X and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, HDMI, HDMI ARC, Optical Port and USB
- Number of HDMI Ports2
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions58 x 930 x 85 mm
- Power300 W
- Weight2.5 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Sony HT-MT300
Latest review: This is a very neat, compact sound bar which packs quite a punch. It is very basic, has very few features that the user can control and best of all it will fit easily into small spaces. The
Price (RRP) A$449.00
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue4.0 (1)
- Bass3.0 (1)
- Music4.0 (1)
- FeaturesDolby Atmos Surround Sound and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, Optical Port and USB
- Soundbar Dimensions54 x 500 x 103 mm
- Weight1.4 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Yamaha Music YSP-1600BMK2
Latest review: This machine sounds awesome, I got it from good guys for a great price, it's much better than the samsung bar we upgraded from. The other half thinks it's too loud but I love
Price (RRP) A$999.00
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue5.0 (1)
- Bass4.0 (1)
- Music4.0 (1)
- FeaturesAirplay, Dolby Atmos Surround Sound, DTS:X and Spotify Connect
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports1
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions65 x 1000 x 130 mm
- Power25 W
- Weight4.7 kg
- Channels5.1
- Subwoofer TypeBuilt-In
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Is part of...
Yamaha YSP-1600 · includes 2 listings
Samsung HW-Q70R
Latest review: No led display, poor base and remote doesn't work. Samsung tried to send me to an authorised repairer instead of back to the store (below) Red hot Samsung!!! Your nearest repairer is: SIBNET
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue4.7 (3)
- Bass3.3 (3)
- Music4.0 (3)
- FeaturesDolby Atmos Surround Sound, DTS:X and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, HDMI and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports1
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions1100 x 59 x 100 mm
- Power330 W
- Weight16.3 kg
- Channels3.1.2
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers2
Is part of...
Samsung Series 7 Soundbars · includes 2 listings
Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400
Latest review: Don't get me wrong this is a good soundbar, but I guess that I expected a bit more from it than it has delivered. I have several other Yamaha MusicCast devices and they all do a great job but this
Price (RRP) A$799.00
- Specifications
- FeaturesAirplay, Amazon Alexa built-in, Dolby Atmos Surround Sound, DTS Virtual:X and Spotify Connect
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, HDMI, Optical Port and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports1
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions60 x 980 x 110.5 mm
- Power200 W
- Weight2.7 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Samsung Series 9 HW-Q90R
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, HDMI, Optical Port and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports2
- Colour / Finish Natural Gray
- Soundbar Dimensions1226.0 x 83.0 x 136 mm
- Power512 W
- Weight8.8 kg
- Channels7.1.4
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers4
Is part of...
Samsung Series 9 Soundbars · includes 2 listings
Samsung Series 9 HW-N950
Latest review: Rear speakers don't work interesting that confirmed its a problem with Blue tooth and to return the product. Very disappointing lot of effort for an expensive product. Would suggest another brand be
- Specifications
- 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
- Soundbar Dimensions1226 x 83 x 136 mm
- Power512 W
- Weight8.8 kg
- Channels7.1.4
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers4
Is part of...
Samsung Series 9 Soundbars · includes 2 listings
JBL Bar 2.1
Latest review: The sound is good. JBL quality. I'm happy with the sound quality for the price I paid. cons: it can be connected to only single Bluetooth device. if you want to connect the second device via
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue4.0 (1)
- Bass4.0 (1)
- Music4.0 (1)
- FeaturesDolby Atmos Surround Sound
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, HDMI ARC and USB
- Number of HDMI Ports1
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions58 x 965 x 68 mm
- Power300 W
- Weight1.9 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Samsung HW-N550
Latest review: Those wanting to crank up the volume and raise the roof tiles (I didn't) this device is definitely NOT for you. You will be most disappointed. I guess all this soundbar is good for is bringing
Price (RRP) A$699.00
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Voice / Dialogue2.0 (1)
- Bass2.0 (1)
- Music1.0 (1)
- FeaturesDolby Atmos Surround Sound, DTS:X and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, HDMI, MicroUSB, Optical Port, USB and Wi-Fi
- Number of HDMI Ports1
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions1060.0 x 59.0 x 87.5 mm
- Power340 W
- Weight13.1 kg
- Channels3.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
- Specifications
- FeaturesDolby Atmos Surround Sound, DTS:X and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity Options3.5mm Jack (AUX), Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical Port and USB
- Number of HDMI Ports2
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions73 x 1200 x 110 mm
- Power380 W
- Weight4 kg
- Channels5.1.2
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers2
- Specifications
- FeaturesDolby Atmos Surround Sound, DTS:X and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth
- Soundbar Dimensions60.5 x 853 x 90 mm
- Power200 W
- Weight4.3 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Sony HT-X8500
Price (RRP) A$599.00
- Specifications
- FeaturesDolby Atmos Surround Sound, DTS:X and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity OptionsBluetooth, HDMI, HDMI eARC, Optical Port and USB
- Number of HDMI Ports1
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions64 x 890 x 96 mm
- Power32 W
- Weight3.1 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeBuilt-In
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0