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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.
74 listings
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) A$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) A$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) A$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) A$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
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) A$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: 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
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) A$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
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) A$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
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
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) A$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
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
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) A$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) A$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
LG SJ4
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 / Dialogue5.0 (2)
- Bass4.5 (2)
- Music4.5 (2)
- FeaturesWall Mountable
- Connectivity Options3.5mm Jack (AUX), Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical Port and USB
- Number of HDMI Ports1
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions55 x 890 x 85 mm
- Power300 W
- Weight2.4 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Is part of...
LG SJ Series · includes 5 listings
Samsung HW-R650
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 / Dialogue4.5 (2)
- Bass4.5 (2)
- Music4.5 (2)
- FeaturesDTS:X and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity Options3.5mm Jack (AUX), Bluetooth and Optical Port
- Number of HDMI Ports0
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions59 x 1060 x 87.5 mm
- Power340 W
- Weight2.9 kg
- Channels3.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Is part of...
Samsung Series 6 Soundbars · includes 4 listings
Samsung HW-M360
Latest review: For $165 this has to be the bargain of the century. I bought this one to improve the abysmal sound quality from my otherwise excellent Kogan 65in 4K TV and it does the job brilliantly. The wireless
- Specifications
- Connectivity Options3.5mm Jack (AUX), Bluetooth and Optical Port
- Number of HDMI Ports0
- Colour / Finish Black
- Soundbar Dimensions53.5 x 907.5 x 70.5 mm
- Power200 W
- Weight6.1 kg
- Channels2.1
- Subwoofer TypeWireless
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0
Is part of...
Samsung Series 3 Soundbars · includes 2 listings
Samsung HW-MS650
Latest review: This easy to set up and easily functioned product has been a great asset to our tv and the effects to movies is excellent. It loud without the distortion and provides a movie like
Price (RRP) A$799.00
- Specifications
- FeaturesDTS:X and Wall Mountable
- Connectivity Options3.5mm Jack (AUX), Bluetooth, HDMI and Optical Port
- Number of HDMI Ports2
- Colour / Finish Titanium Grey
- Soundbar Dimensions78 x 1060 x 130.5 mm
- Power450 W
- Weight7.9 kg
- Channels3.0
- Subwoofer TypeNone
- Satellite Speakers0
- Up-Firing Speakers0