How to Pick the Perfect Soundbars: A Complete Guide!

By frankie2010 / June 11, 2024

In today’s world, televisions are getting thinner, and the sound quality is often the first casualty. While flat-screen TVs are great for their sleek designs and stunning visuals, they typically have poor audio output due to their slim profile. This is where a soundbar comes in—a compact audio solution designed to deliver powerful sound without the need for a full speaker system. Whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or enjoying your favorite music, a soundbar can significantly improve your audio experience. But with so many options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will help you understand how to pick the perfect soundbar for your needs.

1. Understand What a Soundbar Is

A soundbar is a long, thin speaker that is designed to improve the audio quality of your TV. It is an all-in-one unit that typically houses multiple speakers and sometimes even a subwoofer for enhanced bass. Soundbars are usually connected to your TV through HDMI, optical cables, or Bluetooth, and they’re built to provide high-quality sound without requiring the space and setup of traditional home theater systems.

2. Determine Your Room Size

The size and acoustics of your room should play a major role in choosing a soundbar. A large living room will require a more powerful soundbar to fill the space, while a small bedroom might be better suited to a compact model. Most soundbars are designed to project sound across a certain area, so choosing the right size will ensure that you get the best sound quality for your space.

Small rooms (Under 200 sq ft): For smaller rooms, a soundbar with fewer channels (2.1 or 3.1) will usually suffice. You don’t need high wattage to fill a small space, so a smaller, more budget-friendly model should work fine.
Medium rooms (200–400 sq ft): A mid-range soundbar with 5.1 channels or a more powerful 7.1-channel model would be ideal here, as it will provide a fuller sound and immersive experience.
Large rooms (400+ sq ft): For large spaces, opt for soundbars with more powerful amplifiers and subwoofers. A 7.1 or 9.1 system will ensure a robust sound experience throughout the room.

3. Consider the Sound Quality

Sound quality is undoubtedly the most important aspect when choosing a soundbar. While it’s tempting to go for the most expensive model, it’s important to focus on the sound output, especially the balance between treble, midrange, and bass.

Channels: Soundbars come in different channel configurations (e.g., 2.1, 5.1, 7.1). The first number refers to the number of speakers in the soundbar, and the second number refers to the number of subwoofers (for bass).
- A 2.1 soundbar is ideal for basic setups, delivering stereo sound with a separate subwoofer for bass.
- A 5.1 system is better for more immersive experiences like watching movies with surround sound.
- A 7.1 or 9.1 soundbar is typically used for top-tier setups, offering true surround sound that replicates a full home theater system.
Audio Technology: Look for soundbars that support audio technologies like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. These technologies enhance the surround sound experience by creating a more immersive, 3D audio effect. Dolby Atmos is particularly good for height effects, which can make sound appear as though it’s coming from above you.
Bass and Treble: Some soundbars come with built-in settings to adjust the bass and treble levels. A soundbar with good bass will make your action movies feel more dynamic, while clear treble ensures vocals in music and speech come through crisp and clean.

4. Connectivity Options

Connectivity is a crucial aspect of choosing a soundbar, as it determines how easy it is to connect your devices. Most modern soundbars offer multiple connection options, but it’s important to choose the ones that are most compatible with your devices.

HDMI ARC/eARC: HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) are the best options for connecting a soundbar to your TV. HDMI ARC allows the soundbar to communicate with the TV for improved sound quality, while eARC provides even higher bandwidth for better audio formats like Dolby Atmos.
Optical Cable: If your TV doesn’t support HDMI ARC, you can connect your soundbar via an optical cable. While not as advanced as HDMI ARC, it’s still a reliable connection for digital audio output.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth is a convenient way to connect your soundbar to smartphones, tablets, or laptops. If you plan to stream music or podcasts from your phone, Bluetooth functionality will be essential.
Wi-Fi: Some soundbars offer Wi-Fi connectivity, which enables you to stream audio directly from streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, or even integrate with smart home systems like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
Auxiliary Input: Some soundbars offer a 3.5mm auxiliary input or RCA for connecting older devices that don’t support newer technologies like HDMI or Bluetooth.

5. Choose the Right Subwoofer

Bass is one of the most important factors when it comes to sound quality, and the subwoofer plays a crucial role in delivering deep, rich bass tones. Many soundbars come with a separate subwoofer that can be either wired or wireless.

Wired Subwoofers: These are typically more affordable and deliver stable bass performance, though they might limit placement options due to the cable.
Wireless Subwoofers: Wireless subwoofers offer more flexibility in terms of placement, and many high-end soundbars offer wireless subwoofers as part of the package.

If you want deep, powerful bass, opt for a soundbar that includes a subwoofer. If bass is not as important to you, some soundbars offer decent bass without an external subwoofer, but it may not be as dynamic.

6. Smart Features and Compatibility

Many soundbars now come with smart features that enhance their functionality. These features range from voice control to integration with your home assistant devices, and they can make using your soundbar more convenient.

Voice Assistants: Some soundbars come with built-in voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. This allows you to control your soundbar with voice commands, adjust settings, or even control other smart devices in your home.
Multi-Room Audio: If you’re looking to set up a multi-room audio system, some soundbars allow for integration with other smart speakers. Brands like Sonos, for example, offer soundbars that can sync with other speakers in your home for a seamless audio experience.
App Control: Many modern soundbars come with dedicated apps that allow you to fine-tune the audio settings, update firmware, and even adjust the soundbar’s sound modes from your smartphone.

7. Brand Reputation and Customer Support

When purchasing a soundbar, the brand’s reputation for quality and customer support matters. Some of the top soundbar brands include:

Sonos: Known for producing high-quality, versatile soundbars with excellent smart features and a premium sound experience.
Bose: Famous for its superior sound clarity and rich bass, Bose soundbars are a popular choice for audiophiles.
Sony: Sony’s soundbars often come with the latest audio technology, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, for immersive sound experiences.
Samsung: Offering soundbars that pair well with their TVs, Samsung is known for providing great value for money while maintaining excellent sound quality.

Before purchasing, read customer reviews to see how the soundbar performs in real-world settings, and check the warranty and support options available.

8. Price Range

Soundbars come in a wide range of prices, from budget options to premium models. The price you pay will largely depend on the features and sound quality you’re looking for. Here’s a general guide to price ranges:

Budget (Under $100): These soundbars typically have fewer features, lower-quality sound, and are often limited to 2.0 or 2.1 channels. However, they still offer an upgrade over your TV’s built-in speakers.
Mid-Range ($100–$400): Mid-range soundbars typically feature better audio technology, more channels (5.1, 7.1), and a wireless subwoofer. They’re ideal for those who want a significant improvement in sound quality without breaking the bank.
Premium ($400 and up): Premium soundbars offer the best audio quality, often with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support, advanced voice control features, and powerful subwoofers. These are perfect for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who want a cinema-quality sound experience.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect soundbar comes down to your individual preferences and the features you prioritize, whether it’s sound quality, connectivity, size, or additional smart features. By considering factors like room size, audio technology, connectivity options, and subwoofer preferences, you can find a soundbar that fits seamlessly into your entertainment setup and enhances your viewing and listening experiences. Whether you’re on a budget or looking for a high-end sound system, there is a soundbar out there that meets your needs. Happy listening!