Are you trying to figure out which is the best soundbar under 300 Dollars of 2023? Here you will find short reviews, opinions and a comparison of the most valid models on the market, divided by price range. The soundbar, also known as bars or audio speakers for TV, is the answer for those who want to improve the sound quality of your TV or just listen to music with a wraparound effect.
The vastness of the market and the wide range of prices could confuse and lead to the choice of a product that does not fully meet expectations. So here are some tips on how to choose whether you are looking for a soundbar for TV or for music.
Best Soundbars Under $ 300
Table of Contents
A soundbar is an elongated speaker (or speaker) that mounts several speakers inside. Not surprisingly, they are also called surround bars. Usually, it is a Bluetooth speaker or a speaker with WiFi connectivity, therefore wireless.
Best Soundbars Under $ 300 | Comparison Table 2023
Image | Title | Buy | |
---|---|---|---|
Majority Teton Bluetooth Soundbar for TV | 120 Watts with 2.1 Channel Sound | Built-in Subwoofer with Remote Control | Multi-Connection | Majority | Check Price | |
Majority Bowfell Small Sound Bar for TV with Bluetooth, RCA, USB, Opt, AUX Connection, Mini Sound/Audio System for TV Speakers/Home Theater, Gaming, Projectors, 50 watt, 15 inch | Majority | Check Price | |
Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar | Works with 4K & HD TVs | Wireless Subwoofer | Includes HDMI & Optical Cables | Bluetooth Enabled, Black | Polk Audio | Check Price | |
Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker, Integrated Tweeter and Bluetooth, (HTS100F), easy setup, compact, home office use with clear sound black | Sony | Check Price | |
VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with Dolby Audio, Bluetooth, Wireless Subwoofer, Voice Assistant Compatible, Includes Remote Control - V51x-J6 | VIZIO | Check Price | |
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Dolby Atmos with Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth connectivity - Black | Bose | Check Price | |
Sound bar, BESTISAN Soundbar Wired and Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Speaker for TV (28 Inches, Optical Cable Included, DSP, Bass Adjustable, Wall Mountable) | BESTISAN | Check Price | |
120W Soundbar, VILINICE 39-Inch Sound Bars for TV, 2.0CH TV Sound Bar Wired and Wireless Bluetooth 5.0, Built-in Subwoofer, Aux/RCA/Optical/COA/HDMI ARC Connection, DSP, Bass Adjustable | VILINICE | Check Price | |
SAMSUNG 3.1ch A650 A Series Soundbar - Dolby 5.1/ DTS Virtual: X (HW-A650, 2021 Model) | SAMSUNG | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Soundbars Under $ 300 | 2023 Products Overview
1. Majority Teton Bluetooth Best Soundbars Under $ 300
- ROOM-FILLING SOUND: With 2.1 Channel Sound, the Teton offers a superior audio experience for any home entertainment set-up.
- MULTI-CONNECTION: The Teton boasts a wide range of connections including Bluetooth, Optical input, RCA, and AUX-input. The Teton comes with an RCA cable. Designed for the eager audiophile, you can select which mode you want to listen to: Music, Movies or Dialogue.
- BUILT-IN SUBWOOFER: Delivering high definition sound, the Teton’s stereo speakers fill the room with your favourite sounds using the provided remote control.
- COMPATIBLE WITH TV, PHONE AND PC: Using the range of connectivity options, the Teton can be connected to your phone, computer and most TVs using Bluetooth, Optical Input and RCA input.
- DIMENSIONS: 32in x 4.8in x 4in; 3.3lbs
Product Overview:
The Majority Teton Sound Bar is a powerful 2.1 channel sound system designed to enhance your home theater experience. With a powerful 120 watt stereo and a built-in subwoofer, it delivers crisp and clear audio that brings your favorite movies, TV shows, and games to life. This soundbar is compatible with a wide range of devices, including TVs, computers, laptops, projectors, and Blu-Ray or DVD players. It also offers multiple connectivity options, including HDMI ARC, Optical, Bluetooth, RCA, USB, and AUX, so you can easily connect to your devices and enjoy high-quality sound.
The Teton Sound Bar is packed full of features that make it easy to use and customize. It is slim and stylish, so it fits perfectly under your TV or on a desk. The buttons on the side of the soundbar and the included remote allow you to adjust the volume, equalizer settings, and source with ease. You can also enjoy high-definition audio and immerse yourself in your own home theater experience. With its 3-year extended warranty and friendly customer service department, you can trust the Majority Teton Sound Bar to deliver high-quality sound that exceeds your expectations.
- Crystal clear sound quality with 120 watt stereo and built-in subwoofer.
- Compatible with a wide range of devices for versatile use.
- Multiple connectivity options for easy setup.
- Sleek and stylish design that fits perfectly under a TV or on a desk.
- Comes with a 3-year extended warranty and a helpful customer service department.
- Currently unavailable with no information on when it will be restocked.
- May not deliver the most powerful bass for those who prefer strong low frequencies.
- Remote control may not be as user-friendly as some would prefer.
2. Majority Bowfell Small Soundbars Under $300
- COMPATIBLE WITH TV, PHONE AND PC: Using the assortment of connectivity options, the Bowfell can be connected to your phone, computer and most TVs using Bluetooth, Optical Input or RCA input. The Bowfell comes with an easy-to-use remote control.
- MULTI-CONNECTION: The Bowfell boasts a wide range of connectivity options including Bluetooth, USB input, Optical input (optical cable not included), RCA and an AUX port. The Bowfell comes with an RCA cable and 3.5mm AUX cable. Designed for the eager audiophile, you can select which mode you want to listen to: Music, Movies or Dialogue.
- COMPACT DESIGN: The Bowfell’s slim design is ideal for any desktop space especially student dorm rooms.
- BUILT-IN SUBWOOFER: Small but mighty, the Bowfell is equipped with a built-in subwoofer delivering outstanding cinematic sound.
- DIMENSIONS: 38.8cm x5.4cm x7.2cm; 1.5kg
Product Overview:
The Majority Bowfell is a compact, yet powerful 50-watt TV sound bar designed to provide you with high-quality audio in the comfort of your own home. This sound bar is compatible with a wide range of devices, including your TV, PC, laptop, projector, or monitor, allowing you to experience true cinematic surround sound. With its dual stereo and 15-inch size, the Majority Bowfell packs the latest audio technology into a small form factor, making it an ideal choice for your home theater setup.
The Bowfell sound bar offers a range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, RCA, USB, Optical, and AUX, allowing you to play music, radio, and other audio from a variety of sources. Additionally, it comes equipped with an EQ control feature, 5 audio modes, and a remote control, making it easy to customize your audio to suit your preferences. Whether you're listening to music, gaming, watching movies, or following live sports, the Majority Bowfell provides you with rich and immersive audio.
- 50 watts of powerful audio technology.
- Compatible with a range of devices such as TV, PC, laptop, projector, or monitor.
- Bluetooth, EQ control, 5 audio modes, and remote control for easy customization.
- Compact and slim design that fits comfortably under a TV.
- 3-year extended warranty and hassle-free return policy.
- Some users have reported difficulty with the Bluetooth connection.
- The sound quality may not be as good as higher-end sound bars.
- The remote control may not be as responsive as expected.
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3. Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar
- A PREMIUM ULTRA-SLIM SOUND BAR WITH INCLUDED WIRELESS SUBWOOFER – 5 powerful full-range drivers deliver BEAUTFUL RICH SOUND WITH DEEP BASS. POLK’S EXCLUSIVE VOICE ADJUST TECHNOLOGY & Dolby Digital Decoding maximizes sound clarity & reduces voice delays
- EXCELLENT SOUND AND VALUE on par with any mid- to high-range sound bars available in the market. At just over 2 tall, it fits most spaces — easily wall-mount it or place in front of your TV. It won’t block your TV’s bottom edge or IR remote sensor
- UPGRADE YOUR HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE – Watch your favorite shows on your 4K HD Smart TV with exceptional picture quality & crystal clear sound. With numerous connection possibilities, plug in any audio source via HDMI ARC, optical input & AUX
- WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and others directly from your smartphone, tablet or other compatible device through the built-in Bluetooth technology
- SET UP YOUR SOUND BAR IN MINUTES — With the included subwoofer, HDMI and optical cables quickly connect your TV to the sound bar. Get set up and listening in minutes
Product Overview:
The Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar is a premium audio device that offers a rich sound experience with deep bass. It features 5 full-range drivers and includes a wireless subwoofer, making it a great choice for home theater setups. The sound bar is just over 2 inches tall, making it an excellent choice for those who want to mount it or place it in front of their TV without obstructing the TV's bottom edge or IR remote sensor.
With Voice Adjust technology and Dolby Digital decoding, this sound bar maximizes sound clarity and reduces voice delays. It offers several connection options, including HDMI ARC, optical input, and AUX, allowing users to plug in any audio source. Additionally, the built-in Bluetooth technology enables users to wirelessly stream music from popular streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, and TuneIn directly from their smartphone, tablet, or other compatible device. The included subwoofer, HDMI, and optical cables make setup quick and easy, allowing users to start listening in just a few minutes. Note that products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US and may require an adapter or converter for use in other countries.
- Includes a wireless subwoofer for deep bass
- Voice Adjust technology maximizes sound clarity
- Numerous connection options including HDMI ARC, optical input, and AUX
- Built-in Bluetooth technology for wireless music streaming
- Easy setup with included subwoofer, HDMI, and optical cables
- May require an adapter or converter for international use
- Some users may find the sound quality to be lacking
- Not compatible with all TVs or sound systems
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4. Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbars Under 300 USD
- Straight from the theater to your home: easy set-up, built-in tweeter, 2-ch speaker with simple Bluetooth connection
- Deep sound with Bass Reflex speaker
- High power with a slim design that matches any room and is perfect for small living spaces
- Voice enhancement feature is great for TV content with hushed dialogue, or to make conference call participants easier to hear
- Easy TV set up with HDMI ARC
- Hear sound come from all around you with S-Force Pro Front Surround
- In the box: Remote Commander (RMT-AH411U), Batteries for remote commander, Cable (Optical Cable, AC Cord), Wall Mount Template, Warranty Card, Quick Setup Guide, Instruction Manual
Product Overview:
The Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar is a compact and versatile sound system that delivers high-quality audio straight from the theater to your home. With a simple Bluetooth connection, you can easily set up this soundbar and enjoy powerful sound with its built-in tweeter and Bass Reflex speaker. The slim design of the S100F makes it a great fit for small living spaces and matches any room's decor.
This soundbar features a voice enhancement feature that makes TV content with hushed dialogue or conference call participants easier to hear. The S-Force Pro Front Surround technology provides an immersive audio experience, allowing you to hear sound coming from all around you. The Sony S100F Soundbar is equipped with HDMI ARC for easy TV setup and also offers USB, Optical, and HDMI connectivity options.
- Easy set-up with Bluetooth connectivity
- Powerful sound with Bass Reflex speaker and integrated tweeter
- Slim design fits any room and is perfect for small spaces
- Voice enhancement feature improves dialogue clarity
- Immersive audio experience with S-Force Pro Front Surround technology.
- Only 2-channel sound, not suitable for a full surround sound system
- May require an adapter for international use
- Limited connectivity options compared to other soundbars in the market.
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5. VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar
- Optimized for 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio 5.1 Bring out the best audio performance from your 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio 5.1 when connected through HDMI.
- Loud and Clear: The 96dB sound pressure level and 50Hz – 20kHz frequency range deliver dynamic and accurate Sound.
- DTS Virtual:X: Enhances any content with room-filling, floor-to-ceiling virtualized 3D sound.
- 5” Wireless Subwoofer Place the wireless subwoofer anywhere in the room to add deep booming bass.
- Voice Assistant Input Use our voice to control your Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant devices through the sound bar with a dedicated 3.5 Aux or Persistent Bluetooth connection.
Product Overview:
The VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with Dolby Audio is a top-of-the-line audio product designed to enhance your home entertainment experience. As America's #1 Sound Bar Brand, VIZIO has been providing high-quality audio products for over 10 years and this sound bar is no exception. With its optimized performance for 4K HDR content and Dolby Audio 5.1, you can enjoy your movies, shows, podcasts, music and more with dynamic and accurate sound.
The sound bar features a 96dB sound pressure level and a frequency range of 50Hz to 20kHz, making it both loud and clear. The inclusion of DTS Virtual:X technology enhances any content with 3D virtualized sound that fills the room from floor to ceiling. The sound bar also comes with a 5” wireless subwoofer, which can be placed anywhere in the room for deep and booming bass
- America’s #1 Sound Bar Brand
- Optimized for 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio 5.1
- Loud and clear sound with 96dB sound pressure level and 50Hz-20kHz frequency range
- DTS Virtual:X technology enhances sound quality
- Comes with a 5” wireless subwoofer for deep and booming bass.
- May require an adapter or converter for international use
- Limited information on the sound bar’s size and connectivity options
- Price may be higher compared to other sound bars in the market.
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6. Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Dolby
- Latest Bose soundbar — It’s the most immersive Bose voice control soundbar yet. Two custom-engineered upfiring dipole speakers work with Bose technologies to make it feel as if sound is coming from every direction — even overhead
- Dolby Atmos soundbar — This wireless Bluetooth soundbar lends an extra dimension of height to your sound. Proprietary Bose TrueSpace spatial processing analyzes and upmixes sounds for an enveloping listening experience in Dolby, stereo, and more
- Sleek design —From material quality to construction and finishes to controls, Bose obsessed over every detail to produce a Bluetooth soundbar speaker that looks as astonishing as it sounds
- Built-in voice assistants (Alexa and Google Assistant) — Noise-rejecting microphones work together to listen in every direction for your commands, even when the music’s playing loudly. For times when you want privacy, just disable the microphones with the mic-off button
- Voice control soundbar — Exclusive Bose Voice4Video technology expands your voice capabilities like no other smart soundbar can. In addition to controlling your Dolby Atmos soundbar, you can control your TV, cable and more with just your voice
- Wireless soundbar streaming, your way — With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast, you can wirelessly stream whatever you want, however you want
- Easy smart soundbar setup — The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 uses a single connection to any TV. Choose from the HDMI eARC connection or optical audio connection (both cables provided), connect the soundbar to a TV, hook it up to power, and turn it on
- Bose Music app — Download the Bose Music app to set up your Bluetooth soundbar speaker, set up Voice4Video, and browse your music in one place. It’s another simple way to control and group together compatible Bose products
Product Overview:
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a top-of-the-line home audio system that boasts an immersive and enveloping sound experience. This wireless Bluetooth soundbar features Dolby Atmos technology, which provides an extra dimension of height to your sound, making it feel as if sound is coming from every direction, even overhead. The two custom-engineered upfiring dipole speakers, combined with Bose technologies, offer an enveloping listening experience in Dolby, stereo, and more.
The soundbar has a sleek and sophisticated design, with attention to detail in every aspect, from the material quality to construction and finishes to controls. The built-in voice assistants, Alexa and Google Assistant, make controlling the soundbar a breeze. The noise-rejecting microphones are able to listen in every direction, even when the music is playing loudly, and can be disabled with a simple button. The Bose Voice4Video technology expands voice capabilities, allowing you to control your Dolby Atmos soundbar as well as your TV, cable, and more with just your voice.
- Immersive and enveloping sound experience with Dolby Atmos technology.
- Upfiring dipole speakers offer enveloping listening experience.
- Sleek and sophisticated design.
- Easy to control with built-in Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Noise-rejecting microphones and Bose Voice4Video technology expand voice capabilities.
- High price point compared to other soundbars.
- Limited connectivity options.
- May not be compatible with all TV models.
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7. BESTISAN Soundbar Wired
- Upgraded version high-sensitivity remote control displays the different modes by means of different colored LED lights Deep bass improved power-designed for your smart TV and sweet home
- Dsp technology This technology Let you have three choices for sound effects news movie and music you can choose according to your current situation
- Memory function and bass control the update remotes reset button could be memorized to the factory settings And you can control the treble and bass settings of the sound bar
- Wireless Bluetooth 5 0 transmission Bluetooth wireless transmission technology strong anti-interference lossless Audio transmission 360-degree sound let you have a high-quality home audio system Enjoy the luxury of music
- Easy to Use and Operate: High-sensitivity full function IR remote control displays the different modes by means of differently colored LED lights
Product Overview:
The BESTISAN Soundbar Wired and Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 HDMI-ARC Speaker is a 28-inch soundbar that provides high-quality audio for your TV. It is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars with over 8,000 ratings and 564 answered questions. This soundbar is available for $51.75 and has only one left in stock.
This soundbar features DSP Technology, which allows you to choose from three different sound effects (news, movie, and music) to enhance your audio experience. It also has a memory function and bass control, which allows you to reset the settings to factory settings and control the treble and bass levels of the soundbar. The wireless Bluetooth 5.0 transmission provides strong anti-interference and lossless audio transmission for a 360-degree sound experience. The high-sensitivity remote control displays different modes through different colored LED lights, making it easy to control the soundbar.
- High-quality audio
- Three sound effect options (news, movie, music)
- Memory function and bass control
- Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 transmission
- High-sensitivity remote control
- Limited stock availability
- May require an adapter or converter for international use
- Only one color option available
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8. VILINICE 120W Soundbar
- 【Powerful Soundbar Upgraded Version】 New sound bar brings deeper bass. VILINICE sound bar with built-in Subwoofer has 120W strong output power to provide clear treble and bass. This tv speakers with 4 full-range drivers provide a wider sound stage and a more immersive listening experience. Let you have a high-quality surround sound system, you can place it anywhere in the room.
- 【Built-in DSP & 3 EQ modes】Sound bar built-in DSP technology, advanced high-sensitivity full-range drivers make the sound field positioning more accurate and the vocals clearer. You can fine adjust your soundbars with 3 different equalizer modes: Music Modes: Provides richer and deeper bass in musics. News Modes: Pulls out every word from and news, to ensure that dialogue sound crisp and clean. Movie Modes: You’ll hear every rip and rumble from your favorite action film.
- 【LED Display Inside】High-sensitivity tv soundbar speaker remote control displays the different modes by means of LED lights, giving you a clearer picture of his volume and connection patterns.
- 【Multiple Connection】Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 transmission technology, strong anti-interference, lossless audio transmission. In addition, you can easily connect these devices (mobile phones, laptops, TVs, computers, projectors, USB Disk, set-top boxes, etc.) through AUX/RCA, optical fiber, HDMI, USB multiple wired connection methods.
- 【100% SATISFACTION SERVICE】The slim and low-profile design of the 39-Inch sound bar complements your TV. If you have any problems about bluetooth soundbar, you can contact us by email. We will try our best to solve your issue, make you 100% satisfied, and provide lifetime technical support.
Product Overview:
The VILINICE 50W Sound Bar is a small and compact soundbar designed for TV, PC, Projectors, and Tablets. It comes with a built-in DSP technology which offers stable and accurate sound output. The soundbar also features 3 equalizer modes - Music, Movie, and Game - to cater to different audio needs. The Movie mode provides home theater audio for TV, delivering deeper bass and loud, room-filling sound. The Music mode enhances clarity and surround sound, while the Game mode offers powerful and immersive sound quality.
The soundbar connects easily to other devices through Bluetooth 5.0, offering fast and stable transmission. It also supports wired connections via HDMI, 3.5mm (AUX & RCA), and optical inputs. The slim design of the soundbar makes it an attractive addition to any setup, and it comes with lifetime technical support.
- Built-in DSP technology for stable and accurate sound output.
- Three equalizer modes – Music, Movie, and Game – to cater to different audio needs.
- Easy connection through Bluetooth 5.0 and wired connections.
- Slim and attractive design.
- Lifetime technical support.
- Currently unavailable.
- May require an adapter or converter for use in some countries.
- Limited number of customer reviews and ratings.
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9. SAMSUNG 3.1ch A650 A Series Soundbar
- DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 / DTS VIRTUAL:X - Immersive surround sound simulation that draws you in.
- BUILT-IN CENTER SPEAKER - A dedicated speaker enhances dialogue so you hear every word.
- ADAPTIVE SOUND LITE - Optimizes sound to video content.
- SUBWOOFER INCLUDED - Wireless subwoofer included.
- BASS BOOST - Instantly amplify the bass with the touch of a button.
Product Overview:
The SAMSUNG 3.1ch A650 A Series Soundbar is a 2021 model designed to deliver an immersive and realistic audio experience. It features Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X technology for a surround sound simulation that will draw you in. The soundbar also has a built-in center speaker, which enhances dialogue so you can hear every word clearly.
The soundbar comes equipped with Adaptive Sound Lite, which optimizes the sound to match the video content. It also includes a wireless subwoofer that enhances the bass, and there is a Bass Boost function that allows you to instantly amplify the bass with the touch of a button. The soundbar can be connected to your TV through Bluetooth or HDMI, and it has a sleek and stylish design that will complement any home entertainment setup.
It is important to note that the product is designed for use in the US, and that the outlets and voltage may differ internationally, requiring an adapter or converter for use in your destination. Additionally, common solutions to some issues, such as disconnecting from the TV or the subwoofer not working, are included in the product description.
- Immersive surround sound simulation with Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X technology.
- Built-in center speaker enhances dialogue.
- Adaptive Sound Lite optimizes sound to video content.
- Includes a wireless subwoofer for enhanced bass.
- Sleek and stylish design.
- Product is designed for use in the US, requiring an adapter or converter for international use.
- Common solutions to some issues are not guaranteed to work for all users.
- Availability may be limited as the item is currently unavailable.
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Soundbar vs Home Theater: What Should You Know?
Many are wondering what the difference is between the soundbar and home theater. The first is a single and compact device, consisting of a single body that integrates the various audio components (although it can be sold and associated with other external elements such as woofer and tweeter). The Home Theater, on the other hand, represents a real system composed of different audio components with different functions/characteristics, to be worked in different positions within the room. In addition, a home theater system often refers to the entire system including a TV, home cinema projector or portable projector, etc.
The soundbars have slowly taken over the classic 5.1 or 7.1 channel home cinema systems, thanks to the small size and the ability to reproduce an enveloping sound, which seems to come from multiple directions, just like a classic multi-channel system.
In the soundbars, the channels are integrated within the same product body and point in different directions, thus exploiting the ability of walls and furniture elements to "reflect" the sound waves and propagate them in the environment. Often, as already mentioned, they can still be integrated with external components such as subwoofers.
A real sonic illusion, the result of advanced engineering design.
Although the audio quality will never be on par with a classic home theater system, where the speakers are physically placed in different places, the surround bars (especially the newer ones) are a great compromise for those looking for above-average audio quality and ease of installation.
What is the soundbar for
By being able to reproduce an enveloping sound, soundbars are devices that can significantly improve the audio quality of the TV.
In fact, the TV manufacturer brands have staked everything on improving aesthetics and video quality, while giving less importance to the integrated audio system which, for obvious reasons, has little physical space to deliver satisfactory performance.
And so soundbars come to the rescue. In fact, by concentrating several speakers in a small space, these devices ensure a significant improvement in the sound quality of the TV .
The very design of the soundbars seems to be made to be placed in front of or under a TV. We can therefore say that TV and soundbar are two highly complementary products.
But not only. In fact, it is increasingly common to use the soundbar as a single speaker to listen to music or as an element of a more complex audio system.
Soundbar: advice on how to choose
The purchase of these devices must necessarily go through a careful examination of the technical specifications, obviously associated with its context (room size, the main use of the product, budget, etc.).
Here are some tips and key features to consider before buying a soundbar.
Soundbar for active or passive TV
A first macro-distinction is certainly that between active soundbars and passive soundbars.
But what does this mean?
The former has integrated all the electronic components within the product itself (speakers, processor, amplifier, etc.). They are the most common on the market, as they are very simple to install.
To make them work, all you have to do is connect them to your TV.
Obviously, if on the one hand, they are very comfortable and “simple”, on the other they may not satisfy the most demanding audiophiles in terms of audio quality. Of course, we are talking about somewhat "professional" users of the product, who are certainly more attracted to their "passive" sisters. The latter must necessarily connect to one or more external amplifiers. In addition, they can be connected to several other speakers.
The passive soundbars are, for this reason, very versatile and perfect for music lovers and for the most demanding ears.
Number of channels
As anticipated before, the soundbars have built-in speakers that point in different directions to offer an enveloping sound. Hence, the number of channels is a very important aspect to consider before purchasing any of these products.
Obviously, the more speakers are integrated, the greater the enveloping and immersive effect of the sound (and of course the price!).
It starts with basic 2-channel models (2.0 or 2.1), up to models with 7 or even 10. Often, you will find the number followed by “.0” or “.1”. This indicates the presence or absence of a subwoofer or a speaker dedicated to low-frequency sounds (to use a more common term, to the so-called bass).
Of course, the presence of a subwoofer brings undeniable advantages from the point of view of audio quality, but on the other hand, the larger footprint has to be taken into consideration.
However, many soundbar models on the market are sold together with an external subwoofer. Furthermore, there are also some with integrated internal subwoofers, but they are significantly more voluminous products, called sound plates or sounddecks.
Audio power
The audio output power is expressed in watts and is another aspect to consider in the preliminary stages. The greater the audio power, the more it will be possible to raise the volume of the soundbar without generating annoying distortions.
Usually, a 300W soundbar should be enough to cover the most common needs. However, if you need the soundbar to organize dance parties in large spaces, it would be advisable to move towards power above 600W.
Connectivity
Although there are soundbars capable of functioning as a standalone stereo, these products were born to interact with other appliances such as televisions or mobile devices. Hence, connection options such as ports and wireless technologies are key factors to consider. Here are the most common:
- Jack 3.5mm
- Coaxial
- Optical
- USB
- Ethernet
- HDMI
- NFC
- WLAN
- Bluetooth
In particular, the last three types of connectivity make the soundbar wireless. In fact, through these, it will be possible to connect the product to other speakers, to the TV itself, or to mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) without the aid of annoying cables.
Wireless soundbar, WiFi soundbar, and remote control
Some of the best soundbars on the market are real smart devices, capable of connecting to the internet via your home WiFi network or Ethernet cable. Of course, WiFi soundbars offer remote control via smartphone, tablet, and often PC.
In addition of course to the possibility of connecting the soundbar to other WiFi speakers in your home. In this way, it will be possible to create a real wireless multiroom audio system.
However, if you are simply looking for a soundbar for music and listening to songs from Spotify or other music streaming services, you can simply choose products with Bluetooth or NFC technology.
Obviously, with these technologies you will have the limit of proximity, that is, you will have to be close to the device for proper operation.
Soundbar prices
Price plays a huge role in choosing a soundbar. This is obviously related to subjective needs and requirements. The market offer is indeed very rich, with prices ranging from less than $ 100 to several thousand euros.
So how much to spend on a soundbar? The correct answer, in this case, is: it depends.
Do you want a soundbar to simply give your TV an edge or are you looking for professional sound quality?
Often, the answer is somewhere in between. With $ 300-400, you can take home an excellent quality product, which is able to satisfy the tastes of most.
What you need to know in summary
What is a soundbar and what is it for?
The soundbar is an elongated speaker/speaker, in most cases wireless and therefore wireless. Connected to the TV it is able to improve the sound, creating a surround effect and offering a more enveloping result. Its purchase is becoming more and more common, given the increasingly smaller size, in terms of thickness, of the TV.
Which soundbar to buy and how to choose?
To choose the best soundbar for your needs you need to consider, in addition to price, the size of your TV, technical specifications, and features. Among the most important factors, we find the audio power and the number of channels. Find all the details in our guide above.
How to connect the soundbar to the TV?
Depending on the characteristics of the soundbars, different types of connections are possible. Now more and more soundbars have Bluetooth connectivity and therefore do not use wires. Most offer different types of connections and generally connect to the TV via HDMI ARC or optical cable.
How to place a soundbar?
It is possible to place a soundbar on the same base as the TV, a little further than this (you need to make sure you buy a soundbar that is not too long or short compared to the TV) or on the wall, using the appropriate supports. In the latter case, it is advisable to install it immediately under the TV, at a distance of at least 5cm.
How much does a soundbar cost?
The price varies according to the audio equipment, functionality, and technical specifications: it starts from a hundred euros to go beyond $ 900-1000. An investment of at least $ 300-400 is a good compromise that can offer quality and longevity, but it all depends on personal needs.
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