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Best Sound Bars
Music is food for the soul. Over time, the market has evolved from traditional home theaters to prioritizing sound bars.
This is mostly because they tend to take up less space, are compatible with most devices and the sound quality is relatively better.
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If you listen to a lot of music or are always watching TV, then it is in your best interest to invest in a wireless sound bar. The majority of TV sets nowadays are slimmer hence do not have enough space for quality speakers.
In this article, I have outlined y findings after extensive research on the best sound bars available in the market currently. I have taken into account the value for money, the specs, and of course quality of surround sound.
Our top picks for best sound bars
1.Bose Soundbar 700 with Alexa Built-In – Black
Specifications of the product
Dimensions: 31.5” x 1.75” x 4” (W x H x D)| Weight: 7lbs| Warranty: 1 year| Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Bose is responsible for creating the majority of the best-selling sound bars in the market for very many years now. Their attention to detail, the sound immersion, and exceptional state of the art design are just a few of the reasons why they have stayed at the top of their game.
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This particular model boasts all their signature striking characters and more. It comes with a built-in Amazon Alexa feature that has a whopping eight microphone array to ensure it picks up any sound- this saves you from having to keep repeating yourself.
To ensure the utmost convenience, you can use Alexa to play music, answer questions from google, and to control other smart devices in the home with a similar feature.
This soundbar is equipped to support both Dolby Atmos and DTS audio formats. Additionally, it is made compatible with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2.
These features allow you to have access to the music in all your streaming site playlists. Be it, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, phone playlists, etc.
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Like most wireless subwoofers, you can choose to control and manage your music either with voice, through the bose music app, or through the provided remote.
Luckily, all Bose products are compatible with each other, this allows you to enjoy music in different rooms so long as you have speakers installed. The best part is, you can purchase rear speakers separately and you will be sure the audio quality will remain top-notch.
Aside from the Bose 3 5mm sound bar, the package is shipped with a Bose Sound bar Universal Remote, batteries, power cable, HDMI arc cable, and optical cable.
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Pros of the product
- It is compatible with every streaming device available to mankind
- This wireless subwoofer has a Dolby atmos and dts x feature that delivers amazing surround sound
- Has a whopping four HDMI ports
- Is compatible with other separate subwoofers so long as they are from bose
- Amazon Alexa has eight microphones that will ensure Alexa hears your every command even when the music is booming.
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Cons of the product
- It is quite pricey in comparison to the other best soundbars
- You need to place the subwoofer in a specific position to get the most out of it
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2.LG SK9Y Dolby Atmos Sound Bar, Black
Specifications of the product
Sound formats: Dolby Digital 5.1 | Connectivity: 1 x optical digital, Ethernet, Wi-Fi | Voice control: yes| Dimensions: 8.5 x 90 x 14cm (HxWxD) Sound range; 24bit/192kHz.
LG SK9Y is one of the best soundbars when it comes to audio quality. Besides, LG has a policy to always create products that are innovative and satisfy the needs of the modern consumer.
As the name suggests, this sound bar is designed with the latest Hollywood sound-Dolby atmos which encompass three-dimensional space that immerses you in a somewhat real-life audio world. In short, you will feel like you were in the room when the singer sang the song.
The speaker comes with two additional speakers that ensure the sound is as loud and quality as it can humanly get. Thanks to the five-point one point boom, this soundbar makes the whole house feel like it’s in the direct path of a sonic spectrum.
You can control this surround sound bar from anywhere around the house as it is equipped with a google assistant feature. Aside from the google assistant, you can opt to use a remote or the official LG app. This also allows you to control every other device in the house that’s from the LG brand.
Thanks to the advanced Hi-Res audio format that’s fitted in this device, you will get to enjoy sound in the range 24bit/192kHz.
Its designers really took their time to deliver this stylish masterpiece. First of all, it is the same length as most 55 inch TVs hence compliments your living room perfectly.
Also, it comes in a sleek black and is detailed with a silver lining. Although, there are some which do not come with the silver edge.
It is compatible with Televisions from every known brand. However, you are advised to get a matching Tv and sound bar for the utmost symphony. You do not want to end up with a distorted lip synch.
Pros of the product
- This soundbar delivers immersive surround sound and a very deep base.
- It is compatible with blue tooth, wifi, and google assistant
- For the price, this sound bar is giving you total value for your money
- To guarantee you of the quality, this sound bar comes with a 2-year warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee
- It is very elegantly designed hence fits right in with most modern house decor
Cons of the product
- It needs more supporting rear speakers
- To be able to see the display clearly, you need to place it on a raised surface.
3.Sony HT-ZF9 3.1 Inch Dolby Atmos/DTS X Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
Specifications of the product
Connectivity: HDMI ARC, 3.5mm aux, optical digital | Streaming: Bluetooth 4.3, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay | Hi-res audio: 24bit/96kHz | Dimensions: 6.5 x 79 x 13cm (HxWxD)
Sony has mastered the art of delivering products with a deep base without distorting the sound. This is mostly why they have remained relevant as no best soundbars review lacks to mention the brand.
The deep base is attributed to its Dolby Atmos and DTS: X feature that leaves you feeling like you are in a cinema thanks to its well-balanced sound.
One of the best perks of this sound bar is that you get to enjoy streaming music from over 100 sites as t is equipped with Chromecast Built-in and Spotify connect. You can control the said music with either google assist or Amazon Alexa.
If you do not want to utilize the said wireless subwoofer perks for whatever reason, then you can use the remote control included in the package.
Like all other Sony devices, this sound bar delivers picture-perfect sound mostly thanks to its 4K HDR and Dolby Vision pass-through. This means you will get to hear every wisp of wind or whisper that you play on it.
You will not have to worry about how many devices you can plug in at one point as it comes with three HDMI inputs and one audio port. Designed to be enough for every typical household.
the package contains a; Soundbar, rear speakers(subwoofers), remote control, two pairs of remote batteries, optical cable, and a complimentary wall bracket. This device is almost 55 inches long hence it matches most TV sets.
Pros of the product
- It comes already fitted with a Chromecast, Bluetooth, and wifi
- This soundbar has three HDMI ports and one audio port which is more than enough
- You get a separate subwoofer with your purchase to help you amplify the sound further
- The settings have a sports mode, gaming mode, cinema mode, and a music mode.
Cons of the product
- When compared to similar devices, it is very expensive
- For the price, it should have come with at least one more subwoofer
- The remote control to this surround sound bar feels cheap, is flimsy, and has a very short lifespan.
4.Panasonic SC-HTB700EBK 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Bluetooth
Specifications of the product
Connectivity: 2 optical inputs, 1 x RCA, subwoofer out | Hi-res audio: 24bit/96kHz | Streaming: aptX Bluetooth | Dimensions: 16 x 98 x 10cm (HxWxD)
If you are in the market for an affordable soundbar that offers unprecedented high-quality sound, then the Panasonic Sc- HTB700EBK is one of your best options. It is designed to support the latest Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology which makes you feel as if the music is surrounding you.
Let its slim size not fool you, this sound bar is capable of delivering very high sound to the tune of 100 decibels thanks to a high-quality speaker cabinet and new technology speaker units. The units are rigid thanks to its all-new honeycomb structure design and a thick casing which ensures you suppress the vibrations.
To top it off, the sound is very clear too, and no matter the volume, you will not hear the strain that is common with sound bars after a while.
You will not have to worry about cords and wires destroying your aesthetic as this is a completely wireless home theater. This further helps to improve its downward sound delivery hence giving you better user experience.
Also, this soundbar is designed to deliver top-notch sound no matter where it is placed. So unlike other models which require you to mount them on a bracket, this one has speakers all over hence saving you the hassle.
Panasonic opted for a minimalistic design that ensures it matches most TV designs and modern home decor. If your house is wrapped for space, you choose to mount the sound bar on the wall as it comes with a wall bracket.
Pros of the product
- This sound bar gives you the option of either connecting it with an optical cable or a HDMI arc cable used for the HDMI inputs
- Like the previously released Panasonic home theater, this one is very affordable yet does not compromise on sound quality.
- Comes in a minimalistic and simple design that compliments any TV set well
- Thanks to its Bluetooth and wifi compatibility, you get to enjoy access to several music sites
- Comes with a subwoofer of equally great quality that you can place in a separate room
- It is very easy to install as it comes with everything you will need in the package and their user manual is very easy to read.
- Unlike most sub woofer, this one is compatible with Roku tv’s among other things like google assistant.
Cons of the product
- The sound is great for gaming, sports, and movies but not for music
- It comes with a remote that is bigger than necessary
5.Bose Soundbar 500 with Alexa Built In
Specifications of the product
Size: 31.5 x 4 x 1.8 inches, 7 pounds | Inputs/Outputs: HDMI ARC, eARC, CEC, Optical, USB | Audio Channels: Stereo | Bluetooth: Yes | Subwoofer: No | Wattage: N/A | Wall Mountable: yes
The bose sound be i designed meticulously with immense attention to detail making it the perfect addition to your living room hence why it is one of the best soundbars in the market currently. Looks aside, this sound bar is packed with impressive features that deliver top-notch performance.
Starting with its inbuilt Alexa which allows you access to millions of songs and hundreds of streaming sites. You can forget about the hustle of repeating yourself so Alexa can hear you as this home theater is packed with an array of eight microphones that will detect the meaning of your words no matter how noisy the room is.
To sweeten the deal, it is compatible with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2- this is very convenient as you get to stream music from any of the available sites whenever you please. Additionally, you can also enjoy already integrated music from sites like Spotify and pandora thanks to its powerful Bluetooth feature.
Aside from controlling and managing your music, the inbuilt Alexa on this wireless home theater has the ability to control other home appliances that also have Alexa. Additionally, Alexa can help you find our random information from the internet like the weather, trending news, pieces of information on your favorite celebrity, and so on.
To control this one of the best soundbar(Bose) you can use your voice, the provided remote, or the bose app that’s available for free. If you feel like the remote is inadequate, get the best alternative remote option- the bose universal sound bar remote.
Thanks to its adapt audio room calibration feature, the sound produced will be high quality regardless of whether the room is made of glass, plaster, or brick. if you are not satisfied, you can boost it with the base bass module 500 or with the bose subwoofer that can be purchased separately.
Pros of the product
- Very portable and lightweight
- It is capable of producing very clear surround sounds regardless of whether it is the in-game mode, sports mode, or cinema mode
- This device comes already fitted with google home and Alexa
- You get a few wall mount with every purchase
- Has a whopping three-year money-back guarantee and a five-year warranty
Cons of the product
- You will have to get a HDMI arc on the side as it is not included in the package
- It needs better noise canceling microphones for the google home feature
Other notable mentions
Aside from the sound bars that made it into the top five, here are a few more that had equally good features and are worth some consideration;
1.Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar
If budget is not an issue, this Sennheiser ambeo soundbar is a great choice. Though expensive, it comes with a whopping 13 speakers that support every audio format available.
The Sennheiser ambeo also comes with a 3d feature that makes it feel like sound is coming through all around you despite not having wireless speakers.
2.Sonos Beam
Although the Sonos Beam features old technology, it still reigns as a very worthy choice for a consumer who majorly prioritizes vocal-centric content eg; music or podcasts. Downside is, it does not support Bluetooth and it lacks a HDMI port.
Otherwise, you get to enjoy great audio as you stream your content on wi-fi. Also, if you feel the audio sound is not adequate, you can always boost it with a subwoofer or satellites.
3.Samsung HW-Q80R
Are you in the market for a sound bar that ca play really loud music without destorting sound? if so, this sound bar is one of your best options. Its 5.2.1 Dolby feature coupled with its firing up speakers ensures you get a total immersion feeling.
The only disadvantage is that it does not come with a room correction feature hece leaving you with few options in regards to the quality and tempo of the volume. Additionally, the audio bar is a bit too wide for an average living room set up.
4.Bose Solo 5 x
If your main priority is a good stereo content as opposed to good surround sound, then greatly consider the Bose Solo 5 x sound bar. Since it lacks deep bass, it would be perfect for dialogue content like movies and podcasts.
On the flip-side, it does not support an external subwoofer hence the sound cannot be improved. Besides from that, it does not support Atmos or DTS connectivity which greatly reduces your connectivity options.
However, its small size makes it very portable and ideal for living rooms that are strapped for space. Considering the designers went with a cutting edge exterior, you will love how catchy it looks and feels.
5.Samsung HW-Q950T
Samsung recently released this model and its easy to see why it has been getting glowing reviews from all consumers. Apart from its 9.1.2 set up, it comes equipped with several sound enhancement features that allow you to play with the sound till you find what works.
If you don’t find one that works, you can always download it as it supports wifi and Bluetooth connectivity.
The only disadvantage with this device is that it is too highly priced for it to be made with cheap plastic and fabric. Though its casing does not affect the overall sound in anyway.
What to consider when buying the best soundbars
Considering all the manufacturers claiming to have the best sound bar in the market, you are bound to be overwhelmed with what option to go with. Here are a few pointers to help you narrow the search;
- Price
Depending on the specs you are going for, the price will play a huge part in determining your final decision. As is with all electronics, the price difference can differ to the tunes of hundreds of thousands.
As for expensive brands; you can get any of the aforementioned in the above segment or go for brands like Sennheiser ambeo soundbar, Sonos beam, Samsung, just to name but a few.
- Channels
If you are going for a fully immersive sound experience, then opt for soundbars with as many as 7.1 channels. Most will also come with more than three drivers for that maximum Dolby atmos experience.
However, if you are on a budget, a soundbar with 5.1.2 channels and a HDMI support will serve you just as fine.
- Size and portability
Most of the best soundbars prioritize portability hence will aim to be as light as possible. But some are designed to be mounted or placed in a stationary position.
Try and find what works for you, especially if you prefer a wireless subwoofer.
- Control
Depending on your preference, you have the option of choosing a wireless speaker that is either voice controlled with Alexa or google home, remote-controlled or phone app controlled. Alternatively, you could go for one which supports all three forms of control.
- Connection
Since most music sites are online nowadays, it’s imperative to go for atmos soundbars that have wifi and Bluetooth compatibility. this will give you the convenience of streaming your music from over 200 sites.
- Performance
Different sound bars are made with a different consumer in mind. So depending on whether you plan to use the device for gaming, movies, or music, there will be one that’s perfect for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
1.Is there a difference between surround sound and Dolby? Yes, there is a big difference. The best soundbars typically come with Dolby or Atmos feature as it gives you a better immersion.
However, times are changing and you can now find some good wireless speakers that feature surround sound system.
2.Do i need a subwoofer with Alexa and google assist? this depends on whether you will be comfortable with a microphone recording most of what you say. It is however a very convenient feature as it does more than just control the music- you can ask about trending news or control other appliances in the home eg; lights.
3.Can you use any soundbar with my Tv? Yes, you can. Contrary to popular belief, you must not get a sound bar in the same model as your tv. Although it might help avoid syncing problems.
However, manufacturers try and make the newer models as compatible with each known brand as possible. Do your ample research beforehand to be safe.
4.Are soundbars good for gaming? in as much as a soundbar is way better than inbuilt tv speakers., most of the available brands are not ideal for gaming. If you are an avid gamer, opt for a surround sound system instead.
5.What are some of the best soundbar brands? Apart from the ones mentioned in this article, you could try the Sennheiser amber soundbar, Sonos beam, etc.
6.What is the difference between a 2.1 and a 5.1 sound bar? As the name suggests, a 2.1 sound bar has two channels- a subwoofer and one on either side. As for a 5.1 soundbar, it comes with five channels on every side of the bar except one. The best choice if you are goinfg for a fully immersive sound experience.
What did we consider when coming up with this review?
in order to come up with the best review article, there are several things we prioritized in the products we reviewed. Among them are;
- Ease of use
Keeping in mid that the consumer base is wide, we made sure that all the products on this list are very easy to use regardless of age and experience. For example, is the sound bar easy to install and set up? is it easy to control and operate? Is it easy to access the various features it comes with?, etc.
- Wireless streaming support
While almost all sound bars come with Bluetooth connectivity, we only considered those that offered more options. Bluetooth might be easy to use but wifi compatibility offers you more options on the streaming sites that you can access, eg; chromecast, Alexa, Dts, Air play, and Sonos.
Aside from offering you an array of options, you will also get to enjoy a wider connectivity range.
- Versatility of connection modes
In most old sound bar models, you will find that they only come with a single optical digital audio input. However, in this review we only went with models that come with at least a HDMI audio return channel.
this way, you get more quality for less the amount of wires. Also, most models can now support 4k HDR video allowing you to enjoy all your content in high resolution without any syncing problems.
- Design and size
Since this sound bar will probably be used in the living room where you supposedly frequent, we made sure they answered the following questions; Does it look good enough to blend with the rest of the room? Will it need to be wall mounted or does it fit smugly on your Tv stand? Will its size force you o use an IR port and if so, does it come with one?
Also, those that come with separate subwoofers will need more space than those that just come with a soundbar.
Our top pick for the best soundbar
According to our thorough analysis, the best soundbars have to be the Bose 700 with built-in Alexa. It is very stylish and designed to fit right in with other modern contemporary decor.
On the convenience front, you will be glad for the Alexa feature that lets you voice control the surround system from anywhere so long as you have programmed it. Also, this device can be controlled with an app or the remote control- your pick!
Thanks to the fact that it is compatible with wifi, Bluetooth, and airplay 2, you will always have access to all the streaming sites in the face of the earth. it supports both Dolby and DTS formats so you are guaranteed the sound will be top-notch.
For the quality and range of user options you are getting, this is arguably the best wireless surround sound bar you can get at the said price.
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