Here's a quick primer on which features are the most important for your needs and other stuff you should know. Soundbars come in all shapes and sizes: from under a foot long to wider than a big-screen TV. While the larger soundbars sometimes offer more drivers and hence a bigger sound, there are others where all you're paying for is a longer box.
If you want the soundbar to be exactly the same width as your TV then take note. Televisions are measured diagonally while soundbars are measured lengthways, so a inch TV won't match up with a inch wide speaker, for example. Buying a soundbar that is designed by the same manufacturer may help but it's not guaranteed. If you want them to match you have two main options, a check the width of your TV compared to screen size with this handy chart , or b more accurately, you can check the width of both models in the manufacturers' spec sections before you buy.
For a long time, most soundbars were connected via an optical output between the TV and the speaker, but the increasing prevalence of ARC audio return channel and even newer eARC HDMI means you now have a choice of connection types. It's a simple overall design, since you only have to switch inputs using your TV remote. For more information, read our guide to using your TV as a switcher.
Given the ease of use, using the TV as a switcher is the way to go for most people. There are some drawbacks to this configuration, though. For one, you're limited by how many inputs your TV has. If your TV only has three inputs, you can only connect three devices. You could get around this using an HDMI switcher , but then you start adding complexity you were probably hoping to avoid by getting a soundbar in the first place.
Another issue is that most TVs downgrade incoming audio to stereo, rather than a true surround-sound signal. Most bars are stereo-only, but surround-capable bars work best with a surround input. For the sake of future proofing, look for at least three inputs and try to make sure they can pass 4K and HDR signals -- especially if you already have a 4K TV. Look for HDMI 2. While many features are superfluous when it comes to soundbars, there is one main exception: wireless streaming.
This can take one of two main forms: Bluetooth , or Wi-Fi. Wireless streaming lets you play music from a multitude of sources -- like Spotify on your phone, or iTunes on your computer -- via your soundbar. Bluetooth is the easiest way to wirelessly stream audio from your phone or tablet. It works with the music stored on your device and any music app for example Pandora or Spotify , plus it's platform-agnostic -- virtually all iOS, Android and Windows phones and tablets have built-in Bluetooth.
Likewise, almost every soundbar on the market features Bluetooth, and if it doesn't you can buy an adapter like those made by Belkin or Logitech. Wi-Fi offers several upgrades to Bluetooth including the ability to listen in multiple rooms and even control it with Google Assistant or Alexa. There are two main "open" standards, AirPlay and Chromecast built-in, plus numerous app- and manufacturer-specific ones such as Spotify Connect, Sonos and Yamaha MusicCast.
With so many options it's worth investigating Wi-Fi music options before you buy. The most cost-effective system right now is Google 's Chromecast built-in which also allows multi-room playback and control with the Google Assistant. In a lot of soundbars offered built-in voice assistants from either Amazon , Google or both in the case of the Sonos Beam.
These attempt to produce three-dimensional surround sound without extra speakers. Several sound bars come with rear speakers to create a true surround-sound experience. Most, but not all, subwoofers are powered, with their own built-in amps; these models must be plugged into an electrical outlet.
A powered subwoofer often provides more control over bass. Most sound bars have a front display panel; look for one that can be easily seen, with controls grouped by function and labeled clearly.
Some models let you set up and adjust functions using the TV screen rather than the small display on the console. DSP digital signal processor modes use digital circuitry to duplicate the sound ambience of, say, a concert hall, or to synthesize a surround-sound experience from stereo soundtracks. Each mode represents a different listening environment. A bass-boost switch amplifies the deepest sounds.
Some models may have a Blu-ray or DVD player built into the system, but these are becoming rarer, thanks to streaming services. Most of the major electronics companies make home-theater-in-a-box systems. Some offer systems across all categories, and others concentrate on a specific price range. You can use this alphabetized guide to compare home-theater-in-a-box brands. We respect your privacy.
All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. Sign In. Become a Member. Remember Me. Forgot username or password? Not a member? Need further assistance? Please call Member Services at Sound bars. Sign in or Become a Member. Find the Best Sound Bar for Your Home We test, evaluate, and compare the latest sound bars to find the best, bar none.
More on Sound Bars. Sound Bar Ratings by Consumer Reports. Sound Bar Ratings. Extra Speakers Several sound bars come with rear speakers to create a true surround-sound experience. Controls Most sound bars have a front display panel; look for one that can be easily seen, with controls grouped by function and labeled clearly. Photo: Klipsch. Disc Players Some models may have a Blu-ray or DVD player built into the system, but these are becoming rarer, thanks to streaming services.
Photo: Philips. Sound Bar Brands Most of the major electronics companies make home-theater-in-a-box systems. Bose offers a variety of home-theater systems, including sound bars, sound bases, and 2.
Bose products tend to be higher-priced. Edifier is a Chinese audio manufacturer that produces wireless speakers, sound bar speakers, music systems, headphones, and audio products. Prices are typically in the midrange.
Insignia is a house brand sold exclusively at Best Buy. Klipsch is part of Voxx International, formerly known as Audiovox, which also owns the Jamo and Energy speaker brands. Klipsch is well-known for its speakers, sound bars, and sound base systems. LG Electronics is a major consumer electronics brand that manufactures a wide range of products in the U.
Its products include sound bar and sound base systems, and 5. Prices are typically in the lower range to higher midrange. Onn is Walmart's house brand for consumer electronics, including products such as TVs, sound bars, headphones, and accessories.
Its prices tend to be much lower than those of its competitors. Polk Audio is a well-known speaker company that has a full line of sound bars with and without separate subwoofers. Its products are typically priced in the middle to higher ranges.
It is now owned by Sound United. With a soundbar, you eliminate the need for extra cables. Until soundbars entered the market, your only options for audio were the onboard speakers that came with the components or wiring in external speakers.
Complete surround sound systems are expensive, especially if you want to hear immersive audio. Soundbars are the middle ground between tiny speakers and a pricey sound system. Soundbars were invented to solve the problem consumers had choosing between poor audio quality and a costly surround sound system. The components produce better sound quality than built-in speakers and some external ones.
As a consequence of filling this underserved niche, soundbars have rapidly rose in popularity. It also has a downside for external speaker fans. Some surround speaker manufacturers have begun decreasing the quality of their products. The internal components are often not as robust as previous models.
The reason for the decrease in speaker quality is manufacturers presume customers are going to purchase a soundbar and not a surround system. A soundbar is a long, thin component that houses multiple speakers and a lot of technical magic. In a surround system, the speakers are strategically placed around the room. Soundbars have their speakers placed in a single row and where they point depends on where you place or mount the soundbar.
A soundbar can replace your surround speakers with its internal technology, especially if there are multiple parts to the soundbar which are easy to install with our guide.
Soundbars come with a lot of technology that does more than drive the internal speakers. The component works by sending different waves or beams of sound that bounce off of walls, also referred to as virtual sound. Some soundbars have technology that presumes the room is a standard size and shape so the audio waves bounce accordingly. If the room has an odd configuration, it can lead to dead zones since the audio beams have nothing to bounce off. The same thing can be achieved with EQ settings as well.
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