Rating of the TOP 12 best sound bars by sound quality: which one to choose, characteristics, pros and cons of models

One solution to this problem is to purchase a soundbar .

Let's figure out what it is, what nuances to pay attention to when choosing, which models are the best today from the point of view of experts. Let's learn about the main characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and also turn to consumer reviews.

Rating of the TOP 12 best sound bars by sound quality

Page navigation:

Soundbar selection criteria

For your information! The acoustics in question are made in a form factor that allows you to install it in front of the TV on a shelf or hang it on the wall under it.

Some models have a floor-standing design. In addition, should be considered :

• Receiver. An amplifier, sound processor, power supply, interfaces and other electronic components can be built into the soundbar - such acoustics are active. In the case of the passive option, the receiver will need to be purchased separately. Active soundbars are more compact and convenient - all the models discussed in the review are just that.
• Subwoofer . The device responsible for the low-frequency component in the soundbar can be either built-in or external. If compactness is required (at the expense of bass depth and power), you should opt for the first option. Remote active subwoofers are much more convincing in terms of transmitting low frequencies, but they take up additional space in the room.
• Configuration. The quality and character of its sound as a whole depends on how many channels are implemented in the speaker system. Theoretically, the more channels, the more interesting and voluminous the sound. There are devices on sale with different configurations - 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 7.1 and even 9.1 (plus variations 7.1.2, 5.2, etc.). The first number means the number of main channels (front + center + rear), the second – the presence and number of subwoofers.
• Connectors. The multitude of interfaces in active soundbars turns such speaker systems into multifunctional devices. Simple models are usually equipped only with standard audio jacks and USB ports, to which you can connect external media with music. More advanced devices additionally have an optical input and HDMI connectors on board. This provides the listener with high-quality sound and the ability to broadcast multi-channel audio.
• Wireless technologies. Provide additional ease of use. Bluetooth allows you to play tracks on the soundbar from a mobile device, or use a tablet or smartphone (using special applications) as a means of controlling the speaker system. Wi-Fi makes it possible to organize a network and broadcast content in high quality wirelessly. NFC enables over-the-air audio streaming.
• Power. The most important criterion when choosing a soundbar. The higher the total power of the speakers, the louder (and in many cases clearer) the sound bar will sound. A 100–200 W acoustic system is suitable for sounding a medium-sized room. It is recommended to choose a device with a power reserve.

How to choose a soundbar?

• These devices are either active or passive. The first option is more popular - such sound panels are considered completely independent devices, since they have a power supply, an audio processor, an amplifier, and a large number of connectors. That is, the active sound bar is connected to the TV, after which it begins to be used. A passive soundbar actually contains only an acoustic system. Its purchase is necessary only for owners of AV receivers, which the online magazine Expertology will definitely talk about someday.
• Subwoofer. Its location can be completely different. Expensive soundbars most often have a built-in subwoofer. But this is not always a good solution, because the soundbar must be compact, and therefore the low-frequency drivers are small. That is why a large number of soundbars are now sold, the subwoofer of which is a separate part - usually it is placed on the floor not far from the TV. Only this option will provide the room with the most noticeable bass.
• Number of channels. For example, 7.1 technology means that the user can expect seven high-frequency channels (there may be even more speakers) and at least one subwoofer. Don’t forget to make sure that the device can be calibrated, because it can only provide surround sound by reflecting it off the walls. Another selection criterion is the number of interfaces. If you have a lot of equipment and no AV receiver, then you will need a lot of connectors.
• Power. If you plan to install the soundbar in a relatively small room, then a total power of 100 W (excluding the subwoofer) will be enough for you. Of course, to use a TV with a soundbar somewhere in a bar, you will need a much more powerful option. And don't forget that a weak subwoofer can sound loud, but it will distort the sound. Therefore, take a closer look at its parameters.

Also read: TOP 18 best 40-inch TVs: 2021 rating by price/quality and which Full HD model to choose

The best soundbars for 2.1 sound quality

2.1 soundbars are a set of front stereo speakers and a subwoofer.

Note! Acoustics with this configuration do not allow you to get a real spatial sound effect (only emulation).

The best sound bars in terms of sound quality in 2-1 format according to customer reviews and ratings.

Polk Audio Signa S2

The Polk Audio Signa S2 TV soundbar will provide its owner with incredibly surround sound, comparable to the level of a home theater, and far superior to the capabilities of the built-in TV speakers.

The package includes an HDMI cable, with which the user can quickly and effortlessly connect the device.

Polk's proprietary Voice Adjust technology ensures clear speech reproduction, while Dolby Digital decoding system makes high-definition sound more spacious and even immersive.

The wireless subwoofer unit will provide the listener with deep bass.

Main characteristics:

• output power (total) - 200 W;
• front emitter - 120 W, 900 × 55 × 82 mm, 1.7 kg;
• subwoofer - 80 W, 171 × 340 × 310 mm, 5.2 kg;
• connection - linear stereo input, optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
• Features: Dolby Digital support, remote control.

Advantages

• detailed and surround sound;
• convenient night mode;
• acoustic fabric trim;
• HDMI and SPDIF cables included;
• Auto shutdown when there is no signal.

Flaws

• lack of display;
• easily soiled body;
• high price.

Denon DHT-S316

Featuring a remote 80-watt subwoofer and a wall-mounted soundbar with similar output, the Denon DHT-S316 is an ideal speaker system for home use.

The equipment supports wireless communication via Bluetooth with the ability to play audio content from any mobile device.

The device, thanks to its high total output power, provides loud and high-quality sound reproduction when watching videos.

The soundbar is connected to the TV via HDMI.

The presented acoustics support surround sound formats; the functionality is controlled by the remote control.

Main characteristics:

• output power (total) - 160 W;
• front emitter - 80 W, 900 × 55 × 82 mm, 1.8 kg;
• subwoofer - 80 W, 170 × 312 × 340 mm, 5.2 kg;
• connection - linear stereo input, optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
• Features: Dolby Digital/DTS support, remote control.

Advantages

• stylish design;
• compact dimensions;
• high quality of assembly and materials;
• there is a possibility of mounting on the wall;
• powerful, high-quality sound.

Flaws

• lack of WI-FI;
• auto shutdown when there is no command via Bluetooth;
• Not the most convenient remote control.

JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass

The JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass model, with its high output power and multi-channel sound playback, is an ideal solution for organizing a home theater.

The set of the front panel and remote subwoofer is made in accordance with the 2.1 configuration.

High-quality materials of the speaker housings prevent the occurrence of vibrations and acoustic resonance phenomena.

The device is connected to the TV with an HDMI cable, and it is also possible to synchronize the speakers with other devices via Bluetooth.

The system can be mounted both on the wall and on a shelf.

Main characteristics:

• output power (total) - 300 W;
• front emitter - 100 W, 965 × 58 × 85 mm, 2.16 kg;
• subwoofer - 200 W, 240 × 379 × 240 mm, 5.67 kg;
• connection - linear stereo input, optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
• Features: Dolby Digital support, remote control.

Advantages

• ease of installation;
• fast synchronization with TV;
• powerful sound of the system as a whole;
• convenient wireless connection interface.

Flaws

• does not “connect” with all Bluetooth adapters;
• insignificant blockage at mid frequencies;
• heavy subwoofer.

LG SJ3

Equipped with a pair of powerful speakers and supporting Auto Sound Engine technology, the LG SJ3 Soundbar stands out among competitive models with high-quality music playback with clear and distortion-free sound.

The automatic signal correction module also guarantees high-quality speech transmission.

Using the Bluetooth module, the user can stream audio content from a tablet or smartphone to the soundbar.

The speaker system is controlled by the TV remote control.

The functionality allows you to start playback from your mobile device without delays, even if the soundbar was in standby mode.

Main characteristics:

• output power (total) - 300 W;
• front emitter - 100 W, 950 × 71 × 47 mm, 2.47 kg;
• subwoofer - 200 W, 171 × 320 × 252 mm, 4.2 kg;
• connection - linear stereo input, optical input, Bluetooth;
• features - support for Dolby Digital/DTS, control from the TV remote control.

Advantages

• relatively low price;
• compact dimensions;
• high output power;
• high-quality sound;
• surround sound in Cinema mode.

Flaws

• subjectively a lot of high frequencies;
• lack of equalizer;
• no display.

Rating of the 10 best soundbars 2021

It's worth looking at the list of models:

• Sony HT-CT390;
• Samsung HW-MS550;
• Samsung HW-M550;
• Yamaha YAS-306;
• JBL BAR 2.1;
• Samsung HW-N450;
• LG SJ3;
• Creative Sound BlasterX Katana;
• Samsung HW-K550;
• Samsung HW-K360.

Let's look at each more closely.

Samsung HW-K360

9 999 rub.

10th place 3.8/5

The budget segment model is presented in a black color scheme in our usual design and comes with a subwoofer with a power of 60 W. Separately, we note support for USB and AUX and Dolby Digital Surround technology.

• support USB, AUX;
• with bracket included;
• Dolby Surround technology.

• no deficiencies found.

Soundbar Samsung HW-K360

For this money you get good sound, which has volume and transmits high frequencies, which cannot be said about low frequencies. I was pleased with the support for connecting via USB, but I would also like HDMI. As a result, I can say for sure that you shouldn’t skimp on high-quality sound, but when your wallet doesn’t allow it, then such options are just the thing.

Samsung HW-K550

13 499 rub.

9th place 3.9/5

A fairly compact model made of plastic. It has high output power, support for USB media and the main wireless connection is Bluetooth.

• Dolby Surround technology;
• USB support;
• Possibility of control from a smartphone.

• no deficiencies found.

Soundbar Samsung HW-K550

For almost 11,000 rubles, we got a nice design along with innovation and high sound quality, which is a fairly important aspect. The bass is normal, the volume too, the lows and highs are fully mastered.

Creative Sound BlasterX Katana

13 699 rub.

8th place 4.0/5

A unique model with a futuristic design, made of black plastic. Separate from the soundbar, the kit includes a compact subwoofer weighing 4 kilograms and a power of 45 W.

• unique design;
• USB connection access;
• Dolby Digital technology.

• low power (75 W).

Soundbar Creative Sound BlasterX Katana

Due to its design, it has become a pleasant addition to the interior of the apartment, and the set is quite light, only five and a half kilograms, 4 of which are for the subwoofer. The price is a little high, because the volume of sound is C-grade.

LG SJ3

15 699 rub.

7th place 4.1/5

Pleasant design, thoughtful ergonomics by the South Korean brand, black color, smoothly combined with the soft corners of the soundbar. The sound produces low and high frequencies with a bang, and most importantly, volume and frequency are not affected either. The acoustic technology is based on the famous Dolby Digital.

• high power of 300 W;
• Dolby Digital sound;
• night mode.

• no Wi-Fi;
• no USB.

Soundbar LG SJ3

Almost everyone liked the soundbar. We bought it for the purpose of listening to music at home with friends and watching movies, and it copes with this task one hundred percent. I was pleased with the wall mounting, it doesn’t wobble or protrude, it looks aesthetically pleasing.

Samsung HW-N450

19 699 rub.

6th place 4.2/5

The compact device, made of plastic in black, has a power of 320 W and surround sound. The acoustics are based on Dolby Digital technology. The model received HDMI, AUX and Bluetooth outputs.

.

• Dolby Surround sound;
• high power of 320 W;
• presence of a compact subwoofer.

• lack of USB and Wi-Fi.

Soundbar Samsung HW-N450

In general, it produces a fairly spacious sound, transmits low and high frequencies, but not always flawlessly. It’s convenient to connect via HDMI, the lack of USB is disappointing. For this price you can find better models.

JBL BAR 2.1

22 799 rub.

5th place 4.4/5

The next participant in our rating is a modest American with a pleasant design and thoughtful ergonomics; the device is made of black plastic. The soundbar received quite high power and relatively light weight.

• availability of HDMI, USB inputs;
• Dolby-based acoustics;
• high power of 300 W.

• lack of Wi-Fi.

Soundbar JBL BAR 2.1

This excellent device has been serving me for two months now and with virtually no significant complaints, I only want to say about the location of the USB and HDMI inputs, which are located in the recess at the back - it’s inconvenient to say the least.

Yamaha YAS-306

22 799 rub.

4th place 4.6/5

This model from the Japanese manufacturer will help you fully enjoy clear sound due to the special construction of the sound architecture inside the subwoofer and sound panel.

• clean bass;
• providing sound with Dolby technology;
• 1 acoustic channels.

• Made entirely of plastic.

Soundbar Yamaha YAS-306

I bought it a few months ago, it is used for playing music and occasionally while watching movies. Good bass, transmits low and high frequencies with ease, compact and can be wall mounted.

Samsung HW-M550

23 600 rub.

3rd place 4.7/5

The younger model of the previous device is more comprehensive in terms of the kit and is practically not inferior in terms of characteristics. Based on many factors, we can safely call the model decent in terms of sound due to Dolby Digital technology.

• original design;
• sound based on Dolby Digital;
• presence of a subwoofer.

• lack of DLNA support.

Soundbar Samsung HW-M550

A good model, for the price of which you can find a lot of other things, but they are unlikely to be comparable in sound quality. The model does not have DLNA support, but it does have HDMI. I would like to say about the power cord, which is simply huge and there is nowhere to hide it, it does not look aesthetically pleasing.

Samsung HW-MS550

29 699 rub.

2nd place 4.8/5

The soundbar is made in black with a shiny cut. Several connection types are available, including two wireless and one USB. Due to the compact size of the device, you can easily hang it on the wall and enjoy clear sound while watching your favorite movie or listening to a musical composition.

• 2 wireless connections;
• availability of USB connection;
• high output power of 450 W.

• no deficiencies found.

Soundbar Samsung HW-MS550

It has been used for six months and shows good results, especially when watching films frequently, whether it’s an action movie or a musical, it perfectly conveys the atmosphere due to Dolby sound technology. Happy with the purchase.

Sony HT-CT390

28 199 rub.

1 place 4.9/5

The soundbar is made in a pleasant black color, the neatly cut subwoofer and soundbar will be an excellent addition to your interior. The power is 300 W, and the speaker system itself is based on the famous Dolby Digital. Additionally, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC are built-in. A pleasant surprise will be the sound of the highest quality and bone-piercing bass, don’t forget about the high frequencies, but the low ones suffer a little.

• NFC support;
• HDMI output;
• high power of 300 W.

• no deficiencies found.

Soundbar Sony HT-CT390

After three months of use, I specifically realized one thing - the sound without a subwoofer is simply terrible, it doesn’t pick up any high or low sounds, such a miracle is equivalent to speakers costing five hundred rubles. Regarding the subwoofer, everything is excellent here, no wires, wide support for different inputs and connections.

Models with 3.1 configuration

Important! Four-channel acoustics consisting of a pair of front and one central (usually built into the main panel) emitters is complemented by a subwoofer.

A number of models support DTS, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos formats, but, as a rule, this is done, as in previous models, at the emulation level.

Rating and review of the best configuration models 3-1.

Samsung HW-T650

The Samsung HW-T650 soundbar allows you to organize a real home theater with powerful, loud and clear sound across the entire audible frequency range.

The presented model is equipped with a wireless active subwoofer with Bluetooth connection and a front panel with a built-in center channel.

The latter is equipped with a USB port for playing music from compatible devices.

Additionally, the soundbar is equipped with a special gaming mode with sound presets to create the appropriate atmosphere.

Main characteristics:

• output power (total) - 340 W;
• front emitter - 180 W, 980 × 58 × 90 mm, 2.4 kg;
• subwoofer - 160 W, 205 × 353 × 303 mm, 6.2 kg;
• connection - optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
• Features: remote control control.

Advantages

• modern appearance;
• ease of connection and use;
• high-quality sound over the entire frequency range;
• subwoofer with wireless connection.

Flaws

• lack of sound stage volume;
• not the best solution for listening to music;
• high price.

Sony HT-ZF9

The Sony HT-ZF9 model will be an excellent addition to your TV, allowing you to enjoy high-quality and lively sound of multi-channel audio content.

The presented acoustics include a sound panel with built-in rear and front speakers, and an external subwoofer with wireless connection.

The equipment has support for DLNA and surround sound decoders.

The main panel is equipped with audio/video connectors, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. The acoustic pressure of the system is 72 dB maximum.

Main characteristics:

• output power (total) - 400 W;
• front emitter - 300 W, 1000 × 64 × 99 mm, 3.1 kg;
• subwoofer - 100 W, 190 × 382 × 386 mm, 8.1 kg;
• connection – linear stereo input, optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth, USB-A;
• features - support for DTS/Neo 6/Dolby Digital/True HD, remote control.

Advantages

• excellent sound quality;
• impressive volume reserve;
• completely switchable display;
• the presence of a two-level speech amplification mode;
• support for all modern formats.

Flaws

• poor ergonomics of the remote control;
• poor placement of HDMI ports (too close to each other);
• high price.

Samsung HW-Q800T

With a total output power of 330W and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, the Samsung HW-Q800T is equipped with the latest technologies for perfectly clear and balanced sound.

Thanks to Dolby Atmos and DTS X decoders, the user can access the finest nuances of sound with an immersive effect as in real life.

Immersive sound (the soundbar's speakers work together with the TV's speakers) enhances the effect described above.

The presented acoustics can analyze the sound signal and automatically optimize the sound, improving the audibility of speech.

Main characteristics:

• output power (total) - 330 W;
• front emitter - 170 W, 980 × 60 × 115 mm, 3.6 kg;
• subwoofer - 160 W, 205 × 403 × 403 mm, 9.8 kg;
• connection - optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
• features - support for Dolby Atmos/DTS X/HDR 10+, Tap Sound option, control from the remote control.

Advantages

• excellent transmission of the nuances of the sound picture;
• powerful addition in the form of bass;
• convenient connection to TV;
• intuitive control from the remote control.

Flaws

• slurred Adaptive Sound mode;
• average work with sound at low frequencies;
• heavy weight of the subwoofer.

Connection and control

Both HDMI connectors on the HW-Q800T are located in a niche on the rear panel. This is one HDMI input - you will connect a Blu-Ray player or game console here - and one TV output that supports eARC. This two-way communication technology allows the soundbar to reproduce sound without any loss from the TV when the source of the signal is, for example, a TV broadcast or an Internet cinema running in the SmartTV interface. Naturally, content transmission in 4K resolution and HDR10+ standard from connected sources is also supported.

When connected via HDMI, the soundbar supports any modern standards of digital “cinema sound”, here is the full list: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, 5.1 PCM. The digital optical input “understands” Dolby Digital and DTS. There is also a microUSB service port, intended only for software updates and does not provide the ability to play content from external drives.

Everything is not limited to wired connection interfaces. There is a Bluetooth connection (using the basic SBC codec, so for the highest quality music playback it is better to prefer a different connection method) and Wi-Fi. It is through wireless interfaces that the initial setup takes place: you need to download the Samsung SmartThings application (available for both Android and iOS) and follow the instructions on the screen. The app automatically finds your soundbar when it's turned on and connects it to your home Wi-Fi network.

SmartThings allows you to perform all the same device settings as the remote control - so you can get by with just one app if you want. It also offers integration with Spotify, Deezer and a number of other streaming services to stream music. Other music services can be accessed from a SmartTV connected to the soundbar through its built-in application store. The system supports high-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz, as well as lossless compressed audio formats (FLAC, ALAC). But you won’t be able to pair your device with Chromecast or AirPlay.

Soundbars with 4.1 configuration

such devices have four main emitters - a pair of front ones and a pair of rear ones (external or built-in).

It is worth noting! The 4.1 format allows for three-dimensional sound, but due to the lack of a separate center channel, it may not be very suitable for film scoring.

TOP 2 best models of 4-1 configuration according to expert advice.

LG SN5R

With 4.1-channel DTS Virtual X high-definition surround sound and 520 W total output, the LG SN5R Soundbar is an essential part of a home theater system for even the most sophisticated user.

The presented acoustics will appeal not only to fans of films and TV series, but also to music lovers.

The stated sampling rate of 96 kHz and 24-bit depth mean clear, expressive and detailed sound with excellent resolution of the smallest nuances.

An external subwoofer will complement the picture with the depth and power of low-frequency components.

The built-in AI Sound Pro system will automatically detect the type of content and adjust playback settings.

Main characteristics:

• output power (total) - 520 W;
• front emitter - 180 W, 890 × 57 × 85 mm, 2.35 kg;
• rear speakers - 120 W, 97 × 140 × 80 mm, 0.89 kg;
• subwoofer - 220 W, 180 × 394 × 290 mm, 5.8 kg;
• connection - optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
• Features: AI Sound Pro system.

Advantages

• high-quality sound of the system as a whole;
• ease of connection and configuration;
• two HDMI ports;
• nice design.

Flaws

• relatively weak rear speakers;
• inconvenient location of the optical input.

LG SNH5

The LG SNH5 TV soundbar with support for surround sound technology provides expressive sound with maximum immersion in audio content.

The intelligent AI Sound Pro system analyzes the sound, optimizing the parameters necessary for comfortable listening.

The device is equipped with five channels of audio playback with a total output power of 600 W.

The model is easy to connect; it synchronizes with the TV via Bluetooth technology.

The included remote control is easy to use and intuitive to use.

Main characteristics:

• output power (total) - 600 W;
• front emitter - 400 W, 990 × 125 × 97 mm, 6.6 kg;
• subwoofer - 200 W, 191 × 386 × 318 mm, 5.3 kg;
• connection - optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
• Features: Dolby Digital support, remote control, control from a smartphone.

Advantages

• stylish appearance;
• high build quality;
• high output power;
• The overall sound of the system is good.

Flaws

• lack of high frequencies;
• wired subwoofer connection;
• There are no wall mounts included.

The best soundbars for 5.1 sound

Perhaps the most common surround sound format is equipped with a central speaker (usually built into the main panel), front radiators and rear speakers (depending on the model, built-in or external), as well as a powerful subwoofer unit.

Stay up to date! The system fully reproduces surround sound, just like in a movie theater.

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround

The JBL Bar 5.1 Surround model can be considered as an option for setting up a home theater yourself or as a device for organizing parties.

In both cases, users are guaranteed crystal clear sound and high output power across the full spectrum of audible frequencies.

The front panel, equipped with the main speakers, is connected to the TV via optical, analog or HDMI.

The remote subwoofer connects to the system via a Bluetooth interface. The system is equipped with the latest surround sound decoders.

Main characteristics:

• output power (total) - 550 W;
• front emitter - 250 W, 1018 × 58 × 100 mm, 2.85 kg;
• subwoofer - 300 W, 305 × 440 × 305 mm, 10.62 kg;
• connection - linear stereo input, optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
• Features: Dolby Digital support, remote control.

Advantages

• excellent sound transmission with powerful and soft bass;
• intelligible speech in films and TV programs;
• easy installation and configuration;
• interesting design overall.

Flaws

• no built-in equalizer;
• there are no basic presets (“Music”, “Movie”, “Sports”, etc.);
• difficult to read display.

LG SL10Y

The LG SL10Y soundbar boasts a stylish design of the main and subwoofer speakers, as well as original sound comparable to the monitor sound of studio systems.

The front panel, equipped with a special mount, is installed on a wall or shelf.

The remote design of the subwoofer unit makes it possible to place it in any suitable place.

The soundbar is controlled from the remote control.

Built-in Bluetooth technology allows you to connect the speakers to any mobile device. Movie buffs will be interested in the “Night” and “Film” modes.

Main characteristics:

• output power (total) - 570 W;
• front emitter - 350 W, 1443 × 63 × 146 mm, 7.5 kg;
• subwoofer - 220 W, 221 × 390 × 313 mm, 7.8 kg;
• connection - optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
• features - support for DTS-HD/Master Audio/Dolby Digital/True HD, Google Cast, remote control.

Advantages

• excellent sound quality content;
• compatibility with other devices;
• several connection options;
• Convenient control of soundbar settings.

Flaws

• no cables included;
• poor sounding mp3;
• heavy subwoofer.

Sony HT-S700RF

The Sony HT-S700RF model with a 240 W subwoofer, a 456 W main sound panel and two rear speakers of 152 W each, allows you to create a full-fledged stereo system for high-quality scoring of films and listening to music.

The device is equipped with five audio channels, it supports USB storage devices and wireless connection via Bluetooth.

The soundbar provides the ability to play songs from mobile gadgets.

The front panel housing is made of aluminum alloy, and the remote subwoofer is made of wood.

Those who like to watch movies at night will like the corresponding operating mode. You can control the device either from the remote control or from a smartphone.

Main characteristics:

• output power (total) - 1000 W;
• front emitter - 456 W, 900 × 64 × 90 mm, 3 kg;
• rear speakers - 304 W 78 × 1200 × 78 mm, 3.6 kg;
• subwoofer - 240 W, 231 × 438 × 378 mm, 10.2 kg;
• connection - optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth, USB-A;
• Features: Dolby Digital/DTS support.

Advantages

• ease of setup;
• nice design;
• high sound quality;
• fast and stable Bluetooth operation.

Flaws

• no infrared control channel;
• there is no rear balance adjustment;
• high price tag.

The best inexpensive soundbars

Let's start with models costing up to 10,000 thousand. It is difficult to find solutions with adequate sound in this price segment, but it is possible.

No. 3 – Xiaomi Mi TV Soundbar

• Type: 2.0
• Power: 30W
• Price: 5200 rubles

The cheapest soundbar from our selection boasts not only a stylish design and good build quality, as is customary with Xiaomi, but also very good sound. Mi TV Soundbar supports all current wired connection standards and wireless Bluetooth connections with smartphones and laptops, meaning you can listen to music from any source in the house. The model is subject to wall mounting, and control is carried out using convenient mechanical keys in the upper part of the case.

The Xiaomi Mi TV Soundbar delivers 100% of its value in terms of sound; it plays better than the built-in speakers of any budget TV, which is especially noticeable when watching movies. Reviews from fans of listening to music about the Xiaomi soundbar are also mostly positive. The only drawback, considering the price, is the lack of a remote control that would allow you to switch between sound sources while comfortably sitting on the sofa.

No. 2 – JBL Bar Studio

• Type: 2.0
• Power: 30W
• Price: 7,500 rubles

JBL Bar Studio is the most popular model in the budget segment on the domestic market. Users liked it due to the good balance between price, functionality and sound quality. The sound of the system is balanced: there is quite powerful, non-humming bass and clear high frequencies. There are many connection options, including wireless, and the ability to control from the TV remote control. The soundbar automatically activates when you turn on the TV and goes into standby mode when there is no signal, so you don't need to turn it on every time.

The price-quality ratio in this model is simply excellent, the only thing that can ruin the impression of using it is the incorrect operation of the automatic shutdown mode. Some users complain that the acoustics mistakenly go into standby mode during quiet scenes in films, as a result of which the sound disappears for 2-3 seconds, which is necessary for it to turn on again. This function, unfortunately, cannot be disabled.

No. 1 - LG SJ3

• Type: 2.1
• Power: 300W
• Price: 11 thousand rubles

LG SJ3 costs a little more than 10 thousand rubles, but the overpayment is worth it. The physical size of any soundbar limits the low frequencies it can reproduce, and if you're a fan of powerful, spacious bass, it makes more sense to buy a system with a separate subwoofer, which is what the LG SJ3 is. The sub here is wireless, so you can place it in any part of the room. The acoustic power is more than enough for a small room of 15-20 square meters.

In addition to the sound, the LG SJ3 is praised for its good build quality and stylish design. The model is criticized for the limited number of wired connection interfaces (no HDMI) and the lack of an optical cable for connecting to a TV included in the package.

Soundbar or home theater - which is better to choose?

Actually, a soundbar is a sound panel that allows you to output sound from your TV and make it higher quality, louder and more spacious.

Such acoustics are quite capable of replacing a home theater. The features of the soundbar include:

• compact dimensions;
• many configurations;
• high sound quality;
• recognition of different decoders;
• availability of connectors for connecting storage devices;
• Possibility of wireless communication with mobile devices.

Keep in mind! The soundbar will be convenient for owners of small apartments who do not want to clutter up the space with speakers and wires.

The device can be used as an addition to the TV, or as a full-fledged audio system with various functions.

A home theater allows you to get high-quality surround sound and play audio and video from various media.

Such acoustics
are the most complete solution for high-quality dubbing of video content.
Features of a home theater include:

• not the most compact dimensions;
• two main modifications on the market – 5.1 and 7.1;
• Hi-Fi class compliance;
• Availability of parameter settings depending on the type of room.

In general, a sound bar can be recommended for purchase if the TV does not have high-quality sound, but there is a desire to save money and not clutter the room with bulky speakers and wires.

Home theater is more expensive, but produces professional-level sound, often requiring complex setup.