What should I do if the speakers built into my TV do not provide sufficient volume or frequency response for comfortable viewing of movies or TV shows? There is no need to go to the store for a new model. It is better to buy a convenient and technological solution. Modern home soundbars not only provide crystal clear sound and high power output. It won’t be difficult to buy an audio system with a suitable connection option for an LG TV or a product from another brand.
There are so many different soundbar models on the market today that it's easy to get lost in the plethora of options. What is better for the average user to choose? It all depends on personal preference. The 2021 soundbar rating includes:
- fairly simple devices that expand the capabilities of the speaker system;
- active systems with their own control module;
- the best soundbars 2021 with support for wireless communication protocols;
- stereo acoustics, 2.1 systems and other options.
The rating includes both a cheap soundbar with an ideal set of characteristics for the unpretentious user, and models with record power levels and other interesting indicators.
Xiaomi Mi TV Soundbar
An inexpensive, but extremely technology-packed solution opens the top of soundbars. The Xiaomi model is designed for ceiling mounting. Inside the case there are two-way acoustics consisting of a pair of low-frequency and a pair of high-frequency speakers. A wired linear or optical input is offered for connection. Bluetooth connection is supported. The device produces 28 W of power and has its own amplifier. The acoustic design is closed, without a bass reflex.
Pros:
- two-way acoustics;
- stereo;
- power;
- low weight.
Minuses:
- low sound quality when connected via Bluetooth;
- no control panel offered;
- Doesn't work via bluetooth with some devices.
Prices for Xiaomi Mi TV Soundbar on Yandex Market:
Voting for the best soundbar with Aliexpress
Which soundbar would you choose or recommend on Aliexpress?
Longpoo Soundbar
0.00 % ( 0 )
CADENA B802
11.11 % ( 1 )
Xiaomi redmi mi tv soundbar
11.11 % ( 1 )
ELE ELEOPTION Home theater soundbar-3D Around
22.22 % ( 2 )
Sounderlink SM2120
0.00 % ( 0 )
Xiaomi Redmi TV Soundbar MDZ-34-DA
0.00 % ( 0 )
ELE Eleoption BS‑39B
11.11 % ( 1 )
Rsionch bs-10
0.00 % ( 0 )
MouZYuan BS18
22.22 % ( 2 )
Cewaal W8C Bluetooth speaker
22.22 % ( 2 )
Mifa k3 soundbar
0.00 % ( 0 )
Tronsmart t 2 plus
0.00 % ( 0 )
Zoe Seong BT-808
0.00 % ( 0 )
XINGDOZ Y7
0.00 % ( 0 )
Samgeno BS28B
0.00 % ( 0 )
ELE Eleoption BS‑36
0.00 % ( 0 )
SADA V-193
0.00 % ( 0 )
ROSEER TV Soundbar
0.00 % ( 0 )
Socovez v1
0.00 % ( 0 )
JBL Bar Studio
Positioned as the best soundbar for home use, this model comes complete with mounts and has a variety of input interfaces. Bluetooth supported. There is a remote control for adjusting the sound level and other parameters. The system is two-way, in a closed-type housing there are four sound emitters, in pairs for high and low frequencies. The maximum output power is 30 W. The declared frequency range is from 60 to 20,000 Hz.
Important! In addition to the expected linear and optical, USB TypeA and HDMI connection interfaces are offered.
Pros:
- quality of materials and workmanship;
- bass can be heard in a small room;
- HDMI ARC;
- Dolby Digital audio processing technology.
Minuses:
- Noise appears at high volumes;
- subwoofer does not connect;
- The capabilities of the built-in player are extremely limited.
Prices for JBL Bar Studio on Yandex Market:
Sony HT-SF150
Next in the ranking of the best is a very powerful soundbar with an interesting speaker layout. The manufacturer does not position the system as a 2.1 format solution; instead, it separated the sound-emitting blocks . The soundbar kit includes the usual panel and front speaker. The total power of the system is 120 W, which cannot but please fans of loud sound. Dolby Digital is supported, an HDMI interface is offered, as well as USB TypeA for a flash drive. There is also a digital optical input. Setting modes and adjusting volume is done using the included remote control.
Pros:
- high sound quality;
- very good volume for home use;
- modern minimalistic design;
- many connection options.
Minuses:
- bass is not enough;
- inflated price tag;
- presets are ill-conceived and have little functionality.
Prices for Sony HT-SF150 on Yandex Market:
ZVOX SoundBase 440 with built-in subwoofer
The ZVOX Soundbase 440 (on Amazon) is a mid-range, compact soundbar with a single built-in subwoofer. ZVOX Audio is known for making soundbars and soundbases for the hearing impaired (we've explored this in depth before), and the SoundBase 440 delivers clear dialogue through the AccuVoice TV speakers, as well as impressive sound.
BEHIND
At a much lower price than the ZVOX SoundBase 770, the ZVOX SoundBase 440 is a home theater sound base that comes with one 5-1/4-inch built-in subwoofer and five 2-inch main speakers to create a wide soundstage, plus 45 watt high efficiency amplifier. It is 28 inches long and is compatible with TVs up to 55 inches. Input options include 1 TOSLINK optical digital input, 1 coaxial digital input, and 2 RCA analog inputs.
The SoundBase 440 is known for delivering superior voice clarity thanks to its patented AccuVoice ZVOX technology, which is great for everyone, but especially those who are hard of hearing. It comes with ZVOX's PhaseCue virtual surround processing system to create 3D, high-quality surround sound. It also comes with a convenient output leveling feature that equalizes the various media sounds coming from the TV.
MINUSES
Unlike the SoundBase 770, the SoundBase 440 does not support Bluetooth technology for wireless streaming through your phone. Additionally, the SoundBase 440 doesn't have HDMI ARC connectivity, can't be controlled by an app, and doesn't have HDMI or USB inputs. It's also not compatible with smart home devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
YAMAHA YAS-108
User reviews clearly indicate that this is the best soundbar for connoisseurs of good sound. Built according to a 2.1 circuit with its own subwoofer, using proprietary Yamaha processor and hardware solutions, it allows you to create a comfortable sound picture even in a large room. And the size of the room can be really significant, because the system power is 120 W. A panel with two strips and a built-in subwoofer is attached to the ceiling. Dolby Digital, DTS Virtual X system supported.
Pros:
- sound quality;
- set of connection ports, HDMI output;
- format 2.1;
- multipoint, connection to two devices via bluetooth.
Minuses:
- inflated price tag;
- plastic body elements;
- disadvantages of automatic switching on and off, control of optical input;
- The built-in subwoofer does not reveal, the bass is not rich enough.
Prices for YAMAHA YAS-108 on Yandex Market:
Rating of soundbars 2019-2020
The top soundbars are mainly shared by well-known manufacturers of audio and video equipment: Sony, Samsung, JBL, LG, Yamaha. Depending on the power and type of sound system, their devices cost from 10,000 rubles. The upper limit can reach 70-100,000 rubles and even more.
LG SJ3
LG SJ3 is a powerful and inexpensive 2.1 soundbar. Included with the front panel is a compact subwoofer with a power of 200 W. The total power of the system is 300 W - it is suitable even for large rooms: studio apartments and home theaters. Considering that the model costs about 12,000 rubles, it has an excellent price-to-power ratio.
The soundbar supports wireless and wired connections (digital optical input). You can even play music from your smartphone using Bluetooth on the device. The panel also works with Dolby Digital and DTS decoders, which help improve stereo sound quality. You can control the sound system via the TV remote control.
Sony HT-SF150
The Sony model is another budget soundbar that can be bought for 10,000 rubles (and even cheaper in unofficial stores). The low price is due to the design of the soundbar - it is equipped with two 60 W speakers and does not come with a subwoofer.
The Sony HT-SF150 is equipped with a full set of useful connectors: USB Type-A for flash drives, HDMI and a digital optical input for connecting to a TV. There is also a Bluetooth module on board, which allows you to use the sound bar wirelessly. The panel comes with its own remote control and a set of mounts for mounting the device on the wall under the TV.
Sony HT-S700RF
True connoisseurs of surround sound should pay attention to the advanced soundbar Sony HT-S700RF. This is an active sound system made according to the 5.1 standard. The set consists of a front panel, two rear speakers and a subwoofer. The total power of the system is as much as 1000 W!
Of course, such a soundbar is not suitable for everyone - there is little point in installing it in a small room. You will feel surround sound, but you will not be able to fully enjoy the loud sound (or you will anger your neighbors). But for a country house, large studios and home theaters, this is an excellent option at a price that is quite adequate for such power, about 30,000 rubles.
Samsung HW-Q60R
If you're looking for a soundbar with 5.1 multichannel sound but don't want to buy a large set of speakers, you'll love the Samsung HW-Q60R. Like stereo devices, it consists of one front panel and a subwoofer with a total power of 360 W and a frequency range of 42-20000 Hz.
The soundbar supports wireless connection via Bluetooth and is also equipped with two HDMI connectors (input and output), USB-A and stereo line-in. A standard remote control is included. This solution costs about 28,000 rubles - slightly cheaper than the 5.1 model from Sony.
LG SK10Y
The LG SK10Y premium multi-channel sound system provides 5.1 3D sound. The kit includes a flat panel with seven 50W speakers and an active subwoofer for a total system power of 550W. The soundbar supports ChromeCast and voice control, which can be configured through a special smartphone application.
The model has several modes for playing movies in different genres. With surround sound and Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD MasterAudio technologies, the soundbar is great for watching high-quality content and Blu-ray. The Wi-Fi module allows you to connect your device to your TV wirelessly. There are also many connectors: line input (stereo), digital optical input, HDMI output, three HDMI inputs, Ethernet, USB, 3.5 mm mini-jack. Includes Toslink optical cable and remote control. The device costs about 50,000 rubles and is suitable for true connoisseurs of good sound and home theater owners.
Yamaha YAS-108
Yamaha's classic 2.1 system has a stylish design - the flat panel is available in black or red and looks quite impressive. The subwoofer is built-in, the total power of the soundbar is 120 W. You can adjust the tone of low frequencies - control occurs through the included remote control.
The model supports simultaneous connection to two devices via Bluetooth and DTS Virtual:X sound enhancement technology. Due to its compact size, the device is well suited for city apartments and studios. The Japanese soundbar Yamaha YAS-108 also costs a little - about 15,000 rubles.
JBL Bar Studio
If you are not chasing high volume and are ready to be content with a 30 W sound system, pay attention to the JBL Bar Studio panel, which costs only 7,000 rubles. The device provides surround sound thanks to dual bass ports - they create more low frequencies and make the sound deeper and richer.
The model can be connected via Bluetooth and used to play music from external USB drives. It is very convenient that the soundbar is compatible with TV remote controls and does not require a separate device for control.
JBL Bar 2.1
Another contender for the title of best soundbar of 2021, it offers excellent power ratings and 2.1 standard for rich, rich bass. The declared frequency range of the system is 40-20000 Hz. The soundbar with a total power of 300 W is built as a ceiling panel with two strips (2 tweeters and 4 woofers) and a subwoofer.
Important! Users consider the fact that communication with the subwoofer is carried out via wireless data transmission to be a particular advantage.
The system supports Dolby Digital decoders and has an excellent set of inputs.
Pros:
- there is bluetooth;
- set of inputs, HDMI output;
- excellent assembly;
- automatic subwoofer pairing.
Minuses:
- Bluetooth often intersects channels with other devices, the selection of the optimal one takes a long time;
- poor capabilities of the built-in player;
- Delay in volume control when connected via optical input.
Prices for JBL Bar 2.1 on Yandex Market:
Which soundbar to choose
A good soundbar can replace the large set of speakers that many people installed in their home theaters just a few years ago. These devices can be equipped with several speakers at once and provide surround sound. Due to its small size, it is difficult to place a low-frequency speaker in the panel itself, so sometimes a separate subwoofer is included with the sound bar.
Soundbar power
One of the important parameters that will help you choose the best soundbar of 2019-2020 is the overall power output of the panel. It depends on the volume of the device and the possibility of installation in small or spacious rooms. Models with a power of up to 50 W will cost you the least and are suitable for installation in small living rooms and bedrooms. Such a device will at least double the sound of the TV (usually flat-panel TVs are equipped with 15-20 W speakers).
Models with a power of up to 100 W can already be installed in rooms with an area of 20-30 m². 100-200 W and above - in spacious rooms from 30-40 m². We recommend buying a soundbar with a small power reserve - you can always turn down the volume, but you won’t be able to turn it higher than the speakers are capable of.
Audio system type
The number of acoustic channels is usually indicated in the soundbar specifications. The first digit in the designation indicates the number of speakers.
- 2.0 is the most common type and provides stereo sound. This is a device with two built-in speakers without a subwoofer.
- 2.1 is almost the same as 2.0, but with a subwoofer. The number 1 in the designation just indicates the presence of a low-frequency channel.
- 3.1 is a soundbar with three speakers and a subwoofer that can reproduce dolby stereo (dolby surround) multi-channel surround sound.
- 5.1 is another type of surround sound that is used in modern sound bars. Here, separate rear speakers, software sound processing algorithms, or special panel designs are used. It is believed that 5.1 and 7.1 are the most surround multi-channel sound.
Connection
The audio system can be connected to the TV by wire or via a network using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The soundbar's standard inputs include: analog AUX (3.5 or 6.5 mm jack), RCA connector (aka “tulip”), digital HDMI, S/PDIF coaxial and S/PDIF optical. An Ethernet port (RJ-45) is used for a wired connection of the device to a local network, and USB for playback from external media.
Samsung HW-NW700
For those who want to get a close-to-natural sound environment without spending a lot of money, this is the best subwoofer . Offering a 3.1 format, it does not take up much space at the same time. The system has everything built into one ceiling panel, including front speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer. The soundbar has a power of 210 W, Bluetooth, works with Dolby Digital and supports data exchange via WiFi.
Pros:
- stylish look;
- easy to set up;
- wireless data transmission technologies;
- build quality and materials.
Minuses:
- meager set of wired connections;
- cannot be placed on the floor;
- notes on the operation of the subwoofer;
- inflated price tag.
Prices for Samsung HW-NW700 on Yandex Market:
LG SL6Y
In this top-rated 3.1 soundbar, the manufacturer offers the right balance of sound output. Of the total system output of 420 W, 220 W comes from the subwoofer. In addition, it is remote, which allows you to create really rich, high-quality bass without overload at any volume level. Unfortunately, the front speakers and center channel are combined into a single ceiling panel. The subwoofer is connected to the main system wirelessly.
Pros:
- support Dolby Digital, DTS;
- there is an HDMI input and output;
- bluetooth support;
- quick pairing.
Minuses:
- bluetooth is open, external users can connect;
- comments on the quality of the ceiling panel;
- plastic housings;
- There is no line input for wired connection.
Prices for LG SL6Y on Yandex Market:
What is better to buy: a soundbar, home theater or separate speakers?
Initially, we note that everything depends on personal preferences, budget, and planned operating conditions. But if you compare different sound systems, you can come to the following conclusions:
- Soundbar or home theater - for TV. The media bar in this case is more convenient, since it is characterized by simple connection, operation, compact size and a more affordable price.
- Acoustic system (2 speakers or 5.1 support) - for a computer or laptop. The first option is optimal for music lovers. The second is suitable for watching movies and computer games.
- Music center - for listening to music, you should choose it based on the power of the equipment and the area of the room.
Samsung HW-N650
If you want to spend reasonable money and get a scalable system, this model can perhaps be called the best sound bar for use in a private home. The package includes a ceiling panel with front speakers and a center channel, as well as a subwoofer. This configuration allows you to immediately create a 3.1 sound format.
Important! When connecting an additional set of wireless speakers SWA-8500S, the sound bar switches to the 5.1 standard to create the right virtual audio environment.
The system has a total power of 360 W, supports Bluetooth and works with Dolby Digital.
Pros:
- reasonable price tag;
- very detailed sound;
- useful sound processing modes;
- settings of frequency levels, subwoofer volume.
Minuses:
- the sub is still somewhat deaf;
- notes on packaging;
- when switching modes, the sound disappears briefly;
- limited compatibility with LG TVs.
Prices for Samsung HW-N650 on Yandex Market:
BYL 80W 34" Soundbar with Built-in Subwoofer
BYL has made waves in the affordable soundbar market. BYL stands for Better Your Life and focuses on using innovative technology to create soundbar speaker systems that create an immersive cinema experience. The BYL 80W 34-inch Soundbar (on Amazon) uses DSP technology, advanced Bluetooth connections, and powerful bass to create a high-quality soundbar in its class.
BEHIND
This BYL 34-inch soundbar is a 2021 upgraded version that includes up to 80W power with deep bass, high-sensitivity remote control, DSP technology for 3D surround sound system and advanced Bluetooth 5.0 technology. This BYL soundbar works best with smart TVs ranging from 32 to 50 inches, but can be used with any size TV.
The DSP technology provides three different modes: music, movie and dialogue, and it prides itself on delivering clear dialogue.
MINUSES
Users of this BYL soundbar had nothing negative to say regarding the sound, quality, and overall enjoyment. The only negative was that while the sound was impressive for the price paid, some could understand why other people would pay more for an even better system. This device seems like it might meet most people's expectations, but tech enthusiasts will probably enjoy the higher-end model.
For soundbar basics, it's a great choice, but what you're missing is an HDMI input and HDMI ARC compatibility, as well as integration of smart home devices like Alexa and Google Home.
Sony HT-S700RF
Many will immediately say that this is the best soundbar of 2021. And the model has every reason for this. Firstly, this is the complete delivery format of the 5.1 standard system. Secondly, the total power is 1000 W, which will allow you to both sound a huge space and work out all the details of the sound at medium and low volumes. Thirdly, the system looks stylish. And the points can be listed for a long time. The subwoofer is connected wirelessly, the rear speakers are separate, the center channel and the front ones are combined in the ceiling panel.
Pros:
- work with Dolby Digital, DTS;
- very simple setup;
- sound quality;
- sufficient length of wires for laying in the baseboard;
- Full HDMI ARC control;
- stable bluetooth.
Minuses:
- music lovers may have comments about the quality of the bass;
- It is better to buy an HDMI cable separately;
- It is impossible to adjust the balance of the rear speakers.
Prices for Sony HT-S700RF on Yandex Market:
What is a soundbar and what is it for?
The soundbar is a sound panel with a unique design that allows you to create a surround sound field in one case. This is an addition for any TV if the user is not satisfied with the sound. In simple terms, a soundbar is designed to improve sound. The devices come in various variations, and if you have not previously encountered the purchase of such equipment, a number of questions may arise: what type to choose, what is the optimal power, in what price range is it better to choose a device.
Therefore, we will further dwell on the basic technical parameters that are worthy of the attention of the future owner. With our 2021 soundbar rankings, you can narrow down your search.
